729 Amendments of Markéta GREGOROVÁ
Amendment 11 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In addition to boosting socio- economic convergence, the Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to the fundamentals of the enlargement process including rule of law, fundamental rights, inter alia, the rights of refugees, of persons belonging to minorities, including national minorities and Roma, as well as the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons as well as of vulnerable groups. It should also improve the functioning of democratic institutions and public administrations; public procurement, state aid control and public finance management; the fight against all forms of corruption and organised crime; quality education and training as well as employment policies; the country’s green transition, climate and environmental objectives and shifting towards a climate neutral, biodiverse and sustainable economy.
Amendment 15 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Activities under the Facility should support progress towards Union social, climate and environmental standards, and support progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reducing inequalities while decoupling economic growth from resource use, the Paris Agreement adopted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and should not contribute to environmental degradation or cause harm to the environment or climate. Measures funded under the Facility should be in line with Moldova’ Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution and ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The Facility should contribute to the mitigation of climate change and to the ability to adapt to its adverse effects, and foster climate resilience. In particular, funding under the Facility should promote the transition towards a decarbonised, climate-neutral, climate-resilient and circular economy. The Facility should support boosting innovation for SMEs and social economy actors, as well as technology transfer in support of green and digital transitions. Activities under the Facility should inlclude policies to reduce youth unemployment and brain drain. Activities under the Facility should foresee environmental impact assessment and public consultation projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity and environmental protection, taking into acount local community views.
Amendment 16 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The Reform Agenda should include targeted reform measures and priority investment areas, along with payment conditions in the form of measurable qualitative and quantitative steps that indicate satisfactory progress or completion of those measures, and a timetable for the implementation of those measures. The Reform Agenda should also include a preliminary list of planned investment projects intended for implementation under NIP. Those steps should be planned to be implemented for no later than 31 December 2027, although it should be possible for the overall completion of the measures, to which such steps refer, to extend beyond 2027 but not later than 31 December 2028. The Reform Agenda should include an explanation of Moldova’s system to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, corruption, including high-level corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest, when using the funds provided under the Facility, and the arrangements to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes as well as other donors. The Reform Agenda should be designed and implemented with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the country.
Amendment 17 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) The Commission should assess the Reform Agenda based on the list of criteria set out in this Regulation. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to approve the Reform Agenda. The Commission will duly take into account Council decision 2010/427/EU (11) and the role of the European External Action Service (EEAS), where appropriate. The assesment of the Reform Agenda should be carried out by the Commission, assisted by independent experts, including from civil society.
Amendment 19 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) support social and territorial cohesion as well as progressive integration of Moldova into the Union single market;
Amendment 21 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) accelerate the socio-economic convergence of Moldova’s economy with the Union and in particular the decarbonisation of its economy;
Amendment 23 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, including de-polarisation, public administration and fulfil the economic criteria; this includes promoting an independent judiciary, reinforcing security and stability, strengthening the fight against fraud and all forms of corruption, including high-level corruption and nepotismoligarchic structures and any sorts of nepotism and favouritism and conflicts of interests, organised crime, cross-border crime and money laundering as well as terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud, tax avoidance; increasing compliance with international law; strengthening freedom and independence of media and academic freedom; combating hate speech; enabling an environment for civil society, fostering social dialogue; guaranteeing fundamental labour rights as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the relevant International Labour Organization’s conventions; promoting gender equality, gender mainstreaming and the empowerment of women and girls, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of refugees and persons belonging to minorities, including national minorities and Roma, as well as rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and different vulnerable groups. enhancing inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, and in particular transition from institutional care to community-based support and independent living; and building a functioning market economy capable of coping with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union; and accelerating the shift towards a climate neutral, biodiverse and sustainable economy;
Amendment 25 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) foster economic integration of Moldova with the Union single market, in particular through increased trade and investment flows, improved connectivity, and resilient value chains;
Amendment 26 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) accelerate the inclusive and sustainable green transition to climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the Green Deal and covering all economic sectors, particularly energy efficiency and renewable energy, including the transition towards a de-carbonised, climate-neutral, climate- resilient and circular economy, with emphasis on decentralised renewable energy networks, while ensuring that investments respect the Union climate acquis and ‘do no significant harm’ principle;
Amendment 29 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point l
(l) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling at all levels, with a particular focus on youth, including tackling youth unemployment, preventing brain drain and supporting vulnerable communities, including refugees, and support employment policies, including tackling gender pay gap and labour rights, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, and fighting poverty.
Amendment 30 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Cooperation under the Facility shall be needs-based and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, namely ownership of development priorities by Moldova a focus on clear conditionality and tangible results, inclusive partnerships and participatory policy-making that includes civil society and local authorities, transparency and mutual accountability. That cooperation shall be based on an effective and efficient allocation and use of resources.
Amendment 32 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The Reform Agenda shall provide an overarching framework to achieve the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3 and general principles set out in Article 4, setting out the reforms to be undertaken by Moldova, as well as investment areas. The Reform Agenda shall comprise measures for the implementation of reforms through a comprehensive and coherent package, including ensuring adherence to the ‘do no significant harm’ principle. In the areas of the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, the fight against corruption, including high-level corruption, fundamental rights and the freedom of expression, and shifting towards a climate neutral, biodiverse and sustainable economy, the Reform Agendas shall reflect the assessments in the enlargement policy framework.
Amendment 33 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Article 9 – paragraph 5
5. The Reform Agenda shall respect the general principles set out in Article 4 and shall be drafted in open and transparent manner in consultation with all stakeholders.
Amendment 34 #
2024/0258(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an explanation of how the measures are expected to further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process as referred to in Article 3(2), point (n), including the rule of law, fundamental rights, and the fight against corruptions well as the fight against fraud, any types of corruption including high level corruption and oligarchic structures, nepotism and favouritism and conflicts of interests, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax fraud and to ensure compliance with international law;
Amendment 11 #
2024/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Subject to an assessment by the Commission carried out in the context of the regular monitoring of the impact of this Regulation and launched either following a duly substantiated request from a Member State or on the Commission’s own initiative, it is because of the specific difficulties that have arisen at the moment of the adoption of this regulation necessary to provide for the possibility to take any necessary measures for imports of any products falling under the scope of this Regulation which are adversely affecting the Union market or the market of one or several Member States for like or directly competing products. There is a particularly precarious situation in the markets for poultry, eggs, and sugar that may harm Union agricultural producers if imports from Ukraine were to increase. It is appropriate to introduce an automatic safeguard for eggs, poultry, and sugar products that is activated if quantities imported pursuant to this Regulation exceed the arithmetic mean of quantities in 2022 and 2023. It is important that the regime for safeguard measures provided for in this Regulation allow the Union to address this exceptional situation and does not set a precedent for future trade- liberalisation measures for Ukraine. This exceptional situation could justify the open definition of possible safeguard measures, the possibility to apply such measures in situations where adverse effects are limited to the market of one or several Member States and the introduction of automatic safeguards as provisions of an exceptional nature.
Amendment 11 #
2024/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Subject to an assessment by the Commission carried out in the context of the regular monitoring of the impact of this Regulation and launched either following a duly substantiated request from a Member State or on the Commission’s own initiative, it is because of the specific difficulties that have arisen at the moment of the adoption of this regulation necessary to provide for the possibility to take any necessary measures for imports of any products falling under the scope of this Regulation which are adversely affecting the Union market or the market of one or several Member States for like or directly competing products. There is a particularly precarious situation in the markets for poultry, eggs, and sugar that may harm Union agricultural producers if imports from Ukraine were to increase. It is appropriate to introduce an automatic safeguard for eggs, poultry, and sugar products that is activated if quantities imported pursuant to this Regulation exceed the arithmetic mean of quantities in 2022 and 2023. It is important that the regime for safeguard measures provided for in this Regulation allow the Union to address this exceptional situation and does not set a precedent for future trade- liberalisation measures for Ukraine. This exceptional situation could justify the open definition of possible safeguard measures, the possibility to apply such measures in situations where adverse effects are limited to the market of one or several Member States and the introduction of automatic safeguards as provisions of an exceptional nature.
Amendment 12 #
2024/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) As the application of different measures taken at Member State level would threaten the unity of the Union's common commercial policy and could create obstacles to the internal market, it is necessary that safeguard measures aiming at addressing adverse effects on the Union market or the market of one or several Member States for products covered by this regulation are adopted exclusively pursuant to this Regulation.
Amendment 12 #
2024/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11 a) As the application of different measures taken at Member State level would threaten the unity of the Union's common commercial policy and could create obstacles to the internal market, it is necessary that safeguard measures aiming at addressing adverse effects on the Union market or the market of one or several Member States for products covered by this regulation are adopted exclusively pursuant to this Regulation.
Amendment 72 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) Furthermore, the Commission should have the possibility to open an investigation regarding a foreign investment on its own initiative or at the request of at least two Member States where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a foreign investment may affect the security or public order of more than one Member State, where a foreign investment relates to EU projects or programmes and when it is not clear which Member State is competent to carry out the investigation. The Commission’s investigative powers should include the ability to collect information from the Member States concerned, investors and other relevant parties and competent authorities as well as witnesses and experts. The Commission’s findings should be stipulated in a report, which would also include recommendations to the Member States concerned.
Amendment 78 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In order to ensure that the likely effect of a foreign investment on the security or public order of one or more Member States is adequately addressed, Member States receiving duly justified comments from other Member States or an opinion from the Commission should give such comments or opinion utmost consideration, including where it considers that its own security or public order is not affected. The Member State should coordinate with the Commission and the Member States concerned if necessary and provide them with written feedback on the decision taken and how the comments and the opinion have been given utmost consideration. The final decision on foreign investments should remain the sole responsibility of the Member State where the foreign investment is planned or completedIf the Commission considers that its opinion has not been given utmost consideration, and that security or public order of the Union can be significantly affected, it may issue a follow-up opinion stipulating recommendations to address the risks. Such follow-up opinions should have a binding effect.
Amendment 88 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Where the Member State where the foreign investment is planned or completed considers that a foreign investment is likely to negatively affect security or public order in the Union, it is appropriate to require that Member State to take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks, where such measures are available, and it considers them adequate, taking into utmost consideration the comments issued by other Member States and the opinion issued by the Commission, if applicable. Foreign investments should be prohibited only on an exceptional basis, and where mitigating measures or measures available under Union or national law other than the screening mechanism are not sufficient to mitigate the effect on security or public order.
Amendment 101 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) In order to take into account developments relating to projects or programmes of Union interest and to adapt the list of technologies, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments to the Annexes to this Regulation. The list of projects and programmes of Union interest set out in Annex I should cover projects or programmes covered by EU law which provide for the development, maintenance or acquisition of critical infrastructure, critical technologies or critical inputs which are essential for security or public order. The list of technologies, infrastructure, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union set out in Annex II should include areas where a foreign investment may affect security or public order in more than one Member State or in the Union as a whole through an Union target, which does not participate in or receive funds from a project or programme of Union interest. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries 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 of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making16 . 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. _________________ 16 OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.
Amendment 107 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18
(18) ‘projects or programmes of Union interest’ means projects or programmes covered by Union law that provide for the development, maintenance or acquisition of critical infrastructure, critical technologies, critical services or critical inputs which are essential for security or public order and are listed in Annex I;
Amendment 111 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall without exception ensure that the screening mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 applies at least to investments subject to an authorisation requirement pursuant to Article 4(4).
Amendment 126 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Member States shall ensure that their screening mechanisms impose an authorisation requirement for foreign investments where the Union target is established or is to be established in their territory:
Amendment 147 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission mayshall issue a duly motivated opinion addressed to a Member State, a group of Member States or all Member States if it considers that severala foreign investments or otherseveral similar investments if they were to be made, taken together or individually, and having regard to their characteristics could affect the security or public order of the Union. After a Commission opinion is issued, the Commission mayshall, as appropriate, discuss with Member States howthe actions to address the identified risks and shall monitor the implementation of these actions.
Amendment 177 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 9
Article 7 – paragraph 9
9. Where the Member States or the Commission indicate that the screening decision referred to in paragraph 8, subparagraph (a), of this Article does not give utmost consideration to their comments provided pursuant to pursuant to paragraph 1 or the opinion provided pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, the Member State where the investment is planned or completed shall organise a meeting to explain the obstacles encountered or the reasons for disagreement and shall endeavour to identify solutions, should a similar situation arise in the future. Where the screening decision concerns a multi- country notification, the other Member States who notified the foreign investment to the cooperation mechanism shall also be invited. The Commission shall be invited to any meetings organised pursuant to this paragraph. If the Commission decides that its opinions have still not been given utmost consideration, and that security or public order of the Union can be significantly affected, it may issue a follow-up opinion with recommendations on how to address the identified risks. Any such follow-up opinion shall have a binding effect
Amendment 197 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall be granted at least 1530 months, after the foreign investment has been completed, to open the procedure set out in paragraph 3, provided the respective foreign investment has not been notified to the cooperation mechanism in the meantime.
Amendment 199 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9a Commission’s power to investigate 1. The Commission may initiate an investigation on its own initiative or at the request of at least two Member States, provided all the following conditions are met: there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a foreign investment may affect the security or public order of more than one Member State; the investment relates to EU projects or programmes listed in Annex I of this Regulation; and it is unclear which Member State has the authority to conduct the investigation. 2. The Commission shall have the right to: (a) request information from the Member States concerned, investors and other relevant parties; (b) carry out inspections in the territories of the Member States where the investment is made; (c) examine witnesses and experts; (d) cooperate with national regulatory authorities and other competent authorities. 3. Member States shall, upon request by the Commission, provide all information requested without delay and shall give full assistance in the investigation. 4. The Commission shall prepare a report after the investigation, setting out the results of the investigation and recommendations to the Member States concerned. 5. All information obtained in the course of the investigation shall be treated as confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties without appropriate authorisation.
Amendment 213 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(b a) the geopolitical situation;
Amendment 228 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Where, taking into account the criteria laid down in Article 13 and, where applicable, in the light of comments provided by other Member States pursuant to Article 7(1) or Article 9(7), or an opinion provided by the Commission pursuant to Article 7(2) or (3) or Article 9(7), the Member State in which the foreign investment is planned or completed concludes that the foreign investment is likely to negatively affect security or public order in one or more Member States or in the Union, including where a project or programme of Union interest is concerned, it shall issue a screening decision to:
Amendment 243 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – point 16 a (new)
Annex I – point 16 a (new)
16 a. The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) Regulation EU ( ) of the European Parliament and of the Council of ( ) implementing concrete measures identified in the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS).
Amendment 246 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – subheading 1
Annex II – subheading 1
List of technologies, infrastructure, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union
Amendment 248 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 a (new)
Annex II – point 2 a (new)
2 a. Audio-visual, digital and print media infrastructure
Amendment 249 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 2 b (new)
Annex II – point 2 b (new)
2 b. European, national, state, and local government election-related infrastructure
Amendment 251 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point a – indent 4 a (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point a – indent 4 a (new)
– Data storage and processing equipment and facilities
Amendment 254 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 a (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 a (new)
– Secure digital communications and connectivity, such as RAN & Open RAN (Radio Access Network), 5G and 6G, laser and light communication
Amendment 255 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 b (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 b (new)
– Cyber security technologies incl. cyber-surveillance, encryption, security and intrusion prevention and detection systems, digital forensics
Amendment 256 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 c (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point e – indent 1 c (new)
– Submarine fibre-optic cables
Amendment 257 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point e a (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point e a (new)
e a. Transport infrastructure and technologies: · International airports, and sea ports · Railways, inland waterways, short sea shipping routes and roads linking urban nodes, maritime and inland ports, airports and terminals that are located within the geographical scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679’ · Railway infrastructure and related technologies · Electric propulsion technologies · Refuelling infrastructure, including electric charging infrastructure
Amendment 258 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point h – introductory part
Annex II – point 3 – point h – introductory part
h. Energy technologies, services and infrastructure:
Amendment 259 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 1
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 1
– Nuclear fusion technologies, reactors and power generation, radi ological conversion/enrichment/recycling technologies, nuclear storage and disposal of radioactive waste
Amendment 260 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 3
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 3
– Net-zero technologies, including photovoltaiclarge-scale photovoltaic and solar thermal infrastructure, as well as onshore and offshore renewable energy technologies
Amendment 262 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 3 a (new)
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 3 a (new)
– Grid operators (TSOs and DSOs)
Amendment 265 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 4
Annex II – point 3 – point h – indent 4
– Smart grids and energy storage, batteriesEuropean and cross-border grids, including smart grids and energy storage solutions, battery technologies for grid applications and renewable energy integration
Amendment 47 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes with satisfaction the successfulthe organisation of mid-term elections in 2022 of the President, Vice- Presidents and the Quaestors in a remote format, as decided by the Conference of Presidents; acknowledges the importance of the plenary remote voting system in the successful running of such a sensitive and complex secret vote;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99 a (new)
Paragraph 99 a (new)
99a. Recalls the added-value of free and open source software in improving security since they make it possible for Parliament to identify and fix weaknesses, keep control over the data by hosting in its servers and designing solutions according to its own specifications, while being able to avoid vendor lock-in effects;
Amendment 160 #
2023/2130(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99 b (new)
Paragraph 99 b (new)
99b. Recalls its preference for free and open source software solutions as against proprietary ones when considering new internal applications; asks for situations to be reported to the ICT governing bodies when open source solutions are not chosen;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2023 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation (2022/2075(INI)),
Amendment 73 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Strategic Compass aims to equip the EU with the necessary strategic guidance, realistic and operational tools to move towards a coherent and credible defence policy, based on significantly increased military cooperation between Member States, and to make it an effective and capable security provider and an assertive global actor;
Amendment 150 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stands united with Ukraine and resolutely condemns Russia’s illegal war of aggression; deplores the global consequences of Russia’s illegal war of aggression which is hitting countries and vulnerable societies around the world through increased energy prices and food shortages and which also grossly violates international law and the principles of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, principles such as the inviolability of borders and undermines European and global security and stability;
Amendment 164 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Confirms the EU will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes to end Russia’s war of aggression and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, enabling it to effectively exercise its sovereignty, protect its civilians and fulfil their wish for Euro-Atlantic integration, in particular EU membership;
Amendment 171 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the importance of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which has supported the Ukrainian armed forces by financing and delivering military equipment and training, while providing coordination for all stakeholders through the Clearing House Mechanism hosted by the EU Military Staff; calls for the financial sustainability and durability of the EPF to be ensured in order to provide Ukraine and other EU partners around the world with the support they request; calls on the Hungarian government to immediately stop blocking the eighth tranche of military aid to Ukraine;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the setting up of the Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine and its role in enhancing the military effectiveness of Ukraine’s armed forces so they can defend their territorial integrity within Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders and allow the country to effectively exercise its sovereignty and protection of civilians; stresses the need to provide the necessary personnel and infrastructure to MPCC to exercise planning and command of this important training mission;
Amendment 193 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the EU’s concrete support to Ukraine through the ‘three ammunition tracks’; urges faster delivery of ammunition from Member States’ existing stocks through the EPF; calls on the HR/VP, the Commission and the Member States for the joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine to be sped up and stresses the need to ramp up the third track and ensure the effective implementation of the Act in Support of Ammunition Production; further stresses that concrete steps should be taken towards Ukraine’s integration in EU defence and cyber security policies and programmes during the EU membership process, building cooperation and exchange with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and building on the existing agreement with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and as a beneficiary of the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA); calls on the European External Action Service to come forward with a plan for a sustainable and long-term package of security commitments for Ukraine;
Amendment 218 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the commitment of the EU’s heads of state and government, made in the Versailles Declaration, to provide all the necessary support needed by Ukraine and to take greater responsibility for European security by bolstering European defence capabilities; calls on the EU and its Member States to deliver on this commitment by accelerating the full implementation of the Strategic Compass via a massive boost of military cooperation at industrial and armed forces level in order to make the European Union a stronger and more capable security provider; strongly believes that because of the profound changes to the Europeans security environment, military cooperation at EU-level should become the rule and cannot remain the exception;
Amendment 242 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reminds the Member States of their commitment to strengthening the military planning and conduct capacity and achieving full operational capability, including through the provision of adequate premises, staff, and reorganisation of the EU Military Staff; urges the Member States and the HR/VP to guarantee that before the end of 2023 the MPCC reaches Full Operational Capability (FOC) and recalls the Council conclusions of 19 November 2018, which foresaw a 2020 deadline; demands that the MPCC's staff level should be increased considerably up to 250 personnel and related infrastructure and equipment should be upgraded; stresses that one of the existing four national Operational Headquarters (OHQ) should be designed as fall-back option;
Amendment 247 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its full support for the rapid deployment capacity (RDC) with at least 5 000 troops available for rescue and evacuation tasks, initial entry and stabilisation operations or temporary reinforcement of missions which should be operational latest at the end of 2024; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to set out the practical modalities for implementing Article 44 TEU without delay and until the end of 2023, in order to allow a group of willing and able Member States to plan and conduct a mission or operation within the EU framework and, thereby, ensure the swift activation of the RDC which should be, similar as NATO’s VTFJ, ready to move within two or three days; stresses the need to launch a process which assesses the possibility of creating more permanent multinational units at EU-level which should implement different functions and needs, from field hospitals, military medical services to logistics and military engineers to special forces, and could partly or entirely rely on existing capabilities such as the Franco-German brigade, the German-Dutch corps;
Amendment 266 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the VP/HR and Member States to deliver more robust, flexible and modular CSDP missions and operations, that can adapt to the changing security context and that build on the synergies and complementarities of civilian and military dimensions of CSDP; welcomes the adoption of the new Civilian CSDP Compact and the commitment to increase the effectiveness, flexibility and responsiveness of civilian missions, including through speeding up decision making, strengthening operational planning, improving selection and recruitment of personnel, emphasising greater gender equality and improving responsiveness tools; believes that civilian and military missions need to focus more on the key elements of human security which means that they not only reform, defend and stabilise security institutions in partner countries but also directly respond to the security needs of the local population;
Amendment 289 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises the importance of adequate, flexible and sustainable funding for all security and defence programs and initiatives, including the CFSP budget and the EPF; regrets the fact that the CFSP budget has only marginally increased from the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020 to the MFF 2021-2027 (from a starting point of approximately EUR 350 million per year), while at the same time the number and tasks of the CSDP missions financed by the CFSP budget have increased, the security environment has become more challenging, the cost of operations has increased; urges therefore the Member for a substantive increase of funding for the CFSP budget, while at the same time ensuring the efficient use of the funds allocated to the CSDP civilian missions, in order to make sure that they effectively respond to crisis situations and unforeseen events; calls for a substantive increase of funding for the CFSP budget, including a dedicated CFSP budget line establishing a civilian support facility to provide partner countries with equipment and services to enhance their civilian capabilities; calls on the Member States to increase the resources allocated to security and defence in the next multiannual financial framework; further calls on Member States to amend the EPF financing process to ensure adequate and sustainable support for partners, allies and CSDP operations;
Amendment 299 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls for the structure of the CFSP budget to be changed and for the generation of one budget line per civilian CSDP mission, in order to allow for better scrutiny and increased transparency;
Amendment 304 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by EU Member States and institutions, and calls for their impact to be maximised in order to deliver the needed capabilities to Europe’s armed forces through increased joint procurement and joint investment in defence research and development; deplores, however, that neither the Russian aggression against Ukraine nor the existing EU-level defence industrial programmes have led to a real shift towards making EU-level cooperation the norm; stresses the fact that uncoordinated national defence spending potentially increases the costs for defence products available on the market and has similar negative effects as uncoordinated gas or vaccine purchases by individual Member States; urges therefore Member States to boost defence industrial cooperation and set, as minimum targets, the 35% European collaborative defence equipment procurement benchmark and the 20% European collaborative defence R&T benchmark as agreed by all Member States within the European Defence Agency;
