Activities of Mirja VEHKAPERÄ
Plenary speeches (5)
Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (debate) FI
Annual strategic report on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (debate) FI
Debate with the Prime Minister of Finland, Mr Juha Sipilä, on the Future of Europe (debate) FI
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) (debate) FI
The EU's input on a UN binding instrument on transnational corporations with respect to human rights (debate) FI
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on a European Parliament recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the Institutional Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation PDF (203 KB) DOC (82 KB)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Asylum and Migration Fund
Institutional motions (29)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on China, notably the situation of religious and ethnic minorities PDF (153 KB) DOC (62 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cameroon PDF (153 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Brunei PDF (152 KB) DOC (50 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on China, notably the situation of religious and ethnic minorities PDF (153 KB) DOC (53 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Cameroon PDF (159 KB) DOC (52 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Brunei PDF (147 KB) DOC (51 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the emergency situation in Venezuela PDF (151 KB) DOC (51 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the emergency situation in Venezuela PDF (150 KB) DOC (58 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan PDF (154 KB) DOC (62 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, notably the case of human rights defenders PDF (150 KB) DOC (58 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in Guatemala PDF (161 KB) DOC (58 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the Human Rights Situation in Kazakhstan PDF (151 KB) DOC (52 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation of human rights in Guatemala PDF (153 KB) DOC (54 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, notably the case of human rights defenders PDF (163 KB) DOC (55 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Zimbabwe PDF (159 KB) DOC (55 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Zimbabwe PDF (146 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Azerbaijan, notably the case of Mehman Huseynov PDF (155 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Sudan PDF (153 KB) DOC (60 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Togo PDF (163 KB) DOC (57 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Azerbaijan, notably the case of Mehman Huseynov PDF (154 KB) DOC (53 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Sudan PDF (146 KB) DOC (53 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Tanzania PDF (281 KB) DOC (51 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Egypt, notably the situation of human rights defenders PDF (303 KB) DOC (58 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, notably the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh PDF (282 KB) DOC (53 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Egypt, notably the situation of human rights defenders PDF (178 KB) DOC (58 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Tanzania PDF (174 KB) DOC (51 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran, notably the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh PDF (170 KB) DOC (52 KB)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Vietnam, notably the situation of political prisoners PDF (286 KB) DOC (59 KB)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Vietnam, notably the situation of political prisoners PDF (276 KB) DOC (53 KB)
Written questions (1)
VP/HR - EU policy on the Arctic and the successor to the Special Advisor/Ambassador at Large for the Arctic PDF (42 KB) DOC (17 KB)
Amendments (194)
Amendment 14 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
- having regard to the EU Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, adopted by the Council in 2013,
Amendment 15 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
- having regard to the joint communication by the Commission and the VP/HR to the European Parliament and the Council of 14 March 2017 entitled ‘Elements for an EU Strategy for Syria’ (JOIN(2017)0011) and to the Council conclusions on Syria of 3 April 2017, which together make up the new EU strategy on Syria,
Amendment 21 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Arab uprisings that affected the MENA region in 2011 constituted a moment of mass upheavals against authoritarian regimes; whereas a large segment of the protesters was composed of young women and men aspiring to a better and more inclusive future; whereas the overthrow of most of thsome regimes and the introduction of liberal reforms gave rise to great hope and expectations;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, eight years after the Arab Spring and political developments which have led countries in the Maghreb and Mashreq regions to follow many diverse evolutionary paths in terms of politics and stability, it is still essential to assess how to respond to the legitimate democratic aspirations in the region; whereas it is important to take stock of the efforts and policy stance adopted by the EU in response to the Arab Spring and to assess its capacity for policy delivery; whereas it is essential to reassess the policy framework of the EU towards Southern Neighbourhood countries and its future objectives;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas despite some reforms some MENA region countries’ authorities have intensified their crackdown on civil society, with continuous and widespread cases of politically-motivated prosecution, arbitrary detention and harassment of human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and political opposition activists;
Amendment 71 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas companies based in several EU Member States have continued to export surveillance technology to some MENA countries facilitating hacking and malware as well as other forms of attacks on human rights defenders and civil society activists on social media; whereas this activity has led to the repression of freedom of expression online;
Amendment 73 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas any detention that results from the exercise of the rights or freedoms guaranteed in international law, such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, is an arbitrary detention that is prohibited under international law;
Amendment 82 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes with concern that, eight years after the upheavals, most of the expectations have still not been met; condemns the persistent and continuing violations of human rights, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in several cases, and attacks on the rights of minorities and LGBTI people; is worried about the socio- economic situation in the region, which continues to be dire and, in particular, about the high levels of youth unemployment and social exclusion, which cause disillusionment and disenfranchisement on a large scale;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Supports the aspirations of the majority of MENA region people who want to establish free, stable, prosperous, inclusive, and democratic countries which respect their national and international commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 92 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Reminds the MENA region authorities that their long-term prosperity goes hand in hand with the protection of universal human rights and the establishment and anchorage of democratic and transparent institutions that are engaged in protecting citizens’ fundamental rights; condemns the extended use of security arguments in some MENA region countries to repress freedom of expression both online and offline and supress the role of the media in promoting well-informed citizens;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes the different EU assistance and aid packages for MENA countries after the Arab Spring; stresses however the need to increase efforts to tackle the root causes of conflict in the MENA countries;
Amendment 105 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes EU initiatives aimed at addressing the terrorist threat in the MENA region; underlines the importance of strengthening the capacity of state actors that play a key role in countering terrorism and violent extremism as well as the essential need to focus on partnerships between authorities, youth and communities to address underlying factors that can make communities vulnerable to violent extremism;
Amendment 106 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses concern about the fact that, in spite of its considerable political and budgetary investments and continuous political and economic outreach, the EU has not been able to gain real political and economic leverage, and is no longer perceived as a game changer by the countries in the region; points to the dissatisfaction felt by civil society and local NGOs at how the EU translates its vision into action on the ground; is concerned about the increasingly complex political situation in the Maghreb and Mashreq regions, and the emergence of new political and economic regional players such as Russia and China, in addition to the competing narratives and financing from the Gulf countries and Iran;
Amendment 147 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls, in this regard, the crucial support provided by EIDHR in the implementation of the EU’s Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy and its Human Rights Guidelines and country strategies, which has enabled the EU to act more strategically in this area and has ensured accountability, visibility and effectiveness;
Amendment 160 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is concerned, however, that the complexity of managing the migration and refugee flows from and through the Maghreb and Mashreq regions, the nexus between security and migration, the challenge of terrorism and the legitimate concerns about the fragility of certain countries in the region, as well as the lack of a cohesive approach by the Member States, is encouraging the EU’s action towards the region to rely excessively on an ideology of stability; takes the view that when stability and security become the predominant objectives, they lead to a shorter-term policy vision and deprive EU action directed at reaffirming human rights and fundamental freedoms of the required intensity; reiterates that human rights are not subsidiary to migration management or counter-terrorism actions and is convinced that stability and security can only be achieved through longer-term objectives;
