Activities of Nacho SÁNCHEZ AMOR
Plenary speeches (9)
Need to fight the systemic problem of gender-based violence in Europe (debate)
Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia (debate)
Presentation of the programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency (debate)
The case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye
Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks (debate)
Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (debate)
Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (debate)
The devastating floods in Spain, the urgent need to support the victims, to improve preparedness and to fight the climate crisis (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025
Institutional motions (10)
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
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye
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
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia
Written explanations (1)
Draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections
El Parlamento Europeo ha aprobado la posición del PE sobre el presupuesto de la UE para 2025. Los socialistas estamos satisfechos con el acuerdo sobre las cifras para aumentar la financiación para programas tan importantes como Erasmus+, Horizonte Europa, EU4Health, la ayuda humanitaria, la respuesta a los desastres naturales, más financiación para los jóvenes agricultores, para los programas de suministro de frutas y verduras en las escuelas, para el programa LIFE sobre acción medioambiental y climática, para el programa Derechos y Valores de la UE, incluidas las acciones contra la violencia de género y contra las personas LGBTQI+ entre otros. En cambio, en relación al texto que acompaña la posición sobre las cifras, el PPE decidió ponerse del lado de los grupos de extrema derecha de esta Cámara apoyando ideas y enmiendas que atentaban contra los valores en los que se basa la Unión. El PPE rompió el pacto alcanzado por los grupos europeístas. Por este motivo, he votado en contra de este texto.Hay mucho en juego para nuestros ciudadanos y nuestra economía. Los socialistas, no lo consideramos un gasto, sino una inversión en las personas y las empresas en tiempos de creciente incertidumbre y populismo tanto en Europa como en el mundo.
Written questions (5)
New Afghan morality law or law of silence, the culmination of a regime of ‘gender apartheid ’
EU response to UNRWA disinformation campaign
Cofinancing for bluetongue serotype 3 vaccines in the Union
Launch of European humanitarian corridors from Lebanon to the EU
Human rights impact assessment in the context of the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding
Amendments (1618)
Amendment 145 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the absolute need for the EU to meet the challenges posed by the multiple and constantly evolving threats to its security, and for this purpose, to engage in new policies and actions that enable the EU and its Member States to collectively and coherently strengthen their defence in Europe and their ability to act at the global level; stresses the utmost importance to keep working on creating a common European security culture;
Amendment 391 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Amendment 394 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that geopolitical developments havekeep evolveding rapidly since the Strategic Compass that was adopted by Member States in March 2022; calls, therefore, for a review of the Strategic Compass based on a comprehensive joint threat assessment, and the adoption of the European Defence Industrial Strategy; calls, furthermefore, for the Commission and the VP/HR to present an updated version ofwith urgency the upcoming White Paper on European Defence, which can be complemented by the Strategic Compass, and following this review exercise and for this to inform the preparation of the white paperEuropean Parliament on the future of European defence;
Amendment 411 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Suggests that the Council review the institutional settings of its decision- making bodies competent for defence and security, and consider setting up a new permanent decision-making body made up of ministers of defence from Member Statesconsiders setting up a new permanent decision- making body made up of ministers of defence from Member States, notwithstanding the competences of the VP/HR on CSDP and the respective distribution of competences within national ministries in this regard;
Amendment 440 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Underlines the need for the EU to count with the necessary first-hand information on global issues occurring outside its borders in the light of increasing geopolitical challenges and crisis worldwide; calls, in this regard, for strengthening the EU INTCEN, the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the SatCen by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as capabilities;
Amendment 542 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines the security implications the escalation of the situation in Gaza and Lebanon has over the neighbouring regions; stresses that the evolving conflict also underscores wider security challenges for Europe, with implications for the future of deterrence, humanitarian law and crisis management; in this regard, urges to a diplomatic solution to the conflict, that respects international norms, with the aim of achieving peace; calls, therefore, for an immediate and permanent ceasefire;
Amendment 662 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Reiterates its call to promote the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EEAS on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; urges to improve the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information;
Amendment 4 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Amendment 8 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) of 10 December 1984,
Amendment 11 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, adopted on 13 December 2006,
Amendment 13 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD),
Amendment 17 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) of 13 September 2007,
Amendment 18 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) of 17 December 2018,
Amendment 31 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18
Citation 18
– having regard to Protocols No. 6 and 13 to the Council of Europe Convention of 28 April 1983 for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty,
Amendment 60 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 TEU; whereas the EU’s action worldwide is guided by the universality and indivisibility of human rights and by the fact that the effective protection and defence of human rights and democracy is at the core of the EU’s external action, including trade, development, security and defence, and enlargement, among others;
Amendment 75 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU strongly believes in and fully supports multilateralism, a rules- based global order and the set of universal values, principles and norms that guide the UN member states; whereas a world of democracies, understood as a world of political systems that defend and protect human rights worldwide, is a safer world, as they count with significant check and balances that prevent the unpredictability of autocracies;
Amendment 89 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas in November 2024, the Convention of the Rights on the Child celebrates its 35th anniversary;
Amendment 101 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the legitimacy of the international rules-based order is dependent on compliance with the orders of international bodies, such as the United Nations Security Council resolutions and orders and decisions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court; whereas there are increasing global threats to compliance with such orders and decisions, as well as, generally, with provisions of international law, human rights law and international humanitarian law in emerging and ongoing conflict situations;
Amendment 111 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial partners in the EU’s efforts to safeguard and advance human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as to prevent conflicts globally; whereas governments around the world are increasingly censoring, silencing and harassing HRDs and CSOs in their work, leading to an increasingly shrinking civil space; whereas this behaviour includes measures encompassing strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), restrictive government policies, defamation campaigns, discrimination, intimidation and violence, including extrajudicial killings, abductions, and arbitrary arrests and detention; whereas attacks on HRDs are increasingly extending to their families and communities;
Amendment 119 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas gender equality is a core value of the EU; and the human rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive rights, continue to be violated across the world; whereas women human rights defenders and civil society organisations working on gender equality, women’s rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights continue to experience shrinking space for their critical work, as well as threats of violence, harassment and intimidation;
Amendment 136 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reasserts the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and the universality of human rights around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead by example and strictly uphold human rights and ensure an enabling civil society environment;
Amendment 140 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that the current conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has a disproportionate effect on civilians and causes a catastrophic humanitarian situation; calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and urges to address the risk of mass starvation, the worsening of health conditions and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; condemns Israel's authorities’ constant attempts to undermine and discredit the UN, its Secretary General and, especially, UNRWA, as well as the attacks on UNIFIL; deplores the legislation adopted by the Knesset banning the activities of UNRWA and ceasing its relations with Israel authorities; deplores the dire consequences this will have for the region as UNRWA is the main humanitarian assistance structure in Gaza and the West Bank, of which millions of people depend for vital services; recalls that this legislation infringes international law; welcomes the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and calls for the VP/HR to continue investing heavily on a ceasefire and a peaceful solution of the conflict; welcomes the ICJ Case 192 - Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), as well as the Advisory opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in OPT, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in OPT;
Amendment 165 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Condemns the increasing trend of violations and abuses of human rights and democratic principles and values across the world, such as executions, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, gender-based violence, clampdowns on civil society and, political opponents, excessive use of violence by public authorities, censorship and threats to independent mediamarginalised and vulnerable groups as well as ethnic and religious minorities, slavery and forced labour, excessive use of violence by public authorities, systematic and structural discrimination and inequality, censorship and threats to independent media, including threats in the digital sphere such as online surveillance and internet shutdowns, political attacks against international institutions, and increasing use of unlawful methods of war in grave breach of international humanitarian law and human rights law, among others; deplores the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and processes, and the shrinking space for civil societies around the world;
Amendment 191 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with deep concern the ongoing international crisis of accountability and the challenge to the pursuit of ending impunity for violations of core norms of international human rights and humanitarian law in modern conflicts around the world; underlines the serious consequences of discrediting and attacking the organizations of multilateral fora, such as the UN, which can foster a culture of impunity;
Amendment 196 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Denounces the tailor-made narratives of authoritarian and illiberal regimes attacking the universality of human rights and the rule of law, which are being spread by these regimes in international forums such as the United Nations Human Rights Council;
Amendment 197 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that there are also ‘human rights bright spots’ within this context of major challenges to human rights worldwide; underlines the need for a more strategic communication on human rights and democracy by spreading news about positive results, policies and best practices; supports the Good Human Rights Stories initiative9 as a way of promoting positive stories about human rights; underlines the role of the EU’s public and cultural diplomacy, as well as international cultural relations, in the promotion of human rights and calls for the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the EEAS to increase their efforts in this regard, for which they should count with the appropriate resources; _________________ 9 https://goodhumanrightsstories.net/.
Amendment 199 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with satisfaction that there are also ‘human rights bright spots’ within this context of major challenges to human rights worldwide; highlights particularly the work of civil society organizations and Human Rights Defenders; underlines the need for a more strategic communication on human rights and democracy by spreading news about positive results, policies and best practices; supports the Good Human Rights Stories initiative9 as a way of promoting positive stories about human rights; _________________ 9 https://goodhumanrightsstories.net/.
Amendment 213 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes that the EU and its Member States have made substantial progress in implementing the EU action plan on human rights and democracy, although they have not reached all of its goals, in particular also due to the unprecedented challenges the world has experienced since its adoption; welcomes, in this sense, the extension of the action plan until 2027, with a view to maximising the synergies and complementarity between human rights and democracy at local, national and global levels;
Amendment 219 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Fully supports the work of the EUSR for Human Rights in contributing to the visibility and coherence of the EU’s human rights actions in its external relations; upholds the EUSR’s central role in the EU’s promotion and protection of human rights by engaging with non-EU countries and like-minded partners; underlines the need for close cooperation between the EUSR for Human Rights and other EUSRs and Special Envoys in order to further improve this coherence, and calls for greater visibility for the role of the EUSR for Human Rights; calls for the EUSR to be supported in his work with increased resources; insists on the need for the EUSR to report back to Parliament regularly;
Amendment 236 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call to include robust clauses on human rights in agreements between the EU and non-EU countries, supported by a clear set of benchmarks and procedures to be followed in the event of violations; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to actively reflect on how to ensure that the human rights clauses in current international agreements are effectively enforced; reiterates that in the face of persistent breaches of human rights clauses by its partner countries, the EU should react swiftly and decisively, including by suspending the agreements in question if other options prove ineffective; calls for the implementation of the EU Ombudsman’s recommendation concerning the creation of a complaint- handling portal, within the framework of EU trade and financial instruments, or for the adaptation of the Commission’s Single Entry Point to allow for submission of complaints regarding failure to comply with human rights clauses;
Amendment 238 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call to include robust clauses on human rights in agreements between the EU and non-EU countries, supported by a clear set of benchmarks and procedures to be followed in the event of violations; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to actively reflect on how to ensure that the human rights clauses in current international agreements are actively monitored and effectively enforced; reiterates that in the face of persistent breaches of human rights clauses by its partner countries, the EU shouldmust react swiftly and decisively, including by suspending the agreements in question if other options prove ineffective; calls on the Commission to ensure the creation of accessible, citizen-friendly and transparent complaint mechanism, to which also non-EU actors are able to submit complaints regarding failures of the parties to the agreement to comply with human rights clauses;
Amendment 239 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call to include robust clauses on human rights in agreements between the EU and non-EU countries, supported by a clear set of benchmarks for evaluating compliance and procedures to be followed in the event of violations; stresses the need to strengthen and unify monitoring processes and to make their findings more accessible; stresses also the need to foster consultations, for instance, through engagement with civil society organizations; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to actively reflect on how to ensure that the human rights clauses in current international agreements are effectively enforced; reiterates that in the face of persistent breaches of human rights clauses by its partner countries, the EU should react swiftly and decisively, including by suspending the agreements in question if other options prove ineffective;
Amendment 255 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses the important role of human rights dialogues within the EU’s human rights toolbox and as a key vehicle for the implementation of the EU action plan on human rights and democracy; highlights that these dialogues should address the overall situation of human rights and democracy with the relevant countries and ensure the meaningful participation of civil society; notes that human rights dialogues should be seen as a key element of sustained EU engagement and not as a free-standing instrument; recalls that these dialogues need to be used in conjunction and synergy with other instruments; reiterates the need to raise individual cases, in particular Sakharov Prize laureates and those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, and ensure adequate follow-up; calls to increase the visibility of these dialogues and their outcomes, including through the publication of a joint press statement;
Amendment 267 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the increasing use of the EU GHRSR as a key political tool in the EU’s defence of human rights and democracy across the world; notes, however, the challenges that the requirement of unanimity poses in the adoption of sanctions and reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for decisions on the GHRSR; fully supports the possibility of imposingrecalls, in this regard, the formal request submitted by the European Parliament to the Council, in 2023, on whether to open the EU reform convention, with the aim of evolving to more decisions by qualified majority, among others; reiterates its calls for the adoption of targeted anti-corruption sanctions within the EU framework in this regard, which has been a long-standing priority of Parliament, whether through its inclusion in the GHRSR or under a different regime; highlights the need for the complete enforcement of sanctions and calls for circumventions to be tackled;
Amendment 290 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is extremely concerned by the continuing restriction of civil society space and rising threats to the work of HRDs, as well as their families, communities and lawyers, and finds particularly concerning the increasingly sophisticated means used to persecute them; strongly condemns their arbitrary detentions and killings; supports wholeheartedly the work of HRDs and EU action to ensure their protection worldwide; calls for the complete and consistent application of the EU Guidelines on HRDs by the EU and its Member States; calls for efforts to strengthen the visibility of EU actions and channels for the protection and support of HRDs, including the facilitation of their visa procedures, as well as increasing financial assistance to HRDs:
Amendment 297 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes the update of the EU Visa Code Handbook in relation to human rights defenders and calls for its full and consistent use by the Member States; reiterates its call for the Commission to take a proactive role in the establishment of an EU-wide multi-entry visa scheme for HRDs at risk;
Amendment 303 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Expresses concern with the rise of transnational repression as a tool used by autocratic regimes to target human rights defenders beyond their borders; calls for the formulation of an EU strategy harmonising national responses to transnational repression;
Amendment 321 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; reiterates the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice at the UN and in other multilateral forums and calls for progress in ensuring an EU seat in international organizations, including in the UN Security Council; calls for EU delegations to play a stronger role in multilateral forums, for which they should have appropriate resources available;
Amendment 332 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that the current multilateral order needs to fully incorporate in its architecture the new global actors, especially those focusing on democracy and human rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to guarantee a separate and permanent seat for the Union in multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to act united with a single voice and effectively in tackling global human rights and democracy challenges in multilateral fora;
Amendment 336 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Deplores the distorted use of the organizations of multilateral fora by the hand of a number of third countries, and particularly authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, such as in some cases particular friendship groups in the UN, in order to advance an agenda that challenges human rights and the multilateral and rules-based world order; calls on the EU to develop a robust strategy along with like-minded countries in order to contain this situation and to send a united and strong message of support to these organizations when attacked or threatened
Amendment 345 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authorparticularly by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, including through the undermining of the functioning of UN bodies, namely the abuse of veto power at the UN Security Council; underlines that the diminished effectiveness of these bodies brings with it real costs in terms of conflicts, lives lost and human suffering, and seriously weakens the general ability of countries to deal with global challenges; calls on the Member States and like- minded partners to intensify their efforts to reverse this trend;
Amendment 357 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the political and financial support the EU has given to the International Criminal Court (ICC), including the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC, not least through the launch of the ‘Global initiative to fight against impunity for international crimes’ offering EUR 20 million of support to the ICC; calls for the EU and its Member States to keep supporting the ICC with the necessary means and resources and to use all instruments at its disposal to strengthen the fight against impunity worldwide; calls on all the Member States to respect and enforce the actions and decisions of all organs of the ICC, including the OTP and the Chambers, and to support their work as an independent and impartial international justice institution;
Amendment 368 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates the strong support of the EU for the International Court of Justice and the ICC amid a particularly challenging time for the international justice; notes with deep concern the worrying and rising trend to undermine the decisions of international institutions and their employees by state officials; regrets the failure of some ICC Member States to execute ICC arrest warrants, thereby undermining the Courts work;
Amendment 371 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges the EU to put in place preventive measures to effectively shield the ICC against the potential adoption of the pending legislation at the US House of Representatives which aims to impose targeted sanctions on judges, staff and legal experts of the ICC, mitigating its harmful consequences on the Courts work;
Amendment 377 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly in the form of ongoing conflicts around the world; condemns the constant attempts to undermine and discredit the UN, its Secretary General, and its agencies such as UNRWA, as well as the attacks on its peacekeeping missions; underlines that it is of the utmost importance for humanitarian aid agencies to be able to provide full, timely and unhindered assistance to all people in vulnerable situations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to protect civilian populations and humanitarian and medical workers; calls upon all states to unconditionally and fully conform with international humanitarian law; calls upon the international community and the Member States in particular to promote accountability and the fight against impunity for grave breaches of international humanitarian law; calls for the systematic creation of humanitarian corridors in regions at war and in combat situations, whenever necessary, in order to allow civilians at risk to escape conflicts, and strongly condemns any attacks on them;
Amendment 387 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Condemns in the strongest terms the use of sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon of war and calls for more concerted efforts to end impunity for the perpetrators;
Amendment 390 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Reiterates its call on the Member States to help contain armed conflicts and serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law by strictly abiding by the provisions of Article 7 of the UN Arms Trade Treaty on Export and Export Assessment and Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on Arms Exports;
Amendment 402 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries, as well as between Member States and EU institutions; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; highlights the importance of shared responsibility between Member States and EU delegations in these efforts; calls for the EU and its Member States to intensify their collective efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights and to support democracy worldwide;
Amendment 427 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the right to food, including having physical and economic access to adequate food or the means to its procurement, is a human right; is extremely concerned about the challenges to the right to food worldwide, especially in situations of war and conflicts; notes with concern the increasing reports of the weaponisation of food in situations of armed conflict; calls for the EU and its Member States to promote mandatory guidelines on the right to food without discrimination within the UN system; recalls the importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas in view of attaining food security;
Amendment 432 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 18
Subheading 18
Climate change and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment
Amendment 437 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Highlights that climate change and its impact on the environment has direct effects on the effective enjoyment of all human rights; notes that communities contributing the least to climate change are the ones more likely to be affected by climate risks and natural disasters and calls, in this regard, for increasing support to the most vulnerable groups; recognises the important work of CSOs, indigenous people, land and environmental HRDs and indigenous activists for the protection of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; deplores the risks that environmental HRDs and indigenous activists face and calls for their effective protection to be guaranteed; notes with deep concern the increasing threats to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment posed by the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and other forms of warfare that adversely and disproportionately affect the environment; reiterates the importance of the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and cutting emissions for the protection of human rights of present and future generations;
Amendment 440 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Highlights that climate change and its impact on the environment has direct effects on the effective enjoyment of all human rights; recognises the important work of CSOs, indigenous people, traditional local communities, land and environmental HRDs and indigenous activists for the protection of a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, including access to land and water sources; deplores the risks that environmental HRDs and indigenous and local communities activists face and calls for their effective protection to be guaranteed; notes with deep concern the increasing threats to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment posed by the deployment of weapons of mass destruction and other forms of warfare that adversely and disproportionately affect the environment;
Amendment 443 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses the need to effectively address the displacement of people caused by environmental destruction and climate change, which increases the risk of human rights violations and vulnerabilities to different forms of exploitation;
Amendment 464 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, especially in the context of conflicts, and are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; calls for the EU, its Member States and like- minded partners to step up their efforts to ensure the full enjoyment and protection of women’s and girls’ human rights; condemns in the strongest terms the increasing attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world, as well as gender-based violence; welcomes the accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention; calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure that women fully enjoy human rights and are treated equally to men; underlines the need to keep opposing and condemning in the stronger terms the cruel and misogynistic anti- abortion laws that punish women and girls with decades-long jail sentences, even in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the pregnant person is at risk; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation;
Amendment 472 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that women’s rights and gender equality are indispensable and indivisible human rights, as well as a basis for the rule of law and inclusive resilient democracies; deplores the fact that millions of women and girls continue to experience discrimination and violence, esp; reciallys that in the context of conflicts, and women are denied their dignity, autonomy and even life; strongly condemns, in this regard, the use of sexual violence against women and girls as a tool of war; calls for the EU, its Member States and like- minded partners to step up their efforts to ensure the full enjoyment and protection of women’s and girls’ human rights; condemns in the strongest terms the increasing attacks on sexual and reproductive health and rights around the world, as well as gender-based violence; welcomes the accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention; calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure that women fully enjoy human rights and are treated equally to men; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation;
Amendment 494 #
Amendment 504 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; deplores the increasing xenophobia, racism and discrimination towards migrants, as well as the different forms of violence they face, including during their displacement and many barriers such as in access to healthcare; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU10 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 10 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 506 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; underlines that, in order to exercise said right, the bureaucratic process should be clear and that they should receive assistance when needed; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU10 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 10 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 512 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries, in full respect of fundamental rights, remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU10 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 10 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 518 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Is deeply concerned about the practice of concluding informal arrangements with third countries in relation to migration cooperation, over which the European Parliament has no oversight; calls on the Member States to ensure transparency and allow for parliamentary scrutiny and democratic oversight, notably regarding cooperation with parties known to have committed violations of human rights; calls on the Commission and the Member States to integrate pre-assessment as well as monitoring mechanisms to evaluate the human rights impact of cooperation on migration with third countries, and to share the results with Parliament; insists on including human rights clauses in migration agreements and calls for their suspension if human rights violations occur;
Amendment 545 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Deplores the human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings, against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons around the world; is extremely concerned by the spreading of hatred and anti- LGBTIQ+ narratives and legislation that target LGBTIQ+ persons and HRDs; calls for the adoption of specific policies protecting LGBTIQ+ people and giving them the tools to safely report a violation of their rights; expresses special concern over LGBTIQ+ people living under non- democratic regimes or situations of conflict, and calls for rapid response mechanisms to protect them as well as their defenders; reiterates its calls for the full implementation of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 as the EU’s tool for improving the situation of LGBTIQ+ people around the world;
Amendment 552 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is concerned by the challenges to the full enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities; reiterates its calls for the EU to assist partner countries in the development of policies in support of carers of persons with disabilities; calls to raise social awareness and combat discriminatory behaviours against persons with disabilities; calls for the EU, in its external policy, to make use of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 as a tool to improve the situation of persons with disabilities, particularly concerning poverty and discrimination, but also problems with access to education, healthcare and employment, and participation in political life;
Amendment 556 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to develop new avenues to strengthen the rights of elderly people, taking into account the multiple challenges they face, such as age-based discrimination, poverty, violence and a lack of social protection, healthcare and other essential services, as well as barriers to employment; underlines the work of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing on a legally binding instrument to strengthen the protection of the human rights of older people and calls for the EU and its Member States to consider actively supporting that work; stresses the need for a crosscutting intergenerational approach in EU policies, in order to build and encourage solidarity between the young and the elderly;
Amendment 561 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates its condemnation of all forms of racism, intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity; condemns the growing international threat of hate speech, including online; reiterates the crucial role of education and dialogue in promoting tolerance, understanding and diversity; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against all forms of extremism and welcomes the adoption of an EU strategy to this end; calls for the adoption or the strengthening of mechanisms to report discriminatory behaviours as well as the access to effective legal remedies, ending with impunity;
Amendment 585 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates its concern regarding violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief; deplores the instrumentalisation of religious or belief identities for political purposes and the exclusion of persons belonging to religious and belief minorities and religious communities in certain non- EU countries; recommends that the Special Envoy for the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU be granted more resources so that he can comfortably carry out his mandate; highlights the necessity for the Special Envoy to continue to work closely and in a complementary manner with the EUSR for Human Rights and the Council Working Party on Human Rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to continue working with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees;
Amendment 590 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates its concern regarding violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief; deplores the instrumentalisation of religious or belief identities for political purposes and the exclusion of persons belonging to religious and belief minorities and religious communities in certain non- EU countries; recommendconsiders that the Special Envoy for the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU be must be integranted more resources so that he can comfortably carry out his mandateinto the EEAS in a similar way to the other special envoys and EU special representatives; highlights the necessity for the Special Envoy to continue to work closely and in a complementary manner with the EUSR for Human Rights and the Council Working Party on Human Rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to continue working with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees;
Amendment 621 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 28
Subheading 28
Right to freedom of expression, academic freedom, media freedom and the right to information
Amendment 629 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Emphasises the critical significance of freedom of expression and access to trustworthy information for sustaining democracy and a thriving civic space; is seriously concerned about the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in numerous countries worldwide, particularly for journalists, through censorship, enforced self-censorship, and the misuse of counter-terrorism or anti- corruption laws to suppress journalists and civil society groups; raises concerns, additionally, about the physical security of journalists and media workers and their being targeted and often killed in conflict zones;
Amendment 630 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Reaffirms its commitment to protecting and promoting academic freedom as a key component of open and democratic societies; underlines the attacks to academic freedom not only by authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, but also by extreme and populist forces worldwide; calls to protect students and academics from censorship, persecution, and reprisal; calls to develop benchmarks for academic freedom into institutional quality assurance within academic rankings, procedures and criteria;
Amendment 636 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls urgently for the EU to back trustworthy media and information outlets that promote the accountability of authorities and support democratic transitions; voices concern about the extensive use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and HRDs globally; welcomes, in this context, the directive designed to shield journalists and HRDs from abusive legal actions and SLAPPs; encourages lawmakers in non-EU countries to develop legislation with the same goal, as part of broader efforts to promote and protect media freedom and pluralism; asks the EU to take into consideration the attacks on media freedom, as well as the persistent and systematic erosion of the right to information, in the monitoring of the compliance of association and trade agreements with democracy and humans rights;
Amendment 640 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to finance initiatives that support journalists on legal and practical matters, including beyond the EU, through the European Democracy Action Plan; calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts to aid targeted journalists globally; acknowledges the contribution to achieving this goal of programmes such as the now defunct Media4Democracy and other EU-funded activities, including those of the European Endowment for Democracy; urges the EU to help make reliable news sources available to more people living in countries that restrict press freedom;
Amendment 646 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Notes with concern that more than half of the world's population lives within environments of completely or severely restricted levels of academic freedom, which has severe consequences for the right to education, the enjoyment of the benefits of scientific progress and the freedom of opinion and expression; urges the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to halt censorship, threats or attacks on academic freedom, and especially the imprisonment of scholars worldwide;
Amendment 647 #
Amendment 648 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 29 b (new)
Subheading 29 b (new)
Notes with regret that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements; condemns arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders who stand up for the rights of indigenous peoples; stresses that the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditional practices are key to achieving sustainable development, combating climate change and conserving biodiversity; urges governments to pursue development and environmental policies that respect economic, social and cultural rights, and that are inclusive of indigenous peoples and local populations, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals; reiterates its call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples, including as regards their languages, lands, territories and resources, as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; calls on all states, including EU Member States, to ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities are included in the deliberations and decision-making processes of international climate diplomacy; encourages the Commission to continue to promote dialogue and collaboration between indigenous peoples and the EU;
Amendment 649 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Deplores that the right to participate in free and fair elections is not respected in authoritarian and illiberal regimes; highlights that these regimes conduct fake elections with the aim of entrenching their power, as they lack real political contestation and pluralism; is alarmed by current trends in electoral processes, such as the increasing decline in electoral participation and democratic performance or the growing disputes concerning the credibility of elections; underlines that distrust on the electoral process can be exacerbated not only by irregularities but also by public statements, including from participants; reminds that public perception of the electoral processes is as crucial as the process itself as its manipulation can lead to toxic polarization or targeted attacks; calls on third countries to reinforce their efforts on communicating clearly all the steps of their respective electoral processes and systems as well as the existing accountability mechanisms in case of irregularities; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to analyse and report to the Parliament the initiatives to tackle the challenges posed by the AI in electoral processes;
Amendment 650 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Deplores that the right to participate in free and fair elections is not respected in authoritarian and illiberal regimes; highlights that these regimes conduct fake elections with the aim of entrenching their power, as they lack real political contestation and pluralism; underlines the universality of direct and indirect suffrage and that its limits shall not be based on discriminatory criteria; calls for stepping up the efforts to guarantee public participation of minorities; reaffirms the necessity to increase representation of women, youth and vulnerable groups; notes that the right to public participation is directly linked to the freedom to peaceful assembly and association;
Amendment 660 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the role of trade as a major instrument to promote and improve the human rights situation in the EU’s partner countries; notes, however, that there has been little to no improvement in some of the countries concerned; deplores the detrimental effects of some excessive and exploitative business activities on human rights and democracy; welcomes the harmonisation resulting from the adoption of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence with binding EU rules on responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; further welcomes the Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market11 and calls for its swift implementation at Member State level; calls on the Council to adopt an ambitious mandate for the EU to engage in the ongoing negotiations on the UN legally binding instrument on business and human rights as soon as possible; _________________ 11 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM(2022)0453).
Amendment 662 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the role of trade as a major instrument to promote and improve the human rights situation in the EU’s partner countries; notes, however, that there has been little to no improvement in some of the countries concerned; deplores the detrimental effects of some excessive and exploitative business activities on human rights and democracy; welcomes the harmonisation resulting from the adoption of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence with binding EU rules on responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; further welcomes the Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market11 and calls for its swift implementation at Member State level; _________________ 11 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM(2022)0453).recalls the responsibility of businesses in ensuring that their operations and supply chains are not implicated in human rights abuses, including against environmental, indigenous and labour rights defenders; emphasises the need to tackle corporate human rights abuses and ensure justice and reparation for victims;
Amendment 665 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Welcomes the harmonisation resulting from the adoption of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence with binding EU rules on responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; further welcomes the Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market 11a and calls for its swift implementation at Member State level; _________________ 11a Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM(2022)0453).
Amendment 666 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Reiterates its call for the Council to adopt a negotiating mandate for the UN binding instrument on business and human rights;
Amendment 674 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) can pose to democracy and human rights, especially if it is not duly regulated; highlights the need of oversight, robust transparency and appropriate safeguards for new and emergent technologies, as well as a human-rights based approach; welcomes the Council conclusions on Digital Diplomacy of 26 June 2023 to strengthen the EU’s role and leadership in global digital governance, in particular its position as a shaper of the global digital rulebook; welcomes, in this regard, the adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to harmonise the rules on AI for protecting human rights, and the advantages that AI can bring to human wellbeing; welcomes the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and underlies the need for accessible and affordable data and digital technologies and services; notes with concern the adverse effects of the ‘fake content industry’ on the right to information and press freedom, including the rapid development of AI and the subsequent empowerment of the disinformation industry12 ; condemns the use of new and emerging technologies, such as facial recognition technology and digital surveillance, as coercive instruments and in the increasing harassment, intimidation and persecution to human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers; _________________ 12 Reporters Without Borders, ‘2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry’ https://rsf.org/en/2023-world-press- freedom-index-journalism-threatened-fake- content-industry.
Amendment 679 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) can pose to democracy and human rights, especially if it is not duly regulated; welcomes the Council conclusions on Digital Diplomacy of 26 June 2023 to strengthen the EU’s role and leadership in global digital governance, in particular its position as a shaper of the global digital rulebook; welcomes, in this regard, the adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to harmonise the rules on AI for protecting human rights, and the advantages that AI can bring to human wellbeing; is deeply concerned about the harmful consequences of the misuse of AI and deepfakes, particularly for women and children; notes with concern the adverse effects of the ‘fake content industry’ on the right to information and press freedom, including the rapid development of AI and the subsequent empowerment of the disinformation industry12 ; _________________ 12 Reporters Without Borders, ‘2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry’ https://rsf.org/en/2023-world-press- freedom-index-journalism-threatened-fake- content-industry.
Amendment 680 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Is concerned by the threat that artificial intelligence (AI) can pose to democracy and human rights, especially if it is not duly regulated; welcomes the Council conclusions on Digital Diplomacy of 26 June 2023 to strengthen the EU’s role and leadership in global digital governance, in particular its position as a shaper of thea global digital rulebook based on democratic principles; welcomes, in this regard, the adoption of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to harmonise the rules on AI for protecting human rights, and the advantages that AI can bring to human wellbeing; notes with concern the adverse effects of the ‘fake content industry’ on the right to information and press freedom, including the rapid development of AI and the subsequent empowerment of the disinformation industry12 ; _________________ 12 Reporters Without Borders, ‘2023 World Press Freedom Index – journalism threatened by fake content industry’ https://rsf.org/en/2023-world-press- freedom-index-journalism-threatened-fake- content-industry.
