36 Amendments of Romeo FRANZ related to 2018/0207(COD)
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Title 1
Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing the Citizens, Rights and Values programme
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
Having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Citizens, Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149 , (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes'). _________________ 8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62) 9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014- 2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society. That, includesing a vibrant civil society,. The activities financed should aim at encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society, based on our common historyvalues and memhistory . Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the Union. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue, social inclusion and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.
Amendment 75 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Remembrance activities and critical reflection on Europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history, as the foundation for a common future, moral purpose and shared values. The relevance of historical, cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account, as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a European identity, based on solidarity, diversity and sense of belonging together.
Amendment 82 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs to be supported at all levels for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.
Amendment 87 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non- discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti- semitism, anti-ziganism, anti-muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance against persons belonging to minorities. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying, harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 . _________________ 10 COM(2011)173. 11 OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 94 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Article 24 TFEU obliges the European Parliament and the Council to adopt provisions for the procedures and conditions required for a citizen's initiative within the meaning of Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union. This has been done by adopting Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council14 ]. The Programme should support, in its "equality and rights" strand, the financing of technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives. _________________ 14 Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens’ initiative (OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1).
Amendment 98 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In accordance with Union acts on equal treatment, Member States set up independent bodies for the promotion of equal treatment, commonly known as "equality bodies", in order to combat discrimination based on race and ethnic origin as well as gender. However, many Member States have gone beyond these requirements and ensured that equality bodies can also deal with discrimination based on the other grounds such as language, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or other grounds. Equality bodies play a key role in promoting equality and ensuring effective application of equal treatment legislation by providing in particular an independent assistance to victims of discrimination, conducting independent surveys concerning discrimination, publishing independent reports and making recommendations on any issue relating to discrimination in their country. It is essential that the work of equality bodies is coordinated at Union level in this respect. EQUINET was created in 2007. Its members are the national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment as established by Council Directives 2000/43/EC15 and 2004/113/EC16 , and by Directives 2006/54/EC17 and 2010/41/EU18 of the European Parliament and of the Council. EQUINET is in an exceptional situation, being the only entity which ensures coordination of activities between equality bodies. This coordination activity by EQUINET is key for the good implementation of Union anti- discrimination law in Member States and should be supported by the Programme. _________________ 15 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22). 16 Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37). 17 Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23). 18 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 100 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 189 April 2018, an increase in funding and adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build, including through adequate core funding and simplified cost options, financial rules and procedures, the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at national level.
Amendment 104 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the Union, it is necessary to ensure the European added value of all actions carried out, their complementarity to Member States’ actions, while consistency, complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other, in particular within the Justice, Rights and Values Fund — and thus with the Justice Programme — as well as with Creative Europe programme, and Erasmus+ to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture, media, arts, education and creativity. It is necessary to create synergies with other European funding programmes, in particular in the fields of employment, internal market, enterprise, youth, health, citizenship, justice, migration, security, research, innovation, technology, industry, cohesion, climate, tourism, external relations, trade and development.
Amendment 107 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Regulation (EU, Euratom) No [the new FR] (the ‘Financial Regulation’) applies to this Programme. It lays down rules on the implementation of the Union budget, including the rules on grants, prizes, procurement, indirect implementation, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees, and demand full transparency in the use of resources, sound financial management and prudent use of resources. In particular, rules concerning the possibility for local, regional, national or transnational civil society organisations to be funded through multiannual operating grants, cascading grants and flexible grant-making procedures.
Amendment 109 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, the size and capacity of relevant stakeholders and targeted beneficiaries, and the expected risk of non- compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. Co-funding requirements should be accepted in kind and may be waived in cases of limited complementary funding. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights. _________________ 20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1. 21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1). 22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2). 23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1). 24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, with a view to ensuring effective assessment of the Programme's progress towards the achievement of its objectives, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of work programmes pursuant to Article 13 and indicators as indicated in Article 14 and 16 and Annex II. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
Amendment 117 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes the Citizens, Rights and Values programme (‘Programme’).
Amendment 129 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) protecting and promoting the rights of the child, the rights of people with disabilities, Union citizenship rights, including the European Citizenship Initiative, and the right to the protection of personal data.
Amendment 159 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Commission shall allocate at least 40% of the resources referred to in paragraph 1 to the support of civil society organisations.
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The Programme may provide funding through action grants and multiannual operating grants, in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, including the use of lump sums, unit costs, flat rates and cascading grants. Co-funding requirements shall be accepted in kind and may be waived in cases of limited complementary funding.
Amendment 172 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. The Programme shall be implementedcarried out by work programmes referred to in Article 110 of Financial Regulation.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2
2. The work programme shall be adopted by the Commission by means of an implementing act. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 19Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 to supplement this Regulation by establishing the appropriate work programme.
Amendment 178 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently, effectively, and in a timely manner. To that end, proportionate reporting and least burdensome requirements shall be imposed on recipients of Union funds and Member States.
Amendment 181 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 13 and 14 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.
Amendment 182 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 3
3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 13 and 14 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.
Amendment 183 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 6
Article 16 – paragraph 6
6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 13 and 14 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 186 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a (new)
Amendment 191 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) awareness raising, promotion and dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies, principles and rights in the areas covered by the Programme and its objectives;
Amendment 199 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) supporting initiatives and measures to promote and protect freedom and pluralism of the media, and to build capacity for the new challenges such as new media technologies and countering hate speech;
Amendment 200 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
(db) supporting whistle-blower defence, supporting initiatives and measures to establish safe channels for reporting within organisations and to public authorities or other relevant bodies; developing measures to protect whistle- blowers against any form of retaliation, through information and training for relevant public authorities and stakeholders;
Amendment 201 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point e
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools development and maintenance; promoting public awareness and understanding of the risks, rules, safeguards and rights in relation to the protection of personal data, digital security, and addressing fake news and targeted misinformation, in particular through trainings, studies and monitoring activities;
Amendment 211 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point g
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) bringing together Europeacitizens of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities and small scale projects;
Amendment 216 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point h
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) encouraging and facilitating active and inclusive participation in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as raising awareness of , promoting and defending rights and values through support to civil society organisations;
Amendment 219 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) developing the capacity of European networks through multiannual operating grants to promote and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as, supporting civil society organisations as well as local and regional authorities and heir representative associations active in the areas covered by the Programme.
Amendment 221 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) strengthening the capacity and independence of human rights defenders and civil society organisations monitoring the situation of the rule of law and supporting actions on the local, regional and national levels;
Amendment 225 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex II – paragraph 1 – introductory part
C8–0234/2018
Annex II – Table 1 – Line 3 a
Annex II – Table 1 – Line 3 a
The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators: Line 3a Number of transnational networks and initiatives focusing on European remembrance, heritage and civil dialogue as a result of programme intervention