Amendment 193 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes the view that, as the EU struggles to come up with a renewed vision for the management of migration and assistance to refugees, there is an increasing risk that some countries in the region might use migration containment and their role therein to seek greater leverage in their political and policy dialogue with the EU; is concerned about the possible instrumentalisation of EU foreign policy as ‘migration management’, and emphasises that all attempts to work with MENA region countries, including countries of origin and transit, on migration must go hand in hand with improving human rights conditions within these countries and complying with international human rights and refugee law; stresses, instead, the importance of a policy framework promoting democratic, political and socio- economic inclusion as mutually reinforcing factors; is convinced that, where the prerequisites for the negotiation of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements, conditional on democratic progress, are not yet in place, the EU should provide increased access to trade and investment, and assistance for reconstruction and infrastructure modernisation in strict correlation with progressive political and economic reforms;
Amendment 217 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Welcomes the European Endowment for Democracy’s consistent efforts to promote democracy and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms in the southern neighbourhoods of the EU; recognises the risks faced by human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders who face specific risks and threats due to their gender, and calls on the EEAS and the Member States to pay special attention to them in the EU Guidelines for Human Rights Defenders; underlines the need for strong EU coordination on engagement with MENA region country authorities regarding human rights defenders and civil society;
Amendment 250 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that women’s rights, gender equality and the right to non-discrimination of vulnerable groups, including LGBTQI people, are fundamental rights and key principles of the EU’s external action;
Amendment 263 #
2018/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Strongly condemns, once again, all atrocities and the widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed during the conflict, and in particular the perpetrations committed by forces of the Assad regime including with the support of its allies Russia and Iran, as well as by the UN-listed terrorist organisations; deeply regrets the failure of repeated regional and international attempts to end the war, and urges renewed and intensive global cooperation to achieve a peaceful, sustainable solution to the conflict; stresses that there should not be any tolerance and impunity for the horrific crimes committed in Syria; reiterates its call for independent, impartial, thorough and credible investigations and prosecutions of those responsible and supports the work of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism on international crimes committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2012(IIIM); calls, furthermore, for support for civil society organisations and NGOs, which are collecting and help preserving evidence of human rights abuses and humanitarian law violations;
Amendment 9 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to UN Security Council resolutions 1325, 1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122 and 2242 on women, peace and security and UN Security Council resolutions 2250 and 2419 on youth, peace and security,
Amendment 15 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the new EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and the Council conclusions on Women, Peace and Security of 10 December 2018 (15086/18),
Amendment 22 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/2306 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace,
Amendment 23 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
- having regard to the Proposal of 13 June 2018 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility(HR(2018) 94),
Amendment 32 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU is committed to implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent updates and the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2250 and subsequent updates;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU, as a key contributor to international organisations, an core aid donor and the world's largest trading partner, should take a leading role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the prevention of violent conflict is fundamental to political and social advancement; whereas it is instrumental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); whereas continued EU support to civil and military actors in third countries is an important factor for preventing recurrent violent conflict;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the prevention of violent conflict is fundamental to political and social advancement; whereas it is instrumental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); whereas sustainable and lasting peace and security are inseparable from sustainable development;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas violent conflict and war have a disproportionate impact on civilians, particularly women and children; whereas the active participation of women and girls is crucial for conflict prevention and peacebuildingall aspects of peacebuilding; as well as the prevention of all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas it is essential to include and support the active and meaningful participation of local actors, both civilian and military, especially women, minorities, indigenous peoples and youth, when promoting and facilitating capacity and confidence building in mediation, dialogue and reconciliation;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas gender equality and peace remain drastically under-funded with a consistent disparity between policy commitments to gender equality and women and girls’s empowerment, and the financial allocations required to achieve them;
Amendment 90 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for long term peacebuilding addressing root causes of conflict;
Amendment 95 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for conflict sensitive and people-centred approaches which put human security at the core of EU engagement in order to have positive and sustainable results on the ground;
Amendment 103 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the fact that the involvement of military actors is increasingly being recognised by the EU as a potentially important element in conflict prevention; welcomes in this regard the Capacity Building for Security and Development initiative and the recent proposal by the High Representative for a European Peace Facility, two instruments aimed at enhancing the Union's ability to contribute to stability, to preserve peace and prevent conflicts in third countries and hence to provide a secure basis for development;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the establishment, under the authority of the VP/HR, of an EU high- level advisory board on mediation with the aim of setting up a gender-sensitive pool of senior political mediators and conflict prevention experts to make available political and technical expertise at short notice;
Amendment 112 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the establishment, under the authority of the VP/HR, of an EU high- level advisory board on conflict prevention and mediation with the aim of setting up a gender-sensitive pool of senior political mediators to make available political and technical expertise at short notice;
Amendment 129 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for further capacity development on gender and conflict analysis and conflict prevention for in- house staff and senior mediators, as well as for third parties;
Amendment 133 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for gender-sensitive conflict analysis as a requirement of any major EU engagement in violent and conflict-affected areas;
Amendment 141 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the fact that all EU interventions in violent and conflict- affected areas need to be conflict and gender sensitive; calls for immediate action to embed these aspects in all relevant policies, strategies, actions and operations, entailing a greater focus on the avoidance of doing harm, while maximising the EU's contribution to achieving long term conflict prevention and peacebuilding objectives;
Amendment 152 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recommends that the existing parliamentary training and coaching programmes available for Members of the European Parliament, as well as training programmes for third country parliamentarians, political parties and staff, be further developed, including those on gender and youth aspects;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. CWelcomes the Council Conclusions on Women, Peace and Security; calls for the EU to take a lead role in the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security, and the incorporation of the principles contained therein at all stages of EU conflict prevention and mediation activities;
Amendment 164 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the implementation of full gender equality and for efforts to ensure the participation and, protection of women and women's rights, rights and agency of diverse women across the conflict cycle, from conflict prevention through to post-conflict reconstruction;
Amendment 166 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the inclusion of expertise on gender, including gender-based violence, in all stages of conflict prevention and, the mediation process and peacebuilding;
Amendment 169 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for the EU to actively engage and share best practice with key international actors such as the UN, AU and NATO, including NATO's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security;
Amendment 170 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for the protection and participation of young people, particularly young women and girls, across the conflict cycle, from conflict prevention through to post-conflict reconstruction;
Amendment 171 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls for all cooperation, trainings and interventions to be sensitive to and informed by young women’s and young men’s needs and aspirations; keeping in mind the differentiated ways in which violent conflict impacts their lives and futures and the valuable contributions they can make to preventing and resolving violent conflict;
Amendment 177 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for mandatory consultations with diverse civil society organisations, especially those specialised in women's rights and minority human rightwomen's groups, youth groups and minority human rights organisations, as well as organisations not based in capitals, when establishing and implementing EU programmes and policies on peace, security and mediation;