Amendment 683 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Stresses that the internet should be a place where freedom of expression prevails; considers, nevertheless, that the rights of individuals need to be respected; is of the opinion that, where applicable, what is considered to be illegal offline, should be considered illegal online; expresses concern for the growing number of internet shutdowns; highlights that internet shutdowns are often used by authoritarian regimes, among others, to silence political dissidence and curb political freedom; calls urgently for the EU to combat this alarming phenomenon; urges the EU to take a firm stance against any attempts by tech giants to circumvent or undermine national legal systems and independent court decisions;
Amendment 686 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Takes the firm position that the export of spyware from the Union to third countries where such tools are used against human rights activists, journalists and government critics, is a severe violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter and a gross violation of Union export rules;
Amendment 77 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the EU needs to keep moving forward towards an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, led by a EU diplomatic service which is determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective;
Amendment 79 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the EU’s credibility and coherence is a paramount requirement for the correct implementation of its External Action as it reinforces trust towards the EU among different actors and third countries; whereas the efficiency of the EU’s actions worldwide is subjected to ensuring the highest level of coordination and coherence in the EU’s external action; whereas coordination among the Commission and the EEAS should be strengthened, particularly due to the lack of operational budget of the EEAS;
Amendment 83 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad;
Amendment 172 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
– the ongoing attempts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalise their relations; encourages them to sign a comprehensive peace agreement without delay and urges the Azerbaijani authorities to withdraw from all parts of the sovereign territory of Armenia and to release 23 remaining Armenian hostages;
Amendment 179 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 a (new)
– the ICC prosecutor application to the Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber of arrest warrants for Hamas officials and the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister of Israel and for war crimes;
Amendment 181 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 b (new)
– the ICJ Case 192 - Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
Amendment 184 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 c (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 c (new)
– the Advisory opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in OPT, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in OPT;
Amendment 186 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 d (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 d (new)
– the latest reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, as well as its legal analysis and recommendations on implementation of the International Court of Justice;
Amendment 227 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
– the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks committed by Hamas across Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians and caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 241 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
– the current conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians and caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 244 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
– Israel's authorities’ constant attempts to undermine and discredit the UN, its Secretary General and, especially, UNRWA, as well as its attacks on UNIFIL;
Amendment 247 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
– the legislation adopted by the Knesset banning the activities of UNRWA and ceasing its relations with Israel authorities; deplores the dire consequences this will have for the region as UNRWA is the main humanitarian assistance structure in Gaza and the West Bank, of which millions of people depend for vital services; recalls that this legislation infringes international law;
Amendment 378 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 4 a (new)
– calls to carefully analyse the incompatibilities between Türkiye’s candidacy to the BRICS+ and the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 383 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 5
Paragraph 4 – indent 5
– the fact that the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’, the law on ‘family values and protection of minors’, as well as the changes to the Electoral Code in Georgia, are incompatible with EU values and democratic principles; recalls that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will be assessed on the basis of its own merits and of the country’s success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership; notes that citizens of Georgia have demonstrated their attachment to democratic values and their country advancing on the EU integration; stresses that the democratic backsliding in Georgia needs to be reversed and guarantee a conducive environment for media, civil society and opposition;
Amendment 490 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Urges to a diplomatic solution to the war, that respects international norms, with the aim of achieving peace; unwaveringly supports the 10-point peace plan put forward by Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and recalls that any initiative aimed at ending the Russian war of aggression needs to be based on input provided by Ukraine and ultimately accepted by the Ukrainian people;
Amendment 563 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law; recalls how support to UNRWA remains crucial to the EU’s strategy for promoting stability as well as support to the civilian population and development in the Middle East; calls for sustained and increased support to UNRWA in view of the unprecedented needs in Gaza and the wider region; welcomes the actions taken by the UN following serious allegations regarding the Agency’s staff and welcomes UNRWA's full commitment to implement the recommendations stemming from the ‘Colonna report', echo the European Council conclusions of 17 October 2024 and condemns the adoption of laws by the Israeli Knesset which could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work;
Amendment 569 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law and international humanitarian law; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 574 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes sanctions adopted against extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as violent activists, blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza; calls for the adoption of a package of sanctions against Israeli authorities and military responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region; urges to immediately review the EU-Israel Association Agreement and consider its suspension in case of non-compliance with human rights obligations;
Amendment 581 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire;
Amendment 583 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Urges to address the risk of mass starvation, the worsening of health conditions and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza;
Amendment 598 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states as peaceful neighbours and with Jerusalem as their shared capital; welcomes the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and calls for the VP/HR to continue investing heavily on a ceasefire and a peaceful solution of the conflict; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; expresses support for US President Biden’s three- phase Peace Plan and regrets the lack of will on both sides to ensure its implementation; regrets, further, that the latest rounds of peace talks did not bring any tangible results;
Amendment 655 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Shares the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons at all costs; points, however, to the fact that the regime in Tehran has clearly rejected a revival of the JCPOA and, at the same time, increased its nuclear weapons capability; regrets the fact that there is currently no strategy in place to persuade Iran to refrain from building military nuclear capacity, nor a plan of action for the event thatcalls upon the VP/HR to put forward a strategy towards Iran that includes a plan of action in case Iran does crosses the nuclear threshold; calls upon the VP/HR to put forward a revised strategy towards Iran;
Amendment 708 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Deplores the distorted use of the organizations of multilateral fora by the hand of a number of third countries, and particularly authoritarian and totalitarian regimes, such as in some cases particular friendship groups in the UN, in order to advance an agenda that challenges human rights and the multilateral and rules-based world order; underlines the serious consequences of discrediting and attacking these multilateral organizations, such as the UN, which can foster a culture of impunity; calls on the EU to develop a robust strategy along with like- minded countries in order to contain this situation and to send a united and strong message of support to these organizations when attacked or threatened;
Amendment 745 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that the transatlantic relationship remains one of the most important and strategic relationship for the EU and its Member States, which has been emphasised by the unity and strength of the partnership demonstrated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; underlines that a strong transatlantic relationship remains indispensable for the security of the partners on both sides of the Atlantic; calls on the Commission to foster closer ties with key partners in both the US and Canada in order to counter global challenges that affect our shared values, interests, security and prosperity;
Amendment 775 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that the rise of ChinaChina's envision to redefine the global order remains one of the primary geopolitical challenges of the 21st century and requires a multi- dimensional response through which the EU maintains its engagement with China on a number of key issues; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to maintain diplomatic engagement while increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order for it to assume its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council; reminds the position of China as a partner for cooperation, an economic competitor and a systemic rival, particularly within the areas of digital transformation and climate transition;
Amendment 837 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises the need to continue stepping up the EU’s engagement with like-minded countries in Latin America, particularly given the growing influence of China and Russia in Latin America and the Caribbean; calls on the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to pursue proactive diplomacy in the region, with a strong emphasis on defending the multilateral global order, international law and respect for democracy and human rights; welcomes the EU-CELAC informal meeting and the implementation of initiatives under the EU-CELAC Roadmap 2023-2025 and, in this regard, underlines the need to adopt a new and ambitious roadmap at the 2025 Summit, that keeps strengthening our partnership and takes into account the best practices accomplished so far;
Amendment 864 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Believes simultaneously in the significance of building new alliances, inter alia with the countries in our neighbourhood as well as in the ‘Global South’, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships;
Amendment 869 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls for further strengthening our relations with the “Global South”, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships; underlines that the EU should reinforce these relations by fostering a pro-active and inclusive engagement in different areas with these countries as equal partners; highlights the need to analyse the geopolitical and geo- economic concerns of the Global South and jointly address them;
Amendment 885 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Highlights the role of the VP/HR as a bridge-builder between the CFSP and EU external relations to ensure the highest level of coordination and coherence in EU external action; calls on the Commission to strengthen its coordination with the EEAS in this area, including by guaranteeing full compliance of Article 3.2 and 9, which may need to be updated, of the EEAS Decision; regrets, nonetheless, that in some cases there is a lack of clarity in the external representation of the EU; stresses the need to clearly define the competences of the VP/HR, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council with regard to the EU’s external action and representation;
Amendment 902 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for the EEAS – both its headquarters and EU delegations – to be strengthened through the provision of the appropriate financial and human resources so that the EU can be better prepared for current and emerging global challenges; calls on the VP/HR to swiftly come up with proposals for the future operational structure of the EU’s external actionfor the EEAS to be able to select and recruit their permanent EU diplomatic staff and to ensure a fairer gender and geographical balance among Member States across all levels within the EEAS; calls on the VP/HR to swiftly come up with proposals for the future operational structure of the EU’s external action and to fully take into account the EP resolution on taking stock of the functioning of the EEAS and for a stronger EU in the world;
Amendment 912 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Underlines the need to determine ways of access to the EEAS for those graduating from the European Diplomatic Academy and for them to have the possibility to become a permanent part of its staff; calls for the forenamed Academy to include Europeans who are not Member States ‘diplomats and have completed a higher education in its system of selection, recruitment and training; stresses the importance to ensure that sufficient resources, including human resources, are allocated to the Academy;
Amendment 916 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38b. Reiterates its call to promote the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EEAS on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; urges to improve the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information;
Amendment 923 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Calls on the Commission to effectively and swiftly use the Global Gateway as a sustainable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and as an instrument to increase the EU’s presence and visibility worldwide; stresses the need for the EU’s support to other alternatives, such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, the India– Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, or the Lobito Corridor;
Amendment 938 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls for the further development of the EU’s preventive diplomacy, including peace mediation and dialogue, as a proactive foreign policy tool; urges the EEAS to conduct ‘lessons learnt’ exercises, as well as to strengthening its tools and increase the EEAS resources in this regard, particularly the CSDP and crisis response Division; calls to integrate EU’s preventive diplomacy tools within structural prevention mechanisms and actions, such as for instance political agreements among different actors involved in conflicts, national dialogues for reconciliation, peacebuilding and transitional justice, as well as truth and reconciliation commissions; urges the EEAS to conduct ‘lessons learnt’ exercises, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon; underlines the use of litigation through an international court or tribunal, such as the ICC or the ITLOS, as a method of preventive diplomacy;
Amendment 944 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Calls for the Digital sovereignty of the EU to be one of its External Action priorities in the upcoming years; urges to develop a clear and ambitious EU Digital Strategy that contributes to asserting its autonomy and protecting its strategic interests in this area, which goes from securing strategic materials and commodities to the adoption of international norms; stresses that this strategy should taking into account the challenges for digital transformation and green transition within the EU; welcomes the Digital Diplomacy Network and considers the need to institutionalise its work by establishing an EU Special Representative for Digital Diplomacy; calls for the creation of “EU for AI” hubs to develop initiatives and foster co- creation in this area;
Amendment 946 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41b. Calls to strengthen the EU’s cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations as a relevant instrument for peace and for addressing global challenges; urges to increase EU’s support to third countries creative and artistic sectors, including assistance on capacity building; calls to promote cultural co-creation between third countries, including by fostering cultural exchanges and residences; in this regard, stresses the need to reinforce the EEAS StratCom; welcomes the upcoming participation of the EU and the Osaka World Expo and supports making this a permanent practice, as well as its presence in international book fairs;
Amendment 947 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 c (new)
Paragraph 41 c (new)
41c. Underlines the need for the EU to count with the necessary first-hand information on global issues occurring outside its borders in the light of increasing geopolitical challenges and crisis worldwide; calls, in this regard, for strengthening the EU INTCEN, the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the SatCen by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as capabilities;
Amendment 950 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reaffirms the role of the EU Special Representatives, who promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an important role in the development of a stronger and more effective CFSP by providing the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions, acting as a ‘voice’ and ‘face’ for the EU and its policies; stresses the importance for EUSRs to have a broad, flexible mandate, capable of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances in order to promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an active role in preventive diplomacy efforts;
Amendment 966 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 43 – indent 1 a (new)
– to prepare targeted sanctions against destabilising actors within Bosnia and Herzegovina, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik; to respond every time to secessionist rhetoric with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to all froms of genocide denial and glorification of convicted war criminals in the region; calls on the member states to urge Bosnia and Herzegovina to follow up on all relevant ECHR rulings on its discriminatory electoral system, including the Kovačević ruling and to implement constitutional and electoral reform; calls on Commission and member states to insist with High Representative Christian Schmidt to refrain from further interference with the court proceedings on this case;
Amendment 983 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the VP/HR to follow up on the examples of the successful evacuation actions in Sudan and of the stepped-up consular protection, and to work towards a comprehensive system of protection for EU citizens abroad; stresses that the impact of continuous crises and conflicts worldwide can entail the risk of overloading Member States’ consular protection and/or assistance and calls, in this regard, to strengthen the capabilities and resources of the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism;
Amendment 989 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to bring forth sound proposals on achieving an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 1015 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a (new)
Paragraph 50 a (new)
50a. Reminds that the EEAS is structurally underfunded and should not be subjected to the same constraints as the other institutions regarding the approach to the administrative budget; is deeply concerned by the serious and far-reaching negative consequences for the EU’s External Action, and the performance of the EU institutions in this area, of these abovementioned budgetary issues; highlights the increasing responsibilities tasked to the EEAS by EU institutions, including the Council and the Parliament; acknowledges that the lack of action to rectify the current budgetary situation of the EEAS can severely impact in the EU’s relations with third countries; recalls the lack of operational budget of the EEAS and calls to analyse its consequences and alternatives;
Amendment 1017 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 b (new)
Paragraph 50 b (new)
50b. Calls on the Commission to include in its proposal for the next MFF robust capabilities and resources for the EU External Action taking into account the increasingly challenging international arena; in this regard, reminds that is crucial to further strengthening our support to human rights, democracy and development in third countries as a world of democracies is a safer world; underlines that resources to the EU’s Digital Diplomacy should be further strengthened given the current context of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition; insists that “green diplomacy” and the green transition, as one of the EU's priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the EU's External Action;
Amendment 9 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the efficiency of the EU’s actions worldwide is subjected to ensuring the highest level of coordination and coherence in the EU’s external action, particularly by ascertaining the HR/VP leading role as a bridge builder between the CFSP and EU external relations; whereas coordination among the Commission and the EEAS should be strengthened, particularly due to the lack of operational budget of the EEAS, including by guaranteeing full compliance of Article 3.2 and 9 of the EEAS Decision;
Amendment 54 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with concern the reductions for the Neighbourhood East in NDICI which is underfunded by EUR 150 million for the remainder of this MFF; considers it therefore necessary for the 2025 Union budget to increase this budget line by EUR 50 million; reminds that against a backdrop of increasing violations of human rights and democratic values across the world, as well as the weakening of protection of democratic institutions and the shrinking space for civil societies, the EU needs to count with a strong budget for the NDICI;
Amendment 62 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that further targeted reinforcements are needed in areas such as digital diplomacy and cybersecurity, the fight against disinformation, capacity development, enlargement, election observation, nuclear safety, support for civil society organisations, even and human rights defenders; calls, ifn this will requireregard, for the use of flexibility instruments, such as the Single Margin Instrument;
Amendment 73 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that resources and tools for digital diplomacy and the use of Artificial Intelligence in the EU's External Action and security and defence should be further strengthened; stresses that in a moment of rapid technological advancements and geopolitical competition, the EU's leadership in these areas is crucial for its relevance and resilience; highlights that it is crucial to explore new ways on how to collaborate with third countries in this regard and create platforms for the transfer of knowledge and for co-creation;
Amendment 79 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Insists that “green diplomacy” and the green transition, as one of the EU's priorities, should be enhanced towards third countries through the EU's External Action; stresses the need to explore new ways and resources on how to collaborate with third countries in this regard; highlights its crucial role in the respect for international obligations and multilateralism;
Amendment 86 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that is still necessary to increase the financial support of the EU to UNRWA in 2025, due to the agency’s critical financial situation that jeopardizes its ability to fulfil its important role effectively; reminds that UNRWA is the principal humanitarian assistance structure in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as an essential service provider in the region; stresses that the UN- commissioned "Colonna Report" highlights that UNRWA has established numerous mechanisms and procedures to ensure neutrality, which has in some cases a more developed than other similar UN or NGO entities;
Amendment 98 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. BelievStresses that the European External Action Service is structurally underfunded and should not be treated likesubjected to the same constraints as the other institutions regarding the approach to the administrative budget; is deeply concerned by the serious and far-reaching negative consequences for the EU’s External Action, and the performance of the EU institutions in this area, of these abovementioned budgetary issues; highlights the increasing responsibilities tasked to the EEAS by EU institutions, including the Council and the Parliament; notes that the requirements for an institution with 145 diplomatic missions and offices around the world is fundamentally different to institutions operating at a single location; acknowledges that the lack of action to rectify the current budgetary situation of the EEAS can severely impact in the EU’s relations with third countries;
Amendment 104 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that, ahead of increasing geopolitical challenges and crisis worldwide, the EU needs to count with the necessary first-hand information on global issues occurring outside its borders; calls, in this regard, for strengthening the EU INTCEN, the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the SatCen by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as capabilities;
Amendment 107 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Insists on the budgetary increase for CFSP actions and other appropriate conflict and crisis response instruments in order to fully match EU’s activities and capabilities with current challenges and conflicts worldwide;
Amendment 109 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Highlights that given the increasing cyber threats/attacks from third countries and proxies, the EEAS needs to count with strong IT systems and security protocols that ensure a robust protection of the information and "intelligence" that EU Delegations and HQ deal with;
Amendment 110 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Calls to guarantee that EU Delegations count with a focal point on conflict prevention and resolution, as well as peace building; ensure that EU Delegations, and particularly the abovementioned focal points, provide constant ground information to the EU conflict Early Warning System, the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Center;
Amendment 111 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Stresses the need to allocate the necessary resources to the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the EEAS given the necessity for the EU to increase its investment in public and cultural diplomacy and communication efforts;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Is deeply concerned by the budgetary constraints the EEAS is facing, which can have serious and far-reaching negative consequences for the EU’s external action overall and the performance of the EU institutions in this area; acknowledges that the lack of action to rectify the current budgetary situation of the EEAS can severely impact the EU’s relations with third countries; strongly affirms the need to provide the EEAS with the required financial and staff resources both at its headquarters and in EU Delegations;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that, ahead of increasing geopolitical challenges and crisis worldwide, the EU needs to be able to rely on necessary first-hand information on global issues occurring outside its borders; calls, in this regard, for strengthening the EU INTCEN, the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the SatCen by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as its capabilities;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Considers it essential for the EU to increase its investment in public and cultural diplomacy and communication efforts, particularly ahead of the active engagement of authoritarian and illiberal regimes; stresses, therefore, the need to allocate the necessary resources to the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the EEAS;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2134(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for the establishment of a permanent structure and the necessary resources for the European Diplomatic Academy, which can contribute to fully developing an autonomous EU diplomacy with a common diplomatic based on an EU perspective; considers that in the future this Academy should include a system of selection, recruitment and training of Europeans who have completed higher education and are not diplomats of Member States; stresses the need to explore and decide on ways of access to the EEAS for those graduating from this Academy;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law should remain at the centre of the relationship between the EU and China, in line with the EU’s commitment to upholding these fundamental principles in all areas of its external action;
Amendment 238 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) insist that China fulfils its international legal responsibilities as a global power by upholding human rights and the rule of law, and should be held accountable for human rights violations;
Amendment 259 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ensure a unified European approachresponse when China uses its economic leverage to silence opposition against its human rights abuses; intensify the Human Rights Dialogue in view of bringing genuine human rights improvements and include Members of the European Parliament in theis Human Rights Dialogue with China and work towards; deliver a united approach on cultural and academic cooperation with China while preventing undue influence from Chinese sources of finance;
Amendment 267 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) support anurge a proper implementation of the recommendations of the independent and impartial UN investigation into human rights violations in China, in particular in Xinjiang and Tibet, and urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; call on the EU to urge China allowing a similar investigation to take place in Tibet against repression, detention facilities, extrajudicial killings, assimilation of Tibetan children in residential schools and forced abortion and sterilisation; urge the Chinese authorities to grant meaningful access to the regions concerned and immediately and unconditionally release the Uyghur scholar and 2019 Sakharov Prize Laureate Ilham Tohti; more generally urge to terminate the systemic repression, to close all detention camps and to lift sanctions and release all political prisoners and Human Rights Defenders detained in China;
Amendment 282 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) welcome the European Commission proposal for a regulation to prohibit products made using forced labour, including child labour, on the internal market of European Union; urge the EU co-legislators to speed up the process to come to an agreement as a matter of urgency and before the end of the parliamentary term;
Amendment 309 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) show solidarity with the Chinese civil society in China and Hong Kong and speed up the implementation of the European hU Global Human rRights framework with Magnitsky-style sanctions Regime in close collaboration with international partners, including the freezing of foreign assets and visa restrictions against those involved in human rights abuses, including political decision makers in Hong Kong and Macao;
Amendment 316 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) identify and close down any avenues that currently facilitate transnational repression efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including in the European Union and in particular those targeting diaspora communities through the Chinese overseas police service stations, in cooperation and coordination with like- minded partners;
Amendment 317 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) actively work to counteract foreign interference and implement the recommendations and suggested initiatives referred to in the different resolutions and reports of the European Parliament related to foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation;
Amendment 326 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) condemn attempts by the Chinese authorities to target Hong Kong diaspora communities within the EU and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong, through the Chinese overseas police service stations in the EU which should unconditionally be closed down, and call on Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong and to protect individuals who are harassed and persecuted in the EU and those at risk of extradition;
Amendment 335 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) urge the EU and the Member States to actively engage and offer assistance and support to human rights and democracy activists in China; denounce that China’s responses to protests and forms of political public demonstrations go against with international human rights standards and its obligations under international human rights law;
Amendment 457 #
2023/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) establish a ‘Far-East StratCom Task Force’ as part of the European External Action Service, to be tasked with identifying, monitoring and countering disinformation efforts and nation-specific actions by, information manipulation efforts, interference and nation-specific actions originating from various countries, including China;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union (TEU) requires the EU institutions to maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas interest representatives, including NGOs, should be subject to scrutiny, due diligence and transparency rules, in particular with regard to financing, with proportional criteria and non-cumbersome procedures, in particular for small NGOs;
Amendment 3 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas strengthening the transparency requirements for interest representatives and entities, including NGOs, could serve the purpose of tracing foreign interference; whereas these requirements, however, should not stigmatise legitimate foreign funding;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas in September 2023, the European Parliament amended its Rules of Procedures with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountability;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that NGOs and CSOs working for the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law both within and outside the EU play an important role in our societies around the world; highlights, in this regard, the crucial work of these organisations in collecting public interest information, exploring andactively promoting and defending human rights and democracy, combating any form of discrimination, proposmoting new ways of promoting human rights and democracyintercultural dialogue, fighting for a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, informing individuals, especially the most vulnerable, about their rights and standing up for them when those rights are violated, promoting civic engagement and public participation, countering disinformation and hate speech, collecting public interest information and holding governments and elected representatives accountable to citizens, and fighting corruption and impunity for human rights abuses;
Amendment 14 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is alarmed by the fact that some governments, whose aim is to shrink civil society space and silence dissenting voices, have adopted legislation based, inter alia, on security, counter-terrorism and the fight against foreign interference, that imposes discriminatory obligations on human rights NGOs, stigmatises, restricts or bans their activities, including by closing these NGOs, freezing their assets, deterring their donors from contributing funds or depriving them from access to funding; expresses its deep concern regarding the fact that similar laws have also been proposed and adopted in some EU Member States;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to make moreas transparent and accessible as possible to the public, the available information on the beneficiaries, including NGOs, of EU external action funds dedicated to human rights and democracy support and to the related EU- funded projects which are implemented worldwide; acknowledges the precarious conditions faced by some human rights defenders and NGOs in non- EU countries; believes, in this regard, that confidentiality and data protection must be ensured in order not to put them at risk; calls on the Commission to develop more flexible strategies of supporting civil society actors in repressive environments that have difficulties benefitting from assistance through traditional funding channels due to their legal status, for instance non-registered entities or individuals;
Amendment 25 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to improve the clarity and organisation of information and data available in the Financial Transparency System on the beneficiaries of EU-funded projects to be implemented, in particular,cluding in the field of human rights and democracy support;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 32 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Points outNotes that human rights NGOs receiving EU funding give visibility to the EU’s support in different ways, and sometimes incompletely, through various communication channels, including official websites; underlines that sometimes these differences could also depend on the fact that, under certain authoritarian and illiberal regimes, the dissemination of such information may put human rights NGOs at risk; calls for the establishment of harmonised but flexible approaches to make EU funding for human rights and democracy support more transparent and visible to the public, while avoiding putting at risk NGOs that operate in critical local civic space contexts;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. SDenounces the use of organisations sponsored by governments of non-EU countries (government- organised NGOs (GONGOs)) to spread disinformation and false narratives related, in particular, to human rights issues; stresses that the funding by non-EU countries of EU-based legal entities, including human rights NGOs, while also carrying out lobbying or advocacy activities within the EU and aiming to influence EU foreign policymaking, raises questions as to their objectives; denounces the use of organisations sponsored by non-EU country governments (government-organised NGOs (GONGOs)) to spread disinformation and false narratives related, in particular, to human rights issuesmay at times expose these NGOs to external influences; believes that transparency requirements should not, however, stigmatise legitimate foreign funding; highlights that, in the context of recent corruption allegations against some Members of the European Parliament, an NGO, not registered in the EU Transparency Register and whose stated purpose was to carry out advocacy activities on human rights, is suspected to have been used as a vector of foreign interference; considers that there is a public interest in knowing the financial sources, including non-EU funding, of theall stakeholders active in the fields of lobbying or advocacy;
Amendment 45 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the progress made in the use of the EU Transparency Register and is committed to continuing its work to expand the scope of the Register and strengthen the monitoring of the data it contains; points out that, as a general rule, annual financial data on the sources of funding, including EU grants and domestic and non-EU donations, of registered legal entities are made publicly available under the EU Transparency Register; stresses that, since 12 July 2023, the participation of ‘interest representatives’ as invited active guests at Parliament’s events is conditional on their prior registration in the EU Transparency Register, except if registration is likely to endanger an individual’s life or personal safety or where other compelling reasons require confidentiality; recalls that the EU Transparency Register (Annex II) requires that NGOs provide their main sources of funding by category; stresses that the measures requiring NGOs to disclose all funding sources must take into account the situation of NGOs operating in countries under authoritarian and illiberal regimes, in particular when the disclosure of such information could put them and their work at risk because of the application of repressive legislation such as ‘foreign agents’ laws and similar;
Amendment 48 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises, however, that the EU institutions, including Parliament, should have been more diligent in ensuring greater transparency, integrity and accountability regarding their framework for interaction with entities listed in the EU Transparency Register; also acknowledges that further resources are needed to strengthen the transparency and accountability of the lobbying or advocacy activities of legal persons or entities, including human rights NGOWelcomes the European Parliament's decision of 13 September 2023 amending Parliament’s Rules of Procedure with a view to strengthening integrity, independence and accountability; stresses that these measures should, under no circumstance, contribute directly or indirectly to endanger or put at risk any individual such as human rights defenders or journalists;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2122(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 411 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and information exchange among Member States and EU institutions, including Parliament, to improve situational awareness, counter security threats and better inform policy making; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to reinforce the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC)to establish a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EEAS and EU INTCEN on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; stresses the need to improve the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information in the EU; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to reinforce the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC); calls for the strengthening of the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as capabilities;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the European Parliament is one of the most respected parliaments or assemblies in the world, whose positions and resolutions are taken note of and often generate reactions and repercussions in third countries;
Amendment 24 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the European Parliament develops its role in parliamentary diplomacy, among others, through its 45 delegations that maintain and deepen relations with other parliaments of non- EU countries, regions and organisations, spreading the positions the European Parliament adopts;
Amendment 25 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) of the European Parliament, which is headed by the chairs of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development and includes MEPs from across the political spectrum, oversee Parliament's efforts to support democracy beyond the EU, including with regard to election observation, mediation and dialogue; whereas through the Jean- Monnet Dialogue for peace and democracy, Parliament brings non-EU political leaders together to promote inter- party communication and consensus building; whereas MEPs act as special envoys and mediators for conflict prevention in situations of high tension in specific countries;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas the European Parliament assists national parliaments and international regional assemblies beyond the EU’s borders in order to reinforce their institutional capacity and it establishes an ongoing dialogue with these legislatures, exchanging best practices and supporting their participation as fully-fledged members of the democratic community;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas Parliament is developing an increasing role as a normative actor worldwide, including in inter- parliamentary cooperation;