Amendment 316 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that the European Defence Fund, regrettably still underfinanced, shows the added-value of EU-level action in European defence and recommends the extension of Commission proposals in all defence-related fields of EU policy in coordination with Member States and the VP/HR; welcomes the recent Commission proposals to increase the funding of EDF which also takes into account the challenging geopolitical situation; calls for the fast and efficient implementation of EDIRPA and ASAP;
Amendment 328 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Believes that besides EU-budget funded programmes there is the urgent need to pool parts of rising national defence budgets by establishing additional EU-level instruments that boost cooperation regarding the entire life-cycle of military and dual-use capabilities and guarantee full interoperability of armed forces of Member States; recalls in this respect point 1(m) of its recommendation of 8 June 2022 on the EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine which called to urgently launch a discussion with a view to establishing another off-budget financial facility which would address the entire life-cycle of military capabilities at EU level;
Amendment 332 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on Member States to increase their levels of defence spending to adjust to the current geopolitical situation, and address the significant threats towards the Union’s security and spend them in a well- coordinated and collaborative manner which guaranties economies of scale, synergies and fully interoperable military capabilities and armed forces; calls on the EU NATO Member States to increase their military budgets to, based on assessed own requirements, to spend at least 2 % of GDP considering the impact of historic under-investment and spiralling inflation on defence budgets;
Amendment 357 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Highlights that China has established a ‘no-limits friendship’ with Russia, that includes significant transfer of technology and military capabilities, and poses an increasing number of security challenges to the EU, especially in the fields of cyber and FIMI; stresses the need for the EU to strengthen the security and integrity of its critical infrastructures, supply chains and technology base, including through close monitoring of their ownership and control by actors linked to the Chinese government; calls for increased vigilance against China's intensifying hybrid warfare in the Indo- Pacific, notably towards Taiwan, a daily target of constant cyberattacks predominantly from China; emphasizes collaboration with Taiwan, leveraging its expertise and technological edge against Chinese cyber threats, given regional and EU security concerns;
Amendment 434 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Emphasises that the EU must further develop its own capabilities in all domains of Land, Sea, Air, Space and Information and in the utilisation and development of emerging technologies to protect the sovereignty of all Member States while enhancing its security cooperation with partners across the globe;
Amendment 446 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines the importance of the partnership dimension of the Strategic Compass in reinforcing cooperation between the EU and its allies and partners around the world in order to foster strategic solidarity and counter foreign strategies aimed at undermining the EU and destabilising the rules-based international order; welcomes the long- awaited third Joint Declaration on EU- NATO Cooperation which confirmed that the EU and NATO are essential partners who share common values and strategic interests, and who work in complementarity to ensure Euro-Atlantic and global security and stability; calls in particular for synergies and coherence between NATO’s Strategic Concept and the EU’s Strategic Compass, particularly in the areas of countering Russian aggression, hybrid and cyber warfare, and providing support to partners; underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine brought to the fore the links between attempts at foreign manipulation of information and threats to the EU and its immediate neighbourhood; calls on all Member States to implement the recommendations of the European Parliaments reports on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation; stresses the urgent need to develop and agree on technical interoperability standards and norms for military technology;
Amendment 510 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the reinforcement of parliamentary democracy and improved scrutiny of non-EU partner countries through parliamentary dialogues on security and defence issues and by building parliamentary resilience against hybrid threats, including cyber and FIMI; recalls that Israeli spyware mercenary NSO recently hacked phones of Russian dissidents in exile and that such exports of zero-click cyber intrusion capabilities constitute an unacceptable breach of the privacy and security of all people in the European Union; calls on the VP/HR to initiate an investigation into NSOs relationship with the Russian Government;
Amendment 515 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Notes that the increase in spending on defence policies and programmes at an EU level and among the Member States requires full parliamentary scrutiny and accountability; reiterates in this respect its demand for delegated acts for work programmes of EU-budget funded defence industrial programmes; underlines the existing calls for the establishment of a fully-fledged European Parliament Committee on Security and Defence, in recognition ofprovided that this committee would be in the lead on the emerging defence acquis in the framework of the EU with scrutiny, legislation and budgetary responsibilities;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank of 1 December 2021 entitled “The Global Gateway” JOIN(2021) 30 final,
Amendment 2 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission recommendation of 3.10.2023 on critical technology areas for the EU's economic security for further risk assessment with Member States (C(2023) 6689),
Amendment 9 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the G7 Hiroshima Leaders’ Communiqué of 20 May 2023,
Amendment 32 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas China’s national security related legislation, such as the 2015 National Security Law of People's Republic of China, requires citizens and organisations to provide support and assistance to the PRC’s public security, state security or military organs;
Amendment 35 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas China is restricting non- Chinese companies from participating in infrastructure projects due to security risks and is putting forward legislation with regard to critical infrastructure, such as Critical Information Infrastructure Security Protection Regulations;
Amendment 51 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that in China’s party-driven political system and economy often require private companieseconomic system private companies are often required to align their commercial interestactivities with the CCP’s mipolitary, repression and political interference activitiesical interests; notes that CCP party cells inside private companies are commonly used as tools of direct party control; highlights that, consequentially, Chinese companies’ international activities helpmay enable the CCP to expand its influence over foreignin third countries and underminepursue its geopolitical rivgoals;
Amendment 54 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that MCF must be understood in a larger political and strategic context, taking into account its interconnections with other initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (including the Digital Silk Road); believes that the ultimate aim of MCF is to advance China’s long-term strategic goal to become the world’s leading pow, Made in China 2025, Dual Circulation Strategy and China Standards 2035; believes that the ultimate aim of MCF is to create a world- class military force, which could be used to challenge the existing international security order;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Consequences of the PRC’s civil-military-civil fusion strategy
Amendment 64 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Warns of the risk of Chinese companies having any involvement with EU strategic assets, especially those companies that have direct or indirect links to China’s military system; underlines, in this regard, its concern that technology and technological expertise willrisk being be transferred to China’s military, increasing the PLA’s ability to develop the next generation of military technology, which may be used to coerce partners in Asia and around the world;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that China produces 70 % of the world’s batteries (hosting three of the top five battery manufacturing giants), accounts for 60 % of global aluminium production and 75 % of silicon production, is the leading refiner of 60 % of lithium and 70 % of copper processing and produces 84 % of the world’s nickel and 85 % of its cobalt; underlines that Chinese mining companies are active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (cobalt), Indonesia (nickel) and Chile and Australia (lithium) and that its quasi-monopoly on the production and processing of these critical commodities, creates crucial dependencies and therefore presents not only an acute geopolitical challenge for the EU, but also a huge risk for Europe’s defence and other industrial sectors;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Warns that the deterioration in the security environment in Europe and around the globe requires urgent reflection on how to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomycapacity as a security provider and reduce its critical dependencies on countries like the PRC that are systemic rivals, not strategic partners; stresses the need to prevent sensitive emerging technologies and key dual-use items from being leaked to destinations of concern that pursue transferred to China; regards the establishment of EU- wide electronic customs and export licensing systems as a critical step towards effective common European export collaborate in MCF strategiesntrols and urges all Member States to make these systems operational by the end of 2023;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the potential of the Commission’s proposal for a European economic security strategy to expand the EU toolkit to export controls or outwarbound investments in a narrow set of key enabling technologies with military applications, inter alia, in the areas of quantum computing, advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence; calls foron the swift adoption of the Commission’s proposalsCommission to propose the announced proposals by Spring 2024 and for the Member States to fully implement the EU’s expanded regulatory framework to exclude entities that could contribute to MCF;
Amendment 123 #
2023/2072(INI)
12. Welcomes the adoption of the European Chips Act, which will increase the EU’s ability to produce semiconductors and create a strategic map of, inter alia, capability gaps in the semiconductor value chain in the EU, thereby limiting the EU’s dependence on third countries such as China; calls for further proposals to secure the production and supply chains of critical infrastructure and material within the EU, as well as strengthening strategic partnerships, such as with Taiwan;
Amendment 131 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to propose a new legislative framework to mitigate the security risks coming from the suppliers of undersea cable systems; stresses the need to prevent cable system suppliers, such as Chinese companies, from sharing data with intelligence services other than to protect the infrastructure from outside intrusions or malignant attacks;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is cognisant of the PRC’s penetration ofrole that Chinese companies play in the EU’s market and its wider neighbourhood; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to ensure that the measures taken to strengthen the resilience of the EU in the face of Chinese influence, including de-risking, diversification and reduction of critical dependencies, are also extended to the EU’s closest partners, in particular accession countries and those part of the EUs neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes that despite European FDI screening mechanisms, Chinese companies have been granted contracts in European critical infrastructure, leading to security risks; calls therefore on the Council and the Commission to exclude the use of equipment and software from manufacturers based in the PRC, particularly ByteDance, Huawei, ZTE and Nuctech; calls on critical sectors to exclude the use of hardware and software from the PRC in order to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and services; considers the TikTok app, owned by Chinese conglomerate ByteDance, to be in breach of the European data privacy framework, making it a potential risk and a source of Chinese-backed disinformation; welcomes the decision of the EU institutions to restrict the use of TikTok on corporate devices; recommends the banning of TikTok at all levels of national government and in the EU institutions;
Amendment 149 #
2023/2072(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Emphasises the need for a geopolitical approach to global cooperation on critical infrastructure in order for the EU to successfully face up to the new security challenges; in this context welcomes the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative that seeks to provide connectivity solutions, including in the area of critical infrastructure, to third countries that are sustainable and trusted; urges Council and Commission to swiftly implement projects, especially lighthouse projects, under the initiative;
Amendment 11 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Facility should ensure consistency with, and support to the general objectives of Union external action as laid down in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, including the respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will notably ensure the protection and promotion of human rights, ILO Conventions, and the rule of law.
Amendment 11 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Facility should ensure consistency with, and support to the general objectives of Union external action as laid down in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, including the respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will notably ensure the protection and promotion of human rights, ILO Conventions, and the rule of law.
Amendment 13 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Activities under the Facility should support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, reducing inequalities while decoupling economic growth from resource use, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and should not contribute to environmental degradation or cause harm to the environment or climate. Measures funded under the Facility should be in line with the Beneficiaries’ National Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution and ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The Facility should contribute to the mitigation action and to the ability to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, and foster climate resilience. The Facility should support boosting innovation for SMEs and social economy actors, as well as technology transfer in support of green and digital transitions; Activities under the Facility should include policies to reduce youth unemployment and brain drain away from the countries in the Western Balkans; Activities under the Facility should foresee environmental impact assessments and public consultations on projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity and environmental protection, taking into account local community views.
Amendment 13 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Activities under the Facility should support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, reducing inequalities while decoupling economic growth from resource use, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and should not contribute to environmental degradation or cause harm to the environment or climate. Measures funded under the Facility should be in line with the Beneficiaries’ National Energy and Climate Plans, their Nationally Determined Contribution and ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050. The Facility should contribute to the mitigation action and to the ability to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, and foster climate resilience. The Facility should support boosting innovation for SMEs and social economy actors, as well as technology transfer in support of green and digital transitions; Activities under the Facility should include policies to reduce youth unemployment and brain drain away from the countries in the Western Balkans; Activities under the Facility should foresee environmental impact assessments and public consultations on projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity and environmental protection, taking into account local community views.
Amendment 18 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The implementation of this Regulation should be guided by the principles of equality and non- discrimination, as elaborated in the Union of Equality strategies. It should promote gender equality, including tackling gender pay gaps, and the empowerment of women and girls, and seek to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights in line with the EU Gender Action Plans and relevant Council conclusions and international conventions. The implementation of the Facility should be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in its investments and technical assistance.
Amendment 18 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The implementation of this Regulation should be guided by the principles of equality and non- discrimination, as elaborated in the Union of Equality strategies. It should promote gender equality, including tackling gender pay gaps, and the empowerment of women and girls, and seek to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights in line with the EU Gender Action Plans and relevant Council conclusions and international conventions. The implementation of the Facility should be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in its investments and technical assistance.
Amendment 19 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the importance of tackling climate and biodiversity objectives in line with the commitments of the Interinstitutional Agreement, the Facility should contribute to the achievement of the overall target of 30% of Union budget expenditure supporting climate objectives and 7.5% in 2024 and 10% in 2026 and 2027 to biodiversity objectives. At least 37% of the non-repayable financial support channelled through the WBIF should account to climate objectives, with a view to achieving climate-neutrality. The Facility should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/8528 . _________________ 8 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13.
Amendment 19 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the importance of tackling climate and biodiversity objectives in line with the commitments of the Interinstitutional Agreement, the Facility should contribute to the achievement of the overall target of 30% of Union budget expenditure supporting climate objectives and 7.5% in 2024 and 10% in 2026 and 2027 to biodiversity objectives. At least 37% of the non-repayable financial support channelled through the WBIF should account to climate objectives, with a view to achieving climate-neutrality. The Facility should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/8528 . _________________ 8 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13.
Amendment 20 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to ensure an efficient implementation of the Facility, including the facilitation of the Western Balkans Beneficiaries’ integration in European value chains, all supplies and materials financed and procured under this Facility should originate from Member States, Beneficiaries, contracting parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and countries covered by Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council10 and Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 and countries for which reciprocal access to external assistance in Beneficiaries is established by the Commission, and shall meet, whenever possible, high social and environmental criteria, unless the supplies and materials cannot be sourced at reasonable conditions in any of those countries. _________________ 10 Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, amending and repealing Decision No 466/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) 2017/1601 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009 (OJ L 209, 14.6.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/947/oj).
Amendment 20 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to ensure an efficient implementation of the Facility, including the facilitation of the Western Balkans Beneficiaries’ integration in European value chains, all supplies and materials financed and procured under this Facility should originate from Member States, Beneficiaries, contracting parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area and countries covered by Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council10 and Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 and countries for which reciprocal access to external assistance in Beneficiaries is established by the Commission, and shall meet, whenever possible, high social and environmental criteria, unless the supplies and materials cannot be sourced at reasonable conditions in any of those countries. _________________ 10 Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, amending and repealing Decision No 466/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) 2017/1601 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009 (OJ L 209, 14.6.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/947/oj).
Amendment 21 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The Reform Agendas should include an explanation of the Beneficiary’s system to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests, when using the funds provided under the Facility, and the arrangements that aim to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes as well as other donors. The Reform Agendas should be designed and implemented with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in each country.
Amendment 21 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The Reform Agendas should include an explanation of the Beneficiary’s system to effectively prevent, detect and correct irregularities, corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests, when using the funds provided under the Facility, and the arrangements that aim to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes as well as other donors. The Reform Agendas should be designed and implemented with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in each country.
Amendment 22 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) The Commission should assess each Reform Agenda based on the list of criteria set out in this Regulation. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to approve those Reform Agendas. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council11 . The Commission will duly take into account Council decision 2010/427/EU and the role of the EEAS where appropriate, and in particular when monitoring the fulfilment of the precondition for Union support. The assessment of the Reform Agendas should be carried out by the Commission, assisted by independent experts, including from civil society. _________________ 11 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj).
Amendment 22 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) The Commission should assess each Reform Agenda based on the list of criteria set out in this Regulation. In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to approve those Reform Agendas. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council11 . The Commission will duly take into account Council decision 2010/427/EU and the role of the EEAS where appropriate, and in particular when monitoring the fulfilment of the precondition for Union support. The assessment of the Reform Agendas should be carried out by the Commission, assisted by independent experts, including from civil society. _________________ 11 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj).
Amendment 23 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries to sustainable, climate- neutral and inclusive economies, with low inequality levels and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use, capable of withstanding competitive market pressures of the Union single market, and to a stable investment environment;
Amendment 23 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries to sustainable, climate- neutral and inclusive economies, with low inequality levels and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use, capable of withstanding competitive market pressures of the Union single market, and to a stable investment environment;
Amendment 25 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) accelerate green transition in line with the 2020 Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and covering all economic sectors, particularly energy, including energy efficiency and the transition towards de- carbonised climate- neutral, climate- resilient and circular economy and the protection of biodiversity and the environment;
Amendment 25 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) accelerate green transition in line with the 2020 Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and covering all economic sectors, particularly energy, including energy efficiency and the transition towards de- carbonised climate- neutral, climate- resilient and circular economy and the protection of biodiversity and the environment;
Amendment 26 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) boost innovation, particularly for SMEs and social economy actors, and promote technology transfer and in support of the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 26 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) boost innovation, particularly for SMEs and social economy actors, and promote technology transfer and in support of the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 27 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling, and employment policies and the uptake of ILO Conventions, with a focus on tackling gender pay gaps and youth unemployment, including policies to avoid a brain drain away from Beneficiary countries;
Amendment 27 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling, and employment policies and the uptake of ILO Conventions, with a focus on tackling gender pay gaps and youth unemployment, including policies to avoid a brain drain away from Beneficiary countries;
Amendment 28 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society as partner and watchdog of government policies; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality and the reduction of gender pay gaps, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
Amendment 28 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society as partner and watchdog of government policies; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality and the reduction of gender pay gaps, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
Amendment 30 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Cooperation under the Facility shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, across all modalities, namely ownership of development priorities by the Beneficiaries, a focus on results, inclusive partnerships and participatory policy- making that includes civil society and local authorities, transparency and mutual accountability. The cooperation shall be based on effective and efficient resources allocation and use.
Amendment 30 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Cooperation under the Facility shall be based on and shall promote the development effectiveness principles, across all modalities, namely ownership of development priorities by the Beneficiaries, a focus on results, inclusive partnerships and participatory policy- making that includes civil society and local authorities, transparency and mutual accountability. The cooperation shall be based on effective and efficient resources allocation and use.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Activities under the Facility shall mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and environmental protection, human rights, democracy, gender equality and, where relevant, disaster risk reduction, and shall support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way, ensuring environmental impact assessments and public consultations on projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity and environmental protection, taking into account local community views. They shall avoid stranded assets, and shall be guided by the principles of ‘do no harm’ and of ‘leaving no one behind’, as well as by the sustainability mainstreaming approach underpinning the European Green Deal.
Amendment 31 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Activities under the Facility shall mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity and environmental protection, human rights, democracy, gender equality and, where relevant, disaster risk reduction, and shall support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way, ensuring environmental impact assessments and public consultations on projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity and environmental protection, taking into account local community views. They shall avoid stranded assets, and shall be guided by the principles of ‘do no harm’ and of ‘leaving no one behind’, as well as by the sustainability mainstreaming approach underpinning the European Green Deal.
Amendment 36 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi- party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre- condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 36 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi- party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre- condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 39 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. All supplies and materials financed and procured under this Facility shall originate from any country referred to paragraph 1 point (a) and point (b) and shall meet, whenever possible, high social and environmental criteria, unless if the supplies and materials cannot be sourced at reasonable conditions in any of those countries. In addition, the rules on restrictions in paragraph 6 apply.
Amendment 39 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. All supplies and materials financed and procured under this Facility shall originate from any country referred to paragraph 1 point (a) and point (b) and shall meet, whenever possible, high social and environmental criteria, unless if the supplies and materials cannot be sourced at reasonable conditions in any of those countries. In addition, the rules on restrictions in paragraph 6 apply.
Amendment 41 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. The Reform Agendas shall respect the general principles set out in Article 4 and shall be drafted in an open and transparent manner, in consultation with all stakeholders.
Amendment 41 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. The Reform Agendas shall respect the general principles set out in Article 4 and shall be drafted in an open and transparent manner, in consultation with all stakeholders.
Amendment 42 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. For the purpose of the assessment of the Reform Agendas submitted by the Beneficiaries, the Commission may be assisted by expertsindependent experts, including from civil society.
Amendment 42 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. For the purpose of the assessment of the Reform Agendas submitted by the Beneficiaries, the Commission may be assisted by expertsindependent experts, including from civil society.
Amendment 130 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Reconstruction from the damage caused by the war of Russian aggression cannot be limited to rebuilding what was destroyed as it was before the war. The reconstruction offers an opportunity to support Ukraine in its process of integration into the Single Market and in accelerating its sustainable green and digital transitions, in line with Union policies. The Facility should promote reconstruction in a way that modernises and improves Ukraine’s economy and society, building on Union rules and standards, by investing in the transition of Ukraine towards a green, digital and inclusive economy and in the recovery, reconstruction and, modernisation and protection of its critical infrastructure, productive capacity and human capital in a resilient way, taking into account the growing cybersecurity risks and an overall complex threat landscape.
Amendment 145 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Strengthening the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, money laundering and organised crime, as well as transparency, good governance at all levels, safeguarding the free and pluralistic media and fighting disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference, strengthening public administration reform, including in the fields of public procurement, competition and State aid, remain key challenges and are essential for Ukraine to come closer to the Union and to prepare to fully assume the obligations of Union membership. In view of the longer- term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records, support under the Ukraine Facility should address those issues as early as possible.
Amendment 193 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) Ukraine should prepare the Plan as a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to rebuilding and modernising Ukraine, supporting its economic, social and environmental recovery and its progress towards accession to the Union. In view of the increasing risks coming from economic dependencies, the Plan should minimise the exposure to high-risk suppliers of critical products from countries designated as strategic rivals of the Union, in particular whenever a country engages in economic espionage or economic coercion and its legislation obliges arbitrary access to any kind of company operations or data, especially when the critical products are intended for the use by critical entities. As such, the Ukraine Plan would also provide a basis for other donors to identify the priority funding areas for the reconstruction of Ukraine and foster ownership, coherence and additional contributions to that end. For that purpose, Ukraine should ensure that the Plan as prepared covers its recovery, reconstruction and modernisation needs in an integrated manner, identifying to what extent the measures of the Plan are expected to be financed by the Union through the Facility. In preparing the Plan, Ukraine should take into account support provided under other Union programmes. Ukraine should develop its Plan ensuring that other donors are able to contribute to supporting the measures of the Plan, including by increasing the funding available under the Facility.
Amendment 246 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 95
Recital 95
(95) The communication capacities of Ukraine should be enhanced in order to ensure existence of strong and free pluralistic media and public support for and understanding of Union values and the benefits and obligations of potential Union membership, while addressing disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference. Visibility of the Union funding should also be ensured.
Amendment 269 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) rebuild and modernise infrastructure damaged by the war, such as energy infrastructure, water systems, internal and cross-border transport networks including rail, roads and bridges and border crossing points, and foster modern, improved and resilient infrastructures, equip digital and other critical infrastructures with state-of-the- art and highly-secure tools, excluding high-risk suppliers of critical products; restore food production capacities; help address social challenges stemming from the war, including for specific groups such as war veterans, Internally Displaced Persons, single parents, disabled people, minorities and other vulnerable persons; contribute to the demining effort; strengthen cyber security and defence as well as resilience against disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference;
Amendment 288 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) further strengthen the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime, illicit firearms trafficking and money laundering, tax evasion and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue; promote non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities and the promotion of gender equality; reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support transparency, structural reforms and good governance at all levels, including in the areas of public financial management and public procurement and State aid; support initiatives and bodie, bodies and organisations involved in supporting and enforcing democracy, international justice and anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine;
Amendment 365 #
2023/0200(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 7 – point b
(b) where the action or specific award procedures affect security or public order, in particular concerning strategic assets and interests of the Union, its Member States, or Ukraine, including the protection of the integrity of digital infrastructure, communication and information systems, and related supply chains, especially where there is a risk of influence by governments of states classified as systemic rivals of the Union.