Amendment 187 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Invites the VP/HR to provide Parliament with an update on the EEAS budget line dedicated to conflict analysis and conflict sensitivity, early warning, mediation support and the future priorities in this field;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU’s relations with Russia must be based on the principles of international law and credible deterrence, and on a principled approach in areas of common interest as defined in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 14 March 2016;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU remains open to such a stronger relationship and to dialogue leading thereto, and wishes to return to cooperative relations with Russia in the long run, should the Russian authorities meet their international and legal obligations; whereas constructive and predictable relationship would be mutually beneficial and ideally in the interest of both parties; whereas reciprocal sanctions are harmful to both economies;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the implementation of the Minsk Agreement remains a key precondition for closer cooperation with Russia;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas new areas of tension between the EU and Russia have arisen since 2015, including: Russian intervention in Syria; large-scale military exercises (Zapad 2017); russian interference aimed at influencing elections and stoking tensions in European societies; restrictions on fundamental freedoms and extensive human rights violations in Russia, including the systemic targeting of human rights defenders and civil society in Russia, discrimination against the Tatar minority in occupied Crimea, and the politically motivated persecution of Alexei Navalny and many others; cyber attacks and assassinations on European soil carried out by Russian intelligence agents using chemical weapons;several worrying domestic developments in Russia remain a concern, such as restrictions on fundamental freedoms and extensive human rights violations in Russia, including the systemic targeting of human rights defenders and civil society in Russia; the spread of the anti-LGTBI sentiment; the crackdown against political opposition, particularly the politically motivated persecution of Alexei Navalny and many others; the responses of Russian authorities to the iantimidation, arrest and imprisonment of foreign citizens in Russia in breach of international law, including Oleg Sentsov and many others; the organisation of illegal and illegitimate elections in the Donba-corruption protests in Russia in 2017 and 2018 including detentions and reported intimidation and harassment of protesters; flawed presidential elections in 2018 lacking any real choice and with restrictions on fundamental freedoms; violations of arms control agreementsthe oppressive climate for journalists and independent media with continued detentions of journalists and bloggers; the World Press Freedom Index ranking of Russia at 148 out of 180 on media freedom in 2018;
Amendment 67 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas new areas of tension between the EU and Russia have arisen since 2015, including: cyber attacks and the active use of hybrid warfare; the continued spreading of Russian propaganda and misinformation; Russian interference aimed at influencing elections and stoking tensions in European societies; the general implicit militarisation of the political climate in EU-Russian relations and attitudes in Russia to the use military power more naturally as an instrument of foreign policy; the continued actions of Russian jet fighters near the EU and NATO Member States; assassinations on European soil carried out by Russian intelligence agents using chemical weapons; the intimidation, arrest and imprisonment of foreign citizens in Russia in breach of international law, including the 2018 Sakharov Prize Laureate Oleg Sentsov and many others;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas Russia’s actions in its neighbourhood, as well as the security and arms control issue continue to raise concern, including Russian intervention in the war in Syria; violations of arms control agreements; the organisation of illegal and illegitimate elections in the Donbas in November 2018; discrimination against the Tatar minority in occupied Crimea;
Amendment 78 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas the conflict in Eastern Ukraine has lasted more than four years and claimed more than 10,000 lives, almost one-third of them civilians, and thousands of conflict-related civilian injuries;
Amendment 79 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Fd. whereas the tensions in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait have increased dangerously; whereas the November 2018 escalation in the Kerch strait was the first open involvement of the Russian military into clashes with Ukrainian military; whereas the actions of Russian authorities in the Kerch strait in general have been excessive and in breach of international maritime law and Russia's own international commitments, including actions such as the stopping and inspection of commercial vessels, including both Ukrainian ships and ships under the flags of various EU Member States; whereas these inspections seem to have been carried out for political reasons with the aim of further destabilising the security, integrity and social and economic situation in Ukraine;
Amendment 94 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Russia’s polycentric vision of the concertntration of powers contradicts the EU’s belief in the multilateralism and a rules-based international order;
Amendment 119 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that Russia's direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts and its illegal annexation of Crimea and over a decade-long violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia constitute a deliberate violation of democratic principles and fundamental values;
Amendment 175 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. BelievesIs concerned, however, that the Skripal case and cyber attacks orchestrated by the Russian intelligence services show an interest on the Russian side to further increase tensions in relations with the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 189 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that the global challenges of climate change, energy security, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and, the fight against terrorism and organised crime, and developments in the sensitive Arctic environment call for selective engagement with Russia;
Amendment 222 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the restrictive targeted measures related to Eastern Ukraine and the occupied Crimea are not directed against the Russian people but against certain individuals and enterprises connected to the Russian leadership;
Amendment 226 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Condemns Russia’s violation of the territorial integrity of neighbouring countries, including through the illegal kidnapping of citizens of those countries so that they can be charged before a Russian court;
Amendment 230 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Condemns the government’s continuing crackdown on dissent and media freedom as well as the repression of activists, political opponents and those who openly dissent with the government;
Amendment 248 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its support for the five principles guiding the EU's policy towards Russia, and calls for further definition of the selective engagement principle; recommends that the focus be placed on issues relating to the MENA region, terrorism, non-proliferation, arms control and, climate change, and the Northern and Arctic region; calls for a high-level dialogue between EU, EEU and AA/DCFTA countries; reiterates that while consultations between the EU and Russia on cyber terrorism and organised crime need to continue, Russia’s systematic hybrid threats require strong deterrence; calls, in this context, for the initiation of a high-level EU-EEU-China-Central Asia dialogue on Belt and Road Initiative and connectivity;
Amendment 262 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that Russia and the EU will remain key economic partners in the foreseeable future, buis concerned that Nord Stream 2 reinforces EU dependency on Russian gas supplies, may threatens the EU internal market and ismay not be in line with EU energy policy, and therefore needs to be stopped;
Amendment 272 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes the continued constructive cooperation and the positive outcomes in the Northern dimension, especially in the field of environment;
Amendment 273 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Notes the importance of people-to- people contacts, for example through education and culture;
Amendment 323 #
2018/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Believes that the EU should stand ready to consider adopting further sanctions, including targeted personal sanctions, in response to Russia’s continued actionshould Russia choose to continue directly or indirectly to destabilise Ukraine and to harm its territorial integrity; stresses, however, that these are not against the Russian people but targeted individuals;
Amendment 20 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas there is a lack of agreed definitions of PSCs, PMCs and of their services; whereas, as suggested by the definition included in the draft convention prepared by the UN Working Group on Mercenaries, a PMSC can be defined as a corporate entity which provides on a compensatory basis military and /or security services by physical persons and/or legal entities; whereas military services in this context can be defined as a specialised services related to military actions including strategic planning, intelligence, investigation, land, sea or air reconnaissance, flight operations of any type, manned or unmanned, satellite surveillance and intelligence, any kind of knowledge transfer with military applications, material and technical support to armed forces and other related activities; whereas security services can be defined as armed guarding or protection of buildings, installations, property and people, any kind of knowledge transfer with security and policing applications, development and implementation of informational security measures and other related activities;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, outside the territory of the EU, PMSCs have been accused of engaging in a number of human rights violations and incidents resulting in loss of life; whereas such incidents amount in some cases to serious violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 48 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 51 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 56 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 60 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
Amendment 65 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 71 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
Amendment 76 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 82 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 87 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
Amendment 99 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
Amendment 109 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