Amendment 30 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas by exercising parliamentary diplomacy Parliament engages through dialogue with elected officials and diplomat, government representatives, diplomats, public institutions, as well as civil society representatives and other stakeholders from non-EU countries and multilateral institutions on a continuous basis, in particular through the work of its delegations and committees, including through holding hearings and country visitpromoting the EU interests in general and encouraging their partners to uphold universal values;
Amendment 47 #
Amendment 49 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Parliament’s growing role in the EU’s external action, gradually evolving from a somewhat marginal to a substantial one, combining its legislative, budgetary and scrutiny powers with multiple forms of engagement with countries and societies from outside the EU; underlines particularly Parliament’s budgetary powers and its consent power to EU international agreements;
Amendment 56 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the distinct role and value of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing EU's diplomacy and reinforcing the visibility and impact of EU foreign and security policy, alongside the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission and the diplomatic services of the Member States, while assuring the Parliament’s own autonomy; underlines, in this sense, the paramount importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a means to reach out to more diverse stakeholders in partner countries with a view to reinforcing awareness about EU legislation and positions, to better understanding perceptions, impacts and consequences of such legislation and positions in third countries and to forging alliances and solid partnerships in an increasingly complex and multipolar international context;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and Parliament’s activities in this regard to promote political pluralism and democratic parliamentary standards worldwide, as well as to contribute in the improvement of human rights in third countries; notes that MEPs can address more sensitive issues, such as human rights violations and make public statements on these, open avenues for communication or engage with local partners when the space of traditional diplomacy is more restricted;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights Parliament’s specific, dynamic and public contribution to the EU’s foreign and security policy through the work of its committees working on external affairs, which contribute to relations with non-EU countries and international organisations; welcomes the visits of presidents and prime ministers, leading government officials and representatives from international and non-governmental organizations to the Committee on Foreign Affairs as an important tool for Parliament’s diplomacy;
Amendment 76 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, under the overall oversight of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,Stresses that the standing delegations complement the work of the committees by establishing a regular and sustained forum for political dialogue with non-EU countries, including multilateral assemblies and through joint parliamentary bodies and multilateral assembliewhich constitute the parliamentary dimension of the EU political and trade agreements;
Amendment 85 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recognizes the positive contribution of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (Eurolat) in strengthening and promoting bi-regional relations; appreciates the role of the Eurolat Assembly as a parliamentary institution of the bi-regional strategic partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean, and underlines the need to continue supporting its work to strengthen ties between both regions;
Amendment 86 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses the important work of Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group (DEG) in the fields of international election observation, reinforcement of parliamentary democracy in non-EU countries and in initiatives involving mediation, facilitation and the promotion of human rights; acknowledges its key contribution to the parliamentary diplomacy activities of the Parliament, complementing the activities of the committees and delegations; calls for the findings from DEG activities on specific countries as well as those derived from EU Election Observation Missions to be better integrated into the relevant work of committees, delegations and plenary sessions when focusing on those same countries;
Amendment 90 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that Parliament’s official missions outside the EU form an integral part of EU external policy, which must therefore enjoy the full support of the EU delegations; stresses the need for these missions to count with the highest level of information and security and, in this regard, calls for the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Center to be provided with all necessary resources;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that parliamentarians should be fully prepared on the cultural and international cultural relations dimension of a third country when going on an official mission, thus fostering a culture of dialogue within the context of a dialogue of cultures; calls in this regard for the EEAS, and particularly its Strategic Communication and Foresight division, which should count with all necessary resources, to fully support Parliament’s official missions to third countries;
Amendment 96 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Amendment 97 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Suggests that Parliament's Conference of Committee Chairs (CCC) and the Conference of Delegation Chairs (CDC) take up the task of promoting this internal coordination by, among other actions, periodically setting a list of priority countries with whom to engage - based on upcoming legislative files and geopolitical or strategic priorities-, by holding joint exchanges of views on EU relations with priority countries or on horizontal geopolitical issues, and by fostering synergies among the high number of Parliament's missions abroad to avoid unnecessary multiplications, streamline resources and reinforce consistency in Parliament's messages;
Amendment 110 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the consistent dedication of Parliament to placing human rights and democracy at the heart of EU external action and providing a key forum in which to hear and amplify the voice of civil society and democratic actors from around the world; reminds, nevertheless, that the provisions set out in the Treaties, such as in Art. 21 of TEU establishing the principles that will guide the EU’s external actions are binding for all EU institutions and therefore warns against any division of roles between ones defending values and other attached only to a 'realpolitik' approach;
Amendment 115 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights the great relevance of the debates and resolutions on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144) as one of Parliament's tools with greatest impact abroad when addressing human rights situations in non-EU countries; calls, therefore, for better visibility of these debates and resolutions, including with regard to the agenda of the plenary sessions, and increased involvement during their drafting with relevant office- holders from other parliamentary bodies;
Amendment 123 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Takes note of EU tools for its relations with Member States’ national parliaments such as COSAC and IPEX and calls to explore the feasibility of their use in the relations with third countries or parliamentary assemblies worldwide; considers that creating an inter- parliamentary platform for exchange of information, such as IPEX, with parliaments outside the EU could strengthen Parliament’s diplomatic toolbox and its relation with parliamentarians from third countries;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the next parliamentary term and the establishment of the future Commission should be an opportunity to strengthen the framework of interinstitutional relations between Parliament, the EEAS and the Commission, including EU delegations, in order to enhance parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen the EU’s toolbox for external action; calls for a framework on strengthening external action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament, which could enhance the EU’s own foreign policy toolbox and Parliament’s role in EU Diplomacy;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for a further strengthening of Parliament’s relations with the Member States’ national parliaments, which are well-placed bodies to act as a relay towards Member States’ executive branches; highlights the importance of the inter- parliamentary conferences on CFSP/CSDP which can help to better align these policy dimensions within the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 152 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Considers that Parliament has a unique role to play in bringing EU foreign policy closer to European citizens, in particular and in strengthening its democratic legitimacy, including by engaging with sub-state entities such as regional governments and parliaments;
Amendment 157 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that, in the context of backsliding in terms of respect for human rights and democracy worldwide, Parliament has a specific role to play in helping democratically elected parliaments globally to consolidate their institutional role and internal working methods; calls for a strengthened coordination with the Commission, including DG NEAR and DG INTPA in supporting parliamentary democracy worldwide and bolstering institutional support for parliaments; suggests that the Network with National Parliaments on democracy support, established by the Parliament, could become a regular institutional venue to coordinate activities and leverage expertise;
Amendment 170 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Highlights the specific role of Parliament in helping partner countries and, in particular, enlargement countries' parliaments to strengthen their role in the EU accession process, including by accompanying them in developing their capacities throughout the enlargement process;
Amendment 189 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Highlights the need to exchange good practices on parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation from EU Member States’ parliaments, particularly in their relations with those from third countries;
Amendment 190 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Reiterates its call to develop an autonomous EU diplomacy determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective and underlines Parliament’s role in this regard; considers that the implementation of Parliament’s Pilot Project on the creation of the European Diplomatic Academy, and specially its future and permanent structure, is a concrete step in this regards; calls to guarantee Parliament's permanent participation and active involvement in the future European Diplomatic Academy´s managing or governing bodies, as well as in its training programmes and activities;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the 10th Subsidiarity Conference - Active Subsidiarity: Daring more EU democracy - Creating EU added value on 11 November 2022,
Amendment 15 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the current configuration of the subsidiarity control mechanism sets in motion 41 legislative chambers in the EU, 75 regional parliaments and assemblies, and thousands of parliamentarians throughout the EU; whereas, in this regard, the current mechanism overloads the agendas of national parliament’s Committees for Union Affairs, impeding them to dedicate more time to the analysis of EU policies; whereas national parliaments do not see this mechanism as a way to stall the EU law-making process, but as a way to voice their views and participate in the debate on EU policies;
Amendment 16 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the European Committee of the Regions highlights its role as guardian of the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 17 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RAcknowledges the work carried out by the EU institutions in the respect of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles, taking into account that no orange card has been triggered; recalls that the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union aims to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to citizens and that constant checks are carried out to verify that action at EU level is justified; recalls that the principle of proportionality requires that any action taken by the EU should not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaties;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the number of reasoned opinions received from EU national parliaments was 9 in 2020, 16 in 2021 and 34 in 2022; recalls that the “orange card” procedure has never been activated, and that the “yellow card” has been activated only three times, out of a total of 494 reasoned opinions and more than 6000 opinions in the period 2007-2022;
Amendment 25 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that the trend of the number of opinions and reasoned opinions in the period 2007-2022 demonstrates that national parliaments increasingly ask for more political dialogue and a greater involvement in the debate on EU policies, thus dedicating less time to the normative analysis of EU legislative proposals;
Amendment 26 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Suggests a revision of the subsidiarity control mechanism with the aim of making it more functional and agile so that local and regional authorities, and mostly national parliaments, are able to dedicate the essential time needed for a genuine debate on European politics; recommends the development of a more political approach in this regard, in order to develop a greater EU added value for citizens;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Considers that the European Committee of the Regions could have a more prominent role in the subsidiarity control mechanism, additionally to the right to bring an action before the CJEU for an infringement of the principle;
Amendment 20 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the multilateral, rules- based order is being reshapchallenged and some former alliances are beginning to re- emerge; whereas autocratic actors challenge the universality of human rights and undermine democratic standards worldwide; whereas a world of healthy democracies, understood as a world of strong democratic systems, is a safer world, as they count with significant check and balances that prevent the unpredictability of autocracies;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Council has appointed nine EU special representatives for different conflict regions to act as mediators and peace facilitators, but their initiatives and the effects of their actions are not visible; whereas it is important that EUSRs have a broad, flexible mandate, capable of adapting to evolving geopolitical circumstances in order to promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an active role in preventive diplomacy efforts;
Amendment 39 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU still does not have the necessary confidence to initiate mediationmeans to develop its full mediation potential in areas of strategic importance;
Amendment 68 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the EU should continue moving forward towards fully developing its own, autonomous and permanent instruments in its External Action, CFSP and CSDP;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas EU’s credibility is a paramount requirement for the correct implementation of its preventive diplomacy actions as it reinforces trust towards the EU among different actors involved in a conflict; whereas, in this regard, is necessary to ensure the highest level of coordination and coherence in EU’s external action, particularly by ascertaining the HR/VP leading role as a bridge builder between the CFSP and EU external relations; whereas the Commission needs to strengthen its coordination with the EEAS, including in EU’s preventive diplomacy initiatives and actions, by guaranteeing full compliance of Article 3.2 and 9 of the EEAS Decision;
Amendment 74 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
J b. whereas regretfully the EU has demonstrated in different occasions a lack of clarity in its external representation, clearly affecting its coherence and therefore its credibility worldwide; whereas it is necessary to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council on the EU’s External Action and representation as the current regulatory framework is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge the strong link between EU internal and external securitypolicy and security dimensions and reflect this when approaching conflict prevention;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) adapt the EU’s conflict prevention tools to the changing nature of conflicts, including as a result of climate change, the rise of new technologies, the global race for raw materials and food scarcity;
Amendment 102 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) integrate EU’s preventive diplomacy tools within structural prevention mechanisms and actions, such as for instance political agreements among different actors involved in conflicts, national dialogues for reconciliation, peacebuilding and transitional justice, as well as truth and reconciliation commissions;
Amendment 105 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(c b) develop a set of clear and practical rules on the EU’s External Action and representation by the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council;
Amendment 111 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ensure complementarity acrossnd collaborate closely with Parliament’s preventive diplomacy actions, as parliamentary diplomacy and Parliament’s activities in this regard, such as its official missions to third countries and to multilateral fora, contribute to promote human rights, democratic standards and political pluralism worldwide, as well as conflict prevention and peace-building;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) bring forth to Parliament annual assessments on the EU’s activities concerning preventive diplomacy worldwide, as well as reviews on the EU’s conflict Early Warning System analysis when appropriate;
Amendment 117 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) improve the EU’s understanding of local, historical, political, geographical, social and cultural contexts and, invest in cultivating the necessary skills among EEAS staff working on conflict prevention and develop guidance in this regard;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) strengthen the EU’s cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations dimension and activities as a relevant instrument for peace, peace- building and conflict prevention, as well as for addressing global challenges; increase EU’s support to third countries creative and artistic sectors, including assistance on capacity building; promote cultural co-creation between third countries, including by fostering cultural exchanges and residences;
Amendment 125 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(g b) use the full potential of “education diplomacy” as a fundamental instrument within preventive diplomacy, particularly the EU’s Erasmus + programme; develop educational activities within this framework with third countries, including through Erasmus+; promote the adoption in third countries of students exchange and students visits to sites of historical memory with the aim of promoting intercultural dialogue;
Amendment 128 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(g c) step up efforts in fighting disinformation, misinformation and foreign interference operations from malicious actors seeking to foment conflicts and polarize communities, which can lead to the destabilisation of entire regions;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point h
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point h
(h) ensure that the EU’s conflict Early Warning System is sufficiently proactive, provided with the necessary resources and based on forward-looking and robust analysis of risk factors;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point j a (new)
(j a) ensure that this mechanism collaborates closely with the EU INTCEN, the EEAS Crisis Response Center and the SatCen due to the need of a pertinent flow of information in this regard; strengthen the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its staff and financial resources, as well as capabilities;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2 – point j a (new)
(j a) improve constantly the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(v a) promote the EU's participation in mediation, peacebuilding and conflict resolution such as in Colombia’s Peace Process, where the Union’s support focused on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including inequalities and human rights violations, through reconciliation efforts, economic territorial development through rural integration and multi-level political dialogue;
Amendment 184 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v b (new)
(v b) draw from EU’s experience and third countries best practices on cross border cooperation as a highly useful instrument for sustainable peacebuilding and conflict resolution between neighbours, especially after the stabilization of conflicts;
Amendment 192 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) strengthen partnerships and coordination with international, regional and sub-regional actors, such as the UN, the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE), the African Union and its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the African Union, the Organization of American States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations;
Amendment 197 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) ensure a coordinated and dynamic approach to early warning, conflict prevention and mediation between the EU and other international organisations, such as the UN and the OSCE; assure that EU Delegations constantly liase with UN field mechanisms such as the UN Resident Coordinator on the ground when pertinent;
Amendment 204 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z
Paragraph 1 – point z
(z) empower nationrelevant regional, national and local actors to serve as key players in effective prevention;
Amendment 212 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Amendment 214 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 6
Paragraph 1 – subheading 6
Amendment 229 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ae a (new)
(ae a) engage with the Commission, the Council and Parliament with the aim of strengthening the EEAS financial and staff resources, both at its HQ and EU Delegations, in order for the Service to be able to reinforce its preventive diplomacy capabilities, among others, and be better prepared to tackle current and emerging global challenges and conflicts;
Amendment 231 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ae b (new)
(ae b) insist on the budgetary increase for CFSP actions and other appropriate conflict and crisis response instruments in order to fully match EU’s activities and capabilities with current challenges and conflicts worldwide;
Amendment 232 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ae c (new)
(ae c) develop a comprehensive EU strategy for preventive diplomacy that includes long-term commitment actions and initiatives for third countries in conflicts; foster the development of multi- tier governance structures for third countries in conflict, as well as their integration within regional organizations and structures, contributing to removing triggers of violence or escalation of conflict and to their sustainable solution; take stock, in this regard, on best practices worldwide and support domestic prevention actors and mechanisms by providing the necessary political, technical and financial support;
Amendment 234 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af
Paragraph 1 – point af
(af) adopt an integrated approach to conflict prevention that combines human rights promotion and protection, humanitarian, development, peacebuilding and, security assistance, sanctions and diplomatic engagement, fully addressing all aspects of the conflict, including in partnership with local and international partners if necessary;
Amendment 237 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
(af a) consider the use, notwithstanding the political dimension and solutions to conflicts, of litigation through an international court or tribunal, such as the ICC or the ITLOS, as a method of preventive diplomacy;
Amendment 238 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ag
Paragraph 1 – point ag
(ag) step up its public diplomacy and communication efforts in order to ensure that the EU is seen as a key stakeholder in preventive diplomacy, including the prevention of conflicts dimension of its missions and operations, and that its actions and success stories are not undermined by false narratives spread or claimed by other global powers present in conflict regions; allocate the necessary resources to the EEAS, and particularly the Strategic Communication and Foresight division of the EEAS;
Amendment 242 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ag b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ag b (new)
(ag b) continue to professionalize preventive diplomacy by ensuring that preventive diplomacy is part of the training programme of the permanent structure of the European Parliament’s pilot project on the creation of the European Diplomatic Academy;
Amendment 78 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to establish a genuine internal market for the economic activities of non-profit associations, it is necessary to abolish any unjustified restrictions and barriers on the freedom of establishment, the free movement of services, the free movement of goods and the free movement of capital that still apply in the laws of certain Member States. These restrictions hinder non-profit associations from operating cross-border, not least because they impose on them a specific need to allocate resources to unnecessary administrative or compliance activities, which has a particularly deterrent effect in view of their non-profit nature. Therefore, Member States should not apply restrictive or disruptive meassures which can amount to excessive or costly burden on non-profit organizations.
Amendment 78 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to establish a genuine internal market for the economic activities of non-profit associations, it is necessary to abolish any unjustified restrictions and barriers on the freedom of establishment, the free movement of services, the free movement of goods and the free movement of capital that still apply in the laws of certain Member States. These restrictions hinder non-profit associations from operating cross-border, not least because they impose on them a specific need to allocate resources to unnecessary administrative or compliance activities, which has a particularly deterrent effect in view of their non-profit nature. Therefore, Member States should not apply restrictive or disruptive meassures which can amount to excessive or costly burden on non-profit organizations.
Amendment 86 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14 a) It should be noted that the nature of cross-border activities within the EU has a wider scope that goes beyond those of associations. These activities can be understood in the sense of proximity cross-border interaction between neighbouring subnational authorities across national boundaries, as it is the case of cross-border cooperation, a successful modality of territorial cooperation (Interreg) with decades of contributions to European integration. For the purpose of this Directive, cross- border activities are circumscribed to the scope of the present legal act, notwithstanding the respective and other possible necessary regulations related to the abovementioned modality of territorial cooperation.
Amendment 86 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14 a) It should be noted that the nature of cross-border activities within the EU has a wider scope that goes beyond those of associations. These activities can be understood in the sense of proximity cross-border interaction between neighbouring subnational authorities across national boundaries, as it is the case of cross-border cooperation, a successful modality of territorial cooperation (Interreg) with decades of contributions to European integration. For the purpose of this Directive, cross- border activities are circumscribed to the scope of the present legal act, notwithstanding the respective and other possible necessary regulations related to the abovementioned modality of territorial cooperation.
Amendment 94 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The cross-border and/or transnational element of an ECBA is central. Therefore, an ECBA should carry out or have in its statutes the objective to carry out at least part of its activities across borders in the Union, in at least two Member States, and have founding members with links to at least two Member States, either based on citizenship or residence in the case of natural persons, or based on the location of their registered office in the case of legal entities.
Amendment 94 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) The cross-border and/or transnational element of an ECBA is central. Therefore, an ECBA should carry out or have in its statutes the objective to carry out at least part of its activities across borders in the Union, in at least two Member States, and have founding members with links to at least two Member States, either based on citizenship or residence in the case of natural persons, or based on the location of their registered office in the case of legal entities.
Amendment 100 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Articles 52, 62 and 65 TFEU and relevant case law also apply to ECBAs. These TFEU Articles provide for the justification of measures restricting the freedom of establishment, freedom to provide services and free movement of capital on grounds including public policy, public security and public health. Furthermore, the concept of ‘overriding reasons in the public interest’ to which reference is made in certain provisions of this Directive has been developed by the Court of Justice in its case law. Measures by Member States that are liable to hinder or make less attractive the exercise of those Treaty freedoms should be permitted only where they can be justified by objectives listed in the Treaty or by overriding reasons in the public interest recognised by Union law. While no exhaustive definition exists, the Court of Justice has recognised that justifications are possible on various grounds such as public policy, public security and public health, the maintenance of order in society, social policy objectives, the protection of the recipients of services, consumer protection, the protection of workers, provided that the other conditions are met. Such measures need, in any event, to be duly motivated, in accordance to Union law, to be proportional and appropriate for ensuring the attainment of the objective in question and not go beyond what is necessary to attain that objective.
Amendment 100 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Articles 52, 62 and 65 TFEU and relevant case law also apply to ECBAs. These TFEU Articles provide for the justification of measures restricting the freedom of establishment, freedom to provide services and free movement of capital on grounds including public policy, public security and public health. Furthermore, the concept of ‘overriding reasons in the public interest’ to which reference is made in certain provisions of this Directive has been developed by the Court of Justice in its case law. Measures by Member States that are liable to hinder or make less attractive the exercise of those Treaty freedoms should be permitted only where they can be justified by objectives listed in the Treaty or by overriding reasons in the public interest recognised by Union law. While no exhaustive definition exists, the Court of Justice has recognised that justifications are possible on various grounds such as public policy, public security and public health, the maintenance of order in society, social policy objectives, the protection of the recipients of services, consumer protection, the protection of workers, provided that the other conditions are met. Such measures need, in any event, to be duly motivated, in accordance to Union law, to be proportional and appropriate for ensuring the attainment of the objective in question and not go beyond what is necessary to attain that objective.
Amendment 104 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) To facilitate the cooperation among Member States and between Member States and the Commission, Member States should designate a competent authority responsible for the application of the rule transposing this Directive (‘competent authority’), which shall be in close contact and inform the Committee, as refered in Article 30 of this Directive. The Commission should publish the list of competent authorities. To have a comprehensive overview of the legal treatment of ECBAs in Member States, Member States should notify the Commission of the names and tasks of relevant authorities, other than the competent authorities, established or designated for the purposes of the national rules applicable to the most similar non- profit association in national law, if applicable.
Amendment 104 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) To facilitate the cooperation among Member States and between Member States and the Commission, Member States should designate a competent authority responsible for the application of the rule transposing this Directive (‘competent authority’), which shall be in close contact and inform the Committee, as refered in Article 30 of this Directive. The Commission should publish the list of competent authorities. To have a comprehensive overview of the legal treatment of ECBAs in Member States, Member States should notify the Commission of the names and tasks of relevant authorities, other than the competent authorities, established or designated for the purposes of the national rules applicable to the most similar non- profit association in national law, if applicable.
Amendment 109 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Member States should be entitled to require a registered ECBA to make a declaration, provide information, request or obtain authorisations for engaging in particular activities only where such requirements are (i) applied in a general and non-discriminatory way, (ii) prescribed by law, (iii) justified by overriding reasons in the public interest, (iv) appropriate for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained. Such requirements may be connected, for example, to the specificities of certain sectors, like healthcare. Where Member States provide for such additional procedures, this information should be made publicly available in a clear and comprehensible manner, as well as easily accesible, in order to ensure that an ECBA is able to comply with these requirements.
Amendment 109 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Member States should be entitled to require a registered ECBA to make a declaration, provide information, request or obtain authorisations for engaging in particular activities only where such requirements are (i) applied in a general and non-discriminatory way, (ii) prescribed by law, (iii) justified by overriding reasons in the public interest, (iv) appropriate for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained. Such requirements may be connected, for example, to the specificities of certain sectors, like healthcare. Where Member States provide for such additional procedures, this information should be made publicly available in a clear and comprehensible manner, as well as easily accesible, in order to ensure that an ECBA is able to comply with these requirements.
Amendment 118 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49 a (new)
Recital 49 a (new)
(49 a) In accordance with the principles of efficiency and effectiveness of the public adminsitrations the transposition of this Directive should foster the simplification of administrative rules and the reduction of administrative costs and burdens.
Amendment 118 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49 a (new)
Recital 49 a (new)
(49 a) In accordance with the principles of efficiency and effectiveness of the public adminsitrations the transposition of this Directive should foster the simplification of administrative rules and the reduction of administrative costs and burdens.
Amendment 120 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) “non-profit association” means a legal entity under national law that is membership-based, self-governed, has a non-profit purpose and has legal personality;
Amendment 120 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) “non-profit association” means a legal entity under national law that is membership-based, self-governed, has a non-profit purpose and has legal personality;
Amendment 121 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) “ECBA certificate” means a certificate issued by the competent authority of the home Member State, serving as evidence of the registration of an ECBA and its legal personality and legal capacity.
Amendment 121 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) “ECBA certificate” means a certificate issued by the competent authority of the home Member State, serving as evidence of the registration of an ECBA and its legal personality and legal capacity.
Amendment 128 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. The rules applicable to ECBAs, including its consitution, shall not undermine worker’s rights or working conditions. In line with applicable collective agreements and national and Union law, worker’s representation shall be respected and will take part in any consultation process in this regard.
Amendment 128 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. The rules applicable to ECBAs, including its consitution, shall not undermine worker’s rights or working conditions. In line with applicable collective agreements and national and Union law, worker’s representation shall be respected and will take part in any consultation process in this regard.
Amendment 129 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that an ECBA acquires legal personality and legal capacity upon registration in accordance with Article 19. Member States shall recognise automatically the legal personality and legal capacity of ECBAs registered in another Member State, without requiring any further registration.
Amendment 129 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that an ECBA acquires legal personality and legal capacity upon registration in accordance with Article 19. Member States shall recognise automatically the legal personality and legal capacity of ECBAs registered in another Member State, without requiring any further registration.
Amendment 134 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 134 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 141 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that, within the ambit of application of this Directive, public authorities do not discriminate against any group or individualECBAs are not discriminated on any grounds, such as birth, age, colour, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, health conditions, immigration or residency status, genetic features, language, national, ethnic or social origin, political or any other opinion, physical or mental disability, membership of a national minority, property, race, religion or belief, or other status.
Amendment 141 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that, within the ambit of application of this Directive, public authorities do not discriminate against any group or individualECBAs are not discriminated on any grounds, such as birth, age, colour, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, health conditions, immigration or residency status, genetic features, language, national, ethnic or social origin, political or any other opinion, physical or mental disability, membership of a national minority, property, race, religion or belief, or other status.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Each Member State shall ensure that national laws, regulations or administrative acts regulating ECBAs do not discriminate against any group or individual on any grounds, such as birth, age, colour, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, health conditions, immigration or residency status, genetic features, language, national, ethnic or social origin, political or any other opinion, physical or mental disability, membership of a national minority, property, race, religion or belief, or other status.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Each Member State shall ensure that national laws, regulations or administrative acts regulating ECBAs do not discriminate against any group or individual on any grounds, such as birth, age, colour, sex and gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, health conditions, immigration or residency status, genetic features, language, national, ethnic or social origin, political or any other opinion, physical or mental disability, membership of a national minority, property, race, religion or belief, or other status.
Amendment 143 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1 Member States shall ensure the acces to effective complaint mechanisms and to effective administrative remedies.
Amendment 143 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1 Member States shall ensure the acces to effective complaint mechanisms and to effective administrative remedies.
Amendment 148 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 148 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 157 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 157 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) appropriatenecessary for ensuring the attainment of the objective pursued and do not go beyond what is necessary in order for it to be attained.
Amendment 199 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member States shall designate thean independent competent publlic authority (‘competent authority’) responsible for the application of this Directive.
Amendment 199 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member States shall designate thean independent competent publlic authority (‘competent authority’) responsible for the application of this Directive.
Amendment 205 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Committee shall establish a framework for structured civil dialogue with relevant stakeholders and non-profit associations in particular.
Amendment 205 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Committee shall establish a framework for structured civil dialogue with relevant stakeholders and non-profit associations in particular.
Amendment 206 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Article30a Right to good administration Member States, notwithstanding the rights enshrined in Article 41 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, shall ensure that the administrative procedures and obligations of ECBAs may be submitted online and that their are easily accessible. Member States shall make available the necessary information and support concerning the administrative processes related to ECBAs.
Amendment 206 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Article30a Right to good administration Member States, notwithstanding the rights enshrined in Article 41 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, shall ensure that the administrative procedures and obligations of ECBAs may be submitted online and that their are easily accessible. Member States shall make available the necessary information and support concerning the administrative processes related to ECBAs.
Amendment 209 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States shall engage in a dialogue with nonprofit organisations established, registered or operating in their territory in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner about the transposition and implementation of the provisions of this Directive as well as the revision of relevant national provisions. Such dialogue shall take place prior to the transposition of this Directive and at least twice a year thereafter.
Amendment 209 #
2023/0315(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States shall engage in a dialogue with nonprofit organisations established, registered or operating in their territory in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner about the transposition and implementation of the provisions of this Directive as well as the revision of relevant national provisions. Such dialogue shall take place prior to the transposition of this Directive and at least twice a year thereafter.