Amendment 29 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Welcomes the proposal from the Secretary-General to enable the Bureau to debate draft decisions on important matters and decide on those at its following meeting; invites the Bureau and Quaestors to implement that practice;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 a (new)
Paragraph 62 a (new)
62a. Calls on the Parliament to actively encourage Members and Parliamentary staff not to hold any meetings or participate in lobby activities with organisations, which are not registered in the EU Transparency Register and do not publish annual accounts, as well as the legal persons financing its activities;
Amendment 112 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65a. Considers roll call votes (RCV) to be a key instrument for transparency and accountability towards the Union’s citizens; calls for introducing automatic RCV to any final vote except for secret ballots, and for increasing the number of RCV that are possible for a political group to ask for per part-session in Rule 190-2, or exempting legislative files from that limitation;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 a (new)
Paragraph 75 a (new)
75a. Highlights the Parliament’s dependence for communications on social media on platforms with main establishment outside the EU, with poor track records with regards to data protection, privacy, freedom of information and freedom of expression; recalls in particular the 2018 Facebook- Cambridge Analytica scandal, the YouTube recommendation algorithm promoting extremist content, and the 2022 Twitter scandal regarding the suspension of journalists and the swift and opaque changes of verification policies; calls the Parliament to champion and support alternative social media, which are more in line with the European values, such as open-source, decentralised and interoperable networks;
Amendment 202 #
2022/2082(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 112 a (new)
Paragraph 112 a (new)
112a. Recalls that in 2019 the Parliament launched a project to automate the registration of attendance with biometric technology in the central attendance register and signed a contract for this project at the end of 2020; stresses that the large-scale processing of biometric data should be avoided; again asks the Bureau to develop an alternative solution that does not involve the processing of biometric data and ensures that only Members entitled to the daily subsistence allowance actually receive it; regrets that this project is still being pursued despite the European Data Protection Supervisor’s adverse opinion at the end of March 2021 and reiterated in its Annual Report 2021, where it was stated that Parliament should consider less intrusive alternatives with regard to data protection;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the EU’s defence sector is fragmented, which creates strategic vulnerabilities and unnecessary annual financial losses of between 25 to 100 Billion for the Union, Member States and industry; is concerned about the lack of coordination and calls for more strategic cohesion in security and defence policies at Union level that includes R&D, common procurement, maintenance, training and security of supply chains; welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s launch of the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) and encourages the Commission and Member States to take this initiative a step further and strive towards a de facto military union supported by a strongly articulated and efficient common market for defence equipment, followed by a review of the Tre; reiteraties for more EU competences on critical technologies for defence, innovits call for pooling parts of nation in al defence, and security and defence affair budgets;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines the urgent need to establish a truly European defence equipment market, inter alia by consolidating industrial capacities, reducing industrial overcapacities, duplication and fragmentation and at the same time adapting the industrial basis, in particular its supply-chains, skilled work force to the new security environment in Europe which demands to rapidly ramp up production capacities;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Underlines the need to also build an effective European defence equipment market via rule-setting, standardisation, and certification; calls on the Commission to present proposals for technical norms for military interoperability and instruments that would help to standardise military technology and guarantee interoperability;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Reminds the Commission’s DG DEFIS of the importance of security of supply arrangements for the development of long-term planning and cooperation, and for the functioning of the European defence equipment market; recalls that the European Council, already in 2013, called on the Commission to develop a roadmap for a comprehensive EU-wide security of supply regime which has, unfortunately never been presented; urges the Commission to present such a roadmap without further delay;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Urges the establishment of an effective EU-level arms exports policy which guarantees that EU Member States fully comply with the legally binding eight criteria on arms exports, that their national exports do not fuel regional tensions or undermine the security of other Member States, allies, partners and of the Union as a whole while fully supporting legitimate security and defence needs of allies and partner countries especially those whose territorial integrity is violated and which exercise their right to self-defence as enshrined in the UN Charter;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the relevant EU bodies to consolidate EU cooperative frameworks for developing cutting-edge military capabilities and for EU-level instruments, policies, norms, rules, standards including via EU legislation to coordinate Member States’ strategies for critical technologies and to reduce dependencies;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for a more pragmatic and business-oriented approach to military research in order to provide incentives for innovation in military technology, including by reducing or removing barriers to entry into the defence market; further calls for increased support for European companies in emerging technologies to ensure they remain competitive in international markets by relaxducing the rules on compliance documentation andbureaucratic burden by providing tax incentives and stimulating investments on par with industrial subsidy plans envisioned and implemented by the leading global economies;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the need to stimulate the development of skills for innovation, research and development (R&D), and fundamental research in critical areas related to emerging technologies particularly in the fields of material science, energy production, semi- conductors, nano-technology, quantum computation, aviation and bio medical science; calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to establish and fund defence innovation hubs;
Amendment 68 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its support for the Observatory of Critical Technologies; calls for it to be further developed and for its analysis capabilities, including on reducing strategic dependencies, to be enhanced; calls on the Commission to implement a project to continuously map the need for critical materials, evaluate the EU’s strategic dependencies, monitor supply and demand and changes in the behaviour or strategy of competitors, and engage in foresight exercises to predict new needs in critical materials; considers that these efforts should be made jointly with our strategic partners in NATO and included in a Trade and Technology Council (TTC) working group in order to coordinate diplomatic efforts to secure supplies and ensure alternative sources; notes the central position of the semiconductor industry in the area of defence and is concerned about extra-territorial export control attempts against European semiconductor companies; recommends the use of the European Blocking Statue and the upcoming European Anti- Coercion instrument to mitigate such efforts;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to work on a plan and investment scheme to update critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, electricity grids and telecommunications infrastructure (undersea cables), for the digital age, including by adapting it to AI- assisted drone supervision and maintenance; subsequently calls for the elaboration of an EU R&D and manufacturing strategy for advanced drones;
Amendment 103 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes the deteriorating state of multilateral export control regimes and their decreasing ability to enforce and regulate the flow and dissemination of critical technology; calls on Member States to activate the full potential of the European Dual Use regulation and enforce the export control of critical technology;
Amendment 106 #
2022/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Is concerned about the rapid progress in the fields of gene-editing and bioengineering and their destabilising impact on the future production and proliferation of biological weapons of mass destruction;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection of the EU’s external borderEuropean security, the safety and security of EU citizens, and the security and stability of partners and allies;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas cooperation should be envisaged with the UK and possibly with the European Political Community, including on security and defence matters;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU joint armed forces should be used only for self-defence purposesre is the urgent need to establish permanent multinational EU armed units which should be used for purposes as foreseen by the Treaty;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States to make use of Article 31(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which allows the Council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in common foreign and security policy (CFSP) matters; calls on the Member States to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in Article 31(3) TEU, especially in priority areas;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the operational capabilities necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the mutual assistance clause under Article 42(7) TEU should be strengthened swiftly; underlines that a Treaty modification could define terrorist attacks, hybrid attacks, disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries as elements that would trigger Article 42(7) TEU; calls for a clarification of the respective scope of application and interlinkage of Article 42(7) TEU and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treatmilitary tasks as foreseen in the Treaty should be strengthened swiftly; considers it necessary to urgently develop a solidarity policy strategy and operational implementation measures as regards the mutual defence clause stipulated in Article 42(7) TEU and to include hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries in that strategy;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates the need for Parliament to play a more prominent role in the definition, democratic scrutiny, supervision and evaluation of the CSDP; calls, in that regard, on the VP/HR to give full effect to Parliament’s right of information under Article 36 TEU; stresses the need to introduce a role for Parliament when it comes to the decision of sending military and civilian security missions abroad; believes it would be appropriate to have a plenary debate before the relevant Council decision and to adopt a plenary resolution that would politically authorise that operation including its objectives, means and duration;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Articles 2 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the values, norms, and principles upon which the Union is founded should be the key reference for the content and conduct of EU foreign affairs;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas issues that are currently decided by unanimity should progressively be decided more often by qualified majority as a general rule under the CFSPunder the CFSP, especially in priority areas such as human rights and sanctions;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that Article 21(2) TEU should be modified to include the concepts of ‘strategic sovereignty’ and ‘strategic autonomy’ in the list of objectives of the CFSPBelieves that the EU will become an effective diplomatic and security actor based on strong action and will increase its strategic sovereignty only via concrete measures, policies, budgets and commitments;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States to make use of Article 31(2) TUE, which allows the Council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in CFSP matters; calls on the Member States to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in Article 31(3) TEU, especially in priority areas;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the development of more integrated cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy with external alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and external like-minded countries, in particular the US, the UK and Canadapartners in the Euro- Atlantic area, the Indo-Pacific and the Global South.
Amendment 37 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) When firearms and their essential components are not properly marked according to Article 8 of the UN Firearms Protocol or pursuant to the Firearms Directive, Member States mayshould decide to destroy seized firearms at the expense of the importer.
Amendment 42 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) To enable the risk-based approach referred to in Article 22(6) for the firearms, their essential components, ammunition, and alarm and signal weapons listed in Annex I entering or leaving the Union market, and to ensure that checks are effective and performed in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation, the Commission, competent authorities and customs authorities shall have an obligation to cooperate closely and exchange information.
Amendment 43 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) In order to facilitate the tracing of firearms and efficiently combat trafficking in firearms, their essential components and ammunition, it is necessary to improve the exchange of information between Member States, in particular through the better use of existing communication channels as well as through the strengthening of the Coordination Group.
Amendment 91 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) when having reason to believe that a firearm, their essential components, ammunition and alarm and signal weapons in question may not comply with the Union firearms legislation, immediately inform the authorities referred to in Article 34(2) of this Regulation thereof;
Amendment 92 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) be registered in national databases kept by respective national authorities.
Amendment 123 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. Competent authorities shall immediately annul, suspend, modify or revoke an import authorisation if the conditions for granting it are not met or are no longer met. Where competent authorities take these decisions, they shall make this information available to the customs authoritiesimmediately notify the customs authorities, as well as the Commission, through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28. All national customs authorites shall enforce such decisions.
Amendment 130 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 8
Article 9 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall adopt an implementing delegated act to establish an Union general import authorisation and setting out the conditions for the import of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013.Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37(2)6.
Amendment 140 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall adopt an implementing delegated act to establish an uniform end- user certificate. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37(2)6.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall adopt an implementing delegated act to establish an Union general export authorisation and setting out the conditions for the export of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 376.
Amendment 158 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In deciding whether to grant an export authorisation under this Regulation, Member States shall take into account all relevant considerations including, where appropriate:
Amendment 159 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. In addition to the relevant considerations set out in paragraph 1, when assessing an application for an export authorisation, Member States shall take into accountconsider the application by the exporter of proportionate and adequatenecessary means and procedures to ensure compliance with the provisions and objectives of this Regulation and with the terms and conditions of the authorisation.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Where competent authorities refuse, annul, suspend, modify or revoke an export authorisation, they shall make this information available to the customs authoritiesimmediately notify the customs authorities as well as the Commission through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 163 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. Where the competent authorities have suspended an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be immediately communicated to the other Member States at the end of the period of suspension, through the electronic licensing system as referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 165 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. Where the competent authorities have refused to grant an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be immediately registered in the system referred to in Article 29.
Amendment 166 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 167 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
They may first consult the competent authorities of the Member State or Member States which issued refusals, annulments, suspensions, modifications or revocations under paragraphs 1 , 3 and 5 . If, following such consultation, the competent authorities of the Member State decide to grant an authorisation, they shall notify the competent authorities of the other Member States, as well as the Commission, providing all relevant information and justifications to explain the decision.
Amendment 170 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and competent authorities granting the export authorisation, in case of suspicion and on a regular basis, shall carry out post- shipment checks to ensure that the exported firearms, their essential components and ammunition are in line with the commitments made in the end- user certificate as set out in Annex IV.
Amendment 171 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of the previous paragraph, post-shipment checks may be carried by any third party expressly mandatauthorised for that purpose by the Commission or by the Member States concerned.
Amendment 174 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. The custom authorities shall have the necessary powers and resources proportiante to the quantity of total annual authorisations and declarations for firearms, their essential components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons as listed in Annex I for the proper performance of their tasks under this Regulation.
Amendment 182 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. Where in relation to firearms, their essential components, ammunition and alarm and signal weapons listed in Annex I that are either in temporary storage or placed under any customs procedure, customs authorities have reason to believe that those products are not compliant, they shall in addition to taking the necessary measures as described in Article 22 transmit all relevant information to the competent authorities as well as to the Commission .
Amendment 187 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
In exceptional circumstances andor for duly substantiated reasons, that period may be extended to 340 working days.
Amendment 189 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Customs authorities mayshall suspend the import of the goods for the customs procedure concerned, if they have certain doubts and in such a case, they shall inform through electronic means the competent national authority, which shall take the decision on the treatment of the goods. If the national competent authority does not reply to the customs authority within 120 working days, then the customs authority shall release the goods.
Amendment 202 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Seizure data shall include, if available, the following all the available information, including:
Amendment 206 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall confidentially submit via email to the Commissionsubmit to the Commission via suitable confidential means, including via the secure and encrypted system to be provided according to Article 29, each year by 31 July, their national annual data for the preceding year on:
Amendment 208 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the number of authorisations and refusals and the reasons thereof, the quantities and values of actual imports and exports of firearms, their essential components and ammunition, by category and sub-category as listed in Annex I, by origin and by destination, the quantity and results of post-shipment checks at Member State level, the quantity and results of undertaken enforcement actions referred to in Article 32 at Member State level;
Amendment 212 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall adopt implementingdelegated acts establishing the rules and format to be used by Member States for providing the Commission with anonymised statistical data as referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 of this Article. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 376.
Amendment 221 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall, by means of implementingdelegated acts, establish rules for the functioning of the electronic licensing system, including rules relating to processing of personal data and exchange of data with other IT systems. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 376.
Amendment 225 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The electronic licencing system shall become operational within 1 year from the entry into force of this Regulation;
Amendment 226 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 3
Article 29 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, by means of implementingdelegated acts, establish rules for the functioning of the exchange of information between Member States regarding refusals to grant import or export authorisations. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37(2)6 of this Regulation.
Amendment 228 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In order to ensure that this Regulation is properly applied, Member States shall take necessary and proportionate measures and provide the necessary resources to enable their competent authorities to:
Amendment 230 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasivedissuasive and proportionate to the global annual revenue of the concerned entity.
Amendment 234 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The Commission shall, submit a public annual report on the implementation and enforcement of this Regulation. It shall include information on the quantity of authorisations and refusals, the quantities and values of imports and exports of firearms, their essential components and ammunition, by category and sub- category as listed in Annex I, by origin and by destination at Member States level. It shall also include information on the quantity of undertaken national enforcement actions referred to in Article 32, the quantitiy and results of post- shipment checks and the allocated resources and staffing levels of national competent authorities tasked with the implementation and enforcement of this Regulation.The report shall also inform about penalties applied by the Member States and assess their effectiveness.
Amendment 235 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
3. Upon request of the Coordination Group and in any event every 105 years, the Commission shall review the implementation of this Regulation and present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on its application, which may include proposals for its amendment. Member States shall provide the Commission with all appropriate information for the preparation of the report . The Commission shall publish a first interim application report by 5 years after the entry into force of this Regulation .
Amendment 108 #
2022/0269(COD)
(3) The eradication of forced labour is a priority for the Union. Respect for human dignity and the universality and indivisibility of human rights are firmly enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 5(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights provide that no one is to be required to perform forced or compulsory labour. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly interpreted Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights as requiring Member States to penalise and effectively prosecute any act maintaining a person in the situations described set out in Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.19The right of victims to an effective remedy for business-related human rights violations or abuses, including forced labour, is recognised in Union law, the UN Guiding Principles on the Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Council of Europe and the OECD. _________________ 19 For instance paras. 89 and 102 in Siliadin v. France or para. 105 in Chowdury and Others v. Greece.
Amendment 114 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Through its policies and legislative initiatives the Union seeks to eradicate the use of forced labour and promote decent work and labour rights worldwide. The Union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations, including the ILO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter “OECD”) and the United Nations (hereinafter “UN”), to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the value chains of undertakings established in the Union.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6b) The 2021 EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child foresees that the EU will insist on third countries to update regularly national lists of hazardous occupations children should never be tasked to do. The Durban Call to Action on the Elimination of Child Labour recalls the commitments of UN members to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour, including its worst forms, forced labour, modern slavery and trafficking in persons and to increase financing and international cooperation for the elimination of child labour and forced labour. ILO Convention No. 138 requires Member States to create a national policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of child labour.
Amendment 124 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) [In particular, Directive 20XX/XX/EU on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence sets out horizontal due diligence obligations to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights, including forced labour, and the environment in the company’s own operations, its subsidiaries and in its value chains, in accordance with international human and labour rights standards and environmental conventions. Those obligations apply to large companies over a certain threshold in terms of number of employees and net turnover, and to smaller companies in high-impact sectors over a certain threshold in terms of number of employees and net turnover.22] _________________ 22 Directive 20XX/XX/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937, OJ XX, XX.XX.20XX, p. XX.
Amendment 139 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to ensure the effectiveness of the prohibition, such prohibition should apply to products for which forced labour has been used at any stage of their production, manufacture, harvest and extraction, including working or, processing, storage, packaging, transportation or distribution related to the products. The prohibition should apply to all products, of any type, including their components, and should apply to products regardless of the sector, the origin, whether they are domestic or imported, or placed or made available on the Union market or exported.
Amendment 145 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (’SMEs’) can have limited resources and ability to ensure that the products they place or make available on the Union market are free from forced labour. The Commission should therefore issue guidelines on due diligence in relation to forced labour, which should take into account also the size and economic resources of economic operators. In addition, the Commission should issue guidelines on forced-labour risk indicators and on publicly available information in order to help SMEs, as well as other economic operators, to comply with the requirements of the prohibition.
Amendment 150 #
2022/0269(COD)
(18a) Remedy is a crucial part of the human rights due diligence process under the UNGPs and is critical to ensuring that a Forced Labour Instrument has a positive impact for workers and holds corporations to account. Remedy will encourage workers to come forward and report abuse. Accordingly, this Regulation must ensure the provision of effective remedy to affected rightholders.
Amendment 152 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The competent authorities of the Member States should monitor the market to identify violations of the prohibition. In appointing those competent authorities, Member States should ensure that those authorities have sufficient human and financial resources and that their staff has the necessary competences and knowledge, especially with regard to human rights, labour rights, gender equality, value chain management and due diligence processes. Competent authorities should closely coordinate with national labour inspections and judicial and law enforcement authorities, including those responsible for the fight against trafficking in human beings in such a way as to avoid jeopardising investigations by such authorities.
Amendment 155 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 160 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) When identifying potential violations of the prohibition, the Commission and competent authorities should follow a risk-based approach and assess all information available to them. CThe Commission and competent authorities should initiate an investigation where, based on their assessment of all available information, they establish that there is a substantiated concern of a violation of the prohibition.
Amendment 164 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Before initiatDuring an investigation, competent authorities shouldmay request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to mitigate, prevent or, remediate and bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and value chains with respect to the products under assessment. Carrying out such due diligence in relation to forced labour should help the economic operator to be at a lower risk of having forced labour in its operations and value chains. Appropriate due diligence means that forced labour issues in the value chain have been identified and addressed in accordance with relevant Union legislation and international standards. That implies that where the competent authority considers that there is no substantiated concern of a violation of the prohibition, for instance due to, but not limited to the applicable legislation, guidelines, recommendations or any other due diligence in relation to forced labour being applied in a way that mitigates, prevents and brings to an end the risk of forced labour, no investigation should be initiated.
Amendment 175 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure cooperation among the Commission and competent authorities designated under this and other relevant legislation and in order to ensure consistency in their actions and decisions, competent authorities designated under this Regulation should request information from other relevant authorities, where necessary, on whether economic operators under assessment are subject to and carry out due diligence in relation to forced labour in accordance with applicable Union legislation or Member States legislation setting out due diligence and transparency requirements with respect to forced labour.
Amendment 182 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) During the preliminary phase of investigation,investigation, the Commission and competent authorities should focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the value chain where there is a higher risk of forced labourvalue chain with respect to the products under investigation, also taking into account their size and economic resources, the quantity of products concerned and the scale of the suspected forced labour.
Amendment 186 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Competent authorities, when requesting information during the investigation, should prioritiseidentify to the extent possible and consistent with the effective conduct of the investigation the responsibilities of the economic operators under investigation that are involved in the steps of the value chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operatorwith the highest leverage to prevent, mitigate, remediate and bring to an end the use of forced labour in their operations and value chains, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
Amendment 202 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Competent authoritieEconomic operators should bear the burden of establishproving that forced labour has not been used at any stage of production, manufacture, harvest or extraction, storage, packaging, transportation or distribution of a product, including working or processing related to the product on the basis of all information and evidence gathered during the investigation, including its preliminary phase. To ensure their right to due process, economic operators should have the opportunity to provide information in their defence towhen requested by the competent authorities throughoutor after the investigation.
Amendment 207 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Competent authorities that establish that economic operators violated the prohibition, should without delay prohibit the placing and making available of such products on the Union market and their export from the Union, and require the economic operators that have been investigated to withdraw the relevant products already made available from the Union market and have themdonate the products to charitable or public interest purposes. If such products cannot be donated, economic operators should recycle them and if recycling is not possible, the products should be destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management.
Amendment 214 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In that decision, competent authorities should state the findings of the investigation, and the information underpinning the findings, and set a reasonable time within which the economic operators should comply with the decision, as well as information allowing for the identification of the product to which the decision applies. The Commission should be empowered to adopt the implementing acts necessary to specify the details about the information to be contained in such decisions. The decisions from competent authorities should be made publicly available.
Amendment 216 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
Amendment 223 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) If the economic operators fail to comply with the decision of the competent authorities by the end of the established timeframe, the competent authorities should ensure that the relevant products are prohibited from being placed or made available on the Union market, exported or withdrawn from the Union market and that any such products remaining with the relevant economic operators are donated to charitable or public interest purposes. If such products cannot be donated, economic operators should recycle them, and if that is not possible, they should have the products destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management at the expense of the economic operators.
Amendment 231 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Any person, whether it is a natural or legal person, or any association not having legal personality, should be allowed to submit information to the Commission or to competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the Union market and to be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their submission. Submissions may be addressed to one or more competent authorities. The Commission and competent authorities shall ensure that the identity of the person or persons reporting complaints, providing evidence, and of any individuals who are potentially being subjected to forced labour in terms of the complaint or investigation, is not disclosed without the explicit consent of that or those persons, to anyone beyond the authorised staff members competent to receive or follow up on complaints. This shall also apply to any other information from which the identity of the reporting person may be directly or indirectly deduced.
Amendment 242 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The Commission should issue guidelines in order to facilitate the implementation of the prohibition by economic operators and competent authorities. Such guidelines should include guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour and complementary information for the Commission and competent authorities to implement the prohibition. The guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour should build on the Guidance on due diligence for Union businesses to address the risk of forced labour in their operations and supply chains published by the Commission and the European External Action Service in July 2021. The guidelines should be consistent with other Commission guidelines in this regard and relevant international organisations’ guidelines. The reports from international organisations, in particular the ILO, as well as other independent and verifiable sources of information should be considered for the identification of risk indicators.
Amendment 246 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Decisions of the Commission and competent authorities establishing a violation of the prohibition should be communicated to customs authorities, who should aim at identifying the product concerned amongst products declared for release for free circulation or export. The competent authorities should be responsible for the overall enforcement of the prohibition with regard to the internal market as well as products entering or leaving the Union market. Since forced labour is part of the manufacturing process and does not leave any trace on the product, and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 covers only manufactured products and its scope is limited to release for free circulation, the customs authorities would be unable to act autonomously under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 for the application and enforcement of the prohibition. The specific organisation of controls of each Member State should be without prejudice to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council32and its general provisions on the control and supervisory powers of customs authorities. _________________ 32 Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (recast) (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 259 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Where the competent authorities conclude that a product corresponds to a decision establishing a violation of the prohibition, they should immediately inform customs authorities which should refuse its release for free circulation or export. The product should be destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed ofonated to charitable or public interest purposes. If the product cannot be donated, it should be recycled, and if that is not possible, it should be destroyed, in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including legislation on waste management, which excludes re-export in case of non-Union goods.
Amendment 270 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) To ensure effective enforcement decisions taken by the Commission or a competent authority in one Member State should be recognised and enforced by competent authorities in the other Member States regarding products withfrom the same identification from the same supply chaiproduction site, company, group of companies or region for which forced labour has been found.
Amendment 275 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) To ensure effective enforcement of the prohibition, it is necessary to establish a network aimed at structured coordination and cooperation between the Commission, competent authorities of the Member States and, where appropriate, experts from customs authorities, and the Commission. That network should also aim at streamlining the practices of the competent authorities within the Union that facilitate the implementation of joint enforcement activities by Member States, including joint investigations. That administrative support structure and capacity building activities, such as the organisation of training programmes for competent authorities and other relevant stakeholders. The administrative support structure to be provided by the Commission should allow the pooling of resources and maintain a communication and information system between Member States and the Commission, thereby helping to strengthen the enforcement of the prohibition.
Amendment 280 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44 a (new)
Recital 44 a (new)
(44a) The Commission should ensure the effective and uniform application of this Regulation and to that effect support and encourage cooperation between enforcement authorities through the Network. Furthermore, the Commission should set up a harmonised approach for penalties, and, in particular, it should lay down harmonised rules on penalties applicable to non-compliance with the decision of competent authorities.
Amendment 289 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48 a (new)
Recital 48 a (new)
(48a) No later than three years after the entry into force, the Commission should carry out a first review of this Regulation with particular attention to the effectiveness of the instrument, proposing additional measures where deemed appropriate.
Amendment 293 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down rules prohibiting economic operators from placing and making available on the Union market or exporting from the Union market products made, stored, transported, packaged or distributed with forced labour.
Amendment 297 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. This Regulation lays down rules for remedial obligations for economic operators for cases where forced labour has been established.
Amendment 305 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) ‘forced labour high risk area’ means countries or regions where there is clear and reliable evidence of state- imposed forced labour, in an entire product group in a specific industry.
Amendment 307 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘due diligence in relation to forced labour’ means the efforts by economic operator to implement mandatory requirements, voluntary guidelines, recommendations or practices to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end the use of forced labour in their operations and value chain with respect to products that are to be made available on the Union market or to be exported;
Amendment 309 #
2022/0269(COD)
(ca) ‘remediation’ means measures aiming to improve conditions for workers and affected victims of forced labour.These include evidence of one or more of the following: i) financial and non-financial compensation, including compensation based on the duration and extent of forced labour and any harms suffered; ii) restitution for the victims, including restoring relevant documents such as visas and work permits, and returning their passport; iii) rehabilitation; iv) preventive measures and guarantees of non-reoccurrence of forced labour;and where it is accompanied by one or more of the above measures, apologies; v) other remediation measures as agreed on by the economic operators and affected workers and stakeholders.
Amendment 312 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) 'root causes of forced labour' means the causes leading to economic exploitation, poverty, systemic discrimination, and lack of regular and decent labour migration pathways at the level of a country or region. At the level of an economic operator, it includes prices below the cost of production, the lack of living incomes and living wages as well as unfair purchasing practices.
Amendment 314 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
(cc) ‘stakeholders’ means: i) workers and other individuals, groups, communities, trade unions, worker representatives or entities whose rights or interests are or could be affected by forced labour as used by an economic operator, its subsidiaries or its business relationships; ii) other legal or natural persons defending human rights, including individuals, groups and organs of society that promote and protect universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms and labour conventions, including the rights of workers, trade unions, indigenous peoples or other vulnerable stakeholders;and (iii) organisations whose statutory purpose is the defence of human rights;
Amendment 326 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ‘product made with forced labour’ means a product for which forced labour has been used in whole or in part at any stage of its extraction, harvest, production or manufacture, storage, transport, packaging or distribution, including working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain;
Amendment 339 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) ‘product supplier’ means any natural or legal person or association of persons in the supply chain who extracts, harvests, produces or, manufactures, stores, transports, packages or distributes a product in whole or in part, or intervenes in the working or processing related to a product at any stage of its supply chain, whether as manufacturer or in any other circumstances;
Amendment 345 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) ‘end user’ means any natural or legal person residing or established in the Union, to whom a product has been made available either as a consumer outside of any trade, business, craft or profession or as a professional end user in the course of its industrial or professional activities;
Amendment 350 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point n
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) ‘substantiated concern’ means a well-founded, yet not conclusive, reason, based on objective and verifiable information, for the competent authorities to suspect that products were likely made with forced labour;
Amendment 354 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point p
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point p
(p) ‘products entering the Union market’ means products from third countries and Union Member States intended to be placed on the Union market or intended for private use or consumption within the customs territory of the Union and placed under the customs procedure ‘release for free circulation’;
Amendment 364 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Economic operators shall not place or make available on the Union market products that are made, stored, transported, packaged or distributed with forced labour, nor shall they export such products.