Amendment 115 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas initiatives such as the Montreux Document and the ICoC have helped to clarify and raise awareness of states’ obligations with respect to PMSCs; whereas these initiatives are non-binding and voluntary, with no significant penalty for non-compliance or for the commission of human rights violations, beyond being expelled from the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association and losing out on valuable contract; whereas the EU and 23 Member States have joined the Montreux Document acknowledging their positive aspects; whereas the Montreux Document applies only in times of armed conflict; whereas the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers does not feature accountability or enforceable remedies for victims;
Amendment 142 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses its concern at the proliferation of PSCs in the EU and PMSCs worldwide and the impact of the activities of PMSCs on the enjoyment of human rights; is alarmed by serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law linked to the activities of PMSCs and the lack of accountability for many abuses;
Amendment 160 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of preventing and protecting against human rights abuses perpetrated by PMSCs; reiterates the need for PMSCs, when operating in host countries, and in particular in those that differ significantly in terms of culture and religion, to be mindful of local customs and habits so as not to jeopardise the effectiveness of their mission and alienate the local population; requires PMSCs personnel to be trained in human rights and humanitarian law standards to safeguard against human rights violations;
Amendment 175 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights the importance of regular independent monitoring, including through randomised field visits, to ensure oversight and put an immediate end to abuse; cCalls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) delegations in countries where PMSCs are operating to monitor their activities and provide regular feedback on their actions;
Amendment 185 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Holds the view thatUrges that, in line with UN human rights commitments, states have the obligation to investigate and prosecute in cases where PMSCs have committed human rights abuses;
Amendment 210 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the need to ensure effective remedies, including reparation, commensurate with the scale of violations committed for all victims of human rights abuses committed by PMSCs;
Amendment 212 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Affirms that victims require easy and safe access to the judicial system, especially in cases of gross violations, and to non-judicial remedy procedures, and rejects any obstacle to victims that could be put in place when fighting for their right to access to justice and to remedy; highlights the importance to prioritize the protection of civilians and bring perpetrators to justice, including mercenaries and foreign fighters who had committed human rights violation on all sides of past conflicts;
Amendment 214 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. UBelieves that, as a first step, the EU should define relevant military and security services in a precise way, and furthermore create an EU regulatory framework binding for all EU Member States, that would include a blacklist of companies not complying with EU human right standards; urges the Council, in this respect, to add military and security services to PSCs to the Common Military List of the European Union without delay; underlines the importance of ensuring that no gaps exist in protection from human rights abuses; sees a need to improve regulation of PMSCs so as to close any existing gaps;
Amendment 217 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Accentuates the importance of contextualizing the Montreux Document to address challenges to specific national regulators, and promote a dedicated exchange on existing good practices in PMSCs regulation faced by national petitioners; at the EU level, stresses the importance to subject the use of PSCs to effective parliamentary control as a foreign policy tool;
Amendment 220 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers an international binding instrument to be an appropriate option to ensure that human rights are fully protected wherever PMSCs operate; takes the view thatsupports, as it is in the interest of all stakeholders, the development of an international regulatory framework is in the interest of all stakeholders, as ito provides for legal certainty, remedies, uniformity and objectivity with respect to international standards and thereby to creates a level playing field at global level; in this sense supports the EU contribution, in the context of the UN Human Rights Council, in view of setting up an international regulatory framework;
Amendment 246 #
2018/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Member States, the EEAS and the Commission to promote and strongly support the Human Rights Council working groups (special procedures and intergovernmental) and to aim for the creation of a universal UN convention aimed ; stresses that establishing an international legal regime to regulate relevant services provided by PMSCs which couldill complement national legislation and voluntary initiatives in providing effective and robust regulation of PMSCs and close existing gaps;will establish important and uniform obligations for States and PMSCs.
Amendment 29 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regards to the 2019 budget under which IPAII funds to Turkey will be cut by 146.7 million in view of the situation in Turkey as regards human rights, democracy and the rule of law,
Amendment 45 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that over 150 000 people were taken into custody in the post-coup crackdown and 78 000 have been arrested on terrorism charges, while more than 50 000 people remain in jail; expresses concern at the excessively lengthy pre-trial detention and judicial proceedings, the fact that in several cases no indictment has been issued yet, and the harshness of detention conditions; is particularly concerned at the fact that such arrests seem to also target legitimate voices of dissent or members of the opposition, human rights defenders, journalists or members of the opposition; warns against the abuse of anti-terror measures to legitimize the repression of human rights; is very worried at the allegations of ill-treatment and torture of those in prison, as reported by several human rights organisations;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information; condemns the closure of more than 160 media outlets and, the large number of arrests of journalists in the aftermath of the coup attempt as well as the unsubstantiated and disproportionate sentences handed down to journalists; urges Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to immediately release and acquit all unlawfully detained journalists;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses concern at the shrinking space for civil society and the promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms; notes that a large number of activists, including human rights defenders, were arrested and demonstrations were recurrently banned during the state of emergency; calls on Turkey to protect the fundamental rights of minorities, such asincluding LGBTI people and to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders currently detained, to drop all trumped up charges against them and to immediately seize all direct and indirect harassment against them;
Amendment 96 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes with concern the increase in the number of so-called 'honour killings' that took place in Turkey; calls for all perpetrators of this crime to be brought to justice under appropriate manslaughter or murder charges;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Expresses serious concern about Internet censorship in Turkey with the growing number of websites blocked from Turkey reaching 220,000 including that of Wikipedia since April 2017 and urges the authorities to bring Law No.5651 in line with European standards;
Amendment 142 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the state of emergency further constrained the capacity of the Grand National Assembly to fulfil its fundamental role of democratic scrutiny and accountability; notes with great concern the arrest of two members of parliament from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as well as the way the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) has been particularly marginalised, with many HDP lawmakers being arrested on the grounds of alleged support for terrorist activities; underlines that the Turkish Grand National Assembly should be the central institution in Turkish democracy, and represent all citizens on equal terms, regrets the high electoral threshold as a distortion of true political representation;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the EU and Member States to increase their protection and support for human rights defenders at risk in Turkey, including through emergency grants, and to ensure full implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders by the EU Delegation and Member State embassies and consulates;
Amendment 166 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, taking all of the above into account and in accordance with the Negotiating Framework, to formally suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey; remains, however, committed to democratic dialogue with Turkey; asks the Commission to use, during the formal suspension of negotiations, all funds available underremove Turkey from the list of beneficiaries of both the IPA II and the future IPA III to support, through a dedicated envelope directly managed by the EU, Turkey’s civil society, and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalistregulations; calls for an appropriate amount of funding reserved for Turkey under these regulations to be put under a dedicated envelope under the EIDHR or future NDICI respectively, in order to directly, without governance interference, support Turkey’s civil society, human rights defenders and journalists and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalists; underlines that this suspension is without prejudice to article 49 TEU which states that all European countries which meet the Copenhagen criteria can apply for EU membership and it does not close the door for Turkey`s future European ambitions;
Amendment 190 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Points out that Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe and must abide by the commitments of that membership; points out that Turkey had the highest number of applications to and cases before the European Court on Human Rights (ECHR) in 2017; calls on Turkey to abide by and implement the rulings of the ECHR and to remain in compliance with its Council of Europe commitments and to implement constitutional and judicial changes and reforms in cooperation with the Venice Commission;
