Activities of Claudiu MANDA
Institutional motions (3)
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the devastating floods in central and eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
Amendments (443)
Amendment 2 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that in 2021 the Institute published a report analysing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for victims of intimate partner violence, and carried out its first wide survey which collected evidence on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in informal care and work-life balance, wellbeing, employment and working conditions; notes further that by developing the tool on tracking resource allocations for gender equality, the Institute finalised the Step-by-step Toolkit on Gender Budgeting aiming to assist managing authorities to mainstream gender under shared management; notes in addition that the Institute prepared a toolkit on gender- responsive public procurement for EU finds and national budgets, to complement the Commission’s framework for socially responsible public procurement;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Institute’s comprehensive wellbeing policy, with a number of measures in place to support work-life balance, teleworking and a healthy life style ofor its staff members; notes, with regard to psychological support, that one independent investigation into a claim of psychological harassment was concluded in 2021 and led to the dismissal of the staff member who was subject to investigation; commends the Institute’s comprehensive training plan for its staff; encourages the Institute to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, the right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2105(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Takes note that the Institute has fully digitalised its key processes in 2021 by introducing electronic workflows and e- signature; notes the updating of the Institute’s ICT Security Policy and Information Management Policy; welcomes the Institute’s reply that it has a cybersecurity in place and that it has implemented a number of measures regarding cybersecurity such as multi factor authentication system and security trainings for members of the IT team; encourages the Institute to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2104(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2104(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2104(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Encourages the Agency to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and CERT-EU (Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity- related training programmes forto all staff members, including management, within the Agency;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2104(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls the Agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources, building management, IT services and security), and to reinforce its cooperation and, its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2102(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2102(DEC)
28. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2102(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Encourages the Agency to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and CERT-EU (Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity- related training programmes forto all staff members, including management, within the Agency. C; calls on the Agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter, delivered it before the 31st of December 2023 and report back to the discharge authority;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2102(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls the Agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources, building management, IT services and security), and to reinforce its cooperation and, its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2101(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2101(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2101(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages the Agency to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and CERT-EU (Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity- related training programmes forto all staff members within the Agency. C; calls on the Agency to develop its cybersecurity policy swifter, delivered it before the 31st of December 2023 and report back to the discharge authority;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2101(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. CallEncourages the Agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources, building management, IT services and security), and to reinforce its cooperation and, its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2100(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2100(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the Centre in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the Centre to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2100(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages the Centre to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and CERT-EU (Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, bodies and agencies) and to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; suggests to offer regularly updated cybersecurity- related training programmes forto all staff members, including management, as a key element in an effective cyber security framework within the Centre;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2098(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Notes that the Agency has a strong cooperation at bilateral level with other JHA Agencies and that it has signed Working Arrangements with Frontex, FRA and eu-LISA, and Cooperation Plans with eu-LISA, which allow for the alignment of common projects and the sharing of information in a systematic way; encourages the Agency to further develop synergies and to reinforce its cooperation, its exchange of good practices and its discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2097(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2097(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses its concern about worrying press reports and individual complaints on the Agency’s internal management culture, which includes serious reports of aggressive management techniques, workplace harassment, increased sick leaves due to burnout, and a general lack of transparency; is concerned about the resignation of the staff committee in 2021 in a context of a deteriorated social climate; notes that the recent social dialogue has led to the convening of elections for a new staff committee in 2023; calls on the Agency to put in place effective measures to end all abusive work practices as well as to restore social dialogue with its staff, and to duly inform the budgetary authority thereof;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2097(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Encourages the Agency to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity); suggests to offer regularlyunderlines the importance to carry out regular risk assessments of its IT infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences; also encourages the Agency to offer systematic updated cybersecurity- related training programmes forto all staff within the Agencyof its staff, including management, as this is a key element in an effective cyber security framework;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2095(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that, as regards gender balance reported for 2021, the Centre’s senior management is unevenly composed by 4 men (66,7%) and 2 women (33,3%); also notes the management board is composed by 80 men (51%) and 76 women (49%); deplores the high number of members of the Board (156) which does not facilitate decision-making and simplified management; notes further that regarding its staff overall the gender breakdown is 57% women and 43% men; welcomes the presence of gender equality indicators among the social sustainability indicators; recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy includingon work- life balance, lifelong guidance and the offer of specific training possibilities for career development, the gender balance, the teleworking, the geographical balance and the recruitment and integration of people with disabil at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2095(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that the Management Board of the Centre has a key role in its governance by providing strategic direction and overseeing its activities; notes further the mandate of the Centre and the specific composition of its Board based on the tripartite principle and thus including representatives of the national authorities and social partners; recognises that through its members the Management Board of the Centre ensures the necessary alignment between the Centre’s work and stakeholder needs and priorities;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2095(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that the Centre pursuites the effort to improve the Centre’s cyber security and protection of personal data, especially through new multifactor authentication systems and training activities organised for staff; takes note that the Centre is committed to issue a cybersecurity policy to follow up on the forthcoming cybersecurity Regulation; observes that, to define appropriate mitigating measures to provide the highest possible level of online information security, the Centre carried out a Data Protection Impact Assessment early 2022; stresses the importance of the geographical balance and that all Member States should be proportionally represented in order to have an appropriate representation of nationals from all Member States;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2095(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the Centre in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed; encourages the Centre to work in closely cooperation with ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity);
Amendment 13 #
2022/2095(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Centre to continue to develop its synergies, increase its cooperation and, exchange ofits good practices and push forward discussions regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency as regards, for instance, human resources, building management, IT services and security;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2094(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the Centre’s gender breakdown reported for 2021, with 1 women in a senior management position, with 32 men (62%) and 24 women (38%) at management board level and overall staff with 82 men (39%) and 126 women (61%); notes that there is an underrepresentation of men in the Centre’s overall staff; asks the Centre to work towards gender balance at the staff level and at management board level; stresses the importance of the geographical balance and that all Member States should be proportionally represented in order to have an appropriate representation of nationals from all Member States;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2094(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that the Centre has an Information System Security Policy (ISSP) and multiple security standards in place and is working closely with CERT-EU on enhancing its cyber-security; calls on the Centre to prepare for the update of its ISSP in light of the upcoming two Union regulations on cybersecurity and information security in Union institutions and bodies; also encourages the Centre to offer systematic updated cybersecurity- related training programmes to all of its staff, including management, as this is a key element in an effective cyber security framework;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2093(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2093(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. INotes that the revised policy for managing and preventing conflicts of interest was adopted by the Management Board in 2019 to include the evaluation of conflict of interest and the mitigation measures imposed in the event of potential or confirmed conflict of interest of the members of the Management Board; insists on the need to put in place more systematic rules on transparency, incompatibilities, conflict of interests, illegal lobbying and revolving doors, and if needed to update its policy of conflict of interests; calls on the AgencyBEREC Office to strengthen its internal control mechanisms, including the setting up of an internal anticorruption mechanism;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2093(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2093(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls the AgencyBEREC office to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources, building management, IT services and security), and to reinforce its cooperation and, its exchange of good practices and its discussion regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2092(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the importance to develop a long term HR policy on work-life balance, lifelong guidance and career development, gender balance, teleworking, geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilthe offer of specific training possibilities for career development, gender balance at all staff levels, teleworking, the right to disconnect, the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all Member States, and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2092(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. INotes that the Agency has a policy for the prevention and management of conflicts of interest adopted by an Administrative Board’s Decision from 31 January 2015; insists on the need to put in place more systematic rules on transparency, incompatibilities, conflict of interests, illegal lobbying and revolving doors, and if needed to update its policy of conflict of interests; calls on the Agency to strengthen its internal control mechanisms, including the setting up of an internal anticorruption mechanism;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2092(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recalls the importance to increase the digitalisation of the agency in terms of internal operation and management but also in order to speed up the digitalisation of procedures; stresses the need for the agency to continue to be proactive in this regard in order to avoid a digital gap between the agencies at all costs; draws attention, however, to the need to take all the necessary security measures to avoid any risk to the online security of the information processed;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2092(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls the Agency to continue to develop its synergies (for instance human resources, building management, IT services and security), and to reinforce its cooperation and, its exchange of good practices and its discussion regarding areas of mutual interest with other Union agencies with a view to improving efficiency;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) strengthen strategic communication and disseminate relevant information on the benefits of enlargement both in the accession countries and in the Member States;
Amendment 294 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) recognise the threat created by Russia’s war of aggression by immediately granting EU candidate status to Ukrainewelcomes the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova at the European Council meeting of 23 and 24 June; recognise the threat created by Russia’s war of aggression and continuing to provide political and technical support to Moldova and Georgia with a view to enabling them to reach this important milestone as soon as possible, as a clear political signal of support to the people of these countries, and a means to accelerate internal reform processes;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Europe is facing the most complex combination of both military and non-military threats since the end of the Cold War accentuated by Russia’s unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine; whereas this requires the EU to enhance the effectiveness of its security and defence policy to defend its citizens, interests and values and to deliver peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy; whereas the Strategic Compass aims to equip the EU with the necessary tools to make it an effective security provider and an assertive global actor; whereas there is a new urgency to boosting EU security and defence capabilities, including building on the unprecedented support for Ukraine and including the use of the EPF; whereas energy security is an important component in achieving strategic autonomy;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Parliament’s active role in framshaping CSDP policies bolsters the EU’s democratic foundations; whereas Parliament can legitimately exercise political control and oversight over the executive at EU level; whereas Parliament’s diplomacy is a proven and complementary means of enhancing strategic communication, and the visibility and effectiveness of CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 115 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the dramatic deterioration in European security accelerated by Russia’s unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine; stresses that this situation demands that the EU step up its defence capacities and show greater willingness to act united in order to deliver the security expected by the EU’s citizens; underlines the unprecedented and united EU response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the provision of military equipment through the EPF as well as financial and humanitarian assistance; remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty; calls on the EU to sustain its efforts and provide Ukraine with all necessary financial, humanitarian and military aid;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes new EU initiatives to enhance European security and defence, notably the Versailles Declaration, the Strategic Compass and Joint Communication on defence investment gaps; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a regulation to incentivise joint procurement while stressing the need for budgetary resources that genuinely meet the ambitious goals set; welcomes the upcoming review of the European defence investment programme regulation, the budget of which should be significantly increased as well;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the new ambition in the Strategic Compass to enhance the CSDP to build resilience and make it more capable and responsive, so it can act rapidly to defend our interests and values and protect the EU and its citizens; considers the Strategic Compass a major step towards a genuine European Defence Union enabling the EU to act as a credible partner; calls for the timely and sound implementation of the approximately 80 concrete actions and for them to be updated in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine as well as regularly along with the EU Threat Analysis; calls for the sustained political will of all Member States and EU institutions in this process; calls on the EEAS to regularly and comprehensively report on the implementation of the Strategic Compass to the Subcommittee on Security and Defence;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need to substantially strengthen the society-wide focus on resilience and the response to hybrid warfare; welcomes the decision to develop an EU Hybrid Toolbox for a coordinated response to hybrid threats; encourages further development of the EU’s cyber- defence policy and capabilities; emphasises the need to assist partner countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership to effectively combat cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls onNotes that Member States tomay assess the reform of the decision-making process with a view to realising untapped potential within the Treaties, in particular by activating Article 31 TEU extending qualified majority voting (QMV) to areas relating to the CSDP and pursuing full use of the ‘passerelle clauses’ and scope of articles that enhance EU solidarity and mutual assistance in the event of crises; proposes changes to the Treaties in the CSDP, to be discussed and decided upon within a convention following up on the Conference on the Future of Europe, primarily focusing on switching from unanimity to QMV for Council decisions with military implications and on defence matters for situations where passerelle clauses do not appl and secure EU sovereignty;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance of improving and activating the implementation procedures of Article 44 TEU on mission delegation to make the CSDP more flexible and efficient in the field, to make Article 42(7) TEU on mutual assistance operational in the short run and to clarify the coherence between this and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, considering that not all EU Member States are NATO Allies;
Amendment 207 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recalls the importance of ensuring the coherence of EU policy as regards situations involving the occupation or annexation of territory;
Amendment 220 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the EU’s ambition to strengthen its military and civilian capabilities; stresses the need to make full use of EU capability-development initiatives and budgets, notably the EDIRPA, EDF, PESCO, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and Military Mobility, in order to fill critical capability gaps, reduce fragmentation in the defence-procurement sector, achieve full interoperability of our forces and strengthen a resilient, competitive and innovative European defence technological and industrial base; calls for ensuring (EDTIB); urges for maximum consistency between these initiatives; to prevent overlaps and guarantee efficient public investments; calls for a frequent progress review of EU capability-development initiatives and budgets by DG DEFIS to be presented to the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence;
Amendment 235 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers it important to fill the identified defence investment gaps such as replenishing stockpiles, replacing Soviet- era systems, reinforcing air and missile defence systems, expanding existing main battle tank capabilities and armoured vehicles, strengthening naval forces and improving satellite-based secure connectivity; strongly calls on Member States to commit to a significant increase in funding for joint EU procurement mechanisms and to take swift and thorough action in this crucial field; endorses the proposal for a Regulation establishing EDIRPA for 2022-2024 and its implications for the creation of a European Defence Union and the establishment of a joint procurement mechanism in the near future; urges Member States to utilise EDIRPA to commonly procure defence products and avoid competition, facilitate cost savings, strengthen the EDTIB and promote interoperability;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines the need for much more support for EU research and development to ensure that the defence industrial and technological base is able to meet increasing demands and ambitionsEDITB is able to meet increasing demands and ambitions; requests that part of the EU’s support to be dedicated to dual-use goods to service the civilian domain and encourages synergies between civilian and defence instruments; calls for the strengthening of the EDF budget in the mid-term review of the MFF; noting with approval that 43% of entities selected in the EDF 2021 calls for proposals in defence industrial cooperation projects are SMEs; encourages the establishment of further initiatives to increase SME involvement and innovation in the defence and military industry by increasing opportunities for capital investment and funding;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for more and smarter spending to foster industrial consolidation, cost savings and increased interoperability; calls for synergies with other EU financial instruments to be leveraged and access to private funding for the defence industry to be facilitated; stresses the importance of a competitive and innovative EDTIB for the production of sufficient high quality military equipment for Member States and partners; emphasises the importance of the EDTIB respecting internal market rules and the EU’s Common Position on arms exports; reminds that EDF and PESCO are crucial to the development of a genuine Defence Union through enhancing defence cooperation between Member States, promoting interoperability between defence systems, reducing fragmentation in capabilities and improving operational capacities;
