841 Amendments of Ángela VALLINA
Amendment 1 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Citation 8
— having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 of 27 November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, repealing Regulation (EC) No 1347/2000 (Brussels IIa)1 and especially its Articles 8, 10, 15, 16,21, 41, 55 and 57, _________________ 1 OJ L 338, 23.12.2003, p. 1
Amendment 2 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union notably its rulings of 22.12.2010, Mercredi, aff. C-497/10 PPU and 02.04.2009, Procédure engagée par A., aff. C-523/07,
Amendment 3 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Citation 12
— having regard to the more than 30very large number of petitions received on the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes,
Amendment 4 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Citation 12
— having regard to the more than 30large number of petitions received on the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in cross-border family disputes,
Amendment 6 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Citation 15
— having regard to the final documentrecommendations of the Committee on Petitions’ Working Group on Child Welfare Issues of 20 June3 May 2017,
Amendment 7 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the child's best interests must be paramount in all decisions related to childcare issues at all levels;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A
A. whereas the Committee on Petitions has received a large number ofof the European Parliament has been receiving, since more than 10 years ago, petitions oin the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) denouncing alleged systematic discrimination of non-German parents in cross-border dispuwhich a very large amount of non-German parents denounce systematic discriminations and arbitrary measures taken against them by the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) in family disputes with cross-border implications involving children, on matters con cerning, inter alia, parental responsibility and child custody;
Amendment 10 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Jugendamt plays a central role in the German family law system as it is one of the parties in all family disputes involving children;
Amendment 11 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas in family disputes involving children the Jugendamt delivers a recommendation to the judges, whose nature is practically binding, and can adopt temporary measures, such as the ‘Beistandschaft’, which cannot be challenged;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Jugendamt is responsible for the implementation of the decisions taken by the German courts; whereas the broad interpretation of these decisions by the Jugendamt often resulted detrimental to the effective protection of the rights of non-German parents;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A d (new)
A d. whereas the German family law system, and in particular the role of the Jugendamt, must be carefully assessed taking duly into account its unique legal, administrative and cultural background in order to put forward effective solutions to all issues experienced by non-German parents in family disputes having cross- border implications involving children;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A e (new)
A e. whereas non-recognition and non- enforcement by German competent authorities of decisions and judgements taken by other EU Member States’ judicial authorities, in family disputes having cross-border implications, can represent a breach of the principle of mutual recognition and mutual trust amongst Member States, thus jeopardising the effective protection of the best interest of the child;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A f (new)
A f. whereas petitioners denounced that in family disputes having cross- border implications the protection of the best interest of the child is systematically interpreted by the competent German authorities with the need to ensure that children remain in the German territory, even in cases where abuses and domestic violence against the non-German parent were reported;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A g (new)
A g. whereas the procedures adopted by the Jugendamt officials in cases of supervised parental access implied for the non-German parents the prohibition of the use of their mother tongue in their communication with their children; whereas conversations between non- German parents and their children held in a language, other than German, were harshly interrupted by the Jugendamt officials and contacts between parents and children were banned;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital A h (new)
A h. whereas non-German parents denounced in their petitions the insufficient or lack of counselling and legal support by national authorities of their country of origin in cases where discriminatory or disadvantaged judicial and administrative procedures were adopted against them by German authorities, including the Jugendamt, in family disputes involving children;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital B
B. whereas all the EU institutions and all EU countries must fully guarantee the protection of the rights of the child as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU; whereas the best interest of the child is a fundamental principle that should be respected as guiding rule for all decisions related to childcare issues at all levels;
Amendment 20 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital C
C. whereas increased mobility within the EU has led to a growing number of cross-border disputes on parental responsibility and child custody; whereas the Commission must step up its efforts to promote in all Member States, including Germany, the consistent and concrete implementation of the principles set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by all EU countries;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital D
D. whereas scope and objectives of the Brussels IIa Regulation are based on the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality between citizens of the Union and on the principle of mutual trust between the Member States’ legal systems;
Amendment 24 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital E a (new)
Amendment 25 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the German Federal Constitutional Court ruled that a court can ask to hear a child who is almost 3 years old at the time of the decision; whereas in other EU countries children of this age are considered too young and not mature enough to be consulted in disputes involving their parents;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with great concern that the Committee on Petitions problems concerning the last decade has received more than 30 petitions on parental responsibility or child custody in cross-border family disputes and the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), many of them involving the alleged discrimination of the non-German parentGerman family law system, including the controversial role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), denounced through petitions by non-German parents continue to remain unsolved; underlines that the Committee on Petitions continuously receives petitions by non-German parents in which serious discriminations are reported as a result of the procedures and practices concretely adopted by the competent German authorities in cross- border family disputes involving children;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with great concern that the Committee on Petitions in the last decade has received more than 30a large number of petitions on parental responsibility or child custody in cross-border family disputes and the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt), many of them involving the alleged discrimination of the non-German parent;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 2
2. Points to the long standing work of the Committee on Petitions treatingon the treatment of petitions concerning the role of the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt); acknowledges the detailedtakes note of the responses given by the competent German ministry on the functioning of the German family law system but underlines that the Committee on Petitions continuously receives petitions concerning alleged discrimination of the non-German parentstrongly regrets that German competent authorities failed to ensure a proper follow-up to the recommendations and requests by the Committee on Petitions, thus worsening all problems encountered by non-German parents in the framework of family disputes having cross-border implications;
Amendment 35 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the obligation, as provided in the Council Regulation Brussels IIa, for national authorities to recognise and enforce judgements delivered in another Member State in child related cases; is concerned of the fact that in family disputes having cross-border implications German authorities can systematically refuse to recognise judicial decisions taken in other Member States in cases where children, who are almost 3 years old, have not been heard; underlines that this aspect undermines the principle of mutual trust with other Member States whose legal systems set different age limits for the hearing of a child;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Regrets that the Commission did not implement for years accurate checks on the procedures and practices used in the German family law system, including the Jugendamt, in the framework of family disputes having cross-border implications, thus failing to effectively protect the best interest of the child and all other related rights;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Emphasises, following the case law of the CJEU, the autonomous notion of the "habitual residence" of the child in European law and the plurality of the criteria on which the determination of the normal residence must be conducted by the national jurisdictions;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Amendment 40 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that such determination of the normal residence of the child has been properly done by the German jurisdictions in the petitions received by the Committee on Petitions;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Strongly criticises the absence of statistical data on the number of cases in Germany in which court rulings were not in line with the recommendations of the Jugendamt and on the outcomes of family disputes involving children of bi-national couples, despite the repeated requests for years to collect data and make them publicly available;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Calls on the Commission to assess in the petitions whether German jurisdictions have duly respected the provisions of Council Regulation Brussels IIa when establishing their competences and if they have taken into consideration judgements or decisions issued by jurisdictions of other Member States; _________________ 1a OJ L 338, 23.12.2003., p. 01
Amendment 43 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Condemns the fact that, in cases of supervised parental access, failure by non-German parents to comply with the Jugendamt officials procedure to adopt German as language during conversations with their children, led to the harsh interruption of conversations and to a ban on contact between the non- German parents and their children; believes that such procedure adopted by the Jugendamt officials constituted a clear discrimination based on origin and language against non-German parents;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. Is firmly convinced that in cases of supervised parental access, German authorities must permit all parental languages during conversations between parents and their children; asks for mechanisms to be put in place to guarantee that non-German parents and their children can have communication in their common language as its use plays a crucial role to keep strong emotional bonds between parents and their children and ensure the effective protection of children’s cultural heritage and welfare;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. Firmly believes that a consistent and effective follow-up must be given to the recommendations of the final report of the Committee on Petitions’ Working Group on “Child welfare issues” of 3 May 2017 and notably on those related directly or indirectly to the role of the Jugendamt and to the German family law system;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3 g. Reminds Germany of its international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, including Article 8 thereof; believes that major improvements must be made by all German competent authorities to adequately safeguard the right of the children of bi-national couples to preserve his or her identity, including family relations, as recognised by law without unlawful interference;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 4
Amendment 53 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Emphasises the importance of a close cooperation and efficient communication between the different national and local authorities involved in childcare proceedings from the social service to the jurisdiction and the central authorities,
Amendment 54 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the CouncilStresses the need to improve themutual judicial and administrative cooperation and cross-border dialogues between German authorities like the German Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) and authorities of other Member Statbetween German authorities and other EU Member States authorities in order to ensure mutual trust in matters concerning the recognition and enforcement in Germany of decisions and judgements adopted by other EU Member States’' authorities in family disputes withhaving cross-border elements involving children;
Amendment 55 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the importance to provide parentswithout delay non-German parents from the outset and at every stage of child- related proceedings with complete and clear information on the proceedings and on the possible consequences thereof; calls on the Member States to inform parents about the rules on legal support and aid; notes in this context that the competent German ministries at federal level have established the German Central Contact Point for Cross-border Family Conflicts in order to provide counselling and information, in a language that the concerned parents fully understand in order to avoid cases where parents give their consent without fully understanding the implications of their commitments; calls on the Member States to implement targeted measures aimed at improving legal support, aid, counselling and information for their nationals in cases where they denounce discriminatory or disadvantaged judicial and administrative procedures adopted against them by German authorities in cross- border family disputes involving parental responsibilitychildren;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the importance to provide parents at every stage of child-related proceedings with complete and clear information on the proceedings and on the possible consequences thereof; calls on the Member States to inform parents about the rules on legal support and aid; notes in this context that the competent German ministries at federal level have established the German Central Contact Point for Cross-border Family Conflicts in order to provide counselling and information in cross-border family disputes involving parental responsibility;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses its concern on cases raised by petitioners about short deadlines set by the German competent authorities and about documents sent by the German competent authorities not provided in the language of the non-German petitioner; stresses the right of citizens to refuse acceptances of documents if not written or translated into a language the person understands as laid down in Article 8(1) of Regulation (EC) 1393/2007; calls on the Commission to thoroughly assess the implementation in Germany of the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1393/2007 on the service in the Member States of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (service of documents) in order to properly address all possible violations;
Amendment 60 #
2018/2856(RSP)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the Commission to verify the respect of languages requirements in the course of proceeding before the German jurisdictions in the petitions presented to the European Parliament;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to Article 228 of the TFEU on the role and functions of the European Ombudsman,
Amendment 6 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas detailed information from the petitioners and expertise provided by the Commission, the Member States and other bodies are essential for the work and the credibility of the committee;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the European Parliament has long been at the forefront of the development of the petitions process internationally and has the mosta remarkable, open and transparent petitions process in Europe, allowing petitioners to participate fully in its activities;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the substantial role of the Committee on Petitions in defending and promoting the rights of EU citizens and residents, ensuring that petitioners’ concerns are recognised and their legitimate grievances resolved through the petitions process, in a timely manner wherever possible; recalls the responsibility of the Commission and the authorities of the Member States to cooperate with the Committee on Petitions, especially when it comes to provide a proper feedback on the exchange of relevant information; insists that this cooperation is essential to address the needs of the petitioners in line with the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of four public hearings on various topics, namely on ‘Citizens’ rights after Brexit’ together with the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on 1 February 2018,on ‘European Citizens’ Initiative - Revision of Regulation’ together with the Committee on Constitutional Affairs on 21 February 2018, on ‘Impact of endocrine disruptors on public health’ on 22 March 2018 together with the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and on ‘The rights of persons with disabilities’ on 9 October 2018; reminds the committee members of the importance of attending public hearings requested and organised by the committee;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses Parliament’s strong collaboration with the European Ombudsman, as well as its involvement in the European Network of Ombudsmen; underlines the excellent relations within the institutional framework between the Ombudsman and the Committee on Petitions; appreciates in particular the Ombudsman’s regular contributions to the work of the committee throughout the year;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the recommendations of the Committee on Women’s Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, particularly its recommendation on women’s participation in leadership positions and decision-making: challenges and perspectives, adopted at its 13th Plenary Session held in May 2017 in Rome,
Amendment 20 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is disappointed that the situation of women has not improved in most countries affected by the Arab Spring in spite of their large-scale support for the rev active role that women from these countries have played in the mobilisation for democracy and social, poluitioncal and civil rights;
Amendment 22 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Deplores the complicity of the European Union and its Member States with both deposed and undeposed authoritarian regimes during the Arab Spring in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa; strongly condemns the intensive arms trade of some EU Member States in the region; condemns the military interventions of the Member States and NATO in countries such as Libya that have led to war, death and the destruction of those countries and instability in neighbouring countries; takes the view that the EU should establish a new framework for relations with the countries in the MENA region based on strict compliance with international law and the United Nations Charter and on non-intervention in their internal affairs and respect for their sovereignty, with the aim of supporting the development of neighbouring regions and promoting employment, education and gender equality, instead of association agreements geared solely towards establishing free-trade areas that harm people and offer benefits only for corporate interests on the European side and for elites in the MENA countries;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the countries in the MENA region to implement the Beijing Action Plan for education andwomen’s access to education and sexual and reproductive health as fundamental human rights;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Also calls onUrges all these countries to ratify and lift all existing reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), further urges these countries to take the requisite measures to uphold gender equality in society, for example by adopting national action plans in conjunction withthat include effective gender equality measures in conjunction with women’s organisations and other civil society stakeholders;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the governments and parliaments of the MENA countries to take measures to promote women’s effective participation in every level of political life, at national, regional and local parliament and government level, and at international organisations such as the United Nations; calls, in this regard, for the exchange of best practices to be stepped up with a view to promoting gender equality by strengthening cooperation at international level with UN Women, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Committee on Women’s Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance of including a gender perspective in the consideration and approval of Union for the Mediterranean projects so that they might serve to effectively foster the economic, social and political empowerment of women in the region;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that women can be powerful drivers of change, able to draw up and implement effective strategies for climate adaptation, promoting peace and conflict resolution, anti-radicalisation and reducing the impact of theseending foreign occupation and tackling violent extremism;
Amendment 55 #
2018/2160(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Reiterates the call of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean to support a Euro- Mediterranean project on gender gaps and which includes an analysis of women’s representation rates in national and regional parliaments and in local institutions; takes the view that the Committee on Women’s Rights of that Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the European Parliament should receive information annually on gender inequality indicators in the Euro-Mediterranean region;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2110(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call for the transport time of animals destined for slaughter to be limited to eight hours, with due consideration for loading and unloading times, and waiting times at borders and slaughterhouses; takes the view that many of the severe problems related to the lengthy transport of live animals, in particular from the EU to third countries, would be solved by a shift to the transport of meat or carcasses instead of live animals;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the positions of the Member States in the EU legislative process must be recorded and made a matter of public knowledge in a timely and accessible manner, as in any system rooted in the principle of democratic legitimacy, co-legislators must be held accountable to the public for their actions; strongly criticises the fact that the Council’s legislative documents are not, to any significant extent, directly and proactively accessible to the public while the legislative process is ongoing; calls on the Council todemands that the Council, in accordance with Article 15(3) of the Treaty on European Union, revise its confidentiality policy in order to ensure the highest level of transparency in its work;
Amendment 79 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Ombudsman to continue to monitor the implementation of the Commission’s reform of the expert groups’ system in order to ensure full compliance with legally binding rules and full transparency in the performance of all expert groups’ activities, and to investigate and report any possible conflict of interests; believes that a careful assessment and knowledge of all expert groups is needed in order to arrive at an overall understanding of their independence and added value within EU policymaking;
Amendment 86 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the importance of regularly updating and greatly improving the accuracy of data in the EU transparency register, including the obligation for law firms that lobby to declare all their clients; underlines the need to make available all information on the influence of lobbyists free of charge, fully comprehensible and easily accessible to the public; believes that full transparency of the funding of all interest representatives must be ensured; calls for any organisation that breaks the revolving doors rules to be suspended;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly regretCondemns the decision of the ECB President not to suspend his membership of the G30 in spite of the Ombudsman’s recommendation to do so; stresses that the ECB President’s continued membership of the G30 increases citizens’ mistrust as to the integrity of the ECB and its independence from private financial interests; urges the ECB to amend the relevant rules in order to fully comply with the Ombudsman’s recommendations and to ensure that the highest ethical and accountability standards are concretely implemented;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Strongly believes that stricter moral and ethical rules and standards need to be applied throughout the EU institutions, agencies and bodies with a view to securing respect for the duty of integrity and discretion, as well as full independence from the private sector;
Amendment 106 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Congratulates the Ombudswoman on her strategic inquiry concerning the transparency in the Council legislative process (OI/2/2017/TE) and regrets the fact that the Council did not reply within the deadline in the findings. It is regrettably a recurring topic that is constantly showcased also from complaints submitted to the Ombudswoman. This matter should be considered of high importance in the democratic life of the Union and the effective participation of citizens across the continent hindering the fulfilment of the constitutional treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Most recently a decision in case 1272/2017/LP (the refusal to give public access to the opinion of its Legal Service concerning an inter- institutional agreement on Transparency Register) indicated that the issue is threatening principle institutional balance and the negates the essential practice of the mutual sincere cooperation. It is impossible to perform an ex post check on an ad hoc basis after the refusal of a request.
Amendment 110 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Applauds the constant interest of the Ombudswoman with issues pertinent to the Staff of the institutions and highlights the importance of diminishing any discrimination that might arise from differentiated status. Reiterates the significance of the findings on unpaid traineeships in EU delegations of the European External Actions Service (EEAS) (case 454/2014/PMC) and the recommendation that it should pay its trainees an appropriate allowance respecting the principle of non- discrimination. Deplores the fact that other EU institutions follow the same malpractice of unpaid traineeships that does not allow fair opportunities to young people that offer work equal to that of an employee. Young professionals are thus excluded in the lack of sufficient funds to sustain themselves without an adequate remuneration for their services. Shortcomings in the status of trainees are witnessed in other areas, i.e. lacking mechanisms for reporting sexual harassment in agencies of the Union. Calls therefore the Ombudswoman to open a general strategic inquiry on the status of trainees.
Amendment 120 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Ombudsman to launch a strategic inquiry in order to assess whether EU Institutions, offices and agencies, such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the EMA, ensure that the collection and, examination and publication of scientific evidence is fully independent, transparent, impartial, accurate and free from conflict of interests, and whether the proper policies and procedural safeguards are in place, notably when dealing with GMOs, glyphosate, pesticides, phytosanitary and biocidal products and medicines;
Amendment 126 #
2018/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls for greater financial and human resources to be allocated to the office of the Ombudsman to deal with the current and future workload so that it be able to guarantee a service which is of vital importance to the citizens of the Union;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas 15 540 users of Parliament’s Petitions Web Portal supported one or more petitions in 2017, as compared to 902 users in 2015 and 6 132 users in 2016; whereas the total number of clicks in support of petitions was 21 955, as compared to 18 810 in 2016 and 1 329 in 2015; whereas this new form of public participation in petitions submitted is increasingly common and should be taken into account;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the number of petitions received was modest in relation to the total population of the EU; whereas this might indicates that a large proportion of EU citizens do not make use of the right to petition for lack of knowledge;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the right to submit a petition to Parliament offers EU citizens and residents the means to address their directly elected representatives in a formal way; whereas the right to petition ishould constitute an important element of active participation of EU citizens and residents in the EU’s fields of activity and should therefore be promoted in the best way possible;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas Parliament has long been at the forefront of the development of the petitions process internationally and haswithout a doubt one of the most open and transparent petitions processes in Europe and the world, allowing petitioners to participate fully in its activities;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas each petition ishould be carefully assessed and dealt with; whereas the petitioner has the right to receive information on the decision on admissibility taken by the Committee within a reasonable period of time;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas a considerable number of petitions are discussed publicly in meetings of the Committee on Petitions; whereas petitioners have the right to present their petitions, and frequentoccasionally take full part in the discussion, thereby contributing actively to the work of the committee; whereas in 2017, 248 petitions were discussed in committee meetings with 208 petitioners present, while 59 petitioners participated actively by taking the floor;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the main subjects of concern raised in petitions in 2017 pertained to environmental matters (notably issues concerning water and waste management, and preservation), fundamental rights (notably voting rights and rights of the child), free movement of persons, social affairs (working conditions), various forms of discrimination and immigration, in addition to many other areas of activity;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas the Committee on Petitions considers that the European Citizens’ Initiative ought to be an important instrument of direct and participatory democracy, enabling citizens to become actively involved in the framing of European policies and legislation;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Draws attention to the fundamental role ofthat the Committee on Petitions ought to play as a bridge between EU citizens and the European institutions, through which EU citizens and residents can formally bring their concerns and ideas to the attention of their elected representatives, thereby allowing for the timely examination and resolution of citizen requests wherever possible;
Amendment 50 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that petitions constitute both an opportunity and a challenge for Parliament and other EU institutions to reconnect with EU citizens and to maintain dialogue with them, since they allow a direct dialogue to be established with EU citizens, particularly if they are affected by the application of EU law;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of a continuous public debate about the competences of the EU, its limits and its future in order to ensure that citizens are well informed about the levels at which decisions are taken; considers that a broader public debate about the EU and everydayrigorous media reporting would reduce the number of inadmissible petitions, as citizens would be better aware of the competences of the EU; emphasises that the subject matter of an inadmissible petition can play an important role for policymaking even though it falls outside the scope of the Committee;
Amendment 62 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the Commission and other EU institutions with Member States’ national, regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding the implementation of and compliance with EU law; underlines the need for more active cooperation with Member States’ representatives at committee meetings and for swifter follow- up on requests sent from the Committee; notes once again that numerous petitions have been the subject of superficial replies from the Commission;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that cooperation with other parliamentary committees is essential for a comprehensive treatment of petitions; notes that in 2017, 18 petitions were sent to other parliamentary committees for opinion and 357 for information; welcomes the fact that 21 opinions on petitions were received from parliamentary committees; encourages the dialogue between the various parliamentary committees to be promoted in order to give appropriate attention to the problems raised by citizens of the Union;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points to the successful launch of the petitions network on 21 March 2017, attended by members from all parliamentary committees, at which the network’s guidelines were presented and its purpose and the role of its members outlined; points out that a second meeting of the petitions network took place on 10 October 2017; is convinced that the petitions network iscan be a useful tool for a better follow-up of petitions in parliamentary and legislative work; underlines the fact that enhanced cooperation with parliamentary committees on issues raised by petitioners should enables Parliament to respond much more swiftly and efficiently to citizens’ concerns, delivering added value to the lives of EU citizens, and to the activities of Parliament and Europe as a whole;
Amendment 73 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the fact that the petitions that the Committee on Pefforts of the Committee on Petitions' Secretariat to handle the petitions receives are handledd more swiftly and with greater care by its Secretariat; underlines the fact that the Committee’s guidelines, adopted in January 2016, make the treatment of petitions and the decision- making process transparent and clear;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points to its resolution on obstacles to EU citizens’ freedom to move and work in the internal market, adopted on 15 March 2017; reiterates its call on the Commission to clarify, update and expand its guidance for better transposition and application of Directive 2004/38/EC in order to incorporate, in particular, the recent rulings from the CJEU (Cases C- 456-12 and 457-12); recommends the use of the Transposition Implementation Plans (TIPS) for the purposes of ensuring complete and proper application; urges Member States to respect Directive 2004/38/EC as well as existing case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the free movement of persons as a failure to comply is a direct violation of a fundamental right of citizens of the Union;
Amendment 91 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recognises the work done by the Working Group on Child Welfare Issues, and takes note of its final report adopted on 3 May 2017; calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to comply with European legislation and to effectively promote cross- border cooperation on family matters, by providing training for judges and professionals, information on legal aid and bilingual lawyers;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Emphasises that the European Citizens’ Initiative should be both transparent and effective in order to serve as an important instrument for active citizenship and public participation; welcomestakes note of the Commission’s proposal for the revision of Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 on the European citizens’ initiative15, published on 13 September 2017; highlights the most recent citizens’ initiative to be submitted, entitled ‘Ban glyphosate and protect people and the environment from toxic pesticides’; points to the public hearing on this initiative in Parliament on 20 November 2017; _________________ 15 OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1. OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1.
Amendment 104 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the particular attention paid to certain petitions on animal welfare; draws attention to the study ‘Animal Welfare in the European Union’ and its presentation at the committee meeting on 23 March 2017, followed by a discussion of a number of petitions on the matter; calls for harmonisation of animal welfare legislationlegislation on the welfare of animals, including during their transport;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines the importance of further developing the Petitions Portal and the need to make it an easily accessible two-way communication gateway for petitioners and to further minimise the administrative burden in how petitions are processed; reiterates that an enhanced technical capacity of the Portal is essential for a smooth petition process; stresses the need to improve communication with petitioners by sending them notifications on the progress of their petition in their own language; reiterates the importance of stepping up efforts to ensure that petitioners are present when their petitions are debated in committee;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Ombudswoman has contributed greatly to highlight issues of transparency in the life of the Union through inquiries and cases brought before her;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the European Ombudswoman opined that the lack of transparency regarding EU Member States’ positions during negotiations amount to maladministration and a violation of Article 41 of the Charter;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the treaties (Article 15(3) of TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Article 42) have attributed constitutional value to the principle of transparency;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Charter introduces third general rights, as is the one to transparent administration and access to documents (Article 42).
Amendment 9 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the CJEU has decided that increased openness enabled citizens to participate more closely in the decision- making process and guarantees that the administration enjoys greater legitimacy and is more effective1a; __________________ 1a CJEU, Joined Cases C-39/05 P and C- 52 P, Kingdom of Sweden and Maurizio Turco v. Council of the European Union, European Court Reports 2008 I-04723.
Amendment 10 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the Union function lies on a dual structure of legitimacy as provided in Article 10(2) of the TEU. The Union is founded on representative democracy as stipulated in Article 10(1) and should operate on principles and mechanisms of participatory democracy as per Article 11, paragraphs 1-3 TEU. Transparency is a sine-qua-non component of this dual legitimacy as it is only when citizens know who, why and how decisions have been made they participate in the electoral process and in other forms of political participation beyond elections in an informed and enlightened manner;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the principle of transparency firstly was elucidated in 1995 by the Court of First Instance of the European Communities in a case against the Council 1a, the institution almost three decades later has not ensured a high level of adherence to the principle; __________________ 1a Judgement of the Court of First Instance of 19 October 1995, John Carvel and Guardian Newspapers Ltd. v. Council of the European Union, Case T-194/94.
Amendment 13 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas following the inquiry, the Ombudsman found that the Council’s current practices with regard to transparency of its decision-making process, in specific regards to preparatory discussions that take place at Coreper and National Working group level, constitute maladministration;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Council did not reply to the recommendations contained in the Ombudsman’s report within the legally prescribed timeline of three months, and, because of the importance of the issue of legislative transparency, the Ombudsman decided not to grant the Council any extensions beyond this deadline, and submitted the report to the European Parliament;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the European Parliament has regularly requested more transparency from the Council, for example in its resolutions of 18 April 20181a and 28 April 20161b on the discharge of the Council as well as in its resolution on 14 September 2017 on Transparency, accountability and integrity in the EU institutions1c; __________________ 1a European Parliament resolution of 18 April 2018 with observations forming an integral part of the decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2016, Section II - European Council and Council (2017/2138(DEC)),P8_TA(2018)0125 1b European Parliament decision of 28 April 2016 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014 Section II – European Council and Council (2015/2156(DEC)). 1c European Parliament resolution of 14 September 2017 on transparency, accountability and integrity in the EU institutions (2015/2041(INI)), P8_TA(2017)0358.