Amendment 22 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to create a permanent training residential programme on the EU’s external action and CFSP for junior diplomats from EU candidate countries, which should draw from the experience and lessons learned from the pilot project on the European Diplomatic Academy and fully synergize with the future permanent structure of the forenamed Academy; stresses that, in this sense, the above-mentioned programme should foster a connection to the EEAS, European Commission, Council, and European Parliament;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE were invited to observe the 14 May elections; whereas the European Parliament was not invited, based on allegations of unfair treatment;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 79 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the positive agenda offered by the EU in 2021 is currently practically at a standstill;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Russian war of aggression continues to cause unprecedented geopolitical shifts in Europe; whereas Türkiye’s key location allows it to play an instrumental, strategic role in the events; whereas Türkiye has been the only facilitator accepted by both Ukraine and Russia, being instrumental in agreeing on the vital Black Sea Grain Initiative; whereas Türkiye has, however, decided not to align with EU sanctions against Russia, and mainly as a result of this non-alignment, Türkiye’s foreign policy alignment with the EU CFSP statements has deteriorated from 14% to only 7% between 2021-2022, which is by far the lowest of all enlargement countries;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas after a long delay, the Turkish Grand National Assembly ratified the NATO membership of Finland in March 2023, allowing the country to join NATO; whereas the Turkish Government has repeatedly employed political delaying tactics and a transactional approach with regard to Sweden’s application for NATO membership;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas 2022 has seen substantial deepening of financial and economic integration between Türkiye and Russia, visible in many areas and markets including banking, real estate, tourism and energy;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas while economic growth in Türkiye has remained solid, inflation remains on a 20-year high and external imbalances in the economy are exacerbating;
Amendment 115 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its profound sadness about the deadly, devastating earthquakes that shook south-eastern Türkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023 and its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families; welcomes the international relief and recovery effort, including by the EU and its Member States; further welcomes the substantial pledges made at the donors’ conference convened by the European Commission and Swedish Council Presidency, and resolves to continue supporting the people of Türkiye and Syria in the future rehabilitation efforts;
Amendment 141 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Acknowledges the partial measures taken in recent months by the Turkish authorities to prevent the re-exportation to Russia of goods in transit covered by EU sanctions, but urges them to go further in order to ensure that Türkiye stops being a hub for entities and individuals that wish to circumvent such sanctions; further expresses concern over the fact that increasing numbers of Russian citizens, including oligarchs, take up residency in major Turkish cities and coastal regions - contributing to high prices increases on the rental and property market- from where they continue with their business and trade operations bringing large amounts of Russian capital into the Turkish system;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that, in terms of human rights and the rule of law, the desolate picture painted in its resolution of 7 June 2022 on the 2021 Commission Report on Turkey remains valid, and reiterates the content of that resolution; fully endorses the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 12 October 2022, and the related report by its Monitoring Committee, on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Türkiye, which depict in detail the wide range of serious shortfalls in human rights, as constantly reported by local and international renown human rights organizations;
Amendment 221 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses its strong concern over the continued hyper-concentration of power in the Turkish presidency, without any effective checks and balances, which has seriously eroded the democratic institutions in the country; stresses that the lack of autonomy in multiple levels of the administration due to extreme dependency for all sorts of decisions under a one-man rule can derive into a dysfunctional system as demonstrated in the slow reaction to the devastating consequences of the February earthquakes;
Amendment 223 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Takes note of the entry into Parliament of far-right Islamist parties in the last election as part of the ruling coalition; is concerned by the increasing weight of the Islamist agenda in law- making and in many spheres of the public administration, including through the raising influence of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in the education system;
Amendment 245 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes, after a confrontational period, Türkiye’s recent steps towards normalising relations with several countries, such as Armenia, Egypt, Israel and the Gulf states, but remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy still clashes in many aspects with EU interests and, far from growing closer to the EU, it has further diverged in the last year, reaching a record low of alignment with just 7 % of common foreign and security policy decisions; is of the opinion that the government will now need to address the economic vulnerabilities and high levels of inflation; invites the government to reinstate the credibility of key institutions such as the Turkish Central Bank and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜIK);
Amendment 286 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Strongly reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement, including of its external aspects, within the UN framework, on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty, single citizenship and political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; deplores the fact that the Turkish Government has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the UN framework to defend on its own a two-state solution in Cyprus; calls on Turkey to abandon this unacceptable proposal for a two-state solution; further calls on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and refrain from any unilateral action which would entrench the permanent division of the island and to refrain from action altering the demographic balance; urges that negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus be resumed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible from where they left off at Crans- Montana in 2017;
Amendment 298 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Reiterates its call on Turkey to give the Turkish Cypriot community the necessary space to act in accordance with its role as a legitimate community of the island, a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus; reiterates its call on the Commission to step up its efforts to engage with the Turkish Cypriot community, recalling that its place is in the European Union; calls for all parties involved to demonstrate a more courageous approach in bringing the communities together; stresses the need for the EU acquis to be implemented across the entire island following the comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem and highlights, meanwhile, that the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for stepping up its efforts to facilitate the engagement of Turkish Cypriots with the EU;
Amendment 394 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reaffirms its support for an upgraded customs union with a broader, mutually beneficial scope, which could encompass a wide range of areas of common interest, including digitalisation and Green Deal alignment; insists that such a modernisation would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and the aforementioned principles; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the outset of any negotiations, as Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement if no progress is made in this field; remains ready to advance towards visa liberalisation as soon as the Turkish authorities fulfil the six outstanding benchmarks; encourages Member States to establish measures to establish a fast-track for visa procedures for Turkish Erasmus students;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the rights of citizens to vote and to be elected inparticipate in the management of public affairs, including the right to vote, to stand for and to be elected in free, transparent, verifiable, periodic, and genuine democratic elections are fundamental, internationally recognised human rights;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country and that the people’s will, expressed through periodic, genuine and universal elections, must be the basis of government; whereas this message is reiterated by Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Ba. whereas Article 5(c) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination states that States Parties undertake to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, to equally before the law enjoy political rights, in particular the right to participate in elections, to vote and to stand for election; whereas, nevertheless, some social groups such as minorities, persons with disabilities, non-residents and homeless populations face additional challenges and discrimination;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the right to participate in free and fair elections is intrinsically linked to other basic rights, such as the rights to freedom from discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association; ; whereas for the right to vote and to be elected to be genuinely exercised, a climate must prevail in which civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights are respected and enjoyed by all, including the rights to equality and non-discrimination, education, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, freedom of religion and belief, security, and an effective remedy; whereas ensuring the participation of women is key for guaranteeing free and fair elections; Ca. whereas long-established liberal democracies all around the world are witnessing worrisome trends of deterioration in their democratic structures, leading to democratic backsliding and autocratisation, as exemplified by the rise in illiberalism, decreasing levels of participation in elections, growing disillusionment with mainstream political parties and leadership, and the growth of extremist parties; whereas the increasing hate speech promoted by these extremist parties and targeting vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities and migrants, creates a climate of violence and prevents the conditions needed for people to exercise their right to political participation; whereas worrying trends of erosion of the fundamental principles of the rules-based international order are currently being seriously aggravated by Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas over 75 % of people live in non-democratic countries, which limits their basic human rights; whereas shrinking space for civil society negatively influences the right to participate in genuine elections, according to Freedom House, 80 % of people live in countries that are not free or are partly free, which limits their basic human rights; whereas more than one third of the global population lives under authoritarian rule;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the right to participate in genuine elections is not respeobstructed in autocratic and illiberal regimes, which conduct sham by, among other things, the creation of legal and administrative barriers preventing the will of the people from being reflected, shrinking space for civil society, voter intimidation and the conducting of fake elections with the goal of entrenching their regimes’ power; whereas such elections are not free, transparent, verifiable, pluralistic and fair, lack real political contestation and place undue restrictions on the right to both vote and be electedvote, stand for election and be elected; whereas arbitrary and politically fabricated disqualifications of opposition candidates are also tools traditionally used by autocratic regimes to interfere in electoral processes;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the weakening of judicial independence and the rule of law and the overall democratic backsliding in autocratic and illiberal regimes enable these regimes’ legitimisation strategies, including by removing effective checks on the enforcement of repressive laws, control of the media and malign interference in digital communication channels; Ha. whereas media freedom and pluralism are crucial components of the right to freedom of expression and information, as well as enablers of democratic, free and participative societies; whereas transparency of media ownership and funding and safeguards to ensure media pluralism and avoid the risk of a concentration of power in media, platform operators and internet intermediaries are essential for the media to fulfil its role; whereas it is crucial that citizens have access to independent and reliable information; whereas the spread of false information, propaganda and disinformation creates a climate of global scepticism that threatens freedom of information and democratic debate;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. Ia. whereas autocratic and illiberal regimes have developed new ways and mock-compliance strategies to overcome the costs of fully complying with international election observation standards without overtly denouncing them; whereas they are becoming increasingly well organised in their efforts to provide international legitimacy to each other’s fake electionsuch strategies include undertaking domestic and international observation activities that do not comply with the international standards, such as deploying fake election observers who help to steer the post-electoral discourse in support of autocratic and illiberal regimes; whereas citizens in such regimes have limited opportunities to observe elections, and if they do, the regimes do everything in their power to discredit observers or sideline their efforts; Ib. whereas autocratic and illiberal regimes are becoming increasingly well organised in their efforts to provide international legitimacy to each other’s fake elections through fake international observation activities; whereas these regimes contribute to the erosion of global trust in democratic institutions by copying, developing and spreading fraudulent practices unchallenged; whereas autocratic and illiberal regimes also use international institutions for their own benefit, including for the promotion of rival norms within global governance institutions and the legitimisation of fraudulent elections; Ic. whereas EU Election Observation Missions aim to strengthen confidence in elections, deter fraud and provide an informed and factual assessment of election processes;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas tensions between democracies and authoritarian regimes are becoming more geopolitical; whereas this trend requires the EU to raise its democratic concerns to the highest political level, including by building more strategic alliances for democracy and, by considering the promotion and defence of democracy as a strategic interest and as a key part of its geo- economic and trade strategies and by finding innovative ways to support civic voices speaking out against autocracies and their legitimisation strategies;
Amendment 9 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the EU should adopt a systematic approach concerning the right to participate, including by demonstrating its strong link with human rights, democracy and the rule of law; and by addressing electoral shortcomings in a consistent manner, including when they occur in close partner countries; whereas, in doing so, the EU should focus not only on the electoral processes themselves, but also on the surrounding context and the underlying causes of authoritarian legitimisation; whereas European actors should not contribute to legitimising elections in illiberal and autocratic regimes;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) design and implement more decisive and effective EU actions to promote and protect the right to participate, which is a universal human right, as part of a much broader strategy on human rights and democracy support; ensure that these actions mainstream gender perspectives and the inclusion of groups in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) address in a systematic and robust manner the attempts by non-EU countries to restrict the enjoyment of the right to participate of minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities, and of youth, women, indigenous groups and other social groups; call, in particular, on the authorities of non-EU countries to monitor hate speech by public authorities and elected officials and to adopt strong and concrete measures and sanctions against it in order to advance towards a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination; (bb) engage with non-EU countries to ensure an accessible and enabling environment for persons with disabilities, which allows them to participate in the political and public life of their communities; highlights, in particular, the need to address legal and administrative barriers to political participation by making voting procedures, facilities and election materials more accessible, by expanding opportunities for participation in political and public life and by raising awareness of the right to political participation of persons with disabilities and collecting data to measure this political participation;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) streamline the right to participate in the EU’s external action toolbox, which needs to be implemented by the European Union’s delegations in non-EU countries in very close cooperation with the embassies of the Member States; (ca) acknowledge and address shortcomings in the enjoyment of the right to participate within the EU with a view to strengthening the legitimacy and credibility of the EU’s external action in this area;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) acknowledge the severity of the difficulties that people living under autocratic and illiberal regimes have in accessing unbiasfactual, uncensored election- related information and discerning it from among regime-sponsored propaganda, including reliable information on candidates, voting preferences and the conduct of the election process, which inhibirestricts their ability to understandresources to assess whether elections are truly competitive and whether citizens’ preferences are reflected in the results, and work to prevent the misuse of public resources and vote-buying; take into consideration the erosion to the morale of the civil population caused by manipulated, non-transparent and illegitimate elections, as they create mistrust in both national and international government institutions; (da) acknowledge the importance of access to universal and free education that empowers people to make free choices in elections;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) counter the narrative promoted by autocratic and illiberal regimes that they have mandates from their citizens as a result of genuine elections; formulate, in this regard, a comprehensive EU global strategy to counter the tools that these regimes use to legitimise elections, such as fake observers and shadow election observation groups in the place of standardised international mission, including from EU Members States and EU institutions, such as some Members of the European Parliament, in the place of standardised international missions; ensure that this strategy goes beyond dialogue and statements of concern by the EU, and is geared towards improving the standards of democracy and the rule of law in the countries concerned; work with democratic countries to strengthen international institutions in order to prevent autocratic and illiberal regimes from infiltrating them and using them for their own ends;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) strengthen the link between election observation work and the EU’s wider support for human rights and democracy using both political, commercial and cooperation tools; consider authoritarian electoral legitimisation strategies as early symptoms of underlying non-democratic trends and react accordingly; counter authoritarian narratives that put security and democracy in contrast, thus limiting fundamental liberties under the pretext of state security, and the attempts of autocratic and illiberal regimes to exploit policy areas such as climate, sport and international development to falsely reinforce their legitimacy;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) counter autocratic and illiberal regimes’ efforts to create false internal perceptions of the genuineness of their fake elections; pay particular attention to autocratic and illiberal regimes’ election- related abuses of information and communication technology and artificial intelligence in relation with election manipulation, which they are increasingly carrying out in order to negatively affect participation by disseminating propaganda and disinformation and by implementing restrictions on access to information about the opposition’s ideas and candidates; (ga) monitor and denounce the role of private companies that specialise in disinformation campaigns and offer to covertly meddle in elections and manipulate public opinion in non-EU countries; take effective action to ensure that EU-based public affairs, media and online companies do not engage in such behaviour and instead strictly respect the right to privacy and uphold the same level of data protection in partner countries as they are required to uphold in the EU under the General Data Protection Regulation1a, particularly during election campaigns; ensure that these companies abide by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and are held accountable when they fail to do so; (gb) address the use of biased election observers to attempt to discredit the work of genuine international and EU election observation missions; __________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 17 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) recognise the crucial role of civil society in delegitimisnouncing fake elections and delegitimising them in the eyes of local populations; support independent civil society organisations, democratic opposition forces, human rights defenders and the media, including through capacity building and communications strategies, and by gathering data on violations of the right to participate in genuine elections; support, in particularhighlight that transparency regarding media financing and truly free and independent media are key for preventing undue influence; (ha) support, throughout the electoral cycle, local elections observers, whose activities increase people’s belief that their right to participate in genuine elections will be respected, and condemn in the strongest terms attacks against them; support regional and global networks of citizen observers that provide solidarity, capacity building and exchanges of experience with local groups, which can help counter efforts by autocratic and illiberal regimes to legitimise each other’s elections;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) mainstream information about genuine elections and people’s right to participate in them, including about the right of all minorities to vote, in the context of support for human rights and democratisation in the projects under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe and the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance, including support for election observers as human rights defenders; support the Global Campus of Human Rights to that end; support programmes aiming to improve the legislative and administrative framework for elections in non-EU countries, including through support to national election commissions;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) make use of the EU’s cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations toolbox to strengthen the right to participate, to counter autocratic and illiberal regimes’ narratives attempting to legitimise fake elections and to strengthen a universal democratic culture in non-EU countrie; build such cooperation on genuine partnerships, especially given that ensuring electoral transparency, stopping foreign interference and improving democracies is a work in progress, requiring bold, innovative and joint solutions;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) givprovide more support to initiatives related to election observation training and knowledge building at local, regional and international level and to engagement with local media and civil society organisations; highlight the importance of support and capacity building for local election observers in ensuring a more sustainable approach to democracy- building;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) explore the possibility of introducing a standing invitation for election observation within the democratic clause in EU agreements, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences and equivalent mechanisms, given the current reluctance of many countries to send election observation invitations to the EU; support Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group and its work, especially in the framework of election observation; assess how to address the increasingly frequent scenario of countries refusing to invite the EU to observe their elections;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) include the outcomes of the EU’sclosely monitor the adoption and implementation of the recommendations of EU and OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) election observation missions and include them as an essential part of the overall framework for relations between the EU and the country concerned; adequately follow up on the recommendations of EU election observation missions, with greater involvement of Parliament; ensure that EU public statements related to elections in non-EU countries are strictly in line with the EU’s values in the fields of democracy, human rights and elections and are consistent with the findings of EU election observation missions;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) address the right to participate in non-EU countries through EU human rights dialogueand all other aspects related to electoral integrity in non-EU countries through EU human rights dialogues; ensure that those dialogues are complemented by a segment involving independent civil society organisations;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) use the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (the EU Magnitsky Act) for persons responsible for serious breaches of the right to participate and of democratic election standards, and make further use of the EU’s restrictive measures to sanction those who gradually and covertly undermine democracy and the rule of law in non-EU countries; ensure that the suspension of these restrictive measures is conditional on a real improvement in human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the country concerned; consider developing effective and dissuasive measures against persons involved in fake election observation missions, including members of parliament and politicians from EU Member States and Members of the European Parliament;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) recognise the role of the EU’sEU and OSCE ODIHR election observation missions – including the role of Parliament – in providing evidence on whether elections are genuine and further improve this tool, including by strengthening its visibility, condemning fake election observation missions and bolstering the communications strategy both before and after elections; increase support for long-term election observation missions, as some of the most serious violations of electoral processes take place before polling day; equip EU election observation missions with appropriate and up-to-date technical expertise and resources for the adequate monitoring of aspects related to the new risks involved in the use of new electoral information and communication technologies;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) forge a coalition ofpromote close cooperation and coordination between democratic countries and, multilateral institutions, such as the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Council of Europe,DIHR and the Council of Europe, and the organisations that endorsed the UN Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation as a means to counter the legitimisation of fake elections and fake observers more effectively in international forums, in particular the UN;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2154(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) lead the efforts to give more visibility to the UN Declaration Oof Principles Ffor International Election Observation and the work of those organisations that signendorsed it and are active in election observation; consider calling for the list of signatorieendorsing organisations to the UN Declaration Oof Principles Ffor International Election Observation to be updated, with a view to reinforcing its credibility and establishing a clear-cut way of differentiating between genuine observation groups and fake observers; take a similar approach to the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors; explore ways to undermine the legitimacy of shadow organisations and fake observers;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas recent years have shown a growing pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing journalists, in particular war correspondents and investigative journalists working to expose corruption; whereas this is a situation that requires urgent action to uphold the essential role of the independent media in ensuring transparency and accountability;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in 2022, 66 journalists were killed and 64 were reported missing; whereas, in line with the data published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 1,668 journalists have been killed worldwide in connection with their work between 2003 and 2022 and a total of 533 journalists are detained in accordance with RSF’s 2022 annual round-up of violence and abuses against journalists;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas transparency of media ownership and funding is an absolute precondition for ensuring media pluralism and independent journalism;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas female journalists face gender-specific forms of violence, such as sexual and online harassment; whereas online harassment and abuse are often highly sexualised, based not on the content of victims’ work, but on their physical traits, cultural backgrounds or private lives; whereas these threats may lead female journalists to self-censor and have a chilling effect on press freedom and freedom of expression; whereas experts have consistently found evidence that women are in the minority across media sectors, particularly in creative roles, and are severely underrepresented at senior decision-making levels; whereas misogyny behaviour and gender-based violence against women journalists online cannot be tolerated or normalised; whereas sexist hate speech is stigmatising, generates fear and shame, as well as psychological, professional and reputational damage, it also raises concerns related to digital privacy and security threats; whereas in extreme cases, online threats that are not criminalised can escalate to physical violence, harassment and abuse in offline contexts;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T
Recital T
T. whereas in several countries, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are used by political and financial actors for the purpose of silencing critical voices or scaring journalists into halting investigations into corruption and other matters of public interest; whereas this is especially common in countries with defamation or libel laws that are easier to abuse, as well in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital U
Recital U
U. whereas the spread of misinformation, fake news, propaganda and disinformation creates a climate of global scepticism among the population with regard to information in general, which exposes journalists to distrust and poses a threat to freedom of information, democratic debate and the independence of the media, and has increased the need for high-quality media sources; whereas the public online space of journalistic information needs to be distinguished from other online environments that don’t follow the same legislation, rules and ethics of journalism; whereas the online space should be regulated in order to protect journalists and citizens from propaganda, fake news and disinformation;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its concern about the lack of specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation at global scale; calls on public figures and authority representatives to refrain from denigrating journalists in public, as this undermines trust in the media across society; underlines the important role of journalists in reporting on protests and demonstrations and calls for them to be protected so that they can carry out their jobs without fear; calls on third countries to enact legislation and policies with the objective of preventing, protecting and prosecuting cases of repression of journalists, as well as to involve them in these processes so their experiences and knowledge can be reflected in the outcome;
Amendment 127 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores the fact that journalists and media workers often work in precarious conditions, as well as temporary and unstable contracts, which compromises their ability to work in a safe and enabling environment; underlines the precarity of employment conditions for journalists, specially in times of conflict, where they are underpaid, overexploited and sent without the necessary protection; stresses that adequate working conditions for journalists and media workers are crucial to fostering high-quality journalism, allowing journalists to fulfil their missions and upholding the right to information and the right to be informed;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Recalls that media organizations worldwide have a duty of care towards journalists employed by them or producing the content these organizations acquire; underlines that journalists should receive the necessary training, particularly safety and first aid, from media organizations; stresses that special attention should be given to freelance and young journalists as this category is particularly increasing and many endure precarious labour and safety conditions;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on media companies operating in third countries to respect due diligence and labour obligations regarding employed journalists, as well as those from which they acquire journalistic content; further stresses the importance of these companies respecting the rights and freedoms of their employees as well as ensuring minimum and dignified working conditions; recalls the importance of the EU corporate sustainability due diligence mechanism and its application to media companies in order to ensure human rights protection in this sector;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the need to pay particular attention to satire and humour, which are used by press cartoonists to inform, promote democratic values, defend human rights and fundamental freedoms and protest against crime, corruption and abuses of power, and which are used in evidencing and combating censorship;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the attempts by public authorities to silence independent media or undermine their freedom and pluralism; warns against practices that indirectly subdue such media by means of financial patronage and condemns, in particular, attempts to control media public service; deplores the adoption by third countries of so-called foreign agents laws which are being used to silence and repress journalism; stresses that the EU must uphold the protection of journalist and freedom of opinion and expression as one of its main priorities, and to this end, lead a pact and work in alliance with other democracies and like- minded partners;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Condemns the use of SLAPPs to silence or intimidate journalists and outlets and to create a climate of fear to suppress their reporting; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission proposal for a directive against SLAPPs targeting journalists in the EU, and asks the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to encourage third countries, principally like-minded partners who have not yet done so, to take similar initiative at national level and to engage on this matter at international level; calls for additional support in legal assistance for journalists being the target of SLAPPs, and for the EU to develop comprehensive guidelines for prosecutors tackling SLAPPs and to provide them and judges with training on the matter;
Amendment 153 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 155 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Urges the EU, Member States and international organisations to further promote already-existing protection mechanisms and to ensure that they are known and accessible to journalists and relevant civil society organisations in third countries, paying special attention to those in remote areas;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Welcomes and encourages further projects resembling Reporters Without Borders’ digital vest app, which should be available in other EU languages besides Spanish, or the Hannah Arendt Initiative aiming at protecting journalists in situations of danger by setting-up an emergency program for averting immediate threats to media workers in their countries of origin in a targeted and rapid manner; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to support these sorts of initiatives and develop an early warning mechanism with tailor-made guidelines for journalists to follow when they are at risk;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms, governments and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers, taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; calls on the need to implement measures to protect journalists from online and gender-based violence on social media and other digital platforms; stresses the importance of promptly removing online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists in order to curb their uncontrolled spread;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Insists on enhancing collaboration between online platforms and law enforcement authorities so as to effectively address the spread of messages that incite hatred or instigate violence towards journalists and media workers, taking into account the fact that women are particularly targeted; stresses the importance of promptly removing online comments or reactions that undermine the safety of journalists in order to curb their uncontrolled spread; urges third countries authorities to investigate and prosecute cases of online harassment and abuse;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EU delegations and EU Member States’ diplomatic missions to apply the EU human rights guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline in a uniform and consistent manner as they pertain to protecting journalists and defending press freedom; strongly encourage the EEAS and Member States to undertake all efforts to promote, harness and share examples of good practices, especially with EU officials prior to assignments in third countries;
Amendment 173 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to always weigh the option of voiced public action against silent diplomacy; highlights the importance of building civil society’s understanding of the EU delegations’ modus operandi; encourages, in this regard, the EU delegations to make, to the extent possible, more public statements, both pre-emptively and in response to serious violations of or restrictions on the right to the freedom of opinion and expression; recalls the importance of the EU Delegations in this regard as those implementing the EU mechanism for protection of Human Rights Defenders, which includes journalists, as well as EU dedicated programmes to support independent media and journalists’ safety; highlights the need for the EEAS and the EU Delegations to count with the appropiate financial and personnel resources in order to better tackle the challenges that journalists face worldwide;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to further stregnhten their capacity building suppport by assisting third countries in developing and enacting legal frameworks favourable to the protection of journalists, freedom of expression and freedom of information;
Amendment 185 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on EU delegations, EU Member State diplomatic missions and like-minded partners to engage in proactive outreach to and support for journalist communities in third countries with a view to supporting their work and working conditions, to make regular assessments of the press freedom environment in each respective third country, including ongoing or emerging risks to journalists, and to seek ways to put in place either measures that could prevent abuses from occurring or protection measures, including providing demonstrable and visible moral support to journalists at risk; calls on both EU Delegations and Member States to provide additional financial and human resources to the protection of journalists;
Amendment 204 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Urges Member States to lead by example regarding the protection of journalists when performing their duties, and the concomitant observance of the human rights to freedom of expression and information that integrate the basis of democracy;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Stresses the necessity to strengthen the Union’s External Action with own and permanent EU instruments and resources in this dimension in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player; calls for an autonomous European Diplomacy with EU diplomats trained in a European Diplomatic Academy, on the basis of this Parliament’s Pilot Project in this regard, which is determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective; calls for the strengthening of the EU’s International Cultural Relations by developing a EU instrument that can embody a cultural face of the Union worldwide;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Highlights the necessity to clearly define the competences of the Vice- President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided by the Treaties and the inter-institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Requests the strengthening of the role of Union delegations in the implementation of foreign policy by amending the wording of Article 221 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU); calls for the strengthening of the EEAS’ capacities, resources and personnel, including by updating the “Council Decision of 26 July 2010”, so it can better fulfil EU´s objectives and interests worldwide;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls to move forward towards an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, which would strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses that geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad; calls for the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls for the strengthening of the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its resources and capabilities;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
Citation 28 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030,
Amendment 24 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 a (new)
Citation 37 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliamentary Research Service European Implementation Assessment of 24 August 2022 of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders,
Amendment 25 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 39 a (new)
Citation 39 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 September 2022 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market,
Amendment 27 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 41 a (new)
Citation 41 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2018 on violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, including land grabbing,
Amendment 28 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 43 a (new)
Citation 43 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability,
Amendment 35 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 a (new)
Citation 50 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 June 2022 on global threats to abortion rights: the possible overturning of abortion rights in the US by the Supreme Court,
Amendment 36 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 b (new)
Citation 50 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 7 July 2022 on the US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and Women’s health in the EU,
Amendment 37 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 c (new)
Citation 50 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 9 June 2022 on a new trade instrument to ban products made by forced labour,
Amendment 38 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 d (new)
Citation 50 d (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2022 on intersectional discrimination in the European Union: the socio- economic situation of women of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent,
Amendment 58 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas environmental emergencies, including climate change and deforestation give rise to human rights violations not only against the people directly affected, but also against humanity as a whole; whereas it is important to recognise the link between human rights and environmental protection;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be the cornerstone of the Union’s external policy; recalls that the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024 should be used as a roadmap of the EU’s priorities concerning human rights and therefore be at the centre of all EU external policies; strongly encourages the Union, to that end, to strive for a continued ambitious commitment to make the protection of human rights a central part of all EU policies in a streamlined manner and to enhance the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies in this field;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; expresses, in this regard, its deep grief at the human suffering and serious human rights violations caused by the Russian armed forces at the EU’s bordersis conflict; welcomes the joint efforts of the EU and its Member States in response to the war; welcomes, moreover, the solidarity shown by a great number of countries towards Ukraine, as highlighted by their stance during the sessions and votes of the UN General Assembly on the crisis in Ukraine; calls for the EU and its Member States to give the Ukrainian people the support they need to defend democracy, human rights and international law; welcomes the unprecedented ambition of the sanctions imposed in the context of the war and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to use all of the instruments at their disposal to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to free Ukraine from its occupiers;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine; expresses, in this regard, its deep grief at the human suffering and serious human rights violations caused by the Russian armed forces at the EU’s borders; welcomes the joint efforts of the EU and, its Member States and civil society in response to the war; welcomes, moreover, the solidarity shown by a great number of countries towards Ukraine, as highlighted by their stance during the sessions and votes of the UN General Assembly on the crisis in Ukraine; calls for the EU and its Member States to give the Ukrainian people the support they need to defend democracy, human rights and international law; welcomes the unprecedented ambition of the sanctions imposed in the context of the war and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to use all of the instruments at their disposal to support the Ukrainian people in their fight to free Ukraine from its occupiers, and the people seeking support in EU Member States;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the EU and its Member States to intensify their efforts all over the world to support democracy and human rights; calls on the EU and its Member States, in this regard, both individually and in cooperation with like-minded international partners, to thwart unacceptable attempts to weaken democratic institutions and universal human rights, especially those that present authoritarian regimes as superior to democracies and diminish the space for and role of civil society; calls on the EU institutions, including the European External Action Service, to ensure EU and Member States human rights obligations are consistently implemented in the EU’s foreign policy; in this regard, encourages the EU to make use of all diplomatic tools, both privately and publicly, and both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, to raise human rights issues with partner country counterparts, including individual human rights defender cases;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU to reflect on how to promote a human rights-based approach in all EU instruments and strategies in order to strengthen the EU’s human rights foreign policy; underlines that the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe), including its thematic programme on human rights and democracy, is one of the main tools at the EU’s disposal to improve the human rights situation around the world and help foster resilient, inclusive and democratic societies; stresses that the engagement of local civil society actors is vital to protect human rights and democracy in their countries and reiterates its call to fully engage them in all of the EU’s relevant external activities; highlights the importance that NDICI – Global Europe attaches to the promotion of human rights and democracy with strategic international and local partners; underlines Parliament’s role in the instrument’s programming process and calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to share all the relevant information in a timely manner in order to enable Parliament to play its role accordingly, in particular during high-level geopolitical dialogues with the Commission; notes the importance of the project to create an European Diplomatic Academy that would prepare current and future EU diplomats to converge and be prepared to uphold common EU values including the foreign policies for human rights and democracy;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Fully supports the work of the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights in defending and advancing human rights in the world through engagement with third countries and cooperation with like-minded partners, and his important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the EU’s human rights policies through efforts to increase their coherence; underlines the need for close cooperation between the EUSR for Human Rights and other EUSRs on countries and regions in order to further improve this consistency, and calls for greater visibility for the role of the EUSR for Human Rights; stresses the importance of placing human rights concerns at the heart of diplomatic relations with all counterparts, in particular with countries considered as strategic partners;
Amendment 130 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that, although the European Parliament upholds a degree of informal cooperation with the EEAS enhanced by Council Decision of 26 July 2010 and the “VP/HR's declaration of political accountability of 2010”, is necessary to further strengthen the framework of inter-institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations, on human rights issues; calls for a “Framework Agreement on the promotion and defence of human rights and democracy worldwide ”between the European Parliament and the EEAS; highlights the need for the European Parliament and the EEAS to develop together guidance notes for the implementation of EU Human Rights’ instruments, such as the EU Human Rights Guidelines or EU mechanisms on due diligence, fight against corruption, among others, in third countries;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with regret that the post of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU has remained vacant for more than a year; reiterates its call for the Council and the Commission to carry out a prompt, transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy as part of renewing and reinforcing its mandate, to provide the Special Envoy with adequate resources, and to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; notes the challenges involved in the positioning of an EU human rights envoy outside the immediate authority of the EEAS, and therefore calls on the EU to consider repositioning the role to fit under the EEAS or, failing that, for an exceptionally close working relationship between the envoy and the EEAS; recalls that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
EU human rights dialogues and other bilateral contacts with third countries
Amendment 143 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; is alarmed by reports that open civil society consultations are not always organised ahead of such meetings, or that consultations are held very late in the process, when the EU position is already formed, and without giving proper notice to civil society organisations; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow- up to and transparency of these cases;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities, including trade policy, with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow- up to and transparency of these cases;
Amendment 145 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that human rights dialogues with third countries represent a unique opportunity to focus on human rights challenges and calls for them to be harnessed to their full potential; reiterates its call for the human rights dialogues to be based from the outset on a clear set of benchmarks enabling their effectiveness to be monitored; calls for the EEAS to systematically carry out evaluations of the outcomes of the dialogues and to follow up on them accordingly; stresses that in order to be effective, the dialogues must not be used as a standalone tool, but should instead be integrated within the EU’s comprehensive set of activities with the third countries concerned, which would streamline the human rights dimension and reinforce the messages conveyed in the dialogues; draws attention to the importance of raising individual cases, in particular those highlighted by Parliament in its resolutions, in the context of human rights dialogues and of ensuring adequate follow-up to and transparency of these cases; urges all EU Delegations to ensure proper implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), and systematically raise individual cases with authorities, request visits to detained HRDs, monitor trials, and go out to visit HRDs and their communities when they are based in remote areas outside of the capital city;
Amendment 149 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the EU to ensure that human rights obligations are consistently implemented in the EU’s foreign policy; in this regard, encourages the EU to make use of all diplomatic tools, both privately and publicly, and both bilaterally and in multilateral fora, to raise human rights issues with partner country counterparts, including individual human rights defender cases; stresses the importance of placing human rights concerns at the heart of the EU parliamentary activity, including by upgrading the Subcommittee on Human Rights to a stand-alone committee;
Amendment 154 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 a (new)
Subheading 6 a (new)
EU Delegations’ promotion and defence of human rights worldwide
Amendment 158 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls to update the EU’s Human Rights Guidelines in order to provide them with more concrete requirements for action and detailed and concrete steps to protect human rights in the world, as well as more transparency in their implementation; calls to involve the European Parliament in every step of the update of the EU’s Human Rights Guidelines; considers of utmost importance to take every possible action to raise the profile of the abovementioned EU Guidelines in EU Delegations and missions;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Regrets the cases of different approaches between EU Member States' embassies and EU Delegations on human rights protection and promotion in third countries, which is a shared commitment among EU Member States; underlines that EU Member States´ embassies should have as a priority to play an increasing role in promoting and protecting human rights, as well as supporting civil society in third countries, which should not be conducted only by EU Delegations in general;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Calls for EU Delegations to establish permanent human rights working groups that brings together Member States’ embassies and EU Delegations, incorporating as well representatives from other international and regional human rights actors in the respective third country;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime has been increasingly used as an essential tool that strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor through the use of targeted sanctions by the Council; calls for the restrictive measures that have already been adopted to be implemented effectively and in full, and for the adoption of additional measures if necessary; reiterates its request for a legislative proposal to extend the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption or, alternatively, for a proposal for a new thematic sanctions regime against serious acts of corruption in order to effectively target the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the Council’s decisions and implementation of sanctions under the GHRSR; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to strive to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations for future targeted sanctions, as stipulated in its resolutions and elsewhere; welcomes the listings made in 2021 under the new GHRSR; calls on the European External Action Service and Member States to develop a strategy to improve the interplay between the GHRSR and geographical sanction regimes, in particular through prioritising the use of the global regime to tackle violations that cannot directly be linked to a state;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime has been increasingly used as an essential tool that strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor through the use of targeted sanctions by the Council; calls for the restrictive measures that have already been adopted to be implemented effectively and in full, and for the adoption of additional measures if necessary; reiterates its request for a legislative proposal to extend the scope of the GHRSR to include acts of corruption or, alternatively, for a proposal for a new thematic sanctions regime against serious acts of corruption in order to effectively target the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the Council’s decisions and implementation of sanctions under the GHRSR; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to strive to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations for future targeted sanctions, as stipulated in its resolutions and elsewhere; calls for the creation of an International Anti- Corruption Court;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Calls for the substantial enhancement of the quality of ex-ante and ex-post sustainability impacts assessments (SIA), when deploying impact assessments on human rights, the objective should be to ensure that the agreement being negotiated, in its detailed worded clauses, provides sufficient tools to avoid negative impacts on human rights; civil society organisations should be part of the Steering Committees; assessments should be conducted by human and labour rights experts, with a proven track record, and inputs from civil society should be taken into account;
Amendment 198 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights that 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of Parliament’s decision to exert political leadership in committing to a major advancement in its democracy support activities, which it has implemented through a Comprehensive Democracy Support Approach since 2014; welcomes, in particular, its support for capacity-building for partner parliaments, mediation and fostering a culture of dialogue and compromise, including among young political leaders, as well as for empowering women parliamentarians, human rights defenders and representatives from civil society organisations and the free media; calls on the Commission to continue to pursue and step up its activities in these areas and to bolster funding and assistance for EU bodies and agencies, as well as other grant-based organisations; underlines that in the current context of heightened global tensions and repression in an increasing number of countries, direct support for civil society and people who express critical and dissenting opinions is of the utmost importance; stresses the importance of EU election observation missions and Parliament’s contribution to developing and enhancing their methodology; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to consider updating the election observation methodology to reflect the developments of the last two decades; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for local electoral observers and calls for enquiring about possible EU action in this respect; reiterates its call for the EU to closely collaborate with domestic and international organizations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organizations of the Declaration of Principles for international election observations;
Amendment 200 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums promoting this way the highest standards on human rights; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, and to refrain from backwards steps that weaken human rights protections; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world;
Amendment 201 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; highlights in this regard the need for adequate funding for all UN human rights bodies, notably the treaty bodies and special procedures; calls on the UN Secretary- General, to this end, to provide appropriate resources from the UN budget and urges the EU Member States to increase their voluntary contributions; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reaffirms that the effective protection of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance the efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; underlines the need for the EU and its Member States to strive to speak with one voice both at the UN and in other multilateral forums; recalls the obligations of all UN member states to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, as enshrined in the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251; stresses the responsibility of the UN Human Rights Council to address all the grave violations of human rights around the world; considers that several human rights actors are not properly accounted in nowadays’ architecture of international organizations and multilateral fora; calls to move forward towards an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, which would strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 214 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is deeply concerned by growing attacks against the rules-based global order by authoritarian regimes, including undermining the functioning of UN bodies; underlines that the diminished effectiveness of these bodies brings with it real costs in terms of conflicts, lives lost and human suffering, and seriously weakens the general ability of countries to deal with global challenges; calls on the EU Member States and like-minded partners to intensify their efforts to reverse this trend; underlines the need to carry out an impartial, fair and transparent review of the applications for consultative status on the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) by non-governmental organisations (NGOs); urges the EU and Member States to participate in the General Debate and urge the ECOSOC members to continue to address the unjustified obstacles for NGOs to obtain their ECOSOC accreditation, in particular those whose applications have been pending for a very long time; Or.