Amendment 268 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes with approval the significant use of the EPF throughout 2022 to support partners around the world in the areas of military and defence, including the African Union, the Balkan Medical Task Force, the Republic of Moldova, Mozambique, Niger and Ukraine; stresses the importance of the EPF in preventing conflict, preserving peace, and strengthening international security and stability through improving the security and defence capacities of third countries and regional and international organisations; emphasises that military assistance and weapons deliveries by the EPF should comply fully with the EU Common Position on arms exports, international human rights law and humanitarian law, and provide adequate transparency and accountability;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the need to significantly raise the ceiling of the EPF and create a separate EPF envelope for Ukraine which guarantees adequate support for the country without systematically neglecting other priority regions, including our immediate neighbourhood and Africa; calls for significantly increased military support in all its aspects, including training and information sharing with other particularly vulnerable countries such as the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Western Balkan countries; calls for all EPF support for the provision of equipment to be carried out in coordination with NATO to increase efficiency and avoid unnecessary duplication; reiterates that the EPF does not solely address the provision of equipment to partners but also functions as a funding option for the common costs of military operations within the CSDP; concurs with the Strategic Compass that the scope of common costs can be expanded to allow greater EPF utilisation and incentivise force generation for CSDP military missions and operations;
Amendment 281 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Regrets Turkey’s overall destabilising role in many areas of concern in the EU and its neighbourhoods, which threatens regional peace, security and stability; is extremely concerned by, and strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities and threats of military action against EU Member States, in particular Greece and Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean and its newly announced illegal activities within Cypriot and Greek maritime zones; Deplores the fact that despite the efforts for de-escalation, Turkey continues its unilateral provocative actions, violating international law and the sovereign rights of EU Member States in the area; reiterates EU condemnation of the signature of the two memoranda of understanding between Turkey and Libya on comprehensive security and military cooperation and on the delimitation of maritime zones, which are interconnected and are clear violations of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the sovereign rights of EU Member States and third states and the relevant UNSC resolutions; reiterates the Union’s readiness to use all instruments and options at its disposal, including in accordance with Article 29 TEU and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in order to defend its interests and those of its Member States, as well as to uphold regional stability;
Amendment 293 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses deep concern about developments in the Sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the Kremlin- backed Wagner Group in the Sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in West Africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace, security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed to align with the changing political and geopolitical landscape; calls for a rethinking of the EU’s engagement in the Sahel region, involving a more human security-centred approach, human rights monitoring and a sustainable exit strategy; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of Islamist terrorist groups, in particular Al-Qaeda, Daesh and Al- Shabaab in the Middle East and Africa;
Amendment 341 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Reiterates the call for deeper cooperation with international organisations, such as but not limited to, the UN, the African Union, and its peacekeeping missions in joint theatres and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on security;
Amendment 351 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for faster operationalisation of the Rapid Deployment Capacity (RDC) based on the increased readiness of Member States’ military forces; calls on Member States to commit to substantially narrowing critical gaps in strategic enablers by 2025, in particular linked to the RDC, such as strategic airlift, space communication assets, medical assets, cyber-defence capabilities and intelligence and reconnaissance; underlines the need for an effective and just cost-sharing mechanism between Member States pertaining to mission specific costs; calls for a balanced and practical division of competences between the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) and Member States’ national bodies regarding the operational command, control and planning of the RDC’s missions; emphasises the importance of regular live exercises on land and sea with Member State, allied and partner forces to improve and deepen operational readiness and cooperation;
Amendment 363 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls for the EU to play a significant role in the Mediterranean, having become an actor with the ability to guarantee the stability of the region, including in relation to energy security; calls for enhanced cooperation with partner countries in the Mediterranean to combat extremism, terrorism, the illicit trade in weapons and human trafficking;
Amendment 370 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Taking into account that the EU is currently deploying 11 civilian and 8 military missions and operations; notes that only three of these missions have an executive mandate: European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Somalia Operation ATALANTA, EUNAVFOR Mediterranean Operation IRINI (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) and the EU military force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA); recalls that EU’s overall engagement in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa through six civilian missions(the EU Capacity Building Mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali), EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUCAP Somalia) and six military missions (the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), EUTM Somalia, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI);
Amendment 376 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Welcomes the declaration of full operational capacity of EUTM Mozambique on 9 September 2022; further welcomes that the EUTM is on track to fulfil its mandate of completing the training 11 units of the Mozambican army; regrets however the delays in the provision of equipment to the trained units; calls on all relevant actors to speed up the delivery of equipment; regrets that the Member States were not able to provide sufficient personnel to the EUTM and as a consequence, key positions remain vacant;
Amendment 377 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17 d. Regrets that following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) is no longer able to fully implement its mandate in Ukraine; welcomes the new tasks assigned to EUAM Ukraine following the Russian invasion, according to Council Decisions (CFSP) 2022/452 of 18 March 2022 and 2022/638 of 13 April 2022 amending Decision2014/486/CFSP, which include providing support to law enforcement agencies to facilitate the flow of refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring Member states, the entry of humanitarian aid into Ukraine and advice, training and support to rule of law institutions to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of international crimes; expresses its satisfaction at the re-opening and relaunch of operation activities of the EUAM Headquarters in Kiev and the Field Offices in Lviv and Odessa; stresses the importance of communicating to the Ukrainian people that the EU will remain by their side throughout the period of Russian aggression; calls on the EUAM Ukraine to continue working closely with their Ukrainian counterparts to implement the necessary reforms, ensure significant knowledge and equipment transfer, and continue the work towards an efficient and accountable civilian security sector; welcomes the HR/VP initiative to work towards setting up an EU Military Advisory and Training Mission Ukraine(EUATM), with the aim of coordinating the training of Ukrainian armed forces in the short, medium and long term, calls for this mission to be set up as soon as possible;
Amendment 379 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17 e. Welcomes the EU’s Climate Change and Defence Roadmap, published in March 2022, which recognizes climate change as a “threat multiplier that fundamentally affects our long-term security”; stresses that climate change threatens global stability, will likely increase crisis situations across the world and affect the operational environments European and Member State security and defence capabilities face; insists that climate change implications are considered during the planning and implementation of CSDP missions and defence research and development; emphasizes the need to support technological innovation, through various EU instruments such as PESCO and the EDF, in the area of security and defence to reduce fossil fuel dependencies and increase energy efficiency; welcomes the decision that all CSDP missions and operations will have environmental advisors as a standard position by 2025;
Amendment 381 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 f (new)
Paragraph 17 f (new)
17 f. Recalls that the EU Gender Action Plan(GAP) III (2020-24) requires a systematic integration of a gender perspective in all EU policies and external actions including the CSDP; regrets that the representation of women in CSDP missions and operations has not changed over the past five years, with women constituting 24% of international staff in civilian missions and 5-6% in military missions and operations[1];welcomes the EEAS Strategy and Action Plan to Enhance Women’s Participation in Civilian CSDP missions 2021 – 2024, and its ambitious target to increase the representation of women to 40% by 2024 across all categories of personnel; calls on the EEAS to report on its progress to the SEDE Subcommittee, calls for similar efforts on the side of the military missions and operations; calls on the Member States to nominate more women candidates for CSDP missions and operations; welcomes the establishment of the Missions and Operations Gender Monitoring Team at the EUMS on the 23 February 2022 with the aim of enhancing gender-related cooperation at the operational level;
Amendment 383 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 g (new)
Paragraph 17 g (new)
17 g. Recognizes the important role of young people and youth organisations in maintenance and promotion of peace and security; calls for a more systematic implementation of the UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) at EU level;
Amendment 385 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 h (new)
Paragraph 17 h (new)
Amendment 386 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 i (new)
Paragraph 17 i (new)
17 i. Welcomes the importance of situational awareness and strategic foresight rooted in intelligence-based capacities within the Strategic Compass; stresses the significance of accurate and timely intelligence for effective decision- making and crisis management by EU agencies, bodies and institutions; calls for the institution of intelligence units in all CSDP missions and operations which would provide information to the EU Intelligence and Analysis Centre (EU IntCen), EUMS and Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC); underlines the importance of secure communications for reliable intelligence and welcomes efforts to streamline security rules and regulations in this respect to better protect information, infrastructure and communication systems from foreign interference and attacks; calls on Member States to utilise the EU IntCen as an effective intelligence-sharing body to share intelligence safely, formulate a common strategic culture and provide strategic information to better anticipate and respond to crises within and outside the EU;
Amendment 407 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the fundamental shared democratic values at the heart of the EU and NATO; calls for the deepening of EU- NATO relations, such as throughon the basis of the principles of inclusiveness, reciprocity, mutual openness and transparency, in compliance with the decision-making autonomy and procedures of our respective organisations and without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of any of our members; in this context, underlines the importance of a third Joint EU-NATO Declaration; underlines the need to strongly upgrade the strategic partnership with NATO to base it on the strengthening of political unity and solidarity and enhanced political dialogue on all aspects of common challenges and strategically relevant issues; encourages coordinated responses in conflict prevention and crisis management mechanisms to counter emerging common threats; notes with concern the deep and persistent periods of tension between EU Member States and Turkey, a NATO ally, which hamper cooperation between the EU and NATO;
Amendment 423 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Welcomes Member States' announcements concerning defence investment plans aimed at military procurement and improvement of their defence forces, strengthening further European security and increasing open strategic autonomy; reiterates the importance of joint procurement of military hardware by EU Member States to enable the purchase of interoperable capabilities, facilitate cost savings, contribute to efficient public spending and avoid competition for the same products;
Amendment 424 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Stresses the importance of Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO and their rapid ratification by NATO Allies in order to enhance European security and defence; underscores the significance of close cooperation with NATO allies; emphasises the need to maintain focus on improving common defence capabilities and strategic culture within the EU and addressing the security and defence concerns of Member States which are not part of NATO;
Amendment 426 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises the importance of developing coherent, complementary and interoperable defence capabilities to increase the security of the Euro-Atlantic area in line with the principle of the single set of forces; calls for the EU and NATO to maintain global technological leadership in military capabilities; stresses the need to ensure coherence between EU and NATO capability development planning processes; underlines the need for the EU to develop its own defence capabilities and strategic autonomy in order to enhance EU’s capacity to be a stronger partner to its allies;
Amendment 439 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the participation of the US, Canada and Norway in the PESCO project on military mobility as important to increase coherence between EU and NATO capability development efforts; welcomes the EU-NATO Structured Dialogue on Military Mobility; calls for the strengthening of the Connecting Europe Facility regarding projects in military mobility;
Amendment 447 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges institutionalised security and defence cooperation with the United Kingdom; encourages the United Kingdom to seriously engage with the EU on pressing strategic challenges; encourages the VP/HR to invite the United Kingdom to informal Council meetings of foreign affairs (and defence) ministers to exchange views on issues of common concern;
Amendment 472 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Amendment 477 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Is of the firm view that, as the EU is increasingly ambitious on defence issues, there is a need for greater convergence and consistency in the Member States’ arms export policies; calls on Member States to fully comply with Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment as it has been amended by Council Decision(CFSP)2019/1560, and to strictly implement criterion 4 on regional stability and halt any export of military equipment that could be used against other EU Member States; calls for a sanctions mechanism to be put in place against Member States that do not comply with the Common Position; calls for a consultation mechanism to be put in place among Member States to assess compliance with the Common Position;
Amendment 479 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26 c. Recalls that Member States committed to strong national positions regarding their arms export policy to Turkey on the basis of the provisions of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, including the strict application of criterion 4 on regional stability; reiterates its calls on the VP/HR, for as long as Turkey continues with its current illegal, unilateral actions and military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean that run counter to the sovereignty of any Member State (notably Greece and Cyprus) and international law, and does not engage in dialogue based on international law, to introduce an initiative in the Council for all Member States to halt arms export for all types of military equipment, including weapons, weapons for dual-use goods and know-how, to Turkey in accordance with the Common Position;
Amendment 480 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)
Paragraph 26 d (new)
26 d. Laments the use of Russian hypersonic missiles in Ukraine; believes that the European Union should contribute to preventing an international hypersonic missile arms race; suggests an in-depth threat assessment of the use of hypersonic missiles and the dangers they pose to the security of the EU; calls for increased funding in missile defence systems capable to detect, track and intercept hypersonic missiles;
Amendment 481 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)
Paragraph 26 e (new)
26 e. Condemns the suspected sabotage on the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea on 26 September and demands that the Union takes effective measures to protect European critical infrastructure, valuable supply chains and democratic institutions from hybrid threats; calls on the EU to put in place effective monitoring and surveillance systems for critical infrastructure such as pipelines and fibre optics cables to ensure the prevention and rapid detection of attacks; welcomes the proposed update of the EU Maritime Security Strategy in the Strategic Compass and stresses the importance of including the protection of undersea infrastructure, such as pipelines and fibre optics cables, as a priority;
Amendment 482 #
2022/2050(INI)
26 f. Reaffirms its full support for the EU and its Member States’ commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament regime; insists on the need to ensure that the EU plays a strong and constructive role in developing and reinforcing global rules- based non-proliferation efforts and arms control and disarmament architecture; expresses deep concern that no outcome was reached at the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the NPT due to Russia's unwillingness to join the consensus; considers this as yet another example of Russia’s blatant disregard for the multilateral nuclear non-proliferation order; strongly condemns unlawful and reckless actions of the Russian military forces at and around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant;
Amendment 496 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 – indent 4
Paragraph 27 – indent 4
- reinforcing inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation with national parliaments on European security and defence, including through the Inter- Parliamentary Conference on CFSP/CSDP, with the aim of reinforcing accountability and scrutiny of security and defence policy;
Amendment 500 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Stresses the importance of meaningful involvement of the civil society in the formulation and oversight over CSDP;
Amendment 143 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – title
Article 6 – title
6 Respect for budgetary principles and general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget and respect for EU values and fundamental rights
Amendment 146 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States and the Commission shall ensure respect for the Union’s values and fundamental rights including non-discrimination and compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the implementation of the Union budget.
Amendment 196 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 38 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) the recipient’s beneficial owner who ultimately profits from the Union funding;
Amendment 203 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 38 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) where disclosure risks threatening the rights and freedoms of the persons or entities concerned as protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union or harming the commercial interests of the recipients;
Amendment 238 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 139 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iii
Article 139 – paragraph 1 – point e – point iii
(iii) been discovered by an authorising officer, OLAF or, the Court of Auditors or the EPPO following checks, audits or investigations;
Amendment 282 #
2022/0162(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 242 – paragraph 5
Article 242 – paragraph 5
5. The value of the contract shall be below the thresholds referred to in Article 179(1). This value may be exceeded by up to 100 % only exceptionally and in duly justified cases, in order to allow the Union institutions to compete on equal footing with other actors in the market.
Amendment 1 #
2022/0125(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b – point i
Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046
Article 108 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 108 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Repayments under point (a) of the first subparagraph shall be made within 60 days of the cancellation or reduction of the fine, other penalty or sanction. On the expiry of that time limit, the creditor shall be entitled to interest in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 116(5).