Amendment 368 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 371 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Amendment 379 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Amendment 386 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Amendment 397 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Amendment 408 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Amendment 414 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Amendment 425 #
2022/0269(COD)
Amendment 433 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities that, pursuant to Article 4(5), determine that there is a substantiated concern of a violation ofThe Commission and competent authorities shall decide to initiate investigations on their own accord or in response to complaints or information submitted in accordance with Article 10, and shall follow a risk based approach in assessing the likelihood of a violation of Article 3 on the basis of relevant information, including: a) the risk indicators and other information pursuant to Article 23, shall decide to initiate an investigation on the products and economic operators concernedpoints (b) and (c); b) the database referred to in Article 11; c) information and decisions encoded in the information and communication system referred to in Article 22(1), including any past cases of compliance or non-compliance of an economic operator with Article 3; d) information requested by the competent authority from other relevant authorities, where necessary, on whether the economic operators under assessment are subject to and carry out due diligence in relation to forced labour in accordance with applicable Union legislation or Member States legislation setting out due diligence and transparency requirements with respect to forced labour.
Amendment 439 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. CThe Commission or the competent authorities that initiate an investigation pursuant to paragraph 1 shall inform, when they have reason to believe that the economic operators subject to the investigation, has additional information which is material to the investigation, inform the economic operators within 3 working days from the date of the decision to initiate such investigation about the following:
Amendment 447 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) the possibility for the economic operators to submit any other document or information to the Commission or the competent authority, and the date by which such information has to be submitted.
Amendment 450 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Amendment 453 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Where requested to do so by the Commission or competent authorities, economic operators under investigation shall submit to those competent authorities any information that is relevant and necessary for the investigation, including information identifying the products under investigation, the manufacturer or producer of those products and the product suppliers. In requesting such information, competent authorities shall to the extent possible:
Amendment 456 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) prioritise the economic operators under investigation involved in the steps of the value chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs andidentify the individual responsibilities, along the value chain, of different economic operators down to the level where forced labour is taking place and prioritise the economic operators under investigation involved in the steps of the value chain with the highest leverage to prevent, mitigate, remediate and bring to an end the use of forced labour in their operations and value chains.
Amendment 460 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 467 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Economic operators shall submit the information within 15 working days from the request referred to in paragraph 3 or make a justified request for an extension of up to 5 working days of that time limit.
Amendment 473 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Amendment 478 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. CThe Commission and competent authorities may collect relevant information by consulting with stakeholders or by carrying out all necessary checks and inspections including investigations in third countries, provided that the economic operators concerned give their consent and that the government of the Member State or third country in which the inspections are to take place has been officially notified and raises no objection, within a limited timeframe.
Amendment 487 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall assess all information and evidence gathered pursuant to Articles 4 and 5 and, on that basis, establish whether there is reasonable but not conclusive evidence that Article 3 has been violated, within a reasonable period of time30 days from the date they initiated the investigation pursuant to Article 5(1).
Amendment 496 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 500 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Where competent authorities cannot establish that Article 3 has been violated, they shall take a decision to close the investigation and inform the economic operator thereof. This decision shall not preclude the right of competent authorities to start a new investigation on the same product where new information is made available.
Amendment 516 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) an order for the economic operators that have been subject to the investigation to donate, recycle or dispose of the respective products in accordance with national law consistent with Union lawArticle 20.
Amendment 524 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Without prejudice to paragraph 4 (a), (b) and (c), competent authorities shall be empowered to issue an order for the economic operators to provide evidence of remediation measures in accordance with Article 2, according to their individual responsibilities referred to in Article 5(3). The remediation plan and its implementation strategy must be agreed upon between competent authorities and must involve meaningful consultation of affected workers and stakeholders. Evidence that remediation measures have been correctly implemented should be obtained in consultation of the affected workers and stakeholders.
Amendment 535 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c
(c) that any product remaining with the economic operator concerned is donated, recycled or disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law at the expense of the economic operatorArticle 20.
Amendment 541 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. Where the Commission or competent authorities establish that economic operators have provided evidence to the competent authorities that they have complied with the decision referred to in paragraph 4, and that they have eliminated forced labour from their operations or supply chain with respect to the products concerned, and that effective processes have been put in place to prevent harm from occurring again in the future and in cases of not state-imposed forced labour that they have provided remediation in accordance with paragraph 4 new, the competent authorities shall withdraw their decision for the future and inform the economic operators.
Amendment 556 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) a reasonable time limit for the economic operators to comply with the order, which shall not be less than 30 working days and no longer than necessary90 days to withdraw the respective products. When setting such a time limit, the Commission or competent authority shall take into account, where relevant, the economic operator’s size and economic resourcesdue diligence activities and the likelihood that those will bring forced labour to an end within a reasonable period of time;
Amendment 564 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) all relevant information and in particular the details allowing the identification of the product, to which the decision applies, including details about the manufacturer or producer, the producer, the production site and the product suppliers;
Amendment 570 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. CThe Commission and competent authorities shall provide economic operators affected by a decision adopted pursuant to Article 6(4) the possibility of requesting a review of that decision within 15 working days from the date of receipt of that decision. In case of perishable goods, animals and plants, that time limit shall be 5 working days. The request for review shall contain information which demonstrates that the products are placed or made available on the market or to be exported in compliance with Article 3.
Amendment 575 #
2022/0269(COD)
3. AThe Commission or a competent authority shall take a decision on the request for review within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the request. In case of perishable goods, animals and plants that time limit shall be 5 working days.
Amendment 584 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. The Commission and competent authorities shall ensure that any decision made by competent authorities, including a failure to make a decision, or a decision not to investigate, may be reviewed as an administrative decision of a public body in accordance with the Member States legal framework.
Amendment 589 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) any decision not to initiate an investigation following a preliminary phase of investigation,submission of information or a complaint, as referred to in Article 4(7)10;
Amendment 597 #
2022/0269(COD)
2. The Commission shall make available the decisions, and the withdrawals referred to in the paragraph 1, points (c), (d), (e) and (g) on a dedicated public website.
Amendment 601 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Submissions of information by any natural or legal person or any association not having legal personality, to competent authorities on alleged violations of Article 3 shall contain information on the economic operators or products concerned and provide the reasons substantiating the allegationThe Commission shall establish a mechanism to receive complaints and information regarding alleged or suspected forced labour, taking place within or outside the EU, from any natural or legal person, including workers or others affected or potentially affected by forced labour, civil society organisations including trade unions, affected communities, and any other individual or group that may have information regarding products which are alleged or suspected to be made by forced labour.
Amendment 607 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Submissions of information and complaints on alleged violations of Article 3 shall contain information on the economic operators or products concerned and provide the reasons substantiating the allegation. Submissions may be addressed to the Commission or one or more competent authorities. The Commission shall receive a copy of submissions received by competent authorities.
Amendment 611 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Complaints may be lodged anonymously. The Commission and competent authorities shall ensure that the mechanism is designed so that victims or witnesses of forced labour may lodge complaints without fearing retaliation of any sort, without prejudice to Directive 2004/81/EC, Directive 2009/52/EC, Directive 2011/36/EU and Directive 2012/29/EU. These rights should not be made conditional on the affected workers’ residence status, or on their citizenship or nationality.
Amendment 612 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. The Commission shall determine the rules and procedure to assign complaints to the competent authorities. These rules will take into account the specificities of the complaint, the domicile of the economic operator and the capacities of the competent authorities in concerned Member States. The Commission may retain the power to investigate.
Amendment 614 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The competent authority shall, as soon as possible, inform the person or association referred to in paragraph 1 a of the outcome of the assessment of their submission or complaint as well as the decision referred to in Article 9 a.
Amendment 617 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 622 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative, non-exhaustive, verifiable and regularly updated database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas, sectors or with respect to specific products including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. The database shall include a list of forced labour high risk areas and shall be based on the guidelines referred to in Article 23, points (a), (b) and (c), and relevant external sources of information from, amongst others, international organisations and third country authorities. Special attention will be paid to countries showing no or insignificant progress with respect to the elimination of forced child labour, the implementation of the 182 ILO Convention and other relevant conventions and protocols.
Amendment 637 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall ensure that the database is made easily accessible and publicly available by the external expertise at the latest 2418 months after the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 656 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall make the mechanism referred to in Article 10 and the list of the designated competent authorities publicly available on its website and shall regularly update that list, based on the updates received from Member States.
Amendment 658 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5
Article 12 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that the designated competent authorities exercise their powers impartially, transparently and with due respect for obligations of professional secrecy. Member States shall ensure that their competent authorities have the necessary powers, expertise and resources to carry out the investigations, including sufficient budgetary and other resources and coordinate closely with the national labour inspections and judicial and law enforcement authorities, including those responsible for the fight against trafficking in human beings.
Amendment 665 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Decisions taken by the Commission or a competent authority in one Member State shall be recognised and enforced by competent authorities in the other Member States in so far as they relate to products with the same identification and from the same supply chain for which forced labour has been found.
Amendment 670 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. A competent authority that has received, through the information and communication system referred to in Article 22(1), a request from the Commission or a competent authority of another Member State for information to verify any evidence provided by an economic operator shall provide that information within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the request.
Amendment 673 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. Before initiating an investigation in accordance with Article 5, a competent authoritythe mechanism referred to in Article 10 shall verify in the information and communication system referred to in Article 22(1) whether there is a lead authority referred to in paragraph 3 investigating the same product and economic operator.
Amendment 684 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Customs authorities shall be provided with information identifying the product, information about the manufacturer, transporter, distributor, packaging or storage company or the producer and information about the product suppliers as regards products entering or leaving the Union market that have been identified by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 1, unless the provision of such information is already required pursuant to customs legislation referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013.
Amendment 687 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Where customs authorities identify a product entering or leaving the Union market that may, in accordance with a decision received pursuant to Article 15(3), be in violation of Article 3, they shall suspend the release for free circulation or the export of that product. Customs authorities shall immediately notify the relevant competent authorities of the suspension and transmit all relevant information to enable them to establish whether the product is covered by a decision communicated pursuant to Article 15(3).
Amendment 690 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Where the release for free circulation or the export of a product has been suspended in accordance with Article 17, the product shall be released for free circulation or exported where all the other requirements and formalities relating to such a release or export have been fulfilled and where either of the following conditions is satisfied:within 4 working days of the suspension, the competent authorities informed the customs authorities of their approval for release for free circulation or export pursuant to this Regulation. In case of perishable products, animals and plants that time limit shall be 2 working days.
Amendment 691 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 695 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 698 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Where the competent authorities conclude that a product that has been notified to them in accordance with Article 17 is a product made with forced labour pursuant to a decision referred to in Article 6(2) and (4), they shall require customs authorities not to release it for free circulation nor to allow its export.
Amendment 709 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Where the release for free circulation or export of a product has been refused in accordance with Article 19, customs authorities shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the product concerned is donated to public interest purposes or recycled or if that is not possible the products should be disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law. Articles 197 and 198 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 shall apply accordingly.
Amendment 714 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. To enable a risk-based approach for products entering or leaving the Union market and to ensure that controls are effective and performed in accordance with the requirements of this Regulation, the Commission, competent authorities and customs authorities shall cooperate closely and exchange risk-related information.
Amendment 719 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Cooperation among the Commission, the mechanism referred to in Article 10 and other relevant authorities and exchange of risk information necessary for the fulfilment of their respective functions under this Regulation, including through electronic means, shall take place between the following authorities:
Amendment 731 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall issue guidelines no later than 182 months after the entry into force of this Regulation, which shall include the following:
Amendment 736 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour, including forced child labour, which shall take into account applicable Union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour, guidelines and recommendations from international organisations, CSOs and existing collaborative multistakeholders initiatives as well as the size and economic resources of economic operators;
Amendment 742 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) information on risk indicators of forced labour, which shall be based on independent and verifiable information, including reports from international organisations, in particular the International Labour Organization, including the ‘Hard to See, Harder to Count’ guidelines, civil society, business organisations, and experience from implementing Union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour;
Amendment 762 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. A Union Network Against Forced Labour Products (‘the Network’) is established by the Commission. The Network shall serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and the Commission, and to streamline the practices of enforcement of this Regulation within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent.
Amendment 765 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The Network shall be led by the Commission and composed of representatives from each Member States’ competent authority, representatives from the Commission, the European Labour Authority, the Fundamental Rights Agency and, where appropriate, experts from the customs authorities.
Amendment 768 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) conduct joint investigations, mandate research or monitor situation of wide-spread and systemic forced labour including as to expand database of risk of forced labour;
Amendment 778 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(fa) promote collaboration and exchange with relevant existing multi- stakeholders’ collaborative initiatives;
Amendment 782 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Network may invite experts and stakeholders, including social partners and other workers’ representatives as well as civil society representatives to attend meetings of the Network or to provide written contributions or trainings for the Network.
Amendment 786 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall support and encouraglead and facilitate cooperation between enforcement authorities through the Network and participate in the meetings of the Network.
Amendment 788 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission shall provide the Network with the financial and human resources to carry out its missions.
Amendment 793 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. Where requested, tThe Commission, Member States and competent authorities shall treat the identity of those who provide information, or the information provided, as confidential. A request for confidentiality shall be accompanied by a non-confidential summary of the information supplied or by a statement of the reasons why the information cannot be summarised in a non-confidential manner.
Amendment 794 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – title
Article 26 – title
International Cooperation and Accompanying Measures
Amendment 798 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this Regulation, the Commission mayshall as appropriate cooperate, engage and exchange information with, amongst others, authorities of third countries, international organisations, and civil society representatives andincluding business organisations, trade unions, workers organisations, NGOs and networks of affected stakeholders. International cooperation with authorities of third countries shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis.
Amendment 805 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, cooperation with, amongst others, international organisations, civil society representatives, business organisations and competent authorities of third countries mayshall result in the Union developing accompanying measures to support the efforts of companies and partner countries efforts and locally available capacities in tackling forced labour.
Amendment 807 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission and Member States shall develop cooperation and partnership mechanisms with third countries to address the root causes of forced labour, and build the capacity of upstream economic actors to respond to the requirements under this Regulation.
Amendment 808 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. The Commission and competent authorities shall cooperate with relevant authorities of third countries to carry out investigations, as well as coordinate when it is relevant with investigations made by other countries and align with decisions made by other international entities. Member States’ competent authorities and the Commission shall actively exchange knowledge and intelligence with third country governments.
Amendment 809 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Amendment 815 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. The Member StatesCommission shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to non- compliance with a decision referred to in Article 6(4) and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented in accordance with national law.
Amendment 817 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasivetake the form of pecuniary fines and shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. The maximum limit of pecuniary sanctions shall be not less than 5% of the total worldwide turnover of the undertaking in the business year preceding the fining decision. The collected sum shall be used for the compensation fund referred to in paragraph 2b.
Amendment 818 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. If an operator circumvents or attempts to circumvent a ban or sanction imposed in accordance with this Regulation, or when they refuse to cooperate with the customs or competent authorities, the competent authority shall be empowered to impose additional proportionate and dissuasive penalties, such as pecuniary fines.
Amendment 819 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. A compensation fund shall be established by a delegated act to be adopted no later than 2 years after the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 825 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Article30a Review and annual reporting 1. No later than three years after the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall carry out a first review with particular attention to the effectiveness of the instrument, proposing additional measures where deemed appropriate. 2. No later than one year after the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall present annually a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of this Regulation.
Amendment 75 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) It is necessary to take measures to build capacity and strengthen the Union’s semiconductor sector in line with Article 173(3) of the Treaty. These measures do not entail the harmonisation of national laws and regulations. In this regard, the Union should reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of the semiconductor technological and industrial base, whilst strengthening the innovation capacity of its semiconductor sector, reducing dependence on a limited number of third country companies and geographies, and strengthening its capacity to design and produce advanced components and therefore strengthen the overall strategic position of the EU in the global chips supply chain. The Chips for Europe Initiative (the ‘Initiative’) should support these aims by bridging the gap between Europe’s advanced research and innovation capabilities and their sustainable industrial exploitation. It should promote capacity building to enable design, production and systems integration in next generation semiconductor technologies, enhance collaboration among key players across the Union, strengthening Europe's semiconductor supply and value chains, serving key industrial sectors and creating new markets.
Amendment 79 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The use of semiconductors is critical for multiple economic sectors and societal functions in the Union and therefore, a resilient supply is essential for the functioning of the internal market. Given the wide circulation of semiconductor products across borders, the resilience and security of supply of semiconductors can be best addressed through Union harmonising legislation based on Article 114 of the Treaty. With a view to enabling coordinated measures for building resilience, harmonised rules for facilitating the implementation of specific projects that contribute to the security of supply of semiconductors in the Union are necessary. The proposed monitoring, export control and crisis response mechanism should be uniform to enable a coordinated approach to crisis preparedness for the cross-border semiconductor value chain.
Amendment 88 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Given the globalised nature of the semiconductor supply chain, international cooperation with third countries is an important element to achieve a resilience of the Union’s semiconductor ecosystem as well as strategic indispensability. The actions taken under this Regulation should also enable the Union to play a stronger role, as a centre of excellence, in a better functioning global, interdependent semiconductors ecosystem. The Commission, assisted by the European Semiconductor Board, should cooperate and build partnerships with third countries which also include resilient supply chain agreements with a view to seeking solutions to address, to the extent possible, disruptions of the semiconductor supply chain.
Amendment 123 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Member States should alert the Commission if relevant factors indicate a potential semiconductor crisis. In order to ensure a coordinated response to address such crises, the Commission should upon the alert by a Member State or through other sources, including information from international partners, convene an extraordinary meeting of the European Semiconductor Board for assessing the need to activate the crisis stage and for discussing whether it may be appropriate, necessary and proportionate for Member States to carry out coordinated joint procurement. The Commission should engage in permanent and structured consultations and cooperation with relevant third countries with a view to coordinating and cooperating in addressing any disruptions in the international supply chain, in compliance with international obligations and without prejudice to procedural requirements under the Treaty on international agreementincluding by concluding international agreements on resilient supply chains.
Amendment 125 #
2022/0032(COD)
(35) As part of the monitoring, national competent authorities should also do a mapping of undertakings operating in the Union along the semiconductor supply chain established in their national territory and notify this information to the Commission. Member States and the Commission should also establish a mapping of Union undertakings operating in third countries.
Amendment 132 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) Under Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union58 , in determining whether a foreign direct investment is likely to affect security or public order, Member States and the Commission may consider its potential effects on critical technologies and dual use items as defined in pointaragraph 1 of Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 428/200959 , including semiconductorsRegulation (EU)2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual- use items, including semiconductors, also with a view to strengthening the Union’s strategic indispensability. _________________ 58 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I , 21.3.2019, p. 1–14). 59 Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 of 5 May 2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (OJ L 134, 29.5.2009, p. 1–269).
Amendment 134 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) The semiconductor crisis stage should be triggered in the presence of concrete, serious, and reliable evidence of such a crisis or threats thereof. A semiconductor crisis occurs in case of serious disruptions to the supply of semiconductors leading to significant shortages which entail significant delays and negative effects on one or more important economic sectors in the Union, either directly or through ripple effects of the shortage, given that the Union’s industrial sectors represent a strong user base of semiconductors. Alternatively or in addition, a semiconductor crisis also occurs when serious disruptions of the supply of semiconductors lead to significant shortages which prevent the supply, repair and maintenance of essential products used by critical sectors, for instance medical and diagnostic equipment.
Amendment 154 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) A representative of the Commission should chair the European Semiconductor Board. Each Member State’s national single point of contact should appoint at least one high-level representative to the European Semiconductor Board. They could also appoint different representatives in relation to different tasks of the European Semiconductor Board, for example, depending on which Chapter of this Regulation is discussed in the meetings of the European Semiconductor Board. The Commission may establish sub-groups and should be entitled to establish working arrangements by inviting experts to take part in the meetings on an ad hoc basis or by inviting organisations representing the interests of the Union semiconductors industry, such as the Industrial Alliance on Processors and Semiconductor Technologies, and social partners in its sub-groups as observers. At regular intervals, and in conjunction with meetings of the European Semiconductor Board, the Commission should hold exchanges of views with the European Parliament on relevant issues pertaining to this Regulation.
Amendment 166 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
(15) ‘key market actors’ means undertakings in the Union semiconductor sector, located on Union territory, the reliable functioning of which is essential for the semiconductor supply chain;
Amendment 171 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 a (new)
(16 a) 'semiconductor crisis’ means the existence of serious disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain, leading to significant shortages of semiconductors, intermediate products or raw and processed materials, at any link of the semiconductor value chain, which demonstrably prevents the normal functioning of critical sectors in providing essential goods and services to EU citizens;
Amendment 174 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 16 b (new)
(16 b) ‘demonstrably’ means ‘as demonstrated’ by independent experts in their relevant fields in a respective and publicly available report endorsed by the European Commission under the advice of the European Semiconductor Board.
Amendment 178 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Initiative shall be supported by funding from the Horizon Europe programme and the Digital Europe programme, and in particular Specific Objective 6 thereof, for a maximum indicative amount of EUR 1.6520 billion and EUR 1.65 billion respectively. This funding shall be implemented in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2021/695 and Regulation (EU) No 2021/694.
Amendment 181 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Initiative is to support large-scale technological capacity building and innovation throughout the Union to enable development and deployment of cutting- edge and next generation semiconductor and quantum technologies that will reinforce the Union advanced design, systems integration and chips production capabilities, as well as contribute to the achievement of the twin digital and green transition primarily with a view to supporting the twin digital and green transition and strengthen the Union’s strategic indispensability.
Amendment 192 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(e a) improving the cooperation with third country partners aiming at strengthening partnerships through the establishment of resilient supply chain agreements and initiatives.
Amendment 224 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. Where such status exists in national law, Integrated Production Facilities and Open EU Foundries shall be allocated the status of the highest national significance possible and be treated as such in permit granting processes, including those relating to environmental assessments and if national law so provides, in spatial planning.
Amendment 225 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Amendment 229 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission and Member States shall carry out regular monitoring of the semiconductor value chain. In particular, they shall:
Amendment 232 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission and Member States shall provide relevant findings to the European Semiconductor Board in the form of regular updates.
Amendment 236 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall invite the main users of semiconductors and otherrequire all relevant stakeholders to provide information regarding significant fluctuations in demand and known disruptions of their supply chain. To facilitate the exchange of information, Member States shall provide for a user- friendly and secure mechanism and administrative set-up for these updates.
Amendment 239 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. National competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 26(1) may request information from representative organisations of undertakings or individual undertakings operating along the semiconductor supply chain where necessary and proportionate for the purpose of paragraph 1. National competent authorities in such case will pay particular attention to SMEs to minimise administrative burden resulting from the request and will privilegimplement user-friendly and secure digital solutions for obtaining such information. Any information obtained pursuant to this paragraph shall be treated in compliance with the confidentiality obligations set out in Article 27.
Amendment 240 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The European Commission shall enter into permanent and structured consultations or cooperation, on behalf of the Union, with relevant third countries with a view to seeking cooperative solutions to address supply chain disruptions, in compliance with international obligations. This may involve, where appropriate, coordination in relevant international fora, as well as the conclusion of resilient supply chain agreements.
Amendment 243 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point b
Amendment 247 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. National competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 26(1) shall map undertakings operating along the semiconductor supply chain in their national territory as well as located in third countries, including non- confidential information on the services or goods, and contact information. They shall notify this list and any subsequent update to the Commission. The Commission may issue guidance, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, to further specify the information to be gathered and define the technical specifications and formats.
Amendment 257 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission and Member States shall identify key market actors along the semiconductor supply chains in their natUnional territory, taking into account the following elements:
Amendment 259 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. When monitoring the semiconductor value chain pursuant to Article 15, the Commission and the Member States shall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, monitor the availability and integrity of the services or goods which those key market actors provide.
Amendment 264 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Where an assessment of the Commission provides concrete, serious, and reliable evidence of a semiconductor crisis, the Commission may activate the crisis stage by means of implementingdelegated acts in accordance with Article 33(2). The duration of the activation shall be specified in the implementing act. Where, in view of the scope and gravity of the semiconductor crisis, duly justified imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 33(3) shall apply to implementing acts adopted pursuant to this Articledelegated act.
Amendment 266 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. Before the expiry of the duration for which the crisis stage was activated, the Commission shall, after consulting the European Semiconductor Board, assess whether the activation of the crisis stage should be prolonged. Where the assessment concludes that a prolongation is appropriate, the Commission may prolong the activation by means of implementingdelegated acts. The duration of the prolongation shall be specified in the implementingdelegated acts adopted in accordance with Article 33(2). The Commission may repeatedly decide to prolong the activation of the crisis stage where this is appropriate.