Amendment 212 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes therefore that a door should be left open for the modernisation and upgrading of the 1995 Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, to include relevant areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement, which currently are not covered; recalls that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States and that Turkey is an important growth market for the EU; believes that the upgrade would provide a valuable opportunity for democratic conditionality, positive leverage and the possibility of a roadmap where upgrading the Customs Union would go hand in hand with concrete commitments by Turkey on democratic reforms; believes further that the upgrading of the Customs Union would provide an important opportunity for policy dialogue on climate change as well as on labour rights in Turkey; calls on the Commission to start preparatory work for the upgrading of the Customs Union as soon as the Turkish Government indicates its readiness for serious reforms;
Amendment 259 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’s population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees; reiterates its concern about the legitimacy and functioning of the EU-Turkey statement on migration and the (political) conditions under which it was concluded; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long-term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey;
Amendment 273 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the EU and Turkey continue to cooperate on issues of (military) strategic importance within the NATO framework; calls on Turkish authorities to resume its cooperation with EU members under NATO’s rolling program of cooperation with non-EU countries; points to the high number of Turkish generals suspected of involvement in the failed coup attempt;
Amendment 281 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Regrets the actions undertaken by the Turkish government against Turkish citizens in third countries, including harassments and kidnappings as well as hotlines through which people are encouraged to report other citizens to the Turkish government; reiterates Interpol arrest warrants cannot be misused to target Turkish dissidents, human rights defenders, journalists and those critical of the government;
Amendment 288 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18 c. Expresses its concern about the risks migrant and refugee children in Turkey face, including discrimination and different forms of exploitation including forced labour, sexual exploitation and violence as well as forced marriages;
Amendment 298 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the efforts by the UN to resume negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus; supports a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the EU acquis; reiterates its call on Turkey to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement, to begin withdrawing its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN, and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island; underlines that following a settlement, the united Cyprus will be a Member of the European Union, thus rendering the concept of 'guarantors' obsolete and outdated praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons; recognises the right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations; stresses that a reunification of Cyprus will have a substantial and positive economic impact also for Turkey;
Amendment 319 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy, the Member States, the Government of Turkey and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and for translation of this report into Turkish.
Amendment 18 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas academic freedom – including its constituent freedoms of thought, opinion, expression, association, travel, and instruction – contributes to creating the space in which anyone in an open and stable society is free to think, question and share ideasproduce, consume and disseminate knowledge;
Amendment 22 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas answers to issues in society should be found through reason, evidence and persuasion; whereas attacks on academic freedom undermine research, teaching, and public discourse and the right to education, eroding academic quality and social, political, economic and cultural development; whereas answers to issues in society should be found and developed through reason, evidence and persuasion;
Amendment 27 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas every year hundreds of attacks on universitiehigher education institutions and scholars are reported around the world, including killings, violence and disappearances, imprisonment, wrongful prosecution, loss of position and travel restrictions;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the attempts to control or silence higher education institutions or their scholars, students and staff extend well beyond the individuals and institutions directly targeted and shrink the space for the inclusive democratic participation, free speech and empowerment of all citizens;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas it is important to identify attacks on academic freedom as part of global phenomenand recognise them as a threat all around the world, and to encourage the recognition of academics and students being targeted not only as individuals whose rights are being violated, but also as human rights defenders who are being attacked;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) explicitly recognise the importance of academic freedom in public statements, policies and actions, including recognition of the principles that ideas are not crimes and that critical discourse is not disloyalty but an essential part of a democratic society and its development;
Amendment 62 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) publicly highlight the problems of attacks on academic freedom, including their negative consequences, and the responsibility of states to protect higher education and individual scholars;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) step up diplomatic efforts with partnercountries through bilateral and multilateral engagement in relation to incidents of concern involving threats or attacks on academic freedom, particularly violent attacks on institutions and members of the higher education community, also including discriminatory policies or practices, undue restrictions on research or expression, wrongful prosecution or detention;
Amendment 76 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) work with UN, international agencies and civil society to create a mechanism for monitoring and reporting attacks, threats and unreasonable restrictions on higher education and individual scholars, and to strengthen and promote monitoring in order to raise awareness, hold perpetrators to account and improve efforts to prevent and respond to attacks on academic freedom;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) contribute to the development of capacities for prompt, thorough and transparent investigations of violations of academic freedom, particularly in situations involving violent attacks; improve efforts to prevent and respond to attacks on academic freedom, as well as undertake all reasonable efforts to hold perpetrators to account;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
Amendment 12 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas EU external action has a direct impact on our citizens’ lives, be it by supporting security and stability in our neighbourhoodwithin and outside our borders or preventing crises before they happen;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas globalisation has increased interdependence, with decisions taken in Beijing or Washington having a direct impact on our lives; whereas, in turn, interdependence has resulted in global public opinion becoming cognisant of transnational problems, which requirehe need for transnational solutions to address transnational solutionproblems;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas Western democracies have become more protectionist and inward- looking, and are swinging to the extremes at a time when multilateral cooperation is the only way to respond to global challenges effectively; whereas this power vacuum is being filled by other powers such as China or Russia; whereas the latter states have a different approach to development cooperation in Africa and other developing areas that is not linked to improvements in rule of law or other democratic reforms;
Amendment 74 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the time has come for the European Union to take its destiny into its own hands; takes the view that the EU should embrace its role as a fully-fledged, sovereign political power in international relations thatembrace its role as a fully-fledged, influential political actor that relies on its economic weight and soft power to helps to resolve conflicts worldwide and shapes global governance;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the fact that the Member States all too often prioritise their national interests, regardless of the possible consequences at a European level, thereby undermining the EU’s credibility as a global player; calls for a greabetter division of responsibilities and enhanced coordination between the EU and its Member States; believes that good cooperation among the Member States is essential to safeguard our democracy, our freedom, and our social and environmental standards;
Amendment 141 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU should stay true to its principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; emphasises the importance of assessing whether the promotion of these principles in third countries has been successful; stresses that the EU's reputation as promotor of these principles could only be sustained if it ensures that these exact principles are protected and adhered to within all of its Member States;
Amendment 243 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to continue using the EU’s transformative power at its Eastern borders, using trade agreements and access to the single market as incentives to foster democratic reforms and the adoption of European rules and standards; calls further on the EEAS to monitor democratic processes in its direct neighbourhood and ensure that democratic progress is not halted or reverted;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls, lastly, for particular attention to be paid to equality between girls and boys in school; recalls the objective that 85% of new European Union programmes should have a gender dimension by 2020; calls, lastly, support to shape inclusive education systems, addressing the needs of students with disabilities, as well as of other minorities and special groups;
Amendment 84 #