Amendment 1 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 changed the economic, social and budgetary outlook in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent and coordinated response both at Union and national level in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences as well as asymmetrical effects for Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘the Facility’), as set up by Regulation 2021/241, is the cornerstone of the stimulus package NextGenerationEU (‘NGEU’) and aims to provide funding to Member States, through grants and loans, in order to finance reforms and investments, helping citizens and economies to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundations for sustainable recovery;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Facility is a performance-based instrument, which means that the payments are conditional upon the fulfilment of milestones and targets underpinning the reforms and investments in the respective national recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 6 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the Commission has published its report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility on 1st March 2022 as required under Article 31 of the Regulation 2021/241;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that the specific objective of the Facility is to provide financial support with a view to achieving the milestones and targets of reforms and investments set out in recovery and resilience plans aiming to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundations for sustainable recovery;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Underlines that the Commission assess the Member States’ disbursement requests upon achievement of agreed milestones and targets while respecting the national ownership of the NRRPs and the choice of the Member States of the relevant types of financing and the methods of implementation; reiterates, besides, the Parliament’s role of supervision of the work of the Commission with regard to the Facility implementation in the frame of the 'recovery and resilience dialogue';
Amendment 9 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that by mid-February 2022, all Member States but one had submitted national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), requesting in total EUR 337.5 billion in grants and EUR 166 billion in loans; welcomes that the Commission has approved 22 NRRPs, followed by the adoption of the respective 22 Council Implementing Decisions, and has agreed the operational arrangements with 8 Member States, which set the framework for monitoring the plans’ implementation;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the Commission has received 5 payment requests so far and has made one payment in December 2021; notes that on 28 January 2022 the Commission had disbursed EUR 46,6 billion in grants (14 % of the EUR 338 bn available) and EUR 19.9 billion on loans (5 % of the EUR 385.8 bn available); welcomes that the calendar of payments is in line with the expected implementation phase of the Facility; encourages the Commission to continue to work closely with the Member States to maintain this positive development and to report any significant difficulty in its future implementation reports;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. INotes that the Commission concluded in its assessments that all NRRPs comply with the 11 criteria provided for in the Regulation 2021/241 and thus, gave a rating of A to most NRRPs; is concerned, however, about the fact that all Member States have received a B-rating for the criteria evaluating whether the estimated total costs of the NRRPs are reasonable; asks the Commission to monitor this criterion in its future implementation reports indicating whether the implementation corroborates this assessment or the costs estimation carried out by the Member States was in fact reasonable;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 28 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the large number of documents that are published on the Facility’s website, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard that provides an visual and user-friendly overview of the progress made in the implementation of the NRRPs and thereby fosters the transparency, public scrutiny and accountability of the Facility; calls the Commission to maintain or further increase this level of transparency and data visualisation in the future;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Appreciates in particular the publication of the preliminary assessments of the satisfactory fulfilment of milestones and targets related to each Member State’s payment request for the instalments of grants under the Facility; notes the detailed analysis carried out by the Commission, which includes the evidence provided by the concerned Member State;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the reliability of the performance data concerning the targets and milestones of the Facility is of the utmost importance; calls on the Commission to provide a statement of assurance on the performance data for the implementation of the Facility in its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR);
Amendment 33 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that irregularities may lead to the reduction of financial contributions or the recovery of funds by the Commissionan unsatisfactory implementation of NRRPs or serious irregularities may lead to suspension and the termination of financial support agreements as well as the reduction and recovery of financial contributions by the Commission; calls on the Commission to describe in its future implementation reports whether such a case has occurred, the causes, and the remedial actions taken by the Commission or the concerned Member State;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to inform the budgetary authority about the use of FENIX, the IT system set up for Member States to report the relevant information on the implementation of the NRRPs, and particularly about the interoperability of this system with the ARACHNE data- mining tool;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the Court of Auditors and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may exercise their rights laid down in Article 129(1) of the Financial Regulation with regard to the Facility; asks the Commission to provide information about the measures ensuring the early detection of the abuse of EU funds; and in particular, should be able to use the information and monitoring system made available by the Commission within their competences and rights; asks the Commission to alert about any specific obstacle that NRRPs may contain to the full exercise of those rights; asks the Commission to provide information about the measures ensuring the early detection of the abuse of EU funds, as well as to report of the result of any relevant investigation or prosecution concluded on the use of funds at national or EU level, including where applicable the actions to recover the affected funds;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes with satisfaction from the Commission’s assessments of NRRPs that Member States’ plans adopted in 2021 have adequate control systems which ensures prevention of double funding, arrangements to correct serious irregularities and recovery of funds are in general quite well developed; notes that the Commission also identified some deficiencies in 16 NRRPs and welcomes that the Member States concerned agreed to take additional remedial measures before requesting the first regular payment; asks the Commission to clearly indicate in its future implementation reports whether the agreed remedial measures were effectively implemented and any eventual impact of the identified deficiencies on the implementation of the relevant NRRP;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes the guidance provided by the Commission to Member States to avoid double funding of the same costs by the Facility and other EU funds, as well as the support to identify suitable instruments at Union level to create synergies with the measures financed under the Facility;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CReiterates that the use of a single data-mining and risk-scoring tool such as ARACHNE is essential to protect the EU budget by means of preventing conflict of interest, fraud, corruption and double funding; welcomes that several Member States aim to use ARACHNE in the implementation of the Facility; calls on the Commission to encourage all other Member States to use ARACHNE and, in the meantime, to make sure that the alternative measures to risk- score the entities and individuals involved in implementation of the Facility are equivalent to ARACHNE; calls on the Commission to make sure that, in addition to the information on the beneficiaries of the programme, data on beneficial owners is also collected by the Member States;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. RWelcomes that most Member States have followed the Commission’s recommendations of designing specific websites where Facility-related information is displayed, but regrets the fact that there are major differences in the level and breadth of the available information made public on the dedicated NRRP websitesm; asks the Commission to include recommendations in itsand best practices in communication and visibility of the NGEU funding allowing for the monitoring of the progress of their implementation, in its future implementation reports with a particular focus on the harmonisation of the information available to citizens in order to foster transparency, public scrutiny and accountability;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. CRecalls that based on Article 22 of the Regulation 2021/241, Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring the protection of the financial interests of the Union; calls on the Commission to report on its assessment of the capacity of national audit systems (particularly audit capacity, beneficiary data storage and audit plan) to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest, and to ensure compliance with national and Union rules; stresses that, in the event of inadequacies in the national audit systems, the milestones or targets suggested by the Commission to address these inadequacies must be appropriately explained in the annual report on the implementation of the Facility;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. CEmphasises that in case of a serious breach of the Rule of law, the Conditionality Mechanism can be triggered regarding the NGEU stimulus package, and thus the Facility; calls on the Commission to make approval of the NRRPs conditional on the observance of the rRule of law and the prevention and detection of, and the fight against, fraud, conflicts of interest and corruption; stresses that all measures set out in the NRRPs must comply with the Union’s values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Highlights that social partners, local, and regional authorities are key stakeholders to achieve the sustainable recovery from the pandemic and thus, they should be appropriately consulted and involved in the implementation of the reforms and investments within the Facility; asks the Commission to further develop its assessment of the consultation of the relevant stakeholders in its future implementation reports, with an identification of best practises that can be implemented for other Member States such as governance systems that involve central and regional governments competent for a given area;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms Parliament’s role in scrutinising the implementation of the Facility, which lays the foundation of its democratic accountability, also through the annual discharge procedure.;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to its Report on Challenges and Prospects for multilateral WMD arms control and disarmament regime of 15 December 2021;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
— having regard to its Report on the State of EU cyber defence capabilities of 7 October 2021;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2232(INI)
— having regard to the EU Action Plan against Disinformation;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation between New Zealand and the European Union of 5 October 2016;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
— having regard to the EU- Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), signed in Brussels on 19 October 2018,
Amendment 23 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
Amendment 24 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 b (new)
Citation 20 b (new)
— having regard to the AUKUS security pact of 15 September 2021,
Amendment 25 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 c (new)
Citation 20 c (new)
— having regard the Global Gateway Strategy launched on 01 December 2021,
Amendment 28 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU defines the Indo- Pacific as a varied region spanning from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific island states; whereas the Indo-Pacific region, home to 60 % of the world’s population and seven G20 members, is a key shapercomponent of the global international order and home to increasingly important political, trade and security partners for the EU;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the recently adopted EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo- Pacific, which is based on a principled engagement with a long-term perspective, reflects a deep evolution in the way the EU looks at its interests in the region and the potential role it can play to promote its values and interests there; whereas building strong relations and security cooperation with Indo-Pacific regional organisations and countries is central to the strategy;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in recent years the dynamics in the region have given rise to intense geopolitical competition, mirrored in an increase in military spending and a more aggressive rhetoric, thereby calling into question the rules-based international order; whereas a new centre of global competition has therefore evolved in the Indo-Pacific region; whereas there is no overarching regional security order to mitigate the associated challenges; whereas such dynamics represent serious threats to stability and security in the region and beyond, impacting directly the EU’s strategic interests as a key political and economic partner of the countries in the region; whereas the EU is committed to human security, peace and international law;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas China’s rapid military build-up, coupled with its increasingly assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region and its military activities in the East and South China Seas, as well as its deliberate and repetitive violations of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone and its increasingly aggressive rhetoric, disinformation and media campaigns, are leading to rising tensions in the Indo- Pacific;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the EU counts on the new US government to cooperate strongly in security and defence issues in the Indo- Pacific and worldwide, whereas the EU and the US share the same values;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the COVID 19 crisis demonstrated the importance of reliable supply chains, and more balanced economic ties with China without being vulnerable in critical aspects of sustainable development both for Europe and for the Indo-Pacific countries, while strengthening economic and security cooperation and building partnership; whereas some countries in the region want stronger cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Amendment 73 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
E e. whereas the first and most important way of ensuring peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region is deepening cooperation, as well as stepping up assistance in eradicating poverty, social injustice, infectious diseases, human rights violations, environmental degradation and other roots causes to instability, insecurity and violence;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the recently adopted EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo- Pacific; recognises the added value of the strategy as the first foundation stone of the EU’s united approach to the region, and praises the inclusive and multifaceted nature of the strategy and the inclusion of security and defence as one of its seven priority areas; calls for the EU to use the strategy as a tool to effectively assertstrengthen its presence and influence in the region through furthering strategic ties and deepening cooperation on security- and defence-related matters with regional countries and organisations; believes that increased EU engagement in the region would contribute to regional security, and help overcome regional tensions and create more balanced relations among regional players; recalls that the strategy is a Team Europe project;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines that the Indo-Pacific region is very diverse, and that no one- size-fits-all approach can be applied; appreciates the holistic approach and positive agenda presented in the EU Strategy, and invites the EU to as well pursue fruitful bilateral relations with partners in the region;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the need to safeguard EU unity as a pre-conditionin order to achieve the EU’s ambition of strategic sovereignty amid the increasing competition between the United States and Chinamulti-faceted threats and increased competition between powers; recalls that the EU’s unified approach must be underpinned by a pragmatic and, principled and value-based foreign and security policy, so as to deliver peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EU to make use of its position and reputation as a credible and reliable actorglobal actor for peace amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the Indo- Pacific; recalls that the added value of EU engagement in the Indo-Pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and military assistance measures, including well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the EU has a vast network of diplomatic assets to facilitate dialogue on, mediation, conflict prevention, conflict- resolution, legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures; and emphasises the capability of the EU in the field of multilateralism;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses its concern that the current tensions and disputes in the region, unless properly mediated and managed, pose a threat to free and open communication in the maritime, air, space and cyber areas, which are essential to maintain regional and global trading routes and global peace and security;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Deplores the lack of unity in the Council of the European Union over the adoption of measures to address China’s anti-democratic policy and aggressive behaviour, which endangers the sovereignty of its neighbours and the stability of the Indo-Pacific region; calls on the EU and it’s Member States to act in a unified manner regarding the policy on China; highlights the importance of taking the necessary steps to introduce qualified majority voting in the Council in the field of the common security and defence policy and the common foreign and security policy;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the very timely new EU- US dialogue on China and the establishment of EU-US consultations on the Indo-Pacific, and calls for a coordinated approach towards strengthening multilateral institutions and regional organisations, promoting democracy and ,enhancing democratic resilience and strengthening the cooperation on security matters in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the recent conclusion of the AUKUS trilateral security pact; regrets the little consultation and information of EU Allies on the pact; is of the firm opinion that strong EU-Australia relations are important for the stability of the region and that these should be further advanced and not affected by the conclusion of AUKUS; calls on the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to examine with the relevant partners possibilities to set up a permanent dialogue with AUKUS and representation at the meetings of the members of QUAD in order to align our strategies on the Indo- Pacific and strengthen synergies;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Enhancing partnerships with regional organisations and democratic countries
Amendment 166 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that enhancing existing partnerships with regional actors and building new ones is a key feature of the strategy; highlights that priority areas for cooperation should include capacity- building, hybrid threats, non-proliferation, disarmament and crisis response, maritime security, joint-exercises, cyber security, counter terrorism, tackling foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, as well as the climate/security nexus;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the longstanding cooperation between the EU and ASEAN on security and defence matters, and welcomes the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership; reiterates its strong commitment to support ASEAN’s centrality and inclusive multilateral architecture; calls for the EU to anchor and extend its presence in the region by deepening cooperation with ASEAN and its members; invites the EU and ASEAN to identify ways to involve the EU in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and in the East Asia Summit; underlines the fundamental role of the parliamentary dimension and of parliamentary diplomacy for strengthening democracy in the region, and encourages, therefore, the establishment of an EU- ASEAN Parliamentary Assembly and more numerous and regular parliamentary exchanges and missions to the region;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the EU toWelcomes the strengthening of its dialogue with NATO’between NATO and its four Asia- Pacific partners, namely Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand, with a view to addressing cross-cutting security issues and global challenges and enhancing mutual situational awareness on security developments in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, notably in the NAC+4 format; calls for the EU to develop a similar dialogue with the four Asia-Pacific partners; appreciates the focus of this cooperation on cyber defence, non-proliferation, civil preparedness and the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda; invites NATO to use its 2030 reflection process to enhance cooperation with its partners in order to defend shared values, bolster resilience and uphold the international rules-based order, while ensuring greater consistency between policies on Chinain addressing China’s growing influence;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the EU and its Members States to step-up their own maritime capacities in the region in a coordinated way, including by exploring ways to ensure a permanent European naval presence in the Indian Ocean; stresses the need to increase the EU’s capacity as an effective maritime security provider; highlights the fact that France is the only Member State with a permanent military presence in the Indian Ocean; welcomes the fact that the Netherlands and Germany have sent frigates to the region; underlines that more such naval missions will be needed in the future; welcomes the joint naval exercises that EUNAFOR Atalanta has thus far undertaken with partner countries,underlines that EUNAVFOR Atalanta has an important role of naval diplomacy; welcomes its strong contribution to regional security in the Indian Ocean, notably successfully protecting World Programme Vessels and in curbing piracy and fostering maritime security; underlines the importance of the security-development-humanitarian nexus; welcomes the joint naval exercises that EUNAFOR Atalanta has thus far undertaken with partner countries notably India, Japan and Djibouti, the cooperation with New Zealand and US Navy, and the work together with NATO Operation Ocean Shield and with Agenor; sees these cooperations around EUNAVFOR Atalanta as a best practice to be inspired from; and calls for the EU to consider expanding its geographical scope deeper into the Indian Ocean; invites notably along the coast of Mozambique; welcomes discussions in the FAC for the EU to establish a maritime area of interest in the Western Indo- Pacific with a view to extending its Coordinated Maritime Presences concept, building on the Member States’ individual assets; calls for strong synergies with EUNAVFOR Atalanta;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Underlines the important work conducted by EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia and welcomes the synergies built with EUNAVFOR Atalanta;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Welcomes the rapid launch of EUTM Mozambique;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 e (new)