Amendment 18 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas the Ombudswoman also ruled in Complaint 1271/2017/ANA that the Council was not justified in holding back access to an opinion of its Legal Service concerning an inter-institutional agreement;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union adopted during its Plenary Meeting in Sofia on 17/19 June 2018 its resolution in which it urges the Council to reflect on the proposals made by 26 national parliaments of Member States to enhance the openness of legislative deliberations at EU-level 1a; __________________ 1a Contribution of the LIX COSAC, articles 2.6 and 2.7
Amendment 21 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is deeply convinced that democratic and transparent decision-making at the European level is indispensable to increase citizens’ trust in the European project and the EU institutions, especially in the run-up to the European elections in May 2019, and is therefore determined to defend and enhance European democracyenhance the democratic accountability of all EU institutions;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that there is currently a distinct gap between formal transparency, i.e. the legal recognition and insertion of transparency in the EU legal foundations as a self-standing principle closely linked to the rule of law, and of substantial transparency, i.e. steps to effectively materialise in a corresponding level;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Reiterates that the Inter- institutional Agreement on a mandatory Transparency which is being negotiated, is a first good step; notes that the current text only covers high ranking officials of the Council;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Deeply regrets the fact that the Council has blocked the revision of the Regulation 1049/2001 and urges the Council to re-open its discussions based on the position adopted by Parliament in second reading as laid down in resolution of 12 June 2013 1a. __________________ 1a European Parliament resolution of 12 June 2013 on the deadlock on the revision of Regulation (EC) No. 1049/2001 (2013/2637(RSP))
Amendment 29 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Shares the viewpoint of the Ombudswoman’s strategic inquiry; deplores the fact that the Council did not reply within the deadline in the findings. Regrettably this is a recurring topic and is constantly showcased also from complaints submitted to the Ombudswoman. This matter should be considered of high importance in the democratic life of the Union and the effective participation of citizens across the continent hindering the fulfilment of the constitutional treaties and the Charter;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that transparency has four distinct aspects that are intertwined, namely (a) openness of the legislative process (b) right to access to documents (c) transparency of the legal norm as concomitant to legal certainty (d) offering wide reasoning and sufficient explanation of the motives of a legislative text;
Amendment 37 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Strongly believes transparency is an essential ingredient of the rule of law, while ensuring that it is observed throughout the legislative process affects the effective materialization of the right to vote and the right to stand in elections and a handful of rights, i.e. right of expressions and its particular aspect the freedom of speech and the right to receive information. Considers also that forging an active European citizenship necessitates margin for public scrutiny, review and evaluation of the process and the prospect to challenge the outcome. Underlines that this would contribute to the gradual familiarization with basic concepts of the legislative process and foster the participatory elements of the democratic life of the Union.
Amendment 38 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Reminds that the principles of publicity, openness and transparency are inherent to the EU Legislative process, in order to allow citizens to find out the considerations underpinning legislative actions and therefore ensures effective exercise of their democratic rights 1a. __________________ 1a Joined Cases C-39/05 and C-52/05 P, Kingdom of Sweden and Maurizio Turco v. Council of the European Union, European Court Reports 2008 I-04723
Amendment 41 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the European Parliament represents the interests of European citizens in a fully open and transparent manner, and welcomes the substantial progress made by the Commission in improving its transparency standards, inter alia in the conduct of international negotiations and its interactions with interest representatives whereas ‘revolving-door’ still remains an alarming issue; notes that the Council does not yet follow comparable transparency standards;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates its call on the Council, including its preparatory bodies, to join the Transparency Register as soon as possible; calls on all Member States to introduce binding rules advancing the transparency of interest representation; calls on the Member States to introduce rules for their representatives including but not limited to, at COREPER and Working Group Levels;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that the work of the preparatory bodies of the Council, i.e. the Committees of Permanent Representatives (Coreper I + II) and more than 150 working groups, is an integral part of the Council’s decision-making procedure; argues that these structures must proactively improve the transparency of decision-making procedures at working group and Coreper levels, as to improve the overall transparency of the legislative process in the European Council;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that the Committees of Permanent Representatives (COREPER I- II) meeting documents should be made publicly available as well as the general position of each member state before the beginning of negotiations.
Amendment 46 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Considers it regrettable that the Council and the European Council have still not adopted a code of conduct for their members; recalls its call to the Council to introduce a specific code of ethics, including sanctions, which addresses the risks specific to national delegates; insists that the Council must be just as accountable and transparent as the other institutions;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Strongly believes that informal formations, subsidiary organs or other affiliated informal organs related to the European Council (i.e., the Euro Group, the Euro Summit, and the EU-27) should be properly formalized and engulfed properly in the constitutional structure of the Union. Transparency obligations should be applicable indiscriminately to their activities and publicity of documents should include analytical agendas and working documents (non-papers) that are circulated prior to meetings.
Amendment 48 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the fact that, unlike committee meetings in the European Parliament, meetings of the preparatory bodies of the Council as well as the majority of debates in the Council are held in camera; proposes that citizens, media and stakeholders should have access by appropriate means to the meetings of the Council and its preparatory bodies, includ via livestreaming viaand web-streaming, as well as making the minutes of these meeting publically available in order to make all stages of the legislative process in both components of the European legislature fully transparent;
Amendment 52 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Opines that denying the access to documents to Members of the European Parliament, has the potential to threaten the principle institutional balance and to negate the essential practice of the mutual sincere cooperation. Notes that it is an excessive burden for the effective function of parliamentary duties, having to pursue an ex post check on an ad hoc basis after every refusal of a request to access documents.
Amendment 54 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the Council does not proactively publish most documents related to legislative files, and that available information is presented in a register which is incomplete and not user-friendly; calls on the Council to act on the Ombudsman’s proposals to list all the documents available on its registrar, irrespective of their format and whether or not they are partially or accessible at all; welcomes in this regard the progress made by the Commission, Parliament and the Council in the creation of a joint database for legislative files;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that all documents (legislative, intergovernmental conferences and meeting documents) from the period before 1999 should be de- classified and uploaded to the Document Archive of the Council being available publicly;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. ConsiderDeplores the Council’s endemic practice of systematically classifying all documents distributed in its preparatory bodies relating to legislative files as ‘LIMITE’ to be a violation of CJEU case law1 and of the legal requirement that there should be the widest possible public access to legislative documents; observes that in 2015, 84% of requests for public access to documents marked as “LIMITE”, and related to on-going legislative procedures in 2015 were granted; __________________ 1 For the principle of the widest possible public access, see: Joint Cases C-39/05 P and C-52/05 P Sweden and Turco v. Council [2008] ECLI:EU:C:2008:374, para 34; Case C-280/11 P Council v. Access Info Europe [2013] ECLI:EU:C:2013:671, para 27; and Case T-540/15 De Capitani v. Parliament [2018] ECLI:EU:T:2018:167, para 80.
Amendment 60 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Exceptions of Article 4 of the Regulation No 1049/2001 pending its revision should not be applied by default and whereas jurisprudence does not require justification for limiting access to a document, institutions shall strive to offer the fullest reasoning possible for taking such a decision that is a restriction of Article 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and as such should adhere by the principle of proportionality. Further supports that a decision to restrict access should be accompanied by an argumentation why, in a specific and actual manner relating to the document at hand;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deems it unacceptable that the positions taken in the preparatory bodies of the Council by individual Member States are neither published nor systematically recorded, making it impossible for citizens, media and stakeholders to effectively scrutinise the behaviour of their elected governments; calls for a systematic record of Member State governments to be kept and made publically available, where appropriate, when they express positions in council preparatory bodies;
Amendment 66 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points out that this lack of information also hampers the ability of national parliaments to control the actions of national governments in the Council, and enables members of national governments to distance themselves in the national sphere from decisions made at the European level which they shaped and took themselves; considers it irresponsible on the part of members of national governments to undermine trust in the European Union by ‘blaming Brussels’ for decisions they themselves were involved in; demands an immediate endargues that a systematic record of the positions of Member States in Preparatory Bodies would act as a positive disincentive to this practice;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 74 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers it incompatible with democratic principles that, in interinstitutional negotiations between the co-legislators, the lack of transparency in the Council leads to an imbalance with regard to available information and thus to a structural advantage of the Council over the European Parliament; reiterates its call for the improvement of the exchange of documents and information between Parliament and the Council and for access to be grantedpublically available, as well as to representatives of Parliament, as observers to meetings of the Council and its bodies, in particular in the case of legislation;
Amendment 76 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Reminds that the institutions have agreed in the inter-institutional agreement of 13 April 2016 1a to promote the utmost transparency of the legislative process and that according to the constitutional setting of the Union, the European Parliament and the Council exercise as the co-legislators their powers on an equal footing. That being said equality of the two institutions should also extend unequivocally to the obligations prescribed by the primary European law. __________________ 1a Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Better Law-Making, OJ L 123, 12.05.2016, par. 1.
Amendment 78 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the practices of the European Parliament, has been identified by the Ombudsman as having high standards of transparency; Demands that the Council, as one of the two components of the European legislature, aligns its working methods with the standards of a parliamentary democracy, rather than acting like a diplomatic forum; transparency that exist in the European Parliament;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates that following the strategic inquire concerning the transparency of the trilateral negotiations1a, some progress was made but there are still recommendations that have not taken up largely due to the reluctance of the Council. Taking into account the fact that trilogues have diminished significantly the need to have a second and third reading, overtaking the majority of legislative files to be the default decision-making process. Opines that this has led to expedited procedure, which accelerate legislation making on the one hand but have significantly hampered transparency and integrity of the institutions. The recommendations of the Ombudswoman included publication of the ‘‘trilogue calendar’’, publication of the four-column documents and list of attendees. __________________ 1a Decision of the European Ombudsman setting out proposals following her strategic inquiry OI/8/2015/JAS concerning the transparency of Trilogues, 12 July 2016.
Amendment 84 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Considers that in order to achieve transparency in the trilogues all three institutions should contribute because as per the settled case law trilogues form part of the legislative process, there is no general presumption against non- disclosure based on article 13 TEU and article 294 TFEU 1a and finally trilogues cannot represent a space for European organs to think. __________________ 1a Judgement of the General Court of 22 March 2018, Emilio De Capitani v. European Parliament, Case T-540/15, Digital Reports (unpublished).
Amendment 85 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 86 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers voting in public to be a fundamental characteristic of democratic decision - making; urges the Council to make use of the possibility of qualified majority voting (QMV), and to refrain, where possible, from the practice of taking decisions by consensus and thus without a formal vote in publicvote publicly and record voting positions;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point b
Paragraph 16 – point b
b) to develop clear andimmediately develop a systematic and clear criteria, which is publically available criteria for how it, and detail how the Council designates documents as ‘“LIMITE’,” and that is in line with relevant EU law;
Amendment 90 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recommends that the principles of transparency and openness should apply to all democratic processes in Member States; notes that the British EU Referendum in 2016 was not a fully transparent process due to allegations of the leave campaign breaking electoral law; as an effect of this, notes that 1.8 million citizens in the north of Ireland may be disenfranchised from their democratic rights as citizens which limits European participative democracy; considers that forging a participative citizenship necessitates full transparency and participation in the democratic process for all European citizens;
Amendment 101 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Takes note of the statement made by the Austrian Presidency to the joint committee on Constitutional Affairs and on Petitions on keeping the European Parliament informed on the progress of the Council’s ongoing reflections on how to improve its rules and procedures as regards legislative transparency, and expressing readiness to engage with Parliament at the appropriate level in a joint reflection on those topics that require interinstitutional coordination; and regrets that no input has been so far submitted to the European Parliament.
Amendment 102 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Further recommends that the Council: (a) enlists documents regardless of their status in the Document Register even those that are not available to the public with the relevant indication that corresponds to the level of publicity; (b) provides justification for the level of classification on the basis of the criteria developed; (c) provides in an easily comprehensible manner for all citizens votes, explanation of votes and minutes , materializing the obligation provided in article 8 and 9 of the internal rules of procedure1a; __________________ 1a Council Decision of 22 March 2004 adopting the Council’s Rules of Procedure, 2004/338/EC, Euratom;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Considers that, in order to provide the widest possible public access to legislative documents, each document that is not made public in full has to be accompanied by an argumentation why, in a specific and actual manner relating to the document at hand the document would undermine either (a) the institutions’ decision-making process or (b) the protection of institutions interest in seeking legal advice, as well as accompanied by an argumentation why there is no overriding public interest;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Regrets the Draft Policy Paper on legislative transparency produced by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union and addressed to the Permanent Representatives Committee, was classified as ‘LIMITE’1a; considers that the milestone approach presents no added value whatsoever and puts forward a scheme that allows selective publication of documents only after they have been considered by the competent bodies; Considers that certain elements of the new approach are mutually exclusive (i.e. built-in flexibility and greater standardization) and incompatible with the constitutional norms of the Union; Deplores the fact that the Council proclaimed it will strive to strike a balance between the case law and various calls for greater transparency and the need to preserve the necessary flexibility for effective legislative work, which implies not conforming with the jurisprudence of the CJEU as it stands; __________________ 1a General Secretariat of the Council, Draft Polity Paper on Legislative Transparency, 11099/18, Brussels, 13 July 2018.
Amendment 105 #
2018/2096(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Notes that according to the jurisprudence of the CJEU the “space to think” is to be viewed as an exception and not the norm and consequently as a restriction of the principle of transparency1a; reiterates that giving the public the widest possible right of access entails, that the public must have a right to full disclosure of the requested and thus application of exception should be strict; __________________ 1a Judgement of the General Court of 22 March 2011, Access Info Europe v. Council of the European Union, Case T- 233/09, par. 56.
Amendment 18 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas cases of sexual harassment are significantly underreported due to low social awareness of the issue, fear of talking about the topic, insufficient reporting and, monitoring and victim- protection channels, as well as the normalisation of violence;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas in the EU women who are victims of harassment and violence in rural and remote areas usually have more difficulty obtaining full assistance and protection from aggressors;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the effects of both physical and verbal harassment, including that perpetrated online, are harmful not only in the short term but also in the long term and can include, for instance, stress and severe clinical depression and can even drive victims to suicide;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas all Member States have signed the Istanbul Convention, but not all have ratified it, and whereas this delay is impeding the full implementation of the Convention;
Amendment 84 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on Member States and local and regional administrations to ensure adequate plans and resources in order to guarantee that victims of violence and harassment in rural and remote areas are not deprived of access, or restricted in their access, to assistance and protection;
Amendment 127 #
2018/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Amendment 355 #
2018/0228(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) “core network corridors” means an instrument to facilitate the coordinated implementation of the core network as provided for in Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 and listed in Part III of the Annex to this Regulation, which must be extended by a corridor along the coast providing a rail connection between Cantabrian and Atlantic ports in Spain and Portugal;
Amendment 69 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) To deliver scientific, economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective, the Union should invest in research and innovation through Horizon Europe - a Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027 (the ‘Programme’) to support the creation and diffusion of high-quality knowledge and technologies, to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing Union policies, to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness;, ensuring quality, stable employment is a fundamental right of citizens, and to foster all forms of innovation, including breakthrough innovation, and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened European Research Area.
Amendment 88 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) It is important to support industry to stay or become world leader in innovation, digitisation and decarbonisation, notably through investments in key enabling technologies that will underpin tomorrow's business. The Programme's actions should be used to address market failures or sub-optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner, without duplicating or crowding out private financing and have a clear European added value, and they should also foster the generation of stable, quality employment. This will ensure consistency between the actions of the programme and EU State aid rules, avoiding undue distortions of competition in the internal market.
Amendment 108 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) The policy objectives of this Programme will be also addressed through financial instruments and budgetary guarantee under the policy windows of the InvestEU Fund. Financial support should be used to address market failures or sub- optimal investment situations, in a proportionate manner and actions should not duplicate or crowd out private financing or distort competition in the Internal market. Actions should have a clear European added value. , and they should also foster the generation of quality, stable employment.
Amendment 159 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Programme’s general objective is to deliver scientific, economic and societal impact from the Union’s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the Union and foster its competitiveness, including in its industry, ensure quality, stable employment, deliver on the Union strategic priorities, and contribute to tackling global challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
Amendment 175 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) e) Ensure that the results of innovation have a positive impact on the creation of new jobs, and that they help workers who are working with outdated technologies make the necessary work transition in response to the innovations made.
Amendment 186 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Amendment 224 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
a) EUR 25 8600 000 000 for Pillar I 'Open Science' for the period 2021-2027, of which
Amendment 225 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 1
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – point 1
(1) EUR 16 6400 000 000 for the European Research Council;
Amendment 227 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c – introductory part
c) EUR 13 5300 000 000 for Pillar III 'Open Innovation' for the period 2021- 2027, of which
Amendment 228 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c – point 1
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c – point 1
(1) EUR 10 5300 000 000 for the European Innovation Council, including up to EUR 500 000 000 for European Innovation Ecosystems;
Amendment 229 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) e) EUR 400 000 000 for Part 'Work transition' for the period 2021- 2027, of which: (1) EUR 100 000 000 is for ‘analysis of the creation and destruction of jobs stemming from innovation’; (2) EUR 300 000 000 for ‘training for the work transition’.
Amendment 314 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – point 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Annex I – point 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(5) Part ‘Work transition’ Through the following activities, this part shall contribute towards the impact analysis of the labour market affected by those innovations made through the Programme (creation and destruction of jobs), as well as to the design, development and implementation of specialist training projects that aim to prepare those workers affected for the work transition. Area of intervention: analysing the labour impact of the innovations; ensuring the work transition
Amendment 325 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 12 – point a
Annex IV – point 12 – point a
a) the research and innovation needs in the areas of security and integrated border management are identified and established during the Programme's strategic research and innovation planning process;
Amendment 326 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 12 – point b
Annex IV – point 12 – point b
b) the Internal Security Fund and the Integrated Border Management Fund supports the deployment of innovative new technologies and solutions, in particular those resulting from the Framework Programmes for research and innovation in the field of security research.
Amendment 18 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Since the CAP needs to sharpen its responses to the challenges and opportunities as they manifest themselves at Union, international, national, regional, local and farm levels, it is necessary to streamline the governance of the CAP and improve its delivery on the Union objectives and to significantly decrease the administrative burden. In the CAP based on delivery of performance (‘delivery model’), the sustainability of farms and workers' living conditions, the stabilisation of markets, the security of inputs and supplies at reasonable prices, the Union should set the basic policy parameters, such as objectives of the CAP and basic requirements, while Member States should bear greater responsibility as to how they meet the objectives and achieve targets. Enhanced subsidiarity makes it possible to better take into account local conditions and needs, tailoring the support to maximise the contribution to Union objectives.
Amendment 23 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In order to foster a smart and resilient agricultural sector, direct payments keep on constituting an essential part to guarantee a fair income support to farmers. Likewise, investments into farm restructuring, modernisation, innovation, diversification and uptake of new technologies, as well as fair access to ownership of farms, are necessary to improve farmers’ market reward.
Amendment 26 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 – point 1
Recital 16 – point 1
As many rural areas in the Union suffer from structural problems such as lack of attractive employment opportunities, skill shortages, the phenomenon of undeclared work, underinvestment in connectivity, infrastructures and essential services, as well as youth drain, it is fundamental to strengthen the socio-economic fabric in those areas, in line with the Cork 2.0. Declaration, particularly through job creation and generational renewal, by bringing the Commission's jobs and growth to rural areas, promoting social inclusion, generational renewal and the development of ‘Smart Villages’ across the European countryside. As indicated in the Communication on ‘The Future of Food and Farming’, new rural value chains such as renewable energy, the emerging bio- economy, the circular economy, and ecotourism can offer good growth and job potential for rural areas. In this context, financial instruments and the use of the InvestEU guarantee can play a crucial role for ensuring access to financing and for bolstering the growth capacity of farms and enterprises. There is a potential for employment opportunities in rural areas for legally staying third country nationals, promoting their social and economic integration especially in the framework of Community-led Local Development strategies.
Amendment 28 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) SMRs need to be fully implemented by Member States in order to become operational at farm level and ensure equal treatment of farmers, with special emphasis on small-scale farms. To ensure the consistency of the rules on conditionality in enhancing the sustainability of the policy, SMRs should encompass main Union legislation on environment, public health, animal health, plant health and animal welfare which implementation at national level imply precise obligations on individual farmers, including obligations under Council Directive 92/43/EEC11 and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council12 or Council Directive 91/676/EEC13. In order to follow up on the joint statement made by the European Parliament and the Council as annexed to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council14 , the relevant provisions of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council15 and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council16 are included as SMRs into the scope of conditionality and the list of GAEC standards is adapted accordingly. __________________ 11 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). 12 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7). 13 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1). 14 Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 352/78, (EC) No 165/94, (EC) No 2799/98, (EC) No 814/2000, (EC) No 1290/2005 and (EC) No 485/2008 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 549). 15 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). 16 Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 71).
Amendment 44 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) promote employment, particularly for women, sustainable growth, social inclusion and local development in rural areas, including bio-economy and sustainable forestry;
Amendment 55 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
(ba) women farmers;
Amendment 61 #
2018/0216(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 64 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) EU guarantee programmes for women in rural areas;
Amendment 28 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, the management of migration flows and the increased security threat, clean energy transition, technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions, experienced especially by SMEs. Taking into account the changing realities of the world of work, the Union should be prepared for the current and future challenges by investing in relevant skills, making growth more inclusive and by improving employment and social policies, including in view of voluntary labour mobility.
Amendment 33 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The ESF+ should aim to promote employment through active interventions enabling (integration or re)integration into the labour market, notably for youth, people with disabilities, the long-term unemployed and the inactive, as well as through promotinge social economy and self–-employment, and the social economyccompanied by specific training programmes and business incentives, and including a minimum income guarantee system linked to the interprofessional minimum hourly wage. The ESF+ should aim to improve the functioning of labour markets by supporting the modernisation of labour market institutions such as the Public Employment Services in order to improve their capacity to provide intensified targeted counselling and guidance during the job search and the transition to employment and to enhancevoluntary workers’ mobility. The ESF+ should promote and protect women's participation in the labour market through measures aiming to ensure, amongst others, improved work/life balance and access to childcare. The ESF + should also aim to provide a healthy and well-adapted working environment in order to respond to health risks related to changing forms of work and the needs of the ageing workforce.
Amendment 44 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Support through the ESF+ should be used to promote equal access for all, in particular for disadvantaged groups, to quality, non-segregated and inclusive education and training, from early childhood education and care through general and vocational education and training and to tertiary level, as well as adult education and learning, thereby fostering permeability between education and training sectors, preventing early school leaving, improving health literacy, reinforcing links with non-formal and informal learning and facilitating voluntary learning mobility for all. Synergies with the Erasmus programme, notably to facilitate the participation of disadvantaged learners in learning mobility, should be supported within this context.
Amendment 48 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The ESF+ should promote flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all, notably digital skills and key enabling technologies, with a view to providing people with skills adjusted to digitalisation, technological change, innovation and social and economic change, facilitating career transitions, voluntary mobility and supporting in particular low-skilled and/or poorly qualified adults, in line with the Skills Agenda for Europe.
Amendment 57 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The ESF+ should support Member States’ efforts to tackle poverty with a view to breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations and promote social inclusion by ensuring equal opportunities for all, tackling discrimination and addressing health inequalities. This implies mobilising a range of policies targeting the most disadvantaged people regardless of their age, including children, marginalised communities such as the Roma, the immigrant population and the working poor. The ESF+ should promote the active inclusion of people far from the labour market with a view to ensuring their socio- economic integration. The ESF+ should be also used to enhance timely and equal access to affordable, sustainable and high quality services such as healthcare and long-term care, in particular family and community-based care services. The ESF+ should contribute to the modernisation of social protection systems with a view in particular to promoting their accessibility.
Amendment 66 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The ESF+ should support policy and system reforms in the fields of employment, social inclusion, healthcare and long-term care, and education and training. In order to strengthen alignment with the European Semester, Member States should allocate an appropriate amount of their resources of the ESF+ strand under shared management to implement relevant country-specific recommendations relating to structural challenges which it is appropriate to address through multiannual investments falling within the scope of the ESF+. The conditions imposed by the European Semester and the macroeconomic conditionality of the Member States shall not under any circumstances block ESF + payments to recipients, nor shall non- compliance be linked to annulment of funding to the Member State in question. The Commission and the Member States should ensure coherence, coordination and complementarity between the shared- management and Health strands of ESF+ and the Reform Support Programme, including the Reform Delivery Tool and the Technical Support Instrument. In particular, the Commission and the Member State should ensure, in all stages of the process, effective coordination in order to safeguard the consistency, coherence, complementarity and synergy among sources of funding, including technical assistance thereof.
Amendment 92 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The Member States and the Commission should ensure that ESF+ contributes to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with Article 8 TFEU to foster equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men in all areas, including regarding participation in the labour market, terms and conditions of employment and career progression. They should also ensure that the ESF+ promotes equal opportunities for all, without discrimination in accordance with Article 10 TFEU and promotes the inclusion in society of persons with disabilities on equal basis with others and contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These principles should be taken into account in all dimensions and in all stages of the preparation, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of programmes, in a timely and consistent manner while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality and equal opportunities. The ESF+ should also promote the transition from residential/institutional care to family and community-based care, in particular for those who face multiple discrimination, while ensuring that this places no extra burden on local families and structures. The ESF+ should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion. Regulation (EU) No [future CPR], provides that rules on admissibility of expenditure are to be established at the national level, with certain exceptions for which it is necessary to lay down specific provisions with regard to the ESF+ strand under shared management .
Amendment 99 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) ESF+ lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers on a non-discriminatory basis by ensuring the close cooperation of the central employment services of Member States with one another and with the Commission. The European network of employment services should promote a better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating the cross-border mobility of workers and a greater transparency of information on the labour markets. The ESF+ scope also includes developing and supporting targeted voluntary mobility schemes with a view to filling vacancies where labour market shortcomings have been identified.
Amendment 102 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
Amendment 123 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
i) improving access to employment of all jobseekers, in particular the youthng and long- term unemployed, and of inactive people, promoting the social economy and self-employment, and the social economy;ccompanied by specific training programmes and business incentives, and including a minimum income guarantee system linked to the interprofessional minimum hourly wage.
Amendment 132 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point ii
ii) modernising labour market institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs and ensure timely and tailor-made assistance and support to labour market matching, transitions and voluntary mobility;
Amendment 135 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point ii
iii) pPromoting and protecting women’s labour market participation, a better work/life balance including access to childcare, a healthy and well–adapted working environment addressing health risks, adaptation of workers, enterprises and entrepreneurs to change, and active and healthy ageing;
Amendment 157 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The ESF+ shall promote free universal access to quality healthcare.
Amendment 161 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. All programmes implemented under the ESF+ strand under shared management, as well as the operations supported by the Employment and Social Innovation and Health strands shall ensure equality between men and women throughout their preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. They shall also promotguarantee equal opportunities for all, without discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation throughout their preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Amendment 163 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The Member States and the Commission shall also support specific targeted actions to promote the principles referred to in paragraph 1 within any of the objectives of the ESF+, including the transition from residential/institutional care to family and community-based care ensuring that this places no extra burden on local families and structures.
Amendment 173 #
2018/0206(COD)
The conditions imposed by the European Semester and the macroeconomic conditionality of the Member States shall not under any circumstances block ESF + payments to recipients, nor shall non- compliance be linked to annulment of funding to the Member State in question.