Amendment 270 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) assess the impact of the possible imposition of protective measures, including in particular whether the market situation corresponds to a significant shortage of an essential product pursuant to Regulation 2015/479 which provides for the possibility to introduce export authorisation requirements or quantitative restrictions on exports and provide an opinion to the Commission;
Amendment 271 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(a a) assess the impact of the possible imposition of Union-wide export control restrictions on equipment or technology to make equipment to produce advanced semiconductors pursuant to Regulation 2021/821 and provide an opinion to the Commission.
Amendment 295 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. The European Semiconductor Board shall support the Commission in international cooperation, including information gathering and crisis assessment, in line with international obligations, including obligations arising from Article 15, paragraph 3a (new).
Amendment 303 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 4
Article 25 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission may appoint observers to take part in the meetings, as appropriate. The Commission may invite experts with specific expertise, including from relevant stakeholder organisations, with respect to a subject matter on the agenda to take part in the meetings of the European Semiconductor Board on an ad hoc basis. The Commission may facilitate exchanges between the European Semiconductor Board and other Union bodies, offices, agencies and advisory groups. The Commission shall invite a representative from the European Parliament as an observershall have a seat to the European Semiconductor Board. The Commission shall ensure the participation of relevant other Union institutions and bodies as observers to the European Semiconductor Board with respect to meetings concerning Chapter IV on monitoring and crisis response. Observers and experts shall not have voting rights and shall not participate in the formulation of opinions, recommendations or advice of the European Semiconductor Board and its sub-groups.
Amendment 308 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter V – Section 2 a (new)
Chapter V – Section 2 a (new)
2a FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT SCREENING Article 26a (new) In the framework of the first review of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union, the Commission shall consider the addition of the screening of outbound investments to the scope of the Regulation., on grounds of security and public order.
Amendment 316 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) impose fines, where an undertaking, intentionally or through gross negligence, does not comply with the obligation to inform the Commission of a third country obligation pursuant to Article 15(2), Article 20(5) and Article 21(3);
Amendment 321 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 2
2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011290 TFEU shall apply.
Amendment 322 #
2022/0032(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3
Article 33 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission’s Association Implementation Report on Georgia of 12 August 2022,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2236(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes the European assistance programmes in support of digitalisation (e.g., EU4Digital, EaP Connect), environment (e.g., EU4Climate, EU4Environment) and youth (EU4 Youth, Vocational Education and Training); also highlights the necessity and the efforts made for accessible digital connectivity, notably in rural areas, therewith welcomes the investment initiative for fast broadband for rural settlements;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the outcome of the sixeventh Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia of 16 MarchSeptember 20212,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; whereas the majority of Georgian people are in favour of the country’s accession to the EU;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Georgia continues to make progress in its implementation of the AA and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and is continuing to align with the EU acquis and EU standards; whereas the Commission notes that “concerns remain in the key areas of rule of law (including the judiciary) and governance, and human rights have suffered significant setbacks” in its 2022 Association Implementation Report on Georgia;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas a number of crucial laws, such as on the functioning of the judiciary and key appointment procedures, procedures for covert surveillance, and the disbandment of the State Inspector’s Service, were rushed through Parliament without the necessary consultations or analysis of compliance with EU or Council of Europe standards, as noted in the Commission’s 2022 Association Implementation Report on Georgia;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas media freedom in Georgia has deteriorated over the past years, including the safety of journalists; whereas the Georgian media landscape is diverse but also polarised and characterised by sensationalism; whereas the public’s trust in media is very low in Georgia;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas anti-EU propaganda and disinformation have significantly increased recently in Georgian media and social networks; whereas members of the ruling party continue using polarising and hostile language when referring to the European institutions and their representatives;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons is still widespread; whereas gender equality remains a challenge, in particular the issues of gender-based and domestic violence;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas Georgia ranked respectively 49th out of 154 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for 2021 and 55th out of 146 countries for 2022, which notes deteriorations in the fields of educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion and the 19 April Agreement in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022; calls on the Georgian authorities to initiate and lead the work on these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022; calls on all Georgian political forces to constructively participate in and contribute to these efforts; stresses that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the Georgian government’s willingness to address the priorities for granting candidate status set out in the Commission’s opinion and encourages all political parties to contribute to the work necessary to fulfil these priorities; emphasises the crucial need to ensure the meaningful involvement of civil society in decision- making processes at all levels;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as the ‘Associated Trio’ at all levels of governance and to boost regional cooperation via multilevel and multi-institutional dialogue;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2236(INI)
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; notes with concern the continuatstrongly condemns the Russian Federation’s illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in the occupiedAbkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia and the continued illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in the occupied regions; reiterates its call on the Russian Federation to implement the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, withdraw its military and security forces from Georgia's occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms inside those regions; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises the need to build and increase trust among all political and institutional actors, as well as between them and the Georgian people;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Georgian authorities to complete the country’s electoral reform and address persistent shortcomings in electoral campaigns and the conduct of elections in time for the 2024 parliamentary elections and in line with the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, in particular in relation to pressure on voters and candidates by public officials and electoral contestants, as well as intimidation, coercion and vote buying;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Reminds the government of Georgia of its promise to decrease the electoral threshold for the parliamentary elections to 2 % and urges them to do so before the next Commission assessment at the end of 2022;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to amend the electoral law in order to facilitate the voting process abroad, among others through postal voting, considering the unprecedented high number of Georgians living abroad;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the importance of implementing an ambitious, genuine and thorough justice reform on the basis of a transparent and effective post-2021 judicial reform strategy and action plan through a broad, inclusive and cross-party consultation process; calls on the authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the Venice Commission in the nomination and appointment of judges at all levels and of the Prosecutor-General in order to bring the process fully in line with European standards; calls for a thorough reform of the High Council of Justice to be carried out and for its remaining members to be appointed;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the perception of politicised justiceoliticisation of the judiciary; in this respect notes, in particular, that the Supreme Court judges were appointed before the shortcomings in the nomination process identified by ODIHR and the Venice Commission were addressed; reiterates that the lack of progress on judicial reform meant that the conditions for receiving the EUR 75 million tranche of EU macro-financial assistance by September 2021 were not fulfilled;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Georgian government to take urgent action to depoliticise the judiciary; expects the EEAS and EU Delegation on the ground to monitor all trials in Georgia related to politically motivated cases;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the Parliament of Georgia to askimplement the Venice Commission to issue an opinion and to implement its recommendations's recommendations on this matter;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Georgian government to continue the fight against corruption and state capture, as well as the promotion of public administration reform, modernisation, decentralisation, and good governance;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Condemns the deterioration of media freedom in Georgia; urges the Georgian government to cease any political interference on media freedom and pluralism, including on social media; calls on Georgian authorities to stop the politically motivated prosecution of media workers and owners and to respond promptly and effectively investigate allegations of illegal interference and abuse of power towards representatives of the media, as well as to bring laws relating to media freedom, such as the Law on Electronic Communications, in line with international standards and recommendations by the Venice Commission;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Calls on Georgia to guarantee media pluralism and ensure transparency of media ownership, as well as to take action to improve media literacy and ensure the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Condemns the baseless and harmful rhetoric by high officials of the Georgian government claiming the alleged intention of international partners to “drag Georgia into the war”; regrets the unchallenged spreading of anti-EU propaganda and disinformation in Georgia and calls on the Georgian government to investigate the actors behind the coordinated anti-EU attacks;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Expects that the Georgian government and authorities take their obligation seriously to provide safety to those sheltering from authoritarian regimes, following reports that non- Georgian journalists experienced harassment and government interference at the Georgian border;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 f (new)
Paragraph 11 f (new)
11f. Underlines the emphasis the Commission’s opinion gave to multi-level governance, the decentralisation process and public administration reforms to establish successful European-standard local self-government and prevent the concentration of power at the central level;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11g. Insists on the important role of decentralised cooperation between the EU and Georgia to accompany the needed institutional reforms and ensure a sustainable integration process; recalls that granting candidate status to Georgia will have a significant impact on the consolidation of local democracy, local autonomy and decentralisation reforms crucial for the country’s long-term sustainable development, in particular in terms of local governments’ rights, technologies, practices, administrative and financial tools;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Condemns the violence committed against peaceful participants of the Tbilisi Pride march on 5 July 2021 and the journalists covering the event; strongly denounces the lack of diligent investigations into or prosecutions of those responsible for organising the violence; notes that six perpetrators of the violence were sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison in April 2022; calls on the authorities to ensure the protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, the LGBTQIQ+ community and ethnic minorities, as well as women;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to fully implement human rights and anti- discrimination legislation in practice and combat impunity for serious violations; urges for the adoption of the human rights strategy 2021-2030 and action plan;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Urges the Georgian government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and calls on Georgian authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Calls on the Georgian authorities to further improve women’s representation and equal treatment at all levels of political, economic and societal life, to eradicate the inequality in the labour market and gender pay-gap, and to adopt gender-sensitive budgets at all levels of government; requests the European Commission and the Council to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, programmes and activities in relation to Georgia;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Urges the Georgian government and authorities to implement measures against gender-based violence, including domestic violence and femicides, and underlines the importance of stepping up support for survivors, rehabilitation programmes for perpetrators, and awareness-raising campaigns, in particular at the local community level;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Paragraph 12 e (new)
12e. Condemns the continued discrimination of LGBTIQ+ groups and persons, including in labour, health, social and economic areas, as well as their targeting by ultra-nationalist hate groups; demands that the Georgian authorities execute a full investigation into the latter’s inciting of violence against LGBTIQ+ events, including the Tbilisi Pride March of July 2021 and Georgia’s first-ever Pride Week in 2019;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions; regretcondemns, in this respect, the dismantling of State Inspector’s Service against ODIHR recommendations and without meaningful prior consultations; highlights the positive role of the public defender of Georgia in protecting human rights, promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Emphasises the crucial role in democratic oversight of civil society organisations; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to provide political, technical and financial support to civil society and independent media;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls on Georgia to restrict the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) targeting human rights defenders and media representatives and thereby inhibiting their critical and independent work;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Welcomes the adoption of labour law reforms and calls on the government of Georgia to further improve Georgia’s framework for protecting labour rights, including by ensuring an effective Labour Inspection system with adequate competences, capacities and resources, improving core labour legislation to bring it fully in line with ILO standards and EU regulations, enacting a minimum wage in consultation with social partners and labour rights organisations, developing effective social protection schemes for workers, and creating an action plan for the formalisation of the informal sector;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls that DCFTAs must always include strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters, that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and to be compliant with WTO rules;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to undertake crucial steps to unbundle and certify the electricity and gas transmission system operators in order to accelerate the development of renewables and reduce the energy dependence on Russian fossil fuels in line with the REPowerEU Plan;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls on Georgia to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment, including through further legislative alignment with the acquis and the European Green Deal policies as well as strengthening Georgia’s administration to enable the green transition;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Regrets that Georgian SMEs export to the EU remains limited as the full potential of the DCFTA opportunities is not utilised; calls on the Georgian government to explore ways to boost SMEs trade with the EU, such as establishing laboratories in Georgia for EU certification of SPS and TBT standards;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the importance of enhanced transport, energy and digital connectivity as a means of making full use of the geographical and economic potential of Georgia at all levels, especially in the medium, small sized and rural municipalities;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on Georgia to improve its energy sector and connectivity, while ensuring environmental sustainability, in particular preservation of biodiversity and protected sites, during the implementation process, also taking into account local community’s needs;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the European Commission to enhance its role in facilitating communication between the Georgian government, the civil society and SMEs and to distribute core funds to the civil society to boost capacity building and expertise; welcomes and supports the continuation of the Commission programs ENPARD Georgia and EU4Business that supports the development of local civil societies, rural and SMEs development;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Welcomes the European assistance programmes in support of digitalisation, such asEU4Digital and EaP Connect, but also highlights the necessity and the efforts made for accessible digital connectivity, notably in rural areas; therewith welcomes the investment initiative for fast broadband for rural settlements;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Urges the European Commission, the Member States and Georgia to increase cooperation on public health resilience, including cooperation between public health authorities, research facilities, and emergency capabilities, as well as to exchange best practice and work with civil society on establishing epidemic strategies focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, homeless, seasonal workers, and migrants;
Amendment 216 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 e (new)
Paragraph 16 e (new)
16e. Calls for the swift adoption of Georgia’s overarching national strategy on public health for 2022-2030 and the accompanying action plan, as well as the new mental-health strategy for 2022-2030 and the accompanying action plan;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reaffirms its commitment to supporting Georgia’s parliamentary democracy through capacity development and reiterates that the Jean Monnet Dialogue is the prime instrument of cooperation between the European and Georgian parliaments;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to its recommendations on the Eastern Partnership, in the run-up to the November 2017 Summit,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation,
Amendment 14 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’),
Amendment 15 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the reports of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, notably the 2016 country monitoring report on Azerbaijan,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on- azerbaijan/16808b5581
Amendment 16 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ('PACE’) titled ‘Alleged violations of the rights of LGBTI people in the Southern Caucasus’,1a _________________ 1a https://pace.coe.int/en/files/29711/html
Amendment 18 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- azerbaijan-from-8-to-12-july-2019-by- dunja-mija/168098e108
Amendment 29 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Eastern Partnership Index 2021,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
— having regard to Freedom House’s 2022 Freedom in the World report and 2022 Nations in Transit report,
Amendment 39 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continue to erupt periodically; whereas the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agreement, introduced after the 44-day war triggered by Azerbaijan in 2020, has been violated several times resulting in more casualties;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Azerbaijani forces subjected numerous Armenian prisoners of war to physical abuse and acts of humiliation; whereas there are documented cases of torture and other abuse by Azerbaijani forces against Armenian civilians, including against older people, as well as a case of extrajudicial execution in early 2021; whereas allegations of at least a dozen other extrajudicial executions of Armenian troops and civilians in 2020 and early 2021 also came to light;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Azerbaijan is a reliable and trustworthy supplier of fossil fuels to the EU and whereas it is becoming increasingly important in this rolen authoritarian regime that violates basic human rights and fundamental freedoms; whereas such a regime cannot be a reliable and trustworthy partner of the EU;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas corruption is pervasive in Azerbaijan, and a free press and independent judiciary do not exist;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the EU and Azerbaijan have jointly agreed, through the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, on the general principle of respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights; whereas the parties foresaw to cooperate on the respect and promotion of human rights particularly to those belonging to minorities;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas Azerbaijan’s constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association; whereas however, the government consistently and severely restricts the freedom of peaceful assembly, creating conditions leading to a de facto ban on assembly;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the Azerbaijani authorities are continuously downgrading the legal environment of the plurality of media and freedom of expression, particularly by amending the 2017 law on dissemination and Protection of Information providing a legal basis for blocking online resources, giving the Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies the power to shut down internet news outlet without a court order; whereas furthermore by 2017 revision of the martial law allowing authorities to limit or suspend the operation of mass media outlets and control correspondence; whereas many broadcast licenses have been revoked;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Azerbaijan are at best discarded and at worst actively fought against by government and state institutions; whereas ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Index shows Azerbaijan as having the worst deficit in legislation and policy aiming to protect LGBTIQ people, ranking it in the worst place among all Council of Europe countries;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas hate speech and hate crime against LGBTIQ persons in Azerbaijan persist, often perpetrated by religious or political actors, leading to continued violation of their human rights; whereas in February 2022, Avaz Hafizli, a journalist and LGBTIQ human rights activist, was murdered by a family member, which spurred indignation on social media vis-à-vis the government’s poor track record of fighting against hate crime;1a whereas this is only one of the many examples of hate crimes, which due to lack of trust in law enforcement and their inaction, usually go unreported and unsanctioned; _________________ 1a https://globalvoices.org/2022/02/24/azerba ijani-journalist-and-queer-activist- murdered/
Amendment 97 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas political opponents, human rights activists and journalists become the target of hate speech and politically motivated violence, whereas these assaults are not sufficiently investigated; whereas many of these are imprisoned for their views in arbitrary cases;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas PACE adopted in 2022 a resolution on violations of the rights of LGBTI persons in the Southern Caucasus and has made a number of requests to authorities to reform legislation in order to address such violations; whereas the PACE recommendations reflect the 2016 ECRI findings, which had noted an inexistence of data on LGBTI persons and their living conditions and that hate speech against them was widespread; whereas ECRI encouraged the government to develop an LGBTI Action Plan in order to raise awareness and promote understanding for equal treatment;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas Azerbaijan has been failing its due diligence obligation to prevent, investigate and punish violence against women and to provide effective legal measures; whereas gender-based violence remains pervasive but underreported in Azerbaijan; whereas there is a growth in femicide rates, while many of those are premeditated by family members; whereas serious gaps continue to exist in the official response including lack of protection and recourse for survivors; whereas rape and spousal rape is not effectively investigated;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H e (new)
Recital H e (new)
He. whereas women human rights defenders are systematically targeted and face threats, coercion, police beating, violations of their right to privacy and smear campaigns that are gender-specific in order to discredit and silence; whereas the International Women's Day march activists attempting to organise a peaceful event to demand an improvement to women's rights has been facing a severe clampdown by the authorities by an arbitrary rejection of the march and police detention;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H f (new)
Recital H f (new)
Hf. whereas women journalists and other women media actors face specific gender-related dangers, including sexist, misogynist and degrading abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment and sexual aggression and violence; whereas there has been a recent rise in suicide rate in survivors of violence against women in Azerbaijan;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H g (new)
Recital H g (new)
Hg. whereas ill-treatment is rampant in police custody, allegedly to coerce confessions, while denying detainees access to family, independent lawyers, or independent medical care; whereas authorities typically dismiss complaints of torture and other ill-treatment in custody, and the practice continues with impunity;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H h (new)
Recital H h (new)
Hh. whereas the government has control over mobile operators and internet service providers; whereas in July 2021, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) reported that Azerbaijani journalists were among those targeted with the NSO’s Pegasus spyware tool, which was likely supplied to the Azerbaijani government; whereas stolen data by police, government law enforcement or intelligence services are used as a tool of harassment;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H i (new)
Recital H i (new)
Hi. whereas the arrival of major flows of oil revenues and continuous high oil revenue dependence contributed to a consistent decline of fundamental freedoms and increasing violations of human rights and effectively consolidated Azerbaijan’s authoritarian regime;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly condemns the clashes that erupted on 12 September 2022 and theirrge-scale military attack by Azerbaijan in September 2022 against multiple targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia and its consequences for the peace process; reiterates that the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be respected and underlines the EU’s readiness to be more actively involved in settling the region’s protracted conflicts;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully implement the tripartite ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric and to implement measures to prepare their respective populations for peaceful coexistence in order to foster the peace process;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the EU’s passive stance during and immediately after the 2020 war gave other regional actors, such as Russia, Iran and Turkey, the opportunity to gain influence; strongly supports, therefore, the initiative taken by the President of the European Council Charles Michel to convene and mediate bilateral meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels and encourages the work of the EU’s special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty and welcomes in this regard the meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries on 30 September in Geneva;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the VP/HR and the EEAS to step up efforts to revitalise and effectively contribute to the peaceful resolution of this conflict, including through support for stabilisation, post- conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction, and confidence-building measures;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the initial progress made on the process of border delimitation; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission to build trust and contribute to the border commissions; regrets Azerbaijan’s lack of consent in deploying the civilian mission on both sides of the border;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the humanitarian assistance provided by the EU for the conflict-affected population in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and its assistance for humanitarian demining in the areas affected by the conflict; calls on the Commission to increase EU assistance to people in need, facilitate the implementation of more ambitious confidence-building measures and enhance people-to-people contacts between citizens; calls for finding mutual solutions for the safe return of displaced populations;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Emphasises the urgent need for increased and credible confidence- building measures in order to counter the perpetuated polarisation, lack of trust, hate speech and other inflammatory rhetoric between Armenia and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Continues to be concerned about the fate of Armenian prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict and still held by Azerbaijan and welcomes the release of some of them; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detainees, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and for them to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law; recalls that all captured or detained persons must be treated humanely and benefit from the protections of international law; calls on all sides to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared, and to treat dead bodies with dignity;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Condemns the footage that has appeared depicting the torture, mutilation and killing of an Armenian servicewoman and unarmed Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani armed forces; calls for a full and impartial investigation of the videos to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions; condemns all instances of torture and enforced disappearances, also when perpetrated in armed conflict, as well as ill-treatment and the desecration of bodies;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Deplores the opening of the so- called Trophy Park in Baku, inaugurated on 12 April 2021,as it further intensifies long-standing hostile sentiments and undermines the building of mutual trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan; acknowledges the decision to remove the dehumanising wax figures and the helmets from the so-called Trophy Park after the international outcry and the lawsuit filed by Armenia at the International Court of Justice;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Strongly insists that Azerbaijan and Armenia refrain from destroying, misappropriating or miscategorising cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for the restoration of damaged sites in accordance with UNESCO standards and indications; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to quickly allow a UNESCO mission to visit both countries without preconditions;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Insists that both states are under international obligations to conduct independent, prompt, public and effective investigations and prosecute all credible allegations of grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and other violations of international law and war crimes, in order to ensure accountability of those responsible and redress for the victims;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses the need to consult and cooperate with civil society and human rights defenders, in particular on issues of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, reconciliation and humanitarian assistance, as well as the importance of sustainable funding and the freedom of such organisations to conduct their work without restrictions;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Highlights the particular effect of the conflict on women and marginalised groups, including the rise in domestic violence in the aftermath of the recent war, as well as the exclusion of women from the official peace process; calls on the Azerbaijani government, as well as international mediators to remove barriers to women's participation, across all tracks, and systematically include women experts and women human rights defenders in all consultations;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the strategic role played by Azerbaijan as a provider of fossil fuelsUrges EU Members States and the Commission to stop all fossil fuel imports from Azerbaijan to the EU, and welcomes its willingness to contribute even more to the EU’s objectives in terms of security and diversifications it undermines the EU’s commitments to human rights and the green energy transition, and to instead increase cooperation on energy efficiency, the use of renergy supplywables and climate neutrality;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2231(INI)
Amendment 233 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises Azerbaijan’s potential as a producer of renewable energy, which is severely underused at the moment, with renewable sources representing only a negligible amount of Azerbaijan’s energy mix; calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to undertake crucial steps to accelerate the development of renewables and increase energy efficiency;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on Azerbaijan to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment; encourages Azerbaijan to increase its emissions reduction targets under its NDC and to seriously commit to cutting emissions;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Recalls the position of the European Parliament, which recommended to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS that the deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan should be conditional upon it upholding and respecting the core values and principles defended by the EU; also recalls that the European Parliament had recommended that no comprehensive agreement should be ratified with a country that does not respect the EU's fundamental values and rights;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the progress made on the negotiation of a new bilateral cooperation agreement and calls on the negotiating parties to envisage enhanced cooperation outside the energy sector in the new agreement; insists that human rights and rule of law concerns must take priority over economic incentives when negotiation this new agreement;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the significant trade flows between the EU and Azerbaijan and the high level of EU investment in Azerbaijan; calls on the Commission and the Member States not to invest in fossil fuel production in Azerbaijan but into the green energy transition of the country;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on Azerbaijan’s government to make better use of programmes and projects available in the Eastern Partnership framework, particularly those promoting people-to-people contacts between the EU and Azerbaijan, such as easier travel and academic exchanges;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. CRecalls that the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is predicated on respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights, and that the former have not been systematically upheld in Azerbaijan; calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remains conditional on the country making substantial progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 265 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remains conditional on the country making substantial progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Azerbaijani government and authorities to urgently uphold fundamental freedoms and human rights; expresses deep concerns that violations of fundamental human rights have in Azerbaijan a systemic and widespread pattern of violations of the rights to liberty and security and the limitation on the use of restriction on rights; moreover urges Azerbaijan to refrain from any unjustified application of criminal law to limit freedom of expression;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Expresses deep concerns that the protection of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan is non-existent, while journalists, bloggers, social media activists, and any dissenting and criticising voices are continuously detained or imprisoned on a variety of charges; Calls on Azerbaijani authorities to end restrictions of freedom of expression, including measures detrimental to the safety of journalists, and furthermore to drop all charges and release all those detained because of their views expressed;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deeply regrets the current state of pressmedia freedom in Azerbaijan; expresses its concern at the new law on media adopted in December 2021, which effectively bans all forms of independent journalism and work of Azerbaijani journalists in exile; calls for a swift review of that law in accordance with the recommendations included in the opinion of the Venice Commission of 17-18 June 2022; urges Azerbaijan to stop persecuting bloggers, editors and journalists;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deeply regrets the current state of press freedom in Azerbaijan; expresses its concern at the new law on media adopted in December 2021; calls for a swift review of that law in accordance with the recommendations included in the opinion of the Venice Commission of 17-18 June 2022; urges Azerbaijan to stop persecuting bloggers and, journalists and rights defenders;
Amendment 281 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Azerbaijani government to implement the recommendation of the committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists and other media actors, and also to decriminalise defamation;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Deeply regrets that Azerbaijan imposes serious restrictions on internet freedom, including blocking of websites and hampering the right to access information; calls on Azerbaijani authorities to bring legislation and practice affecting internet freedom in line with European standards;