Paragraph 33 e (new)
33 e. Calls for further advancing the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security Agendas in the Indo- Pacific; stresses the importance and the positive added value of the participation of women in peace keeping and peace building, including in negotiations and missions;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 f (new)
Paragraph 33 f (new)
33 f. Welcomes the strong focus put on human security in the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regards to the Commission Notice 2021/C121/01 on Guidance on the avoidance and management of conflict of interest under the Financial Regulation,
Amendment 25 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that, while a global overhaul of the rules applicable to the budget is not needed at this time, the Financial Regulation must be subject to targeted improvements and simplifications, in particular where they increase transparency and democratic scrutiny; and enhance the protection of EU financial interests;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that Parliament, as one arm of the budgetary authority, shouldmust be able to scrutinise and authorise as appropriately the Commission’s plans with respect to the management of external assigned revenue and of its borrowing and lending operations; suggests that relevant articles of the Financial Regulation, including Articles 7, 46 and 56, be revised to clarify that assets and liabilities linked to borrowing and lending operations are included in the EU budget;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the clear link between respect for the rule of law and the efficient implementation of the Union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management: economy, efficiency and effectiveness, as laid down in the Financial Regulation; recalls that, upon adoption of the Conditionality Regulation, Parliament, the Council and the Commission agreed to consider including the content of the Conditionality Regulation into the Financial Regulation upon its next revision; calls on the Commission to examine possibilities to strengthen coherencealignment between the two instruments;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Amendment 87 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises that the Financial Regulation should include provisions that require the responsible actors to gather and keep uniform records of economic operators and beneficial owners in order to allow identification across EU programmes, regardless of who implements these programmes and of management mode; considers that these requirements should be balanced to reflect strictly relevant information items; underlines that data may only be published in line with data protection requirements and the standing jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union; considers that compulsory information items collected for audit and control purposes need to include as a minimum the registration number of legal entities, national identification number for natural persons, an indication of the type of beneficiary, sub-contractors, beneficial owners, whether the beneficiary also receives State aid and contact information; underlines that the system needs to facilitate the aggregation of individual amounts concerning the same direct or ultimate beneficiary and that it needs to be accessible in all EU languages; considers that publicly accessible systems should facilitate both individual searches through a web-based tool and systemic analysis through bulk downloads;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Asks that information about recipients of EU funds is made publicly accessible for a minimum period of five years;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that Article 63 of the Financial Regulation should be modified to include ARACHNE as a compulsory risk scoring tool made available by the Commission to Member States and other implementing partners; considers that the Financial Regulation should also indicate which indicators ARACHNE uses to determine the risk score of economic operators; emphasises that ARACHNE enriches data provided by managing authorities with publicly available information in order to identify the projects, beneficiaries, contracts and contractors that might be susceptible not only to risk of fraud but conflicts of interest as well; considers that any additional administrative burden, from inserting information multiple times in various IT systems, including ARACHNE, must be avoided;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the use of the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) to be made compulsory under shared management; further notes that EDES does not distinguish between subsidiaries of larger corporations; calls on the Commission to make this distinction and to specify in the rules for early detection and for exclusion which entity of a multi- national or multi-company corporation is registered for early detection or exclusion; highlights that in 2020, the EDES panel handled 20 cases while 28 cases were in the pipeline; stresses the importance of allocating sufficient resources to the panel in line with any extension of responsibilities;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. IRegrets that under the previous MFF only 21,7 % of EU programmes had gender-related indicators; insists that gender mainstreaming be better reflected in the drafting and implementation of the budget, including through targeted incentives; calls for the systematic and comprehensive collection of data in the context of all EU policies and programmes in order to measure the impact on gender equality, while avoiding any unnecessary administrative burden; expects the Commission to develop a methodology to measure the relevant expenditure at programme level in the MFF 2021-2027, in line with the IIA; calls on the Commission to integrate gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting in the relevant provisions of the Financial Regulation;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2162(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Suggests that the Financial Regulation be revised to guarantee the appropriate role of Parliament in the setting up and scrutiny of any new trust fund, including in the drawing up of the constitutive agreement and the mobilisation of the Union’s contribution, the implementation, continuation and possible liquidation; recalls that the effective scrutiny of existing trust funds by the discharge authority requires complete, detailed and timely provision of information through respective reporting frameworks;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 10 December 2018 on women, peace and security,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 10 May 2021 on security and defence,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission's Joint Communication of 7 June 2017 titled "A Strategic Approach to Resilience in the EU's external action",
Amendment 9 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission's communication of 24 February 2021 titled "Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change",
Amendment 10 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 7 July 2021 on EU-NATO cooperation in the context of transatlantic relations,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 b (new)
Citation 19 b (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 26 June 2018 on climate diplomacy,
Amendment 14 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas environmental factors can influence human and state security in various direct and indirect ways, while particularly affecting economically disadvantaged populations and having socio-economic effects; whereas climate change has negative effects on cultural and natural heritage of the areas affected;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts, including environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, deforestation, desertification, extreme weather, water and food scarcity, air pollution and natural disasters are already threatening local, regional and international security, stability and peace; whereas climate change, which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term, has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge that requires adequate resources, together with hybrid and cyber threats;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts, including environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, deforestation and natural disasters are already threatening local, regional and international security, stability and peace; whereas climate change, which isthe consequences of which are already evident and are predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term, has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge, together with hybrid and cyber threats;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas climate change remains at the heart of the peace and security agenda as the ultimate ‘threat multiplier’, worsening existing social, economic and environmental risks that can fuel unrest and potentially result in violent conflict;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the impact of climate change on food price is undermining livelihoods, and prompting displacement, disease and famine, resulting in migration on an unprecedented scale in areas of already high tension;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas according to the World Bank’s updated 2021 Groundswell report, climate change could force 216 million people to move within their countries by 2050; whereas the report also states that immediate and concrete action can significantly reduce the scale of climate migration;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas rising sea levels have already caused flooding and salinization, posing a major security and existential risk to low-lying coastal areas and islands;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2102(INI)
C d. whereas water scarcity has a multifaceted impact on human security and socio-political stability; whereas, due to climate change, water supplies will be affected, especially in development countries, while global water demand will rise; whereas climate change is increasing risks of droughts and floods;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
C e. whereas environmental crime is a very frequent criminal activity in the world and a significant security concern; calls for stronger cooperation on this issue between the EU and partner countries, by supporting states developing their capabilities to tackle environmental crime;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Amendment 38 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the US armed forces have lost more military hardware and infrastructure due to natural disasters than due to the armed conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq combined; whereas the Biden administration has made positive efforts to combat climate change, including by re-joining the Paris Agreement and incorporating climate change in its Interim National Security Strategic Guidance;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas climate change issues are being exploited by malign actors in order to increase their leverage or to encourage hostilities;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Reminds that in the European Defence Fund (EDF) Regulation, research and development actions can be directed at solutions to improve efficiency, reduce carbon footprint and bring sustainable best practices;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Underlines the need to invest in smart, integrated, "whole of society” solutions as an urgency to achieve significant emissions reduction, to avoid the worst effects of climate change and also to invest heavily in the climate resilience of nations that need it in order to avoid instability, conflict and major humanitarian disasters;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CWelcomes the EEAS intention that civilian and military CSDP missions and operations will develop and incorporate a set of actions to effectively implement environmental aspects into its work; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to make sure that climate change is mainstreamed in the Union’s external action; calls for climate-specific strategies, policies, procedures, measures and capabilities to be developedhat aim to address all aspects of EU common security and defence policy; calls on the VP/HR to make sure that the development of a Union policy on climate security and defence entails the implementation of a human security approach; supports strengthening member state capabilities by incorporating environmental aspects into civilian and military missions' training programmes, by exchanging best practices and expertise;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls for an unprecedented, globally coordinated action to both rapidly reduce the scale and scope of climate change by dramatically reducing emissions, to avoid significant, severe or catastrophic global security consequences in the future, highlights the need to climate-proof all elements of security – including infrastructure, institutions and policies, and to rapidly adapt to its effects;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for increased support for efforts aiming to tackle climate change and enhancing climate-neutral alternatives in the immediate EU neighbourhood, namely Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership and Southern Neighbourhood, in order to prevent possible security challenges;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the light-touch reporting process based on indicators of progress related to the environmental footprint, including energy, water, waste management, etc., of CSDP missions and operations; stresses the necessity to generate more detailed assessments by 2022; acknowledges that many CSDP missions are conducted in areas which are severely affected by climate change, which multiplies challenges to these missions;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls for international cooperation to address challenges related to environmental migration, in order to develop common solutions; reminds that areas and regions strongly affected by climate change have a large percentage of young population, due to which a special focus needs to be put on children and youth;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Welcomes the increased focus on climate-security nexus, participation of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, and calls for concrete EU- NATO cooperation in this regard;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Stresses that the effects of climate change in the Arctic are creating a geopolitical challenge for the EU; stresses that the Arctic must remain an area of peaceful cooperation and calls for measures to avoid steps leading towards increased militarisation; reminds that EU countries Finland, Sweden and Denmark are members of the Arctic Council;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Calls for a securitization agenda of climate change by recognizing climate change as a critical factor that militaries will have to deal with, not only because of its impacts on military operations, but also anticipating increasing climate-induced internal displacement which is already higher than conflict displacement; notes however, the under preparedness of armed forces for the security implications of the world’s changing climate;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines that an increase in defence expenditure should not lead to an increase in emissions, and that part of defence spending should be dedicated to investments in instruments that significantly reduce emissions; recalls that EU and NATO military strategists and planners have been working on the question of how armed forces can reduce their carbon footprint for more than a decade; welcomes, in this respect, the EDA’s activities, in particular the Go Green policy it launched in 2012, its Military Green concept and, the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy, its working group on the circular economy, and calls for an acceleration and broadening of such projects and for an independent external evaluation thereof;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Highlights the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening international ties to combat climate change, including through the work of EP committees and delegations, and calls for increased focus on the climate-security nexus;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Amendment 206 #
2021/2102(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29 c. Highlights that climate security policies must not only focus on adapting to turbulence, resource constraints, and higher levels of unpredictability, but also on fostering the deeper change needed to restore ecological stability and balance at a global level;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 April 2021 on EU Strategy for cooperation in the Indo- Pacific,
Amendment 26 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
— having regard to the EEAS Climate Change and Defence Roadmap,
Amendment 27 #
2020/2257(INI)
— having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular to SDG 16, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
Amendment 28 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 c (new)
Citation 28 c (new)
— having regard to the UN Agenda for Disarmament - Securing our Common Future,
Amendment 31 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32
Citation 32
— having regard to the visit by the NATO Secretary-General to the College of Commissioners of 15 December 2020, as well as his participation on the EU Council on 26 February 2021,
Amendment 34 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 a (new)
Citation 35 a (new)
— having regard to the ECA Review No 09/2019 on European Defence,
Amendment 43 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas EU policy respects the obligations of Member States which see their common defence realised in NATO; whereas the EU and NATO share common security challenges, common defence interests and the same increasingly challenging security environment;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the commitment to collective self-defence, embodied in NATO Treaty Article 5 and Article 42(7) TEU, is the guarantee of solidarity between Allies and between Member States;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Commends the achievements of the Alliance and underlines its continued relevance; underlines that NATO needs to step up its efforts to adapt to the changing nature and increased level of threats, in order to remain a credible and sustainable global actor for collective security and peace in the world;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recalls that for EU Member States which are also NATO Allies, NATO is the primary framework for collective defence; underlines its will for the EU to keep deepening the transatlantic bond and its essential partnership with NATO; stresses the need, given the increasing multi- faceted threats the EU is facing in a highly multipolar world with unreliable superpowers, to also connect to other like- minded actors and explore new formats of cooperation;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underscores that the EU-NATO partnership and transatlantic cooperation as a whole are built on a common history and common support for the coshared values of democracy, freedom, respect for human rights, the rule of law and the promotion of peace and international cooperation;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2257(INI)
4. Underlines that NATO is a valued partner also to EU Member States which are not members of the alliance; recalls that NATO cooperation with non-NATO EU Member States is an integral part of EU- NATO cooperation, and encourages the fullest possiblewelcomes involvement of the non- NATO EU Member States in the alliance’s initiatives; reminds that EU-NATO cooperation shall not prejudice the security and defence policy of the non-NATO EU Member States;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the transatlantic community is faced with a broad array of unprecedented common challenges, ranging from the fight against terrorism to hybrid threats, climate change, disinformation, cyber attacks, emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), and a shifting global power balance, as well asstresses that, in view of the resulting challenge to the international rules-based order, stronger EU-NATO cooperation contributes to effective global governance and multilateralism;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Commends the key suggestions made byWelcomes the appointment by NATO Secretary General of the 2030 NATO independent group of experts, and in particular their call for stronger EU- NATO cooperation; endorses the proposals of December 2020 by the Commission President and the VP/HR for an EU-US Security and Defence Dialogue; welcomes the intention of the Biden administration to engage with EU and NATO partners; underlines both the key relevance of the US forces stationedsecurity presence in Europe for Europe’s security and its full commitment to their continued presenceransatlantic security cooperation;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that the upcoming NATO Summit is an important opportunity to advance EU-NATO cooperation; underlines that the EU is a partner of NATO and that EU-NATO cooperation is mutually reinforcing and based on the agreed guiding principles of transparency, reciprocity, inclusiveness, the decision- making autonomy of both organisations and the principle of the single set of forces; reiteratacknowledges that a European military capability to act is essential to contribute to the fulfilment of NATO’'s core tasks, as well as to enhance deterrence;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the requests by the United States, Canada, and Norway to participate in the PESCO project on military mobility; underlines that this marks an important step towards increased coRecalls that the participation of third countries, which would meet an agreed set of political, substantive and legal conditions, in individual PESCO projects can be in the strategic interest of the European Union, when it comes to providing technical expertise or additional capabilities, particularly in case of strategic partners such as NATO Allies, Western Balkans or EaP partners; in this regard welcomes the rence between the common EU and NATO capability development efforts, and illustrates the revitalisation of the transatlantic partnershipquests by the United States, Canada and Norway to participate in the PESCO project on military mobility, which illustrates the revitalisation of the transatlantic partnership, reminds that possible third country participation to PESCO projects should not undermine the objective to foster the EU CSDP;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the crucial importance of closedeepening transatlantic cooperation in the areas of arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation; furthermore, sees potentialges the EU and NATO to strive towards an ambitious agenda for the preservation of effective international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation regimes as a cornerstone of global, transatlantic and European security, and to pursue policies designed to move forward the reduction and elimination of all nuclear arsenals and to achieve a world without nuclear weapons; furthermore, stresses the need for further transatlantic cooperation on a range of international issues, such as maritime security, pandemic response and in the areas of outer space and the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 206 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Urges the EU and NATO to work together for a more systematic implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and for foreseeing the development of joint education and training activities;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Notes that the Alliance declared space an operational domain; calls on the EU and NATO to strengthen their cooperation on their respective space policies, ensuring mutual benefits in the areas of communication, navigation and intelligence; underlines the need for the EU and NATO to strive to prevent the weaponisation of space;