Amendment 45 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Financial contributions from the EGF should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating beneficiaries rapidly into sustainable employment, either within or outside their initial sector of activity. Measures should reflect the prospected needs of the local or regional labour market. However, whenever relevant, the voluntary mobility of displaced workers should also be supported in order to help find new employment elsewhere. A particular focus shall be laid on the dissemination of skills required in the digital age. The inclusion of pecuniary allowances in a coordinated package of personalised services should be restricted. Companies could be encouraged to participate in the national co-funding for the EGF-supported measures.
Amendment 83 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the cessation of activity of more than 25100 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of four months, in an enterprise in a Member State, including where that cessation applies in its suppliers or downstream producers;
Amendment 89 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the cessation of activity of more than 25100 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of six months, particularly in SMEs, where all operate in the same economic sector defined at NACE Revision 2 division level and located in one region or two contiguous regions defined at NUTS 2 level or in more than two contiguous regions defined at NUTS 2 level provided that there are more than 25100 workers or self-employed persons affected in two of the regions combined;
Amendment 95 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the cessation of activity of more than 25100 displaced workers or self- employed persons, over a reference period of four months, particularly in SMEs, operating in the same or different economic sectors defined at NACE Revision 2 division level and located in the same region defined at NUTS 2 level.
Amendment 101 #
2018/0202(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The EGF may not be mobilised when workers are dismissed as a result of budget cuts taken by a Member State, which affect sectors that depend on public financing.
Amendment 13 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas 2014-2020 is marked by increased ESIF and CEF budgets and, despite the delayed implementation of the programming period, there is no major impact on transport investments; whereas EU transport infrastructure investments are one of the policies that provide the highessignificant EU added value due to the spill-over effects within the single market, which effectively make all Member States net beneficiaries of the investment;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas TEN-T and transport infrastructure such as road, high-speed railways, waterways and air are EU priorities, and if European investment were to lag behind, increased FDI could fill the gap while relocating profits, taxes and job opportunities outside of the EU, perhaps increasing the dependence and macroeconomic instability of the regions; whereas such a process would undermine the Union’s regional presence and policies in the long term and would lead to fragmentation and divergence;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas smart, sustainable and fully interconnected transport, energy and digital networks are a necessary condition forkey factor in the completion and smooth operation of the European single market and for linking Europe with the world market; whereas these are genuine arteries for European economic growth andeconomy and in the well-being of itEurope's citizens;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), the Cohesion Fund (CF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) should remain the core EU sources for transport infrastructure investments under the thematic objective of ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’; proposes that, due to the high European added value and the extensive spill-over effects generated, these funding sources should remain available for all eligible EU regions, without detracting from the need to award priority to the less developed regions and regions clearly lagging behind in terms of transport infrastructure;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that infrastructure and transport policy must be based on a social and economic model that reduces demand for goods haulage and passenger transport without impacting on the economic welfare and needs of the public; therefore sees a need, on the one hand, for a more decentralised and balanced economic system that avoids massive transfers of goods and workers, and which enables endogenous regional development, and, on the other hand, a new approach and praxis in regional planning which narrows the gap between cities and rural areas and segmentation between over-populated areas and depopulated ones; also sees a need to promote measures such as prioritising the use of public and community transport, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, the consumption of local and seasonal products, and sustainable local for tourism and leisure models, etc. Considers this to be the only way to achieve genuinely sustainable development that is environment-friendly, economically viable and delivers territorial and social cohesion;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to present, within six months, a detailed and up-to-date country-by-country and project-by-project report on financing in the periods 2007-2014 and 2014-2020 under the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, with a breakdown for each of the tangible objectives under Article 5(7) of Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and Article 4(d) of Regulation (EU) No 1300/2013 on the Cohesion Fund; that report should cover the cost of the projects, the EU financing involved and the effective use of the infrastructure completed, and include an analysis of their economic and social benefits;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the role of additional sources such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) needs to be defined in view of their complementarity to the ERDF and CF and their additionality to EIB lending operations; notes in thistresses that doubts linger as to the need for the EFSI and its effectiveness and finds it regrettable that public guarantees aregard that EFSI should serve as a platform for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in matching provided for private sector operations when it is the private sector operator who reaps the rewards of successful projects; stresses that in any event the EFSI must prioritise sustainable transport and essential transport infrastructure projects that offer high social, economic and environmental added value, and focus on those projects that foster quality job creation, long-term growth, innovation and territorial cohesion, including sustainable urban transport and railway projects, meaning that it must maintain a territorial balance in investments; notes in this regard that EFSI should serve to match financial instruments to private investment and to national/regional financing at project level; notes that the support available through the EU guarantee should be provided to bankable infrastructure projects which would not otherwise be supported through the ERDF, CF or CEF;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that, in all circumstances, grants should be the key tool for funding sustainable public transport infrastructure, and especially railways;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that infrastructure requires objective quantification of demand prior to setting the budget and the delivery methods; believes that one priority should be to upgrade existing infrastructure by increasing its capacity, quality and safety; underlines that it should be possible for the ERDF and CF eligibility criteria to consider existing demand at NUTS 3 level;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that all transport infrastructure should be subject to broad public debate, in-depth investigation into its actual necessity and economic and social benefit, and to an exhaustive environmental impact study; considers that only infrastructure on which there is public consensus, which is necessary and socially beneficial and which does not occasion major and/or irreparable environmental damage should be implemented and financed through EU instruments;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls for a pivotal decision-making role to be played by the local and regional authorities, and by civil society and local community representatives, in the adoption, planning and financing of transport infrastructure, including in European cross-border coordination and cooperation;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Believes that EU transport infrastructure funding should be geared primarily to sustainable means of transport such as conventional railways, waterways and short-sea shipping; stresses that projects in receipt of co-financing should reflect the need for infrastructure which benefits the EU from a perspective of social, economic and territorial cohesion, which minimises the impact on the environment, which is resistant to the potential impact of climate change and which protects health and ensures user safety; emphasises that EU funding for such means of transport through cohesion policy and the Connecting Europe Facility should be increased, since it is these types of transport which best ensure that the stated aims of transport policy and cohesion policy are achieved;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Emphasises in particular regarding railways that special attention should be paid to revitalising and maintaining branch lines that connect with national main lines and European corridors, provide cross-border connections between Member States and relieve bottlenecks; that local, regional and nations railway connections that have been abandoned despite their economic and public worth, and especially cross- border connections, should be rejuvenated as a matter of urgency; and that initiatives to find new uses for disused lines, such as goods transport or new tourism services, should be promoted. Calls on the Commission also to ensure that the use of railways for goods transport is stepped up with a view to greater network efficiency and more sustainable and safe transport;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for tha study to be conducted on the possible creation of an EU transport infrastructure index as an additional eligibility criterion in order to accurately reflect regional and local demand; proposes that the index help determine the overall envelope of investments as well as the co- financing rates; suggests that the EU transport scoreboard could be the basis for the proposed index with complementary elements such as road safety, regional specifics and environmental impact, which could contribute to the accuracy of the assessments; calls on the Commission to present to Parliament, within six months, a communication on this transport infrastructure index;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges that an integrated approach to the objective of sustainable transport be adopted under the cohesion policy, which is to say that it should prioritise interoperability, interconnectivity and intermodality, ensuring an optimum use of all means of transport and fostering the compatibility of interconnections between different means of transport; also favours an intermodal TEN-T approach based on means of transport which are more environmentally friendly, less fuel- expensive and safer, ensuring an optimum use of all means of transport and fostering the compatibility of interconnections between different means of transport;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recommends that national administrations and regional authorities upgrade intermediate stations and local connections as well was linkages with the TEN-Ts, in order to minimise the costs associated with the existence of peripheral areas; calls on the Commission to promote necessary projects of this type;
Amendment 102 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises the need to integrate climate protection into cohesion policy as regards the sustainable transport objective and hence pursue the Community's objectives for reducing CO2 emissions; calls on the Commission to require the Member States to integrate Community environmental legislation into the process of adopting and planning projects eligible for funding, and especially Natura2000, strategic environmental assessment, environmental impact assessment, air quality, the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats and Birds Directives, and the European Environmental Agency's Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM);
Amendment 108 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses that increased energy efficiency should be one of the key priorities of European transport policy and, therefore, of cohesion policy in that field; emphasises the importance of promoting electro-mobility and electric public transport systems, alongside the introduction of renewable electrical energy sources, awarding priority to continuing electrification of the railway network;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for athe common European transport policy, whose overriding objectives should be environmental sustainability and territorial and social cohesion, to be based on a funding framework that is integrated and coordinated with the EU transport instruments; considers that thematic concentration should be preserved in order to permit synergies between different funding sources at project level; proposes the creation of a single set of rules for all financing sources related to the thematic objective of ‘promoting sustainable transport and removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures’; considers it necessary to streamline and accelerate procurement and state aid compliance procedures through standardised public procurement;
Amendment 122 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Demands that the utmost attention be paid, in all the transport infrastructure projects financed by the European Union, to quality of employment and dignified working conditions for workers, with a specific focus on compliance with occupational safety standards;
Amendment 8 #
2017/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the European Parliament as the quintessence of representative democracy, should perform a crucial role in enforcing and implementing EU Law. The European Parliament's role as a natural receptor of petitions (materializing the right to petition enshrined in the article 44 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and articles 20 and 227 TFEU) is to liaise between the citizens and the institutions in cases relating to the implementation of EU law and provide fertile ground for discussion. For that reason stresses that the Parliament´s capacity to establish committees of inquiry and special committees should be elevated to pinpoint and examine cases serving the general public interest. The requirements of participatory democracy stated in the Lisbon Treaty provide that every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. Highlights, that citizens themselves have been instrumental in drawing to the attention of the institutions, cases of improper or non-application of EU law.
Amendment 42 #
2017/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that citizens and others affected by improper and non-application of EU law should be facilitated in every way possible to contact the institutions without facing administrative burdens or other difficulties.
Amendment 49 #
2017/2273(INI)
4c. Reiterates that in line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), transposition means the legal or regulatory process by which a piece of EU legislation is incorporated into the national legal order, implementation is a general term covering both transposition and application. Application denotes the practical application of the national transposing provisioning to a concrete situation or to a number of situations. Furthermore, enforcement means the measures taken after the monitoring process reveals shortfalls with full- compliance of EU Law (either flawed transposition or pathogenies in implementation).
Amendment 51 #
2017/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Expresses concern that cases relevant to the free movement of persons and Union citizens, despite being low in number - comparing to other areas of law – are among the sectors with the longest average duration pending at a pre- litigation phase (55 months on average for the year 2016). Therefore, calls for a timely processing, thus safeguarding legal certainty and the protection of legitimate interests.
Amendment 3 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the number of petitions received is modest compared to the EU’s total population; whereas the number neverthelespetitions indicates that EU citizens are aware, and make use, of the right to petition, and expect to draw the attention of the EU institutions to matters which they are concerned about, through the petition procedure;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas active participation is only possible on the basis of a democratic and transparent process of all EU institutions, allowing Parliament and the Committee of Petitions to render its work citizen-friendly and comprehensible;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas petitions allow Parliament and other EU institutions to assess the transposition and application of EU law and, its impact on EU citizens and residents as well as to consider new proposals for regulation;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital V
Recital V
Amendment 45 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the vital role that the Committee on Petitions has to play as a contact point where EU citizens and residents can submit their grievances, and where the requests of citizens armust be examined and resolved wherever possible and within a reasonable timeframe;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the anxiety of petitioners concerned about their future rights following the referendum in the United Kingdom on withdrawal from the European Union; supportstakes note of the Commission’s commitment to fully guarantee the rights of European citizens residing in the United Kingdom during the Brexit negotiations and following its exit from the EU;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Points to the committee’s support of the European Citizens’ Initiative; notes the Commission’s proposal for a revision of the regulation with a view to maintaining its relevance as a tool for democratic participation; invites the Commission to consider Parliament’s substantive input, in particular the opinion of the Committee on Petitions on the European Citizens’ initiative;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Having regard to the increase in private forms of compensation through which private undertakings offer women who are victims of violence financial compensation in return for signing an agreement not to sue the undertaking; whereas States bear the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with international commitments with respect to indigenous peoples’ rights and must therefore be primarily responsible for avoiding infringements and promoting truth, justice and reparations for the victims;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Whereas the violations of the right to self-determination perpetuated by neo- colonial power structures and state practices have a negative impact on indigenous peoples, particularly women and girls;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Having regard to the direct link between collective rights and individual rights of indigenous women, given that human rights violations at an individual level have a negative impact on collective efforts to assert the rights of indigenous peoples as a group;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Whereas the scant protection of indigenous peoples’ land and land- ownership rights exposes indigenous women to forced displacement, exploitation and trafficking in human beings, which makes it easier for governments to impose destructive projects in their territories without obtaining prior consent following a genuine process of consultation of the indigenous peoples;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Whereas forcible land grabbing by private companies is usually accompanied by the imposition of private security or military forces, leading inter alia to an increase in direct and indirect violence indigenous peoples’ territories, directly affecting communities and, in particular, social leaders and women;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Having regard to the historical violations of the sexual and reproductive rights of indigenous women, including forced sterilisation and forced marriages as part of cultural assimilation policies;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Whereas the increasing liberalisation and deregulation of the market has led to direct foreign investment in indigenous peoples’ territories without their prior consent or a genuine process of consultation, resulting in violations of the human rights of indigenous women; whereas development cannot be measured on the basis of growth indicators, but should primarily take account of the reduction of poverty and inequality;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Calls on the EU to engage in constructive negotiations on a United Nations treaty on transnational corporations guaranteeing respect for the human rights of indigenous peoples, and of women and girls in particular;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2206(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for the withdrawal of private security and military forces deployed in the territories of indigenous peoples in violation of their rights;
Amendment 97 #
2017/2194(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) ensure that rural girls and women have accessible, affordable and high- quality formal and informal education, including training designed to develop their financial, economic and business skills and technological and agricultural training;
Amendment 119 #
2017/2194(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) facilitate the transition of rural women from the informal to the formal economy, and recognise that women in rural areas work in a variety of fields and are often drivers of change towards sustainable agriculture, food security and sovereignty, and the creation of green jobs;
Amendment 149 #
2017/2194(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) facilitate rural women’s access to ownership of farm holdings and inheritance of land, which is an important tool for their economic empowerment, and facilitate access to credit, including in the framework of cooperation between the Commission and the European Investment Bank;
Amendment 170 #
2017/2194(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a a (new)
(aaa) Calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local governments to provide affordable, high- quality facilities and public and private services geared to everyday life in rural areas, and to create the necessary conditions to improve the work-life balance for women in rural areas, in particular by guaranteeing suitable care facilities for dependants, accessible healthcare and public transport;
Amendment 171 #
2017/2194(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a b a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a b a (new)
(aba) Stresses the importance of including safeguards in EU policies on the living and working conditions of women hired as seasonal agricultural workers, especially as regards the need for them to be given social protection, health insurance and healthcare; encourages regional, local and national authorities and other institutions to guarantee the fundamental human rights of migrant and seasonal workers and their families, especially of women and particularly of vulnerable people, and to foster their integration in the local community;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the Proposal for a Council Regulation on jurisdiction, the recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, and on international child abduction (recast) (COM(2016)0411),
Amendment 23 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU citizenship and its related rights, which are complementary to rights in the Member States, were initially introducdeclared in 1992 by the Treaty of Maastricht and wereshould have been further enhanced by the Treaty of Lisbon, which entered into force in December 2009, as well as by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; whereas respect for those rights has been legally binding since the Treaty of Lisbon came into force, but petitions received show that in practice they are frequently violated;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas strengthening citizens’ rights and democratic institutions includes combating discrimination and gender inequality in line with the Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon consolidatedtains a declaration of the inalienable rights and guarantees of EU citizenship, including, inter alia, the freedom to travel, work and study in other EU countries, to participate in European political life, to promote equality and respect for diversity and to be protected from discrimination, especially that practised on the basis of nationality;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas on the heels of events in the United Kingdom, the refugee humanitarian crisis, the devastating social and economic impact of austerity policies, the high levels of unemployment and poverty, and the rise in xenophobia and racism in the EU have undermined confidence in the EU system and the European project as a whole;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the right to free movement and its exercise is ca fundamentral to EU citizenship and complements the other freedoms of the EU internal marketelement of EU citizenship; whereas young Europeans in particular consider free movement, which ranks first among EU citizens in terms of recognition and popularity, as the EU’s most positive achievement;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas as petitions have shown, EU citizens face notable difficulties in exercising this right, owing to administrative burdens and bureaucracy in Member States, and to misinformation and/or a lack of cooperation by Member State authorities; whereas, unfortunately, as several petitions have pointed out, the right to freedom of movement has been and is being infringed by several Member States, such as Belgium, which has expelled hundreds of European citizens, specifically from Bulgaria, Romania and Spain; whereas citizens of other Member States sometimes avoid using healthcare services for fear of being expelled;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2069(INI)
H. whereas the principle of non- discrimination on the basis of nationality, sexgender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation is the primary expression of EU citizenship; whereas it forms at the same time a crucial component of the successful exercise of the freedom of movement, as evidenced in petitions;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Amendment 56 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas women’s participation and leadership in political decision- making is still affected by various obstacles, such as the persistence of gender-based stereotypes and the consequences of the recent economic crisis together with its negative repercussions on gender equality issues;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas significant gaps remain in protecting victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence across the EU in cases of cross-border family disputes;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the pillars of EU citizenship, ranks as the second best known of EU citizenship rights, and must creates an interface between citizens and the European institutions through an process that must be open, democratic and transparent process;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas discrimination faced by women across the EU is an obstacle to equality; whereas women remain underrepresented as voters as well as in leading positions, whether in elected offices, the civil service, academia, the media or the private sector; whereas the widespread multiple discrimination faced by women and the disproportionate number of women facing poverty and social exclusion are obstacles to the full exercise of their citizenship rights;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas citizens have the right to organise or support, together with other EU citizens from all Member States, a European Citizens’ Initiative, which enables them to set the legislative agenda of the EU; whereas the exercise of this right has not been satisfactory thus far, chiefly as a result of the numerous constraints imposed by the European Commission which reserves the right to decide on the legitimacy of such constraints;
Amendment 67 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s 2017 EU Citizenship Report, which contains an enumeration of priorities by field of activity; expresses its doubt as to whether these priorities will effectively answer citizens’ concerns; regrets the lack of well-defined, concrete commitments for the next three years; considers that due attention has not been paid to the inclusion of gender equality as a priority, since it only appears as a secondary item within the final theme ‘Strengthening security and promoting equality’;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s 2017 EU Citizenship Report, which contains an enumeration of priorities by field of activity; expresses its doubt as to whether these priorities will effectively answer citizens’ concerns; regrets the lack of well-defined, concrete commitments for the next three years and the insufficient attention paid to gender equality;
Amendment 89 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses regret that for almost a decade now little progress has been made in the adoption of the EU-wide Anti- Discrimination Directive; calls upon all EU institutions to conclude the relevant negotiations as soon as possible, paying due attention to the inclusion of the gender dimension;
Amendment 105 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to sign and conclude the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention and reaffirms its support for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention on a broad basis and without reservations; calls for improvement in the collection of disaggregated data on all forms of violence covered by the Convention, in cooperation with the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE),in order to devise a common methodology to compare databases and analysis; calls on all Member States which have not yet done so to swiftly ratify the Istanbul Convention; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on violence against women;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Council to step up its efforts to unblock the Directive on Women on Boards;
Amendment 107 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take specific measures to address the needs of vulnerable citizens facing intersectional multiple discrimination that prevents them from exercising their rights or participating fully in society, such as women with disabilities, ethnic minorities, immigrant and refugee women, or those facing poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Reiterates that ensuring the ability of those facing intersectional multiple discrimination, such as women and girls with disabilities, to exercise their citizenship rights requires a holistic approach involving targeted policies, from inter sectional data collection to educational programmes and social inclusion measures; invites the Commission and the Member States to formulate and publish strategies for tackling intersectional discrimination;
Amendment 109 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Emphasises the need to tackle gender-based violence faced by women and girls and LGBTI people in politics and in the wider public sphere, including online harassment and intimidation;
Amendment 110 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Reaffirms its call for the Commission to adopt its Strategic engagement for gender equality 2016- 2019 as a communication; recalls that the EU is based on the principle of equality between women and men, and that such a principle can only be achieved through strategic mainstreaming in all EU policies;
Amendment 111 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Welcomes the submission by the Commission of the work-life balance package and calls on all institutions to deliver on these measures as soon as possible;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote further cooperation in situations where workers receive benefits and pay contributions in different EU Member States, by reinforcing the cross-border exchange of information between the different social security authorities, so that all of the contributions can be duly taken into account in calculating pension rights; draws attention to the persistent gender pay and pension gaps in the EU, which, combined with austerity measures and public sector cuts, undermine the possibility of genuine economic autonomy for millions of women;
Amendment 113 #
2017/2069(INI)
6i. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to actively make use of EU funds as tools for enhancing gender equality; calls, in particular, for the application of gender mainstreaming within the CAP and rural cohesion policies;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Urges the Commission to continue mainstreaming gender in all EU policies by paying particular attention to impact assessments and ex-post assessments of legislation and policies;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with appreciation the Commission’s effortsstated intention to make multiple information and assistance outlets about the EU and Citizenship rights, such as the Europe Direct network, the Your Europe portal and the e-justice portal, available and more accessible; urges the Commission to systematise the information and possibly plan for a single, EU-wide information window; at the same time, invites the Member States to promote the SOLVIT network and its services among EU citizens, as well as other redress mechanisms, both at EU level, such as the Committee on Petitions and the European Ombudsman and at national level, such as the local ombudsman;
Amendment 137 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to constantly promote women’s representation in leadership positions, particularly in political decision-making and at business board level, and to facilitate women’s entry into leadership by eliminating gender stereotypes and encouraging women’s participation in on-the-job training, together with other policy tools such as work-life balance, to enable them to fully exercise their rights of EU citizenship;
Amendment 140 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Emphasises that quality citizenship education for all ages, be it formal, informal or non-formal, is crucial for the confident exercise of democratic citizens’ rights and the functioning of a democratic society, and in order to overcome discrimination and prejudice, as well as gender inequality; reiterates the need for investment in citizenship and civic education and education for gender equality across Europe;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 g (new)
Paragraph 9 g (new)
9g. Highlights the importance of the political participation of children and young people, particularly of women and girls; calls for more action on the part of the Commission and the Member States in guaranteeing children’s rights and stimulating their participation;
Amendment 149 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote further measures to ensure women’s fair and equal access to all political, cultural and social spheres as a necessary condition for the effective exercise of citizenship rights in the EU;
Amendment 158 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the reform of the Electoral Act on the basis of Parliament’s legislative initiative is an unmissable opportunity for the Union to become more democratic; highlights the fact that thousands of Europeans share this view, as evidenced by the ‘Let me Vote’ European Citizens’ Initiative, which aims to allow citizens to vote in their place of residence; commends the Commission for exploring the possibilities for non-national EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement to vote in national elections in the country in which they reside; calls on the Council to include gender- balanced lists that alternate female and male candidates in the next revision of the European Electoral Law; urges the Commission to devise a concrete action plan for the introduction of electronic voting with a view to the 2019 European Parliament elections;
Amendment 166 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 172 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Expresses its conviction that free media and access to a plurality of voices in society and in the media are an indispensable part of a healthy democracy and that media literacy is crucial and should be developed at an early age; underlines the need for a defined EU policy to tackle anti-European propaganda and false information; proposes that EU institutions proceed with the creation of a European television channel broadcasting in all Member States;
Amendment 174 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote measures to combat discriminatory statements against women as well as gender stereotypes;
Amendment 181 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Maintains that transparency is a key tool for bringing citizens closer to the EU and involving them in its activities; recommends the promotion of the right to access documents and the translation of as many documents as possible into all EUthe languages of the EU and its Member States; supports the intensification of dialogue with citizens and the encouragement of public debates in order to improve EU citizens’ understanding of the impact of the EU on their daily lives and to allow them to take part in an exchange of views, through slots in television programmes for targeted audiences;
Amendment 195 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop proper gender mainstreaming tools, to closely cooperate with local authorities and communities to prevent and investigate violations and to provide the necessary care and assistance to women who have been sexually exploited, discriminated again stand marginalised in the labour market;
Amendment 198 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Calls for reinforced cooperation between the Member States in order to ensure the protection of victims of gender- based violence and that the best interests of the child are taken into account in cases of cross-border family disputes;
Amendment 202 #
2017/2069(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 i (new)
Paragraph 15 i (new)
15i. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt effective measures to increase the opportunities for women and girls to participate in EU programmes involving cross-border mobility as students, teachers and researchers;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the reality of climate change is already being felt in the EU in the form of extreme weather phenomena and gradual long-term effects: desertification, heatwaves, floods and, water shortages;, forest fires, coastal erosion, spread of tropical diseases, etc.