Amendment 220 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Strongly condemns authoritarian and illiberal regimes attempts to challenge the universality of human rights; highlights that these regimes seek to undermine human rights by relativize them and claiming them to be a weapon of cultural hegemony deployed by Western countries; stresses that the EU must uphold the defence of the universality of human rights as a main priority, and work in alliance with like- minded partners and human rights defenders worldwide;
Amendment 230 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 239 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the fight against impunity; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide the ICC with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the ICC by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the EU has provided support for the very first time to the ICC’s investigation capacitiesEU and EU Member States unprecedented support for the role of the ICC and calls on EU member states to match this commitment to thelp it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine sustainable funding needed to deliver justice in all situations that come before the Court;
Amendment 243 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the fight against impunity; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide the ICC with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the ICC by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue their efforts to counter them, and respond to threats and sanctions against human rights defenders cooperating with the Court; welcomes the fact that the EU has provided support for the very first time to the ICC’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine;
Amendment 248 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call on the Commission to develop a comprehensive EU action plan on fighting impunity, which, among others, should include a chapter on Ukrainethe important role of civil society organisations in the struggle against impunity and the need for their protection, on all situations that require it and on measures to fight impunity for gender-based and sexual and reproductive rights violations in conflict settings; calls for the EU and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity, including support for universal jurisdiction at national level, special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression, as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of crimes; calls on the Commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant EU and Member State instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by Ukrainian civilians;
Amendment 254 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call on the Commission to develop a comprehensive EU action plan on fighting impunity, which should include a chapter on Ukraine; notes in this regard the adoption by Parliament and the Council of the pilot project on the European Observatory on the Fight against Impunity; calls for the EU and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity, including support for universal jurisdiction at national level, special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression, as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of crimes; calls on the Commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant EU and Member State instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by Ukrainian civilians;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns in strong terms enforcement of blasphemy laws across the globe that carry the possibility of death penalty to the convicted; reiterates that the freedom to choose one’s religion, to believe or not to believe at all remains a fundamental human right that cannot be punished by death or any degrading treatment; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; urges the EU and its Member States to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 262 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; calls for transparency around death sentences and executions in countries which do not disclose these statistics; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;
Amendment 263 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty, which is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the EU must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; recognises the importance of civil society organisations and human rights defenders in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;
Amendment 268 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is deeply concerned about the long- term negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the general state of democracy and human rights worldwide; highlights the disproportionate adverse impact on groups in most vulnerable situations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, LGBTIQ persons, impoverished people, persons belonging to ethnic, belief and religious minorities, refugees and migrants and persons in prison or detention; is further concerned about delays and barriers in access to health services, among them, sexual and reproductive health services and the consequent increase in unintended pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence, unsafe abortions, and maternal and neonatal deaths; praises the role that human rights defenders and journalists have played, sometimes even risking their lives, in reporting or attempting to prevent human rights violations during the pandemic;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is deeply concerned about the long- term negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the general state of democracy and human rights worldwide; highlights the disproportionate adverse impact on groups in most vulnerable situations, including women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly, LGBTIQ persons, impoverished people, persons belonging to ethnic, belief and religious minorities, refugees and migrants and persons in prison or detention; praises the role that human rights defenders and journalists have played, sometimes even risking their lives, in reporting or attempting to prevent human rights violations during the pandemic; regrets the use of the COVID-19 prevention measures as an excuse to deny visits of family members or lawyers to detention facilities and to violate the rights of the detainees;
Amendment 270 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates that personal liberty and freedom of assembly are cornerstones of democracy; is deeply concerned by the growing use of mass surveillance technologies by authoritarian regimes to curtail these freedoms, which increased further under the guise of COVID-19 prevention measures; calls for a strict and effective ban on sales of mass surveillance technologies to authoritarian regimes; calls for a greater response to the mass infiltration of disinformation and conspiracy theories within the digital sphere, perpetuated largely but not exclusively by authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 285 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by women and their equal treatment with men, including the right to education, movement and freedom of expression, thought and religion; underlines that women continue to be the main victims in violent crises and that sexual and, gender-based and reproductive violence has continued in many places around the world, notably being used in armed conflicts as a weapon of war; calls for more concerted efforts to eliminate the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and fight impunity of the perpetrators of such violence; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; stresses that women human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers have been particularly targeted, with online harassment and intimidation increasing rapidly jointly with ongoing threats and attacks; highlights the increase in domestic violence and setbacks to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both developing and developed countries and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support the right of women to bodily integrity, dignity and autonomous decision-making;
Amendment 287 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU and its international partners to strengthen their efforts to ensure full enjoyment of human rights by women and their equal treatment with men; underlines that women continue to be the main victims in violent crises and that sexual and gender-based violence has continued in many places around the world, notably being used in armed conflicts as a weapon of war; calls for more concerted efforts to eliminate the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and fight impunity of the perpetrators of such violence; stresses the need to pursue efforts to fully eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; stresses that women human rights defenders, activists, journalists and lawyers have been particularly targeted, with online harassment and intimidation increasing rapidly; highlights the increase in domestic violence and setbacks to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both developing and developed countries and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support the right of women to bodily integrity, dignity and autonomous decision-making; reiterates the need for robust action to ensure the full implementation of GAP III and recalls that GAP III specify that 85% of official development assistance (ODA) should go to programmes that have gender equality as a significant or principal objective;
Amendment 300 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 17 a (new)
Subheading 17 a (new)
Sexual and reproductive health and rights
Amendment 303 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Regrets that the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and compliance with international human rights obligations and commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals remains lacking; recalls the need for States to guarantee access to comprehensive SRHR services, including modern contraceptive methods, safe and legal abortion, maternal, prenatal and postnatal healthcare, assisted reproduction, and access to SRHR information and education, including comprehensive sexuality education, without any form of discrimination; acknowledges important progress on SRHR including legislation of access to abortion, victories defeating attempts to pass retrogressive legislation, and praises the important work of civil society and human rights defenders in that regard; strongly condemns roll backs of existing SRHR entitlements in both developing and developed countries, which are contrary to human rights obligations under the principle of non- retrogression; expresses concern regarding laws, policies and practices that continue to deny or restrict SRHR in many countries worldwide; calls for further strengthening of legal rights and protections and removal of barriers to access SRHR globally and in the EU and its Member States and reiterates its call to include the right to safe and legal abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; stresses the European Parliamentary Research Service European Implementation Assessment of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders which affirms that women human rights defenders working on SRHR represent one of the most dramatically repressed strands of global activism, and as such calls on the EU and its Member States to publicly and privately condemn attacks and threats against human rights defenders working in this area, proactively ensure adequate representation of SRHR defenders in consultations, and financially support their work; calls for the EU and its Member States to fully support and promote SRHR, including access to abortion, in multilateral and bilateral relations in accordance with international human rights law and standards;
Amendment 307 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for a systematic and consistent approach to promoting and defending children’s rights throughout the EU’s external policies; calls for more concerted efforts to protect children’s rights in crisis or emergency situations and welcomes the Council conclusions on this subject; expresses concern that the growing number of such crisis situations around the world, coupled with the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increasing violations of child rights around the world, including violence, early and forced marriage, sexual abuse including genital mutilation, trafficking, child labour, child forced labour, recruitment as child soldiers, a lack of access to education and healthcare, malnutrition and extreme poverty; highlights the need to create paths of reintegration and reparation to children that have been victims of violations of their rights and that the UN Agenda on Children and Armed Conflict must be streamlined into all of the EU’s external policies; stresses the disproportionate and long-term effects of food insecurity on children, which directly affects not only their health and development but also their education, as well as increasing the outrageous practice of child marriage; stresses that 2021 was the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour and recalls the EU’s zero tolerance policy on this practice;
Amendment 318 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that the right to education has suffered particular setbacks, with unparalleled disruptions to education due to COVID-19 but also to religious extremism and gender discrimination against girls; recalls that every child has the right to comprehensive sexuality education that is non-discriminatory, evidence-based, scientifically accurate and age-appropriate; calls for the EU to step up its work to provide access to education, including innovative ways to circumvent the obstacles imposed by national authorities; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to step up their support for third countries to help them adapt to the challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of education; stresses that support could take the form of an increased funding allocation through NDICI – Global Europe, but could also include providing capacity- building and best practices based on the lessons learned through the EU delegations worldwide;
Amendment 326 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the adopCalls for a systematic implementation of the EU strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021- 2030 as a tool to improve the situationrights of persons with disabilities worldwide, particularly poverty and discrimination, but also problems with access to education, healthcare and employment and participation in political life; underlines that the duty of caring for pe need for a structured dialogue with Organisations of Persons with dDisabilities is commonly borne by their families and calls for the EU to assist third countries in the development of policies in support of carers for persons with disabilities; (OPDs) in partner countries to ensure a meaningful participation and successful involvement in planning, implementation and monitoring of EU programmes; calls for investment, training, and capacity building of EU delegations to implement the articles 11 (humanitarian action) and 32 (international cooperation) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which the EU ratified in 2011; calls on the Member States to implement legislative measures that safeguard physical integrity, freedom of choice and self-determination with regard to the sexual and reproductive life of persons with disabilities, as directed by the European Parliament in its resolution of 24 June 2021 on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health;
Amendment 334 #
2022/2049(INI)
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to rights violations in all spheres of life including access to education, healthcare, work, access to justice, and that these issues have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; in particular reiterates its call on Member States to adopt and implement strategies, policies and programmes to advance the rights of marginalised groups of women and to eradicate the systemic, financial, legal, practical and social barriers they face and to ensure their rights are protected and respected in all Member States; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end;
Amendment 338 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Underlines its opposition to and condemnation of intolerance, xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, which in many of the world’s regions leads to killings and persecution; stresses that racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a major problem worldwide and have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for the EU and its Member States to lead the global fight against antisemitism and welcomes the adoption of the EU strategy to this end; calls on the EEAS to develop, in collaboration with Member States, specific local strategies to help fight caste-based discrimination in the countries most affected by it, in dialogue with local representatives and civil society organisations, and to invite these to consultations deriving from EU agreements or instruments;
Amendment 347 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 21 a (new)
Subheading 21 a (new)
National, ethnic and linguistic minorities
Amendment 350 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Recalls the obligations of states to protect the rights of their national, ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic minorities within their respective territories; calls on the Commission to support the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minorities worldwide, including within its human rights and democracy thematic programme; calls on the governments of the EU’s partner countries to respect the fundamental human rights of national, ethnic and linguistic minorities, including their culture, language, religion, traditions and history, in order to preserve their cultures and diversity; reiterates the need for those governments to fulfil the obligations and commitments they have assumed under international treaties and agreements; deplores any attempts to disregard the fundamental and human rights of ethnic and linguistic minorities through their forced assimilation;
Amendment 356 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls for the EU to step up its efforts to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer persons (LGBTIQ); stresses that LGBTIQ persons and their defenders around the world continue to face human rights violations, including discrimination, persecution, violence and killings; calls for the full implementation of the LGBTIQ equality strategy 2020- 2025 as the EU’s tool for improving the situation of LGBTIQ people around the world;
Amendment 358 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines the utmost importance of freedom of expression and access to reliable information for democracy and flourishing civic space; expresses deep concern about the growing limitations to freedom of expression in many countries around the world, particularly for journalists, through censorship or the need for self-censorship and the abuse of counter-terrorism laws, anti-money laundering, defamation or anti-corruption laws to silence journalists and civil society organisations, civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including numerous violations of the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of association and assembly; expresses concern, moreover, about the physical safety of journalists and their being targeted in conflicts;
Amendment 362 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Underlines the utmost importance of freedom of expression and access to reliable information for democracy and flourishing civic space; expresses deep concern about the growing limitations to freedom of expression in many countries around the world, particularly for journalists, through censorship or the need for self-censorship and the abuse of counter-terrorism laws or anti-corruption laws to silence journalists and civil society organisations; denounces the use of overly-broad terminology allowing authorities to outlaw countless acts and criminalise legitimate human rights work, and the lack of sufficient human rights safeguards in many of these legislations, in particular regarding the right to a fair trial; expresses concern, moreover, about the physical safety of journalists and their being targeted in conflicts;
Amendment 367 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders, including environmental rights defenders worldwide; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding freedom of expression, including media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 368 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders worldwide; underlines that this practice further restricts space for civil society and human rights defenders across the globe, in a context where civic space has been continuously shrinking for several years, with increasing attacks against the rights to freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly perpetrated by public authorities as well as by private actors; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 369 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the EU to support credible media and information sources which contribute to accountability of the authorities and to democratic transitions; expresses concern over the widespread use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders worldwide; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive aimed at protecting journalists and human rights defenders from abusive court proceedings and SLAPPs; encourages legislators from third countries to draft laws with the same objective, as part of general initiatives aimed at supporting and safeguarding media freedom and pluralism; underlines that SLAPPs against journalists, activists, trade unionists and human rights defenders should be documented and included in the monitoring, reporting and assessing activities of EU Delegations;
Amendment 381 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believrecalls that freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief is a fundamental right of every human being and applies to all persons equally; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe, to identify as a humanist or atheist, and to manifest non-religious convictions through expression, teaching and practice is still violated in many countries around the world; stresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some governments still use it as a pretext for further discriminatory practices including violence against and scapegoating religious minorities; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to work with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees;
Amendment 383 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief; notes with grave concern that the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe is still violated in many countries around the world; stresses the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as some governments still use it as a pretext for further discriminatory practices including violence against and scapegoating religious minorities; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to work with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees; stresses the importance of the separation of religion and State, and of secular spaces, for the full implementation of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and all other human rights;
Amendment 398 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to implement ambitious programmes to defend freedom of religion or belief worldwide, including encouraging and supporting international efforts to collect evidence of crimes of atrocity, bringing the perpetrators to court, rendering criminal sentences effective, and compensating the victims; calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to work with third countries to adopt measures to prevent and fight hate crime;
Amendment 403 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Strongly supports the work of human rights defenders and highlights the risks they face in their endeavours to protect human rights, including threats against them and their families, harassment and violence; condemns the fact that hundreds of human rights defenders have been killed for their work, the majority of whom were environmental defenders; welcomes the EU’s efforts to support human rights defenders in their work, including the ProtectDefenders.eu mechanism; calls for such efforts to be intensified in order to mitigate the growing risks faced by human rights defenders around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States including arbitrary detention and imprisonment, verbal and physical attacks, legal harassment and restrictions; calls for the EU and its Member States to address actively legislative or administrative attempts to close down the space for the defence of human rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to actively promote and support, in particular the EUSR for Human Rights and EU ambassadors, to be more active in the publication of public statements in support of human rights defenders and activists at risk and those imprisoned for long periods, as well as helping to conduct prison visits for the latter and facilitating external visits to their families;
Amendment 406 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Deplores the widespread adoption of so-called “foreign agents” laws, which include provisions contrary to international law that force individuals and entities receiving funding from abroad to register them selves as foreign agents, in many countries; expresses particular concern over the use of these laws to stigmatise and restrict the work of civil society and human rights defenders (HRDs), including through restrictions of the right to access funding; calls on the EU institutions, in particular the European External Action Service in coordination with the Commission, to develop a coordinated strategy to challenge restrictive legislations such as foreign agents laws in all their bilateral contacts with partner countries;
Amendment 413 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States, to fully implement their political commitments on the protection of at-risk HRDs, such as those included in the EU Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights 2020-2024 and in the EU Guidelines on HRDs, and develop a more predictable, coordinated and consistent policy on visas for HRDs, allowing for flexible and reactive protocols in critical situations; specifically urges the EU and its Member States to i) propose a specific facilitated procedure for HRDs within the EU visa code, setting common criteria and defining elements of a facilitated procedure, ii) include instructions in the EU Visa Handbook on granting facilitations to HRDs and their family members, iii) work towards amending the legal instruments on visas, particularly the Visa Code, and iv)introduce amendments to the Temporary Protection Directive that allow temporary protection status in the EU to be granted to defenders at risk;
Amendment 416 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36 c. Expresses concern over the obstacles encountered by human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide to access EU visas; recalls the importance of this essential security and protection tool, that allows HRDs to access safe haven when necessary, as well as engaging in existing opportunities for rest and respite and temporary relocation programmes, or carrying out essential international advocacy, mobilisation or networking activities in the EU territory; calls for the harmonisation, coordination and effort- sharing among both the Member States and the EU in this regard;
Amendment 424 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration and asylum policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, particularly focusing on displaced women, children, ethnic, religious and belief minorities and persons with disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 426 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; recalls that the EU and its Member States, in their external and extraterritorial actions, agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration, borders and asylum, shall respect and protect human rights, notably those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the right to asylum, notably the individual assessment of asylum applications and the principle of non-refoulement; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 427 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, which must be reflected in the EU’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees, as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU13 , including the development of Talent Partnerships with partner countries; reiterates its call on the Commission to ensure transparent ex-ante risk assessments performed by independent EU bodies and experts on the impact of any formal, informal or financial EU cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons; _________________ 13 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 437 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Recalls its commitment to the rights of refugees, as provided by international human rights and refugee laws, in particular the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol thereto; recalls the obligations of states to protect refugees and respect their rights in accordance with the relevant international law; notes with concern that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order reached an unprecedented 89 million by the end of 2021, 36.5 million of whom are children; recalls that refugees and migrants, especially undocumented migrants, face barriers in access to healthcare around the world, that sexual and gender-based violence is a frequent occurrence during displacements, and that in many settings survivors of sexual and gender-based violence do not receive the essential sexual and reproductive healthcare they need; stresses, in this context, that international action and cooperation is more essential than ever to ensure protection for refugees;
Amendment 444 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Notes that 5.3 million Ukrainians have entered the EU since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; underlines the importance ofUnderlines the importance of a shift from temporary to long term protection for refugees from frozen or prolonged conflicts, accompanied by a proper and realistic assessment of the time that Ukrainianspeople who have fled the wars will probably need to stay outside their country, as long-term stays require different kinds of responses and funding from the host countries, including a greater focus on access to education, economic opportunities, housing, healthcare and integration in the host societies;
Amendment 449 #
Amendment 450 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements, arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders; recommends that the EU and its Member States include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence, and ensure that multinational companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations; reiterates the call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples, including to their language, lands, territories and resources; welcomes the work that civil society and NGOs are doing on these issues; reaffirms the need to create a grievance mechanism to lodge complaints regarding violations and abuses of indigenous peoples’ rights resulting from the activities of multinational businesses; recalls its decision to appoint a standing rapporteur on indigenous peoples within Parliament, with the objective of monitoring the human rights-related situation of indigenous peoples; calls on countries to ratify the provisions of ILO Convention 169 of 27 June 1989 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples; Urges governments to pursue development and environmental policies that respect economic, social and cultural rights, and are inclusive of indigenous people and local populations, in line with the UNSDGs;
Amendment 455 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves, such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians, who are directly targeted, have to endure grave human rights violations, and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the EU to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts, to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations, and to provide assistance to the victims; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify healthcare- related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones, particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants, women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual exploitation, rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the Commission and Member States to give high priority to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights in their humanitarian aid response, as well as accountability and access to justice and redress for sexual and reproductive rights violations and gender- based violence, including in terms of training for humanitarian actors and future funding;
Amendment 457 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves, such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians, who are directly targeted, have to endure grave human rights violations, and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the EU to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts, addressing their root causes, investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts, seeking and maintaining space for political solutions, creating alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations, providing further financial and technical support and personnel to peacekeeping civilian missions and military operations missions, and promoting trust-building initiatives between belligerents, to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations, and to provide assistance to the victims;
Amendment 465 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed by the Russian armed forcesand is deeply concerned by the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by Russian armed forces in the war of aggression against Ukraine; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to offer their full support for the actors, measures and mechanisms to this end, including the Ukrainian prosecutors, investigators and judiciary, the ICC, the Commission of Inquiry of the UN Human Rights Council, and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the Commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process, including additional funding from the NDICI – Global Europe, and urges the Member States to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine and the Commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of Eurojust to support the fight against impunity in all situations; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the war crimes committed on Ukrainianits territory, which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the ICC to deliberate on these crimes; notes that 7.3 million Ukrainians have entered the EU since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, out of which 4 million are registered for Temporary Protection or similar national protection schemes in Europe;
Amendment 477 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates that the right to be free from hunger is a human right; underlines its grave concerns about the challenges to the right to food and food security and the affordability of food in many countries around the world; calls for the EU, the Member States and the international community to immediately step up their efforts to halt the trend of emerging serious food shortages; underlines that while the parlous food security situation has several causes, it has been aggravated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the fifth-largest grain exporter in the worldthe many conflicts occurring around the globe; strongly condemns the use of food insecurity as a political instrument of war;
Amendment 486 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines that human rights, a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as laid out in Resolution 48/13 of the UN Human Rights Council, and stresses its appreciation for the peacefucritical work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders, journalists, whistle-blowers and their lawyers, as well as indigenous activists, to preserve and safeguard such anthe environment despite the threat of violence against them and the risk to their lives; recognises, moreover, the important role of civil society organisations, including environmental faith-based organisations, as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation and protection of the environment;
Amendment 493 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally, in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the EU are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law, including the rights of indigenous people, and do not contribute to deforestation or damage to natural ecosystemsethnic minorities and environmental rights defenders, and do not contribute to the destruction or damage of natural ecosystems with actions such as deforestation, pollution or waste spillages; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change, as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts, despite producing fewer greenhouse gases than richer countries, which are less likely to be as impacted by climate change;
Amendment 500 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the EU to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards, as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes, however, that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries; calls for the substantive clauses of the trade agreements to recognize that States Parties must respect, protect and realise human rights as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, customary law and the international conventions to which they are part; condemns in the strongest terms the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights and environmental defenders in countries with which the EU has concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs); highlights that these crackdowns are illustrations of the way these countries’ authorities maintain civil society under threat, in blatant violation of both their human rights international obligations and essential elements of the FTAs and Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) concluded with the EU;
Amendment 504 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted;
Amendment 507 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations, including caste-based discrimination in relevant countries; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly investigate and respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted;
Amendment 508 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Calls for the EU to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls, in particular, for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting GSP+ status, including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the EU to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries GSP+ status; reiterates its calls for the Commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations, including the revocation of GSP+ status if warranted; stresses the importance of all countries fully implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and calls on the EU Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; encourages the EU and its Member States to participate constructively in the work of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights;
Amendment 511 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46 a. Calls for the parties involved in the negotiations of EU agreements, establishing or strengthening EU relations with a third country, as well as in the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, to examine the inclusion of a conditionality in these agreements concerning the possibility of a bilateral standing invitation to observe their respective elections; stresses that this electoral observation conditionality should be addressed as well in already existing agreements, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, in case of their revision by means of a possible Protocol;
Amendment 514 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour; highlights the importance of holding companies accountable through judicial mechanisms including civil liability; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders, including workers, workers representatives, trade unions, human rights defenders, local communities including vulnerable ones such as Dalits, indigenous groups, migrant workers, informal workers and home workers; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour; calls on the EU to include caste-based forced, bonded and child labour in the categories used in the upcoming EU Forced Labour Instrument, using a positive, resolution-based approach that avoids further damage to victims in fighting these problems;
Amendment 516 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour and accountability with regard to human, labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listedlarge undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings publicly listed or operating in high-risk economic sectors;; calls on the Commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal, notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on EU imports of goods produced through forced labour;
Amendment 530 #
2022/2049(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations, including through surveillance, monitoring, harassment and limitations to freedom of expression for persecuted minorities; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies, which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 June 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022,
Amendment 13 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution on the follow-up to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 2 May 2022,
Amendment 30 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has brought war back to the European continent, has seriously undermined European and global security, has created economic uncertainty, has led to a spike in energy prices, has considerable potential to further destabilise many EU and non-EU countries and has therefore significantly changed the geopolitical context of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);
Amendment 37 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine wais a wake-up call for the European Union, presenting a realn immediate threat to the European security and creatingorder and to the security of the European Union and its Member States; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine galvanises momentum towards achieveing a geopolitical redefinition of the CFSP; whereas it is also an opportunityRussia’s invasion also highlights the necessity, underlined by the citizen- driven outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, for the Member States to show thedemonstrate the necessary political will to transform the CFSP into a fully -fledged European policy;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the global consequences of the Russian Federation’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine are compounded by the impact of the ongoing unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; whereas the return of full-scale war to the European continent, economic instability, and the Russian Federation’s deliberate instrumentalisation of energy volatility result in immediate geopolitical uncertainty for citizens of the European Union, candidate Member States, and prospective candidate Member States, as well as for partners around the world;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas achieving strategic autonomy requires the Union to be able to pursue all matters of strategic significance to the EU without undue reliance on the capabilities of third states and non-EU actors, including through the elimination of vulnerabilities that leave the Union open to internal division and enforced concessions to authoritarian actors; whereas achieving strategic autonomy will allow the Union to further enhance its external action from a basis of strength, more effectively pursue and project its values-based interests, and strengthen its contribution to global multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the development of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights worldwide;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the voluntary accession of European states to the European Union remains the Union’s most successful foreign policy instrument; whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were granted candidate status for EU Membership, and Georgia granted a European perspective, on 23 June 2022; whereas the European Commission recommended the Council grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status for EU Membership on 12 October 2022;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is guided by the values of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law; whereas the Union’s values, as enshrined in Article 2, Article 3 (5), and Article 21 TEU, are in its immediate interest; whereas autocratic pressure on these democratic values continues to mount, eroding checks on abuse of power, increasing the incidence and severity of human rights violations, and constricting space for civil society, independent media, and democratic opposition movements; whereas, according to Freedom House, 2021 witnessed the 16th consecutive year of global democratic decline;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas the rules-based international order, founded on international law and the institutions of multilateralism, is under ever-increasing risk, both from within and from without; whereas autocratic states, working alone and through concerted action, attempt to undermine multilateral organisations and agencies as well as international humanitarian and human rights law, subvert its meaning through co-optation, or circumvent or thwart its implementation, while promoting the further development of autocratic norms in the European Union and in third states, including through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military incentives and coercion, and through disinformation campaigns; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its deliberate war crimes form an attack on the foundations of the multilateral rules- based global order;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the EU’s swift, unified, and sustained response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is a test ofament to the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy and ofwhen faced with immediate pressure; underlines that, in order to enhance its role as a credible values-based foreign policy player, a reliable international partner, and a credible security and defence actor, the Union must adopt and, in areas in which these are presently available, implement decision-making procedures conducive to this objective;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war in Ukraine and other international challenges calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU; stresses in this view that the direct or indirect support of a third country to the illegal positions of Russia -i.e. in votes at the UN General Assembly on relevant resolutions or by helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions- should bring clear, swift and specific consequences in our political and trade relations with that country;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war inRussia’s invasion of Ukraine and other international challenges, including the continued rise of global authoritarianism, the PRC’s assertive foreign policy, the climate emergency, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Strategic Compass, adopted by the Council in March 2022, gives the EU the tools to be both an effective security provider in a hostilen increasingly adversarial global and regional environment and a more assertive global actor for peace and human security, and therefore calls for its swift implementationon the HR/VP, the Commission, and the Member States to prioritise its swift implementation in cooperation with like-minded partners and in full complementarity with NATO;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
- putting the concept of strategic sovereignty into practiceoperationalising strategic autonomy,
Amendment 104 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
- leading the reinforcement of multilateralism and building partnerships for a better world,
Amendment 114 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Union's remarkable level of unity and resolve in responding swiftly and forcefully to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; urges the Member States to maintain and, where necessary, increase this high and coherent level of support for Ukraine and its citizens in full accordance with Ukraine’s evolving needs and the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a
Paragraph 6 – point a
(a) switching progressively to qualified majority voting for decisions in all areas of the CFSP that do not have military or defence implications, as well as for other EU external policy tools such as the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, by using the passerelle clauses provided for in the Treaties;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
(a a) encouraging, pending the full application of qualified majority voting to decisions without military or defence implications, the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31 (1) TEU;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
(a b) convening a Convention by activating the procedure for the revision of the Treaties provided for in Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union, with the objective of, inter alia, enshrining qualified majority voting for all matters relating to the EU’s CFSP in the Treaties;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point c
Paragraph 6 – point c
(c) establishing new formats of cooperation, such as the European Security Council, comprised of the Member States’ Foreign Affairs Ministers, which could be responsible for responding swiftly in emergency situations, in order to develop an integrated approach to conflict and crisis, as well as a Council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point d
Paragraph 6 – point d
(d) making full use of the ‘Team Europe’ approach to coordinate and avoid duplication in the EU’s foreign and security policy while projecting unity;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point e
Paragraph 6 – point e
(e) providing sufficient funding, institutional capacity, and technical support at EU and Member State level to prepare for, and respond without delay to, current, emerging, and future challenges;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates its support for the adoption and implementation of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, enabling the EU to swiftly impose targeted restrictive measures against individuals, entities, and bodies responsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; welcomes the Commission’s intention, as requested by Parliament and announced in the President’s 2022 State of the Union, to introduce a legislative proposal extending the scope of the EU GHRSR to include corruption; urges the Commission to augment this legislative proposal with avenues enabling an enhanced role for the European Parliament in proposing cases of serious human rights violations; reiterates its call on the Council to introduce qualified majority voting for the adoption of restrictive measures imposed under the EU GHRSR;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights that the enforcement of sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation is paramount to limiting its ability to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine and must therefore be of the highest priority; urges the Council to impose restrictive measures on third countries enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, whether through the facilitation of sanctions circumvention or through the provision of direct military assistance; welcomes restrictive measures imposed on the regime in Belarus; calls on the Council to impose similar measures on the Islamic Republic of Iran in view of its delivery of unmanned aerial vehicles and planned provision of surface-to-surface missiles to the Russian Federation for use against Ukraine, notably against civilian targets;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Amendment 161 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates the necessity to strengthen the Union’s External Action with own and permanent EU instruments and resources in foreign affairs, human rights protection and promotion, and security and defence in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player, as well as to be able to better pursue and achieve its objectives and defend its values;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for the strengthening of the EEAS and EU Delegations’ capacities and resources, including by updating the “Council Decision of 26July 2010”, in order for them to be able to better fulfil EU´s objectives and interests worldwide;