Amendment 283 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Strongly insists that Azerbaijan must ensure the right to peaceful assembly and calls on Azerbaijan to stop preventing the International Women’s Day march;
Amendment 284 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly insists that Azerbaijan cease all repression of political opposition activists, including abduction, torture, disinformation and discreditation campaigns, and calls for the release of all political prisoners; deplores the systematic persecution of opposition activists, civil society members and independent journalists, and urges the Azerbaijani government to immediately stop these activities;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to stop systemic harassment of women human rights defenders, women journalists and other women media actors, and to stop gender specific smear campaigns, detention, arbitrary and unlawful interferences of privacy, correspondences and other private communications;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Amendment 300 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of gender equality and the representation of women at all levels of government, as well as the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda; calls on the government of Azerbaijan to adopt the National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 on WPS;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Azerbaijani government to ratify the Istanbul Convention and to adopt and implement policies to combat domestic and gender- based violence;
Amendment 304 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on Azerbaijan to eliminate existing restrictions and, alleviate the administrative burden on NGOs and change restrictive legislation, stipulating registration, operation and funding of NGOs; calls on Azerbaijan to also eliminate restrictions on religious communities, particularly as far as their registration and financing are concerned;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls that the European Parliament’s position has been clear on non-discrimination with regard to LGBTIQ people, their protection against discrimination in law and practice, and the prosecution of all acts of abuse, hate speech and physical violence perpetrated against them;1a _________________ 1a Texts adopted: P9_TA(2020)0167
Amendment 310 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on Azerbaijan to eliminate existing legislative restrictions for donor institutions and international organisations supporting the work of civil society;
Amendment 312 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Urges Azerbaijani authorities to adopt anti-discrimination legislation adding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics as prohibited grounds, alongside the adoption of civil, administrative and/or criminal proceedings to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes; calls on authorities to reform criminal legislation by adding the previous grounds as aggravating circumstances and to combat LGBTIQ-phobic violence;
Amendment 313 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the EU Delegation and Member States’ representations in Azerbaijan to increase their support for human rights defenders’ work, and, where appropriate, to facilitate the issuance of emergency visas and provide temporary shelter in the EU Member States;
Amendment 317 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Calls on the Council to explore targeted individual sanctions under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Azerbaijani officials who have committed grave human rights violations, such as law-enforcement officers, especially taking into account the widespread police violence against political activists, human rights defenders and journalists;
Amendment 318 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Reiterates the call by PACE on the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate cases of wrongful arrest of LGBTIQ people and prevent and combat police violence against these people;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Urges Azerbaijan to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance of the United Nations;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Regrets that Azerbaijan has made minimum advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, of sexual exploitation and forced begging;
Amendment 323 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 f (new)
Paragraph 20 f (new)
20f. Deeply regrets the non- implementation of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgements, calls to take into consideration recommendations of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to improve implementation of ECtHR judgements;
Amendment 324 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 g (new)
Paragraph 20 g (new)
20g. Calls on Azerbaijan to improve the elections process based on recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR;
Amendment 325 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 h (new)
Paragraph 20 h (new)
20h. Calls on the European Commission to accelerate its efforts in Azerbaijan to lift the restrictions on activities of civil society and adoption of new law; and also to provide more extensive involvement of independent NGOs in the monitoring of the implementation of the PCA and participation in the EU and EU funded projects;
Amendment 327 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Expresses its concern at the persistent lack of independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary; moreover urges Azerbaijan to reform the judiciary and the prosecution services system to ensure the complete independence of the judiciary and to increase people’s trust in the justice system;
Amendment 335 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on Azerbaijan to take all necessary measures to ensure that all persons have adequate access to legal services provided by independent lawyers, and also to immediately take measures to ensure the right of access to a lawyer is effectively guaranteed to all persons from the beginning of deprivation of liberty;
Amendment 339 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Expresses concern about the use of disciplinary measures on improper grounds, such as expressing critical views in Azerbaijan and underlines that lawyers should comply with ethical standards and be able to engage in professional activities without fear of retaliation; urges authorities to bring the Code of Conduct inline with international standards on freedom of expression, as lawyers should speak out on behalf of their clients and on potential shortcomings in the justice system;
Amendment 341 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Amendment 343 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Regrets that Azerbaijan is lacking a transparent public finance system, including regarding public procurement and tenders;
Amendment 344 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)
Paragraph 22 e (new)
22e. Calls on Azerbaijan to make necessary amendments to the law in order to ensure the full independence of the Judicial-Legal Council and reinforce its immunity from the interventions by law- enforcement agencies;
Amendment 349 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Condemns the massive scale and illicit use of the NSO Group´s Pegasus surveillance software and repressive cybersecurity by Azerbaijan against journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, lawyers and politicians and calls on Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from using it; furthermore urges the Commission again to draw up a list of illicit surveillance software and to update this list continuously; calls for the EU and the Member States to use this list in order to ensure full human rights due diligence and proper vetting of exports of European surveillance technology and technical assistance and imports to Member States which pose a clear risk to the rule of law; reiterates its calls for the establishment of an EU Citizens’ Lab, comprising journalists, human rights experts and reverse malware engineering experts, which would work to discover and expose the unlawful use of software for illicit surveillance purposes;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
— having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part1 , to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part2 , to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part3 , to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part4 , and to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Azerbaijan, of the other part5 , _________________ 1 OJ L 161, 29.5.2014, p. 3. 2 OJ L 261, 30.8.2014, p. 4. 3 OJ L 260, 30.8.2014, p. 4. 4 OJ L 23, 26.1.2018, p. 4. 5 OJ L 246/3, 17.9.1999.Partnership Priorities between the EU and Azerbaijan endorsed by the Cooperation Council on 28 September 2018,
Amendment 14 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 45 a (new)
Citation 45 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova,
Amendment 21 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 a (new)
Citation 50 a (new)
— having regard to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co- operation in Europe of 1 August 1975 (the Helsinki Final Act),
Amendment 23 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 b (new)
Citation 50 b (new)
— having regard to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Code of Conduct on Politico- Military Aspects of Security of 3 December 1994,
Amendment 24 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 c (new)
Citation 50 c (new)
— having regard to the Memorandum on security assurances in connection with Ukraine’s accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 5 December 1994 (the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances),
Amendment 25 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 d (new)
Citation 50 d (new)
— having regard to the Vienna Document of 30 November 2011 on confidence- and security-building measures,
Amendment 26 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 e (new)
Citation 50 e (new)
— having regard to Council Decision(CFSP) 2021/1792 of 11 October 2021 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,
Amendment 32 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EaP is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to security, specifically designed to bolster relationships with the six EaP countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to help promote peace and stability oin the EU’s eastern flankneighbourhood;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas there is the urgent need to strengthen peaceful conflict resolution across the EaP in particular via multilateral approaches and fora such as the OSCE; whereas there is the need to develop a strategy on how to better address security aspects of the EU’s Eastern Partnership Policy, taking as a starting point the security needs of the relevant partner countries;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Normandy Format and Minsk I & II Agreements have failed to end all hostilities between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk; whereas the conflict in the Donbas region has killed more than 14 000 people; whereas daily shelling and gunfights injure and kill people;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas Russia, against the backdrop of a crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, has amassed over 100 000 troops on the border of Ukraine in an offensive formation while increasing its hybrid warfare tactics targeting the elected government in Kyiv, creating widespread concern about a potential second invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas following the electoral unrest, Belarus has largely abandoned its aim of fostering better relations with the EU, having reversed trends towards democratisation and taken to weaponinstrumentalising refugees in an attempt to uproot domestic aspirations towards liberalisation and destabilise EU Member States;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the outbreak of hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia fundamentally altered the political, strategic and operational status quo of the South Caucasus and resulted in Russia’s deployment of approximately 2 000 so called peacekeeping troops to the area in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a ceasefire agreement;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas the threats posed to the EU’s east not only concern friction with Russia but also terrorism, organised crime, human trafficking, corruption, mass irregular migration and a host of other threats to the cohesion of societies both within and outside the EU;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the EU’s Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) will have to consider how to protect a deployed EU forcecivilian EU personnel against such increasing threats;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas the CSDP will also require close coordination with NATO’s defence and deterrence posture and the Open Door Policyoordination and cooperation with NATO’s Open Door Policy as well as with OSCE, in particular missions such as SMM in Ukraine;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes further cooperation between the EU and EaP countries with the aim of promoting international stability and security, in line with the EU's Global Strategy, and propose new forms of voluntary cooperation in the field of security and defence, considering it an area of ambition in the coming future as the EU will aim gradually to create a more effective CSDP;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Acknowledges that any lack of EU presence or inaction vis-a-vis its EaP partners will create space for other global players to step in; calls for increasing cooperation or creating a forum with like- minded democratic allies and international actors to mitigate and counteract the negative influence of third- country powers in the EaP region;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1 b. Supports the EU’s engagement in EaP aiming at strengthening security and stability; strongly supports ongoing CSDP missions in EaP countries; demands to strengthen the security dimension of the EU’s Eastern Partnership Policy; calls to develop a more active role for the EU, represented by the Vice-President of the European Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in the peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflicts and in the prevention of any future conflicts in its Eastern neighbourhood;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1 c. Reiterate the EU's commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the EaP countries within their internationally recognised borders, and support their efforts to fully enforce those principles; underlines the importance of the unity and solidarity of the Member States in this regard;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 d (new)
Paragraph -1 d (new)
-1 d. Calls for the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops from all occupied territories and for an end to military hostilities, which unnecessarily claim the lives of civilians and soldiers while hampering socio-economic development, thus enabling hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) to return to their homelands;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Reiterates the EU’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and for the efforts in the framework of the 5+2 negotiation process to reach a peaceful, lasting, comprehensive, political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria, that would ensure the protection of human rights also on the territories currently not controlled by constitutional authorities; reminds that the UN General Assembly adopted on 22 June 2018 a resolution urging the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops and armaments unconditionally from the territory of the Republic of Moldova and reaffirming the support for the immediate implementation of that resolution;
Amendment 299 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages Member States each to deploy sufficient numbers of well-trained and qualified personnel to CSDP missions in EaP countries to ensure all large number Member States are represented in missions throughout the region and to encourage greater participation by non-EU countries in these missions, particularly former communist countries that have hosted successfully completed CSDP missions;
Amendment 308 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages Member States and the EU to expand support mechanisms for the participation of EaP countries in CSDP missions; and to cooperate with the EaP partners on cyber security, including mutual intelligence sharing, experience and learning on cyber threats, and assistance in critical infrastructure;
Amendment 314 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages CSDP mission headquarters to call for closer synergies with national joint training and evaluation centres in EaP countries such as joint command posts and staff exercises on possible scenarios involving civilian and military leaders from EU Member States, CSDP mission staff and EaP countries;
Amendment 316 #
2021/2199(INI)
6. Calls on the CPCC, the MPCC, EU Military Committee (EUMC) and EU mMilitary sStaff (EUMS) to develop a model for generating and sharing best practices with regard to campaign or mission planning concepts, in particular as regards threat and risk assessments, early warning, strategic foresight, at the earliest possible stage, with partners vital to campaign success;
Amendment 321 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the need to share best practices on gender equality and gender- sensitive aspects of military operations and civilian missions (design, planning, analysis, gender balance of staff, etc.), by utilising the EU’s mandatory trainings for personnel of CSDP missions and operations and by instituting dedicated gender advisers for each CSDP mission and operation;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 367 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages Member States that share both EU and NATO membership and that lead different NATO capacity building initiatives with EaP countries to ensure that training efforts and the transfer of best practices are coordinated with the EU MPCC and CPCC; encourages Member States to ensure that CSDP missions in EaP countries embrace close coordination with NATO’s defence and deterrence posture and Open Door Policypolicies;
Amendment 376 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Encourages the Commission to extend Erasmus military programme to EaP officers to study in military academies across the EU; calls on the EU to explore the option of expanding the European Security and Defence College role to facilitate armed forces officer and national defence training;
Amendment 389 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Stresses the need for the EU to continue promoting an environment conducive to the settlement of conflicts and supporting activities that promote confidence and people-to-people contacts across conflict-divided communities; prioritise efforts and expand funding for pre-emptive peace-building, including preventive diplomacy, as well as early warning and action mechanisms;
Amendment 391 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Calls on the EU to take into consideration the calls made by the Ukrainian Government for an extended international peacekeeping force to be stationed along the Ukraine-Russia border and in the Luhansk and Donetsk districts once the situation permits and as part of the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements, an EU-led CSDP mission should be offered for deployment to the parties to the conflict, to assist in tasks such as demining, preparations for local elections and securing free access for humanitarian aid organisations;
Amendment 392 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 396 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Stresses the need for the EU and its Member States to enhance support to Eastern Partnership countries, in particular through cooperation on building state and societal resilience to disinformation and Russian state propaganda, in order to counter the strategic weakening and fragmentation of societies and institutions;
Amendment 419 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to help EaP countries to strengthen the technical infrastructure necessary for cyber resilience, and adjust advisory mandates to include specialised training in combating hybrid warfare activities, cyber warfare and OSINT analysis and provide platform for sharing the knowledge;
Amendment 426 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Expresses deep concern about destabilising and terrorist actions by certain countries, notably Iran, in the South Caucasus; strongly condemns any acts of terrorism; welcomes the security cooperation between the EU, its Member States and EaP countries and fully supports the further deepening of counter-terrorism cooperation;
Amendment 433 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the Commission to prevent any use or EU funding of illegal surveillance technologies, and calls on the EU and the Member States to engage with Azerbaijan government to end using such illegal surveillance technologies and repressive cybersecurity;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the geopolitical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a quicklya deteriorating security environment areis posing unprecedented challenges to the Union’s common security and defence policy (CSDP); emphasises, against this background, that achieving the objectives of the CSDP to strengthen the Union’s operational capacity as provided for in the Treaty on European Union is more necessary than ever;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Urges the HR/VP, the Council and the Member States to make sure that there is a leap in quality as regards CSDP capabilities, in particular via permanent multinational units for military CSDP operations, including an entry force, and more financial resources, common training and a pool of available experts for civilian CSDP missions;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes the idea to use Article 44 TEU for the establishment of permanent multinational military units such as an entry force; calls on the HR/VP to present such plans to the Parliament, and to elaborate in particular on the decision- making options, including the use of QMV;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent Council of Defence Ministers chaired by the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with a view to coordinating the defence policies of the Member States, in particularly with regard to cybersecurityArticle 43 (1) TEU military tasks such as military crisis management, peacekeeping, rescue missions, and anti- terrorism, as well as cybersecurity;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the Union’s diplomacy, security and defence, which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports, in this regard, the development of the European cyber defence policy, as announced by the President of the Commission in the State of the Union address;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2183(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that Parliament should play a prominent role in scrutinising and supervising the implementation and evaluation of the CSDP, including monitoring the implementation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation, the European Defence Fund, Military Mobility and the European Peace Facility.
Amendment 2 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the geopolitical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a quicklya deteriorating security environment areis posing unprecedented challenges to the Union’s common foreign and security policy; emphasises that, in the face of these challenges, the Union needs to stay resilient and improve the speed of its responses to the fast-changing global environment;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Urges the HR/VP to urgently make a proposal for the introduction of QMV in the Foreign Affairs Council in order to bring the main decision-making body up to speed, adapt it to the changing security environment, and at the same time overcome that agreement is often only possible on the lowest common denominator, which rarely sends strong signals to third countries, in particular those with aggressive foreign policies run by autocrats;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for increased efforts to fight foreign disinformation, third party interference, and information manipulation, which negatively influence the Union’s ability to cope with new challenges, and implement effectively its internal and foreign policies;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Offers other EU institutions its active participation in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy, including through election observation and parliamentary diplomacy, with Parliament keeping a prominent role.
Amendment 290 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Where relevant commodities or products were produced in a country or part thereof listed as high risk in accordance with Article 27, or there is a risk of relevant commodities or products produced in such countries or parts thereof entering the relevant supply chain, each Member State shall ensure that the annual checks carried out by their competent authorities cover at least 1530% of the operators placing, making available on or exporting from the Union market each of the relevant commodities and products on their market as well as 1530% of the quantity of each of the relevant commodities and products placed or made available on or exported from their market from high risk countries or parts thereof. Competent authorities shall ensure that the annual checks carried out on the basis of this article regularly include all of the elements listed in Article 15.
Amendment 291 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Where, on the basis of the examination of evidence or other relevant information, including based on information exchanged under Article 18 and substantiated concerns provided by third parties under Article 29, or following the checks referred to in Article 15 and 16, possible serious shortcomingsinfringements of this regulation have been detected, or risks have been identified pursuant to Article 14(6), the competent authorities may take immediate interim measures, including seizure or suspension of the placing or making available on and exporting from the Union market of the relevant commodities and products.
Amendment 292 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice toIn addition to the imposition of penalties in line with Article 23, where competent authorities establish that an operator or trader has not complied with its obligations under this Regulation or that a relevant commodity or product is not compliant with this Regulation, they shall without delay require the relevant operator or trader to take appropriate and proportionate corrective action to bring the non-compliance to an end within a specified and reasonable period of time.
Amendment 296 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) addressing any shortcoming in the due diligence system which may have led to the non compliance, in view of preventing the risk of further infringements
Amendment 297 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 3
Article 22 – paragraph 3
3. If the operator or trader fails to takcomplete the corrective action referred to in paragraph 2 within the period of time specified by the competent authority under paragraph 1, or where the non- compliance referred to in paragraph 1 persists after that period of time ends, competent authorities shall ensure that the relevant commodity or product is withdrawn or recalled, or that its being made available on or exported from the Union market is prohibited or restricted.
Amendment 299 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) fines proportionate to the environmental damage and the value of the relevant commodities or products concerned, calculating the level of such fines in such way as to make sure that they effectively deprive those responsible of the economic benefits derived from their infringements, and gradually increasing the level of such fines for repeated infringements; the maximum amount of such fines shall be at least 4 % of the operators or trader’s annual turnover in the Member State or Member States concernedUnion, calculated in accordance with Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) 139/2004;
Amendment 300 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) in case of serious or repeated infringement, suspension of the right to submit a due diligence statement in view of placing relevant commodities and products on the Union market, or of exporting them.;
Amendment 301 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
(db) recall of relevant commodities or products offered for sale including at retailers;
Amendment 302 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d c (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 2 – point d c (new)
(dc) criminal sanctions, in accordance with the (Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directive 2008/99/EC)
Amendment 304 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Amendment 309 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall develop an electronic interface based on the EU Single Window Environment for Customs to enable the transmission of data, in particular the notifications and requests referred to in Article 24, paragraphs 5 to 8, between national customs systems and the information system referred to in Article 31. This electronic interface shall be in place at the latest fourno later than 1 years from the date of adoption of the relevant implementing act referred to in paragraph 3.
Amendment 310 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Commission mayshall develop an electronic interface based on the EU Single Window Environment for Customs to enable:
Amendment 313 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes a threewo- tier system for the assessment of countries or parts thereof. Unless identified in accordance with this Article as presenting a low or high risk, countries shall be considered as presenting a standard risk. The Commission may identify countries or parts thereof that present a low or high risk of producing relevant commodities or products that are not compliant with Article 3, point (a). The list of the countries or parts thereof that present a low or high risk shall be published by means of implementing act(s) to be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 34(2). That list shall be updated as necessary in light of new evidence.
Amendment 314 #
2021/0366(COD)
2. The identification of low and high risk countries or parts thereof pursuant to paragraph 1 shall follow a transparent assessment process which shall take into account information provided by the country concerned and by third parties, including indigenous peoples, local communities and civil society organisations and be based on the following assessment criteria:
Amendment 315 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) rate of deforestation and forestecosystem conversion and forest and ecosystems degradation,
Amendment 317 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) production transformation, and import trends of relevant commodities and products,
Amendment 318 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point d
Amendment 320 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) agreements and other instruments concluded between the country concerned and the Union that address deforestation or forest degradation and facilitates compliance of relevant commodities and products with the requirements of this Regulation and their effective implementationprovided that their timely and effective implementation has been ascertained on the basis of an objective and transparent assessment;
Amendment 322 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) the existence of public mapping of all existing concessions and the possibility for these to be linked with ownership data
Amendment 323 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) whether the country concerned has national or subnational laws in place, including in accordance with Article 5 of the Paris Agreement, and takes effective enforcement measures to avoid and sanction activities leading to deforestation and forest conversion and forest and ecosystem degradation, and in particular whether sanctions of sufficient severity to deprive of the benefits accruing from deforestation or forest degradation are applied. forest conversion or forest and ecosystem degradation or non-compliance with the rules applicable in the country of production described in Article 2(28) are applied.
Amendment 326 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) existence, compliance with, and effective enforcement of laws protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and other customary tenure rights holders;
Amendment 328 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point f b (new)
Amendment 331 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission shall notify the countries concerned of its intent to assign a change to the existing risk category and invite them to provide any information deemed useful in this regard. It shall also carry out a public consultation to gather information and views from all interested parties, including in particular Indigenous Peoples, local communities small holders, women and civil society organisations. The Commission shall allow the countries and other interested parties adequate time to provide a response, which may include information on measures taken by the country to remedy the situation in case its status or the status of parts thereof might be changed to a higher risk category.
Amendment 332 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
It shall include in the notification, and in the consultation, the following information:
Amendment 334 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 27 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the consequences of its identification as a high or low risk country.
Amendment 337 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall engage with producer countries concerned by this Regulation to develop partnerships and cooperation to jointly address deforestation and forest, including countries exporting significant volumes of commodities listed in Annex I, to develop partnerships and cooperation to jointly address the root causes of deforestation, ecosystems conversion and forest and ecosystem degradation. Such partnerships and cooperation mechanisms wishall be supported by adequate resources and shall focus on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of forests, deforestation, forest degradationecosystem conversion, forest and ecosystem degradation, human rigths protection, and the transition to sustainable commodity production, consumption processing and trade methods, good governance as well as protecting the lives and livelihoods of forest dependent communities including indigenous peoples, local communities, other customary tenure right holders and smallholders. Partnerships and cooperation mechanisms may include structured dialogues, support programmes and actions, administrative arrangements and provisions in existing agreements or agreements that enable producer countries to make the transition to an agricultural production that facilitates the compliance of relevant commodities and products with the requirements of this regulation. Such agreements and their effective implementation will be taken into account as part of the benchmarking under Article 27 of this Regulation.
Amendment 340 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Partnerships and cooperation should allow the full participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, women and the private sector including, SMEs and smallholders.
Amendment 344 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. Partnerships and cooperation shall promote the development of integrated land use planning processes, relevant legislations, including multi stakeholder processes to define the scope of relevant legislation, fiscal incentives and other pertinent tools to improve forest and biodiversity conservation, sustainable management and restoration of forests, tackle the conversion of forests and vulnerable ecosystems to other land uses, optimise gains for the landscape, tenure security, agriculture productivity and competitiveness, transparent supply chains, protect the rights of ownership, tenure and access to land, including rights of tree tenure for local and indigenous communities, and the right to give or withhold free, prior and informed consent, strengthen the rights of forest dependent communities including smallholders, indigenous peoples and local communities, strengthen national systems of governance and law enforcement, and ensure public access to forest management documents and other relevant information.
Amendment 345 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4
Article 28 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall engage in international bilateral and multilateral discussion on policies and actions to halt deforestation and forest degradation, including in multilateral fora such as Convention on Biological Diversity, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, United Nations Environment Assembly, United Nations Forum on Forests, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, World Trade Organisation, G7 and G20. Such engagement shall include the promotion of the transition to sustainable agricultural production and sustainable forest management as well as the development of transparent and sustainable supply chains as well as continue efforts towards identifying and agreeing robust standards and definitions that ensure a high level of protection of forest ecosystemand other natural ecosystems and related human rights.
Amendment 348 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission shall ensure that there are sufficient resources to support smallholders in third countries to comply with the requirements of this Regulation and facilitate their access to the EU market.
Amendment 351 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Competent authorities shall diligently and impartially assess the substantiated concerns and take the necessary steps, including checks and hearings of operators and traders, with a view to detecting potential breaches of the provisions of this Regulation and, where circumstances indicate a breach has likely occurred, appropriate, interim measures under Article 21 to prevent the placing making available on and export from the Union market of relevant commodities and products under investigation.
Amendment 352 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 3
Article 29 – paragraph 3
3. The competent authority shall, as soon as possiblewithin 30 days of receiving a substantiated concern, and in accordance with the relevant provisions of national law, inform the natural or legal persons referred to in paragraph 1, which submitted observations to the authority, of its assessment of their substantiated concern pursuant to paragraph 2, and the decision to accede to or refuse the request for action and shall provide the reasons for it and shall, where further action is taken pursuant to paragraph 2, inform the natural or legal person of the further action taken and the outcome within 60 days of receiving the substantiated concern.
Amendment 353 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 a (new)
Article 29 a (new)
Amendment 355 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Any such procedure shall be fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive as well as provide adequate and effective remedies, including injunctive relief where appropriate.
Amendment 356 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Member States shall ensure that practical information is made available to the public on access to administrative and judicial review procedures.
Amendment 360 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. No later than two years after the entry into force, the Commission shall carry out a first review of this Regulation, and shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal. The report shall focus in particular on an evaluation of the need and the feasibility of extending the scope of this Regulation to other ecosystems, including land with high carbon stocks and land with a high biodiversity value such as grasslands, peatlands and wetlands and further commoditieadditional measures to strengthen the protection of forests , natural ecosystems, and human rights.