Amendment 38 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Invites the Commission and Member States to implement ambitious targets for mitigation and adaptation in their legislation, that should be mandatory for the Member States and regional and local authorities, in line with the request made by the Committee of the Regions in its opinion of 9 February 2017;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2006(INI)
5. Deplores the grave irresponsibility of some sections of industry, the media and politics that continue to deny the evidence of climate change, thereby contributing to a slowdown in measures that are vital to reversing a trend that threatens life on the planet;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 46 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Welcomes especially the proposals made at the COP 23 Conference by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CCRE/CEMR) and the Climate Summit of Local and Regional Leaders, regarding the involvement of local and regional bodies in combating climate change and the call for appropriate political and financial frameworks for this purpose;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores the US’s stated intention to withdrawal from the Paris Agreements;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises that mitigation is aand adaptation are long-term processes that transcends election cycles and decisions taken at local level, and calls for mitigation and adaptation to be seen as a source of opportunities in the face of other challenges such as employment and action to improve health, quality of life and public services;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes the view that the future multiannual financial framework (MFF) should specifically and measurably increase its contribution to climate goals, in regard to mitigation and adaptation, and that it should also increase the proportion of spending earmarked for this purpose;
Amendment 85 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that cohesion policy should encompass the mitigation and adaptation approaches, differentiating between them but bearing in mind that they need to be coordinated, and setting clear and measurable targets in each area; takes the view that these targets should be reached through investment plans with the participation of cities and regions (both authorities and civil society), and that this participation should also cover the implementation and evaluation stages;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Emphasises that there shall be a close relationship between investment under cohesion policy and Member States’ general plans for adaptation to climate change. The EU’s climate goals will have to be taken into account, therefore, in assessing the Association Agreements, while operational programmes will have to maintain a close link to each Member State’s adaptation strategies and plans, particularly in cases where EU funds account for a high percentage of the public spending available. Hence, the assessment of operational programmes will have to consider how effective they have been in contributing to cutting greenhouse gas emissions;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Emphasises that innovation policy and the urban dimension are a suitable field for synergies between climate goals and cohesion policy’s broader economic goals; calls for specific provisions to be developed therefore for sustainable urban development and urban innovation, so these fields enjoy noticeably better financial health in post-2020 cohesion policy;
Amendment 95 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Insists that grants to cities and regions continue to be the main form of EU funding under cohesion policy, and for climate actions in particular; considers, however, that the monitoring and tracking system for climate-related expenditure needs improvement in order to assess its effectiveness, looking at amounts spent and introducing valid new indicators for this purpose that are to be harmonised for all Member States, as only thus will it be possible to analyse the real contribution made by cohesion policies to the EU’s climate goals;
Amendment 97 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to provide increased support for cities and regions in the fields of: training and awareness- raising, financial guidance, know-how and communication, both for mitigation and adaptation;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the important role played by cross-border cooperation in the action carried out by regions and cities, and reiterates the need to strengthen this tool politically and financially, both for mitigation and adaptation;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Recommends that investment under cohesion policy should focus in particular on actions in the following fields: support for energy efficiency and promotion of renewables, helping small and medium-sized enterprises especially; own-energy generation; innovation and low-carbon based new technologies; development of new markets for low- carbon goods and services; mitigation in land use; sustainable transport; green economy and jobs, and the circular economy;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Council Conclusions of 26 May 2015 on gender and development and on A New Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015, and of 16 December 2014 on a transformative post-2015 agenda;
Amendment 5 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas women’s human rights and gender equality isare not only a fundamental human right, but a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas harassment and violence against women encompass a wide range of human rights violations such as: sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, prostitution, trafficking of women and girls, violation of women’s sexual and reproductive rights, violence against women at work, violence against women in conflict situations, violence against women in prison or care institutions, violence against lesbians, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, and various harmful traditional practices such as genital mutilation, crimes of honour and forced marriages; whereas any one of these abuses can leave deep psychological scars and involve physical or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts and coercion, damage the general health of women and girls, including their reproductive and sexual health, and in some instances result in death;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the fifth Sustainable Development Goal is to achieve gender equality and to empower all women and girls worldwide; whereas SDG5 is a stand- alone goal, meaning that it has to be mainstream into the whole 2030 Agenda and the realisation of all SDGs; whereas empowering women means enabling women to gain more power and control over their lives on an equal footing with men;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas women are important economic agents worldwide and women’s economic participation can grow economies, create jobs and build inclusive prosperity; whereas countries that value and empower women to participate fully in the labour market and decision-making are more stable, prosperous and secure; whereas gender budgeting is smart economics and ensures that public spending serves the advancement of equality between women and men;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU plays an important role in fostering the empowerment of women and girls, within the EU as well as worldwide, by political and financial means; whereas the EU must play a key role of guardian of UN and EU agreed language on women’s human rights;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas women continue to produce around 80% of food in the poorest countries and are currently the main guardians of biodiversity and crop seeds;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas neoliberal adjustment policies have deepened the conditions of oppression, discrimination and increased violence against women and girls in rural areas, insecurity and instability in the work of women, and the lack of social protection, allowing for further exploitation with increased working hours becoming common;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas the land is not only a means of production, but a space of culture and identity; whereas subsequently access to land is a fundamental component of life and an inalienable right for peasant and indigenous women;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (a)
Paragraph 1 (a)
1 (a). Confirm its commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action and to the range of actions for women’s human rights and gender equality outlined therein; Confirm its commitment to the twin-track approach to women’s human rights, through gender mainstreaming in all policy areas and the implementation of specific actions for women’s human rights and gender equality;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (c)
Paragraph 1 (c)
1 (c). Combat all forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres as a serious breach of their physical and psychological integrity preventing them from realising their full potential; advance towards the full ratification of the Istanbul Convention by all Member States;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (c a) (new)
Paragraph 1 (c a) (new)
1 (c a). Considers that the EU and its Member States, in order to become more efficient actors globally, must also step up their domestic efforts to eliminate violence against women and gender-based violence; therefore reiterates its call on the Commission to propose an EU strategy against violence against women, including a directive laying down minimum standards; in this context, also calls on both the EU and the individual Member States to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (e a) (new)
Paragraph 1 (e a) (new)
1 (e a). Eliminate the gender pay, life- long earnings and pension gaps; End all forms of discrimination against women in laws and policies at all levels; Combat all forms of gender stereotypes perpetuating inequality, violence and discrimination, in all spheres of society; Support women’s organisations at all levels in their work; involve them as partners in policy making and ensure adequate funding; Apply gender budgeting, as a tool of gender mainstreaming, to all public expenditure;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (g)
Paragraph 1 (g)
1 (g). Encourage all parties to enact policies and laws ensuring equal access to work, equal pay for equal work and work of equal value;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (h)
Paragraph 1 (h)
1 (h). Work towards policies supporting women’s enterprise development in the context of decent work and the removal of all barriers in their setting up of a business, including finance or access to public credit and markets in equal conditions;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (i)
Paragraph 1 (i)
1 (i). Promote new investment in social care infrastructure, education and health care and in public provision of accessible, affordablfree and quality child and dependent care;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (i)
Paragraph 1 (i)
1 (i). Promote new investment in social care infrastructure, education and health care and in public provision of accessible, affordable child and dependentand quality care services throughout the life-cycle including, child, dependent and elderly care;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (k a) (new)
Paragraph 1 (k a) (new)
1 (k a). Take effective measures in order to abolish child labour, since millions of female children are exploited; introduce new mechanisms in the current EU legislation to avoid trade importations whereby child labour is included;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (m)
Paragraph 1 (m)
1 (m). Ensure coherence between EU internal, external policies and the sustainable development goals;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (n)
Paragraph 1 (n)
1 (n). Protect civil and political rights and support ensuring gender balance in decision-making at all levels, including political decision-making, economic policy and programs, workplaces, business or academia;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (o)
Paragraph 1 (o)
1 (o). Involve social partners and women’s organisations in economic decision making;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (p)
Paragraph 1 (p)
1 (p). Strengthen women’s leadership and participation in decision making in conflict and post-conflict solutions and ensure for countries emerging out of conflicts, women’s access to jobs, public credit and markets, essential to stability;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (q)
Paragraph 1 (q)
1 (q). Facilitate land ownership and access to public credit for rural women, to enable them to become economically independent and to fully participate in and benefit from rural development; protect and promote short food supply chains, through active policies at both internal and external level in the EU;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (q a) (new)
Paragraph 1 (q a) (new)
1 (q a). Establish internal and international rules that guarantee limits to the massive land grabbing that goes against the interest of small owners, specially women;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (q b) (new)
Paragraph 1 (q b) (new)
1 (q b). Calls on all parties to guarantee access to land for peasant and indigenous women through comprehensive Agrarian Reforms to redistribute land with women full participation and integration throughout the process, with a just appreciation of women productive and reproductive work;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (q c) (new)
Paragraph 1 (q c) (new)
1 (q c). Calls on all parties to encourage and generate appropriate public policies and programs for our cultures and ways of life, with resources that make viable peasant production, ensuring food sovereignty and the rights of peasants women and men with social justice;
Amendment 68 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (s)
Paragraph 1 (s)
1 (s). Call on all countries for the ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including Article 6 thereof entitled ‘Women with disabilities’;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (u)
Paragraph 1 (u)
1 (u). Mobilise the resources required to realise women’s economic rights and reduce gender inequality, including through the use of the existing instruments at EU and Member State level; apply gender budgeting to all public expenditure to ensure equality between women and men;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (u)
Paragraph 1 (u)
1 (u). Mobilise the resources required to realise women’s economic rights and reduce gender inequality, including through the use of the existing instruments at EU and Member State level; establish gender budgeting in all Member States in order to remove all gender inequalities;
Amendment 83 #
2017/2001(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 (v a) (new)
Paragraph 1 (v a) (new)
1 (v a). Expresses its strong support for the work of UN WOMEN, which is a central actor in the UN system for eliminating violence against women and girls worldwide and bringing together all relevant stakeholders in order to generate policy change and coordinate actions; calls on all UN member states, as well as on the EU, to increase their funding for UN WOMEN;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas gender equality in all areas is a fundamental aspect of combating gender-based violence and whereas only the authorities are able to promote, achieve and guarantee this;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Istanbul Convention stipulates that all of its provisions, in particular measures to protect the rights of victims, shall be secured without discrimination on any ground; whereas the fact that some Member States have not yet ratified this Convention stands in the way of its full application throughout the whole of the EU;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas, in order to reduce the estimated number of unreported cases of violence, Member States must put in place and reinforce instruments of detection and protection for women to feel safe and to be able to report gender-based violence;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2329(INI)
1a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to mainstream gender in all policies, particularly those where there may be a link with raising awareness about and detecting violence against women, and protecting and safeguarding the integrity of victims;
Amendment 79 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls onDemands that the Member States to set up a National Registry System of EPOs with the aim of collecting data, as well as tond that they improve the exchange of information with the Commission and the Member States;
Amendment 84 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls onDemands that the Commission to set up a European Registry System to collect information on EPOs from all Member States;
Amendment 86 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to publish the full list of competent authorities responsible for issuing and recognising EPOs and of central authorities transmitting and receiving EPOs in the Member States, and to make the list easily accessible to enable protected persons and victim support organisations to request EPOs or to settle related issues; calls ondemands that the Member States to strengthen their national and local institutions and competent authorities to enhance the accessibility and applicability of the EPO in a manner conducive to EPOs being issued;
Amendment 96 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Deplores the lack of access to justice and legal aid for victims of all types of crime in some Member States which results in poor information provided to the victim of the possibility of requesting an EPO; reiterates that this affects rural areas especially, for which reason it asks Member States for more manpower to detect violence, particularly against women, and protection them in rural areas;
Amendment 109 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Deplores the shortage of special measures implemented by the Member States for victims in vulnerable situations or victims with specific needs; considers that cuts in public spending often adversely affect the resources available for these special measures; calls, therefore, on the Member States to adopt special guidelines and measures that will facilitate the EPO for victims in vulnerable situations or victims with specific needs;
Amendment 156 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission to set up campaigns to encourage women to report any forms of violence on the basis of gender, thereby improving the accuracy of data on gender-based violenceso they may be protected;
Amendment 171 #
2016/2329(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Calls on theall Member States to ratify and fully enforce the Istanbul Convention and to allocate adequate financial and human resources to preventing and combating violence against women and gender-based violence, including by empowering women and girls, protecting victims and enabling them to be awarded compensation;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas rural towns and villages, and especially mountainous areas, are hit particularly hard by population loss through demographic change linked to agricultural policies that are causing small and medium-sized farms to disappear;
Amendment 16 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas it is projected that 132 out of 273 NUTS level 2 regions will see a decrease in population between 2015 and 205019; whereas this decrease will affect Local Administrative Units in particular; _________________ 19 Eurostat, ‘Eurostat Regional Yearbook’, 2016 edition.
Amendment 21 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas demographic change does not affect all regions in a uniform manner, with the majority of urban areas experiencing a population gain and most rural and remote areas experiencing a decline, with a resultant serious lack of public services and especially hospital and welfare services; whereas such imbalances represent major challenges both for regions suffering from depopulation and for those experiencing a population influx;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas demographic change is exacerbating the process of societal fragmentation and the polarisation of our societies, with growing disparities in terms of economic capacity and, service accessibility, gender and access to land and whereas there is a correlation between sparsely populated areas and less developed areas;
Amendment 36 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the already scarce provision of services in sparsely populated areas has been considerably worsened by the economic crisis and austerity measures;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Is strongly of the opinion that strong, good quality public services are the only way of achieving the aim of maintaining population levels and curbing population loss in rural areas;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that demographic change should be tackled in a coordinated manner through the action of all European, national, regional and local authorities; considers that they ought to take steps to provide sparsely populated regions with economic support, accepting that living conditions in these regions are different from those in urban areas and that, therefore, they have to ensure provision of public services and infrastructure;
Amendment 66 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that demographic change, while creating new challenges, also brdecline has not been curbed by basings development opportunities at a local level through the potential of sectors such as ecotourism, e-commerce and the silver economy; underlines in this respect the relevance of smart specialisation strategies to help regions identify high value-added activities and build attractive ecosystemsat local level on new sectors; stresses the need for wholehearted economic support for existing traditional activities; is most definitely committed to maintenance of farming as the fundamental economic pillar for development of rural and mountain areas and will promote diversification through opportunities other sectors may generate;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the main problems relating to the demographic change currently experienced by many EU regions are decreasing population densities, an ageing population due to structural changes in the age period, falling birth rates and gradual depopulation, and which are causing demographic decline, are the current agricultural policy, lack of employment, young people moving away on account of lack of job opportunities, population ageing and a higher risk of poverty;
Amendment 85 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the main problems relating to the demographic change currently experienced by many EU regions are decreasing population densities, an ageing population due to structural changes in the age period, falling birth rates and gradual depopulation caused by the lack of job opportunities in rural areas;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a greater coordination of EU instruments in the different policy areas, such as the Common Agricultural Policy, European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds, European Territorial Cooperation, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the Connecting Europe Facility, so as to ensure a more comprehensive approach to demographic change; reiterates its call for the Commission to adopt a European strategy on demographic change that will deliver synergies and maximise the positive impact on European citizens; considers that as the mechanisms employed so far have not succeeded in holding back the advance of demographic imbalances, an in-depth review of current policies and the functioning of all the aforesaid mechanisms is required;
Amendment 154 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that there is a need to increase the overall budget and enhance the effectiveness and complementarity of ESI Funds in tackling demographic challenges; considers that a greater focus on the topic as a priority area is necessary, together with guidelines to support Member States and regions in addressing demographic challenges in devising and implementing partnership agreements and operational programmes;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 222 #
2016/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to include a new flagship initiative on demographic change in the Europe 2020 strategy, which should be designed as a cross-cutting instrument and linked to smart, sustainable and inclusive growthdevelopment, including rural agro-ecological farming, and which could be financially supported by existing European instruments such as ESI Funds;
Amendment 2 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that farmers’ livelihoods depend on getting produce to the market and that loss of produce at farm level equates to loss of investment and incomthe current agricultural policy and food and food marketing policy are responsible for the high level of food wastage;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 41 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Takes the view that regulation of agricultural production needs to be established as an instrument for matching supply and demand, and at the same time measures need to be introduced that will guarantee decent prices for producers and avoid the need constantly to increase the level of production in order to maintain a minimum level of income;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 53 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights the importance of redirecting aid towards production models based on agro-ecology, linking production to the land, and eliminating imports of animal feed that lead to the production of surpluses which flood the markets and destroy small farms in the European Union and in third countries;
Amendment 55 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the benefits of access to data and forecasts and developing advance production programmes for farmers, enabling them to better match supply to demandprioritising and promoting local and community- based markets and raising awareness of their advantages in terms of quality, job creation and minimiseing food wastage;
Amendment 72 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that increased research and information is needed on enabling access to secondary market opportunities and alternative uses for products which would otherwise buse-by dates, geared to each product, along with action to promote and boost consumption of fresh and loose produce, and to reduce ploughed back into the soil or wastedng-term packaging and storage;
Amendment 101 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers it essential to work towards preventing food from becoming a by-product;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that farmer-led initiatives can offer viable economic solutions and provide value for products which might otherwise go to waste, and highlights the potential of farmer-led social innovation projects such as gleaning and donation of excess foodstuffs to food banksproposals based on food sovereignty represent viable and sustainable solutions in order to guarantee populations' access to food and the right of small farmers to produce basic foodstuffs for their communities and make a living from their work;
Amendment 129 #
2016/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that some wastage at farm level is also due to the role played by retailers in relation to retailer standards regarding product specifications, cancelled orders owing to changes in consumer demanddemand imposed by distribution, and over- production as a result of requirements to meet seasonal demands.
Amendment 39 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the economic crisis has affected the entire European Union, but it has had a particularly severe impact on rural areas, which are experiencing devastating levels of unemployment, poverty and depopulation, affecting women in particular, and the feminisation of poverty can also be seen in rural areas;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the European agri- industrial production model entails the use of large quantities of chemical products such as pesticides and fertilisers which, in addition to having extremely negative effects on our environment and consumer health, also has negative effects on the health of farmers, and these effects are more intense and prolonged in the case of women;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas in 2014 women were responsible for about 35 % of total working time in agriculture, carrying out 53.8 % of part-time work and 30.8 % of full-time work, thereby making a significant contribution to agricultural production; whereas work carried out by spouses and other female family members onwomen on family farms may constitutes ‘invisible work’;
Amendment 86 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas not being the owner of the farm means not having rights of any kind (rights to single payments, suckler cow premiums, vine planting rights, income, etc.), and this places women farmers in a highly vulnerable situation, where in some cases they are even excluded from aid for female workers within the framework of positive action schemes, and this situation occurs regardless of whether or not the women concerned are registered with the social security system;
Amendment 92 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L b (new)
Recital L b (new)
Lb. whereas in 2007 only 29% of farm owners in the EU were women, which means that the majority of CAP aid goes to men, and furthermore women own the smallest farms which are often excluded from the CAP;
Amendment 106 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
Na. whereas the European survey on violence against women produced by the FRA in 2014, based on interviews with 42 000 women in the EU-28, calculated that one in three women had experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas women in rural areas also suffer from gender pay and pension gaps, and whereas more specifically the gender pay gap in rural areas is 10 % wider than in other areas, which means that more attention needs to be paid to establishing up-to-date statistics on female land ownership, and on their working conditions in rural areas;
Amendment 121 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
Pa. whereas many women working on family farms are not registered with the social security services (usually because revenue from the farm is insufficient to cover social security contributions for both husband and wife); whereas this results in loss of entitlements such as sick leave and maternity leave, exclusion from voting in professional elections to agricultural representation bodies, and a significant shortfall in pension entitlements;
Amendment 131 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises women’s contribution to the economy in rural areas as entrepreneurs, heads of the family business and promoters of sustainable development and their importance as stakeholders in the entire economic and social development of these areas; stresses, in particular, women’s fundamental role as members of family farms, which constitute the main socioeconomic cell of rural areas that cares for food production, preservation of traditional knowledge and skills, cultural identity and protection of the environment;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Encourages the Member States to monitor the situation of women in rural areas and to make use of existing measures and specific instruments under the CAP in order to increase the participation of women as beneficiaries; recommends that the Commission keep the provision on thematic sub-programmes on ‘Women in rural areas’ when reforming the CAP in the future, as these sub-programmes can play a role in creating job opportunities for women in rural areas; considers also that a gender should be a consideration regarding not only the CAP but also rural cohesion policies;
Amendment 161 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Objects to the CAP market orientation favouring inadmissible practices by large distributors that are causing job losses in rural areas; expresses concern at the impact on European agriculture of agreements that are currently being negotiated or ratified, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada or the EU- MERCOSUR free-trade agreement;
Amendment 188 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the Member States to encourage the participation of female spouses or other family members in the joint management of family farms;
Amendment 191 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the European institutions, through the CAP, to recognize and promote joint ownership of family farms, so that both women and men working on them have the same rights and the same obligations, thus ensuring that any entitlements are shared equally by each of the couple, regardless of the nature of their relationship;
Amendment 199 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Member States to ensure that income generated by family farms is legally allocated equally to family members working on it;
Amendment 200 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the European Institutions to facilitate CAP provisions for a balanced distribution of aid, ensuring support for small farms;
Amendment 201 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to promote a system of social security contributions aligned with real farm revenue while providing a uniform level of cover;
Amendment 212 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the Member States to strengthen the role of the social partners and social welfare organisations, working alongside the authorities, in monitoring compliance with employment legislation, measures to prevent undeclared work and adherence to welfare and safety standards, thereby facilitating the social and economic integration of female workers as a whole, including migrant, seasonal and refugee workers;
Amendment 278 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States and regional and local governments to provide good quality facilities and public services for everyday life in rural areas, including aid to victims of domestic violenceviolence against women and prevention measures tailored to the conditions existing in rural areas, as well as transport and broadband infrastructure;
Amendment 289 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to implement policies to prevent and combat gender-based violence, including in rural areas;
Amendment 304 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises that rural areas within the Member States have a crucial economic and security role to play in our modern society, in which more than 12 million farmers provide a sufficient amount of food - which must be healthy and safe food- for half a billion consumers throughout the European Union; stresses that keeping these areas vibrant is of the utmost importance;
Amendment 308 #
2016/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the European institutions and the Member States to advocate for a production model based on agro-ecology, which produces high-quality, healthy food for both the producer and consumer, contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change and creates more jobs;
Amendment 169 #
2016/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that the organisation of public hearings is an important way of examining problems raised by petitioners; draws attention to the public hearings organised on 26 February 2015 with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in response to thConstitutional Affairs on the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), on ‘Water is a Human Right’, and with the Committee on Legal Affairs for the ECI entitled ‘One of Us’23 June 2015 on the Right to Petition and on 15 October 2015 on the Protection of the rights of people with disabilities from the perspective of petitions received;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas as early asin 20103, in the 27- member EU, only 2.73.1% of farms controlled 50.62.2% of farmland in Europe, and whereas by contrast, in 20123, 8076.2% of farms had the use of only 11.2% of the agricultural land;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas land, as an increasingly scarce and non-renewable asset, should not be treated as an ordinary item of merchandise, and is furthermore doubly threatened both by the loss of agricultural land through soil sealing, urban development and infrastructure projects, changes of use and afforestation, and by the concentration of land in the hands of large-scale agricultural undertakings and investors from outside the farming sector;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Member States, for their political decisions on land market policy, need comprehensive, up-to-date, transparent and high-quality data on price and volume movements on the land markets, as regards both ownership and renting, along with relevant social and environmental indicators concerning land administration;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a broad distribution of assetfarms in agricultural land isand employment in agriculture are an essential founding principle of the social market economy and an important precondition for the social cohesion of a country’s economy;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas farmland areas used for smallholding farming in line with agro- ecological practices are particularly important for water and carbon management and the climate, as well as for biodiversity, the production of nutritious food and soil fertility, and are already suffering as a result of climate change and soil erosion;
Amendment 59 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas land ownership issecure, equitable and inclusive land tenure rights, including access to common goods, are the best way of ensuring a responsible relationship with the land and sustainable land management, and also fosters identification and a sense of belonging, encouraging people to remain and work in rural areas; whereas this has an impact on the socio-economic infrastructurewell- being of rural areas, and whereas the separation of ownership and possessionunequal distribution and control of land and natural resources increases the risk of a division within society, a loss in quality of work and life, and impoverishment;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the aims of Europe’s agricultural policy ishould be: a multi- functional agriculture characterised by capital- owning family and cooperative farms, a broad distribution of assets and a diverse,a majority of small and medium-sized smallholdings and cooperative farms; guaranteed access to land for those farms; ecologically sustainable production methods; decent work and residence-based agricultural structure with traditions, legal certainty and responsibility;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 107 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas farmland prices and rents and afforestation have risen in many regions to a level which makes it economically impossible for many farms to hold on to rented land or acquire the additional land needed to keep farms viable, as there is hardly any land on the market;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas EU policies and subsidies encourage concentration phenomena, speculation and land grabbing; whereas direct area payments disproportionately benefit large farms, and the use of these funds leads to a rise in land prices, which tends to exclude small and medium-sized undertakings and young farmers from the land market and prevent new people from taking up farming;
Amendment 127 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas, particularly since the 2007 financial and economic crisis, purchases of farmland have been regarded as a safe investment and farmland has been bought up by non-agricultural investors and financial speculators, and whereas land ownership will remain a safe investment even in the event of future inflation;
Amendment 150 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for the creation of a central land observatory tasked with recording and providing information on the level of farmland concentration in the EU, changes in land use and the market behaviour of owners and tenants, and with issuing regular reports;
Amendment 165 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to create a legal basis in order to ensure the regular collection of data of comparable quality on rent levels and land prices, large-scale acquisitions of land, infringement of land tenure rights and price speculation in connection with all sales of farmland and farm shares by agricultural undertakings in all Member States;
Amendment 194 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that land consolidation, with differing types of procedure in the framework ofe need for land use planning and an integrated land management system, is ans indispensable instruments for improving agricultural structure and settling land use disputesguaranteeing that priority is given to using land for food production;
Amendment 208 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that land policy must help to ensure a socially desirable broadbroad and fair distribution of land ownership, as it has direct implications for everyone’s living and working conditions and quality of life, and notes the important social function of land ownership givenand the fact that a loss of farms and jobs will lead to the collapse of European smallholder agriculture in Europe and the demise and desertification of rural areas, and thus to structural changes that are undesirable for society as a whole;
Amendment 223 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recommends that the Member States give farmers priority, in the purchase of farmlandaccess to land and forests, to small local food producers, to young people and people wishing to take up a related activity and to women, particularly at a time when non-farmers are increasingly interested in purchasing agricultural plots;
Amendment 238 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that land market policy should help make it easier for young people to enter agriculture, over and above the encouragement for young farmersregardless of whether or not they take part in the programmes designed to help young farmers enter the sector enshrined in the common agricultural policy; calls, therefore, for a comprehensive approach that helps enable qualified young farmers and new entrepreneurs, women and people wishing to take up farming to take over or start farms;
Amendment 254 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to shape their land market regulation policyies in such a way as to curb the rise in farmland prices and rents; further calls for these prices to be subject to an authorisation procedure which would also apply to mergers, splits and the establishment of foundations; takes the view that there should be stricter checks on lease contracts, a requirement to report irregularities, and the possibility of penalties, since renting is often the first step to purchasing;
Amendment 270 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the implementation by the EU and the Member States, in the interest of developing a clear EU guiding principle for the structure of farming, of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, which has been ratified by all Member States;
Amendment 289 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Proposes a mandatory cap on the part of direct payments exceeding the upper limit of EUR 150 000, as set out in Article 11 of Regulation No 1307/2013 (the Direct Payments Regulation), as well as the compulsory reduction by at least 5% of the part of the basic payment due to the farmer which exceeds EUR 150 000per farm which takes account of the people working on the farm concerned;
Amendment 308 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes the viewRecommends that 30% of direct payments should be payable on the first hectare, provided that the requirements of Articles 41 and 42 of the Direct Payments Regulation are complied with;
Amendment 311 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recommends that the EU adopt a system of direct payments linked to agricultural work units rather than hectares;
Amendment 319 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recommends to that end the adoption of a uniform definition throughout the EU of ‘active farmer’ which is clearly linked to the notion of work on a farm for the production of food;
Amendment 326 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to monitor all policy areas to see whether they promote or counteract the concentration of agricultural land in the EU, and to establish a participatory and inclusive process, also including farming organisations, to assess the current land governance situation in the European Union based on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests adopted by the Committee on World Food Security;
Amendment 339 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Endorses the Commission’s finding that land is a finite resource which is already under much pressure as a result of climate change, soil erosion and over- exploitation, and calls for farmland to be given special protection with a view to compliance with the four fundamental European freedoms, so that the Member States can regulate the structure of property and the sale and lettasing of agricultural land in the light of social and environmental criteria;
Amendment 355 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to adopt clear and binding policy guidance on land in the European Union so as to ensure that the utilised agricultural area is maintained, that priority is given to the use of land for food production, that farmland is protected, and that small and medium-sized farms have access to that farmland;
Amendment 360 #
2016/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission to raise the awareness of the Member States about, and support them in combating, corruption in connection with land saletransactions;
Amendment 1173 #
2016/2114(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 216 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Rule 216 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The committee may, with regard to an admissible petition, decide to draw up an own-initiative report in accordance with Rule 52(1) or to submit a short motion for a resolution to Parliament, provided that there is no objection by the Conference of Presidents. Such motions for resolutions shall be placed on the draft agenda for the part-session held no later than eight weeks after their adoption in committee. They shall be put to a single vote and shall also be without debateRule 151 shall apply unless the Conference of Presidents exceptionally decides to apply Rule 151decides otherwise.