2018/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes also Good teaching is critical for learning; calls therefore further efforts to be made with regard to the recruitment, remuneration, working conditions and initial and in-service training of teachers with focus on teachers' content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and motivations, as well as the massive investment needed in school infrastructure, in particular to ensure equal access for girls;
Amendment 90 #
2018/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the importance of new technologies as a way of improving access to education and improving its quality, particularly for the dissemination of knowledge, teacher trainingdevelopment and pedagogy and the management of establishments; draws attention to the fact that these new technologies must support educational efforts rather than replacing them and lowering standards of teaching; calls for better assessment of impact of technological investment on learning outcomes;
Amendment 107 #
2018/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Considers that assessments of education systems, quality of education and learning outcomes are a prerequisite for any improvement in the effectiveness of aid; calls on the Commission and Member States to finance research, aggregation of data and reliable and independent assessment tools;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Underlines the obligation of governments to ensure that their people enjoy the right to education; stresses therefore the need for a national education planto ensure capacity of duty bearers at all levels to deliver services for all, and for equitable, accessible and non-discriminatory national education institutions, strategies and plans with genuine ownership, and based on significant consultation of key stakeholders, including civil society, with specific objectives and monitoring mechanisms, continuous assessments and inspections, a clear and transparent demarcation of responsibilities, and allocation of resources subject to independent monitoring; encourages the adoption of national regulatory frameworks for the establishment and operation of education services;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that the support measures for the Russian embargo have not been prolonged given that numerous EU producers are still being negatively affected; calls for support measures for the dairy sector where market difficulties can still be found due to the Russian ban;
Amendment 7 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that the EU and its Member States do not recognise the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over Western Sahara; underlines that Western Sahara is on the United Nations’ list of Non-Self-Governing territories; recalls that the States must respect the legal and political framework applicable under international law to such territories, notably in relation to the exploitation of natural resources therein;
Amendment 30 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NotStresses that this agreement does not imply any form of recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara and that the EU’s position remains that of supporting UN efforts to secure a fair, lasting and mutually acceptable settlement of the Western Sahara conflict, on the basis of the right to self- determination of the Sahrawi people and in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions; reiterates, therefore, its full support to the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr Horst Köhler, in helping the parties to achieve this settlement;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Remains concerned that the restriction of the territorial application of the agreement to the part under Moroccan control may aggravate the division of Western Sahara, entail further difficulties for the Sahrawi people, including discrimination and restrictions to their enjoyment of the right to self- determination, raise frustrations among Western Saharans living in the continued humanitarian situation, and contradict international law;
Amendment 47 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that during inclusive consultations lwith concern the criticism raised towards the consultation process carried by the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) with a wide variety of Western Saharan local representatives, civil society organisations an; including reports that the overwhelming majority of the stakeholders claimed by the Commission to have been consulted have rejected that they had been included in the consultations; that the consulted stakeholders were largely composed of Moroccans or local representatives with direct interest in preserving the status quo ante, the notion that the Commission did nother organisations and bodies, broad support was expressed for the socio-economic benefits the proposed tariff preferences would bring travel to Western Sahara or the refugee camps but held negotiations in Rabat, as well as the notion that 94 Sahrawi civil society organisations denounced the agreement that was negotiated between the Commission and the government of Morocco;
Amendment 58 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes a recent report by FIDH/OMCT that two civil society representatives from Western Sahara who were invited to participate in the consultations in Brussels were subjected to reprisals from the Moroccan authorities as a result of this invitation; notes that both individuals have subsequently applied for asylum in an EU Member State;
Amendment 73 #
2018/0256M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes good note of the exchange of letters and acknowledges the efforts of the Commission and the EEAS in trying, within the remit of their competences, to evaluate the benefit for the population and to ascertain their consent to this agreement; stresses, neverthelunderlines, however, that ´the people of Western Sahara´ cannot be confused with the ´population of Western Sahara´, which includes non-indigenous Moroccan population; stress,es that more cshould be done to improvensure the traceability of products coming from Western Sahara; invites the Commission services, therefore, to engage further with the Moroccan authorities to improve this aspect, notably in order to produce clear and reliable statistics. and to avoid that the burden is put on EU customs authorities;
Amendment 35 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The Fund should support the efficient management of migration flows, inter alia by promoting common measures in the area of asylum, including Member States’ efforts in receiving persons in need of international protection through resettlement and the transfer of applicants for or beneficiaries of international protection between Member States, supporting integration strategies and a more effective legal migration policy, so as to ensure the Union’s long-term competitiveness and the future of its social model and reduce incentives for irregular migration through a sustainable return and readmission policy. The Fund should support the strengthening of cooperation with third countries to reinforce management of flows of persons applying for asylum or other forms of international protection, avenues on legal migration and to counter irregular migration and ensure sustainability of return and effective readmission to third countries, involving diaspora communities, in particular, which will be given a role of facilitator.
Amendment 53 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) An efficient return policy is an integral part of the comprehensive migration approach the Union and its Member States pursue. Such a policy is in keeping with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, to be adopted by 192 United Nations member countries in Marrakesh on 10 and 11 December 2018. The Fund should support and encourage efforts by the Member States with a view to the effective implementation and further development of common standards on return, in particular as set out in Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council15 , and of an integrated and coordinated approach to return management. For sustainable return policies, the Fund should equally support related measures in third countries, such as the reintegration of returnees. _________________ 15 Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals (OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 98).
Amendment 57 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Member States should give preference to voluntary return. In order to promote voluntary return, Member States should envisage incentives such as preferential treatment in the form of enhanced return assistance should be envisaged for the voluntary return of persons, through vocational training in Europe which would help returnees re-enter the labour market in their countries of origin. This kind of voluntary return is in the interests of both returnees and the authorities in terms of its cost- effectiveness.
Amendment 60 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Specific support measures for returnees in the Member States and in the countries of return can improve conditions of return and enhance their reintegration. Such support measures should be put in place with the active participation of local authorities, civil society and diaspora communities.
Amendment 65 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Readmission agreements and other arrangements are an integral component of the Union return policy and a central tool for the efficient management of migration flows, as they facilitate the swift return of irregular migrants. Those agreements and arrangements are an important element in the framework of the dialogue and cooperationcooperation and political dialogue with third countries of origin and transit of irregular migrants and their implementation in third countries should be supported in the interests of effective return policies at national and Union level.
Amendment 84 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) To complement the implementation of the policy objective of this Fund at national level through Member States’ programmes, the Fund should also provide support for actions at Union level. Such actions should serve overall strategic purposes within the scope of intervention of the Fund relating to policy analysis and innovation, transnational mutual learning and partnerships, the work done by diaspora communities and the intermediary role they can play in this regard, and the testing of new initiatives and actions across the Union.
Amendment 107 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. The thematic facility shall in particular, support actions falling under the implementation measure 2(b) of Annex II that are implemented by the local and regional authorities or civil society organisations, in particular diaspora communities.
Amendment 113 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall ensure that the priorities addressed in its programme are consistent with, and respond to, the Union priorities and challenges in the area of safe, orderly and regular migration management and are fully in line with the relevant Union acquis and agreed Union priorities. In defining the priorities of their programmes Member States shall ensure that the implementation measures set out in Annex II are adequately addressed.