Amendment 164 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls for an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective; calls for the full implementation, including its one year extension, of the Pilot Project “Towards a European Diplomatic Academy”, which should also focus on target groups of a future academy, including the possibility for those who are not Member States’ diplomats to become EU diplomats in the future;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines the strategic role the international cultural cooperation and cultural diplomacy play in the context of EU foreign policy in strengthening relations with partner countries, in promoting EU’s democratic values, in conflict prevention, in countering disinformation and foreign interferences in third countries and in the fight against illicit trafficking, looting and destruction of cultural property; calls on the Council, EEAS and Commission to mainstream culture as a strategic pillar through all EU’s external action policy areas; supports the inclusion of culture in all existing and future bilateral and multilateral agreements, with due respect for the commitments made under the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity;
Amendment 168 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for the strengthening of the EU’s International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy by developing a EU instrument that embodies a cultural face of the Union worldwide through a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on a frame of cultural cooperation and co- creation, actively involving civil society and cultural sectors of third countries; stresses that this instrument could aim to promote European culture and way of life, provide EU capacity building and financial assistance to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society; underlines that this instrument should include the protection of cultural heritage abroad in EU external action, the promotion of intercultural dialogue, mobility of artists and cultural professionals between the EU and third countries, and the fight against disinformation; highlights that this toolbox should collaborate closely and draw experience from EUNIC, as well as alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Stresses that geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad; calls for the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls for the strengthening of the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its resources and capabilities;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Highlights the necessity to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided both by the Treaties and the inter- institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g(new)
Paragraph 6 g(new)
6g. Underlines that the current design of multilateralism does not fully reflect the current world’s order as not all global actors are properly accounted in its architecture; calls on the Commission, the Council, the EEAS and EU Member States to bring forth sound proposals on how to achieve and guarantee an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 176 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Russian Federation’s grave and, massive, and deliberate violations of human rights and the fundamental norms of international law have highlighted the need for stronger, more ambitious, credible, strategic and unified EU presence and action on the world stage, and accentuated; emphasises the necessity for the EU to autonomously set its own strategic objectives, as set out in the Strategic Compass, and develop the capabilities to pursue themse, both autonomously and in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the shift in the Member States’ approaches, moving towards creating moresignifying a move towards enhanced EU strategic sovereigntautonomy by adopting the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022 and the Strategic Compass on 21 March 2022, which highlight the need to strengthen EU defence capabilities and to contribute positively to global and transatlantic security, in close collaboration with NATO;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the Strategic Compass ensures a holistic approach to the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy, and must form the foundation for the development of a common strategic culture at the level of both the Union and its Member States; calls for the EU and the Member States to show the necessary unity and political will to swiftly implement the ambitious measures to which they have committed to in the Strategic Compass, including the timely operationalisation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity;
Amendment 209 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the swift and repeated use of the European Peace Facility to support Ukraine, improve itprovide the necessary support to enable Ukraine to defend and regain effective control over its entire territory within its internationally recognised borders; highlights the necessity to improve the Union’s ability to act andby building on the European Peace Facility support already delivered to Ukraine, including through the Clearing House Cell, and to use the lessons learnt in the Union’s support for Ukraine to enhance its readiness for future scenarios; supports the establishment of the Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces on EU soil and urges its swift deployment; reiterates its call on the HR/VP, the Member States and international partners to prepare a swift and decisive response should Russia deploy chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons against Ukraine;
Amendment 217 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for the significant enhancement of the European Peace Facility in order to ensure its full alignment with Ukraine’s present and future needs, the Union’s resolve to continue providing assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes, and the evolving needs of other partners, including on the African continent;
Amendment 225 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the importance of stepping up the EU’s efforts, in cooperation with NATO and other international partners, to address and foster resilience against hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation and propaganda campaigns, both within the Union and in third countries; calls on the Commission and the Member States, in close cooperation with NATO and non- NATO partners, to treat the protection of critical European infrastructure, including offshore pipelines and submarine communications and power cables, as a matter of highest priority; calls for further development of the Union’s strategic communications capabilities through the StratCom Task Forces, including those directed at third countries and with a particular focus on the populations of Russia and Belarus, as well as for the allocation of adequate financial resources to this end;
Amendment 233 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the resolve displayed by the Union and most Member States in the pursuit of full energy independence from the Russian Federation; reiterates its call for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels and uranium, and for the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines to remain closed and be completely abandoned; emphasises that short-term diversification of energy sources may not come at the expense of meaningful human rights dialogue with alternative energy providers and highlights the essential nature of speeding up the green transition;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Urges the Commission to conduct regular comprehensive stress test exercises of strategic supply chains, including in the areas of health, energy, foodstuffs, semiconductors, and critical raw materials, with an eye to preventing supply chain disruptions, preparing for the consequences of severe disruptions, and reducing EU dependencies on third states, in particular those which do not share the Union’s values or with which the Union finds itself in a state of systemic rivalry, to non-critical levels while enhancing its own capabilities, in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 239 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for an increased EU commitment to developing a comprehensive international space regulation, in order to prevent the weaponisation of spabuilding upon, updating, and reinforcing the existing UN Treaties, Declarations and Legal Principles underpinning space governance, taking account of rapid technological advancements, in order to further the sustainable peaceful development of space while preventing its weaponization and militarisation; welcomes the announcement that the Commission will present a Space Strategy for Security and Defence;
Amendment 248 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Amendment 253 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises that the Union must continue to take the lead in the promotion of a more relevant, resilient, and effective multilateralism which forms the basis for inclusive policy dialogue, cooperation, and convergence aimed at furthering human security, sustainable development, and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict in full respect of international law and human rights; urges the Union and its Member States to speak with one voice in multilateral fora, to strengthen ties with like-minded partners around the world and intensify outreach to other third countries and their populations, and to pursue pragmatic sectoral multilateral solutions in areas in which doing so is in accordance with its values-based interests;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to maintain the strongest possible unity within the international community in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and defending and promoting international law and the multilateral rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Underlines that, as NATO remains fundamental to the European security order, the EU and the Member States must commit to strengthening its European pillar, inter alia ,for those Member States which are also Member States of NATO, by consistently meeting the NATO defence spending benchmark of 2% of GDP as of 2024 while preventing duplication, reducing fragmentation, and enhancing interoperability; urges the two remaining NATO Member States which have not yet done so to ratify Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO without delay;
Amendment 276 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Emphasises that the achievement of a geopolitical EU must start on the European continent; welcomes, therefore, the establishment and launching summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Prague in October 2022 as an essential forum to strengthen relations between European states, including those outside the EU or wishing to join in the future, to develop a shared understanding of current challenges, and to pursue political and security cooperation based on shared interests; underlines that, for the future success and coherence of this format, some level of alignment on democratic values and principles is essential; reiterates that the EPC may under no circumstance precipitate, or form a pretext for, delays to the EU accession of enlargement countries;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the need to intensify the dialogue with the UK on possible avenues for future cooperation and coordination in the area of foreign and security policy, in line with the provisions of the Political Declaration, and including in the framework of the EU- NATO partnership, the United Nations and other international forums, the European Political Community, and other international forums; urges the UK to ensure the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and pursue practical, flexible and durable common solutions within the Protocol’s legal framework;
Amendment 294 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the importance of strong transatlantic cooperation, again highlighted in the context of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, based on shared values and objectives, and on the principle of partnership in leadership and responsibility, while respecting the other party’sies’ autonomy, interests and aspirations;
Amendment 300 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the outcome of the EU-China Summit; reiterates its requests for a renewed EU-China strategy which reflects the PRC’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, including towards the Union and towards candidate and potential candidate-Member States; underscores the necessity of ensuring that any support to Russia’s war in Ukraine and any circumvention of the effects of the sanctions against Russia by China must have consequences for its relations with the EU; reiterates its condemnation of the PRC’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang UAR, which represent a serious risk of genocide, of its undermining of democracy in the Hong Kong SAR, and of its persistent threats issued against Taiwan;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to establish strategic cooperation with Taiwan; reiterates its advocacy for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international and multilateral bodies and organisations; calls on the Commission to launch, without delay, preparatory measures for negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan;
Amendment 331 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Strongly condemns authoritarian and illiberal regimes’ attacks against human rights and their universal character, as well as the corresponding erosion on their protection; calls on mature democracies and alike-minded partners to adopt a defiant and public attitude reaffirming our commitment to defend the universality of human rights and the Rule of Law; calls on mature democracies and international and regional organisations to join forces by uniting under a global human rights framework in order to address threats and promote human rights worldwide;
Amendment 362 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is having a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership countries first and foremost; calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to engage in a thorough reflection on a reform of the Eastern Partnership policy; welcomes the Union’s enhanced engagement with the countries of the Southern Caucasus, notably the swift adoption of an EU monitoring mission to the Armenian side of the Armenia- Azerbaijan border;
Amendment 375 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reiterates its support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, which continues to resist the regime of the illegitimate leader and the regime’s complicity in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in spite of ongoing crackdowns; insists that all sanctions applied to the Russian Federation must be mirrored for the Belarusian regime while avoiding adverse consequences, notably relating to the provision of visas, for the Belarusian people; recognises the aspirations of the majority of the people of Belarus to live in a free, sovereign, and democratic county and urges the Commission and the Member States to make adequate preparations, in cooperation with the formal representatives of the democratic opposition, to assist in the country’s future democratic transition;
Amendment 377 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Highlights the hesitation and, in certain cases, unwillingness of Central Asian states to lend their support to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a sign of Russia’s decreasing regional influence; notes the PRC’s and Türkiye’s increasing engagement with the region, notably through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Belt and Road Initiative; calls for enhanced EU involvement in Central Asia, based on respect for fundamental rights and the Union’s values-based interests, including through the Global Gateway;
Amendment 380 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the war inWelcomes the fact that the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the EU to reprioritise its enlargement policy; emphasises that, while the widening and deepening of the Union must go hand-in-hand, the necessity for EU internal reform may not form a pretext for slowing the merit-based accession process; welcomes the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and calls for it to be granted to Georgia, provided that the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion have been addressed; underscores that, while enlargement has proven to be an effective foreign policy toolthe Union’s most effective foreign policy tool, its implementation should be reassessed to allow for the accelerated integration of accession countries that demonstrate strategic orientation towards the EU and unwavering commitment to EU-related reforms, democratic consolidation, and foreign policy alignment, including through their phase-in into specific Union policies and initiatives; highlights the need for sufficient and sustained support for the energy security of EU accession countries, with particular focus on those countries which remain substantially exposed to Russian manipulation of supply, as well as for the establishment of security compacts with accession countries vulnerable to Russian aggression;
Amendment 396 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates its strong support for the European future and EU accession of all countries of the Western Balkans; calls on the Member States to renew their commitment to enlargement by delivering on the EU’s commitments towards the Western Balkan countries, in particular by immediately lifting visa requirements for Kosovo citizens; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia; welcomes the European Council’s readiness to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urges the country’s political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the 14 key priorities and implementing the substantial set of reformemphasises the necessity for the EU to reinforce the credibility of the enlargement process by safeguarding its merit-based nature, including through the fundamental nature of democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law under chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis in the revised enlargement methodology, while avoiding the politicisation of the enlargement process through bilateral disputes; regrets Serbia’s continued low alignment with the CFSP, notably in regard to the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and reiterates its position that further negotiating chapters should be opened only when Serbia strengthens its commitment to reform in the areas of democracy and rule of law and demonstrates progressive alignment with the CFSP; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and urges all relevant parties to pursue the necessary steps to enable North Macedonia’s and Albania’s swift progress; denounces the detrimental role played by regional actors and Russian foreign interference across the countries of the Western Balkans;
Amendment 406 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the Commission’s recommendation, and the European Council’s readiness, to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina; calls on the European Council to swiftly grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken to strengthen the country’s readiness for accession negotiations; urges the country’s political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the eight steps in the Commission recommendation, as well as on the 14 key priorities, and implementing the substantial set of reforms; reiterates its call for the adoption of targeted sanctions against destabilising actors in BiH, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik, and calls on all Member States to ensure that such sanctions can be adopted by the Council; expresses concern over the timing, content, and manner of introduction of changes to the BiH election law and to the FBiH constitution by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, made on election day, which risk undermining democratic legitimacy and consolidating ethno-nationalism; commends the work of EUFOR Operation Althea and urges the HR/VP and the Member States to work towards the extension of its mandate beyond November while providing for adequate preparation for alternative scenarios;
Amendment 412 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reiterates its appreciation for Turkey’s condemnation of the unjustified Russian invasion and military aggression against Ukraine and for its role as facilitator between Ukraine and Russia, including through its vital contribution to bring about the important deal to export the Ukrainian grain; expresses however serious concern by the continuing lack of alignment with EU sanctions against Russia, particularly in the framework of the free movement of goods derived from the existing custom union and against the backdrop of recently strengthened trade and financial relations with Russia; calls on Turkey to reverse the constant deterioration in its alignment with the EU CFSP (which currently stands at a meagre 7%); stresses that Turkey’s geopolitical role does not override the serious shortcomings with regard to human rights situation in the country, which remain the main obstacle for the advancement of EU-Turkey relations;
Amendment 424 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Remains deeply concerned about reports that the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement deliberately seeks to circumvent and undermine the centrality of democratic and rule-of-law reforms in EU accession countries; urges the Commission to instigate an independent and impartial investigation into whether the conduct displayed and policies furthered by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the European Commission and of the Commissioner’s obligations under the Treaties;
Amendment 430 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to support the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and to cushion the adverse effects on these countries of the supply shocks and price increases resulting from the war in UkraineRussia’s invasion of Ukraine, in particular in the domain of food security; welcomes the UN-brokered Black Sea grain initiative; urges Russia to end the renewed weaponization of food exports, which irresponsibly risks galvanising further food insecurity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and to abide by the terms of the agreement in full;
Amendment 434 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Expresses its deep concern about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Afghanistan following the violent Taliban takeover, with particularly adverse effects on women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, independent media representatives, and individuals who provided assistance to the EU and its Member States; urges the Commission and the High Representative to ensure the full and timely evacuation of all members of staff of the EU Special Representative in Afghanistan and EUPOL Afghanistan, other particularly vulnerable persons, and their dependent spouses, children, parents, and unmarried sisters, in accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/151; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced funding for humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan; reiterates its non- recognition of the Taliban regime;
Amendment 439 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Fully supports the aspirations of the Iranian people, who want to live in a free, stable, inclusive and democratic country that respects its national and international commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms; welcomes, in this regard, the restrictive measures imposed on Iranian individuals and entities, including the so-called “morality police”, for their role in the repression of the ongoing, women-led protests in Iran demanding equal rights and ending the systematic discrimination of women and broader violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic; calls for the establishment of an international investigative and accountability mechanism for human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government;
Amendment 453 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the ambition to strengthening of the EU’s relations with the Gulf countries, as underlined in the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 18 May 2022 on a strategic partnership with the Gulf (JOIN(2022)0013); notes that there is a common interest in engaging more strategically with the Gulf partners; calls on the EU and the Member States to continue to emphasise respect for human rights and gender equality as well as the progressive alignment of values, notably related to countering the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences; deeply deplores, in this respect, the OPEC+ decision, notably driven by Saudi Arabia, to reduce oil production, which risks undermining efforts to counter Russia’s aggression and exacerbating the global energy crisis;
Amendment 458 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the adoption of the Union’s multiannual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),ensuring predictable support for Palestine refugees in line with the EU- UNRWA Joint Declaration 2021-2024, as well as the Union’s additional contribution to the Agency under the Food and Resilience Facility to address food insecurity; emphasises that continued support to the Agency remains fundamental to regional stability and development with an eye to a sustainable peace and a two-state solution on the basis of 1967 borders;
Amendment 464 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and calls on the Russian leadership to end it immediately and withdraw unconditionally from Ukraine and any other country whose territory, or parts thereof, it has unlawfully occupieds; urges the international community to hold Russia accountable for the countless war crimes and human rights violations its armed forces have perpetrated in Ukraine and elsewhere, and reaffirms that Russia will have to pay compensation for all of the damage and destruction it has caused in Ukraine; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the lead in the preparation of a multilateral mechanism overseeing, enforcing, and disbursing the payment of reparations to Ukraine;
Amendment 474 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Takes note of the prevalence of support for Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine across many countries, notably due to the effective nature of Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns; encourages the HR/VP, the Commission and the Member States to enhance diplomatic outreach to these countries, to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and to intensify strategic communications; highlights the central role to be played by the Global Gateway in tackling shared challenges based on democratic values, equal partnerships, and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 485 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Stresses the importance of strengthening relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by updating the EU-LAC strategy, with a strong emphasis on joint efforts to strengthen the multilateral global order, international law, and respect for democracy and human rights, in particular against the backdrop of the increasing and disproportionate influence of China and Russia in the region in comparison with the EU; stresses, in this context, the importance of concluding balanced and modernised agreements with Chile, Mexico, and Mercosur with a binding and enforceable chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) that includes a strong human rights dimension and alignedment with the goals of the European Green Deal, provided that, in the case of Mercosur, agreement is reached on the additional instrument;
Amendment 489 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to implement the commitments agreed on at the AU-EU Summit, to swiftly implement the Global Gateway projects in Africa and to strengthen partnerships with countries on the African continent, in line with the Strategic Compass; and on the basis of equality, particularly with the aim of promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, digital and green transformations, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflict, in accordance with the principles of international law; underlines that EU engagement with Africa, including through development and trade cooperation, must prioritise contributing to strong and resilient societies, enhancing social equality and security, and supporting democratic structures on the ground; welcomes the allocation of funding under the European Development Fund towards mitigating growing food insecurity resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for further similar measures to betaken as necessary;
Amendment 497 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls to enhance EU agreements establishing or strengthening EU relations with a third country, as well as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, by including, during the negotiations of these agreements, a conditionality concerning the possibility of a bilateral standing invitation to observe the respective elections of the Parties involved; stresses that this electoral observation conditionality should be addressed as well in already existing agreements, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, in case of their revision by means of a possible Protocol;
Amendment 505 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to enable and strengthen parliamentary oversight of EU external action, including by continuing regular consultations with the VP/HR and the Commission, and by involving Parliament in the proper further implementation and scrutiny of the European Peace Facility and the Strategic Compass; recalls that the European Parliament upholds a degree of informal cooperation with the EEAS enhanced by Council Decision of 26 July 2010 and the “High Representative’s declaration of political accountability of 2010”; highlights that is necessary to further strengthen the framework of inter- institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations; calls for a “Framework Agreement on strengthening External Action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament", which could move forward towards enhancing EU’s own toolbox for External Action;
Amendment 512 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Affirms that Parliament should make full use of its oversight and budgetary powers in relation to the decisions of the Union in the international arena; highlights the importance of Parliament’s democracy support programmes, which have great potential to reinforce the EU’s role around the world by engaging key political stakeholders and facilitating sustainable democratic governance in non-EU and EU accession countries;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas culture is a key vector for addressing major global challenges and, if conceived as a bottom-up and free flow of ideas and creations, is also a fundamental tool for peace and conflict prevention and a resource for stability and regeneration in any fragile context;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas third countries’ diaspora in the EU and European diaspora in third countries can be important actors in strengthening cultural relations between the EU and other countries;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas illiberal and authoritarian regimes attempt to redefine international rules and values by challenging their universality and claiming them to be a weapon of cultural hegemony deployed by the EU; whereas these above-mentioned regimes attempt to identify the EU as a neo-colonial actor in their discourse worldwide; highlights that these regimes actions are far-reaching globally and attempt to re-define international rules and multilateralism;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the efforts of the Commission and the European External Action Service to implement the Joint Communication “Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations", demonstrating the EU’s added value and advancing cultural cooperation with partner countries; , as well as to develop a closer model for cooperation with Member States, national institutes for culture (EUNIC), private and public operators from the EU and its partner countries;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the creation of focal points in EU Delegations, the development of the Cultural Relations Platform and the joint implementation of programmes allowing cultural actors and public stakeholders to develop innovative ideas and concrete projects, finance cultural relations and facilitate networks;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recognizes the efforts of the European Commission and EEAS in the protection of cultural heritage sites and the fight against illegal trafficking in cultural property; stresses the importance to integrate cultural heritage protection to the various phases of the conflict cycle;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Urges the Council, the European Commission and EEAS to enhance the protection of the cultural heritage in conflict zones; considers that an introduction of targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for destruction or purposeful damaging of the cultural heritage would be an important step in establishing deterrence and ensuring accountability for such acts;
Amendment 68 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Highlights that European culture could be best represented and identified by means of a common and consolidated embodiment of the EU worldwide, which goes beyond the image of different particular or aggregated EU Member States’ cultures;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Emphasises the potential of EU International Cultural Relations to counter disinformation in third countries and foreign interferences towards the EU, and the hostile narratives against the EU in illiberal and authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Stresses the need for the EU to be fully present in cultural events worldwide, especially those that are global, such has the World Fair; calls for the possibility for the EU to host a World Fair, which could take place in different EU Member States;
Amendment 71 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2f. Underlines that is necessary to strengthen International Cultural Relations cooperation between the European Commission and EEAS with EUNIC, as well as with alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO; stresses the need to put a special focus, without disregarding other partners, on EU-Africa and EU- Latin America and the Caribbean international cultural relations;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls to strengthen the role of EU Delegations in EU International Cultural Relations and its focal points, including by the allocation of the necessary resources and by developing a tailor-made International Cultural Relations list of activities and programmes for EU Delegations to implement with the appropriate resources; calls for the development of strategies based on international cultural relations for EU delegations and other EU actors in their relations with third countries;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the allocation of the necessary budgetary and personnel resources to the EU’s international cultural relations and cultural diplomacy in order to strengthen EU's action in this regard and facilitate cultural cooperation with local actors and academia in third countries; considers that the EEAS and the European Commission should be able to pull resources when needed from geographical envelopes in the Global Europe instrument;
Amendment 111 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for an update to the 2016 Joint Communication “Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations" with a view to establishing a permanent structural and institutional EU dimension and developing and implementing a long- term strategy to be integrated permanently and horizontally within the EU’s external action toolbox.
Amendment 112 #
2022/2047(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls to develop an own and autonomous toolbox for EU International Cultural Relations and Cultural Diplomacy, that draw from the experience and collaborate in partnership with EUNIC and Member States’ cultural institutes abroad, with a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on events to be developed in a frame of cultural cooperation and co-creation, actively involving civil society and the cultural sectors of third countries societies; Stresses that this toolbox could aim to promote European culture and way of life, and to provide EU assistance on capacity building, technical and material, as well as financial, to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society;
Amendment 3 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the growing instability and the rise of unprecedented challenges in the international environment increases the demands on the Union to act and pursue a feminist foreign policy with a budget fit for purpose;
Amendment 12 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Is concerned about the mounting challenges to our multilateral systems and reminds of their importance, as they constitute the vehicle to ensure peace and stability globally;
Amendment 33 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes stronger conditionality related to democracy, human rights and rule of law under the modernised IPA III; reminds of the importance to support civil society organisations and people to people contacts;
Amendment 36 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the additional contribution provided to UNRWA in 2022, and encourages the Commission to increase EU's financial support to the Agency also in 2023 to meet urgent needs; welcomes the resumption of financial support to al-Haq and other Palestinian NGOs, after the accusations of terrorism moved by Israel resulted to be unsubstantiated;
Amendment 46 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Asks to strengthen the budget for election observation missions, given their role in consolidating democratic institutions and bringing stability in fragile countries, as well as to reinforce the budgets for the preservation of human rights, including by supporting women activists, and the assistance to civil society organisations, including the ones committed to women's empowerment;
Amendment 67 #
2022/0212(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for the extension of the Pilot Project ‘Towards a European Diplomatic Academy’ by one year in order to provide a more solid basis, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the project, through the extension of the study for the creation of a European Diplomatic Academy, which should also focus on target groups of a future academy, including the possibility of those interested in becoming EU Diplomats in the future who are not Member States’ diplomats, as well as by organising a second pilot academic year;
Amendment 12 #
2022/0068(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Union and the United Kingdom may conclude other bilateral agreements between them that constitute supplementing agreements to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and such supplementing agreements are an integral part of the overall bilateral relations as governed by this Agreement and form part of the overall framework. The applicability of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, or any of its effects, is ruled out for the territory of Gibraltar by virtue of article 774(3) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, given that the future EU- Gibraltar relation will be detailed out in a future EU-UK agreement.
Amendment 193 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) improve intelligence sharing among the Member States and engage in a systematic, regular and frequent updates of the threat analysis included in the Strategic Compass; establish a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; strengthen the EU INTCEN by enhancing its resources and capabilities;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas economic integration with the EU remained high and Turkey positioned as the EU’s sixth largest trading partner in 2020, while the EU remains by far Turkey’s largest trading partner and its largest source of foreign direct investment(FDI); whereas Turkey is currently undergoing economic and financial difficulties which exacerbates the economic impact of the pandemic;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas Turkey hosts the largest refugee population in the world, with almost 4 million registered refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and whereas the EU-funding to these communities has proven its value for assisting Turkey in swiftly responding to the humanitarian and development needs of refugees and their host communities;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas over the past year, EU- Turkey relations have on average remained stable, as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; whereas this report reflects this situation by welcoming positive developments and pointing to further potential in the relationship, while signalling remaining problems, in particular as regards the rule of law and fundamental rights; whereas if this report is to assess Turkey’s progress or lack of progress in terms of human rights and rule of law, as the core of the accession process, it is important to describe the concrete mechanisms of erosion of freedoms that, taken together, lead to this general backsliding with regard to European standards; whereas this approach means going beyond a long list of citizens and groups who are suffering as a result of these decisions to identifying the operators and bodies of the public authorities responsible of this worrying situation in their particular area of action; whereas generic criticism must be replaced by targeted criticism;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its concern about the persistent distance between the EU and Turkey, despite it being a candidate country, in terms of values and standards, and the continuing lack of political will to carry out the necessary reforms to address, in particular, the serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights that continue to negatively affect the accession process; considers that without clear progress in this field, Parliament cannot envisage any resumption of accession negotiations with Turkey, which have effectively been at a standstill since 2018; notes that it does not find arguments at this stage to modify its conditional position concerning the formal suspension of the accession negotiations with Turkey;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes, however, that there has been a slight improvement over the past year in overall EU-Turkey relations, which have on average remained stable, as enhanced cooperation and dialogue on a number of issues have coexisted with regular conflicts; expresses its hope that this pattern of ‘conflictual cooperation’ can be overcome and replaced with a more positive dynamic; welcomes the recent high-level dialogues between EU-Turkey on climate change on 16 September 2021, Turkey formulating its own Green Deal and putting in place ambitious domestic climate policies as well as Turkey ratifying the Paris Agreement on 6 October 2021; welcomes the high-level dialogue on migration and security on 12 October 2021 focused on strengthening cooperation on managing migration, combating human trafficking and organised crime, and preventing terrorist attacks; welcomes the high-level dialogue on public health of 1 December 2021 discussing enhanced cooperation on cross-border health threats, including in the short-term in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; commends, in this context, the mutual recognition of COVID-19 certificates in August 2021;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that, while accession talks remain at a standstill, Turkey updated its National Action Plan for the EU Accession (NAP)to cover the years 2021- 2023; further notes progress made by Turkey in closer alignment with the EU acquis in areas such as competition legislation, the national qualifications system as well as in further aligning with the European Research Area (ERA) and a related better performance of Turkey in Horizon 2020;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its firm conviction that Turkey is a country of strategic relevance in political, economic and foreign policy terms, a partner that is key for the stability of the wider region, and an ally with which the EU wishes to pursue the best possible relations; welcomes, in this view, the recent statements expressed at the highest level by the Turkish authorities about the recommitment of the Turkish Government to the EU path, but urges the Turkish authorities to put their words into action and demonstrate this commitment with specific facts and decisions; believes that, if conditions allow, dialogue with Turkish authorities and counterparts at all levels should be further reinforced as a means to contribute to the rebuilding of trust and diminish the possibilities of future confrontations, in line with the European Council’s position to engage with Turkey in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner; calls in this view on the Council to unblock the suspended high level political dialogue, the high level sectoral dialogues on economy, energy and transport, as well as the EU-Turkey Association Council while bearing in mind that further progress in any field should also be closely linked to improvements in the situation of fundamental freedoms and rule of law;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern over the current economic situation in Turkey, which through soaring inflation and a constantly rising cost of living is pushing a high and increasing number of people into hardship and poverty; notes that while the current situation has been developing over a number of years, it turned into a currency crisis in December 2021, exacerbating existing pandemic-related impacts in the economy; is concerned by the lack of confidence in purportedly independent bodies such as the Central Bank and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜIK); notes in this regard that the operational independence of both institutions is a key criterion for EU accession; further highlights that the poor performance of Turkey with regard to the respect to the rule of law has also a severe impact on the reputational image of the country and that the lack of legal certainty has the potential to seriously affect the ability of the country to attract foreign investments;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes that in October 2021 the Financial Action Task Force added Turkey to the list of jurisdictions deemed incapable of tackling money laundering terrorist financing, and proliferation financing; expresses its hope that Turkey can rapidly display the necessary progress on improving the implementation of relevant AML/CFT measures;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Deplores the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Turkey, including backsliding on fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law; considers that the current repressive form of rule, whose main pillars are abuse of the legal framework - particularly through the application of terrorism charges and by restriction of freedom of expression- and a lack of independence of the judiciary, is a deliberate, relentless and systematic state policy developed to suppress any critical activities either-directly or through a chilling effect; is appalled by the fact that in order to pursue this policy, the Turkish state authorities are ready to blatantly and persistently disregard their international and domestic legal obligations, such as those derived from Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its strong condemnation of Turkey’s withdrawal, by presidential decree, from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention); a decision that is particularly alarming against the background of continuing high number of femicides in the country and that represents a major setback to efforts to promote women’s rights in the country; reiterates its call on Turkey’s Government to reverse this incomprehensible decision and, in the meantime, to prevent and combat violence against all women and girls, support survivors, and hold abusers to account by fully implementing Turkey’s own Law no. 6284 and all measures identified in the relevant ECtHR jurisprudence;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in Turkey, which is enshrined in its constitution; is deeply worried by the routine use and continued extension of bans on protests and demonstration by provincial governors, and particularly by the Governor’s ban that has been in place for over five years in Van Province; deplores the targeting of journalists at public protests by Turkish police forces including through the April 2021 directive by Turkey’s Security General Directorate (EGM), instructing Turkish police forces to prevent press recordings of protests and demonstrations that was subsequently suspended by the Council of State citing a restriction of fundamental rights; regrets the recurrent use of excessive force to suppress peaceful demonstrations amidst an overall general impunity of law enforcement officials; deplores the ongoing trial against the Cumartesi Anneleri (Saturday Mothers) at the Istanbul 21st Criminal Court of First Instance in relation to the violent dispersal of their 700th vigil on 25 August 2018; reiterates its call on the authorities to drop charges against the students of Boğaziçi University prosecuted for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, and highlights the relevance of ensuring academic freedom and the autonomy of universities; is concerned in this regard by the recent decision to remove three elected deans in Boğaziçi University, whose current rector was appointed by Presidential decree in August 2021;
Amendment 216 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in Turkey; and the increase in the number of acquittals in cases against journalists observed in the last period of 2021; welcomes the recent rulings of the Council of State halting the execution of some articles of the Press Card Regulations and the police circular that had banned audio-visual recordings at public demonstrations; notes however that the practice of investigating and prosecuting people on charges such as insulting the President or on broadly- worded and vague terrorism charges continues; is appalled by the gross abuse of Article 299 of Turkish Penal Code on insulting the President which can carry a jail sentence of between one and four years; finds completely disproportionate that since 2014, the first year of President Erdoğan’s term in office, more than 160,000 investigations have been launched, more than 35,500 cases were filed and there were more than12,800 convictions over insulting the president; calls on Turkey’s authorities to apply the rulings by the European Court on Human Rights and to follow the Venice Commission recommendations in order to bring Turkish law on this matter in line with the Convention; is particularly worried by the case of journalist Sedef Kabaş, who after being publicly targeted by senior government officials was arrested during a midnight raid on January 22nd, by the order of Istanbul10th Criminal Court of Peace judge, and is kept in pre-trial detention at the Bakırköy Women's Prison in İstanbul for having allegedly insulted the President on a live broadcast on TELE1 TV on 14 January 2022; is appalled by the fact that the Istanbul 36th Criminal Court of First Instance of the indictment has recently accepted the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for which Ms Kabaş will face up to 12 years and 10 months in prison on the offenses charged; finds this case a clear example of the abusive use of Article 299 with an aim of having a chilling effect on any journalist or citizen who could express criticism towards the President or government; expresses concerns about the Presidential circular on "Press and Broadcasting Activities" published on 28 January 2022 as it could imply unlawful restrictions to fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Asserts that the continued prosecution, censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern; calls on the chair of the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) to discontinue the excessive imposition of fines and broadcasting bans restricting the legitimate freedom of expression of Turkish journalists and broadcasters; is concerned by the RTÜK’s decision to expand government control over international press outlets by applying broadcasting requirements to Deutsche Welle, Euronews and Voice of America; calls on the chair of the Press Advertising Agency (BIK) to ensure that bans on public advertising do not serve to suppress independent media reporting; calls on the Director of Communications at the Turkish Presidency, to ensure the timely processing of press card applications and to discontinue the use of criminal complaints and belligerent rhetoric targeting journalists; calls on the Turkish Grand National Assembly to follow-up on the Turkish Constitutional Court’s judgement of January 2022 requesting to reformulate Article 9 of the Internet Law to protect the freedoms of expression and the press;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in Turkey during 2021 which contain steps in the right direction although modest and not addressing the main concerns; asserts, however, that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation, but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in Turkey; notes in this regard the appointment to the Turkish Constitutional Court in January 2021 of a judge who had served just twenty days on the Court of Cassation and who had previously acted as Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor, being involved in the controversial cases brought against Osman Kavala, the Gezi Park protestors, and journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül, among others; points out the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), as the main element of concern with regard to the lack of judicial independence; reiterates its call for the shortcomings in the structure and process for the selection of the members of this Council to be addressed with a view to ensuring its independence and putting an end to its arbitrary decisions;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Expresses concern about the high and growing number of applications lodged at the Constitutional Court concerning violations of constitutional rights and the lack of changes implemented when such violations are revealed; notes the recent statements by the President of the Constitutional Court, recognizing that over 73% of the more than 66.000 applications received in 2021 concerned the right for a fair trial, describing this as a “dire situation”; questions the changes in the procedural rules of the court allowing to defer decisions by a year;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes the adoption of a new human rights action plan by the Turkish authorities in March 2021 as welcome in principle, even though it leaves a number of underlying issues unaddressed; calls on the Turkish government to make the action plan real by inter alia discontinuing the selective interpretation of the Treaty of Lausanne’s provisions on minority rights, including by granting legal personality and education rights to any religious minority whether Muslim, Christian or other; calls on Turkey’s government to step up ongoing efforts related, among others, to the public recognition of the Alevi identity, the legal status of cemevis and their funding, in compliance with relevant ECtHR judgments on compulsory religion and ethics classes and Alevi worship places; urges Turkey’s authorities to increase their efforts to effectively address the dire situation of Roma, in particular with regard to housing and education, as they continue to suffer severe levels of poverty, unemployment, discrimination and exclusion;