Amendment 1175 #
2016/2114(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 216 a (new)
Rule 216 a (new)
Amendment 3 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 14 September 2016 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing the Agreement concluded between the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (COGECA), the European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and the Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises (EUROPÊCHE) of 21 May 2012 as amended on 8 May 2013 concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, of the International Labour Organisation (2016/2794(RSP))
Amendment 19 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas there are a large number of coastal communities in the EU largely dependent on traditional, artisanal and small-scale fisheries activities in the basin of the Mediterranean Sea.
Amendment 27 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it urgent to provide a response that is collective, based on multi- tier cooperation – international, European, national and regional; considers that all stakeholders, including fishermen, scientists and NGOs, should be involved in an inclusive, bottom-up process; takes the view that the non-industrial fishing sector should have a voice in all the decision- making bodies that affect it;
Amendment 34 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it urgent to provide a response that is collective, based on multi- tier cooperation – international, European, national and regional; considers that all stakeholders, including fishermen, scientists, trade-unions and NGOs, should be involved in an inclusive, bottom-up process;
Amendment 42 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the CFP recognises that access to fishing opportunities should be distributed primarily among small-scale non-industrial fishermen, or those in small coastal areas, and should include incentives (Article 7(1)(d) of the CFP regulation) in order to promote more selective fishing techniques which have a lower impact on the marine ecosystem and fishery resources; notes that, for this reason, efforts should be made in this direction, to ensure that incentives and preferential access to coastal fishing areas are given to the small-scale (raditional and artisanal) fleets as opposed to those fisheries segments that are not selective and have a greater impact;
Amendment 75 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers it necessary to avoid a situation where, as a result of the phasing-in of the landing obligation, fishers become suppliers of fish as a by- product in favour of fish-oil and fish-meal lobbies;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Stresses that fishers should on no account be left to shoulder the responsibilities deriving from the landing obligation laid down in the reformed CFP;
Amendment 77 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Calls for a study to be made of the consequences that the end of fishery discards will have in terms of depriving marine organisms and other species such as gulls of nutrients;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Fishermen must be guaranteed a decent income during biological rest periods;
Amendment 106 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to assist non-EU Mediterranean countries in developing small-scale and coastal fisheries, modernising their fisheries sectors and to achieveing sustainable fisheries, also through a policy of fisheries agreements that are more balanced, fair and sustainable;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to take account of the European Parliament resolution of 15 December 2015 'A new CFP: structure for technical measures and multiannual plans' (2015/2092(INI)), which stated in paragraph 25 that incidental artisanal fishing in the inland waters of the Member States and regions should remain outside the TACs, and stresses the great importance of such a measure in preserving the economic viability of small vessels engaging in traditional non-industrial fishing that supply daily markets with fresh fish.
Amendment 156 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls on Member States to ratify and fully implement of all relevant ILO conventions for workers in the fisheries' sectors, in order to ensure good working conditions, strengthening also collective bargaining institutions in order for maritime workers, including the self- employed, to benefit from their labour rights ;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers it important also to raise awareness among consumers, who must be educated to consume fish responsibly, prioritising local species fished by sustainable methods, possibly coming from stocks which are not overexploited; considers it necessary, to this end, to establish aan effective traceability system, but also and above all toand labelling system, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders, that informs consumers completely and reliably;
Amendment 162 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers it important also to raise awareness among consumers, who must be educated to consume fish responsibly, prioritiby choosing local species fished by sustainable methods, possibly coming from stocks which are not overexploited; considers it necessary, to this end, to establish a traceability system, but also and above all to inform consumers completely and reliably;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls for a ban on imports of fish that endanger the food supply of populations in the exporting countries and of farmed fish, such as panga fish;
Amendment 165 #
2016/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Takes the view that schools, hospitals, and other public facilities should be supplied with fish from local fisheries;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the aim of pension policies is to make sure that pensionublic social security systems give all EU citizens a decent income that safeguards them against the risk of social exclusion;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the pension gap tends to leave women more at risk of economic vulnerability and, economic dependence and poverty than men;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 34 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, owing to their longer life expectancy, women are likely, on average, to require more pension capital than men to cover their retirement the increase in average life expectancy, particularly among women, is not matched by the sustainability of social security systems, which have been weakened by specific measures and policies aimed at privatising these systems;
Amendment 44 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas that gap, which is the product of a range ofdifference involves several factors, is a reflection of the gender imbalance that exists in relation to careers and family life, as well as to the ability to make pension contributions, to position within the family group and to the way in which income is calculated for pension purposencluding the real situation of working women in the various sectors of activity, the viability of the public social security system and contribution periods;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 50 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the pension gap differs from one woman pensioner to another according to social, marital and/or family status; whereas, in view of this, a one-size- fits-all approach will not necessarily produce the best results;
Amendment 56 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas there appears tomay be a positive correlation between the pension gap and the number of children brought up; whereas, in view of this, the inequalities suffered by single mothers are likely to be exacerbated when they retire;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
Amendment 68 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas, despite the efforts made to improve the situation in this area, the employment rate among women still falls short of the Europe 2020 strategy targets, which are in any case not very ambitious, and is still lower than that among men;
Amendment 81 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas the number of years worked has a direct impact onand the value of that work has a direct impact on the difference in the value of pension income; whereas women’s careers are on average more than 10 years shorter than men’s, and whereas the pension gap is twice as large for women who have worked for less than 14 years (at 64%) than for those who have worked for a longer period (32%); whereas this situation is the result of political and class options that foster discrimination between men and women, precarious employment and low wages that particularly affect women, labour deregulation and the attack on collective bargaining;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas there continues to be a gender pay gap in the European Union; whereas that gap, which stood at 16.3% in 2014, is caused in particular by discrimination and segregation resulting in the over-representation of women in sectors where pay is lower than in sectors dominated mainly by men; whereas this gap is part of the widening social, economic and gender inequalities in the European Union, a situation that is undeniably linked to the neoliberal and austerity policies imposed by the Commission and the EU, which are responsible for rising poverty (the EU-28 now has 124 million people at risk of poverty and social exclusion), rising unemployment (more than 20 million unemployed people in the EU-28) and greater inequalities in the distribution of wealth;
Amendment 101 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas Member States have sole responsibility for the organisation of public social security systems and pension systems; whereas, nonetheless, the European Union has a supporting competence in this area;
Amendment 103 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U a (new)
Recital U a (new)
Ua. whereas elderly people have a right to economic security through decent retirement, and to enjoy family and community life in conditions which respect their individual autonomy and which prevent and overcome social isolation or marginalisation; whereas they must have the right to access a quality public network of facilities providing support for the elderly, accessible to all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status, particularly day centres, residential homes and home help; whereas they have a right to quality public health services allowing universal access to a healthy ageing process;
Amendment 104 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U b (new)
Recital U b (new)
Ub. whereas public social security systems provide the only guarantee of the right to a decent pension;
Amendment 105 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U c (new)
Recital U c (new)
Uc. whereas the increase in average life expectancy, particularly among women, cannot under any circumstances be used as an argument to justify raising the retirement age, since the sustainability of social security systems is not linked to this development;
Amendment 110 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to take measures to eliminate the pay differential between women and men and put an end to all forms of precarious employment, investing in the creation of permanent jobs and lifelong learning and professional training;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that the sustainability and improvement of pension systems are obviously conditioned by the first pillar, as the financial crisis has shown; urges that pension systems need to be reformed, upholding universal and supportive public social security systems able to guarantee decent retirement conditions for all, reflecting true inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 112 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that this strategy should seek tohelp address not only, at Member State level, the impact of the pension gap, in particular on the most vulnerable groups, but alsoas well as its underlying causes;
Amendment 125 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Takes the view that public social security systems will be sustainable only if new forms and sources of financing statutory pension schemes are adopted, making social security contributions payable on all financial income, and applying fiscal reforms under which people who have higher incomes and profits will be required to make a more decisive contribution to public social security systems;
Amendment 141 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Member States to promote action to close the gap through their social policies, to raise awareness among decision-makers in this area and to develop programmes that will provide women with more information on the gap’s implications for them, as well as with the tools they require in order to devise sustainable pension funding strategies that are tailored to, through their policies, to promote the fight against unemployment and wage discrimination and to promote higher wages, as irreplaceable tools in the fight against low pensions for women, and to raise awareness among decision-makers in this area and to develop programmes that will provide women with more information on the need for an increase in their specific neednsions;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that EU legislation against gender discrimination is properly implemented, with a view to making sure that men and women have an equal ability to make pension contributions, which entails raising wages, safeguarding collective bargaining, combating all forms of precarious employment, including part-time work, most of which is done by women and which leads to only partial pension entitlements, creating permanent jobs and promoting lifelong learning and professional training;
Amendment 158 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Condemns unequivocally gender pay disparities resulting from discrimination and reiterates its call for Directive 2006/54/EC to be revised in order to ensure morewith a view to equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and pay and the application of the equal pay for equal work principle;
Amendment 170 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points to the importance, in a context in which the burden of responsibility for pensions is shifting from state pension systems to self-funded schemes, of ensuring that access to the financial services covered by Directive 2004/113/EC is non-discriminatory; takes the view that transferring responsibility from public social security systems to personal finance schemes implies a downgrading of those systems and their underlying principle of inter-generational solidarity, whilst at the same time promoting the lucrative business of insurance companies and ending the universal nature of the public social security systems that guarantee access to ageing with dignity for all;
Amendment 190 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 202 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 211 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that a proper work-life balance cannot be achieved unless decent childcare facilities are available for children - crèches, kindergartens and after-school services - and the elderly - homes, day centres and long-term care facilities; calls on Member States to meet the Barcelona targets at the earliest opportunity, and no later than by 2020;
Amendment 230 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to introduce, in particular for the benefit of the most vulnerable groups, measures to address inequalities that are experienced throughout people’s working lives and could result in pension disparities; takes the view, in this connection, that account should be taken of the appropriate annual updating of pensions;
Amendment 234 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Urges Member States to comply with and enforce legislation on maternity rights so that women do not suffer disadvantages in terms of pensions because they have been mothers during their working lives;
Amendment 236 #
2016/2061(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 1 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the opinions of European citizens voiced by petitioning the European Parliament are fundamentally important in signalling to the European legislator issues that citizens feel concerned about, particularly the lack of access to, high prices of and inadequate distribution of medicines, the impact of the economic crisisneoliberal policies and of cuts to public investment in health which have increased significantly since the economic crisis, the latter’s impact on medical and pharmaceutical care, and issues regarding marketing procedures and patents for medicinal products;
Amendment 12 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for universal access to good quality, free public health services to be ensured in the Member States as the sole way of ensuring a high level of human health protection to be ensuredfor the whole population in the definition and implementation of all the Union’s policies and activities, as required by Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reiterates that the right to health is a human right recognised both in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and that this right concerns all Member States given that they have ratified international human rights treaties that recognise the right to health; points out that for this right to be guaranteed, access to medicine, among other factors, has to be ensured;
Amendment 25 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Deplores the fact that there are 18 million people without access to health care or medicines, whose human rights are being violated on a daily basis; finds it alarming that there are 25 000 annual deaths in the EU due to lack of effective antibiotics and that many people die because they do not have access to or cannot pay the high cost of treatments such as the HIV/AIDS antiretroviral drugs or drugs to treat hepatitis C;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 63 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Demands the urgent adoption of new formulas for public patents that would avoid the disproportionate profits made currently by the pharmaceutical industry, such as an EU and worldwide renegotiation of access to medicines, which would include the possibility of mandatory licences;
Amendment 65 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls for an investigation to be opened into whether the high prices for new hepatitis C drugs are in breach of EU procurement law;
Amendment 66 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Demands greater transparency in regard to public procurement prices for medicines and proposes that a central purchasing body be established at EU level;
Amendment 90 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to establish a pooled public platform for R&D financed by all states via a minimum contribution of 0.01 % of their GDP.
Amendment 95 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for an emergency health recovery fund to be set up at EU level for people in the EU Member States who are suffering from pathologies such as hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS;
Amendment 96 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Urges the establishment of a plan to study and collect data on the prevalence of hepatitis C in the EU, and to promote action in research, funding and recommendations that will enable an early diagnosis thereof at EU level; calls for action in research, funding and recommendations that will ensure early diagnosis, as well as for standards to be adopted and good practices exchanged in the Member States;
Amendment 97 #
2016/2057(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Proposes that a parliamentary working party be set up to examine the research and development costs of medicines, and their sale price;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the UN report, through the UNISRD (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) as part of the 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action to manage the risk of disasters,
Amendment 5 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
- having regard to the studies produced by the World Bank and its International Development Association (IDA) on the situation for women in disasters,
Amendment 19 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the instrument was comprehensively overhauled in 2014 with a view to ensuring as rapid a response as possible and thus improving the effectiveness of relief funding, even though it has proved insufficient and there is still a significant delay in paying out aid, which means that the effectiveness offered by early assistance is lost;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas women are among the groups that suffer the consequences of natural disasters most acutely, as reflected in many reports by international organisations researching and working in this field; these include the UN report, through the UNISRD (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) as part of the 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action to manage the risk of disasters, which states that the gender perspective should be ‘integrated into all disaster risk management policies, plans and decision-making processes, including those related to risk assessment, early warning, information management and education and training’; the World Bank makes the same point, in the studies drawn up by its International Development Association (IDA), which states that ‘women are much more likely than men to be killed in natural disasters’ and that ‘including gender in disaster planning can help avoid costly mistakes and save lives’;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that, since it was established in 2002, the EUSF has been a significant source of funding in the context of natural disasters occurring across Europe, from floods to earthquakes and forest fires, and a means of demonstrating European solidarity with affected regions; takes the view that the goals of the Solidarity Fund should be widened to include humanitarian disasters, such as the current refugee crisis, and not only natural disasters; takes the view, likewise, that other man-made crises should also be included, such as industrial accidents or public health crises, while upholding the principle that those causing the damage should pay for it;
Amendment 35 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that, since the Fund was established natural disasters in the Union have increased significantly in number, severity and intensity as a consequence of climate change; stresses, therefore the added value of a sound and flexible instrument as a means of showing solidarity and providing proper, rapid assistance for people affected by major natural disasters; points out that the amount allocated to the fund, EUR 500 million a year, will be insufficient owing to the consequences of climate change, which are being reflected in a steady increase in natural disasters and forecasts of a further increase in the coming years; suggests, therefore, that the budget allocated to the Solidarity Fund should be increased accordingly;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that, just as consideration should be given to widening the goals of the Fund to include humanitarian and other disasters, such as industrial accidents and public health crises, the amount of money allocated to the Fund should also be increased to cover these new goals;
Amendment 41 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the EUSF is financed outside the European Union budget, with a maximum allocation of EUR 500 million (at 2011 prices), on top of any amounts remaining from the previous year; points out that this is leading to increased delays in payments, since every time there is an emergency a special procedure must be carried out to allocate and release funds; proposes, in this connection, that the financing of the Solidarity Fund should be brought within the Union budget so that it can be made available more quickly and thereby provide an earlier and more effective response to citizens affected by a disaster;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the importance of the 2014 revision, which represented a belated response to its repeated calls to improve the effectiveness of aid in order to ensure a rapid response in support of people affected by natural disasters; takes the view, however, that fresh reforms should be undertaken, especially relating to the goals of the fund, eligibility thresholds and matters linked to procedure, such as transparency, simplification, and the inclusion of gender policies among the eligibility criteria;
Amendment 47 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the main components of the reform, such as the introduction of advance payments of up to 10 % of the anticipated financial contribution available on demand soon after an application for a financial contribution from the Fund has been submitted to the Commission (upper limit of the contribution set at EUR 30 million), the eligibility of technical assistance directly linked to project operations (a key European Parliament request), the extension of the deadlines by which Member States must make applications (12 weeks after the first damage) and set up the project (18 months), as well as the introduction of a six-month deadline by which the Commission must respond to applications; takes the view, however, that this amount is insufficient and that it should be increased to 20%; takes a positive view of the eligibility of technical assistance directly linked to project operations (a key European Parliament request), but considers it vital that the remaining external technical assistance should also be included as an eligible cost, including management, monitoring, information and communication, dealing with complaints and control and auditing; welcomes the fact that the reform envisages extending the deadlines by which Member States must make applications (12 weeks after the first damage) and set up the project (18 months), even though it considers the time granted to be insufficient and takes the view that it should be increased to 24 months; points out that the introduction of a six-month deadline by which the Commission must respond to applications allows too much time and efforts should be made to shorten this deadline as far as possible in order to ensure that aid can be brought to the people affected more quickly;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises, however, that, in spite of the introduction of an advance payment mechanism upstream of the standard procedure, beneficiaries still face problems as a result of the length of the overall process, which culminates in payment of the final contribution; emphasises, in this context, the need to speed up the processing of applications and ensure that as many as possible are dealt with by the deadline set; takes the view that it would be of enormous help in this connection if the budget of the EUSF were included in the Union budget; urges that excessive bureaucracy in the procedure be simplified while at the same time stressing the need for maximum transparency in the awarding, management and implementation of funds;
Amendment 57 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States themselves to improve communication and cooperation with local and regional authorities, both in preparing applications and setting up projects; proposes, in this connection, that part of the fund be earmarked for the creation of a training programme for staff working for public authorities in each of the Member States who currently hold positions with responsibility for managing emergencies and disasters, in order to enhance their capacity in relation to applying for and managing funds;
Amendment 65 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Proposes that the system of economic thresholds for the eligibility of proposals be changed so that the poorest countries and regions have easier access to funding, moving from a proportional system like the one currently in place to a progressive system where the richest countries and regions would have higher thresholds than the poorest countries and regions; stresses that this change would offer genuine support for cohesion policy and represent a fairer and more solidarity-based way of using EU resources; proposes, in this connection, that the following thresholds be used: for serious disasters at state level, a progressive threshold in line with gross national income (GNI) of 0.6% for the highest-income state (or candidate country for accession) and 0.4% for the lowest-income state, applying the corresponding percentage between those figures to the remaining states; recalls that the 0.6% threshold, or estimated cost of over EUR 3 billion in 2011 prices, currently applies to all states; for serious disasters at regional level, a progressive threshold in line with regional gross domestic product (GDP) of 1% for the region with the highest GDP and 0.75% for the region with the lowest GDP, applying the corresponding percentage between those figures to the remaining regions; recalls that a threshold of 1.5% currently applies to all regions;
Amendment 68 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Proposes that a criterion needs to be introduced for regional disasters affecting NUTS level 3 areas in cases where several neighbouring regions together make up an area equivalent in size to a NUTS level 2 region; suggests that in this case the threshold would be calculated on the basis of the weighted average of the various NUTS level 3 areas affected; points out that disasters evidently affect geographical areas that do not necessarily coincide with the boundaries of administrative areas, and it would be absurd if the European Union had no procedural mechanisms to deal fairly with all areas affected by disasters; proposes, further, in keeping with the proposal made by the Committee of the Regions, that the term ‘exceptional cross- border natural disaster’ be used where, as in the above case, several NUTS level 3 regions may belong to different Member States;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Points out that women are among the groups that suffer the consequences of natural disasters most acutely, and consequently proposes that gender equality policies and women’s rights be included as criteria for the eligibility of proposals;
Amendment 78 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points out, in that connection, the importance of developing synergies between the various Union funds and policies with a view to forestalling, as far as possible, the impact of natural disasters and, in cases where the EUSF is activated, to guaranteeing the consolidation and the long-term development of reconstruction projects;
Amendment 80 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improventroduce mandatory procedures to ensure maximum transparency and calls for guaranteed public access to information throughout the assistance mobilisation process, from the submission of the application to project closure;
Amendment 95 #
2016/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call, therefore, that in the near future the eligibility threshold for regional natural disasters should be set at 1 between 0.75% of regional GDP, in particular for the regions worst affected by the economic crisis and the refugee crisis (for the poorest regions) and 1% of regional GDP (for the richest regions);
Amendment 12 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 18 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the European Union needs to reduce production volumes of basic foodstuffs which are surplus to requirements;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas political choicethe abandonment of public policies and other EU policy decisions, such as the imposition of trade embargoes, can increases the volatility of agricultural product prices;
Amendment 53 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the European Union has responsibility in this area, given its role in ensuring food security in Europe and its neoliberal agricultural and agri-food policy ;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas price volatility creates a climate of uncertainty, and puts a brake on investment, in farming in farming and vulnerability amongst producers that causes thousands of farms to close every year in the EU;
Amendment 89 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that volatility must be accepted as a given and that those operators who are most exposed must be supported in order to lessen its negative effectsDeems it necessary to adopt public policies to put an end to price volatility;
Amendment 121 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 145 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recognises that the phasing-out of production controls in the dairy sector has led to a slump in milk prices;
Amendment 157 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the objectives of the CAP includeshould be to ensuringe a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, stabilising markets and guaranteeing viable food production, with an emphasis on farmers’ incomes and price stability;
Amendment 160 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that food autonomy and security and sovereignty, on the basis of food production within Europe prioritising internal markets and regulating production and markets, must be long- term aims for the future CAP;
Amendment 183 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Sectoral organisation and, contractual systems and regaining control of production
Amendment 215 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 224 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Considers that any rules - including those on competition - preventing farmers' organisations from agreeing minimum prices covering labour and production costs must be eliminated;
Amendment 230 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to establish without delay a legal framework guaranteeing collective bargaining in the farming sector, including arrangements on prices at origin and compliance with agreements;
Amendment 240 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to reintroduce production control measures for surplus products in the European market, with a view to ensuring that supply is in line with demand in the EU;
Amendment 242 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 284 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that price volatility adversely affects the income of all farmers who have made investments, and that CAP tools should be put in place to prevent the impetus for investment being lostguarantee a decent living income by means of remunerative prices;
Amendment 290 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 297 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 308 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 318 #
2016/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 34 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In particular, increasing technological improvements, incentives for the use and expansion of public transport, the use of energy efficiency technologies and the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources in the electricity, heating and cooling sectors as well as in the transport sector are very effective tools, together with energy efficiency measures, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Union and the Union's dependence on imported coal, gas and oil.
Amendment 54 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Directive establishes a common framework for the promotion of energy from renewable sources. It sets a binding Union targetminimum binding target for the Union and the Member States for the overall share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of energy in 2030. It also lays down rules on financial support to electricity produced from renewable sources, self-consumption of renewable electricity, measures against energy poverty, the creation of quality jobs in the sector, and renewable energy use in the heating and cooling and transport sectors, regional cooperation between Member States and with third countries, guarantees of origin, administrative procedures and, information and training and access to the electricity grid for renewable energy sources. It establishes sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria for biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels.
Amendment 57 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a
(aa) ‘renewable self-consumer’ means an active customer as defined in Directive [MDI Directive] who, or a group of consumers acting together, that consumes and may store and sell renewable electricity which is generated within his or its premises, including a multi-apartment block, buildings of public administrations, a commercial or shared services site or a closed distribution system, provided that, for non-household renewable self- consumers, those activities do not constitute their primary commercial or professional activity;
Amendment 61 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall collectively ensure that the share of energy from renewable sources in the Union's gross final consumption of energy in 2030 is at least 2745%.
Amendment 66 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Subject to State aid rules, iIn order to reachmeet the Union target set in Article 3(1), Member States may apply support schemes. Support schemes for electricity from renewable sources shall be designed so as to avoid unnecessary distortions of electricity markets and ensure that producers take into account the supply and demand of electricity as well as possible grid constraints.
Amendment 70 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 72 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that support for renewable electricity is granted in an open, transparent, competitive, non- discriminatory and cost-effective manner.
Amendment 73 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall open support for electricity generated from renewable sources to generators located in other Member States undwhere the conditions laid down in this Articleis is necessary to contribute to meeting the objectives set for renewable energy and climate change policies.
Amendment 75 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Amendment 77 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Support schemes may be opened to cross-border participation through, inter alia, opened tenders, joint tenders, opened certificate schemes or joint support schemes. The allocation of renewable electricity benefiting from support under opened tenders, joint tenders or opened certificate schemes towards Member States respective contributions shall be subject to a cooperation agreement setting out rules for the cross-border disbursement of funding, following the principle that energy should be counted towards the Member State funding the installation.
Amendment 78 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall assess by 20253 the benefits on the cost-effective deployment of renewable electricity in the Union of provisions set out in this Article. On the basis of this assessment, the Commission may propose to increaset the percentages set out in paragraph 2. of support to facilities in other Member States.
Amendment 99 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall ensure that any national rules concerning the authorisation, certification and licensing procedures that are applied to plants and associated transmission and distribution network infrastructures for the production of electricity, heating or cooling from renewable energy sources, and to the process of transformation of biomass into biofuels or other energy products, are proportionate and necessary, necessary and simplified, giving preference to public entities, renewable energy consumers and self- consumers. To this end, Member States should draw up simple administrative rules, as required by Article 16 of this Directive.
Amendment 103 #
2016/0382(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Member States shall ensure that their competent authorities at the state, regional and local levels include provisions on the integration and development of transport powered by renewables and the implementation of such policies in designing or implementing mobility and transport plans.