Amendment 211 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recognises the important cooperation between the EU and NATO in the Western Balkans, notably through the EUFOR Althea mission, which operation HQ is located at SHAPE thanks to the Berlin Plus Arrangement, as well as through cooperation between EULEX and KFOR in Kosovo; recalls Operation Concordia as the first EU operation with NATO assets; welcomes NATO’s continued Open Door Policy and reminds that Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia have in recent years joined NATO;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the EU, NATO and the UN to further explore opportunities for closer cooperation in crisis management, humanitarian actions, peacekeeping and partners’ capacity-building especially on joint areas of operation;
Amendment 237 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses its utmost concern regarding the continuous revisionist policies pursued by Russia under President Putin; underscores the need for both NATO and the EU to remain vigilant and to adequatelyhave a consistent proactive strategy and to respond to acts of aggression and provocation by Russia, such as, in particular, its illegitimate and illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, with unity, determination, coherence and full respect to international law; regrets President Putin’s evident rejection of dialogue, and considers Russia’s continued aggressive actions and increased military assertiveness as a threat to Euro- Atlantic security and stability; stresses the urgency for the EU and for NATO to engage with Russia in arms control negotiations and risk reduction measures; expresses deep concern for the build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine and in illegally annexed Crimea;
Amendment 264 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recognises that the growing influence, assertiveness and military rise of China, including its increased presence in third countries, need to be met with a coordinated transatlantic strategy; expresses its serious concern regarding the policies pursued by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities when it comes to, among other things, the suppression of democracy in Hong Kong, the treatment of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, threats towards Taiwan or aggressive policies and actions in the South China Sea; further points to the relevance of the fact that China, as a non-democratic regime, has entered into systemic competition with the transatlantic partnership by undermining the rules-based international order, and in turn is attempting to reshape it according to the CCP’s own values and interestsgrowing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, which represent a threat to the regional and global stability;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses serious concern that adversaries and competitors of the transatlantic partnership and other unreliable actors are not only using military but also political and economic tools to undermine our societies and democracies; points to the significant security and economic challenges posed by hybrid threats, cyber attacks, foreign interferences and disinformation campaigns, which in some cases constitute an attack against the very nature of our democracies and societies; condemns recent increased cases of cyber attacks and espionage of state and non-state actors against EU and NATO members in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including targeting the healthcare sector;
Amendment 286 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Emphasises that both the EU and NATO should further strengthen their capabilities to prevent, deter and respond to hybrid and cyber attacks; suggests the creation of a joint cyber threat information hub, as well as a joint task force for cyber security; calls for strong coordination among the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in this respect; calls for increased EU-NATO coordination as regards establishing collective attribution for malicious cyber incidents;
Amendment 295 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the EU and NATO to take the lead in global efforts to set up a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development and ethical use of AI- enabled weapons; insists that the EU and NATO should actively take part in international negotiations on a legally binding instrument that would prohibit fully autonomous weapons;
Amendment 313 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recognises the unprecedented challenge to global peace, prosperity, security and stability posed by climate change as a ‘threat and crisis multiplier’; calls for enhanced EU- NATO dialogue onset of actions and cooperation to counter climate change and its multifaceted consequences for international security; stresses that the Arctic shall remain an area of peaceful cooperation and warns against increased militarisation;
Amendment 333 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is convinced that the Member States must increase their efforts to meet the EU level of ambition and improve the EU’s ability to act with a more capable, deployable, interoperable and sustainable set of military capabilities and forces, which would give the EU the capacity to contribute more equitabdecisively to transatlantic security, while enableing it to achievedvance towards strategic autonomy, and further pave the way to progressively frame a European Defence Union (EDU) in line with Article 42 of the TEU; stresses that strategic autonomy strengthens transatlantic security, and by no means aims to decouple from or weaken NATO; underlines at the same time that EU strategic autonomy not only entails defence capability development but also the institutional capacity enabling the EU to act, where possible with partners, and independently if necessary; believes that these increased European militarycapability development efforts will allow the EU to take greater responsibility for European security and global stability, and to better promote common EU-NATO interests and values, in particular in the European neighbourhood;
Amendment 360 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that as a long-term objective, the European allies in NATO, supported where possible by non-NATO European partners, as appropriate, should aim to account for half of the forces and capabilities derived under the NDPP in orderin the need to ensure adequate long- term burden-sharing inside the alliance; underlines that the transatlantic partnership can only be successful if all Member States fulfil their commitments and engage in mutual support; underlinerecalls NATO’s 2 % goal, set at the 2014 NATO Summit in Wales;
Amendment 398 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the extension of the New START Treaty, which gives both signatories additional time to pursue negotiations with a view to agreeing on a new arms control instrument; calls on the EU and NATO to strive for the involvement of other states; recalls the need to increase cooperation and investment in the key area of air and missile defence; regrets the recent withdrawals from the Treaty on Open Skies;
Amendment 417 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Notes that NATO remains a unique forum for defence cooperation between the EU and its former Member the UK; underlines the need to use NATO as a platform to ensure strong security and defence cooperation with the UK;
Amendment 445 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Underlines the need to reinforce Allies' unity, solidarity and cohesion; acknowledges serious disputes between Allies in the Eastern Mediterranean; welcomes the establishment of NATO's de-escalation mechanism; stresses the importance of further trust-building measures based on dialogue and mutual respect; regrets that Turkey, despite being a strategically important neighbour and a NATO member, acted inconsistent with international law, relevant UN resolutions and NATO Treaty; calls on Turkey to avoid aggressive acts, destabilising attitude and provocative discourse, while assuming more coherency and full alignment with its foreign, security and other policy obligations as EU candidate country and NATO member;
Amendment 458 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Takes note of the announced decision to withdraw troops from the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan; calls to continue closely monitoring the situation in the country and reiterates the importance of peace, stability and security with a wider impact on the region;
Amendment 464 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Recalls the importance of proactive, effective and clear communication, both in the EU and externally, and calls for closer cooperation between the respective staff of NATO and the EU on strategic communication, especially with regard to countering disinformation and foreign interferences from third country state and non-state actors; calls for strong cooperation against disinformation campaigns which target EU and NATO in strategically important areas such as the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries;
Amendment 472 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and reiterates its previous calls for an enhanced role for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (PA); recommendsquests the NATO PA Standing Committee that the status of the European Parliament’s delegation in the NATO PA be upgraded to full status, reflecting the importance of EU-NATO cooperation;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Proposal for a decision 1
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019 / Postpones its decision on granting the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2019;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. the Union budget is a significant instrument for achieving common policy objectives, and on average represents 2,1 % of the Member States’ general government expenditure and total public spending in the Union1.0% of EU gross national income;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights, with regard to the implementation of the Union budget, the importance of complying with the principle of sound financial management as enshrined in Article 317 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU);,), as well as the importance of achieving programmes priorities and objectives which contribute to strengthening the European integration and creating an ever closer Union .
Amendment 41 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Encourage the Commission to continue attaching the highest importance to the sound financial management of the EU budget, in particular through putting in place multiannual control strategies designed to prevent, detect and correct errors, as well as to continue carefully monitoring the implementation of the EU budget and to take immediate steps to correct the errors and to recover the funds incorrectly spent by Member States, intermediaries or final beneficiaries;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Considers, in line with the Commission's endeavour, that it is of utmost importance to strike the right balance between low level of errors, fast payments, reasonable costs of controls and added value of the EU Budget;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses the crucial role of the EU policies and instruments for their realisation in the areas of cohesion, agriculture and rural development, research and innovations, home affairs and external relations for reducing disparities between Member States and regions, for promoting economic growth and employment, for combating poverty and social exclusion, for upholding and promoting EU values, security and justice for its citizens within the Union and in the wider world;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Welcomes that the Commission, as manager of the EU budget, appropriately tailors its common methodology to the specificities of the risk, control and management environments of the different spending areas, in order to effectively fulfil its reporting obligations and protect the EU Budget;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Acknowledges that the financial management of the EU budget has improved over time and that the error levels have decreased to ranges getting closer to the 2% materiality threshold in the recent years, except in some specific policy areas;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deeply regrets, however,Is concerned that for the first time in four years the Court had tos issued an adverse opinion on the legality and regularity of the expenditure underlying the accounts;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 93 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – introductory part
Paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Notes that the reasons for the adverse opinion are: on EU expenditure is the conclusion of the Court that the level of errors mainly in reimbursement-based payments is pervasive, and that due to the way the EU budget is composed and evolves over time, high risk expenditures in 2019 represents more than half of the audited spending (53,1%),in which the material error continues to be present at an estimated rate of 4,9% (compared to 4,5 % in 2018 and 3,7 % in 2017);
Amendment 94 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point a
Paragraph 8 – point a
Amendment 95 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 – point b
Paragraph 8 – point b
Amendment 101 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deeply regretsTakes note of the Court’s observation that the Commission’s particular role, as reflected in its methodology, and weaknesses in ex- post checks, which are a critical part of the control system, affects the Commission’s estimates of errors; notes that Commission’s risk at payment for 2019, set at 2,1% as reported in its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR), is within the range of the ECA’s estimated level of error for the three most significant spending areas - competitiveness, cohesion and natural resources;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the Court provided in 2019 specific error rates for four MFF headings: ‘Competitiveness’ (4.0%), ‘Cohesion’, (4,4%),‘Natural resources’(1,9 %) and ‘Administration’; points out that, in 2019, the Court found the highest estimated level of error in spending under ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion‘ (4,4 % (an estimated level of error below the materiality threshold);
Amendment 112 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Draws attention that the general estimate of the level of error in the EU budget, as presented in the Court’s Statement of Assurance, is neither a measure of fraud nor of inefficiency or waste, but it is an estimate of the money that should not have been paid out because it was not used in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations; notes that in 2019 the Court reported to OLAF 9 instances of suspected fraud found during its audits (also 9 in 2018),from which OLAF has opened 5 investigations and decided not to open an investigation in 4 cases;.
Amendment 116 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. RegretNotes the adoption of three amending budgets in 2019, adding EUR 0,4 billion to commitment appropriations and EUR 0,3 billion to payment appropriationswhich refer to the following;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point i (new)
Paragraph 15 – point i (new)
(i) Amending Budget (AB) No1/2019 entered the surplus of EUR 1 802 988 329, resulting from the implementation of the budget year 2018, as revenue in the 2019 budget; this amount has reduced the annual GNI contributions for Member States;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point ii (new)
Paragraph 15 – point ii (new)
(ii) Amending Budget (AB) No 2/2019 provided an additional EUR 100 million of commitment appropriations to Horizon2020 and Erasmus+ as decided by the European Parliament and the Council in their agreement on the budget 2019
Amendment 119 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point iii (new)
Paragraph 15 – point iii (new)
(iii) Amending Budget (AB) No 3/2019 entered the necessary commitment and payment appropriations for the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) amounting to EUR 293 551 794 which aimed to provide assistance to Romania, Italy and Austria following natural disasters that took place in these Member States in the course of 2018:
Amendment 123 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Acknowledges that given the multi-annual nature of its expenditure and of its control strategies, the Commission may apply corrections until the closure of the funding programme; notes furthermore that while errors may be detected in a given year, they are corrected in the current or in subsequent years after the payment was made – up until the moment of closure; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to continue exercising their corrective capacity, and the Commission to use the supervisory tools at its disposal, in line with its obligations under the different sectorial legal bases, in order to bring the real risk at closure ultimately well below 2% and closer to 0%;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Notes that in 2019 the corrective measures confirmed by the Commission amounted to EUR 1.5 billion (25% higher than in 2018), relating mainly to errors affecting payments made in previous years.
Amendment 137 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that, as in previous years, substantial amounts of unused annual ESIF pre-financing, due mainly to delays in implementation, was returned to the Union budget (EUR 7,7 billion in 2019), due mainly to delayas assigned revenue; points out that EUR 5,0 billion of that amount was used to make payments ion implementationclaims from Member States over and above the approved budget for the year under the relevant ESIF budget lines, which has prevented them from being cancelled;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 163 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes the Court's observation that the Commission has started making systemic performance assessments and analysis leading to conclusions on the achieving of the programmes’ objectives; notes with satisfaction that the Court considers this as a significant positive step towards clearer, more transparent and comprehensive annual reporting on programme performance;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines that according to the Financial Regulation, sound financial management implies effectiveness, efficiency and economy, and that the Commission and the Member States should ensure a focus on all three elements;
Amendment 184 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Observes that, for 2019, the Commission’'s estimate for the overall risk at closure was at 0,7 % (compared to 0,8 % in 2018) of the relevant expenditure; notes that due to the higher risk at payment in relation to cohesion spending, the overall risk at payment estimated by the Commission was higher than in previous years, at 2,1 % for 2019 (compared to 1,7 % in 2018), but as the estimated future corrections were also higher (1,4 %, compared to 0,9 % in 2018), the Commission arrived at a stable risk at closure, and with an estimate of risk at closure of less than 2 %, the Commission considered that its multiannual control systems ensured effective protection of the Union budget; points out furthermore that in the Commission’s own estimate, the expenditure with risk at payment above the materiality threshold was very high at EUR 67 billion;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Notes that the Commission subdivides its portfolio for 2019 into lower-risk and higher-risk strata, using criteria recognised also by the Court and related to the nature of the funding, notably the difference between rather complex reimbursement-based schemes (higher risk expenditure with risk at payment above 2%) and fairly straightforward entitlement-based payments (lower risk expenditure with risk at payment below 2%); points out furthermore that the Commission estimates that the higher risk expenditure stands at EUR 67 billion(46%), thus affecting smaller part of the budget than the lower risk expenditure, which stands at EUR 80 billion (54%);
Amendment 193 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Notes the Court’s conclusion that the Commission's performance reporting is becoming more balanced and that both the AMPR and the programme statements complement their reporting on programme achievements including information on lagging behind areas and persisting challenges for programmes;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44 a. Notes with satisfaction that the Commission is improving its risk assessment for the planning of the inspections and continues to strive to close long outstanding open points rapidly, depending also on Member States’ cooperation;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. UnderlinNotes that two main systemic weaknesses concern thehe Commission’s TOR inspections and the Court’s work highlighted two main weaknesses in Member State’s controls to reduce the custom gap: - lack of Union- wide standards forharmonisation of the performance of customs controls for mitigating the risk of undervalued imports throughout the Customs Union,; as well the fact thatnd - inability of Member States are not able to identify the riskiest economic operators at Union level for post-release audits;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47 a. Acknowledges, however, that the Commission has made important steps to help identifying the riskiest economic operators at EU level for post-release audits, with the flagging of transactions considered to pose financial risk under the Financial Risk Criteria and the update of the Customs Audit Guide;
Amendment 211 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47 b. Welcomes that the Commission works closely with Member States to find solutions to identify importers operating in Member States other than where they are headquartered; calls on it for achieving further progress once an EU- wide database covering all imports is fully available.