Amendment 363 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. No later than five years after the entry into force and at least every five years thereafter, the Commission shall carry out a general review of this Regulation, and shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council accompanied, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal. The first of the reports shall include in particular, based on specific studies, an evaluation of:
Amendment 366 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 368 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 32 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 370 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 32 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall permanently monitor the impacts of this regulation on vulnerable stakeholders such as smallholders, indigenous peoples and local communities, especially in third countries, also paying particular regard to the situation of women. The monitoring shall be based on a scientific and transparent methodology and shall take into account information provided by the interested stakeholders. No later than three years from the date of application referred to in Article 36(2), the Commission shall propose measures, taking into account the outcomes of the monitoring process aiming at supporting these stakeholders, in particular to: a) Ensure that their production methods and scale are able to comply with the sustainability criteria set out in the regulation, and that their commodities and products are traceable and their origin transparent; b) Promote, when necessary, their transition towards, and the maintaining of, socially and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices which do not make them exclusively dependent on commodity production for export but support a transition focused on agro- ecology; c) Facilitate and support their inclusion in supply chains leading to the EU internal market by creating conditions and incentives that enable them to comply with the EU regulatory requirements; d) Provide support and incentives for them to conserve their forests and natural ecosystems on their lands that are used for commodity production; e) Guarantee that, in any case, the rights of Indigenous Peoples and other local communities with tenure rights are adequately protected.
Amendment 371 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 3
Article 32 – paragraph 3
3. Without prejudice to the general review under paragraph 1, a first review of Annex I shall be carried out by the Commission no later than two years after the entry into force of this Regulation, and thereafter at regular intervals in order to assess whether it is appropriate to amend or extend the relevant productcommodities listed in Annex I in order to ensure that all products that contain, have been fed with or have been made using relevant commodities are included in that list, unless the demand for those products has a negligible effect on deforeste broadest application to commodities linked to deforestation, ecosystem conversion and forest and ecosystem degradation. The reviews shall be based on an assessment of the effect of the relevant commodities and products on deforestation and forest, ecosystem conversion and forest and ecosystem degradation, and take into account changes in consumption, as indicated by scientific evidence.
Amendment 373 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 4
Article 32 – paragraph 4
4. Following a review as set out in paragraph 3, the Commission may adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 33 to amend Annex I to include relevant products that contain or have been made usingadditional relevant commodities.
Amendment 375 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 4
Article 33 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State and the public, in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making.
Amendment 11 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU and its Member States must further strengthen cyber resilience and develop common and robust cyber security and defencedevelop a cyber security strategy which sets realistic, precise, and ambitious objectives, and defines policies in a clear manner in both, the military and civilian domain, and also in the area where both sectors overlap; whereas all EU institutions and EU Member States have to work more in common at all levels to build that strategy, whose main objective should be to further strengthen resilience, and as a consequence, develop common, but also better national, robust civilian and military cyber capabilities in order to respond to lasting security challenges;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and European Defence Agency (EDA) should support Member States in stepping up their efforts to deliver better national and common military cyber defence capabilities and technologies, addressing all aspects of capability development, including doctrine, leadership, organisation, personnel, training, industry, technology, infrastructure, logistics and interoperability;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas EU Cyber Defence Policy Framework updated in 2018 identified priorities, including the development of military cyber defence capabilities, as well as the protection of the Common Security and Defence Policy’s (CSDP) communication and information networks, as regards CSDP organisational structures, but also ad hoc structures in the field where civilian and military CSDP missions and operations are deployed;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into all defence forces’ offensive cyber capabilities (military capabilities (the so called system behind most weapons systems, which is sensors collecting data, and algorithms processing and analysing that data, cyber- physical systems, including the communication and data links between vehicles in a networked system) may lead to vulnerabilities to conventional and electronic warfare attacks such as jamming, spoofing or hacking, which could block or weaken legitimate military action;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
The state of EU cooperation on military and civilian cyber defence capabilities
Amendment 56 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that a common cyber defence policy and a substantial cyber defenceEU level cooperation on generating common and also better national military cyber capabilityies are core elements for the development of the Europestrengthening of an effective Common Security and Defence Union; stresses the urgent need to strengthen EUPolicy and overall resilience of the Union; stresses the urgent need to develop and strengthen both, common and the Member State military cyber defence capabilities;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the review of the Cyber Defence Policy Framework (CDPF) should first of all highlight the existing gaps and vulnerabilities as regards EU and national military structures; stresses the need to enhance coordination between EU actors, notably the EEAS, the EU Military Staff, the European Commission, the European Defence Agency (EDA), between and with Member States, as well as with the European Parliament, in order to ensure the updated CDPF achieves the EU’s cyber defence objectives;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EEAS to further develop a coherent IT security policy to strengthenand to first of all strengthen resilience, but also military cyber defence coordination; urges a cooperation strategy with the EU’s civilian Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT-EU) to protect networks used by all EU institutions; calls on the European Parliament to ensure its participation in CERT-EU results to ensured a level of IT security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the Treaties, including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 Inter- Institutional Agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the European Defence Fund (EDF), will alsomay support strengthening resilience, and improve preparedness, responsiveness and cooperation in the cyber domain provided such a priority will be decided when negotiating relevant EDF work programmes;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the Council’s June 2019 framework Decision of 14 May 2019 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States, which allows targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber- attacks that constitute a threat to the EU or its Member States, including cyber- attacks against third countries or international organisations; welcomes the imposition of such restrictive measures in July 2020 and October 2020 as a credible step in strengthening the EU’s cyber diplomacy toolbox;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes thatUnderlines the need for the HR/VP and the Member States to use the Strategic Compass willprocess to enhance and guide the implementation of the EU’s level of ambition in security and defence, and translate that ambition into better common and national capability needies, including in military cyber defence, thereby increasing the ability of the EU and Member States to prevent, discourage, deter, respond to and recover from malicious cyber activities by strengthening its posture, situational awareness, tools, procedures and partnerships;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that fragmentation is accompanied by serious concerns over resources and staff at the EU levelnational and EU level, both in terms of quantity and quality; urges the VP/HR and/or the Member States to increase financial and personnel resources, and their training, in particular experts in cyberforensics because the individuals and organisations behind many cyber attacks cannot be identified within short time frames, which causes majors problems as regards the organisation of adequate political, civilian and military responses; calls for further funding for CERT-EU and the creation of an EU security operations centre;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that cyber defence has both military and civilian dimensions; stresses the need to first analyse and discuss problems of cooperation, coordination, but also gaps as regards human and technical resources both at national and EU level; calls on the VP/HR, therefore, to develop an integrated policy approach and close cooperation between the Military CERT- Network and CERT-EU;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls that improving cyber defence capabilities also requires civilian network and information security expertise; welcomestakes note of the proposed revision of the Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS) and of current EU law, seeking to protect critical infrastructures, enhance supply chain security and the inclusion of regulated actors in the digital ecosystem, and refers to the relevant SEDE opinions on both proposals;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for enhanced mutual operational assistance between Member States in particular in the event of major cyber attacks such as the one on Estonia in 2007; strongly emphasises the importance of further exercises and scenario-based policy discussions on crisis management, including on the mutual assistance clause (Article 42(7) of the TEU) in a hypothetical cyber attack scenario; calls for increased coordination with NATO in this matter through participation in cyber exercises and joint training, such as the parallel and coordinated exercises (PACE); calls for such initiatives to strengthen the common understanding on the implementation procedures for mutual assistance and/or solidarity in line with Article 42(7) of the TEU and Article 222 of the TFEU, including with a specific objective of operationalising these procedures for cyber-attacks on the EU institutions or Member States;
Amendment 211 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Considers that EU-NATO cyber cooperation is crucial, as it enables strong formal attribution and thus the imposition of restrictive sanctions; notes that in general, functioning deterrence would be achieved if adversaries were aware of the catalogue of possible credible countermeasures, and their proportionality and appropriateness, their compliance with international law, in particular the UN Chater (based on the severity, scale, and target of the cyber- attacks);
Amendment 244 #
2020/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for closer coordination on cyber defence between Member States, the EU institutions, NATO, the United States and other strategic partners; underlines the urgent need for implementing the widely- recognised international normative framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace within the UN contexte;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the European Union needs to take urglong-term oriented steps to close the gap with the US and China to be at the forefront of ensuring a competitive and sustainable data- driven global economy;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines the need to develop infrastructures and technical solutions allowing the deployment of a digital transition consistent with the Paris Agreement and EU climate and environmental objectives and in particular with the 2030 targets and the zero net GHG emissions by 2050; calls thereby for the introduction of an EU digital sustainability index based on an analysis of product life cycles; points out that such index would contribute to the development of the EU toolkit to assess and further deploy Trade and Sustainability Chapters and related commitments and enforcement mechanisms;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Stresses that enabling sharing and access to essential and well-defined data sets will be key to fully unlock the potential of the Green Deal; calls on the Commission to assess which datasets are essential for the ecological transition in the context of sustainable products and services, inter alia in product manufacturing, transportation, carbon, energy and biodiversity impact, as well as their end-of life handling; underlines that future or updated trade deals should provide for specific mechanisms related to transfers and protection of such data sets;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Emphasizes the need to ensure that the digital transition reinforces open technologies, portability and interoperability; points out that updated and new trade deal should cover such objectives;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly supports multilateral solutions for digital trade rules and calls for the plurilateral WTO negotiations on e- commerce to be concluded; regretachieve meaningful progress towards a balanced outcome, underlines that, in the absence of properly designed global rules, EU companies armay be faced with non-tariff barriers in digital trade such as unjustified geo-blocking, data localisation and mandatory technology transfer requirements; supports making the WTO moratorium on electronic transmissions permanentunderlines that electronic data represents a key economic ‘raw material’ or the digital transitions and that it is thereby crucial to provide clarity regarding the definition of electronic transmissions and to ensure the respect of the principle of technological neutrality according to which rules of import and export should remain the same irrespective of the technology;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that data access and processing are often indispensable to providing competitive digital services; calls on the Commission to adopt digital trade rules that increasesupport the competitiveness of EU business and facilitate the free transfer of data flows across borders while respecting EU data protectionguaranteeing the enforcement of EU data protection, consumer protection standards and privacy rules;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reminds the Commission that any proposal on the digital single market should fully respect the EU’s international obligations, including WTO and bilateral trade agreements; urges the Commission to fully assess the geopolitical and strategic implications of its proposalsPoints out that EU’s international obligations, including WTO and bilateral trade agreements should be interpreted, in consistency with the respect of fundamental rights and EU public policy objectives such as the right to privacy, data and consumer protection;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomesTakes note of the conclusion of the rules-based Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which deepens the economic integration of the region; regrets, however, the lack of a robust sustainable development chapter in the RCEP; believes that the conclusion of the RCEP should encourage the EU to help set global rules for the digital economy; supports in this regard thetakes note of the Commission and High Representative proposal to establishment of an EU-US Trade and Technology Council and the work on a Transatlantic AI Agreement to help facilitate trade and the development of compatible rules and standards in digital trade; reiterates that the European Parliament must be an integral part in the negotiations on the Trade and Technology Council and be granted oversight in order to scrutinize the process as the only directly elected European Institution; urges the Commission to ensure a high level of transparency not only when negotiating trade rules but also when cooperating with third countries;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the role of digital trade in facilitating access to global value chains for SMEs and, emphasizes that it should also contributinge to women’s economic empowerment.; points out that the use of open source is a path towards open and sustainable digital transformation, both through open source software and open hardware, progressing towards European strategic autonomy in the digital economy;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Believes that practices that undermine consumer and data protection as well as labour rights such as facial recognition algorithms, technology- enabled surveillance, monitoring and control in the workplace, such as prediction and flagging tools, remote monitoring, time-tracking and algorithmic management should be avoided and that any future or updated trade agreement should ban transfers of data flows underpinning such practices;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Asks the Commission to clarify the impact of the source code clause proposed in the context of current negotiations on electronic commerce at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on EU digital policies, in particular as regards consumer rights, and meanwhile to withdraw such trade law clause since software source code already enjoys copyright and trade secret protection;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Urges Commission to transparently assess and ensure consistency of its trade proposals with internal policies especially in the field of regulation and oversight of AI and to ensure that EU policy space is preserved so that present and future regulatory endeavours as regards AI is not restricted through trade rules;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Council and the Member States to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (CSDP) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy, and of ambitionovereignty in decision-making and operational autonomy; recalls that in the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy in line with the Treaty on European Union will lead to common defence, when the European Council, acting unanimously, so decides; states that according to the Council such decision has not been taken or is being prepared;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes in this regard the political guidelines of the Commission regarding defence policy, and in particular regarding the need for bold steps towards a genuine Europemore effective Common Security and Defence Union,Policy (CSDP) and for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the EU’s security; hopnotes that the creation of a new Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space willhas the potential to serve as a catalyst for enhanced coherence in the creation of defence capabilities;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers it necessaryRequests to step up the actual contribution of PESCO projects to the achievement of the EU’s ambitions in the area of security and defence, by effectively ensuring that the participating Member States strengthen their collaboration in significant and ambitious capability development, and that there is coherence between the EU and NATO in terms of prioritiespooling and sharing;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the participating Member States to continue makingmake a proper amount of resources available for PESCO projects, while ensuring real ownership of and commitment to PESCO coordinating and pooling processes;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Council to define strict conditions for the participation of third states in PESCO projects, in accordance with Article 9 of Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/2315; considers that any such participation should not deviate PESCO from its fundamental objectives as an instrument of the EU CSDP, while respecting the obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2080(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Council and the participating Member States to focus on Cyber Resilience and prepare a collective strategy and procedures to respond to cyber incidents through PESCO projects in order to create a more resilient environment within the Member States;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on states to carry out an assessment of how autonomous military devices have contributed to their national security and what their national security can gain from AI-enabled weapon systems, in particular as regards the potential of such technologies to reduce human error, thus enhancing the implementation of IHL principles; reminds that any given LAWS or weapon with a high degree of autonomy could malfunction on account of badly written code or a cyber-attack perpetrated by an enemy state or a non- state actor; calls on Member States to clearly define and communicate the expected economic, diplomatic and military consequences third actors engaging in cyber-attacks against European weapons with a high degree of autonomy will face; believes that the expected reaction must be credible and severe enough to prevent such actions caused by hostile states and other actors;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls its resolution of 12 September on autonomous weapon systems; welcomes in this respect the agreement of Council and Parliament to exclude lethal autonomous weapons ‘without the possibility for meaningful human control over the selection and engagement decisions when carrying out strikes’ from actions funded under the European Defence Fund;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the HR/VP, in the framework of the ongoing discussions on the international regulation of lethal autonomous weapon systems by states parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), to help streamline the global debate on core issues and definitions where consensus has not been reached, in particular as regards concepts and characteristics of AI-enabled lethal autonomous weapons and their functions in the identification, selection and engagement of a target, application of the concept of human responsibility in the use of AI-enabled systems in defence, and the degree of human/machine interaction, including the concept of human control and judgment, during the different stages of the lifecycle of an AI-enabled weapon; stresses the need to urgently speed up such discussions at CCW and possibly other fora in order not to miss the moment in which the international community could have regulated this ongoing revolution in military affairs; reminds its 12 September 2018 call for the urgent development and adoption of an EU common position on lethal autonomous weapon systems and for an international ban on the development, production and use of lethal autonomous weapon systems enabling strikes to be carried out without meaningful human control.
Amendment 64 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges, that modern arms- race dynamics between major military nation states in the development of lethal autonomous weapon systems are outpacing the advance and effective, universal application and enforcement of common rules and legal frameworks, because the development and deployment of these systems are classified and nation states have an inherent interest in creating the fastest and most effective offensive capabilities, irrespective of current and potential future legal frameworks or principles;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on all UN Security Council Members to classify armed, fully autonomous drone swarms as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) because of their degree of potential harm and innate deficiencies to fully differentiate between military and civilian targets; believes that effective non-proliferation enforcement of these and any future offensive AI-enabled WMD technologies is paramount to global security;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that, based on a human- centric approach, the Union follows a path of responsibility, of protecting our citizens, and of defending our values, whilst seizing the opportunities that those technologies offer; welcomes and supports the Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence ‘Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI’ published on 9 April 2019 and its position on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS);
Amendment 48 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that the Union must be at the forefront of mastering those technologies by establishing well defined processes for their use, for understanding the related ethical aspects and for fostering an effective international regulatory framework that contains the inherent risks of these technologies and prevents use for malicious purposes; those include in particular unintended harm to persons, be it material or immaterial, such as breach of fundamental rights; urges the VP/HR, the Member States and the Council to initiate multilateral negotiations on a legally binding instrument regulating LAWS, with an effective enforcement mechanisms; regrets the failure to agree on such regulation at the Convention on Conventional Weapons;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that for any defence application of AI enabled systems, the Union should set technical and organisational standards to ensure their resilience against cyber-attacks and digital influence, as well as their compliance with the highest possible trustworthiness standards as regards the collection and exploitation of operational data; whereas any given LAWS could malfunction on account of badly written code or a cyber- attack perpetrated by an enemy state or a non-state actor; calls on Member States to clearly define and communicate the expected economic, diplomatic and military consequences third actors engaging in cyber-attacks against European weapons with a high degree of autonomy will face; believes that the expected reaction must be credible and severe enough to prevent such actions cause by hostile states and other actors;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stressed that all AI-systems in defence must have a concrete and well- defined domain of use and must be endowed with the ability to detect and disengage or diseactivate deployed systems should they move from their domain of use or engage in any escalatory or unintended action; supports the statements of the world’s most prominent AI researchers in their Open Letter from 2015, which calls for a 'ban on offensive autonomous weapons beyond meaningful human control';
Amendment 89 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that the entire responsibility for the decision to design, develop, deploy and use AI-systems must rest on human operators and the human-in- the-loop principle must also be applied to the command and control of AI-enabled systems; stresses that AI-enabled systems must allow the military leadership to assume its full responsibility and exercise the necessary level of judgment for taking lethal or large-scale destructive action be means of such systems; reminds and supports in this respect its resolution on autonomous weapons systems of 12 September 2019;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the agreement of Council and Parliament to exclude lethal autonomous weapons ‘without the possibility for meaningful human control over the selection and engagement decisions when carrying out strikes’ from actions funded under the European Defence Fund;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the need to overcome the current fragmentation within the Union as regards national AI-related law, research, innovation and expertise in the area of AI, which puts in jeopardy the internal market and the objective to ensure trustworthy and secure development of AI in Europe; in this respect welcomes the inclusion of AI- related projects under the European Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP); believes that the future European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) also offer well adapted frameworks for future AI- related projects that would help to better streamline Union efforts in this field, and promote at the same time the EU’s objective to strengthen human rights, international law, and multilateral solutions;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the available expertise in non-proliferation and arms control in the EU to be strengthened and the training of EU and Member State personnel to be improved; calls in particular for the creation of a European Dual-Use Export Control Agency in order to meet the widened mandate for transparency reporting, coordination, enforcement and enlarged scope of obligations in the Dual- Use Regulation (2021/821);
Amendment 16 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Despite existing measures at Union19 and national level aimed at supporting the protection of critical infrastructures in the Union, the entities operating those infrastructures are not adequately equipped to address current and anticipated future risks to their operations that may result in disruptions of the provision of services that are essential for the performance of vital societal functions or economic activities. This is due to a dynamic threat landscape with an evolving terrorist threathreat by hostile states and non-state actors and growing interdependencies between infrastructures and sectors, as well as an increased physical risk due to natural disasters and climate change, which increases the frequency and scale of extreme weather events and brings long- term changes in average climate that can reduce the capacity and efficiency of certain infrastructure types if resilience or climate adaptation measures are not in place. Moreover, relevant sectors and types of entities are not recognised consistently as critical in all Member States. _________________ 19European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP).
Amendment 19 #
2020/0365(COD)
(3) Those growing interdependencies are the result of an increasingly cross- border and interdependent network of service provision using key infrastructures across the Union in the sectors of energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructure, digital infrastructure, drinking and waste water, health, certain aspects of public administration, as well as space in as far as the provision of certain services depending on ground-based infrastructures that are owned, managed and operated either by Member States or by private parties is concerned, therefore not covering infrastructures owned, managed or operated by or on behalf of the Union as part of its space programmes but which are also of relevance for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). These interdependencies mean that any disruption, even one initially confined to one entity or one sector, can have cascading effects more broadly, potentially resulting in far-reaching and long-lasting negative impacts in the delivery of services across the internal market. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the vulnerability of our increasingly interdependent societies in the face of low- probability risks.
Amendment 20 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3 a) The Union understands hybrid campaigns to be ‘multidimensional, combining coercive and subversive measures, using both conventional and unconventional tools and tactics (diplomatic, military, economic, and technological) to destabilise the adversary. They are designed to be difficult to detect or attribute, and can be used by state and non-state actors. The internet and online networks allow state and non-state actors to conduct aggressive action in new ways. They can be used to hack critical infrastructure, entities and democratic processes, launch persuasive disinformation and propaganda campaigns, steal information and unload sensitive data into the public domain. Large-scale cyber-attacks on critical entities and infrastructure across borders have the potential to invoke Article 222 TFEU (the 'solidarity clause').
Amendment 21 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 b (new)
Recital 3 b (new)
(3 b) Large-scale cyber security incidents and crises at Union level, the high degree of interdependence between sectors and countries require a coordinated action to ensure a rapid and effective response, as well as better prevention and preparedness for similar situations in the future. The availability of cyber-resilient critical networks and entities, and information systems and the availability, confidentiality and integrity of data are vital for the security of the Union within as well as beyond its borders. Given the blurring of lines between the realms of civilian and military matters and the dual-use nature of cyber tools and technologies, there is a need for a comprehensive and holistic approach.
Amendment 27 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The actions of Member States to identify and help ensure the resilience of critical entities should follow a risk-based approach that targets efforts to the entities most relevant for the performance of vital societal functions or economic activities. In order to ensure such a targeted approach, each Member State should carry out, within a harmonised framework, an assessment of all relevant natural and man- made risks that may affect the provision of essential services, including accidents, natural disasters, various effects of climate change, public health emergencies such as pandemics, hybrid threats and antagonistic threats, including terrorist offences. When carrying out those risk assessments, Member States should take into account other general or sector-specific risk assessment carried out pursuant to other acts of Union law and should consider the dependencies between sectors, including from other Member States and third countries. The outcomes of the risk assessment should be used in the process of identification of critical entities and to assist those entities in meeting the resilience requirements of this Directive.
Amendment 36 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. This Directive lays down measures with a view to achieve a high level of resilience of critical entities in order to ensure the provision of essential services within the Union, and by doing so, ensuring the functioning of the internal market and the provisioning of essential social services. To that end, this Directive:
Amendment 39 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) “essential service” means a service which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions or economic activities, public safety, the environment, the rule of law and fundamental rights;
Amendment 41 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) strategic objectives and priorities for the purposes of enhancing the overall resilience of critical entities taking into account cross-border and cross-sectoral interdependencies; , also in the event of a hybrid threat;
Amendment 45 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The risk assessment shall account for all relevant natural and man-made risks, including accidents, natural disasters, public health emergencies, hybrid threats and large-scale incidents, antagonistic threats, including terrorist offences pursuant to Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 . _________________ 34Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA (OJ L 88, 31.3.2017, p. 6).
Amendment 48 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the dependency of other sectors referred to in the Annex on that service, including sectors providing infrastructures and services for institutions in charge of security and defence;
Amendment 49 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the impacts that incidents could have, in terms of degree and duration, on economic and societal activities, the environment and public safety, the rule of law and fundamental rights;
Amendment 51 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that their competent authorities, whenever appropriate, and in accordance with Union and national law, consult and cooperate with other relevant national authorities, in particular those in charge of civil protection, law enforcement, security and defence and protection of personal data, as well as with relevant interested parties, including critical entities.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) prevent incidents from occurring, including through disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures and measures contributing to the fight against climate change;
Amendment 59 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) the impact on human life and the environmental consequences;
Amendment 63 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Critical Entities Resilience Group, in the spirit of security cooperation and open access, shall regularly publish its findings and appropriately anonymised source data for the general public for use in academia, security research and for other beneficial uses.
Amendment 64 #
2020/0365(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. In order to receive and properly use the information received according to article 13 the Commission shall keep a European registry of incidents and develop a common European reporting centre, with the aim of developing and sharing best practices and methodologies.
Amendment 1 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the Eastern Partnership (EaP) is an important part of the EU Neighbourhood Policy and is aimed at achieving political association, ensuring further economic integration and establishing a platform to address common challenges including sustainable development;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part1 , to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part2 , and to the Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part3 , including Deep And Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs), and the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part, __________________ 1 OJ L 261, 30.8.2014, p. 4. 2 OJ L 260, 30.8.2014, p. 4. 3 OJ L 161, 29.5.2014, p. 3.