Amendment 193 #
2016/0062(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. DCondemns all forms of violence against women and deplores the fact that women and girls are often exposed to domestic violence, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage and other forms of violence, which constitute a serious violation of the human rights and dignity of women and girls;
Amendment 238 #
2016/0062(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point f
Paragraph 5 – point f
(f) To make sure that the Member States enforce the Istanbul Convention and allocate adequate financial and human resources to preventing and combating violence against women and gender-based violence and to the protection of victims; in particular those living in areas where the protection services to the victims do not exist or they are very limited, such as women living in rural and remote areas so they are not deprived to access to assistance;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Takes the view that the loss of jobs as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns and the economic and financial crisis is being worsened by the austerity policies promoted by the EU’s economic governance and will become even more serious if the TTIP and TiSA free-trade agreements come into force; considers, therefore, that real recovery in employment in the EU requires a change of economic policies and a new model of world trade;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the ESI Funds have been contributing significantlymaking a limited contribution to reversing the economic and social effects of the crisis and promoting the long-term objectives of sustainable employment and growth; emphasises that priority should be given to a change in the model of economic governance and a shift in the economic policies of the EU and the Member States that would put an end to austerity policies; notes the importance of integrated approaches based on multi-fund programming should be preferred in order to tackle redundancies and unemployment in a sustainable manner, through an efficient allocation of resources and closer coordination and synergies, in particular between the ESF and the ERDF;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes the scant effectiveness of the EGF in mitigating unemployment in the EU caused by globalisation and the crisis, given that in 2013 and 2014 only 30 applications were recorded, covering 28 390 workers, and 28 funding decisions were taken covering 27 610 redundant workers in 13 Member States, representing a very low proportion of the people and sectors affected;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses the need to increase the use made of this fund by promoting demand from the Member States, which will require a substantial increase in its funding and a rise in the rate of EU co- financing; likewise urges the Member States to give the regions a greater role in the process of applying for funding;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Expresses concern at the very scant rate of budget implementation of the cases wound up in 2013 and 2014, which stood at 49.80 %, with wide variations ranging from zero to full budget absorption, as a result of which 50.20 % was reimbursed to the Commission; urges the Commission, consequently, to take the relevant measures to improve budget forecasting and the implementation of expenditure;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that, according to the final reports received in 2013 and 2014, the proportion of workers reintegrated into the labour market at the end of the intervention period stood at 44.90 %; urges the Commission to study the reasons behind this percentage, which varies widely from case to case, and to take the necessary measures to achieve greater effectiveness;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2284(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Urges the Commission to provide information in its next report on the type and quality of jobs found by people who have been reintegrated into the labour market and on the medium and long-term trend as regards the rate of reintegration achieved through EGF interventions;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba whereas, in general terms, European Territorial Cooperation should help to create a sense of belonging and interdependence at the European level, to eliminate prejudice and to bring development to the regions concerned;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a Recognises that the full added value of territorial cooperation programmes cannot be assessed using quantitative indicators alone and urges the Commission to reflect on qualitative indicators to better reflect the results of territorial cooperation;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the managing authorities to set up appropriately structured monitoring systems and evaluation plans in order to better evaluate the achievements of the results in terms of the Europe 2020 goalsgoals of regional cohesion in the European Union;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets that Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) and Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) are not widely implemented in the ETC programmes for 2014-2020, and encourages Member States to make greater use of them, which will require boosting the participation of the regions and local bodies;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that better coordination, synergy and complementarity should be sought between cross-border and transnational strands with a view to improving cooperation and integration over wider strategic territories; calls for better coordination between managing authorities and macro-regional strategies’ actors; urges the Commission to enhance coordination between regional, inter- regional and cooperation programmes at the development stage, with a view to boosting complementarity and preventing overlap;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges that the synergies among Horizon 2020, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) alsond other EU funds be used to maximise the quantity, quality and impact of research and innovation investment;
Amendment 103 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that financial instruments need tocan be an integral part of ETC programmes through complementing grants, while never replacing or reducing them, with a view to supporting SMEs, research and innovation;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative of carrying out, by the end of 2016, an analysis of the barriers to cross-border cooperation that will look at solutions and examples of good practices; awaits with interest the results of the Commission’s EU-wide public consultation on the remaining obstacles to cross-border cooperation, launched on 21 September 2015; requests that the Commission’s analysis take account of the recommendations made by the European Parliament and the results of this consultation;
Amendment 115 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that ETC programmes mayshould, in complementarity with other appropriate funding, support responses to migration- related challenges within the framework of their existing intervention logic; in matters of migration and asylum, helping to address the issues of reception, respect for human rights and defence of the right to asylum from a humanitarian perspective;
Amendment 122 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Encourages broader use ofConsiders financial instruments (FIs) asto be flexible mechanisms to be used alongside grants; urg, although never replacing or reducing them; notes, therefore, the involvement of financial institutions, and in particular the EIB, so as to provideing specific expertise and know- how;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Stresses that arrangements for involving private stakeholders must be broaconsidenred and simplified; recommends the establishment of public-private partnerships, without prejudice to the public nature of the interventions and resulting public control and responsibility, and calls on the Commission to provide timely, consistent and clear guidance on the application of financial instruments in ETC programmes;
Amendment 153 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Considers that ETC has proved its effectiveness, and regrets that its potential has not been fully deployed owing to insufficient resources; highlights its potential beyond regional policy, in areas such as the single market, the digital agenda, employment, mobility, energy, research, education, culture, health and the environment, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to preservomote ETC as an important instrument, allocating it a more distinct role within cohesion policy post-2020 and significantly increasing its budget;
Amendment 162 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Encourages the joint determination of strategies for border areas in order to boost integrated and sustainable territorial development, including implementation and dissemination of integrated approaches and harmonisation of administrative procedures and legal provisions; notes the importance of also promoting territorial balance within regions to prevent them organising themselves around a strong urban centre, leaving the rest of the territory depressed and cut off from the main axes of development;
Amendment 164 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Calls for particular attention to be paid to small cross-border cooperation projects between the closest border areas while funding for them is encouraged, which requires additional effort in terms of simplification and flexibility;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)
Paragraph 39 b (new)
39.b Takes the view that greater attention should be paid to promoting cross-border cooperation between mountainous border areas, with rural areas prioritised;
Amendment 166 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 c (new)
Paragraph 39 c (new)
39c. Stresses that cultural cooperation should be one of the objectives of European territorial cooperation; considers, therefore, that greater encouragement should be given to cultural and educational cooperation between cross-border areas that share a single cultural and linguistic heritage;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 d (new)
Paragraph 39 d (new)
39d. Calls for regional and local bodies to play a greater, more significant role in proposing, managing and evaluating ETC, especially as regards cross-border cooperation, taking into account that some regions already have these powers;
Amendment 170 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls on the Commission to strengthen and further developconsider the role of financial instruments to complement grants, while never replacing or reducing them, working more closely with the EIB;
Amendment 174 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate in 2016 a structured multi-stakeholder debate at EU level on the future of ETC post-2020, with a view to preparing the post-2020 cohesion policy; urges the Commission to work alongside the Committee of the Regions and the Association of European Border Regions;
Amendment 177 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Deplores the low public awareness and insufficient visibility of ETC programmes, and calls for more effective communication of their objectives, the possibilities they offer and the channels through which projects can be undertaken and, a posteriori, the achievements of completed projects; calls on the Commission, the Member States and the managing authorities to establish mechanisms and broad institutionalised platforms for cooperation in order to ensure better visibility and awareness-raising;
Amendment 180 #
2015/2280(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Recognises the important role played by actors on the ground and support for project preparation, and encourages managing authorities to reinforce existing promotional instruments, such as regional contact points;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas according to the Eurobarometer survey of May 2015, 40% of citizens trust the European Union and 46% do not; whereas the institutions’ ability to monitor one another is essential to improving the level of satisfaction among European citizens;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the institutions have been complying with 80 % of the Ombudsman’s proposals; whereas there still remain 20% of proposals that have been submitted and need to be complied with;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Na (new)
Recital Na (new)
Na. whereas the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions, which received 2 714 petitions in 2014 alone, is an important cog in the institutional workings of the European Union, bringing Parliament closer to citizens; whereas a close relationship between the Ombudsman and the Committee on Petitions would improve the currently inadequate level of democratic oversight of the activity of the European institutions;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that, over the years, 20-30 % of complaints have concerned transparency and that the most common transparency issues raised are the institutions’ refusal to grant access to documents and/or information; considers that openness and access to documents are an essential part of the system of institutional checks and balances, as required by Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 42 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the Union;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5a. Warns that the ‘revolving door’ is a common phenomenon in the European Union; points out that, according to its annual report, the Ombudsman investigated complaints from five NGOs and looked into 54 of the Commission’s files; deplores the fact that this sequence of events, and similar cases in many Member States such as Spain, undermines public confidence in the institutions;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Ombudsman’s inquires in connection with the ongoing TTIP negotiations; notes that the Council has since published the Directives the EU is using to negotiate the TTIP and that the Commission has announced plans to increase transparency in lobbying and broaden access to TTIP documents; recalls that the Committee on Petitions receives many anonymous complaints from groups and citizens concerning the lack of transparency in the negotiations; applauds the success of the popular European Citizens’ Initiative Stop TTIP , which has received 3 284 289 signatures, showing the profound public concern on this issue at European level;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Ombudsman’s increased and necessary focus on transparency in lobbying activities and her work towards a mandatory Transparency Register, so that citizens may know who is trying to influence EU decision makers; takes the view, therefore, that the register should also state the human and financial resources lobbies dedicate in doing so; welcomes her inquiry into the composition and transparency of expert groups at the Commission, in particular those advising on the Common Agricultural Policy where the EU spends more than a third of its budget; supports her approach and encourages her to continue monitoring transparency in the composition of these groups in order to guarantee a balanced representation in all such groups in all policy areas; calls on the Ombudsman to fight for gender balance within these groups;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Transparency Register, in which more than 7000 institutions have voluntarily registered; welcomes the Ombudsman’'s support for Vice President Timmermans’ plan to work towards a mandatory register and welcomes the Commission’s decision obliging all members of the Commission and senior staff to publish all contacts and meetings with stakeholders and lobbyists; stresses that the register should include as much information as possible on the human, material financial resources available to lobbies with a view to complying the provisions of the treaties on openness and good governance in the institutions;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10a (new)
Paragraph 10a (new)
10a. Call on the Member States to be more diligent in their mandatory collaboration with the Ombudsman; warns that the highest numbers of complaints received in 2014 came from Spain (309), Germany (219) and Poland (208); notes with concern that the highest numbers of investigations opened were in Belgium (50), Germany (45), and Italy (38);
Amendment 39 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges the Ombudsman to continue promoting greaterfull transparency in clinical trials, especially in the quality assessment of results by the European Medicines Agency; recalls that this assessment should be based on the added value of innovative drugs and the real cost of research in order to facilitate Member States’ pricing and financing models;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that Horizon 2020 is the third most important package of budget investments after the CAP and Structural Funds, with a budget of nearly 80 000 million euros, and that it is key to the economic and social development of the future; calls on the Ombudsman to take an interest by guaranteeing transparency in the whole process of analysis and awarding of projects under Horizon 2020, including by assessing whether projects respect human rights and are wholly civilian in their scope, with special attention to third countries covered under the European Neighbourhood Policy participating in the programme;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on Frontex to ensure respect for the welfare of returnees during return flights and the way it implements its Code of Conduct forput an end to return flights and the entire policy of Joint Return Operations; welcomes the Ombudsman’s call on Frontex to establish a complaints mechanism for potential fundamental rights infringements with the most stringent legal guarantees possible; invites her to further investigate this matter in the current situation of increasing numbers of refugees at theallegations against Frontex of human rights violations during operations to control the external borders of the EUnion;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the Ombudsman on her investigations into the citizens’ right to participate in the EU decision-making process, in particular into the functioning of the European Citizens’ Initiative; notes that in 2014 she invited ECI organisers, Civil Society Organisations and other interested parties to provide feedback on the ECI with a view to its improvement; notes with concern that at the joint meeting with the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of 26 February 2015 on the ECI, representatives of petitioning organisations criticised the lack of harmonization and the administrative barriers to collecting and recording signatures, a serious breach of participatory rights of the citizens of the Union;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21a (new)
Paragraph 21a (new)
21a. Calls for the annual budget of the Office of the Ombudsman to be increased; notes with concern that the investigations conducted by the Ombudsman lasted on average 11 months, reflecting a lack of human resources unlikely to be alleviated with the meagre increase in its annual funding – EUR 9 857 002 euros in 2014 – for a staff of 67 people;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas on average 28% of farms in Europewomen make a vital contribution to the rural economy in Europe, making up 45% of the workforce, while on average only 28% of farms are run by women and; whereas female entrepreneurship represents an important pillar in social, economic and environmental terms for sustainable development in rural areas, but whereas women in rural areas have insecure working conditions, and this is compounded by low levels of female farm ownership, with only 29% of farms owned by women;
Amendment 5 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the economic crisis has affected the entire European Union, with rural areas especially experiencing devastating levels of unemployment, poverty and depopulation, which affect women in particular;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the gender pay gap in rural areas is 10% wider than in other areas and whereas there is a need to pay more attention to establishing up-to-date statistics on female land ownership, and on the working conditions of women in rural areas;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the principle of equality of opportunity for men and women must be consistently applied in the CAP, and whereas a gender-sensitive approach must be applied not only in the CAP, but also in cohesion policies in rural areas;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes the view that women farmers have a significant role to play towardsin ensuring the continued existence of smallholdings with prospects for the future, and that therefore specific aid must be introduced for small, sustainable, environmentally friendly farms that foster the creation of jobs for women, and giving women access to land; takes the view, furthermore, that greater support should therefore be given to theirwomen farmers’ innovative potential through aid for diversification measures such as direct marketing, farm holidays, social services and care services;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Criticises the market orientation of the CAP, which makes it possible for large retailers to engage in unfair practices, decimating jobs in rural areas, something that affects women in particular; expresses its concern about the impact on European agriculture of agreements that are currently being negotiated, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada (CETA), and the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Member States to exploitnsure that residents of rural areas receive decent incomes and to promote social cohesion, including by making more efficiently use of the opportunities for aid to women farmers and women in rural areas which can be realised in the framework of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and calls on the Member States to put into practice employment policies and policies to promote public services such as schools, childcare facilities, care facilities for people with special needs, and health centres and hospitals in rural areas and small communities in mountain regions to prevent rural depopulation and help people achieve a work-life balance;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the Member States to strengthen the role of the social partners and social welfare organisations working alongside the authorities in monitoring compliance with employment legislation, combating undeclared work and monitoring adherence to social welfare and safety standards that promote the social and economic integration of migrant workers, including female seasonal workers, migrants and refugees; calls for arrangements to be put in place to ensure that women can take part in all levels of the process;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Points out that the amount of farmland in the EU is becoming smaller by the year; emphasises that it is vital to preserve arable land in order to guarantee jobs in rural areas; calls on the Member States to promote improved access to land in areas with high levels of rural unemployment, not only via land ownership, but also via leasing and cooperative land use and management; in that connection calls for action to be taken to ensure that young women farmers have access to credit and are able to participate in land management;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to make adequate information material concerning support possibilities, and wide-ranging professional diversification advice, available specifically to women farmers and women in rural areasimprove conditions for women in rural areas, and to provide not only adequate information material concerning support possibilities specifically aimed at women farmers and women in rural areas, but also access to education and credit, as well as promoting the establishment of associations and the provision of wide-ranging professional diversification advice, so that these women concerned are encouraged to put their own projects into practice in rural areas;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and Member States to recognise the value of entrepreneurship for adopt a strong coherent framework of measures to help enable a decent-work- life balance and to expand overall support for female labour market participation; looks forwardstrongly encourage, in the aftermath of the decision to withdraw the proposal to amend the Maternity leave Directive, to a constructive dialogue amongst institutions to see how best to support these work-life balance policies;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of looking beyond the start-up phase to help womenthose women who have considered the path of entrepreneurship consolidate and expand their businesses and to switch touggest more innovative, sustainable and profitable sectors, without undermining the conditions for a healthy general wellbeing;
Amendment 66 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the creation of the various European networks for female entrepreneurs; urges the Commission to communicate more actively on the achievements of female entrepreneurs and to recognise these potential role models explicitly through the Enterprise Promotion awards and the European Social Innovation Competition, always explaining deeply the origin and the path of each success case, helping the women to understand the possibilities of entrepreneurship whilst protecting them against the failure frustration traditionally suffered due to unachievable myths;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to emphasise the use of forums in its upcoming European e-Platform for Women Entrepreneurship and to include a step-by- step plan for accessing European funding possibilities, whilst also making the e- Platform attractive for potential investors and for Member States’ government services in an attempt to cut red tape for female entrepreneurs by clarifying administrative procedures, getting a Women Entrepreneurship e-Platform that might become a future reference in the sector;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and Member States to start accumulating gender- disaggregated data on entrepreneurs’ access to finance in narrow collaboration with the European Institute for Gender Equality and to further explore and research whether there is any hard evidence of direct or indirect discrimination against women in this context and, if so, how the external factors that influence investors’ assessments about the viability of female- led start-ups should be addressed;
Amendment 89 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Encourages Member States to promote an entrepreneurial culture in education and training curricula in coordination with labour rights; highlights the importance of financial, entrepreneurship and new business development courses in secondary education, especially in subject areas mostly attended by girls, such as health care and other servicencouraging the implementation of labour rights;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on Member States to collaborate with the public sector, the private sector, NGOs and, universities and schools to establish further apprenticeship programmes, including those in which students conduct development projects based on real business concepts from a young age onwards and business incubators that aim to empower young entrepreneurs, while learning, understanding and implementing the labour rights culture;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to work ing conditions are deteriorating and inequalities between Member States in terms of working conditions are increas a proper health and safety environment is a fundamental employment right that is constantly under challenge as a result of the working conditions currently on offer for workers, who, faced with the prospect of unemployment and impoverishment, are forced to accept anything; whereas the economic crisis has been contributing to the aggravation of working conditions;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas preventing occupational risks and promoting health and safety at the workplace are fundamental ways of creating and maintaining healthier and safer working environments, improving working conditions and effectively combating workplace accidents and occupational diseases;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas men have more workplace accidents than women, but women, because of their exposure to particular risks, suffer from occupational diseases to a greater extent;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas there is a stereotype of women as having lower-risk jobs, whereas the overall view in Europe is that the division of labour between men and women is never neutral, and whereas, in general, that division obscures women's health problems, as a result of which less preventive action is taken in connection with women's jobs;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas women in particular can face specific risks, such as musculoskeletal disorders or specific types of cancer, as a result of the nature of some jobs where they are over-represented;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas work-related stress is the second most frequent health problem in Europe - after musculoskeletal disorders - and almost half of all workers consider it to be common at their workplace; whereas it accounts for almost half the number of working days lost each year and represents an annual cost to society put at EUR 240 billion;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas, because of the austerity policies advocated by the EU, the most common causes of work-related stress, in particular among women, are precarious employment, longer working times, shorter rest periods, more intensive work patterns and competition among workers, bullying or harassment at work, and labour market discrimination against women, contributing to the dehumanisation of work;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas identifying at-risk workers and detecting symptoms early are vital strategies for preventing musculoskeletal disorders, as is the introduction of a follow-up and monitoring system based on clinical assessments, in order to produce a more up-to-date reference model;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Ah. whereas the cost of stress at work and of accidents at work is borne by the whole of society, in general, while liability ought to lie with employers who are responsible for stress and accidents;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
Ai. whereas, at a time when the EU and Member States are pursuing policies of austerity, it is more essential than ever to discuss the 'social' cost of workplace accidents resulting from failings or negligence on the part of employers, who still regard health and safety at work as a cost to be avoided;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A j (new)
Recital A j (new)
Aj. whereas combating accidents at work as a whole can succeed only by promoting a people-centred approach, in every respect, to the production process;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas employment segregation, pay gap, working time, workplaces, precarious working conditions, domestic division of labour, sexism and sex discrimination, as well as the physical differences between women and men, including in regard to reproduction, are factors affecting the hazards women face at work;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to pass on to employers the costs relating to treatment of occupational diseases and to accidents at work - the cost of drugs, sick-leave- related social security costs, the cost of rehabilitating and reintegrating workers, especially where occupational diseases that are work-related are involved, the cost of occupational-disease-based invalidity pensions, and the cost of exemptions in connection with transport and other public services for pension holders and persons with a disability - where those costs are attributable to poor working conditions;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on Member States to step up public investment in appropriate and essential human, technical and financial resources in order to verify compliance with labour standards and penalise any violations thereof, in promoting specialised professional training in health and safety at work, and in campaigns to raise awareness and provide information and advice with regard to industrial relations;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on undertakings to ensure home health care services for all their employees, including for women with differing needs, such as women with a disability, pregnant women, migrant women and women of all ages;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to address the increasing number of musculoskeletal diseases among women resulting from working conditions, as well as from household chores;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission to conduct a study, broken down by gender and age, into workplace well-being and exposure to stress at work;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on Member States to conduct studies, broken down by gender, age and area of economic activity, into the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among the working population at national level, with a view to determining how best to monitor those disorders;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for an upgraded role for the social partners, in particular the trade unions, given their importance in providing information on, preventing, reporting and combating working practices which, in addition to being a serious affront to human dignity, are harmful practices contrary to corporate social responsibility and to the concept of decent work;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on Member States to link the work of labour standard monitoring authorities with the work of judicial authorities so as to hold firms to account which immorally violate the most basic human rights at the workplace;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RecognisNotes that CAP reform introduced measures aimed at addressing the bargaining power gap between farmers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain, measures which have so far proved ineffective;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that CAP reform introduced measuresthe measures introduced with the CAP reform, aimed at addressing the bargaining power gap between farmers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain have been a total failure; doubts, however, that the true objective of the measures was to strengthen the bargaining power of the production sector;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points to the limitations ofout that the weakness of farmers in the Ssupply Cchain Initiative (SCI), and specifically the absence of farmers’ organisations owis a result both of the abandonment of measures regulating output ing to lack of trust, restriction of anonymous complaints, absence of meaningful mechanhe various sectors of production, which has given rise to serious imbalances between supply and demand (the latest example being the acute crismis to adequately combat well-documented unfair trading practices (UTPs), and, in particular, the lack of enforcement measures and sanctionsfollowing the removal of milk quotas), and of the politically-motivated decision to end collective bargaining by outlawing minimum price agreements via competition rules, which has made it wholly impossible for farmers' organisations to engage in collective bargaining;
Amendment 52 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Adds that experience shows that when the Directorate-General for Competition has imposed sanctions on the milk industry, for instance, they were reflected in falls in prices, a clear sign that the sanctions were ultimately borne by the production sector;
Amendment 70 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Doubts whetherBelieves voluntary initiatives are to be inadequate for addressing UTPs and the acknowledged ‘fear factor’ in the supply chain arising from the imbalance of power between farmers and retailers;
Amendment 80 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the Supply Chain Initiative (SCI), which is purely voluntary in nature, does not address the real problem arising from the highly concentrated structure of large-scale distribution and the supply-side rigidity that applies to most agricultural producers;
Amendment 94 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Questions the Commission’s unwavering support for the SCI, given the reluctance of farmers to participate; regrets the pre- emptive conclusion thatat it foresees no regulatory action at EU level is not foreseen;
Amendment 116 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that several Member States have initiated actions in national law to address the concerns of primary producers regarding the negative impact of UTPs; asks the Commission to assess these national efforts with a view to selecting best practices for application at EU level; notes in particular the Groceries Code Adjudicator in the UK as a potential model for adaptation at EU level;
Amendment 125 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that several Member States have initiated actions in national law to address the concerns of primary producers regarding the negative impact of UTPs; asks the Commission to assess these national effortefforts undertaken by states with a view to selecting best practices for application at EU level; notes in particular the Groceries Code Adjudicator in the UK as a potential model for adaptation at EU level;
Amendment 149 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that framework legislation at EU level is essentialmay help to tackle UTPs and to address their negative consequences for farmers, given that it has an impact on specific issues such as pricing policies and payment deadlines and reflects the social and economic situation in each Member State; urges the Commission to consider this when assessing the SCI;
Amendment 171 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Argues that such legislation would complement the SCI and protect stakeholders who are fully engaged with the Initiativethe production side, which is considered the most vulnerable bearing in mind the supply-side rigidity arising from long production cycles and the perishable nature of products, while ensuring that UTPs are eradicated from the food supply chain and providing primary producers with the necessary legal certainty to address their concerns.
Amendment 183 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Takes the view that any supply chain initiative intending to promote a fair relationship between all links in the chain must begin by considering the mechanisms necessary for farmers to be paid prices covering labour and production costs;
Amendment 190 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Believes, furthermore, that restoring the bargaining power of the production sector is a necessary element in the regulation of production and markets;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Stresses how extreme the various price agreements between large retailers are, given that their aim is to set the price of milk below the cost of production;
Amendment 193 #
2015/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Calls on the Commission to consider existing initiatives, such as the origin- destination price index, to develop instruments for the monitoring and control of prices paid to farmers in the food supply chain so to ensure the proper functioning of the chain.
Amendment 9 #
2014/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to be the first direct democratic instrumentinstrument of participatory democracy to enable citizens to become actively involved in the framing of European policies and legislation;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that, in previous resolutions and annual reports prepared by the Committee on Petitions, Parliament pointed out the weaknesses of the existing legal framework and th, the problems regarding certain requirements that are hard to meet, and the excessive bureaucratic burdens in the practical running of the ECI owing to a lack of IT support and disparate use in the national administrations; calls for simplified and harmonised personal data requirements and procedures;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its concern about the low percentage of successful initiatives and the dramatic decrease in the number of new initiatives; points out that this low percentage is the result of disproportionate requirements, and regrets the fact that, because initiatives have had no legislative impact, and because a number of successful ones have been rejected by the Commission, use of the instrument is being discouraged; stresses that the European institutions and the Member States must take all necessary steps – including a review of the requirements for an initiative to be deemed successful – to promote the ECI and to foster citizens’ confidence in this tool; believes that the instrument still has, once the ECI Regulation has been revised, may have the potential to engage the public and to promote dialogue among citizens and between citizens and EU institutions; welcomes the fact that some ECIs have managed to have an impact at local level;
Amendment 64 #
2014/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to ensure transparency in the decision-making process and clarify the procedure for legal admissibility; invites the Commission to respond to successful ECIs with more concrete actions and a higher level of involvement;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas almost one third of petitions received by Parliament relate to alleged breaches of fundamental rights referred to in the Charter, touching on issues such as citizenship, the four freedoms, employment, economic circumstances, justice systems, voting rights and democratic participation, transparency in decision-making, disability and children’s rights; whereas some of those petitions raise questions related to health issues and worsenedto serious shortcomings in universal access to health care and public health care services as a direct consequence of the economic crisicuts in public spending and the austerity measures; whereas petitions should serve as an instrument forhelping to guaranteeing citizens their fundamental rights;
Amendment 28 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the economic crisis and the general measures taken as a result thereofmeasures based on cuts in public services, abolition of labour rights, privatisation and restrictions on public spending, which have supposedly been taken to cope with the economic crisis, have also had an impact on universal access to quality state education, the right to fair andwork in decent working conditions and the right to propertyhave access to housing;
Amendment 50 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) Regrets that laws are being sponsored in a number of Member States which make proper compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights difficult or impossible, on account of how they restrict freedom of assembly, association and speech and the right to collective bargaining and action;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Regrets and condemns the legislation of a LGTBI-phobic nature passed in some Member States which restricts the right to non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and free speech for lesbians, gays, transexual and bisexual people, in addition to attacking the right of all citizens to enter into a marriage and found a family;
Amendment 60 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the role of the Commission as the guardian of the Treaties is not limited to ensuring that legislation is transposed by the Member States, but also extends to the full and correct application of laws, in particular with a view to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights; regrets therefore that the Commission pleads lack of competence in numerous replies to petitions complaining of a possible breach of fundamental rights;
Amendment 64 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
(1) Recalls that the guarantee of respect for fundamental rights also extends to citizens of non-EU countries when on EU territory, and that summary returns, indefinite detention in immigrant detention centres or denial of basic healthcare all breach precepts laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 79 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the portability of social security benefits, pensions and health care is important in ensuring the full accomplishment of fundamental rights and civil liberties, including on the basis of the achievement of worker mobility;
Amendment 90 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States and the Commission, when proposing legislation, to strike a balance betweenbear in mind that counter- terrorism measures and the protectionmay never result in any breach of fundamental rights;
Amendment 98 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that fundamental rights are properreally respected, guaranteed, applied and developed further.