Amendment 215 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. RegretNotes that, for the fourth year in a row, the Directorate-General for Budgets (DG BUDG) issued a reservation on the value of TOR collected by the United Kingdom, due to that country’s failure to make available to the Union budget evaded customs duties on textiles and footwear imports, while the scope of undervaluation fraud had extended further to Union Member States, which results in further potential TOR losses;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52 a. Points out the measures regarding the case of TOR collected by the United Kingdom which the Commission took in 2018 (a formal infringement procedure) and 2019 (referral of the Case to the Court of Justice of the EU); notes from the written answers of the Commission for the hearing in CONT on 11 January 2021 that the oral hearing took place on 8 December 2020 and while the date of the final judgment is fully under the discretion of the Court, the Commission does not expect a ruling before summer 2021; notes with satisfaction that BREXIT has no adverse effect on recovery of the claimed amounts as they relate to imports before the end of the transition period;
Amendment 224 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Finds it worryingNotes that of the 130 transactions examined, 51 (39 %) contained errors;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Is deeply concerned that based on the 28 errors the Court has quantified, ithe estimated the level of error is 4,0 %for 2019 at 4,0 %, which is an increase compared to 2018 (2%); recalls that this figure is close to the rates the Court found in 2015, 2016 and 2017;
Amendment 231 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Finds it very regrettableNotes that ‘unlawful/discriminatory selection/award criteria’ accounted for 16% of errors and that ‘ineligible other direct costs (VAT, travel, equipment)’ accounted for 15% of errors;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
Amendment 240 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 a (new)
Paragraph 67 a (new)
67 a. Notes that research expenditure reimbursements based on claims submitted for costs incurred by the beneficiaries; notes that these claims are often subject to complex rules and can lead to errors as may be observed in the cases referred to by the ECA;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 b (new)
Paragraph 67 b (new)
67 b. Considers therefore that reducing the error rate depends on a continuous simplification effort; welcomes the ECA’s acknowledgement of the Commission’s efforts to simplify the administrative and financial requirements of Horizon 2020;
Amendment 242 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 c (new)
Paragraph 67 c (new)
Amendment 243 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 d (new)
Paragraph 67 d (new)
67 d. Notes the Commission’s introduction of a sound system of ex-ante controls, which includes detailed automated checklists, written guidance and continuous training with the objective of reducing administrative burden allowing beneficiaries to focus on achieving their goals;
Amendment 251 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 68 – indent 4 a (new)
- To focus on the rules of the calculation and declaration of personal costs in the communication campaign related to Horizon 2020
Amendment 257 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71 a (new)
Paragraph 71 a (new)
71 a. Reiterates its concern about the very imbalanced allocation of funds to researchers across Member States via Horizon 2020;
Amendment 267 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80 a (new)
Paragraph 80 a (new)
80 a. Recalls the need EIB to provide clear and accessible information on the economic, social and environmental impact and added value achieved by EFSI funded projects; stresses that the additionally assessment of all EFSI- supported projects should be duly documented;
Amendment 271 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83 a (new)
Paragraph 83 a (new)
83 a. Notes that preventive measures undertaken by DG REGIO in 2019 brought positive results and there was no necessity of suspending ERDF and CF payments in 2019 since the programme authorities applied the required remedial action plans on time and interruptions for 16 payments amounting EUR 1.1 billion (out of 20amounting to EUR 1.2 billion) were waived; notes furthermore that DG REGIO was able to close 12 out of 19 warning letters for corrective measures for cases of system deficiencies due to the implementation of the necessary exit points;
Amendment 272 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83 b (new)
Paragraph 83 b (new)
83 b. Welcomes the positive follow up undertaken by the Commission to implement the Court’s recommendation from 2018 Annual Report and the started drafting of Closure Guidelines aiming to ensure that proper closure arrangements for the 2014-2020 period will be available in due time and in any case well before the closure in 2025;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 84
Paragraph 84
84. Finds it worrying that on basisNotes the decrease in the estimated level of error for the Economic, social and territorial cohesion identified by the Court for 2019 (4.4%) compared to those for 2018 (5.0%) while the expenditure audited by the Court was higher in 2019 (EUR28.4 billion) than in 2018 (EUR 23.6 billion); Notes that of the 236 transactions examined, 29 errors had not been detected by audit authorities and 64 errors had previously been found by audit authorities and corrections applied by programme authorities (amounting to a total of EUR 334 million for both programming periods taken together), the Court estimates the level of error to be 4,4 %;; notes further that these errors concerned ineligible costs (39), public procurement (24) and missing supporting documentation (one error)
Amendment 278 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 85
Paragraph 85
Amendment 281 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86
Paragraph 86
86. Regrets the fact that 55 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible projects’; notes that there were five ERDF projects, from the 2014-2020 programming period, for which aid was granted to beneficiaries or operations that did not meet the eligibility conditions set out in the applicable regulation and OPs;Notes with concern that the majority of the errors are related to three main categories:
Amendment 282 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 1 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 1 (new)
- 55 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible projects’: there were five ERDF projects, from the 2014-2020 programming period, for which aid was granted to beneficiaries or operations that did not meet the eligibility conditions set out in the applicable regulation and OPs;
Amendment 283 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 2 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 2 (new)
- 24 % of errors were made up by ‘Infringements of internal market rules’ (such as infringements of state aid rules - 9% and serious on-compliance with public procurement rules - 15%);
Amendment 284 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 – indent 3 (new)
Paragraph 86 – indent 3 (new)
- 12% of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible expenditure’;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86 a (new)
Paragraph 86 a (new)
86 a. stresses that complex rules contribute to a higher risk of error; acknowledges the Commission’s efforts to continuously working on simplifying rules and increasing the use of simpler delivery mechanisms such as simplified cost options;
Amendment 286 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 87
Paragraph 87
Amendment 287 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 88
Paragraph 88
Amendment 289 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89
Paragraph 89
89. Is very concerned about the weaknesses found in the work of several18out of 116 audit authorities in the Member States covered by the Court’s sample, which currently limit the reliance that can be placed on that work (the recalculated rate was above the 2 % materiality threshold in nine out of 20 assurance packages for the 2014- 2020 period, the Commission adjusted the residual error rates for eight assurance packag; notes the Court observation that the Commission arrived at similar results for eight of these packages and adjusted the residual error rates to a figure above 2 %);
Amendment 291 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 89 a (new)
Paragraph 89 a (new)
89 a. Notes that the Commission reports, in the Annual Management and Performance Report and in the Annual Activity Reports of the concerned Directorates-General, an error range for cohesion policy, which is within the error range calculated by the ECA;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 93 a (new)
Paragraph 93 a (new)
93 a. Shares the Court’s welcoming of the Commission’s and audit authorities’ joint initiative and coordinated efforts to improve the documentation of audit authorities work and the elaboration of a ‘Reflection paper on audit documentation’ in December 2019, which, although not mandatory, represents a first step in improving the way audit authorities perform and document their work;
Amendment 324 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 a (new)
- continue consistently and extensively cooperating with the audit authorities to ensure robust control framework, improve the quality of the assurance work when needed and ensure the necessary detection and corrective capacities;
Amendment 325 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 b (new)
Paragraph 94 – indent 2 b (new)
Amendment 346 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 94 a (new)
Paragraph 94 a (new)
94 a. Invites the Commission to continue providing guidance and support, as well as to identify and disseminate good practices to Member States;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 96 a (new)
Paragraph 96 a (new)
96 a. Is pleased to see that in its first Annual Report on performance by the end of 2019 the Court gives ERDF programme performance overview as a positive example of clearly formulated conclusions on general objective; encourages DG REGIO to continue to present clear conclusions in the performance sections both for general and specific objectives, and invites other DGs to follow this good example and to improve their conclusions by making them more informative and clearer;
Amendment 353 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 97
Paragraph 97
Amendment 355 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 98
Paragraph 98
Amendment 358 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 99
Paragraph 99
99. Underlines that in cohesion policy, characterised by large-scale infrastructure projects, there can be a time lag between the start of the programme, its implementation and the realisation of outputs and results; finds it worrisome that progress is also likely to be affected by the relatively low levels of implementation in respect of cohesion policy, compared to the rest of Union budget; notes that these factors, together with the fact that the latest data available (in an implementation period lasting until the end of 2023) relates to the end of 2018, are outlined by the Court as making it harder at this stage for it to conclude on the achievement of the objectives;
Amendment 362 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 100
Paragraph 100
100. StressesTakes note of other factors relevant to the Court analysis of performance, which explain that Cohesion policy objectives, such as those relating to employment rates, economic development, and climate and energy, are heavily influenced by a wide range of national and external factors, in Europe and the world; underline, as well as that in many Member States, cohesion policy funding typically represents a small proportion of the funds dedicated to these issues, and so can have only a very limited impact on these Member States' progress towards meeting these objectives;
Amendment 364 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 101
Paragraph 101
101. Notes furthermore the Court’s observation regarding additional factors such as that the Union has at its disposal a range of policy tools for meeting its high- level cohesion policy objectives, of which the ERDF and CF constitute one part, that other funds and legislative initiatives are also designed to address the objectives, therefore, that it iswhich make it often not possible to distinguish the effects of different policy tools on the progress towards meeting targets;
Amendment 365 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 102
Paragraph 102
102. Regrets that the Court’s analysis based on scarce available data as of the end of 2018 shows that of 72 indicators in total, only just above one third of the indicators are on track to meet their targets and that about half of the indicators are not on track and that for the remaining indicators it was not possible for the Court to conclude; regrets that of 9 indicators linked to the general objectives, only two are on track, meanwhile; notes, however, that about one third of the indicators haveing a mid- term milestone target set for 2018 the Court concludes that 70% have either been achieved or are likely to be achieved soon;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 107
Paragraph 107
107. Finds itself in agreement withIs concerned by the Court’s opinion that there are strong indications that the Union will not meet the 2030 climate and energy targets; notes that according to the Commission, there was only limited progress in the reduction of the negative environmental impacts stemming from the use of natural resources; highlights its agreement with the Courtthe Court observation that half of the Union Member States were at risk of not generating enough electricity from renewable energy to meet their 2020 targets; notes that in the Court’s landscape review of Union action on energy and climate change, the Court reported that the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions projected by Member States falls short of the 40 % target for 2030;
Amendment 378 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 108
Paragraph 108
Amendment 393 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 115
Paragraph 115
Amendment 400 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 18 a (new)
Subheading 18 a (new)
Performance: European Social Fund (ESF) and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)
Amendment 401 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 a (new)
Paragraph 116 a (new)
116 a. Notes that the Court has not selected ESF and FEAD to be covered by its first annual report on performance of the EU budget at the end of 2019;
Amendment 402 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 b (new)
Paragraph 116 b (new)
116 b. Welcomes the findings within the Commission Evaluation(February 2021) on of the 2014-2018 ESF support to employment and labour mobility, social inclusion and education and training; notes with satisfaction that for the period 2014-2018, approximately 23 million persons participated in ESF actions and that 52% of participants were women; notes furthermore that of those participating, nearly 3.2 million persons have already found employment and 3.9 million successfully gained a qualification;
Amendment 403 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 c (new)
Paragraph 116 c (new)
116 c. Notes that by 2018 EUR 10,4 billion have been spent - from both the ESF and the YEI, that 3.8 million people under age of 30 participated in youth- employment support projects and that 1.4 million people entered employment immediately after participation;
Amendment 404 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 116 d (new)
Paragraph 116 d (new)
116 d. Notes furthermore that by the end of 2018, EUR 33.8 billion from the ESF have been invested for social inclusion and nearly 6.2 million persons had participated in social-inclusion actions, and that out of them nearly 700,000 individuals have found employment, with nearly 400,000 achieving a qualification;
Amendment 407 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 a (new)
Paragraph 118 a (new)
118 a. Notes the positive evolution for the policy area “natural resources”, which continues its downtrend with a further decrease of the overall level of error established by the Court to an estimated level of error of 1.9%, below the materiality threshold; welcomes the fact that the error rate established by the Court tallies very closely with the overall error rate for the CAP given in DG AGRIʼs 2019annual activity report;
Amendment 408 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 b (new)
Paragraph 118 b (new)
118 b. Welcomes the Court's finding that EAGF direct payments, representing 70% of spending under natural resources, continues to be free of material error and the estimated level of error for all the chapter is below the materiality threshold, which demonstrates that the effectiveness of the remedial action plans that Member States have implemented in previous years;
Amendment 409 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 118 c (new)
Paragraph 118 c (new)
118 c. Notes that for both CAP funds, the continuous decrease in error-rates is due to the efficient management and control systems applied, in particular the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS);
Amendment 412 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 119
Paragraph 119
119. Finds it worryingNotes that of the 251 transactions examined7 by the Court, 44 (18 %) contained errors while 207 (82 %) were error-free; is concerned that based on the 36 errors ECA has quantified and other evidence produced by the control system ECA finds the level of error for ‘Natural resources’ to be close to the materiality threshold; _________________ 7The sample consisted of 136 payments under rural development programmes, 95 direct payments, 14 market measures and 6 payments for fisheries, the environment and climate action.notes furthermore that 70 % of errors were made up by ‘Ineligible beneficiary/activity/project/expenditure’;
Amendment 416 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 120
Paragraph 120
Amendment 425 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 126
Paragraph 126
126. Is concerned byNotes the Court’s opinion that the2015 expansion of certification bodies’ role to provide an opinion on the regularity of expenditure was a positive development, as well as the Court’s recognition that it identified some areas in which there is scope for further improvement, similar in type to those identified by the Commission; calls on the Commission to take the necessary measures in order to overcome the limitations in the reliability of the results of the certification bodies’ work, due to weaknesses the Courtwhich DG AGRI identified in some certification bodies’ checks and sampling methodologies;
Amendment 429 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Paragraph 127 a (new)
Amendment 460 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – introductory part
128. Finds it worryingTakes note of the Court’s explanation in its Annual Report on Performance of the EU budget at the end of 2019 regarding some limitations of its assessment of the CAP indicators and that it considers this as only a first step in analysing CAP performance; notes that the Court has identified weaknesses in the set of CAP performance indicators:
Amendment 462 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – introductory part
- The 2019 AMPR provides little quantified information about the results and impact of the CAP, and presents an overly positive narrative about policy achievements by focusing on outputs rather than resultsMore indicators relate to inputs or outputs and thus they show the level of absorption rather than the results or impacts of the policy:
Amendment 463 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 1 – point a
Amendment 465 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – introductory part
- The impact indicators in the programme statements mainly provide information about outputs, which are more easily measurable and less affected by external factors than results and impacts:are based on general macroeconomic variables, on which the effects of CAP can be both unclear and difficult to measure;
Amendment 467 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point a
Amendment 469 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point b
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point b
Amendment 470 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point c
Paragraph 128 – indent 2 – point c
Amendment 472 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – introductory part
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – introductory part
- In relation to the general objective on viable food production, direct payments have reduced farmers’ income volatility. At the same time, the absence of benchmarks for a fair standard of living and of further targeting of the spending has reduced the efficiency of direct support14 indicators do not have a specific, quantified target and therefore, they only indicate trends:
Amendment 473 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point a
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point a
Amendment 477 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point b
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point b
Amendment 478 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Amendment 480 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point d
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point d
d. in 2016 about two thirds9 of farms in the Union were smaller than 5 ha. As direct payments are linked to farm area, around 80 % of the support goes to around 20 % of beneficiaries. In fact, more than 30 % of the payments goes to 2 % of the beneficiaries, who each receive more than EUR 50 000 in direct payments. Various redistributive mechanisms have had only a marginal effect; _________________ 9 according to Eurostateleted
Amendment 483 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point e
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point e
Amendment 487 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point f
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 – point f
Amendment 488 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 128 – indent 3 a (new)
- seven indicators do not relate to the performance of the CAP, but to assurance on regularity of spending, public awareness of the CAP and policy information support within DG AGRI;
Amendment 489 #
Amendment 502 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 – indent 5
Paragraph 128 – indent 5
Amendment 520 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 a (new)
Paragraph 128 a (new)
128 a. Notes the Court’s observation that the information in the AMPR is aligned with the underlying data in the programme statements, but the APMR gives an over optimistic view of achievements and it does not discuss the efficiency of spending; calls on the Commission to report to the discharge authority on the measures undertaken to overcome the significant challenges noted by it in achieving policy objectives for the period 2014-2020;
Amendment 521 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 b (new)
Paragraph 128 b (new)
128 b. Takes note of the Court’s observation that the direct payments reduce income volatility (by around 30% as suggested by an evaluation study using data for 2010-2015), but they are largely untargeted; asks the Commission to ensure that better consistency between the targets addressed by the indicators and the policy objectives of increasing the individual earnings of people engaged in agriculture while limiting the need for direct support;
Amendment 522 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 c (new)
Paragraph 128 c (new)
128 c. Notes with concern the Commission’s data for the distribution of direct payments by payments class in2019 demonstrating that the biggest share of the direct payment envelope (58%)goes to 15 % of all beneficiaries, while most beneficiaries (75%) account for even smaller share of the direct payments (15 %) than the only 0,5% of all beneficiaries obtaining 16,3% of the total direct payments; Reiterates its call on the Commission for a fairer distribution of the direct payments;
Amendment 523 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 d (new)
Paragraph 128 d (new)
128 d. Welcomes the revision of the indicators and objectives in the Commission’s post-2020 CAP proposals which is based on the identified weaknesses by its Internal Audit Service and by the Court regarding CMEF indicators, as well as on the recognition of the need to develop further the indicators;
Amendment 524 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 e (new)
Paragraph 128 e (new)
128 e. Notes the Court’s observation that the CAP has potential to contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources, but there is not enough data to assess effectiveness; notes further its findings that greening had had little measurable effect on farming practices and the environment and that it remained essentially an income-support scheme;
Amendment 525 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 f (new)
Paragraph 128 f (new)
128 f. Takes note of the constrain, identified by the Court for successful contribution of agri-environment-climate measures to biodiversity and invites the Commission to suggest measures for increasing schemes coverage of a substantial portion of the farmed landscape and on specific risks;
Amendment 526 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 g (new)
Paragraph 128 g (new)
128 g. Takes note of the modest achievement by foresty measures under EAFRD, the achievement of 60% in2018 of the target for more efficient irrigation systems established for 2023and the need for further reduction of greenhouse emissions from agriculture and calls on the Commission to report on measures undertaken to improve the results of CAP implementation in these areas;
Amendment 527 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 h (new)
Paragraph 128 h (new)
128 h. Notes the Courts observation that the AMPR contains information on jobs and broadband access, but does not provide any relevant performance information for the balanced territorial development objective;
Amendment 528 #
2020/2140(DEC)
128 i. Welcomes the increase in the rural employment rate from 63,4% in 2012 to 68,1 % in 2018;
Amendment 529 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 128 j (new)
Paragraph 128 j (new)
128 j. Notes the figures which the Court comments for LEADER as at the end of 2018 (13 337 jobs recorder representing 30% of the 2023 target) as well as that the Commission does not have reliable data on jobs created under LEADER; asks the commission to work together with Member States for improving the availability of reliable data for LEADER implementation;
Amendment 545 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 24
Subheading 24
Court findings: Member States’ AMIF/ISF annual accounts
Amendment 547 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 131
Paragraph 131
131. Notes that, regarding the regularity of transactions, seven (37 %) of the 19 transactions examined by ECA were affected by errors (i.e. overstatement of salary costs)the Court have not estimated the error rate for this MFF heading but examined a sample of regarding 19 transactions designed to contribute to its overall statement of assurance rather than be representative of spending under this MFF heading; notes that the sample covered 8 transactions under shared management, 8 transactions under direct management and 1 under indirect management, and that the Court identified seven transactions (37%) were affected by errors;
Amendment 550 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 132
Paragraph 132
132. Regrets thatNotes that the Court has not provided information about the financial impact which the three quantifiable errors had a financial impactidentified by it had on the amounts charged to the Union budget;
Amendment 552 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 133 a (new)
Paragraph 133 a (new)
133 a. Notes that the Court audited the work done by eight authorities responsible for auditing their respective Member States’ AMIF/ISF annual accounts8 and providing the Commission with an annual control report;
Amendment 553 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 134
Paragraph 134
134. NoteWelcomes the Court’s findings that the audit authorities in the Member States17[1] selected by the ECA for a check had developed and implemented detailed procedures of sufficient quality to report as required by the rules; _________________ 17Germany, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Poland, as well as they had detailed audit programmes and tche United Kingdom for AMIF; Slovenia for the ISFcklists to support their conclusions.