Amendment 265 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Calls on the full implementation of ECtHR judgments regarding conscientious objection; notes in this regard the action plan submitted by Turkish authorities to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and encourages them to develop further measures to ensure, through the necessary legislation, a fair and accessible exercise of the right to conscientious objection to military service;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in Turkey; denounces the intimidation, harassment and violence exerted against human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, academics, doctors who have provided assistance to the victims of torture, and other activists, especially those in the Kurdish community, and the arbitrary closure of civil society organisations, including prominent human rights non- governmental organisations and media; reiterates its call on Turkey’s government to review the Law on Preventing Financing of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction of December 2020, which grants the Turkish Interior Ministry and the president extensive authority to restrict the activities of non- governmental organisations, business partnerships, independent groups and associations and appears to be aimed at further limiting, restricting and controlling civil society; calls on the EU and its Member States to exert greater pressure on the Turkish Government and to step up their support for human rights defenders and independent civil society in Turkey, including through relevant financial instruments; calls on the Commission to provide, through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) III and relevant programmes of the NDICI-Global Europe instrument, sufficient funding for civil society, non- state actors and people-to-people contacts in order to prioritise the pro-democracy efforts; calls on the Commission to explore the funding of local governments concerning projects of mutual interest;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Continues to urge the Turkish Government to release Osman Kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the Turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in this case; believes that he is unlawfully held in prison on unjustified charges, for the purpose of silencing and deterring critical voices in Turkey; reiterates its call on the Turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in this case; deplores the continued efforts to extend Mr Kavala’s imprisonment through a series of complex evasive judicial tactics; points out as one of many irregularities the irrational merging of his case, known as the Gezi trial, with that of other defendants that saw their acquittals overturned over the course of 2021 which was signed off by the same judge who had requested it, from the 30th Heavy Penal Court, through a temporary appointment from one court to the other; condemns the repeated decisions by the Istanbul 30th Heavy Penal Court and the Istanbul13th Heavy Penal Court, newly responsible after merging of the cases, to prolong the detention of Mr Kavala in violation of his right to freedom and security, most recently on 21 February 2022, when the court also ruled to split once again both cases, in the last example of an incomprehensible judiciary process; is appalled by the recent final opinion by Istanbul Public Prosecutor requesting aggravated life sentence for Mr Kavala under article 312 of the Turkish Criminal Code (attempting to overthrow the Government by force and violence) even if the ECtHR has already and specifically dismissed this accusation in its rulings; takes note of the recurrent decisions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe urging Mr Kavala’s release, which culminated in the historical launching of infringement proceedings through interim-resolutions in December 2021 and February 2022 over Turkey’s refusal to abide by the ECtHR’s final judgement;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for LGBTI people, in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on Pride marches across the country, restrictions on the freedoms of assembly, association and expression, and censorship in the media; deplores the increasingly homophobic stance of Turkey’s government and the use of hate speech against LGBTI people by high-level officials, that aims at stigmatizing and criminalizing the LGBTI community and can serve as breeding ground for hate crimes; follows with grave concern the ongoing trial against the Ankara Bar Association’s executive board and president, in which the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, seeks up to two years of prison for allegedly “insulting a public officer” when criticizing the head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), for the openly homophobic statements he made in 14 April 2020 stating that "Islam curses homosexuality (...) because it brings about disease and rots generations"; urges Turkey’s authorities to put in place the necessary legal measures to end any discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in line with article 21 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights;
Amendment 316 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes with great concern that the HDP and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the Turkish authorities, leading to a situation where over 4 000 HDP members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since November 2016 of Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, the former co-chairs of the HDP and calls for their immediate release; is appalled by the Turkish authorities’ continuous disregard for and failure to apply the rulings of the ECtHR that oblige Turkey to immediately release Mr Demirtaş; condemns the indictment in pursuit of the HDP party’s closure and the banning from political life of 471 individuals including most of HDP’s current leadership, that was filed by the Chief Public Prosecutor of Turkey’s Court of Cassation, and accepted by unanimity by Turkey’s Constitutional Court in June 2021; notes with grave concern that the HDP dissolution case is the culmination of a crackdown on the party that has been going on for several years, and reiterates that banning the party would be a serious political mistake as an irreversible blow to pluralism and democratic principles; further highlights the role of the Ankara 22nd Heavy Penal Court in the so-called ‘Kobane case’ against 108 individuals including numerous HDP politicians, and points to the special role of the public prosecutor, and in particular demands clarity over the alleged political interference documented among the file; further questions how the court managed to examine and accept a 3530-page document in a week, without hearing defendants;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2250(INI)
17 a. Is concerned by the ongoing case against CHP Vice chair Gökçe Gökçen, in the framework of an investigation against the whole Executive Board of the party for the publication and distribution of a booklet; is shocked by the fact that, among the three lawsuits filed against her, the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, charged her with the crime of physically assaulting the president, which comes with a minimum five year prison sentence, related to this brochure’s publication; notes that, while this lawsuit has been dismissed by the Ankara 18th High Criminal Court, the other two lawsuits for slander, incitement towards hatred and defamation against the President still continue; remains seriously concerned about the continuous political and judicial harassment of Canan Kaftancıoğlu, Istanbul provincial chair of the CHP, through a growing number of lawsuits against her;
Amendment 327 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Condemns the recurrent use of revocation of the parliamentary status of opposition MPs, which seriously damages the Turkish Parliament’s image as a democratic institution; recalls in this regard the recent judgement by the ECtHR of 1 February 2022 that ruled that the lifting in 2016 of the immunities of 40 MPs of the HDP infringed their right of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly; follows with concern the ongoing summaries of proceedings seeking to lift the legislative immunity of HDP Diyarbakır MP Semra Güzel for alleged "membership of a terrorist organization" related to pictures taken 5years ago;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Reiterates its condemnation of the decision made by the Turkish authorities to remove democratically elected mayors from office on the basis of questionable evidence and replace them with unelected trustees, which undermines local democracy; notes the political, legislative and administrative measures taken by the Turkish Government to paralyse municipalities run by the mayors of opposition parties in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises that Turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses, nevertheless, that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been on the EU list of terrorist organisations since 2002; regrets the overly broad anti- terrorism provisions and the abuse of the anti-terror measures that continue to be used as the means for the repression of human rights and of any critical voice in the country, including journalists, activists and political opponents; is deeply concerned by the decision of the Minister of Interior to open a special investigation into the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality affecting over 550 of its employees for alleged terror links, and by the renewed judicial harassment against Mr. Öztürk Türkdoğan, a prominent human rights lawyer and Co-Chairperson of the Human Rights Association (İHD) who is being tried by the Ankara 19th Heavy Penal Court under the accusation of “membership to an illegal armed organisation” following his indictment by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on Turkey to abide by a zero- tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture, ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody, in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account; welcomes the recent amendment in the regulation on prisons to replace “strip search” by “detailed search” and calls on the director of the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses to ensure its full implementation “in respect for human dignity and honour”, as stated in the amended regulation, as there are still credible allegations on the continuation of this practice, including on minors visiting prisons; is deeply worried by the situation in Turkey’s prisons, particularly with regard to ill prisoners; deplores the continuation of the incarceration of former MP Aysel Tuğluk, despite her dire health condition, which has been determined by medical reports that are subsequently dismissed by the state-run Forensic Medicine Institution (ATE); is concerned by the harassment against HDP MP Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, recently prevented from travelling abroad and who was subject of an investigation by the Kandıra Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on charges of “insulting the state and its organs” for calling for the release of Aysel Tuğluk, that has recently been dropped;
Amendment 351 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Is appalled by the deafening silence of the Ombudsman in the face of the grave situation of fundamental rights in the country described above; calls on the Chief Ombudsman of Turkey, to ensure that his institution becomes a useful tool for Turkey’s citizens and active in strengthening the culture of seeking legal remedies as the institution has set out in its aims; regrets that neither the Ombudsman nor the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (HREI), as the two main human rights institutions in the country, are operationally, structurally or financially independent; urges Turkey’s authorities to take the appropriate measures in order for these institutions to comply, as relevant, with the Paris Principles and the Commission’s Recommendation on Standards for Equality Bodies; deplores that certain members of the HREI demonstrated a negative attitude towards basic human rights, including gender equality, women's rights, LGBTIQ rights, and expressed support for Turkey’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention; invites the Human Rights Inquiry Committee at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to fully exert its extensive powers to investigate and seek accountability concerning violations of human rights in the country and to propose legislative amendments to ensure the alignment of the national legislation with the international conventions on human rights to which Turkey is party;
Amendment 367 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Expresses its strong appreciation for the clear support of the Turkish authorities for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and in condemning the unjustified Russian invasion and military aggression against Ukraine; stresses the vital importance of strong EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy in the current challenging times and welcomes in this view Turkey’s firm alignment with NATO and the EU; encourages Turkey to continue acting accordingly in light of its important role in regulating transit and navigation in the Straits of the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosporus in application of the Montreux Convention; welcomes the open disposition of Turkey’s government to act as a mediator among the parties in conflict; invites Turkey to reconsider, in light of the graveness of the situation, its principled position concerning the non-application of sanctions;
Amendment 369 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Commends the efforts made by Turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes, in this regard, the continued provision of EU funding for refugees and host communities in Turkey, and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; insists on the need for both parties to comply with their respective commitments under the EU-Turkey Statement, including the resumption of the readmission of returnees from the Greek islands interrupted in March 2020 or the activation of the Voluntary Humanitarian Admission Scheme, and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process; is concerned by continued reports of summary push-backs of Afghans and others apprehended attempting to cross the border, and arbitrary deportations to Syria, by signs of a rise in racist and xenophobic attacks against foreigners, as well as by the use of anti-refugee narrative by some politicians; insists that returns of refugees should only happen on a voluntary basis and in safety;
Amendment 387 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and the EU, and therefore,supports the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations on the upgrading of the Customs Union; warns, however, that such modernization of the Customs Union would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and that it can only be envisaged upon Turkey’s fully implementation of the Additional Protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement towards all Member States without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the very onset of any negotiations, as the Parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement without results in this field;
Amendment 398 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Notes that visa liberalisation would constitute an important step towards facilitating people-to-people contacts and is of great importance for Turkish citizens, particularly for students, academics, business representatives and people with family ties in EU Member States; continues its support for the visa liberalisation process once the set conditions have been met and encourages the Turkish Government to fully comply with the 72 criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap in a non- discriminatory manner; stresses that there has been very little real progress on the six outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by Turkey; notes that the new Action Plan on Human Rights foresees the acceleration of the fulfilment of the remaining benchmarks; stresses that the revision of Turkey’s anti-terrorism legislation and Data Protection Law are key conditions for ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 409 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that Turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals, but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and, as a candidate country, to be increasingly aligned with that of the EU; is of the opinion that EU-Turkey cooperation in foreign and security policy is of fundamental importance and that future EU security structures, particularly in the neighbourhood, require strategic cooperation and improved communication with Turkey in order to be effective; regrets, against this background, the lowest level (14%) of alignment of Turkey with CFSP and CSDP among candidates countries, given the great potential that a joint action could play with regard to different challenges in the region and globally;
Amendment 427 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Commends the recent rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia with regard to the decision to start bilateral contacts, the appointment of Special Representatives and the resumption of flights between the two countries; considers this attempt a very positive development and encourages both sides to pursue these efforts with a view to fully normalize their relations; expresses hope that this may lead to a dynamic of normalization of relations in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 440 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the decrease in tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean during the past year, but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; deplores in this view the recent statements by Turkish authorities disputing Greece’s sovereignty over some of its islands as counterproductive and in contradiction to de-escalation efforts; continues to urge Turkey and all stakeholders involved to engage in a bona fide peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; continues, in particular, to call on all sides for a genuine collective engagement to negotiate the delimitation of EEZs and the continental shelf in good faith and in line with international rules and principles; reiterates its support to the proposal of the European Council for a multilateral conference on the Eastern Mediterranean and underscores that the Green Deal and the energy transition could provide for important opportunities for reaching cooperative and inclusive energy solutions in the Eastern Mediterranean;
Amendment 461 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in Cyprus is a major obstacle to EU-Turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue is that of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality, in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; deeply regrets that Turkey has abandoned this UN framework; to defend on its own a two state solution in Cyprus and that it continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions by supporting the opening of Varosha to the public; calls on Turkey and other stakeholders to give the Turkish Cypriot community the necessary space in this regard to act inconformity to their role as a legitimate community of the island, a right guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to engage with the Turkish Cypriot community reminding that its place is in the European Union; calls for a more courageous approach by all parties involved in terms of bringing the communities together;
Amendment 478 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Regrets the recent reshuffle by Commissioner Várhelyi of the structure of DG NEAR that has integrated the unit in charge of Turkey together with the units dealing with the “Neighbourhood South”; considers this move, made allegedly for efficiency and coherence of internal organization, a serious political mistake that has been highly criticized not only by Turkey’s government but among all pro- European Turkish actors;
Amendment 523 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists that democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of EU-Turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for EU-Turkey relations, as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure on and constructive dialogue with the Government of Turkey and the best framework to sustain the democratic and pro-European aspirations of Turkish society and promote convergence with the EU; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing, in a realistic manner, the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, exploring other possible models for future relations;
Amendment 550 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes that the varying priorities of the EU institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing EU-Turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy, a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards Turkey in the EU and among all its institutions; calls for a stronger, strategic and value-based leadership by the Presidents of both institutions and the High Representative, with appropriate accountability towards Parliament;
Amendment 556 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls to further integrate Turkey into EU’s forward looking long term policy agendas on the crucial green and digital transitions as well as in health, and calls on the Commission to remain open to which other policy areas could be considered of interest for both sides and such as ways in which Turkey could be further integrated in EU value chains; is encouraged by Turkey’s continued strong participation in EU programmes, in particular in the fields of education, innovation, youth, and sports as they forge closer people to people partnerships and help synchronizing the green and digital transitions between the EU and Turkey; calls on the Commission to set up a Turkey investment platform (TIP) in full alignment with EU policy priorities and conditionality within the newly established European Fund for Sustainable Development plus (EFSD+) through which appropriate investment opportunities on national and local level contributing to the green and digital transitions can be coordinated and identified among European and International Finance Institutions; emphasizes that Parliament’s close involvement in the EFSD+ strategic board, responsible for steering investments and approve the creation of EFSD+ investment windows, is of key importance to ensure democratic oversight of this process;
Amendment 560 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Welcomes that the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has finally agreed to hold an EU-Turkey Joint Parliament Committee (JPC) meeting in March 2022, the first such meeting since December 2018; upholds the view that parliamentary dialogue is a crucial part of EU-Turkey relations;
Amendment 562 #
2021/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the CommissionPresident of the European Council, the Council, the Commission as well as to the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, and asks the Commission and the European External Action Service to translate the Commission’s Turkey 2021 Report and this resolution into Turkish and to send a copy to Parliament..
Amendment 3 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
— having regard to the Association Agenda between the European Union and Georgia for 2021-2027, adopted on 16 August 2022,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the outcome of the sixeventh Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia of 16 MarchSeptember 20212,
Amendment 15 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Russian Federation continues illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the EU- mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas Georgia continues to participate in civil and military crisis management operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and provides 32 troops to the EU military training mission in the Central African Republic and an officer to the EU Training Mission in Mali;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022; calls on the Georgian authorities to initiate and lead the work on these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022welcomes the immediate steps made by Georgia to initiate the working process addressing these priorities and encourages the Georgian authorities to lead this process in an inclusive and transparent manner; calls on all Georgian political forces to constructively participate in and contribute to these efforts; stresses that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as the ‘Associated Trio’ and to use this forum for exchanging best practices on preparations to fulfil the EU membership criteria and for the future accession process;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in the occupied regions; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment; calls on the EU to continue to pursue all available means and instruments, including the Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, the Geneva International Discussions (GID), the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs), the EUMM in Georgia, as well as the policy of non- recognition and engagement in order to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the Russia - Georgia conflict;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation; expresses concern over the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, and strongly denounces the violation of right of IDPs and refugees forcibly expelled from Georgia’s occupied territories to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 88 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Welcomes Georgia's continued efforts to strengthen its international law enforcement cooperation with Europol and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), including the signature of a new working arrangement between CEPOL and Georgia on 22 June 2022, which will enhance sharing of knowledge, expertise, best practices and coordinated approaches to learning;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to allow the convicted former president Mikheil Saakashvili to seek medical treatment abroad on humanitarian grounds and as a means of reducing political polarisation;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the Parliament of Georgia to ask the Venice Commission to issue an opinion and to implement its recommendationsauthorities to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission once the opinion is issued;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Encourages the authorities to take steps to strengthen gender equality and to effectively implement legislation against gender-based and domestic violence;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Deplores the fact that the human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia remain dire, with ongoing restrictions to the right to freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions, abductions and deprivation of the right to residence, the right to property and the right of access to education in mother tongue; underlines the importance of people-to-people contacts and confidence- building measures between the communities divided by the conflict;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages the Georgian authorities to boost the participation of SMEs in the DCFTA, notably by increasing communication about the opportunities offered by the DCFTA, by enhancing access to export facilities and by making the best possible use of the existing Commission programs ENPARD Georgia and EU4Business;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on support for SMEs and structural reforms, including development of quality infrastructure to facilitate efficient implementation of the approximated legislation;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Encourages the intention and efforts of Georgia aimed at joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA);
Amendment 208 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the adoption of the national cybersecurity strategy and action plan 2021-2024; calls on Georgian authorities to work with the EU on strengthening the country’s cyber resilience in line with the EU's best practices and legislation, notably the EU Directive on security of network and information systems;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Welcomes Georgia’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme for 2021-2027, which opens up new opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community, and Georgia’s commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Calls on the Commission to support the efforts of Georgia to position the country as a regional hub for digital connectivity and digital services and promote its digital sovereignty by developing strategic international connectivity and digital services corridors between Europe and various parts of Asia via Georgia;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Calls on the Commission to support the creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
Amendment 19 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan signed in Baku on 18 July 2022,
Amendment 22 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
— having regard to the United Nations resolutions on the ongoing war in Ukraine, namely the ES-11/1 and ES-11/2 of March 2022, ES-11/3 of April 2022 and ES-11/4 of October 2022,
Amendment 24 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by Azerbaijan in 2002,
Amendment 35 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the conflictNagorno-Karabakh conflict and the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan hasve resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, immense destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people while the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not been resolved yet;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armeniathe trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 has not been fully implemented and the ceasefire continues to erupt periodicallybe repeatedly violated;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the high-level meetings were held in Brussels between President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan, mediated by President Charles Michel, resulted in encouraging developments;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a sustainable normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan requires that all violence cease and that all the root causes of conflict be addressed in particular guaranteeing the rights and security of all the population of Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Azerbaijan is a reliable and trustworthy supplier of fossil fuels to the EU and whereas it is becoming increasingly important in this role;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Azerbaijan’s record in terms of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is still unsatisfactoryvery negative;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas, in defiance of the First Article of the Azerbaijani Constitution and the law on freedom of assembly, the Azerbaijani authorities have imposed a ban on street protests by opposition and civil groups; whereas the citizens’ rights to free assembly are severely suppressed by the police and routinely end with the arrests of activists, in particular, those belonging to the political opposition;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas Russia´s war of aggression against Ukraine has had implications for the South Caucasus and has further complicated the security situation in the region;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict which over the years has caused immense suffering and destruction has significantly hampered the development and stability of the whole South Caucasus region; is convinced that a sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be achieved through military means but requires a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with international law, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Minsk Group’s 2009 Basic Principles; recalls that the root cause of the conflict, which is the situation and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the status of the formerly autonomous region, remains unresolved;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly condemns the clashes that erupted on 12 Septemberlatest large- scale military aggression by Azerbaijan in September 2022 against multiple targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia which constituted a serious breach of the ceasefire and contradicted earlier commitments, including those made in the framework of EU-mediated talks; Condemns military incursions over non- delimited border since May 2021, urges the return of all forces to positions held before 12 May 20221 and their consequences for the peace processstresses that the latest September aggression has no link to the long-lasting conflict over Nagorno- Karabakh; denounces any attempts at undermining the peace process and urges all conflict parties to refrain from further use of force; reiterates that the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be fully respected and underlines the EU’s readiness to be more actively involved in settling the region’s protracted conflicts;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully implement the tripartite ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric and to implement measures to prepare their respective populations for peaceful coexisteninsists on the urgent need to refrain from any hostile rhetoric or actions that may be perceived as inciting hatred or outright violence or as supporting impunity, or that risk undermining the efforts to establish and promote an atmosphere conducive to trust and reconciliation, cooperation and sustainable peace;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty that should address the security of all the population in Nagorno- Karabakh, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees and the protection of cultural, religious and historical heritage; welcomes in this regard the meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined and accepted by both Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to secure the lasting settlement of the conflict; in this context underlines the need for such negotiations to take place under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group with active participation of its co-chairs and in close cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the EU’s passive stance during and immediately after the 2020 war gave other regional actors, such as Russia and Turkey, the opportunity to gain influence; strongly supports, therefore, the initiative taken by the President of the European Council Charles Michel to convene and mediate bilateral meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels and encourages the work of the EU’s special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty and welcomes in this regard the meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries on 30 September in Geneva;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the initial progress made on the process of border delimitation and encourages both sides to continue the work; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission to build trust and contribute to the border commissions; monitor the situation in the border regions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to support confidence- building by monitoring adherence to the ceasefire and to support the work of the border commissions; welcomes Armenia’s willingness to facilitate the mission on their territory and calls on Azerbaijan to allow the presence of EU monitors on its side of the border as well; calls on the EU to consider prolonging and strengthening the mission as it contributes to increase security in the region while at the same time increases visibility of the EU in the region;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the humanitarian assistance provided by the EU for the conflict-affected population in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and its assistance for humanitarian demining in the areas affected by the conflict; calls on the Commission to increase EU assistance to people in need, including in Nagorno- Karabakh, facilitate the implementation of more ambitious confidence-building measures and enhance people-to-people contacts between citizens on both sides of the border;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Continues to be concerned about the fate of Armenian prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict and still held by Azerbaijan and welcomes the release of some of them; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detaineesWelcomes the release of some of the Armenian prisoners taken by Azerbaijan and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and for them to be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Condemns the footage that has appeared depicting the torture, mutilation and killing of an Armenian servicewoman and unarmed Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani armed forces; calls for a full and impartial investigation of the videos to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from destroying cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for the and calls for accountability regarding such actions; calls for the preservation and restoration of damaged sites in accordance with UNESCO standards and indications; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to quickurgently allow and facilitate a UNESCO mission to visit both countries without preconditions;
Amendment 199 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages increased bilateral contacts between the political authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan; as well as between their civil societies and therefore calls on the Commission to support civil society organisations in Armenia and Azerbaijan that genuinely contribute to reconciliation;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the strategic role played by Azerbaijan as a provider of fossil fuels to the EU and welcomes its willingness to contribute even more to the EU’s objectives in terms of security and diversification of energy supply and climate neutrality; regrets that Azerbaijan’s ambition to be a strategic partner in the field of energy is not matched by its efforts on democratic reforms and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the unblocking of regional transport and communication links will present a significant opportunity for socio-economic development in the entire South Caucasus region; stresses that this needs to be done in full respect of the sovereignty of both countries and based on the principle of reciprocity; underlines that, as part of the trilateral ceasefire agreement, both countries agrees to unblock connections between Nakhitchevan and Azerbaijan and to secure connections between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomNotes the new mMemorandum of uUnderstanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy between the EU and Azerbaijan signed by President Aliyev and Commission President von der Leyen in Baku on 18 July 2022, which lays the groundwork for future cooperation on green energy; regrets, however, that the Memorandum was signed without any conditionality based on the respect of fundamental freedoms, democracy and human rights and contributes to the EU dependence for energy supply, again, on a country that does not fully respect the European values and principles it has itself subscribed to, inter alia, as a member of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the Eastern Partnership;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises Azerbaijan’s potential as a producer and provider of renewable energy, noting that further deepening of cooperation should also be subject to the respect of European values;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the progress made on the negotiation of a new bilateral cooperation agreement and calls on the negotiating parties to envisage enhanced cooperation outside the energy sector in the new agreement, particularly with regard to rule of law, democracy and human rights;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remainsmust be conditional on the country making substantial , effective and tangible progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Is strongly concerned about the pressure put upon citizens exercising their constitutional rights in Azerbaijan; calls on the government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deeply regrets the current state of press freedom in Azerbaijan; expresses its concern at the new law on media adopted in December 2021; calls for a swift review of that law in accordance with the recommendations included in the opinion of the Venice Commission of 17-18 June 2022; urges Azerbaijan to stop persecuting bloggers and journalist, journalists and media organisations;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan to cease all persecution and repression of political opposition activists, students, human rights defenders and civil society organisations and representatives; reiterates its position that the release of all political prisoners is an indispensable condition for a new Partnership Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes with regret the fact that Azerbaijan has not fully complied with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the importance of gender equality and the representation of women at all levels of governmentsocial and political life;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Deeply regrets Azerbaijan’s failure to fully implement the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Protection of the National Minorities, ratified by Azerbaijan, which violates Azerbaijan’s commitment to protect the rights of the ethnic minorities such as Lezgins, Talysh, Armenians, Kurds and others;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Is strongly concerned that the draft Law On Political Parties may further limit the freedom of association of Azerbaijanis by making it more difficult to register political parties; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to consult with international experts, including the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, and take into account their feedback on the draft law;
Amendment 315 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Condemns the censorship on the access to information in Azerbaijan and calls on the authorities to improve access to the internet and communications coverage;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Expresses its concern at the persistent lack of independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary as well as transparency of its decisions;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Takes good note ofRegrets the limited progress made by Azerbaijan on the prevention ofand fight against corruption; calls on Azerbaijan to address the lack of an effective system of asset disclosure for members of parliament, judges and prosecutors;
Amendment 336 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Condemns the persecution of political opponents and calls for elections in accordance with international standards and in respect of Azerbaijan’s commitments as an OSCE participating state;
Amendment 340 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Emphasizes the need to make any further cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, conditional on the country´s respect for international standards and its international commitments, in particular related to democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Underlines that good governance and respect for international law and standards are paramount to achieve long- lasting peace with Azerbaijan´s neighbours and in the wider region;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Strongly welcomes Azerbaijan’s repeatedNotes the lack of support, shown by Azerbaijan to the resolutions voted in the UN General Assembly on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in support ofor the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as; welcomes however the humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine during the ongoing warby Azerbaijan;
Amendment 351 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls the important coordination role played by Azerbaijan in multilateral organizations in relation to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Nagorno-Karabakh warconflict and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan haveAzerbaijan incursion into sovereign territory of Armenia and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, immense destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people while the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not been resolved yet;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas periodical deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continuethe trilateral statement of 9 November 2020 has not been fully implemented and the ceasefire continues to be repeatedly violated; whereas the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agreement, introduced after the 44-day war triggered by Azerbaijan in 2020, has been violated several times resulting in more casualties;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a sustainable normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan requires that all violence cease and that all the root causes of conflict be addressed, in particular guaranteeing the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Russia’s militarywar of aggression against Ukraine has had implications for the South Caucasus and has further complicated the security situation in the region;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, which over the years has caused immense suffering and destruction, has significantly hampered the socio-economic development and stability of the whole South Caucasus region; is convinced that a durable and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be achieved through military means but requires a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with international law, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Minsk Group’s 2009 Basic Principles; recalls that the root cause of the conflict, which is the situation and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the status of the formerly autonomous region, remains unresolved;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Strongly condemns the large-scale military attackggression by Azerbaijan in September 2022 against multiple targets in the sovereign territory of Armenia and its consequences for the peace processwhich constituted a serious breach of the ceasefire and contradicted earlier commitments, including those made in the framework of EU-mediated talks; condemns military incursions over non- delimited border since May 2021, urges the return of all forces to positions held before 12 May 2021 and stresses that the latest September aggression has no direct link to the long-lasting conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh; reiterates that the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan must be fully respected and underlines the EU’s readiness to be more actively involved in settling the region’s protracted conflicts;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully implement the tripartite ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020 and to urgently implement measures to prepare their respective populations for peaceful coexistence; callinsists on the Azerbaijani authorities to avoid using inflammatory rhetoric which threatens to undermine the peace processurgent need to refrain from any hostile rhetoric or actions that may be perceived as inciting hatred or outright violence or as supporting impunity, or that risk undermining the efforts to establish and promote an atmosphere conducive to trust and reconciliation, cooperation and sustainable peace;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2230(INI)
3a. Urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty that should address the security of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, the return of internally displaced persons and refugees and the protection of cultural, religious and historical heritage; welcomes in this regard the meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined and accepted by both Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to secure the lasting settlement of the conflict; in this context underlines the need for such negotiations to take place under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group with active participation of its co-chairs and in close cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the EU’s passive stance during and immediately after the 2020 war gave other regional actors, such as Russia and Turkey, the opportunity to gain influence; strongly supports, therefore, the initiative taken by the President of the European Council Charles Michel to convene and mediate bilateral meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels and encourages the work on the ground of the EU’s special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty and welcomes in this regard the meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the initial discussions on the process of border delimitation; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission to build trust and contribute to and encourages both sides to continue to do so even more intensively; welcomes the agreement reached on the quadrilateral meeting between President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Macron and President Michel on 6 October 2022 within the framework of the European Political Community meeting in Prague to deploy a civilian EU mission to monitor the situation in the border regions of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to support confidence-building by monitoring adherence to the ceasefire and to support the work of the border commissions;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes Armenia’s willingness to facilitate the mission on their territory and calls on Azerbaijan to allow the presence of the EU mission on its side of the border as well; calls on the EU to play a more pro-active way and to consider prolonging and strengthening the mission as it contributes to increase security in the region while at the same time increases visibility of the EU in the region;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Continues to be concerned about the fate of Armenian prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict and still held by Azerbaijan and welcomes the release of some of them; demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detaineesWelcomes the release of some of the Armenian prisoners detained by Azerbaijan and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining prisoners, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and that they be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly insists thatUrges Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from destroying cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for theaccountability regarding such actions; calls for preservation and restoration of damaged sites in accordance with UNESCO standards and indications; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to quickurgently allow and facilitate a UNESCO mission to visit both countries without preconditions; stresses that the destruction of cultural heritage increases tension and hatred between countries and contributes to destabilization of the region and thereby undermines the efforts of the bilateral talks held recently;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages increased bilateral contacts between the political authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as between their civil societies and therefore calls on the Commission to support civil society organisations in Armenia and Azerbaijan that genuinely contribute to reconciliation; welcomes the agreement from 31st October 2022 in Sochi, between Armenia and Azerbaijan, to refrain from the threat or use of force, to discuss and resolve all problematic questions solely on the basis of mutual recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders by the UN Charter and the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration and encourages Armenia and Azerbaijan to act accordingly;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the unblocking of regional transport and communication links will present a significant opportunity for socio-economic development in the entire South Caucasus region; stresses that this needs to be done in full respect of the sovereignty of both countries and based on the principle of reciprocity; underlines that, as part of the trilateral ceasefire agreement, both countries agrees to unblock connections between Nakhitchevan and Azerbaijan and to secure connections between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey andin the interest of reconciliation, regional stability and security as well as socio- economic development; welcomes the progress achieved so far; calls for the speedy implementation of agreements reached by the special representatives; calls on both sides to engage in the process in good faith and without preconditions;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on Armenia to consider diversifying its security partnershipEncourages Armenia, in order to ensure better protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, to consider the possibility of diversifying its partnerships and potential security alliances, as its long-standing reliance on Russia and its allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization has proved insufficient;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the full entry into force of CEPA on 1 March 2021 and Armenia’s commitment to its implementation; welcomes the fact that the government recognises CEPA as a strategic blueprint for key reforms in Armenia; appreciates progress made and calls on the EU- Armenia Partnership Council to work closely together on implementation of ongoing and future reforms;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the early parliamentary elections of 2021 which confirmed the strength of democracy in Armenia and the support of its people for the reform agenda; encourages the government to continue implementing reforms, despite the difficult international context and the challenges Armenia is facing in order to strengthen democratic institutions, the rule of law and the independence of judiciary; reiterates that the EU is the largest donor supporting Armenia’s reform process;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages Armenia to continue its efforts to implement reforms and strengthen democracy, rule of law and good governance; appreciates progress already made; calls on Armenia to step up the implementation of justice and anti- corruption reforms and to undertake steps necessary to better protect human rights, especially women´s rights and rights of minorities, including LGBTIQ people; takes note of the reports of certain NGOs and representatives of opposition revealing the potential risk of regress at least in some areas; urges the government to make visible progress; calls on Armenia to continue cooperation with the EU on the implementation of reforms;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the important role of civil society in the shaping and implementation of key reforms; underlines the important role that non-governmental organisations and human rights activists play in the protection of democracy and human rights;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that over the last 10 years, the volume of Armenia-EU bilateral trade has been increasing; in this context encourages the EU and Armenia to continue to enhance their economic and trade relations;