Amendment 10 #
2014/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the fact that the Commission is attaching ever more importance to petitions as a source of information on citizens’ complaints and potential infringements of EU law in its actual implementation, as evidenced by the fact that the two annual reports paid particular attention to petitions; notes that this has been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of petitions that were forwarded by the Committee on Petitions to the Commission with requests for information; regrets, however, the delays in receiving responses from the Commission regarding numerous petitions, when it is asked to give an opinion;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that petitions submitted by EU citizens refer to violations of EU law, particularly in the fields of fundamental rights, a lack of transparency and the environment; considers that petitions give evidence of the fact that there are still frequent and widespread instances of incomplete transposition or misapplication of EU law;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the EU Pilot procedure is fully operational in all Member States and has produced impressivacceptable results so far, in particular with regard to the gathering of information and the improvement of the specific situation causing concern to citizens, as indicated by the reduced number of infringement procedures; points out with concern that 11 Member States habitually exceed the ten-week limit within which they are supposed to reply to the Commission;
Amendment 50 #
2014/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 – point a
Paragraph 8 – point a
(a) improved communication between the two parties, in particular with regard to the initiation and progress of infringement procedures by the Commission, including the EU Pilot procedure, especially with regard to petitions,
Amendment 11 #
2014/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas there have been some positive developments regarding female researchers and their share has been growing faster than that of men in recent years, but the numbers of female researchers are still significantly lower than those for men, with the biggest gap being in the business sector; whereas cultural-based conditions are carrying women not to compete at the same level than men in research;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Criticises once again that women are still less paid for the same work than men, also in the field of research and science as a consequence of their unequal representation and homo-societal patterns;
Amendment 68 #
2014/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that the need to successfully reconcile professional and family obligations often represents a major barrier to women advancing their scientific and academic careers, and represents one of the major reasons for them dropping out of those careers; for these reasons, it calls on the Commission not to withdraw the new proposal of the so-called Maternity Leave Directive;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Insists on that Member States have to make measures which lead to a deeper democratisation of university institutions; stresses that by democratising the electoral procedures with equal weight between students and teaching staff is one of the best ways to break through current men-led governing bodies;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reiterates the commitment of the Committee on Petitions to give voice to petitioners on issues concerning fundamental rights; reminds that petitioners of the ECI R2W have expressed their agreement to declare water as a human right guaranteed at EU level, on the basis of the UN General Assembly Resolution 64/292;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market had already received a strong opposition from civil society in many aspects, including the matters related to services of general economic interest like water distribution and supply services as well as waste water management; reminds that eventually EU institutions were forced to include these sectors into services which cannot be liberalised;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that every year its Committee on Petitions receives a significant number of petitions from EU citizensmany EU countries, especially from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Germany and Italy, expressing their concerns about water supply as well as its quality and waste- water management; considers that these petitions demonstrate a genuine interest on the part of citizens in thorough enforcement and further development of water-related EU legislation;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to take the citizens’ concerns and warnings in such petitions seriously and to act upon them, in particular when there is still time to prevent pollution and mismanagement; reminds that a growing amount of petitions regarding the TTIP negotiation and opposition to include essential public services like water and sanitation in it is observed by the Committee;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas 2 714 petitions were received in 2014, which is almost 6 % down on the figure for 2013 when 2 885 petitions were lodged with Parliament, of which petitions only 29.1 % were admissible and followed up, while 39.4 % were declared inadmissible and 30.1 % were admissible and closed;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas although this figure is modest when compared to the EU’s total population, it does nonethelesswhich indicates that the vast majority of EU citizens are not yet aware of the right to petition and have expectations regarding the usefulness of the petition procedureits possible usefulness as a means of drawing the attention of the EU institutions and the Member States to matters which affect them and about which they are concerned;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas EU citizens are directly represented by the only EU institution whose members may be elected by them, namely the European Parliament; whereas the right to petition gives them the means to address theirdraw the attention of the elected representatives directly;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the right to petition may strengthens Parliament’s responsiveness to EU citizens and residents, providing them withif there is an open, democratic, inclusive and transparent mechanism at all stages of the petitions procedure;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, if taken duly into account, petitions may provide valuable feedback to legislators and executive bodies both at EU and national level;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas each petition ismust be carefully assessed and dealt with and each petitioner has the right to receive a reply within a reasonable period of time;
Amendment 43 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas petitions are discussed in meetings of the Committee on Petitions and whereas petitioners may take part fully in the discussion and have the right to present their petition along with more detailed information and thus actively contribute to the work of the Committee, providing its members, the Commission and any representatives of the Member States who may be present with additional information; whereas in 2014, 127 petitioners attended and were actively involved in the Committee’s deliberations;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Committee on Petitions bases its activities on information provided by petitioners and their input during meetings, supplemented by expertise from the Commission, the Member States or other bodies of political representation;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas through petitions the EU’s citizens may monitor the drawing up and application of EU law, it being possible for the former beingto be a useful source of information in regard to detecting citizens' requests and breaches of EU law, the latter especially in regard to the environment and the internal market, to fields connected to recognition of vocational qualifications and consumer protection and in the financial services sector;
Amendment 56 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the key issues of concern dealt with in petitions relate to environmental legislation (in particular issues concerning water and waste management, and hydrocarbon prospection and extraction), fundamental rights (in particular the rights of the child and of the disabled), free movement of persons, various forms of discrimination (, immigration, ethnic, cultural or language-based grounds in particular), visas, immigration, employmentmployment, negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), animal welfare, the application of justice, and many other areas of activity;
Amendment 62 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas,, although the web portal of the Committee on Petitions was launched on 19 November 2014 to replace the Europarl site’s previous electronic platform for filing petitions, said web portal is not yet fully operational; whereas this portal has been designed asto provide an integrated solution covering the specific needs of the petition process and which gives EU citizens wishing to file a petition an Internet tool better suited to their needs; whereas the portal will help improve the service and its visibility for citizens and committee members, increase transparency and improve petitioners' access to information at the various stages of the petition procedure; whereas the portal should help to ensure greater and easier involvement for citizens throughout the petition procedure, and will act as an electronic register (planned in Rule 216(4) of the Rules of Procedure) through which citizens may lend or withdraw their support for existing petitions and affix their electronic signature to their own petitions; whereas the new portal has been designed to make the petition procedure more transparent and interactive, and administrative aspects more efficient, in the interest of petitioners, Members and the general public; whereas there can be no question but that its launch in November 2014 has helped to promote EU citizenship;
Amendment 65 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is an extraordinarycould be and innovative tool for participatory democracy in the European Unionmportant tool to enable citizens to participate in the EU's political decision-making process, whose potential mustshould be exploited fully and further enhanced in order to achieve the best results;
Amendment 72 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the Committee on Petitions continues to maintain an active interest in the implementation of the Regulation on the European Citizens’ Initiative, and is mindful of the manyneed for a new regulation to eliminate the many deficiencies, obstacles and weaknesses and rather cumbersome nature of the existing legal framework;
Amendment 74 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas the public hearings organised for successful initiatives have been a success, and the involvement and participation of the Committee on Petitions as the committee associated in ECI hearings has been greatly appreciated by the members and by civil society; whereas the Committee on Petitions supports this process and places its long experience of working with citizens at the service of this objective;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas it should be noted that owing to the workload of the Committee on Petition and the need to increase human resources at the Secretariat of the Committee on Petitions, no fact-finding visits took place for petitions for which an inquiry was ongoing during 2014, but fact-finding visits have been scheduled for 2015;
Amendment 80 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas the Committee on Petitions is a member of the European Network of Ombudsmen, to which, where they exist, petitions committees from the national parliaments also belong, and whereas cooperation between petitions committees is important and should, where pit is important that parliaments of Member States equip themselves with petitions committees and strengthen them where they exist, and that cooperactical, be stron betweeng thenm be improved;
Amendment 82 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the fundamental role playedwork undertaken by the Committee on Petitions, allowing EU citizens and residents some involvement in defending and promoting their rights of EU citizeand in monitoring correct application of Community regulations, and residents,s their petitions ensuringe that thecitizens' concerns of petitioners are better recognised andare known so that their legitimate grievances are resolved wherever possible and within a reasonable timeframe;
Amendment 86 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the Committee on Petitions, as the contact point for citizens, the European Ombudsman and the European Citizens’ Initiative together may constitute a set of basic tools for democracy in the European Union and thatgreater political involvement for citizens, for whom appropriate access to them has to be ensured along with their smooth running; regrets that additional mechanisms for the direct involvement of citizens in the decision-making process of European institutions do not exist;
Amendment 91 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that increased cooperation with national, regional and local authorities on matters linked to the application of EU law plays a vital role inis essential in working towards reconnecting with EU citizens and reinforcing the democratic legitimacy and accountability ofin the European UnionParliament’s decision-making process;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the Commission’s significant role in assisting with cases raised by petitioners, and calls on it to monitor proactively certain projects reported by petitioners in which there is well-founded evidence that EU law may be breached; calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to remedy those cases of incorrect transposition of EU law reported in a large number of petitions filed with Parliament; calls on the Commission to keep the Committee on Petitions informed of developments in infringement proceedings directly linked to any one petition;
Amendment 102 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
(a) Points out the importance of the European Commission responding to all petitions in a detailed and proactive manner and as promptly as possible; calls on the European Commission to ensure that representatives participating in meetings of the Committee on Petitions be of the highest political rank possible;
Amendment 103 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
(b) Requests that, due to the special nature of this Committee and the significant workload relating to contact with the thousands of citizens and residents who file petitions every year, the human resources available to the Secretariat be increased;
Amendment 117 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
(a) Points out the importance of the other committees of the European Parliament including in their meetings the handling of relevant matters set forth in the petitions relating to their areas of responsibility, and using the relevant petitions received as a source of information for legislative processes;
Amendment 124 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
(a) Stresses citizens' concern regarding and rejection of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the opaque negotiations in which the European Commission is participating, as highlighted in numerous petitions received during 2014; points to the importance of the European Commission urgently implementing the recommendations made by the European Ombudsman in this regard; regrets that the European Commission has ignored the European Citizens’ Initiative against TTIP and CETA, which has received over three million signatures;
Amendment 125 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
(b) Points to the opinion issued by this Committee regarding the Recommendations of the European Commission on the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), in which, as highlighted in numerous petitions received, it rejects the arbitration instrument known as ISDS and regrets that the European Citizens’ Initiative against TTIP was rejected;
Amendment 129 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
(a) Stresses the high number of petitions received which reject the use of hydraulic fracturing for the extraction of gas and oil from the subsoil and highlight the harmful environmental, economic and social consequences linked to use of this technique;
Amendment 137 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
(a) Points out the large number of petitions received which fiercely criticise and warn of the consequences of the EU's migration, trade and external policies with regard to complying with the human rights of migrants; points out the obligation of all EU agencies, bodies and institutions, including FRONTEX, to ensure, at all times, compliance with human rights and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights in their field of activity;
Amendment 142 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the wide range of the subjects raised in the petitions filed by citizens, such as fundamental rights, human rights, the internal market, environmental law, labour relations, migration policies, trade agreements, public health issues, child welfare, transport, the disabled andor animal rights;
Amendment 145 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the organisation of public hearings is a veryn important way of examining problems raised by petitioners; wishes to draw attention to the public hearings organised with the Committee on the Environment in regard to the European Citizens’ Initiative on ‘Water is a Human Right’ and with the Committee on Legal Affairs for the ECI entitled ‘One of Us’; believes that the ECI is the first instrument of transnational participatory democracy that willtransnational instrument that, once a new regulation is approved, may enable citizens to become active more directly involved in the framing of EU policies and legislation; reaffirms its commitment to being involved in proactively organising public hearings for successfulthe most significant initiatives; undertakes to give priority, at institutional level, to the effectiveness of this participative process;
Amendment 151 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
(a) Stresses the approval of the Resolution on mortgage legislation and risky financial instruments in Spain (based on petitions received), although regrets that all the issues expressed in the numerous petitions received have not been recognised,
Amendment 153 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the Commission’s decision to continue in 2014 activities under the banner of the ‘European Year of Citizens’ by focusing more on the European elections (held between 22 and 25 May 2014); welcomes the Commission’s readiness to inform citizens about the tools placed at their disposal so that they could better participate in the EU’s democraticcision-making process, as well as its readiness at that point in time to provide EU citizens with information and advice on their rights and the democratic instruments available to defend them;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points to the importance of the Committee on Petitions having launched its Internet portal through which petitioners may register, submit their petition, upload supporting documents, support admissible petitions, receive information about their petition and also automatic e-mail alerts about changes to the status of their petition; regrets the delays which have meant that it is not currently fully operational, and asks that outstanding work be accelerated;
Amendment 161 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Acknowledges the important role of the SOLVIT network, which regularly uncovers and resolves problems linked to the implementation of internal market legislation; urges the Commission to upgrade this tool, allow members of the Committee on Petitions access to all information and keep them informed in cases relating to filed petitions;
Amendment 163 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights the need for the Committee on Petitions to step up its collaboration with other EU institutions and bodies, and with the national authorities in the Member States; considers enhanced dialogue and systematic cooperation with Member States, especially with national parliaments’ petitions committees, to be essential; recommends the forming of petitions committees to all parliaments of Member States where these have not yet been formed; considers the visit on 2 December 2014 by the petitions committee of the Scottish Parliament to be an example of said collaboration and that a partnership of this kind will make it possible to share best practices, pool experience gained and bring to fruition an efficacious and systematic procedure for forwarding petitions to the bodies responsible;
Amendment 167 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that fact-finding visits are one of the most important investigation tools the Committee on Petitions has, even thoughand regrets that there were none during 2014; calls on Greece to take note of the recommendations made in the report on the fact-finding visit on waste collection and the siting of landfills in Greece, which was adopted in committee in February 2014; calls on the Commission to monitor carefully the use made of funds allocated to waste collection; calls on Member States to comply with the EU directives on recycling waste and treating wastewater;
Amendment 170 #
2014/2218(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Attaches great importance to the presence and active cooperation of representatives of the Member States during meetings of the Committee on Petitions; welcomes the presence of representatives from the public authorities of the Member State concerned, their participation and their active cooperation, with particular reference to the representatives of certain Member States such as Greece, Italy and Spain; encourages other Member States to follow their example;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
- having regard to the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (Women on Board Directive),
Amendment 6 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 a (new)
Citation 30 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Convention on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular Article 6, Women with disabilities,
Amendment 7 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
Citation 32 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality (2013/2103(INI)),
Amendment 17 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Europe 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable, and inclusive economy entails ambitious targets, for example the 75% employment rate and reducing the number of persons suffering, or threatened with, poverty and social exclusion by at least 20 million by 2020, which will be impossible to meet unless Member States implement innovative policies to promote gender equality in the true senseausterity policies and cuts to public services, among other things, are abandoned and encouragement is given to the creation of decent jobs, instead of destroying or downgrading them;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the labour market situation and social conditions remain critical, and whereas inclusive growth will require greater strategic public investment;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the net destruction of jobs has coincided with an increase in precarious employment in the form of low-paid part-time jobs and short-term contracts;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas poverty has a structural and deeper impact on women the effects of which are worsening due to austerity measures which are set up in an attempt to solve the current economic, financial and social crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the increasing risk of poverty is closely and directly linked to the destruction of significant social functions performed by the state, as seen, for example, in the recent destruction of public social security systems in a number of Member States, along with cuts in key social benefits (family allowances, unemployment and sickness benefits, and income support), which affect many women, particularly those who have dependent families and have to cope with all their household problems;
Amendment 33 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas it is crucial to take into account the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination experienced by many women and girls in Europe (disability, migrant background, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, housing status, etc.);
Amendment 37 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas austerity measures in some countries have made women more vulnerable, both collectively and individually, leading to greater exploitation and to poverty and marginalisation, a situation which is also fuelling the trafficking of women and prostitution;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas family units in EU countries take a variety of forms based on civil partnership or marriage, between persons of the same sex or different sexes, and including families in which the parents are married or unmarried, be they of the same sex or of different sexes, single parents, foster parents, and families with children from previous relationships, all of which deserve equal protection under EU laws;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas rates of unemployment among young women are overtaking those of the population as a whole, and young women continue to be discriminated against by employers following maternity leave, a factor which affects their work and life prospects;
Amendment 68 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas flexible working patterns are becoming more common, as can be seen from weekend work and more irregular, unpredictable, and longer working hours; whereas flexible working patterns apply mainly to part-time workers and hence mostly to women, who are thus more likely than men to work different hours from one week to the next, making it difficult to balance work and family life; whereas this adds to the importance of promoting measures making for work-life balance;
Amendment 79 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas women are still a minority at every level of decision making and only 37% of Members of the new European Parliament and 9 out of 28 new Commissioners are women;
Amendment 101 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas the falling birth rate in the EU has been exacerbated by the crisis, given that unemployment, precarious circumstances, and uncertainty about the future and the economy are making couples, and younger women in particular, put off having children, thereby further reinforcing the EU-wide trend towards population ageing;
Amendment 115 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Amendment 117 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Proposes that austerity measures be withdrawn immediately as these do not just affect the public services women are more likely to use on account of their current economic vulnerability, but also cuts in the budgets for policies to prevent violence against women;
Amendment 124 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to strengthen social protection for the unemployed in order to tackle rising poverty, especially among women;
Amendment 129 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Member States to increase their child support budgets, specifically by expanding the public network of day-care centres, nurseries, and public services offering extracurricular activities for children;
Amendment 138 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on Member States to implement a multi-layered approach that focuses on equality in paid and unpaid work to enable both women and men to become equal earners and equal carers throughout their lives and policies that address women's economic independence on an equal footing with men.
Amendment 146 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that collective bargaining is a right which has to be protected, such protection being central to social harmonisation building upon improvements inasmuch as it helps to combat discrimination and to safeguard and enhance rights;
Amendment 150 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the EU to put an end to policies establishing dependency between family members in the framework of family reunion, and calls on the EU and its member states to grant migrant women an autonomous residence status, especially in cases of domestic violence.
Amendment 152 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Considers that helping women to return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning, action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights, and working patterns tailored to women’s individual requests, thus ensuring that women will not have to give up their careers or take career breaks;
Amendment 155 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. calls on the EC to request a report of each MS about the implementation of the EU directive on sexual harassment at work;
Amendment 156 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Member States to devise specific measures for the long-term unemployed centring on vocational training and their swift reintegration into the job market;
Amendment 159 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on the Member States to combat every aspect of job insecurity, proceeding from the principle that permanent jobs should involve proper employment contracts;
Amendment 160 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Calls for genuine work-life balance to be achieved, implying a need, at company level, to promote parenting-friendly working-time arrangements enabling working mothers and fathers to perform their irreplaceable role of helping their children into adulthood, and allowing for the particular needs of given age groups;
Amendment 167 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Maintains that states and employers have to assume greater responsibility for generational replacement and maternity and paternity rights, implying that women must have the right to be both mothers and workers without forfeiting labour rights;
Amendment 200 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that the EU ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22 January 2012 and that, under that Convention, States Parties must undertake to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability and to refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is inconsistent with the Convention;
Amendment 203 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Renews its call on the Commission to submit a proposal under Article 84 TFEU for an act establishing measures to promote and support the action of Member States in the field of preventing violence against women and girls, by supporting a directive on the prevention of violence and teaching on equality, and by introducing penalties for discriminatory or violent behaviour towards women, the products of a patriarchal system;
Amendment 207 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that the economic crisis is contributing to harassment and violence of all kinds, as well as to prostitution, with women as the victims, and that this is a violation of human rights; points to the need to increase public, financial, and human resources in order to support groups at risk of poverty and tackle situations posing a risk to children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the homeless;
Amendment 208 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Observes that increasing poverty and marginalisation, owing to so-called austerity policies, have led to an increase in female trafficking, sexual exploitation and prostitution and that there are signs that male domestic violence is on the rise, as social tensions within families also increase, and that women now find themselves more economically dependent on their aggressors;
Amendment 209 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to sign as soon as possible the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), this being the best way of combating and eradicating all forms of violence against women;
Amendment 211 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Recommends that, in their national action plans to eliminate domestic violence, Member States lay down the obligation of supporting undocumented migrant women in exactly the same way as women staying legally, without any requirement for institutions to report such cases to the authorities;
Amendment 212 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Recommends that the Member States strengthen their free public health services in order to support all women subjected to violence, including refugees, among other measures by increasing their capacity, with specialised assistance to women of different nationalities and to women with disabilities;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the principles of transparency and integrity in lobbying published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
Amendment 11 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the most common issues in the field of transparency concern refusal of access to documents or information by the institutions, with meetings being held in camera, and lack of openness regarding the appointment EU expert panels; whereas public access to documents is one of the rights guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)
Recital Q a (new)
Qa. whereas the European Commission is the institution concerning which the Ombudsman receives the highest number of complaints; whereas one of the investigations concluded in 2013 concerned documents relating to the UK exemption clause relating to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU; whereas, following a request by an NGO to consult the relevant documents drawn up by the Commission, the latter refused to make them public, prompting NGO to complain to the Ombudsman, who criticized the Commission for 'a very serious instance of maladministration'; whereas, following her intervention, the Commission delivered documents requested;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q b (new)
Recital Q b (new)
Qb. whereas another issue highlighting the activity of the European Ombudsman related to the Transparency Register, managed jointly by the Commission and Parliament for the provision of information regarding the interests of lobbyists in EU institutions and the amounts they invest in these activities; whereas, with regard to a complaint by an NGO to the Commission that information provided to the Register by two multinationals omitted much of the expenditure devoted to their lobbying activities, the NGO contacted the Ombudsman alleging that the Commission had not dealt properly with the complaint and had failed to provide access to all relevant documents; whereas the Ombudsman criticized the European Commission for its actions and urged it to comply fully with the principles of transparency and integrity in lobbying published by the OECD when reviewing the Register; whereas the Ombudsman called on to the Commission to undertake to disclose the names of lobbyists and other representatives of particular interests whenever the public so requested;
Amendment 20 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q c (new)
Recital Q c (new)
Qc. whereas in 2013 the Ombudsman received numerous complaints relating to conflicts of interest or 'revolving door' practices involving senior figures moving between closely related public and private sector posts; whereas the EU administration must attach the utmost importance to exemplary ethical conduct; whereas the Ombudsman accordingly published a set of public service principles and ethical standards; whereas many NGOs maintain that the Commission is failing to deal with what they describe as systemic 'revolving door' practices;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q d (new)
Recital Q d (new)
Amendment 35 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Commends this new approach on the Ombudsman’s part, which was adopted to reflect her desire to make the Ombudsman institution as accessible and user-friendly as possible; encourages interested parties to read the in-depth investigations part entitled: Good administration in practice: the European Ombudsman’s decisions in 2013, and to take to heart the Ombudsman’s considerations and recommendations; deploregrets the fact that this publication is available in English only, and suggests that it be made available in all official languages of the European Union;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with concern that a large majority of inquiries conducted by the Ombudsman over the past year (64.3 %) concerned the European Commission; considers that since the Commission is the institution whose decisions are most likely to directly affect citizens, civil society organisations and businesses, it is logical that it should be the main object of complaints; notes, however, that the share of complaints concerning the Commission has risen compared to 2012 when it was 52.7%notes that the proportion of complaints concerning the Commission has increased compared to 2012, when they amounted to 52.7%; objects to the lack of transparency that the European Commission has shown and continues to show, especially with regard to major decisions manifestly affecting the daily lives of European citizens and residents;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is pleased to note that the percentage of complaints concerning the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has more than halved in 2013, from 16.8 % in 2012 to 7.1 % in 2013; is equally pleased that the percentage of complaints against the European Parliament has decreased from 5.2 % in 2012 to 4.3 % in 2013; acknowledges the work of the Ombudsman and EPSO in bringing down the number of complaints against that agency;
Amendment 56 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. NoteRegrets that the Ombudsman submitted onewas required to submit a Special Report to Parliament, the subject of which was the absence of a mechanism in the Frontex agency following the refusal of the Frontex agency to introduce a mechanism for dealing with complaints about fundamental rights infringements arising from its work in sealing off the external borders of the EU, which is a flagrant violation by Frontex of the rights of thousands of migrants and asylum- seekers; notes that the Ombudsman has opened an investigation into the massive number of deportation flights organized by Frontex in collaboration with various Member States, over 10 800 people having been deported since 2006;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages the Ombudsman to deepen her relations and cooperation with the various networks, in particular the European Network of Ombudsmen and the framework under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; expresses its concern at the possible disappearance of regional ombudsmen allegedly necessitated by the cuts announced by the Spanish Government for example; warns that the removal of these ombudsmen could significantly reduce the opportunities for many European citizens to uphold their rights effectively; recalls Parliament’s call in the Committee on Petitions’ Annual Report of 2012 for the setting- up, by Parliament, of a network encompassing petitions committees in the Member States, which could be supplementary to the European Network of Ombudsmen;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2155(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that 321 irregularities reported as fraudulent and 4 672 reported as non- fraudulent were cohesion-policy related; recalls how important it is to differentiate non-fraudulent and fraudulent irregularities; points out that in both categories the number of reports increased by 15 % as compared to 2012 while the related amounts decreased; observes that, as in previous years, the largest share of amounts that involved irregularities in 2013 (63 %) is nonetheless still related to cohesion policy; notes also that for the first time cohesion policy was not the area of budgetary expenditure with the highest number of irregularities reported as fraudulent;
Amendment 43 #
2014/2155(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that in order to effectively tackle irregularities, whether fraudulent or non- fraudulent, adequate resources need to be available particularly in relation to the administrative capacity thematic objective;
Amendment 46 #
2014/2155(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls its deep concern regarding the unpaid bills of the EU; believes that this issue must be addressed when fighting irregularities;
Amendment 48 #
2014/2155(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes the large amounts of funding that are wasted and lost from EU Programmes due to non-fraudulent and fraudulent irregularities and that this is particularly deplorable given the current economic difficulties in EU Member States, cuts to the EU budget in 2014- 2020 period and the climate of austerity.