Amendment 5 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that Parliament aims to reinforce the economic integration of the EaP countries and that the common goal remains to create and make use of additional market opportunities, such as business development, increased connectivity and the digital economy;, public procurement and energy; stresses that projects in the energy sector, in particular those involving the EIB, EBRD and other public financial institutions, should meet climate objectives and align with EU environmental legislation, in particular the preservation of biodiversity and protected sites consultations on projects affecting protected areas, biodiversity qan d environmental protection, also taking into account local community views emphasises the need to give high priority to the EaP region under the EU´s Connectivity Strategy, calls on the EaP countries to fund the necessary reforms and to further deepen their relations with the EU on both bilateral and multilateral tracks;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of the deep and comprehensive free trade areas (DCFTAs), the comprehensive economic partnership agreements and the partnership and cooperation agreements between the EaP countries and the EU, and the importance of fully implementing them; calls for the EU to closely monitor and to support their implementation through coordinated assistance, to promote sustainable economic development and to support economic reforms and major reforms of the banking and financial sector aiming to combat money laundering and tax evasion; urges the EU to ensure that the DCFTAs do not contradict the climate objectives and initiatives set out in the framework of the European Green Deal; Recalls that DCFTAs must always include strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters, that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and are compliant with WTO rules; Stresses the importance of EU assistance to EaP countries to help them achieve these goals; Expects that deepening trade relations with the EU based on the DCFTA and increased trade flows in the short run will contribute to avoid a sudden economic slowdown in EaP countries and could have favourable long- term effects;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses the importance of economic diversification and of supporting SMEs in order to develop the region’s ability to further innovate indifferent economic sectors and decrease economic migration, including in the ICT sector, and the need for sustainable and credible investments in EaP countries by devising a strategy for long-term engagement;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of conditional EU macro-financial assistance as a contribution to the stabilisation of the neighbourhood and expects further continuity under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Notes the importance of stable funding for the EaP to avoid unpredictability, which would show negative political signal. Believes that economic reforms and cooperation on migration are not sufficient criteria alone; Calls on the Commission to prioritise political reforms over economic stabilisation and to emphasize democratisation
Amendment 18 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Emphasises the importance of focused youth programmes in the EaP in order to improve their job market situation, create decent jobs and support mobility and cyclical migration rather than irreversible economic emigration. Notes in this regard that the stronger growth in the ICT sector and ambitious infrastructure projects will encourage the greater connectivity with the EU and amongst the six countries. Stresses the need to support SMEs and to strengthen digital competences and further innovation within the ICT sector in order to address economic emigration challenges in the neighbourhood.
Amendment 21 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the Commission to explore increased sectoral cooperation, especially in terms of SME investment and domestic market capitalisation, of education and research, innovation and digitisation as well as environmental and green technologies, in order to share know-how and best practices;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Amendment 121 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge and strive for a continuous transformational impact of EaP policy in order to bring about political, social, economic and legal change in the three associated partner countries;
Amendment 127 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) prioritise the need for sustainable and credible investments in EaP countries by devising a strategy for long-term engagement, focusing not only on stabilisation but more so on democratisation;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) continue the holistic approach to the EaP by maintaining an open door and support for all partners, while offering enhanced perspectives and tailor-made incentives to the partner countries which implement genuine democratic reforms;
Amendment 134 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
(ac) acknowledge that any lack of EU presence and inaction vis-a-vis partners in the region will create space for other global players to take up; increase cooperation with like-minded actors to mitigate negative effects of third powers’ rise in the EaP;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a d (new)
(ad) establish a more coordinated policy towards Russia among EU Member States, in particular in terms of engagement on issues concerning the EaP countries;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) acknowledge that those countries that are undertaking comprehensive reforms and taking action to meet the criteria of Article 49 of the TEU may be eligible for EU membership in the future, through a process of gradual integration;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) ensure the full implementation of the current agreements between the EU and EaP countries as a first step in this gradual integration process;
Amendment 227 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) acknowledge the associated partnership status of advanced EaP countries, notably the signatories of AAs with DCFTAs, while continuing to engage with all EaP countries, in order to accommodate the mutual need for more venues for political dialogue, further economic cooperation and legislative harmonisation;
Amendment 241 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) engage further in State building and in strengthening institutions, by making instruments similar to the Support Group for Ukraine available to the associated partners first and foremostand keeping this option open for the other partners; strong, independent and efficient institutions at a central and local level are key to democratic accountability, deoligarchisation, and the fight against corruption and State capture;
Amendment 261 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) acknowledge and encourage initiatives by the governments of EaP countries to step up regional cooperation, with a special focus on associated countries to boost their mutual cooperation; a similar approach should be applied to cooperation amongst all the Eastern European Partners on various issues;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) acknowledge that the implementation of the DCFTAs has been sufficiently successful that itis progressing well and may gradually lead to the opening up of the EU single market in line with the implemented EU standards and requirements;
Amendment 332 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) extend to other associated partners the approach employed by the EU in its efforts to support the recovery of the Ukrainian economy, including by means of tailored and flexible macro-financial assistance and instruments and engagement and coordination of international financial institutions and donors, and by improving the environment for foreign direct investment (FDI); emphasise the conditionality of macro-financial assistance as it underscores democratisation and reforms that contribute to the stabilisation of the neighbourhood;
Amendment 368 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) encourage EaP countries to pursue comprehensive labour policy reforms in order to improve working conditions and workers’ rights;
Amendment 388 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) ensure that all EU support programmes include a gender-equality dimension and target the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of society; encourage EaP countries to increase diversity and inclusion efforts;
Amendment 398 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) support and assist programmes and reforms with regards to media and information literacy to reflect the current digital age;
Amendment 423 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) develop a more active role for the EU in the peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts in its Eastern neighbourhood;
Amendment 475 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) increase cooperation with like- minded civil society groups in the EaP countries to strengthen domestic oversight over democratic reforms in order to add to transparency and sustainability;
Amendment 512 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
(za) reinforce and, where possible, increase the EU’s and EaP countries’ common efforts on people-to-people contacts and exchanges in order to build mutually positive images of each other among the population and to use the pro- European sentiment among the EaP citizenry;
Amendment 525 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point z b (new)
(zb) enhance cooperation on building state and societal resilience to security threats, in particular countering propaganda and disinformation, in the EaP and the EU;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) has contributed to the positive evolution of trade and to economic modernisation, has boosted foreign direct investments and has created new jobs on both sides; welcomes the continuous positive results achieved in bilateral trade and economic relations, with Ukrainian imports growing by 12.3 % and exports by 9.7 %, amounting to EUR 43.3 billion in 2019; and encourage the European Commission to support Ukraine in identifying those areas that could further foster economic diversification and in prioritising them in the process of the DCFTA full implementation;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the approval and disbursement in two parts of the fourth consecutive Macro -Financial Assistance (MFA) programme of EUR 1 billion in support to Ukraine; recalls that the MFA has been an important tool in implementing Ukraine’s ambitious reform agenda and accelerating economic growth, notably through the ‘more for more’ approach and the conditionalities attached to itincentives; recalls the importance of the conditionalities based on real democratic reforms and good governance; encourages Ukraine to continue making progress in acquis regulatory approximation;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that DCFTA is a part of a reform process based on good governance and fight against the corruption and organised crime, and stresses that rule of law is a key precondition for good and functioning implementation, recalls the important role of the Civil society in policy formulation and in a fight against corruption and money laundry;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers regulatory approximation with the EU acquis is the key dimension of the DCFTA because actual access to the EU market and reform very much depend on appropriate implementation and enforcement of relevant legislation; is aware of the important challenge this represents for governance, institutions and public administration in Ukraine and encourages the European Commission to provide adequate technical and financial; commends the activities of the Support Group for Ukraine and calls on the Group to provide more reporting to the European Parliament on the kind of assistance provided, notably with regard to acquis transposition and implementation;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Calls on Ukraine to fully respect the environmental objectives and initiatives set out in the DCFTA, as well as its international commitments to sustainable trade and development, in particular the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Calls on the Ukrainian Government to also focus on the social dimension of trade and sustainable development by addressing the limitations and shortcomings of the labour inspection system and the problems of the judiciary system, which have a negative impact on the enforcement of labour standards; calls on the Ukrainian government to also focus on antidiscrimination in the labour market and employment policies;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Calls on the EU to continue supporting AA/DCFTA countries’ accession to the Single European Payment area (SEPA), that will foremost benefit the citizens and provide new opportunities to SME´s development;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the results achieved under the DCFTA Facility for SMEs in terms of improving access to finance and opening up trade opportunities; highlights that a proper information campaign could enable SMEs to benefit more from the opportunities offered by the DCFTA; notes that the evaluation of the DCFTA implementation is very much focused on trade flows and trade irritants; calls on the European Commission to monitor the impact of the DCFTA on SMEsappropriately monitor and assess the implementation of the DCFTA, with special attention being paid to the acquis transposition and implementation, as well as to the impact on SMEs and the Ukrainian society, and to provide public and comprehensive annual reporting including on the technical and financial support provided by the EU;
Amendment 29 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the importance of supporting a favourable business environment for regional and small and medium-sized enterprises to further innovate different economic sectors; calls on the Commission to support investments in sectors with potential for development, growth and competiveness in the EU, notable in three sectors of strategic significance, such as sustainable energy and climate, digital single market and cyber security, and transport; and further exploring increased sectoral cooperation in digital economy, education and research, innovation, and to enhance ICT sector and digitalisation as well as green technologies, to share know-how and best practices;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to provide technical support for regional employment centres to stimulate the employment; and to also support and invest in youth and the sustainable economic development programmes favouring social entrepreneurship and focus on youth from rural areas in order to strengthen education system with labour market demands to protect the most vulnerable and prevent lack of socio- economic opportunities;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges the solution found for the export of ‘other’ cuts of poultry by amending the trade preferences for poultry meat and poultry meat preparations; calls on Ukraine to abstain from similar practices and to fully respect and implement all provisions of the DCFTA in good faith; deplores the lack of progress in approximating EU animal welfare standards and calls for Ukraine to urgently adopt the draft legislation to fulfil that commitment;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned that Ukraine is the sole European country listed by the Commission as a ‘category 2’ priority country, meaning that intellectual property rights are regularly violatedsystematic problems in the IP protection and enforcement; calls on the Commission to intensify dialogue withcontinue assisting Ukraine oin the issue to avoid further harm to European businesses; expects Ukraine to ensure compliance with commitments made under the EU- Ukraine Association Agreement.mplementation of the DCFTA commitment and in the elaboration of new draft laws on IPR
Amendment 38 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to invest in the strengthening of the technical infrastructure to help Ukraine with cyber resilience, under the new national security strategy and considering establishment of the platform where it would be possible to share the experience of resilience against the electoral interferences, cyber security and disinformation between the EaP partners, EU institutions and its members; underlines also the need for supporting and investing in the development of digital skills and media and information literacy as the only effective way to fight disinformation that has already occurred;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to upgrade neglected areas of the AAs/DCFTAs with regard to important policy areas such as gender mainstreaming and dealing with health crises, as well as ensuring that they do not run counter to the imperative for environmental and climate action or initiatives in the European Green Deal;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Recalls the necessity to strengthen the European Delegations in order to effectively communicate the European approximation and promote positive European and Ukrainian image on both sides;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the positive results achieved in trade and economy with the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) allowing for the reorientation of Moldovan trade and a marked increase in trade with the EU, accounting for 54 % of its total trade in 2019; notes that the implementation of DCFTA has been beneficial for both sides, particularly for agricultural and food sector,
Amendment 3 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the authorities to consider regulatory approximation with the EU acquis, the appropriate implementation and enforcement of relevant legislation; and to continue progress and implement reforms, as the implementation of the DCFTA is an opportunity for the Moldovan economy and for business in Moldova, including the continuing extension of the DCFTA and its benefits for the Transnistrian region, in particular as regards the introduction of VAT and support for SMEs that are the largest sector of the Moldovan economy;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls the importance of the Macro-Financial Assistance conditionalities and the need for the ‘more for more’ incentive.only providing conditional Macro-financial assistance on real basis of democratic reforms, fulfilling criteria and acquis approximation, and recalls the need for the ‘more for more’ incentive. In order to fully assess the progress, the Commission should also search for independent expertise and cooperate with civil society of the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the finalisation and adoption of the new Customs Code that will contribute to better investment and competitive business climate. Calls for greater and more committed efforts in good governance and approximation of rule of law standards, in particularly those aiming at strengthening an independent judiciary; and recall that the independent and depolarised media without political interferences are basis of the democratic society.
Amendment 10 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the reforms should be carried out in the banking and financial system, aiming to tackle money laundering, bank fraud, tax evasion and corruption, possibly through cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud office; encourage the Republic of Moldova to further investigate the ´One Billion Theft´ bank fraud;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need for reforms to improve transparency and encourages Moldova to continue to make progress in the area of public procurement to ensure modernisation and to fight against corruption and recalls the need of the consistent support by EU and Moldova to civil society organisations monitoring fraud and money laundering activities who are the important part of the independent regulatory mechanisms;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to support investment in sectors with potential for development, growth and competiveness in the EU, notable in three sectors of strategic significance, such sustainable energy and climate, digital single market and cyber security, and transport.
Amendment 15 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Call on the Commission to support youth programmes favouring social entrepreneurship and focus on youth from rural areas in order to strengthen education system with labour market demands to protect the most vulnerable and prevent lack of socio-economic opportunities;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Calls on the EU to consider possibility of AA/DCFTA countries accession to the Single European Payment area (SEPA), that will foremost benefit the citizens and provide new opportunities to SME´s development;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls on the Commission to upgrade neglected areas of AAs in regards of important policy areas such as gender, the Green deal and prevention of health crises;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Call on the Commission to strengthen the European Delegation, and monitoring and project team in in Chisinau, in order to effectively communicate the European approximation, fight against disinformation and promote positive European and Moldovan picture on both sides;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2201(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. WCalls for continued improvements in connectivity facilitating e-commerce and digital trade and welcomes the national strategy ‘Digital Moldova 2020’, but calls on the Commission and Moldova to support and assist programmes and reforms aimed at upgrading sectoral cooperation in the digital economy.
Amendment 1 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding and the Joint Statement, signed by the ruling and opposition parties of Georgia on 8 March, regarding the 2020 parliamentary elections;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 b (new)
Citation 12 b (new)
- having regard to the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report on the Presidential Election in Georgia of 28 February 2019;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 c (new)
Citation 12 c (new)
- having regard to the Opinion on the Draft Revised Constitution of Georgia by the Venice Commission of 19 June 2017;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 d (new)
Citation 12 d (new)
- having regard to the Venice Commission’s final opinion of 19 March 2018 on Georgia’s constitutional reform (CDL-AD(2018)005);
Amendment 6 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 e (new)
Citation 12 e (new)
- having regard to the Urgent Opinion on the Selection and Appointment of Supreme Court Judges of Georgia by the Venice Commission of 16 April 2019 and the ODIHR Second Report on the Nomination and Appointment of Supreme Court Judges in Georgia of 9 January 2020;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia and the EU, as associated partners, are committed to promoting political association and economic integration based on common values and principles such as democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and good governance; whereas Georgian society continues to show strong support for the country’s European aspirations;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the entry into force of the revised Constitution in December 2018 concluded Georgia's transition to a full parliamentarian system; whereas progress has been made in the implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia, including the move to a fully proportional election system as of 2024;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the recent EU/US- facilitated dialogue between the ruling and the opposition parties has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Statement, undersigned by all major parties, on 8 March 2020, which represents a crucial step towards depolarization and normalization of the political environment in Georgia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in October 2020;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Amendment 21 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation; emphasises that the AA covers the entire territory of Georgia, including its occupied regions, and aims to benefit its whole population; calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgiaremove all impediments for the establishment of international security mechanisms therein; asks the Commission and the EEAS to enhance their efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully, including through the EUMM and the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, through continued support for the Georgian Parliament’s "A Step for a Better Future" package, as well as through people-to-people contacts and confidence-building measures;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Demands that the de-facto authorities in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia reopen closed crossing points without delay, cease attempts to prevent the work of the EUMM and restrict its mandate, and limit freedom of movement in those regions; calls for an immediate end to the increasing process of borderisation along the dividing line between Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia and Tbilisi- controlled territory and asks the High Representative/Vice-President and EU Member States to denounce this process;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that Georgian citizens have made 900 000 visa-free visits to Schengen and Schengen-associated countries since March 2017; is concerned by the increasing number of unfounded asylum requests by Georgian citizens; calls on all the Member States that have not already done so to recognise Georgia as a safe country of origin in order to speed up the processing of such requests; stresses the importance of continuous implementation of the visa liberalisation benchmarks by Georgia;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the Georgian authorities for completing the constitutional reform process and the major political parties for signing the Memorandum of Understanding of 8 March 2020, which established the key features of the electoral system to be used for the upcoming parliamentary elections; calls on all parties to ensure that the agreement is translated into law and fully implemented as soon as possible; welcomes the outcome of the cross-party dialogue as a clear sign of willingness to find a common solution, but underlines the importance of continuing to rebuild trust between political parties to provide for smooth and peaceful parliamentary elections in 2020, as a basis for a stable political situation in Georgia over the coming years;
Amendment 54 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises the crucial role in democratic oversight of civil society organisations; calls on the Commission and the EU Member States to provide political, technical and financial support to civil society, particularly election observer groups and independent activists, ahead of the October 2020 parliamentary elections in Georgia;
Amendment 61 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Georgian authorities to implement swiftly and fully the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and review relevant legislation to address the identified shortcomings, including to tackle the misuse of administrative resources, campaign financing, dissemination of hate speech and xenophobia, opposition representation in the election administration and pressure on voters;
Amendment 73 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 76 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Encourages the Georgian government to continue the fight against corruption and state capture, as well as the promotion of public administration reform, modernisation, decentralisation, and good governance, in order to enhance further integration between Georgia and the EU;
Amendment 77 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Commends the constitutional reforms carried out in 2018, while encouraging all political actors to cooperate and maintain open dialogue, also with civil society, to strengthen democratic institutions and consolidate the rule of law and pluralistic democracy in Georgia;
Amendment 81 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concern about recent court cases against opposition politicians, which contributed to a climate of increased mistrust and heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and led to afurther polarisation of politics and society; calls on Georgia to respect the highest standards of the rule of law, human rights, judicial independence and fair trial as committed to under the AA; expects the EEAS and EU Delegation on the ground to monitor all trials in Georgia related to politically-motivated cases;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises the importance of a depoliticised judiciary, as well as transparency and meritocracy in the appointment of judges for the Supreme Court of Georgia and other judiciary institutions, and encourages the Georgian government to continue its reforms of the judiciary system, including the Prosecutors’ Office, while fostering an open dialogue with all political actors and civil society and ensuring international standards;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for a revision of the selection procedures for judges to be carried out to ensure that the recommendations of ODIHR and the Venice Commission are fully implemented before any new appointments are made; regrets that the recent selection procedure of Supreme Court judges suffered from serious shortcomings;
Amendment 96 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Demands a prompt and thorough investigation into the violence on the side of Georgian law enforcement authorities against protesters, journalists and opposition politicians in June 2019, and to ensure that the perpetrators are held to account; urges the Georgian government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, including by attenuating the currently disproportionate sanctions and harsh fines for protesters;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Condemns any political interference in media freedom and pluralism; urges the Georgian government to cease any such interference and non-transparent actions, including on social media and through arbitrary, selective taxation practices;
Amendment 106 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges the Georgian government to safeguard the information environment ahead of the 2020 elections and strengthen resilience against disinformation and information manipulation by domestic and foreign actors, online and offline; calls on Facebook and other social media platforms to take effective actions to protect the information environment and prevent undermining electoral integrity by misuse of social media platforms;
Amendment 116 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Demands the Russian Federation to provide EUMM access to the whole territory of Georgia and to ensure safe and dignified return of all internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Urges all parties to resume and take part in the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs), a result of the Geneva International Discussions for addressing and resolving the challenges stemming from the conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, in order to improve the safety and humanitarian situation of the conflict- affected population on the ground;
Amendment 119 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that gender equality is a key precondition to sustainable and inclusive development; commends the work of the Georgian Parliament’s Gender Equality Council and its efforts to identify sexual harassment as a form of discrimination; urges the Georgian government and authorities to implement measures to further improve women’s representation and equal treatment at all levels of political and societal life; requests the European Commission to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, programmes and activities in relation to Georgia;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 127 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Amendment 134 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of reducing antagonism and the polarisation of politics and ensuring constructive cooperation in the country’s democratic institutions, in particular the parliament;, and therefore profoundlyemphasises the need to build and increase trust among all political and institutional actors, as well as between them and the Georgian people; regrets that the ninth meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee of 12 and13 February 2020 in Strasbourg ended without an agreement on a final statement and recommendations being reached;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes with satisfaction that the EU is one of Georgia’s largest trading partners, representing 27% share of its total trade; welcomes the continued approximation of Georgia’s legislation in trade-related areas;
Amendment 148 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, to promote sustainable economic development, and to support structural reforms in the economic system, including promoting market principles, fair business climate, in particular for regional and SMEs, and independent regulatory mechanisms, in cooperation with businesses and civil society, including a major reform of the banking and financial sector aiming to combat money laundering and tax evasion;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. ERecalls that DCFTAs must always include strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and be compliant with WTO rules; encourages the speeding up of the implementation of the third National Environment Action Programme and the approximation of Georgian legislation with the EU acquis relating to the environment, in line with the AA requirements on environmental protection; calls on Georgia to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change, and on the Commission to facilitate Georgia’s participation in the European Green Deal and to ensure that the DCFTA does not contradict the environmental objectives and initiatives set out therein;
Amendment 154 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses the importance of economic diversification and of supporting a favourable business environment for regional and small and medium-sized enterprises to develop Georgia's ability to further innovate in different economic sectors; calls on the Commission to explore increased sectoral cooperation in education and research, innovation, and to enhance ICT sector and digitalisation as well as green technologies, and to share know-how and best practices; emphasises the importance of focused youth programmes to create fair job opportunities;
Amendment 155 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Demands that the Commission supports and assists programmes and reforms concerning media and information literacy to reflect the current digital age, as well as to upgrade sectoral cooperation in the digital economy;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the allocation by the Commission of EUR 3.4 billion for 18 priority projects in Georgia under the indicative trans-European transport network (TEN-T) investment action plan; calls on Georgia to improve its energy sector and connectivity, while ensuring environmental sustainability, in particular preservation of biodiversity and protected sites, during the implementation process, also taking into account local community’s needs;
Amendment 164 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Urges the European Commission, the EU Member States and Georgia to increase cooperation on public health resilience, including cooperation between public health authorities, research facilities, and emergency capabilities, as well as to exchange best practice and work with civil society on establishing epidemic strategies focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, homeless, seasonal workers, and migrants;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that ‘human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities’ are the values on which the EU is founded, as stated in Article 2 TEU; stresses that there is no hierarchy amongst Union values and that the EU should ensure the protection of all of them as one cannot exist without the other;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Believes that the conclusions and opinions of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights as well as the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union constitute a good basis for the interpretation of Article 2 TFEU and the scope of the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the importance of ensuring full respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights throughout the whole legislative process; draws attention to the importance of including an analysis on the impact on fundamental rights in impact assessments;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses that implementation of specific gender impact assessments for each legislative proposal is essential to eliminate inequalities, and to promote gender equality as laid down in Article 8 TFEU;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that there are other international instruments that would introduce further safeguards in protecting fundamental rights of Union citizens and residents such as the Istanbul Convention and the European Social Charter; urges the Council to conclude the ratification by the EU of the Istanbul Convention and calls on the Commission to take the steps required for the EU accession to the European Social Charter;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes that Article 7 TEU is a last resort mechanism for the protection of Union values that has not been used effectively because of the difficulty to reach a decision with such high thresholds for voting and in a body where political considerations play a prominent role;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Calls for the adoption of a EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights based on its previous resolutions1a, which does not create a hierarchy of values and ensures that not only the rule of law, but also other Union values, including a wider spectrum of fundamental rights, are properly assessed; _________________ 1aEuropean Parliament resolution of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, P8_TA(2016)0409; European Parliament resolution of 14 November 2018 on the need for a comprehensive EU mechanism for the protection of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, P8_TA(2018)0456.
Amendment 21 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that an independent judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law and of the right to effective legal protection2 ; recommends a departure from the existing approach of tackling rule of law casedemocratic deficits, rule of law deficiencies or cases of violation of fundamental rights in individual countries in an ad hoc manner, and calls for the development of criteria and contextualregular assessments to guide Member States in recognising and tackling any possible rule of law issuby independent experts as part of the new EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, that would allow the Commission to decide on the necessity of launching infringement procedures ion a regular and comparative mannermore coherent basis; _________________ 2Article 19 TEU, Article 67(4) TFEU and Article 47 of the Charter.
Amendment 24 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates that within the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe pre- defined but non-exhaustive policy priorities could be identified, such asthe adoption of new mechanisms for the protection of European values, including fundamental rights and freedoms, should be a priority 3 ; _________________ 3European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Parliament’s position on the Conference on the Future of Europe. Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0010, para. 7.
Amendment 29 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the EU must exploit more systematically the specific clauses provided for in the Treaties which would reinforce the protection of fundamental rights; in that regard calls on to activate the provisions enshrined in Article 83(1) of the TFEU as soon as possible in order to include gender-based violence in the catalogue of EU-recognised crimes;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2199(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Urges the EU to reform its Treaties to allow judicial reviews of fundamental rights by the Court of Justice of the European Union by making the Charter of Fundamental Rights directly applicable in all areas and all Member states; asks to allow individuals to initiate proceedings against a Member State for violations of fundamental rights if domestic remedies have been exhausted;