Amendment 555 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – introductory part
Paragraph 135 – introductory part
135. Takes into account certain shortcomings in annual control reports issued by the Member Stataudit authorities, whose impact on the accounts were not material enough to detract from the audit authorities’ conclusions but creating potential risk of unreliability of reported data and of limited assurance, such as:
Amendment 556 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 1
Paragraph 135 – indent 1
Amendment 557 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Amendment 558 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 3
Paragraph 135 – indent 3
Amendment 559 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 4
Paragraph 135 – indent 4
Amendment 560 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 135 – indent 5
Paragraph 135 – indent 5
Amendment 561 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 136
Paragraph 136
Amendment 562 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 137
Paragraph 137
Amendment 565 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 138 a (new)
Paragraph 138 a (new)
138 a. Asks the Commission and Member States’ audit authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the Court and to report to the discharge authority;
Amendment 569 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139
Paragraph 139
Amendment 573 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 139 a (new)
Paragraph 139 a (new)
139 a. Welcomes the Court’s observation that the Commission’s interim evaluation indicates that AMIF is relevant and that it funded interventions that corresponded to the needs of Member States;
Amendment 574 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140
Paragraph 140
140. Notes, however some limitations in AMIF performance indicators, identified by the Court such as that two thirds of the indicators are output indicators and that 5 of the 24 indicator milestones for 2020 have already been achieved in previous years, but targets have not been adjusted upwards in line with good financial management practice to reflect the potential for more efficiency gains;
Amendment 576 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140 a (new)
Paragraph 140 a (new)
140 a. Notes that some AMIF indicators are not on track to meet their targets, that the Commission has not developed a performance monitoring framework for EMAS funded projects and that AMPR and programme statements provide little information on the progress achieved under important indicators;
Amendment 577 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 140 b (new)
Paragraph 140 b (new)
140 b. Asks the Commission to take measures to address the shortcoming identified by the Court and to improve the information included in AMPR and programme statements, which will allow for better monitoring of the progress achieved by the Fund;
Amendment 579 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 141
Paragraph 141
Amendment 584 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 142
Paragraph 142
Amendment 586 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 143
Paragraph 143
Amendment 592 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 144
Paragraph 144
Amendment 594 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 145
Paragraph 145
Amendment 598 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 146
Paragraph 146
Amendment 603 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 147
Paragraph 147
Amendment 615 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 148
Paragraph 148
148. Is concerned in relation toNotes the existence of two parallel Union funded schemes supporting the same type of return activities (AMIF NPs and Frontex return support), and insufficient coordination between both for forced return operations well as that the coordination is mainly responsibility of the Member States; calls therefore on them to ensure better coordination between both schemes;
Amendment 620 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 149 – indent 4
Paragraph 149 – indent 4
Amendment 643 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 156 a (new)
Paragraph 156 a (new)
156 a. Welcomes that transactions related to budget support and projects implemented by international organisations under the ‘notional approach’ were less prone to error and that in 2019 the Court did not detect any errors in these areas.
Amendment 649 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 157
Paragraph 157
Amendment 668 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – introductory part
Paragraph 164 – introductory part
164. Notes with deep concern, as to the DG DEVCO residual error rate studythat DG DEVCO implements most of the external aid instruments financed from both the EU general budget and the EDFs; takes note that the Court presented within its Annual Report on the activities funded by the 8th, 9that:, 10th and11th EDFs for the 2019 financial year its observations on systems, there liability of the AAR and the Director-General’s declaration for 2019 which refer to DG DEVCO’s entire area of responsibility;
Amendment 669 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 1
Paragraph 164 – indent 1
Amendment 670 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 2
Paragraph 164 – indent 2
Amendment 671 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 3
Paragraph 164 – indent 3
Amendment 672 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 4
Paragraph 164 – indent 4
Amendment 673 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 5
Paragraph 164 – indent 5
- Notes the Court’s observation that the Commission and its implementing partners made more errors in transactions relating to programme estimates, grants, contribution agreements with IOs and delegation agreements with EU Member States’ cooperation agencies than they did with other forms of support (such as those covering works, supply and service contracts). Of the 65 transactions of this type 25 (38 %) contained quantifiable errors, which accounted for 71,7 % of the estimated level of error;
Amendment 674 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 6
Paragraph 164 – indent 6
- Takes note of the Court’s opinion that the DG DEVCO’s residual error rate study does not constitute an assurance engagement or an audit; it is based on the residual error rate methodology and manual provided by DG DEVCO;
Amendment 675 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 7
Paragraph 164 – indent 7
Amendment 676 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 – indent 8
Paragraph 164 – indent 8
- Takes note of the Court’s observation that the director-general’s declaration of assurance in the 2019 AAR does not include any reservations, as the two reservations remaining in 2018 have been lifted and no new ones have been issued; before lifting these reservations in 2019, DG DEVCO had significantly reduced their scope (i.e. the share of expenditure covered by them) in 2017 and 2018, which consequently does not give a true and fair view of the risks in DG DEVCO’s overall area of responsibility;
Amendment 677 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 a (new)
Paragraph 164 a (new)
164 a. Takes note from the written answers of the Commission for the hearing in CONT on 1December 2020 that uned the DG DEVCO 2019 Action Plan a task was implemented responding to the Court’s recommendation from 2018 and that the RER manual and methodology was adapted mainly as concerns the guidance on reliance on prior control work and on the procedures relating to procurement and a new way to deal with estimations; welcomes that the changes are fully applied to the 2020 RER study;
Amendment 678 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 164 b (new)
Paragraph 164 b (new)
164 b. Notes, furthermore, that the Commission is currently working on implementation of additional Court’s recommendation for another adaptation of RER manual and methodology made in its 2019 Annual EDF Report and encourages the Commission to finalise the implementation of this recommendation by the end of 2021;
Amendment 693 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 170 – indent 4
Paragraph 170 – indent 4
Amendment 2 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the security and defence policies of the European Union and its Member States are guided by the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights and those of the United Nations Charter, and by a common understanding of the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, of freedom, of democracy, of equality and of the rule of law; highlights that all defence- related efforts within the Union framework must respect these universal values whilst promoting peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that a Union framework regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled systems in defence must respect all applicable legal regimes, in particular the international humanitarian law and the international human rights law, and be in compliance with Union law, principles and values; stresses that the EU should play a global role in leading the way towards a credible and binding AI regulatory agenda rooted in democratic values; calls on the Union to assess the inherent AI-related risks with regard to the application of Union law, and foresee necessary adjustment and enforcement where needed; underlines that emerging technologies not covered by international law should be judged by the principle of humanity and the dictates of public conscience; underlines that the ethics of AI-enabled systems in defence must be assessed from the point of view of Human rights, and notably human safety, health and security, freedom, privacy, integrity and dignity;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that the geographical scope of such a framework should cover all the components of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies developed, deployed or used in the Union, including in cases where part of the technologies might be located outside the Union or not have a specific location;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that, based on a human- centric approach, the Unionwhereby technology fully respects Human Rights and humans retain authority over automated decision- making systems, the Union needs a robust AI regulatory framework focused on security and defence, followsing a path of responsibility, of protecting our citizens, and of defending our values, that its policies aim at preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security, whilst seizing the opportunities that those technologies offer;
Amendment 47 #
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; the Union working together with the Member States must determine the appropriate liability regimes applicable to innovations in AI and other immersive technologies in the field of security and defence thus establishing a legal basis for accountability and traceability mechanisms, those include in particular unintended harm to persons, be it material or immaterial, such as breach of fundamental rights;
Amendment 57 #
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 datareliability standards, active monitoring and supervision as regards the collection and exploitation of operational data; AI systems and applications intended to extract and synthesise data, and extrapolate results therefrom to inform decisions for matters relating to defence and national security, must be specific in scope and comply with the provisions set out in the current regulatory framework in terms of gathering and processing data; stresses that AI applications designed to process data for intelligence purposes in defence related activities should comply with data processing standards to avoid risks of unintended surveillance or infringement of individual rights; believes that for high-risk applications of AI-enabled technologies like facial recognition which lack a definitive regulatory framework at the EU level, the Union must ensure that their development and deployment is rightful, proportional and respects the rights of individuals; stresses the importance of monitoring competent national law enforcement authorities which develop and deploy AI-enabled systems and technologies to maintain public order so as to mitigate the disproportional risks of predictive policing;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the need to adopt clear safety and security provisions and requirements, with proper certifications, for AI-systems in defence, and carry ourt constant monitoring, regular tests and verifications across the entire life cycle; underlines the necessity of ensuring compliance with applicable standards and obtained certifications where AI modifies e.g. through machine learning the functionality and behaviour of systems in which it is integrated, in order to ensure full traceability of decisions made with involvement of AI;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresseds that all AI-systems in defence must have a concrete and well- defined domain of use and must be endowed withwhereby humans retain the abilitgency to detect and, disengage or diseactivate deployed systems should they move from their domain of use or engage in any escalatory or unintended action;
Amendment 85 #
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, as there must be meaningful human control over any weapons system and human intent in the decision to use force; underlines that 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 judgmentaccountability for the use of lethal force and exercise the necessary level of judgment, which cannot be endowed to machines as it must be based on distinction, proportionality and precaution, for taking lethal or large-scale destructive action bey means of such systems; recalls in this respect its position on a ban on the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons systems enabling strikes to be carried out without meaningful human intervention;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the EU must take the lead in promoting the establishment of international norms regarding the ethical and legal parameters of the development and use of fully autonomous, semi- autonomous and remotely operated lethal weapons systems; Member States should develop national strategies for the definition, status and use of lethal autonomous weapons (LAWs) towards a comprehensive strategy on the EU level;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that the Union must promote understanding of the military implications of AI, of robotics and of autonomy; considers that the Union needs to promote the acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge on technology development processes and operational methods throughout the supply chain and over the full lifecycle of AI-enabled military capabilities;
Amendment 116 #
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 jeopardyendangers the functioning of the internal market and the objective to ensure trustworthyreliable 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; stresses that AI-related projects should be synchronized with the wider EU civilian programmes devoted to AI; notes that in line with the European Commission’s White Paper on AI (COM2020/65final) excellence and testing centres concentrating on research and development of AI in the field of security and defence should be established with vigorous specifications underpinning the participation of and investment from private stakeholders;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Emphasises that the development of AI that respects fundamental rights and supports the public interest requires the strategic pooling and sharing of data in the EU between private and public entities, as well as the strengthening of an EU AI ecosystem, which involves public, private, and civil society stakeholders; calls on the European Commission to foster dialogue among Member States, researchers, academics, civil society actors and the private sector so as to have inclusive policymaking processes when it comes to defence-related AI regulations;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the European Commission and on the VP/HR to present, also as part of an overall approach, a sectoral AI strategy for defence-related activities within the Union framework, that ensures both respect for citizens’ rights and EU’s strategic interests that should propose a consistent regulatory approach spanning from the inception of AI-enabled systems to their military uses; calls on these regulatory efforts to be supported by meaningful monitoring schemes, so that normative frameworks are not outplaced by technological development and new methods of warfare; calls on the Council, the European Commission and on the VP/HR to enter in a structured dialogue with the European Parliament to that end.