Amendment 17 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the right to work is a prerequisite for the fulfilment of equal rights, economic independence and the professional achievement of women;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the net destruction of jobs has coincided with an increase in precarious employment; it should be noted, furthermore, that the vast majority of low wages and almost all very low wages occur in part-time employment and that about 80% of poor employees are women;
Amendment 34 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 136 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to make clear the EU role that it wishes to play in the world and in working with the Member States with regard to the promotion of gender equality and to pursue these goals both through the concept of gender mainstreaming in all areas and through individual targeted and specific actions, namely specific programmes in the area of equality;
Amendment 213 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in preventing and combating violence in its many forms and root causes and to adopt specific measures for each of its aspects, while safeguarding the balance of rights and duties for men and women in all spheres of life: the right to physical and moral integrity, the right to legal protection and access to the courts to defend their rights;
Amendment 217 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Amendment 218 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in making society more aware of the problem of violence against women and the social role of women;
Amendment 219 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13 d. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in promoting annual awareness campaigns on the problem of violence against women and promoting women's rights: on domestic violence; on violence among young couples; on trafficking human beings; on exploitation of women and children in prostitution; on female genital mutilation; on wage discrimination based on sex; on employment rights and maternity protection in the workplace;
Amendment 220 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
13e. Calls on the Commission to help the Member States improve their free public health services for women who are victims of violence and increase the number of shelters and places available, providing special assistance in different languages to women of different nationalities;
Amendment 228 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in adopting measures that will monitor and sanction breaches of maternity protection;
Amendment 230 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Stresses the importance of effectively balancing professional, personal and family life through the regulation of working time, the reduction in working hours, the ban on intensive working and respect for collective bargaining, which will have a positive result in strengthening the participation of women from all social strata in social and political life;
Amendment 232 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to monitor the attainment of the Barcelona objectives and to continue to support Member States in creating high quality and affordablefree public child care with reasonable hours of attendance; emphasises in this connection the importance of nursing and care services for the elderly and persons requiring special care;
Amendment 240 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the importance of flexible forms of work in allowing women, but more especially men, to reconcile work andat flexible working hours should be the choice of those who work and not be imposed by the employer; rejects flexibility and situations of contractual uncertainty that do not allow the organisation and stability of family life and instructs the Commission to coordinate and promote exchanges of best practice; stresses in this connection the need for awareness campaigns for the equal division of domestic work and care and nursing, for the inclusion of men and the introduction of paternity leave of at least 10 days and parental leave to be divided between both parents;
Amendment 258 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 279 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to include specific measures to promote the equal representation of women and men in leadership positions in the strategy and to support the Council in the negotiations for the adoption of the Directive for a balanced representation of men and women on supervisory boards and to expand the scope of this Directive to include executive boards; points out that increasing the number of women on the boards of companies listed or not on the stock exchange, a legitimate aspiration for women of this social class, does not alter the irresolvable contradictions between capital and labour which use discrimination against workers as an instrument of increased exploitation;
Amendment 326 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses that direct and indirect discrimination on pay is inseparable from the attack on collective bargaining and salaries, policies that are on a clear collision course with employment rights due to all workers and women in particular. The identification of wage discrimination and the promotion of equal pay is inseparable from a new policy based on raising wages and the achievement of ‘equal pay for equal work or work of equal value’;
Amendment 361 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission to create incentives for competent training in the critical use of the media in the Member States to encourage the questioning of stereotypes and structures and to share best practice examples so as to review the ways in which roles have been stereotyped in the educational material used so far; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to support programmes to raise awareness of stereotypes and traditional gender roles in the education and media sector; notes the development of a culture of trivialisation of violence in general, of ‘every man for himself’ individualism, of the proliferation of images of women as sexual objects and the attempted transformation of prostitution into ‘sex work’ and its victims into ‘sex workers’; emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-equitable teaching methods for teachers, so that they can clearly explain the benefits of gender equality and a diverse society;
Amendment 3 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is of the opinion that the amounts entered in the Draft Budget (DB) 2015 for heading 1b to cover the minimum needs and objectives of cohesion policy as set by the Union in the Treaty and in the policy legislative framework for 2014-2020 are insufficient; in all the communications from the European Commission on the execution of payments for Structural Funds the Commission clearly reports a EUR 23.4 billion deficit on the appropriations to cohesion programmes;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that 2015 will be the second year of implementation of the new ESI funds cycle; underscores the need for sufficient commitment and payment appropriations in order to ensure that the programmes reach the intended number of beneficiaries and thus impact;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with concern the decrease in payment appropriations under heading 1b by 5,0% to EUR 51 601,9 million over 2014, while the so-called increase in commitment appropriations of +3,6% stems mainly from the proposed mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument in 2015 to address the situation of Cyprus; recalls that instruments such as the ESF, the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund or the Youth Employment Initiative are of particular importance during a crisis, and that the first victims of payment decrease are always the weaker stakeholders, such as Member States with budgetary constraints, local and regional authorities, outermost regions, SMEs, NGOs, social partners;
Amendment 11 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with concern that, while the proposed level of payment appropriations will be mainly dedicated to covering outstanding commitments and the winding down of programmes while at same time most of the instruments have seen their scopes increased (e.g.: Fund for most deprived), the Commission declares that the payments backlog will continue to grow and is expected to reach aroundbove the EUR 1823.4 billion already reached at the end of 20153, even if DAB No 3/2014 is approved;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns mechanisms introduced by the new CPR such as the macroeconomic conditionalities and the performance reserve, which could punish local and regional authorities in a budgetary context they are not responsible for;
Amendment 355 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Organic production is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental and climate action practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, the application of high animal welfare standards and production standards in line with the demand of a growing number of consumers for products produced using natural substances and processes. Organic production thus plays a dual societal role, where it, on the one hand, provides for a specific market responding to consumer demand for organic products and, on the other hand, delivers publicly available goods contributing to the protection of the environment and animal welfare, as well as to rural development.
Amendment 358 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The mass movement of products around the world is a major contributory factor in climate change, and that fact will therefore have to be taken into account when laying down the criteria for the marketing of organic products transported over long distances.
Amendment 359 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The observance of high health, environmental and animal welfare standards in the production of organic products is intrinsic to the high quality of those products. As underlined in the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on agricultural product quality policy, organic production forms part of the Union’s agricultural product quality schemes together with geographical indications, traditional specialties guaranteed and products of the outermost regions of the Union, as laid down in Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 and Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council13, respectively. In this sense, organic production pursues the same objectives within the common agricultural policy (‘CAP’) which are inherent to all the agricultural product quality schemes of the Union. __________________ 13 Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 (OJ L 78, 20.3.2013, p. 23).
Amendment 362 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In particular, the objectives of the organic production policy are embedded in the objectives of the CAP by ensuring that farmers receive a fair return forto the extent that support is provided to farmers to enable them to complying with the organic production rules. In addition, the growing consumer demand for organic products creates conditions for further development and expansion of the market in those products and thus for an increase in the return of farmers engaged in organic production.
Amendment 366 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the objectives of the Union'’s organic production policy, the legal framework established for implementing that policy should aim at ensuring fair competition and a proper functioning of the internal market in organic products, in particular along the supply chain for those products, and at maintaining and justifying consumer confidence in products labelled as organic. It should further aim at providing conditions under which the policy can progress in line with production and market developments.
Amendment 367 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The policy priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy as set out in the Commission Communication entitled ‘Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’25 include the aims of achieving a competitiven economy based on knowledge and innovation, fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion and supporting the shift towards a resource- efficient and low-carbon economy. The organic production and organic product marketing policy should therefore provide operators with the right tools to better identify and promote their products while protecting them against unfair practices along the supply chain. __________________ 25 COM(2010) 2020 final.
Amendment 369 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Given the dynamic evolution of the organic sector, Council Regulation (EC) No 834/200726 identified the need for a future review of the Union rules on organic production, taking into account the experience gained from the application of those rules. The results of that review carried out by the Commission show that the Union legal framework governing organic production should be improved to provide for rules that correspond to the high expectations of consumers and that guarantee sufficient clarity for those to whom they are addressed. Therefore, Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 should be repealed and replaced by a new Regulation maintaining all the benefits of the current Regulation while helping to promote farming, marketing, and awareness of the contribution that organic products make to a qualitatively good healthy diet, the environment, and animal welfare in the Union. __________________ 26 Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L 189, 20.7.2007, p. 1).
Amendment 370 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Experience gained so far with the application of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 shows a need to clarify the products to which this Regulation applies. Primarily, it should cover agricultural products, including aquaculture products, listed in Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘the Treaty’). Moreover, it should cover processed agricultural products for use as food or feed because the placing on the market of such products as organic provides a major outlet for agricultural products and ensures visibility to the consumer of the organic nature of the agricultural products from which they are processed. Likewise, this Regulation should cover certain other products which are linked to agricultural products in a similarly close way as processed agricultural products because those other products either constitute a major outlet for agricultural products or form an integral part of the production process. Finally, sea salt shouldwill be included in the scope of this Regulation because it is produced by applying natural production techniques and its production contributes to the development of rural areas, and thus falls within the objectives ofwhen it is produced by techniques in accordance with this Regulation. For reasons of clarity, those other products, not listed in Annex I to the Treaty, should be listed in an Annex to this Regulation.
Amendment 372 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
Amendment 378 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) As a matter of principle, the general production rules of this Regulation should include a prohibition on the use of ionising radiation and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products produced from or by GMOs. Since consumers are more and more concerned about environmental impacts of food processing and transportation, organic operators other than farmers and operators producing seaweed or aquaculture animals should be required to manage their environmental performance according to a harmonised system. With the objective of minimising the regulatory burden of micro-enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC27 involved in organic production, it is appropriate to exempt them from this requirement. In order to ensure the correct application of the general production rules, the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission in respect of establishing the criteria to which the environmental management system is to correspondNo imported organic product may be marketed if it has been obtained or made from products not authorised in the Union, for example products of cloned animals, or nanomaterials. __________________ 27 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (OJ L 124, of 20.05.2003, p. 36).
Amendment 414 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
Amendment 416 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Organic aquaculture is a relatively new field of organic production compared to organic agriculture where long experience exists at the farm level. Given consumers’ growing interest in organic aquaculture products, further growth in the conversion of aquaculture units to organic production is likely. This is leading to increased experience, technical knowledge and development, with improvements in organic aquaculture that should be reflected in the production rules. No aquaculture or seaweed production project should be authorised if it is likely to damage or replace non-industrial fisheries.
Amendment 421 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
Amendment 425 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
Amendment 428 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
Amendment 429 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
Amendment 431 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 provided for different exceptions from organic production rules. The experience gained from the application of those provisions has shown that such exceptions have a negative impact on organic production. In particular, it has been found that the very existence of such exceptions impedes the production of inputs in organic form and that the high level of animal welfare associated with organic production is not ensured. In addition, the management and control of exceptions entail considerable administrative burden, both for the national administrations and operators. Finally, the existence of exceptions has created conditions for distortions in competition anAll measures necessary should be taken to deal with shortcomings necessitating exceptions in order to ensure that those exceptions can be eliminated has threatened to undermine consumer confidence. Accordingly, the scope for allowing exceptions from organic production rules should be further restricted and limited to cases of catastrophic circumstancesquickly as possible.
Amendment 433 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) In order to ensure the integrity of organic production and adaptation to technical developments, the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission in respect of establishing rules amending or supplementing the specific rules on collection, packaging, transport and storage of organic products.
Amendment 438 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) In the absence of specific Union rules on the measures to take when non- authorised substances or products are present in organic products, different approaches have been developed and implemented across the Union. This situation creates uncertainties for operators, control authorities and control bodies. It may also entail a different treatment of operators in the Union and affect consumers' confidence in organic products. It is therefore appropriate to lay down clear and uniform provisions to prohibit marketing as organic those products in which any non-authorised products or substances are present beyond given levels. Those levels should be established taking ac. When the presence of non-authorised substances is due to count in particular of Commission Directive 2006/125/EC31 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young childrenamination from outside sources, the producer affected, and therefore unable to sell its product, should be compensated at a rate equivalent to the usual selling prices of the product. __________________ 31 Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16).
Amendment 443 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) In order to ensure the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of the organic production and labelling system, the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission in respect of specific criteria and conditions for the establishment and application of the levels of presence ofno contamination threshold for non- authorised products and substances beyond which products shall not be marketed as organic and with respect to the establishment of those levels and their adaptation in the light of technical developmentshould be permitted. In cases where contamination has not been caused by producers themselves, the production affected should be paid for at the current real selling prices.
Amendment 455 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) In order to provide clarity for consumers and to ensure that the appropriate information is communicated to them, the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission in respect of adapting the list of terms referring to organic production set out in this Regulation, establishing the specific labelling and composition requirements applicable to feed and ingredients thereof, laying down further rules on labelling and the use of the indications, other than the organic production logo of the European Union, set out in this Regulation, and amending the organic production logo of the European Union and the rules relating thereto.
Amendment 464 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 60
Recital 60
(60) Small farmers in the Union face, individually, relatively high inspection costs and administrative burden linked to organic certification. A system of group certification should be allowed with a view to reducing the inspection and certification costs and the associated administrative burden, strengthening local networks, contributing to better market outlets and ensuring a level playing field with operators in third countries. For that reason, the concept of ‘group of operators’ should be introduced and defined. Smallholdings with mixed production (crop husbandry, livestock farming, and/or processing) should be entered in a single register and certified as farms.
Amendment 467 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61
Recital 61
Amendment 469 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62
Recital 62
Amendment 471 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 63
Recital 63
(63) The experience with the arrangements for import of organic products into the Union under Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 has shown that there is a need to revise those arrangements in order to respond to consumer expectations that imported organic products meet rules as high as those of the Union, as well as to better ensure the access of Union organic products to the international market. In addition, it is necessary to provide for clarity regarding the rules applicable to export of organic products, in particular by establishing a certificate of export and laying down provisions for export to third countries recognised for the purpose of equivalence under Regulation (EC) No 834/2007. Given the impact of international trade on greenhouse gas emissions and in terms of energy wastage, trade in organic products should comply with the same good environmental and climate action practices as organic farming, and importing and exporting should not, therefore, be made the object of organic farming and serve as grounds for moving massive quantities of organic products around the world. For those reasons they should be confined to highly specific products.
Amendment 478 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 69
Recital 69
(69) In order to ensure fair competition among operators, the traceability of the imported products intended to be placed on the market within the Union as organic or the transparency of the recognition and supervision procedure for control authorities and control bodies within the context of import of compliant organic products, and in order to ensure the management of the list of third countries recognised for the purpose of equivalence under Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, t, the criteria to be taken into account should relate to the contribution to climate change, energy wastage, decent pay terms for workers and remunerative prices for producers, and the fact that products should not be marketed in importing countries below their actual production costs. The power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the documents intended for customs authorities in third countries, in particular an organic export certificate, in electronic form wherever possible, the documents necessary for the purposes of import, also in electronic form wherever possible, the criteria for recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies in the context of import of compliant organic products, and in respect of the information to be sent by third countries recognised under that Regulation necessary for the supervision of their recognition and the exercise of that supervision by the Commission, including on-the-spot examination.
Amendment 480 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 70
Recital 70
(70) Provision should be made to ensure that the movement of organic products that have been subject to a control in one Member State and which comply with this Regulation cannot be restricted in another Member State. In order to ensure the proper functioning of the single market and trade between Member States, the power to adopt certain acts should be delegated to the Commission to lay down rules relating to the free movement of organic products.
Amendment 482 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 75
Recital 75
(75) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission as regards the technical details for the establishment of the database for the listing of the varieties for which plant reproductive material obtained by the organic production method is available, as regards the authorisation or the withdrawal of the authorisation of the products and substances that may be used in organic production in general and in the production of processed organic food in particular, including the procedures to be followed for the authorisation and the lists of those products and substances and, where appropriate, their description, compositional requirement and conditions for use, as regards the specific and practical modalities regarding the presentation, composition and size of the indications referring to the code numbers of control authorities and control bodies and of the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed, the assignment of code numbers to control authorities and control bodies and the indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials have been farmed, as regards the details and specifications regarding the content, form and way of notification of the notifications by operators and groups of operators of their activity to the competent authorities and the form of publication of the fees that may be collected for the controls, as regards the exchange of information between groups of operators and competent authorities, control authorities and control bodies and between Member States and the Commission, as regards the recognition or withdrawal of the recognition of control authorities and control bodies which are competent to carry out controls in third countries and the establishment of the list of those control authorities and control bodies and rules to ensure the application of measures in relation to cases of non- compliance, or suspicion thereof, affecting the integrity of imported organic products, as regards the establishment of a list of third countries recognised under Article 33(2) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 and the amendment of that list as well as rules to ensure the application of measures in relation to cases of non-compliance, or suspicion thereof, affecting the integrity of organic products imported from those countries, as regards the system to be used to transmit the information necessary for the implementation and monitoring of this Regulation, and as regards the establishment of the list of control authorities and control bodies recognised under Article 33(3) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 and the amendment of that list. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council34. __________________ 34 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 483 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 77
Recital 77
Amendment 489 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 78
Recital 78
(78) The Commission should consider the situation of the availability of organic plant reproductive material and animals for breeding purposes and present a report to this end to the European Parliament and the Council in 2021, as a basis for the necessary measures to remedy the lack of current availability.
Amendment 490 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 78 a (new)
Recital 78 a (new)
(78a) In order to maintain local varieties, whether indigenous or well adapted non- indigenous varieties, and indigenous breeds, special exemptions may be accorded and decisive measures taken to ensure as soon as possible the availability of these organic plant varieties and animals for breeding purposes.
Amendment 511 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Amendment 549 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 36
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 36
(36) ‘genetically modified organism’ means a genetically modified organism as defined in point (2) of Article 2 of Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council43 which is not obtained through the techniques of genetic modifications listed in Annex I.B to that Directive, hereinafter referred to as ‘GMO’; __________________ 43 Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC (OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1).
Amendment 550 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 41
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 41
(41) ‘equivalence’ means meeting the same objectives and principles by applying rules which ensure the same level of assurance of conformity; ‘processing aid’ means processing aid as defined in point (b) of Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008;
Amendment 568 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iii
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iii
(iii) exclude the use of GMOs and products produced from or by GMOs with the exception of veterinary medicinal products;
Amendment 576 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) compliance with strict marketing practices in order to minimize energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions from food transport, giving maximum support and maximum priority to short marketing circuits;
Amendment 578 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) maximum proximity between the place of production and place of consumption, preventing the displacement of local products and encouraging the production and consumption of seasonal and local products, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of organic food consumption;
Amendment 580 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(gc) respect for, and conservation and revival of, traditional knowledge and practices or vernaculars relating to sustainable food production and respect for the environment in this connection.
Amendment 586 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) maintenance of plant health by preventive measures, in particular the choice and reintroduction of appropriate species, varieties or heterogeneous material resistant to pests and diseases, appropriate crop rotations, mechanical and physical methods and protection of the natural enemies of pests;
Amendment 589 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) choice and reintroduction of breeds having regard to the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their resistance to disease or health problems; the practice of site-adapted and land- related livestock production; the application of animal husbandry practices, which enhance the immune system and strengthen the natural defence against diseases, in particular including regular exercise and access to open air areas and pastureland, where appropriate;
Amendment 592 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) enhancement of traditional knowledge relating to environmentally low-impact production techniques and methods; enhancement of the genetic heritage of local varieties and breeds;
Amendment 593 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) encouraging remunerative prices for producers.
Amendment 601 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) exclusion of genetic engineering, animal cloning, artificially induced polyploidy and ionising radiation and nanomaterials from the whole organic food chain;
Amendment 605 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 606 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
d) limitation of the use of feed additives and processing aids to a minimum extent and only in cases of essential technological or zootechnical needs or for particular nutritional purposes;eleted
Amendment 607 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) methods and local and traditional knowledge of food preparation that do not contradict the other basic aspects of this regulation.
Amendment 653 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a
(2a) By way of derogation from paragraph 2, in cases where the land has been left fallow, or it can be proved that production on the land has complied with the principles in this Regulation, before the notification referred to in Article 24(1) for at least the time period required for conversion and provided that other necessary requirements are fulfilled, no conversion period shall be necessary for this fallow land or land used for organic production.
Amendment 661 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. Products produced during the conversion period shall not be marketed as organicproducts from a farm in the process of converting to organic farming.
Amendment 664 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6
Article 8 – paragraph 6
6. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 supplementing the rules laid down in this Article or supplementing and amending the rules set out in Annex II as regards conversion.
Amendment 671 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, with regard to GMOs or products produced from or by GMOs for food and feed, operators mayshall rely on the labels of a product or any other accompanying document, affixed or provided pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC, Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council48 or Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council49. __________________ 48 Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EC) 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 20031 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 24).
Amendment 675 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Operators may assume that no GMOs or products produced from or by GMOs have been used in the manufacture of purchased food and feed when such products are not labelled, or accompanied by a document, pursuant to the Regulations referred to in paragraph 2, unless they have obtained other information indicating that the labelling of the products concerned is not in conformity with those Regulationverifiably and reliably certified to be totally free of GMOs.
Amendment 676 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Producers of GMOs that contaminate organic farms and beekeeping products shall be held responsible for said contamination and shall answer for losses caused by paying compensation for contaminated products at the price their producers would have obtained through normal sales channels for their organic products.
Amendment 692 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic plant production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific plant production rules as regards:
Amendment 696 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. However, exemptions shall be established in accordance with Article 10(2) to enable the recovery and use of local and traditional varieties for organic production, which will also contribute to increased biodiversity.
Amendment 697 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Producers shall be permitted to exchange seeds.
Amendment 701 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic livestock production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific livestock production rules as regards:
Amendment 708 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. By way of derogation from the aforegoing, exemptions shall be established to enable the recovery and rearing of native breeds in order to facilitate their breeding in organic animal husbandry.
Amendment 711 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic seaweed production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific seaweed production rules as regards:
Amendment 712 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic aquaculture animals production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific production rules for aquaculture animals as regards:
Amendment 713 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – point a
a) the suitability of the aquatic medium, no interference with or hindrance to small- scale fishing, and the sustainable management plan;
Amendment 717 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic processed food and feed production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific production rules for processed food and feed as regards:
Amendment 721 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic wine production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific wine production rules as regards oenological practices and restrictions.
Amendment 723 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Operators producing yeast to be used as food or feed shall in particular comply with the specific production rules set out in Part VI of Annex II. Use of GMO yeast shall not be permitted under any circumstances.
Amendment 724 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic yeast production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the specific yeast production rules as regards the processing and the substrates used.
Amendment 726 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Amendment 734 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
In order to allow organic production to continue or recommence in the event of catastrophic circumstances and subject to the principles laid down in Chapter II, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 providing for the criteria to qualify, in conjunction with agricultural organisations present in organic farming, such situations as catastrophic and laying down specific rules on how to deal with them, on monitoring and on reporting requirements.
Amendment 736 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. In order to ensure the integrity of organic production and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 amending or supplementing the rules set out in Annex III.
Amendment 737 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. To ensure emissions in this sector are as low as possible consumption of food produced locally shall be encouraged and promoted, seeking to stop local production being replaced by products from international trade and to cut the number of food kilometres for each item of food consumed.
Amendment 739 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. The Commission must ensure that Member States’ policies in this area support organic producers, increasing their involvement in the value chain, improving the marketing of their products and preventing and correcting the bad practices used in the area.
Amendment 740 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. In order to reduce waste as much as possible, loose goods must be promoted as much as possible, excess packaging must be avoided, use of plastics must be cut to an absolute minimum and inks – which must be as harmless as possible – must only be used for lettering and labelling.
Amendment 756 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) all products and substances are of plant, animal, microbial or mineral origin, except where products or substances from such sources are not available in sufficient quantities or qualities or if alternatives are not available;
Amendment 758 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point ii
Amendment 760 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point i
(i) their use is necessary to maintain animal health, animal welfare and vitality and contribute to an appropriate diet fulfilling the physiological and behavioural needs of the species concerned or their use is necessary to produce or preserve feed because the production or preservation of feed is not possible without having recourse to such substances;
Amendment 761 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point ii
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e – point ii
(ii) feed of mineral origin, trace elements, vitamins or provitamins shall be of natural origin, except where products or substances from such sources are not available in sufficient quantities or qualities or if alternatives are not available.
Amendment 762 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Amendment 763 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Amendment 764 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) they are to be found in nature and may have undergone only mechanical, physical, biological, enzymatic or microbial processes, except where products and substances from such sources are not available in sufficient quantities or qualities.
Amendment 765 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 766 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. In order to ensure quality, traceability and compliance with this Regulation as regards organic production in general and the production of processed organic food in particular, and adaptation to technical developments, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 providing for additional criteria for the authorisation or withdrawal of the authorisation of products and substances referred to in paragraph 1 for use in organic production in general and in the production of organic processed food in particular, and other requirements and conditions for the use of such authorised products and substances.
Amendment 767 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Where a Member State considers that a product or substance should be added to, or withdrawn from the lists of authorised products and substances referred to in paragraph 1, or that the specifications of use mentioned in the production rules should be amended, the Member State concerned shall ensure that a dossier giving the reasons for the inclusion, withdrawal or amendments is sent officially to the Commission and to the other Member States, and that such dossiers are compiled with the involvement of the farming organisations in the sector.
Amendment 776 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Amendment 789 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Amendment 802 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3
Article 20 – paragraph 3
3. By way of derogation from Article 211(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, and subject to an authorizsation by the Commission adopted without applying the procedure referred to in Article 37(2) or (3) of this Regulation, Member States may grant national payments to compensate farmers for the losses they have incurred due to the contamination of their agricultural products by non-authorised products or substances which prevents them from marketing those products as organic – with such compensation equalling the amount they would have received had those products been sold via the usual outlets – provided that the farmers have taken all appropriate measures to prevent the risk of such contamination. Member States may also use the instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy to cover totally or partially such losses. When there is contamination from GMOs, the relevant authorities in the Member States shall also pay the producer or beekeeper concerned, and claim the amount concerned back from the GMO producer responsible for the contamination.
Amendment 830 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Where most of the ingredients have been produced in the same locality, district or specific geographical area, or province (NUTS 3), the logo may include the name of such to raise awareness about the place of production.
Amendment 831 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 5 b (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. The name of the municipality, district, specific geographical area or province (NUTS 3) in which the food has been produced may be included on the logo.
Amendment 835 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. The use of the organic production logo of the European Union shall be optionalmay not be used for products imported from third countries. In addition, where that logo appears in the labelling, the indication referred to in Article 22(2) shall also appear in the labelling.
Amendment 837 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 5
Article 23 – paragraph 5
5. NationalState, autonomous community, regional (NUTS 2), provincial (NUTS 3), municipal, district or specific geographical area and private logos may be used in the labelling, presentation and advertising of products which comply with this Regulation.
Amendment 855 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. Operators or groups of operators that produce, prepare or store organic products, who import such products from a third country or export such products to a third country or who place such products on the market shall, prior to the placing on the market as organic or prior to conversion, notify their activity to the competent authorities of the Member State(s) where the activity is carried out. Organic- certification systems shall provide for the possibility of including the activity of any alternative food networks linking the relationship of trust between producer and consumer. The competent authorities may allow direct certification, participatory guarantee systems and consumer cooperatives, so as to confer recognition on these producer/consumer networks. These systems shall be recognised as ‘delegated bodies’, without prejudice to the requirements included in this Regulation.
Amendment 875 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. Competent authorities shall keep an updated list containing the names and addresses of operators and, groups of operators and other guarantee systems that have notified their activities in accordance with paragraph 1 and shall make that list public, together with the information relating to their organic certificates as referred to in Article 25(1). The competent authorities shall respect the requirements of the protection of personal data under Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council50. __________________ 50 Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31).
Amendment 891 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The certification of groups of operators may be based on the principles of participatory certification, enabling control systems that permit the inclusion of consumers in these tasks.
Amendment 896 #
Amendment 897 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Amendment 898 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Organic produce may not be intended for export, and shall not, under any circumstances, be intended to replace produce from the local area. In any event, it shall be limited to specific high-quality produce that does not constitute the staple foodstuff in the destination country. Sale prices in export markets may never be below the costs of production, thereby avoiding all situations of social or economic dumping.
Amendment 899 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. In order to avoid creating unequal conditions for operators when exporting to third countries, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 concerning specific ruNo product shall be considered organic if, although produced in accordance with the standards regulating its production, it originates in a location very far from the place of processing and/or consumption, or it constitutes the staples for exports of organic products to a third country which is recognised in accordance with Article 31odstuff of a given people and can be produced very short distances from consumption, since the energy cost and greenhouse-gas emissions caused by its transportation contribute to global warming and climate change.
Amendment 900 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. In order to ensure fair competition among operators, the Commission shall beNo product shall be considered organic if it is imported or emxpowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 36 concerning documents intended for customs authorities in third countries, in particular as regards an organic export certificate issued in elerted ‘out of season’ in the destination country, because of the environmental impact and to prevent the destructrionic form wherever possible and providing assurance that exported organic products comply with this Regulation of each people’s farming and food cultures.
Amendment 902 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. No product shall be considered organic if it originates in plantations that are taking over land necessary for producing the local staple foodstuff.
Amendment 903 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. No product shall be considered organic if it has involved labour by children or under pay conditions that breached the labour and wage standards in force in each country.
Amendment 904 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28
Article 28
Amendment 932 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter 7 – section 1
Chapter 7 – section 1
Amendment 933 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – title
Article 32 – title
Amendment 934 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities, control authorities and control bodies may not, on grounds relating to the productTo ensure that consumption causes lower emissions, to the labelling or to the presentation of the products, prohibit or restrict the marketing of organic products controlled bymeasures shall be adopted to promote and prioritise organic production, anod ther competent authority, control authority or control body located in another Member State, if those products comply with this Regulation. In particular, no official controls and other official activities other than those under Regulation (EU) No XXX/XXX (Official controls Regulation) may be performed and no fees for official controls and other official activitiesnsumption of local and seasonal products, so as to reduce the distance travelled by food to the greatest extent possible and substitute local products for others than those under Article 76 of that Regulation may be collectedt are the same from other production areas.
Amendment 936 #
2014/0100(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2
Article 32 – paragraph 2