Amendment 167 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point c
Annex II – point 3 – point c
(c) supporting assisted voluntary return and reintegration, including vocational training in Europe and public-private partnerships in Europe, thereby facilitating the integration of those concerned in their country of origin;
Amendment 183 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 3 – point k
Annex III – point 3 – point k
(k) promoting exchanges and dialogue, in particular with the assistance of diaspora communities, between third- country nationals, the receiving society and public authorities, including through the consultation of third- country nationals, and intercultural and inter-religious dialogue.
Amendment 188 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 4 – point e
Annex III – point 4 – point e
(e) preparation of return, including measures leading to the issuing of return decisions, the identification of third- country nationals, the issuing of travel documents and family tracing, family tracing, the option of being given vocational training in Europe to foster reintegration into the country of origin;
Amendment 191 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 4 – point i
Annex III – point 4 – point i
(i) measures to support the returnee’s durable return and reintegration, such as vocational/technical training;
Amendment 197 #
2018/0248(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – indent 1
Annex IV – indent 1
– Integration measures implemented by local and regional authorities and civil- society organisations, including diaspora communities;
Amendment 90 #
2018/0244(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) This new Decision should highlight the specificities concerning the cooperation with Greenland, such as the objective to preserve the close and lasting links between the Union, Greenland and Denmarke Council in 2003 agreed that the future relationship of the Union with Greenland after 2006 would be based on a comprehensive partnership for sustainable development which would include a specific fisheries agreement, negotiated according to the general rules and principles for such agreements.The Joint Declaration by the European Union, on the one hand, and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark on the other, on relations between the European Union and Greenland, signed in Brussels on 19 March 2015 recalled the close historical, political, economic and cultural connections between the Union and Greenland and committed to further strengthening relations and cooperation based on broadly shared interests and to endow their mutual relations with a long- term perspective. The partnership pursuant to this new Decision should aim to preserve close and lasting links between the Union, Greenland and Denmark. The Decision should highlight the specificities concerning the cooperation with Greenland, the acknowledgement of the geostrategic position of Greenland, the importance of policy dialogue between Greenland and the Union, the existence of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Union and Greenland and the potential cooperation on Arctic issues. It should respond to the global challenges allowing for the development of a proactive agenda and the pursuit of mutual interests, in particular, the increasing impact of climate change on human activity and the environment, maritime transport, natural resources, including raw materials and fish stocks, as well as research and innovation.
Amendment 102 #
2018/0244(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. In implementing this Decision, the partners shall be guided by the principles of transparency, subsidiarity and the need for efficiency and shall equally address the three pillars of OCTs’ sustainable development: economic development, cultural and social development and environmental protection.
Amendment 105 #
2018/0244(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the economicsustainable diversification of OCTs' economies, including their further integration in world and regional economies; in the specific case of Greenland, the need to increase the skills of its labour force.
Amendment 110 #
2018/0244(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 13 – paragraph 5
Article 13 – paragraph 5
5. The dialogue with Greenland shall, in particular, provide the basis for broad cooperation and dialogue in areas concerning, inter alia, education, energy, climate change and environment, nature, natural resources, including raw materials and fish stocks, maritime transport, research and innovation, as well as the Arctic dimension of those issues.
Amendment 394 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The general objective of the Programme "Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument" (the ‘Instrument’) should be to promote sustainable development, contribute to the eradication of poverty, fight inequality in all its forms and to uphold and promote the Union’s values and interests worldwide in order to pursue the objectives and principles of the Union’s external action, as laid down in Article 3(5), Articles 8 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union, as well as Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 442 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In line with the international commitments of the Union on development effectiveness as adopted in Busan in 2011 and renewed at the Nairobi High Level Forum in 2016 and recalled in the Consensus, the Union’s development cooperation should apply the development effectiveness principles, namely ownership of development priorities by developing countries, alignment, harmonisation, a focus on results, inclusive development partnerships as well as transparency and accountability.
Amendment 449 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals, this Regulation should contribute to reinforced monitoring and reporting with a focus on results, covering outputs, outcomes and impacts in partner countries benefiting from the Union's external financial assistance. In particular, as agreed in the Consensus, actions under this Regulation are expected to contribute 20% of the Official Development Assistance funded under this Regulation to social inclusion and human development, including gender equality and women's empowerment.
Amendment 454 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) At least 85% of Official Development Assistance funded programmes, geographic and thematic, should have gender equality as principal or significant objective. In addition, 20% of Official Development Assistance should have gender equality as a principal objective.
Amendment 520 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28 a (new)
Recital 28 a (new)
(28a) Information and communication technologies (ICT) and services are proven enablers of sustainable development and inclusive growth. They can be key to improving citizens' lives even in the poorest countries, in particular by empowering women and girls, enhancing democratic governance and transparency, and boosting productivity and job creation. Nevertheless, connectivity and affordability remain a problem both across and within regions, since there are large variations between high and lower income countries and between cities and rural areas; this regulation should help the EU to further mainstream digitalisation into EU development policies, as already foreseen within the framework of its "Digital4Development"strategy, which needs to be updated for the post 2020 period.
Amendment 559 #
2018/0243(COD)
(42) In order to enhance partner countries' ownership of their development processes and the sustainability of external aid, the Union should, where relevant, favour the use of partner countries' own institutions and of partner countries’ systems and procedures for all aspects of the project cycle for cooperation. The EU should also provide training programmes on how to apply for EU funding to local authorities’ civil servants and civil society organisations with the aim of helping them to enhance the eligibility and efficiency of their projects. These programmes should be carried out in the countries concerned, available in the language of the country, to complement any distance learning programmes also established, in order to ensure a targeted training responding to the needs of that country.
Amendment 599 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) The reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty, especially in the least developed countries; the achievement of the international commitments and objectives that the Union has agreed to, in particular the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 618 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. At least 85% of the Official Development Assistance funded programmes, geographic and thematic, under this Regulation shall have gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment as a principal or significant objective. In addition, 20% of the Official Development Assistance under this regulation, across all geographic and thematic programmes, shall have gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment as a principal objective.
Amendment 621 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. At least 20% of the Official Development Assistance funded under this Regulation, across all programmes, should contribute to social inclusion and human development, with a focus on basic social services, in particular health and education.
Amendment 705 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. A rights-based approach encompassing all human rights, whether civil and political or economic, social and cultural shall be applied in order to integrate human rights principles, to support the right holders in claiming their rights with a focus on poorer and more vulnerable groups and to assist partner countries in implementing their international human rights obligations. This Regulation shall promote gender equality and, women’s empowermentand girls’ rights and empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Amendment 724 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6
Article 8 – paragraph 6
6. Programmes and actions under this Regulation shall mainstream climate change, environmental protection and gender equality and shall address interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goals, to promote integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way. These programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of risks and vulnerabilities, integrate a resilience approach and be conflict sensitive. They shall be guided by the principle of leaving no one behind and "Do No Harm".
Amendment 744 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Assistance pursuant to this Article shall be conflict-sensitive and may cover in particular the provision of capacity building programmes in support of development and security for development, including training, mentoring and advice, as well as the provision of equipment, infrastructure improvements and services directly related to that assistance.
Amendment 759 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) where a consensus exists between the partner country concerned and the Union that military actors are key for preserving, establishing or re-establishing the conditions essential for sustainable development, and that those military actors are not implicated in human rights violations, including in crises and fragile or destabilised contexts and situations.