Amendment 10 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
– having regard to the cJoint Communications from of the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) on [...]Vice President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the regions: Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020, Reinforcing Resilience – an Eastern Partnership that delivers for all,
Amendment 36 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas increased cooperation between the EU and all EaP countries can be achieved and maintained only in so far as those core values and principles are respected;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) embrace an enhanced and future- oriented vision for the next decade of the EaP with the aim ofto strengthen resilience, foster sustainable development and deliver tangible results for society, ensuring lasting and irreversible achievements and deepening EU-EaP cooperation;
Amendment 170 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) maintain the inclusive naturright balance between the inclusive nature and differentiation principle of the EaP by acting as a driver towards improved democratic accountability, better economic governance and stability, reinforced citizens’ rights, energy security and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 180 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) embark on a process to create a common economic space that facilitates deeper political and economic integration and convergence with the EU policies;
Amendment 186 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) devise additional measures for deeper integration and further sectoral cooperation, such as in selected EU agencies, intra-EU programmes and initiatives, in full compliance with existing conditionalities and pursuant to the EU’s incentive-based approach to achieve further convergence in the spirit of the “more for more” principle;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ensure that the conclusions of the June 2020 Summit include a clear strategy and a long-term common vision for further engagement within the EaP beyond 2020,reinforced EU commitments and a pledge from the EaP countries to deliver on their own;
Amendment 220 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) acknowledge that the EaP should continue to be an attractive framework for cooperation and provide clear incentives, in line with the “more for more” principle, in order to keep partner countries engaged in the reform process and on their path towards EU;
Amendment 405 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v
Paragraph 1 – point v
(v) acknowledge the importance of security and stability for the future development of EaP members by boosting cooperation in security and defence and devoting particular attention to regional conflicts and new type of challenges such as hybrid threats, cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns that need to be tackled in a difficult geostrategic context;
Amendment 467 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) acknowledge the contribution of EaP civil society actors and organisations to democratisation and reform processes in their countries and the whole EaP region; continue supporting and promoting their activities for an active participation of civil society actors and safeguarding their working environment;
Amendment 502 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) increase the visibility of the support provided by the EU in the recipient EaP countries both at national and local level and boost EU citizens’ awareness about the EaP; there is also a need to step-up strategic communication efforts and those aimed at countering disinformation;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, on March 2019, the European Commission, as a response to a Parliament’s request, declared it would continue to apply strict conditionality to its financial assistance to Moldova, and together with the EEAS, will monitor and assess Moldova's progress in implementation of DCFTA/AA with the EU in all sectoral areas, through both bilateral and Eastern Partnership regional channels;
Amendment 96 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that the situation in Moldova should be closely monitored in the long term, including during the pre- electoral period, in accordance with the normal OSCE/ODIHR practices and standards, particularly in the current period of crisis, as the forthcoming presidential elections will be a test for democracy and the rule of law in the country;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Deplores the progressive distancing from the European path of the current government in Chisinau, to the detriment of country's democratic aspirations and urges all pro-European political parties to find solutions through dialogue, in order to ensure the continuity of the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova and to fully benefit from all the advantages offered by the AA / DCFTA;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Amendment 25 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the lasting deterioration in the Union’s strategic environment in the face of multiple challenges directly or indirectly affecting the security of its Member States and citizens: armed conflicts immediately to the east and south of the European continent, jihadist terrorism, cyber attacks, uncontrolled migrationdisinformation campaigns, increasing threats to natural resources, climate change, etc.;
Amendment 54 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that, in this context, some of these actors are deliberately circumventing or attempting to destroy the multilateral mechanisms essential to maintaining peace and they might become a direct threat to our security;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Continues to condemn Russia’s military intervention and illegal annexation of Crimean peninsula; ensures support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Amendment 62 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Notes that targeted restrictive measures can be effective tools, but stresses that they should not affect innocent people and should be in line with the principles of UN Charter and of the CFSP;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes, in this adverse and volatile context, the belated but real recognition of shared security interests and the growing political will on the part of European countries and the European institutions to act collectively for their security by endowing themselves with greater means to act autonomously; notes that only through a collective approach EU can become stronger and be able to take greater responsibility for its own security and defence;
Amendment 96 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the achievements of the last five years regarding the strengthening of the Common Security and Defence Policy and calls on the Council and the Commission to develop further the Union’s capacities to act as a global partner, representing the interests of European citizens and acting as a positive force in international relations;
Amendment 228 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Welcomes the recognition that there is no security without women and stresses the importance of the participation of women in negotiations and missions;
Amendment 231 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the need to assess missions and operations on a regular basis in order to make them more effective; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to draw up mandates and budgets which are appropriate to the operations concerned and to provide for an exit strategy; calls, in that connection, for more regular information sharing and consultations with the relevant parliamentary committees prior, during and after the missions and operations, and calls on the latter to focus their missions and delegations on areas where CSDP missions and operations are deployed; demands that the European Parliament - alongside national parliaments has a strengthened role in CSDP respect, so as to guarantee the parliamentary oversight of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy and its budget;
Amendment 336 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of June 2017 to create a European Defence Fund (EDF), which would foster cooperation between Member States and support the European defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which Community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects and supports the creation of a fully-fledged EDF in the next MFF; recognises that this is a major step forward for European defence, from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the EDF could finance structural projects such as the future European aircraft or tank or a European anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies, two key areas for maintaining Europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes, also, the adoption by the Commission in March 2019 of the first European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019, including for the Eurodrone, which is a key capability for Europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020, covering priority areas in all domains (air, land, sea, cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the Member States and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the EDF;
Amendment 352 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Notes the Commission’s proposal to allocate EUR 6.5 billion to military mobility projects in the next MFF; highlights that the military mobility is a strategic instrument that will allow to the EU to pursue effectively its security and defence interests and in a complementary manner with other organisations such as NATO;
Amendment 361 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Questions the slow start-up of the 34 projects and the delays to the launch of a third wave of 13 projects, given that none are as yet up and running and highlights the need of concrete deadlines for deliverance of the projects and clearer overview of what their end products will entail; notes that only four projects will reach their initial operational capacity in 2019; highlights the lack of ambition and scale of some projects, which do not address the most obvious capability gaps, particularly those in the first wave, which are primarily capability projects involving as many Member States as possible; notes that the desired inclusion of participation in PESCO projects should not jeopardise a high level of ambition on the part of the participating Member States; considers that third countries’ involvement should be subject to stringent conditions and based on established and effective reciprocity; calls on the Member States to submit projects with a strategic European dimension, thereby strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), which is an essential part of the strategic autonomisation process and relates more to the operational side in order to respond directly to the operational needs of European armed forces;
Amendment 381 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the strategic dimension for Europe of the space sector, and emphasises the need to make progress in developing technologies with both civilian and military uses which are capable of ensuring European strategic autonomy; welcomes the inclusion in the next MFF of the Commission’s EUR 16 billion space programme proposal to boost EU space leadership; welcomes the progress made on EU satellite services (Galileo, Copernicus, EGNOS); emphasises that, if it is to enjoy decision-making and operational autonomy, the Union must have adequate satellite resources in the fields of space imagery, intelligence-gathering, communications and space surveillance; considers that space-based services should be fully operationalised in order to provide high-resolution satellite imaging in support of CSDP missions and operations; considers that the new security initiatives on Governmental Satellite Communication (GOVSATCOM) and space situational awareness (SSA) will contribute significantly to the objectives of the European defence action plan and strengthening the Union's strategic autonomy; stresses the need to finance, through the EDF, industrial projects with a space dimension where the Union can generate real added value;
Amendment 399 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Believes that the Union and its Member States face an unprecedented threat in the form of cyber attacks as well as cyber crime and terrorism; believes that the nature of cyber attacks makes them a threat that requires a Union-level response; encourages the Member States to provide mutual assistance in the event of a cyber attack against any one of them; recalls that if a Member State is the victim of cyber attacks can call for the activation of the EU's mutual defence and solidarity clause;
Amendment 404 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Believes that the Union and its Member States face an unprecedented threat in the form of cyber attacks as well as cyber crime, disinformation campaigns and terrorism; believes that the nature of cyber attacks makes them a threat that requires a Union-level response; encourages the Member States to provide mutual assistance in the event of a cyber attack against any one of them;
Amendment 411 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Recognises the increasingly prominent role of artificial intelligence (AI) in European defence; notes, in particular, the many military applications stemming from AI for managing and simulating operational environments, assisting the decision-making process, detecting threats and processing intelligence; stresses that the development of reliable AI in the field of defence is essential for ensuring European strategic autonomy in capability and operational areas; calls on the Union to keep up its investment in this area and in particular in disruptive technologies through existing instruments (European Defence Fund, European Innovation Council, future Horizon Europe, Digital Europe programme); calls for promoting a common strategy for AI that can boost the technological and industrial capacity of the EU, but also ensure an appropriate ethical and legal standards in order to guarantee its safe appliance, especially with a focus on the potential harm of the lethal autonomous weapons systems and the consequences for human rights and dignity;
Amendment 439 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. CStresses that EU and United Kingdom will still share the same strategic environment and the same threats to their peace and security after Brexit and considers it essential to maintain strong, close and special defence and security cooperation between the Union and the United Kingdom after Brexit; stresses that working in cooperation with the United Kingdom will enable the Union to maximise its capabilities and operational capacities; considers that defence cooperation which systematically excludes the United Kingdom should be ruled out; proposes the conclusion of a defence and security treaty with the United Kingdom which enables that country to participate, as far as possible, in Union instruments;
Amendment 441 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Draws attention to NATO’s fundamental role in collective defence, as explicitly recognised in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; believes that the EU-NATO partnership is essential for addressing the security challenges facing Europe and its neighbourhood; believes that EU-NATO cooperation should be complementary and takes full account of each of the two institution’s specific features and roles; considers that the new EU-NATO declaration signed in 2018 starts a new era of their partnership and welcomes the additional areas of cooperation such as military mobility, counter-terrorism, strengthening resilience to CBRN related risks and promoting women and peace agenda;
Amendment 442 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Draws attention to NATO’s fundamental role in collective defence, as explicitly recognised in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; believes that the EU-NATO partnership is essential for addressing the security challenges facing Europe and its neighbourhood; believes that EU-NATO cooperation should be complementary and takes full account of each of the two institution’s specific features and roles; welcomes the EU-NATO cooperation through Defender-Europe 20 exercise and consider that it is real opportunity to test Europe's capability to respond against an act of aggression, but also to examine the developments and improvements of border-crossing and military mobility;
Amendment 455 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Stresses the importance of cooperation between the Union and other international institutions, in particular the African Union and the OSCE; considers that the Union should also strengthen dialogue and cooperation with third countries in the region and with regional and sub-regional organisations; also believes that a stable and peaceful environment in the Union’s neighbourhood countries are essential in order to stabilize the region, protect the residents, keep the peace and prevent conflicts. Notes with regret that the European Council failed to move forward concerning the enlargement of the Union towards the Western Balkans, in particular with respect to the opening of membership negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania. Urges the Member States, the Council and the European Commission to maintain a strong relationship with the countries of the Western Balkans, acting on earlier commitments of the EU as regards their European perspective, supporting their reforms aiming at the fulfilment of the Copenhagen Criteria for EU Membership; ensuring that each country is judged according to their real progress towards these requirements; maintaining a credible framework for enlargement; and further deepening the region’s integration in order to ensure the stable and peaceful development of the Western Balkans as a strategic partner of the European Union;
Amendment 465 #
2019/2135(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 a (new)
Paragraph 60 a (new)
60a. In order to tackle the threat of nuclear proliferation stresses the importance of multilateral negotiations among the European Union and the involved parties; urges to respect the nuclear treaties, to support closing new treaty which replace the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces)Treaty and to renewing the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2020;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates Parliament’s view that the 2020 Union budget should pave the way to the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and provide a solid starting point for the launch of the new generation of EU programmes and policies; recalls, moreover, that 2020 is the last year of the current MFF and, therefore, the last chance for the Union to come closer to meeting the political commitments set for this period, including towards reaching the EU climate target and implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the social principles outlined by the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR); underlines that the budget 2020 should prepare the Union for an even more ambitious climate target in the 2021-2027 MFF;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that, in the context of ongoing budgetary constraints, it will be critical to make the best use of the 2020 general budget, especially when it comes to policies capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and quality employment creation and measures to support well-functioning labour markets and better adjustment to demographic change, supporting the promotion of gender equality; emphasises the need to continue its efforts to fight fake news and disinformation with proper levels of financing for these activities, while ensuring adequate interinstitutional cooperation;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Stresses the need to allocate an adequate amount of resources to reinforce the external dimension of migration and to guarantee an adequate protection of the Union's external borders, in order to support the reception, sheltering and integration of asylum seekers and migrants in the Member States, resettlement programmes, and to respond to emergency assistance needs of Member States hosting large numbers of asylum seekers and/or of first arrivals;
Amendment 64 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that it is also necessary to strengthen further important priorities in the Subheading; points in that regard to SMEs, which are an essential part of the Union economy and play a crucial role in delivering excellent quality investment and job creation in all Member States; emphasises that Erasmus+ remains a highly valued and hugely popular programme, with a volume of applications that far exceeds the funding available, and that it helps foster a strong sense of shared European identity;
Amendment 74 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the importance of tackling inequalities and reinforcing the employability of young people and is determined to ensure the proper funding for the YEI programme in the last year of the current MFF; underlines the need to accelerate the implementation of this programme and to further improve its efficiency, so as to ensure that it brings more European added value to national employment policies; proposes therefore an increase of EUR 363,3 million above DB levels in commitment appropriations for the YEI;
Amendment 84 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Highlights the budgetary inefficiency in supporting sensitive sectors affected in particular through bilateral free trade agreements; notes a decrease of traditional own resources in the Union budget, caused by the reduction in customs duties as a result of free trade agreements;
Amendment 85 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Proposes necessary increases for selected budget lines, in particular for the financing of measures to address the impact of African swine fever in several Member States; notes a severe impact and a big number of outbreaks registered since the beginning of 2019, with tens of thousands of animals being culled; notes that third countries have invested in research for developing a vaccine against ASF and the Union should be investing in research and development of a vaccine, which would help eradicate the spread and occurrence of ASF in the shortest possible time;
Amendment 89 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. In summary, increases commitment appropriations by EUR 267,3 million in Heading 2 (excluding pilot projects and preparatory actions), to be financed using the available margin under the ceiling; stresses that there should be no further cuts to the agricultural budget, since the agricultural sector is frequently affected by crises that require a budgetary response;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reinforces, against the background of an unrealistically low ceiling since the beginning of the current MFF, funding for Parliament’s priorities in the fields of internal security, migration and fundamental rights; strongly objects to Council’s cuts to the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and Internal Security Fund (ISF) and rejects the Council’s proposal to move EUR 400 million in commitment appropriations into a reserve awaiting a break-through on the reform of the Dublin III Regulation; underlines that it is of paramount importance to invest in adequate funding and staffing levels for all agencies operating in the fields of migration, security and border control, in particular Europol, Eurojust, EPPO and Frontex and as such to ensure their ability to further work effectively and fulfil the common mission of protecting the financial interests of the Union;
Amendment 103 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines the need for the EU budget to contribute more to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in the countries covered by the Development Cooperation Instrument and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; calls for the need to match the climate emergency with a substantial increase in the number of funds dedicated to climate objectives and climate diplomacy;
Amendment 106 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Proposes an substantial increase in funding for the Western Balkans countries under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, especially in the areas of functioning democratic institutions, rule of law, good governance and public administration; underlines the importance of a meaningful financing in view of the numerous challenges that the EU together with Member States will need to face in the European Neighbourhood for supporting political reforms and to align with the acquis in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 111 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Points out the need to prioritise the stability of EU Neighbourhood and continue to support countries such as Ukraine, Moldova, Tunisia and Georgia which all have shown significant progress that should be acknowledged and supported;