Amendment 770 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. When designing and implementing measures pursuant to this Article, the Commission shall promote ownership by the partner country, as well as actively involve civil society in the process and ensure participation of men and women in it. It shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles.
Amendment 772 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 7
Article 9 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall establishundertake systematic ex ante conflict analysis which fully integrates gender analysis, appropriate risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation procedures for measures pursuant to this Article.
Amendment 778 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a Scope of the Geographic programmes 1. Union cooperation activities under this Article shall be applied for activities of a local, national, regional, trans-regional and continental nature. 2. In order to attain the objectives laid down in Article 3, geographic programmes shall be drawn up from the following areas of cooperation: (a) good governance, democracy, rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and civil society; (b) poverty eradication, fight against inequalities, improvement of the rate of civil registrations, and human development; (c) migration and mobility; (d) environment and climate change; (e) inclusive and sustainable economic growth, digitalisation and decent employment; (f) security, stability and peace; (g) partnership; 3. Further details of the areas of cooperation referred to in paragraph 2 are set out in Annex II.
Amendment 781 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 b (new)
Article 9 b (new)
Amendment 801 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the partners’ needs, established on the basis of specific criteria, taking into account the population, poverty, inequality, human development, gender equality, economic and environmental vulnerability, and state and societal resilience;
Amendment 813 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. Programming documents for geographic programmes shall be results- based and shall take into account, where appropriate, internationally agreed targets and indicators, in particular those set out for the Sustainable Development Goals, including gender and disability markers, as well as country-level result frameworks, to assess and communicate the Union contribution to results, at the level of outputs, outcomes and impact.
Amendment 816 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
When drawing up the programming documents for countries and regions in crisis, or post-crisis, fragile and vulnerable situations, due account shall be taken of the special needs and circumstances of the countries or regions concerned, and a human rights-based approach shall be applied.
Amendment 845 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The amount referred to in Article 6(3) shall be used inter alia duly justified cases, with priority given to the countries most in need, and in full complementarity and consistency with acts adopted under this Regulation:
Amendment 859 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. For partner countries and territories listed in Annex I, priority areas for Union financing shall be mainly selected from those included in documents referred to in Article 12(3)(c), agreed between the Union and the partner countries in bilateral and multilateral formats, including, as relevant, within the Eastern Partnership and the southern dimension of the Europan Neighbourhood Policy, and other regional cooperation frameworks such as the Northern Dimension and the Black Sea Synergy, in accordance with the areas of cooperation of the Neighbourhood area set out in Annex II.
Amendment 889 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a Multi-Country Programmes Multi-country programmes address challenges common to all or a number of partner countries, based on priorities of the Eastern Partnership and the southern dimension of the ENP taking into account the work carried out in the context of the Union for the Mediterranean, and regional and sub-regional cooperation, primarily between two or more partner countries. This includes also other regional cooperation frameworks such as the Northern Dimension and Black Sea Synergy.
Amendment 1069 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 1 – point b a (new)
Annex II – part A – point 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) Improving the rate of civil registrations (from birth to death) of citizens to enable them to access their fundamental rights through reliable registration systems which utilise the latest technological and administrative developments to ensure inter alia, all births, deaths and marriages are registered electronically and remotely and centralised to allow officially recognised duplicate documents to be published when necessary;
Amendment 1090 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point b
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point b
(b) Enhancing efforts for the adoption of policies and appropriate investment to promote women and young people’s and persons with disabilities' rights, to facilitate their engagement in social, civic and economic life, and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable development;
Amendment 1094 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point d
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point d
(d) Giving special attention to those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised, inter alia children, older persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons and indigenous peoples. This includes promoting the transition from institutional to community-based care for children with and without disabilities;
Amendment 1107 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point i
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point i
(i) Achieving universal health coverage, with equitable access to quality and affordable health services, including through supporting the building of inclusive, strong, quality and resilient health systems that are accessible to all, and enhancing capacity for early warning, risk reduction, management and recovery;
Amendment 1108 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point j a (new)
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point j a (new)
(j a) Supporting national, regional and local governments and administrations to create the required infrastructure, inter alia physical, technological, and human resources, using the latest technological and administrative developments to enable all civil registrations (from birth through to death) to be accurately registered and officially recognised duplicated documents to be published when necessary in order to ensure that all citizens officially exist and are able to access their fundamental rights;
Amendment 1115 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point o
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point o
(o) Promoting cooperation in the areas of science, technology and research, and open data, big data and artificial intelligence, and innovation;
Amendment 1162 #
2018/0243(COD)
5. Inclusive and sustainable economic growth, digitalisation and decent employment
Amendment 1176 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 5 – point l
Annex II – part A – point 5 – point l
(l) Promoting affordable, inclusive and, reliable and secure digital connectivity and strengthening the digital economy; promoting digital literacy and skills; fostering digital entrepreneurship and job creation; promoting the use of digital technologies as an enabler for sustainable development; addressing cybersecurity, data privacy and other regulatory issues linked to digitalisation;
Amendment 1178 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 5 – point o
Annex II – part A – point 5 – point o
(o) Promoting cooperation in the areas of science, technology and research, and open data, big data and artificial intelligence, and innovation;
Amendment 1233 #
2018/0243(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 2 – point 3 a (new)
Annex III – point 2 – point 3 a (new)
3a. Strengthen the role of local authorities as actors of development by: (a) increasing the capacity of Union and developing countries’ local authority networks, platforms and alliances to ensure a substantive and continued policy dialogue and effective participation in the field of development and to promote democratic governance, notably through the Territorial Approach to Local Development; (b) increasing interactions with Union citizens on development issues (awareness raising, knowledge sharing, engagement), notably in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, including in the Union and candidate countries and potential candidate countries. (c) increasing aid ownership and absorption via training programmes in- country on how to apply for EU funding to local authorities’ civil servants;
Amendment 8 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the proposal for a Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) reflects a new approach to foreign and development policy; recalls that sustainable human, environmental and economic development, good governance and peace and security are essential for achieving the goal of eradicating poverty;
Amendment 19 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the new financing needs resulting from the deterioration of security conditions in the European Union's neighbourhood and the increase in migration flows to the Union are reflected in the mobilisation of new funds; notes that these new challenges must be added to existing sustainable development goals;
Amendment 29 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the NDICI appears to contain the elements for a more pragmatic implementation of the Union's development cooperation policy and reiterates its position that a single instrument for tacknowledges that the geographisc policy is necessary androgramme will allow for better cooperation with partner countries and stakeholders; based on their country priorities; reminds that a strong thematic programme with sufficient funds is a prerequisite to fully address development challenges and commitments.
Amendment 33 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Draws attention to the European Union's unfulfilled international commitments to increase its official development assistance to 0.7% of GNI by 2030, including 20% for human development and social inclusion, and 0.2% of GNI to least developed countries, and to provide new and additional funding for climate action in developing countries; asserts that these commitments must be properly reflected in MFF 2021-2027;
Amendment 40 #
2018/0166R(APP)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the EU budget should be gender and conflict sensitive, and call on the European Commission to implement gender budgeting.