Amendment 254 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its concerns regarding the ongoing operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant; calls for the swift adoption of a road map or action plan for the closure and safe decommissioning of the plant; welcomes the visit of the Director General of the IAEA to Armenia in October 2022 and encourages the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to foster the mutual cooperation; urges Armenia to undertake any steps necessary to bring the Metsamor nuclear powerplant up to the international standards to ensure safe and secure operation at least for the necessary transitional period until adequate replacement alternative is fully operational and energy security is guaranteed; in cooperation with international partners calls for creation and adoption of a roadmap leading to safe decommissioning and closure of Metsamor power plant once the conditions are met;
Amendment 259 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Welcomes the Armenian steps already taken concerning the green transformation and the commitment to 40% reduction of emissions by 2030; encourages Armenia to continue and step up its ambitions in line with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Welcomes the efforts of Armenia to increase energy security, diversify energy sources and increase the deployment of renewables, taking into account that natural gas imports from Russia still represent over 80% and bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Iran on energy exchange;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for the Guidelines to become a central pillar of the EU’s diplomatic agenda towards third countries and to include them among the EU’s wider strategic goals when defending and protecting human rights and democratic values worldwide;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Reaffirms the need to increase human rights focal points’ visibility in the EU Delegations, as well as their accessibility, which would entail, among other things, guaranteeing the direct access of HRDs to EU Delegations' human rights focal points; considers of utmost importance to provide EU Delegations and their staff with the necessary protection when carrying out their functions;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Strongly regrets that some Member States' embassies seem to rely on EU Delegations for the main protection of human rights and HRDs, which is a shared responsibility; calls on the Member States to play a similar role to the one played by EU Delegations in human rights matters in third countries and to increase their support for HRDs as well as their level of support in this regard;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for more public engagement by the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, as well as the pertinent Member States’ national representatives, with regard to individual HRDs; encourages the VP/HR and the Commissioners to commit to systematically meeting with HRDs during their visits abroad and to raise at the highest level the plight of HRDs under attack, including through public statements when appropriate;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Highlights the importance of overall political support in addition to financial aid; calls on EU Delegations and Member States’ embassies to take more active steps for the protection of HRDs and make their support more visible; considers that the abovementioned steps could include visits to HRDs in remote and rural areas, the organisation of events in their support, and follow-up of specific cases of attacks against HRDs; calls on the European Commission to use the human rights clause in its trade agreements in a more robust way;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Stresses that special emphasis should be put on long-term and transparent funding regarding the protection of HRDs and their families; underlines the increasing demand for EU assistance and protection by HRDs and calls for additional capacities and resources to meet such demands;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the recent efforts by EU delegations and Member States’ missions in some third countries to reach out to activists who do not match the traditional notion of HRDs; encourages the EU to pursue a broad approach to HRDs, particularly by engaging with and providing support for local and grassroots HRDs and especially marginalised and vulnerable HRDs, such as those operating in remote areas and women, all of whom are at greater risk of experiencing violence and restrictions; affirms the importance of ensuring a comprehensive and all- encompassing working definition of HRDs that strengthens their protection by all relevant actors;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to prioritise women HRDs’ access to protection mechanisms and resources, and provide increased funding to independent civil society organisations that promote the rights of women and girls; calls for the further tailoring of the Guidelines to the challenges and risks that women HRDs face; calls the Commission to guarantee specific financial support for the protection of women HRD and its integration within the wider overarching EU policies and programmes;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that the EU should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its HRD policy and step up its action in support of those defending the environment, especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk; , including by linking climate funding to third countries to the effective protection of HRDs in general;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Underlines the need to develop an integrated and comprehensive approach in post-conflict situations in third countries, which should focus on strengthening the capacities of human rights organisations, as well as their relations with the authorities; calls for further efforts in the protection of HRDs being targeted by armed groups in third countries; calls to strengthen accountability and for third countries to explore criminal measures to address crimes against HRDs; calls on the Commission to consider linking EU support to HRDs to aspects of EU development cooperation such as the protection of the environment or support for the private sector;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines the need for the Guidelines to be updated in view of the evolving challenges and risks faced by HRDs, particularly digital transformation and threats, as well as to better reflect the groups of HRDs in the current global environment, especially those working on the rights of women and of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as land, environmental and indigenous rights defenders, and the specific risks that these groups face; calls to involve the European Parliament in the update of the Guidelines and to develop together guidance notes for its implementation in order to provide them with more concrete requirements for action and detailed and concrete steps to protect HRDs;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 7 October 2021 on the State of EU cyber defence capabilities,
Amendment 29 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
— - having regard to the SOTEU 2020 and 2021 addresses and letters of intent,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 b (new)
Citation 29 b (new)
— having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, paying special attention to SDG 16 that aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
Amendment 52 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the EU is facing new threats, including hybrid threats, and has entered an age of “unpeace” characterized by hostile competition through hybrid warfare means such as cyber attacks, disinformation and foreign interferences, which have blurred the lines between war and peace, as well as increased militarisation around the world and a still unstable neighbourhood, both in the East and in the South;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 88 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the launch of the work on the Strategic Compass, which should be completed in March 2022; stresses that it is a beginning, not an end, and that it constitutes a major step towards a European Defence Union; stresses that a robust EU defence policy is needed for the EU to have the means to effectively work towards peace, human security, sustainable development and democracy;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that the Strategic Compass must make it possible to strengthen the Union’s capacity to act as an increasingly credible strategic partner and a global actor for peace; stresses that this exercise must be regularly updated, must set out an ambitious and operational course – with a timetable for the implementation of decisions and monitoring mechanisms – and must enable the Union to have a coherent defence policy, a common strategic culture, a capacity to anticipate threats and provide a rapid and coordinated reaction and a capacity for autonomous resilience, to be able to mobilise resources on the basis of solidarity when a Member State is threatened and requests them, and ultimately to play a part inensure the protection of European citizens, interests and values;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the crucial need to boost intelligence support for EU security and defence policy; underlines that the work of EU IntCen and EUMS INT is dependent on the willingness of Member States to share information: calls to increase its financial and technical resources; agrees with the analysis made by EC President SOTEU 2021 address that the EU needs to improve intelligence cooperation; welcomes the proposal to consider setting up an EU Joint Situational Awareness Centre, a crucial tool to improve strategic foresight and the EU strategic autonomy; calls for exploring the possibilities to set up an EU intelligence agency;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that the Union is currently deploying 11 civilian missions and six military missions and operations; recalls that only three of the military missions are executive missions; notes that these missions and operations are suffering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited their effectiveness; suggests that the budget, planning and equipment of EU CSDP missions and operations be assessed in the light of the lessons learnt from COVID-19;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the need for strategic reform in the Sahel considering the cyclical nature of the conflicts in the region, emphasises on a more political engagement with the governments supported by the EU to ensure more transparency, combat corruption, cultivate inclusivity and engage with citizens in an effort to curb the explosion of armed and ethnic conflicts;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Deplores the actions of the coup leaders in Mali; is deeply concerned at the lack of essential state services in Mali and in the Sahel in general; expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating security in the region; notes the announcement of the reorganisation of French military action in the Sahel, in conjunction with ouwhich will have implications for international, European and African partners; welcomes the increasing involvement of European Member States’ armed forces in the Takuba Task Force; welcomes the adaptation of the new extended mandate of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) to the regionalisation process; calls on the Member States to make a significant contribution to EUTM Mali’s advisory activities;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, EUCAP and EUTM Somalia form a coherent whole supporting the Union’s Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa; welcomes the crucial role played by Operation ATALANTA in the fight against piracy and trafficking in the Horn of Africa, thereby successfully protecting World Programme Vessels; underlines the importance of the security- development-humanitarian nexus; calls on Member States to provide EUNAVFOR with the necessary assets to perform its crucial mandate;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the strategic importance for European interests ofof the Mozambique Channel; points to the need to consider enlarging the area of operation of EUNAVFOR Atalanta to the Mozambique Channel; welcomes the commitment of the Member States and the VP/HR to respond to the growing terrorist threat in the area; notwelcomes the forthcoming establishment of an EUTM;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines the importance for the Union of sustainable stability, human security and prosperity in its neighbourhood;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the renewal of the Althea mission in 2020 and the refocusing of its mandate in support of the Bosnia- Herzegovina authorities in an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment; and the stability of the country; Recognises the important cooperation between the EU and NATO in the Western Balkans, notably through EUFOR Althea mission, which operation HQ is located at SHAPE thanks to the Berlin Plus Arrangement;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes with satisfaction the results of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia); approves its extension for a period of two years; stresses the need for further reflection on CSDP commitments in the area; is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the regionoccupied territories of Georgia; denounces illegal detentions and kidnappings of Georgian citizens and the increased ‘borderisation’ activities along the Administrative Boundary Line;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes with satisfaction the results of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia); approves its extension for a period of two years; stresses the need for further reflection on CSDP commitments in the area; is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the region; denounces the increased ‘borderisation’ activities along the Administrative Boundary Line;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Strongly condemns Russia’s illegal occupation and militarization of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, that pose a serious threat to the EaP region and the entire Europe; urges the EU to keep demanding Russia to engage constructively in the Geneva International Discussions and to fulfil its obligations under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow the EU Monitoring Mission unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes that the Russian Federation military forces are still occupying large parts of Ukraine and Georgia in violation of international law; express concerns about Russia’s role in destabilising peace and security in the Eastern Partnership region; denounces the presence of Russian private military and security companies in African countries;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Encourages the EU to strengthen its engagement in peaceful conflict resolution throughout the EaP region; reiterates its call for the EU to ensure that the security dimension of the EaP countries is properly reflected in the EU Strategic Compass and consider launching a series of security compacts – frameworks for increased investment and assistance in security, military, intelligence and cyber cooperation – with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as Associated countries, in order to strengthen their resilience and security;
Amendment 220 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the launch of the CSDP operation in the Mediterranean, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI; stresses its key role whose core task ins the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2526 (2020); deplores the fact that, in 2020, it encountered many refusals to allow inspections; calls for a transparent communication from the European External Action Service (EEAS) on this issue; laments the fact that NATO, which is active in the area through Operation Sea Guardian, is unwilling to cooperateunderlines the need for effective collaboration, increased cohesion and sharing of information and resources with NATO's Operation Sea Guardian;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is deeply concerned about the low force generation for operations and missions, and urges the Member States to address this matter as soon as possible and give CSDP missions and operations the necessary personnel and capabilities to fulfil their mandates; considers that third- country participation in CSDP operations and missions must always be in line with European interests and values; calls on the EU to provide staff in missions and operations with appropriate equipment and training to become more alert and more resilient under less permissive conditions;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the need for all the missions and in particular the military missions to have sunset provisions working with locals to build capacity within reasonable time with a view to allow a sustainable exit;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Calls for a more systematic implementation of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security(WPS) and of UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS), and for a strengthening of the EU’s WPS and YPS agenda; calls for meaningful gender mainstreaming in the formulation of the EU CSDP, notably via a better gender balance in the personnel and leadership of CSDP missions and operations and specific training of the personnel deployed;
Amendment 274 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Amendment 287 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Is of the view that the valuable contribution of the armed forces during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of the use of Member States’ military assets and capabilities in support of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; encourages the setting up of an EU emergency military unit, aimed at facilitating the cross-border use of military logistical capabilities to face emergencies, in order to allow for greater coordination, synergy and solidarity, in assistance to civil support operations;
Amendment 305 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Supports the ambitionHR/VP proposal of creating a ‘rapid entry force’; recalls the existence of battlegroups and the need to make them credible by conducting regular field exercises; deplores the Member States’ lack of commitment to the battlegroups; criticises the fact that only one, led by Italy, is operational in 2021; laments thereof the weakness of the planning for 2022 and 2023;
Amendment 321 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the establishment of the European Peace Facility (EPF) in 2020 and calls for it to be made operational swiftly with full respect for the Common Position, for Human rights and humanitarian law, and with effective transparency provisions; stresses that the requisite equipment and training must be delivered in the relevant theatres of operation; undertakes to ensure coherence and complementarity between CSDP missions and operations, the Union’s financial instruments (NDICI) and the EPF;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to count with its own instruments to be able to react rapidly and effectively; considers that the EU should establish a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign affairs and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls for the establishment of an “EU intelligence service” with intelligence collection powers to provide itself with its own, credible and first-hand information, so the Union can autonomously make its own effective and swift decisions on possible external threats to the EU, as well as to better protect its interests worldwide;
Amendment 330 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the Climate Change and Defence Roadmap which sets concrete actions addressing the growingly relevant climate/security nexus;
Amendment 364 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Condemns the malicious acts committed against Member States; insists that the Union and the Member States react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious, illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the Union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the Union and its Member States; welcomes therefore the 2021 SOTEU announcement to set up a European cyber defence policy; welcomes the increased cooperation among Member States in the domain of cyber defence in the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), including Cyber Rapid Response Teams; recalls that the successful implementation of EU missions and operations is increasingly dependent on uninterrupted access to a secure cyberspace, and thus requires robust and resilient cyber operational capabilities, as well as adequate responses to attacks against military installations, missions and operations; calls for increased EU coordination as regards establishing collective attribution for malicious cyber incidents;
Amendment 375 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Amendment 381 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. considers large-scale disinformation campaigns as a form of hybrid warfare; calls to have a wide-range EU disinformation toolbox, which would not only focus on enhancing Member States’ and stakeholders’ resilience to disinformation, put mandatary requirements onto social platforms and allow citizens’ to make informed decisions, but would also improve the EU’s ability to source and attribute massive disinformation and to sanction State and non-State actors launching it ;
Amendment 387 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls for the creation of a dedicated strategic autonomy Fund, to help build a stronger and more competitive European defence and security ecosystem and to streamline and further incentivize investments in critical sectors, such as cyber;
Amendment 396 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Union to develop a space defence strategy, which is essential for its strategic autonomy in space, in the areas of communication, navigation and intelligence; encourages the Union to improve its situational awareness and geo- intelligence support; stresses the importance of the Union having its own launchers; insists that the Union should lead the way in strengthening the increasingly contested area of international space law and to strive to prevent the weaponisation of space;
Amendment 404 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes the important work conducted by EU SatCen and underlines that the Union must have adequate resources in the fields of space imagery and intelligence-gathering, stresses that EU SatCen should benefit from structural Union funding to be able to maintain its contributions to the Union’s actions, notably in order to provide high- resolution satellite imaging in support of CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 419 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls for existing Union instruments to be made operational so that they can contribute more effectively to preventing and countering hybrid threats and to protecting critical infrastructure and the functioning of our democratic institutions, as well as securing our supply chains;
Amendment 430 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that the pandemic has exposed our vulnerabilities and; Notes that the EU did not have the full capacities and capabilities to ensure the safe and coordinated evacuation of its citizens from Afghanistan; calls, therefore, for a reduction in Europe’s strategic dependencies;
Amendment 448 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. LUnderlines that adequate levels of financial resources, personnel and assets are essential in order to ensure that the Union has the strength and the ability to promote peace and security within its borders and in the World; laments the reduction in the amount of the EDF under the MFF, which makes coherence between Union defence initiatives even more necessary; stresses, in this regard, the role of the European Defence Agency (EDA);
Amendment 469 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Recalls that third-country participation in individual PESCO projects must be decided on a case-by-case basis, when in the strategic interest of the Union, particularly when it comes to the provision of technical expertise or additional capabilities; welcomes the initial stages of military mobility and calls for subsequent stages to be implemented swiftly; approvwelcomes the participation of the United States, Norway and Canada in the military mobility project;
Amendment 485 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses that the EDF must promote the build-up of European industrial sectors and European champions, and foster the competitiveness of SMEs, with multiannual programming, and take advantage of civilian-defence synergies;
Amendment 492 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 – introductory part
Paragraph 38 – introductory part
38. Welcomes the fact that the PESCO strategic review has led to a reduction and more focus in the number of projects and an increase in its political monitoring; laments the fact that Parliament has been excluded from the monitoring of its implementation; considers that the Strategic Compass should aim to:
Amendment 509 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 – indent 4
Paragraph 38 – indent 4
- focus on a small number of projects which are consistent with CSDP objectives, are operational and provide European added value, while respecting the inclusiveness nature of PESCO;
Amendment 515 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Stresses that the digital sector is an area of opportunity but also of significant threat of malicious action against our security and democracies (by state and non-state actors, and erasing the lines laid down in the law of armed conflict), and that it transcends borders; calls for particular attention to be paid to the impact of emerging technologies so as to ensure that they are applied and used throughout the Union, facilitate research and innovation and enhance the Union’s resilience, keeping in mind the need to control their use; calls for the EU to take the lead in global efforts to set up a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development and use of AI- enabled weapons; calls on the VP/HR, the Member States and the European Council to adopt a joint position on autonomous weapons systems that ensures meaningful human control over the critical functions of weapons systems; insists on the start of international negotiations on a legally binding instrument that would prohibit fully autonomous weapons;
Amendment 536 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10
Subheading 10
Building stronger defence partnerships and supporting the autonomyresilience of partner countries
Amendment 537 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 11
Subheading 11
Defending multilateralism on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation
Amendment 539 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls for support to be given to strengthening and preserving the conventional arms control architecture in Europe, in a context of gradual erosion marked by Russia’s withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies; calls for disarmament regimes and forums to be actively supported and strengthened in every aspect: universalisation, support for implementation, political and institutional support, and financial support; calls on the Union to pay particular attention to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risk, with particular emphasis on the prohibition regime and conventional obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the fight against impunity; welcomes the extension of the New START Treaty and laments the end of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF); reaffirms its full support for the EU and its Member States’ commitment to the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament regime; reiterates its calls for the adoption of concrete and effective measures during the 10thNPT Review Conference; insists on the need to ensure that the EU plays a strong and constructive role in developing and reinforcing the global rules-based non-proliferation efforts and arms control and disarmament architecture;
Amendment 551 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 12
Subheading 12
Strengthening dialogue, partnerships and cooperation on security and defence
Amendment 561 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Stresses that the Union should adopt a strategic approach to its partnerships based, in particular, on the defence of its interests and, strategic autonomy and values;
Amendment 579 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Regrets the little consultation and information of EU Allies on the Afghanistan withdrawal and on the AUKUS trilateral security pact; underlines these remind the EU once more of the urgent need to deliver on EU defence in order to ensure the EU ability to be a global player for peace;
Amendment 594 #
2021/2183(INI)
43. Calls for a stronger NATO supported by a stronger European Union, and wishes to see very tangible development in the EU-NATO partnership; calls, in this context, for NATO’s new strategic concept to be coherent with the EU’s Strategic Compass; expects the new EU-NATO Joint Declaration by the end of 2021;
Amendment 607 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for even deeper cooperation with international organisations and in particular with the UN, including between CSDP missions and peacekeeping operations, especially on joint theatres; stresses the importance of cooperation with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the area of security;
Amendment 613 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Calls for closer relations with non- traditional partners in the Indo-Pacific region (India, Japan, Australia), and in specific policy sectors (cybersecurity, hybrid, maritime, arms control, etc.), and with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with Latin American countries;
Amendment 635 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Laments the absence of a security and defence cooperation partnership between the UK and the EU on account of the British Government’s lack of interest, despite the assurances given in the political declaration; calls for a stronger partnership to be built with relevant African organisations, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and G5 SahelSouthern African Development Committee (SADC) and G5 Sahel also promoting a strengthened Parliamentary role in Africa through the Pan-African Parliament;
Amendment 645 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Calls for cooperation on training and capacity building with third countries weakened by conflicts or regional threats or targeted by malicious foreign interferences, especially in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions;
Amendment 652 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. urges the EU to enhance its institutional capacities for conflict prevention and mediation;
Amendment 653 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47b. Recognises the role of increased flow of illicit finances in tax havens and the risk they pose on increased militarisation and financing terrorist activities, worsening global instability; calls for more actions in curbing money laundering, and capacitating partners, especially in Africa and Latin America, with mechanisms to curb murky financial transactions including engagement of authorities in tax havens;
Amendment 661 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Calls on citizens to express their expectations as regards the CSDP architecture, peace, defence, security agenda and the role of the EU in the World in the course of the Conference on the Future of Europe; calls for the establishment of a fully-fledged Security and Defence Committee in the European Parliament and for the formalisation of an EU Council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 668 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Points out that Parliament should be consulted in advance and duly informed on the planning, modification and possibility of ending CSDP missions; is determined to play its full role in scrutinising the Global Europe instrument, in particular its peace and security dimension, and in the implementation of the EDF;
Amendment 675 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Paragraph 51 a (new)
51a. Stresses the need to develop ever- closer cooperation on CSDP matters with national parliaments in order to reinforce accountability and scrutiny and defence diplomacy;
Amendment 676 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 b (new)
Paragraph 51 b (new)
51b. Underlines the importance of improving the tools available to civil society in order to ensure its meaningful involvement in the formulation and oversight of defence policy;
Amendment 677 #
2021/2183(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 c (new)
Paragraph 51 c (new)
51c. Commends the vision and proposals the HR/VP put forward for EU defence and demands EU Member States to show the necessary political will to deliver on our joint level of ambition;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective meansuse fully and effectively the means at its disposal to fulfil this role;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and multidimensional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, and the still unfolding humanitarian emergency, have accelerntuated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSPthe need for the EU to be able to autonomously set its own strategic objectives and develop capabilities to pursue them;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a number of multidimensional challenges exacerbated in the recent years, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the questioning of arms control agreements, climate change, pandemics, financial crimes, the aggravation of regional conflicts that have generated population displacements, competition for natural resources, the energy and water scarcity, failed states, terrorism, organized transnational crime, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, among others;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the world has entered in a new era of "unpeace", a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty with multiplying regional conflicts and great power competition that have significant implications for the EU security;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU needs to act on the global stage with one coherent voice rooted in a common strategic culture to develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values, social fairnessjustice, fundamental rights including gender equality and its vision for a sustainable future;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
- taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities, and in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the world,
Amendment 61 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers, including the complete development of its own instruments,
Amendment 62 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft power instruments,
Amendment 68 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
- achieving European sovereignty by intercoherently linking the EU’s external actionnd internal policies, such as trade, JHA, aid, development cooperation, and security to its overall foreign policy goals,
Amendment 72 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
- further developing regional strategies, including ondiplomatic and economic engagement and security cooperation,
Amendment 77 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
- strengthening democratic oversight, accountability and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities and in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the world
Amendment 91 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations; calls on Member States and governments worldwide to attribute more competences, resources and capacity of intervention to UN bodies;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations improving their effectiveness;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between like-minded democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisations; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach to, but also anti-democratic actors within the democratic societies; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should effectively counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EU to develop its toolbox for countering foreign interference and influence operations, including new instruments that allow imposing costs on perpetrators, as well as strengthening the EEAS strategic communication activities and taskforces; welcomes the ongoing revision process of the Code of Practice on disinformation as a tool for countering disinformation in the context of the coronavirus crisis, vaccination and foreign interference;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is deeply concerned by the continuous democratic backsliding and human rights setbacks in an increasing number of third countries; deplores current attacks on human rights, particularly with regard to political rights and electoral integrity, such as the excessive use of violence performed by public authorities, the misuse of administrative resources by governing parties, clampdowns on political opponents, censorship and threats to independent media, or the misuse of surveillance technology, among others; urges the EU to enhance its promotion of “democratic resilience” and to take concrete and effective actions on promoting human rights, democratic values and free and fair elections worldwide;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Condemns the continuous breakaway of authoritarian and illiberal regimes from the path of mature democracies, creating a false impression of legitimacy through fake electoral processes; reaffirms the importance of the EU’s continuous support to electoral processes in the world by means of election observations missions, among others, and recalls the fundamental role of the Parliament in this regard; stresses that it is of utmost importance to provide domestic electoral observers with the highest level of protection; calls the EU to further strengthen its cooperation on election observation with all relevant partners such as the OSCE, the CoE and the endorsing organisations of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights the need for the EU to defend and promote democracy globally by leading by example, including by ensuring strict compliance with the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law in all EU Member States, at a time when democracy is being increasingly challenged by authoritarian actors both inside and outside the EU;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti- corruption sanctions regime, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded; recalls the political nature of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which is part of an integrated and comprehensive policy approach of the Union; stresses that the application of the EU’s toolbox on foreign affairs and human rights issues can be combined and complementary, thus the application of one tool does not prevent or exclude the adoption of others;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls the EU's Gender Action Plan III, which reflects that women and girls with disabilities, of minority groups, migrant women and girls and LGBTIQ persons are among those most particularly at risk; urges to further strengthen efforts in particular on gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQ persons in its human rights policies, in order to fully implement the external dimension of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and the Council's LGBTI Guidelines;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the need to consolidate the European Union as an influential global actor that invests in conflict prevention and mediation, and a leading actor in the promotion and implementation of peace at the international level;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to develop a robust global health strategy, including global and EU efforts to ensure preparedness and an effective response to upcoming crises and to secure fair and equitable access to vaccines around the world; welcomes the EU - US partnership on to the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU to develop global partnerships for the establishment of norms and standards on a rules-based, ethical use of technologies, in particular as regards artificial intelligence; ensuring the respect for international and humanitarian law addressing conflicts with fundamental rights;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers, including the complete development of its own instruments
Amendment 194 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines that the EU's foreign policy is mature enough to have its own instruments on foreign affairs, human rights, and security and defence; calls in this view on the EU to begin a process of decoupling from the use of Member States’ traditional instruments in this regard and to keep moving forward to fully autonomous EU’s instruments as forenamed, specially to its autonomous European Diplomacy;
Amendment 198 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; thereforestresses the urgency for the EU to set up a mechanism of automatic exchange of information and intelligence between Member States and the EU on foreign affairs and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls the EU to establish an own “EU intelligence service” with information collection powers and which can provide the Union with its own, reliable and direct information in order to be able to autonomously make decisions on the forenamed challenge and to better protect its interest abroad; welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and independently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoingdevelopment of the Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence towards achieving strategic autonomy; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sancttatements on international human rights issues, introduction and implementation of sanctions and all decisions regarding civilian CSDP missions; stresses that the use of Article 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act on a broad range of foreign policy issues;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sanctions; stresses that the use of Articles 31 and 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council, in view of an integrated approach to conflicts and crisis; recalls that the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe provides a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals in this respect;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Stresses that the Union's own instruments as prior mentioned should include the creation of an European Diplomatic Academy, where EU diplomats are prepared as such from the very beginning and converge on common EU values and interests, moving towards a true esprit de corps determined by a common diplomatic culture from an European perspective: calls for the full implementation of the Pilot Project “Towards the creation of an European Diplomatic Academy”, which can pave the way for setting up the forenamed Academy as explained above and which should include establishing a selection process for entry into the EEAS and EU Delegations;
Amendment 233 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Highlights that culture has become a useful diplomatic tool and a fundamental part of the EU’s soft power; underlines that culture has a major potential to promote EU values and to fulfil its objectives worldwide, and that European culture should be an integral part of the EU’s external action; calls for the EU to include the New European Bauhaus as a new instrument in the EU’s external action toolbox by creating all- inclusive European Bauhaus’ ateliers in third countries, which can perform as focal points between the EU and third countries’ civil society, contributing to the promotion of EU values and interests; calls for a closer coordination between Member States’ cultural diplomacy institutes and EUNIC;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets thatCalls on the EEAS and the Council have not yet taken anyto take steps to review the scope and mandates for the EU Special Representatives and Special Envoys and to ensure greater transparency and visibility of their work, as requested by Parliament in its recommendation of 13 March 20191 ; _________________ 1European Parliament recommendation of 13 March 2019 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the scope and mandate for EU Special Representatives, OJ C 23, 21.1.2021, p. 146.
Amendment 248 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Achieving European sovereignty by interlinking the EU’s external actions and internal policies
Amendment 257 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the EU to ensuredevelop its strategic sovereigntautonomy in specific areas that are fundamental to the Union’s existcontinued pre-eminence on the global scene, such as economics, security and technology,promotion of EU values, fundamental rights, equitable trade, security and technology, social justice, green and digital transition and to establish a European Defence Union;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Highlights the importance of reinforcing and guaranteeing cooperation in intelligence matters in the EU, given that terrorism continues to be a threat to our European values and security and requires a multidimensional approach that involves border, police and judicial authorities, and intelligence of all Member States, as well as third states, as well as inclusive long-term policies that address the root causes of terrorism; calls for starting the necessary works to develop full and autonomous intelligence capacities for the EU;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labour between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presentIs concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; takes note of the recent resumption of dialogue between the EU and Turkey on different areas of common interests and amidst lower tensions in our relations; deplores, however, the lack of progress in the long- deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey which continues to be the main obstacle to advance on any positive agenda that could be offered to the country; insists in its call on Turkish authorities to prove the sincerity of their commitment to closer relations and alignment with the European Union through specific actions and reforms concerning fundamental freedoms and rule of law, including by abiding with ECtHR rulings on the cases of Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş; recalls, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, keeping the country as closely anchored byto the VP/HREU as possible;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process, with a focusand for opening of the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia without further delay; calls to refrain from jeopardizing the integrity and credibility of the process; emphasizing that the enlargement process should be based on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s and other external actors’ direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Expresses deep concern about the situation in Belarus; calls for continued EU efforts to maximize pressure through the strictest and broadest possible sanctions and continued international coordination aimed at the enhanced isolation of the Belarusian dictator and his regime;
Amendment 366 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States to play a more pro-active role in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, notably by pressing Azerbaijan and Armenia to address post-war issues, including the demarcation of borders and release of all remaining prisoners of war; reminds that the OSCE Minsk Group remains the only internationally recognized format for the resolution of this conflict, on the basis of the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination and equal rights, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, and calls for its swift return to its mediating role;
Amendment 379 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Supports the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the state of Israel and the state of Palestine living side-by-side together in peace, security, and mutual recognition along the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as capital of both states; calls, in this spirit, for the resumption of genuine peace efforts aimed at achieving tangible results between both sides with the support of the international community; calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence and incitement to hatred, and for full respect for international law by all actors involved in the conflict; calls for an end to unilateral actions which undermine the viability of the two-state solution on the ground, in particular the building of Israeli settlements and the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem; emphasises the importance of Palestinian elections for restoring the democratic legitimacy of and popular support for political institutions in Palestine; commends UNRWA for the essential services it provides to Palestine refugees across the Middle East and calls for continued international and EU support for the Agency; calls for a political solution for ending the blockade of and easing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, along the necessary security guarantees to prevent violence against Israel;
Amendment 393 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; deplores the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recalls, however, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible mannerreas of common interests, keeping the country as closely anchored to the EU as possible;
Amendment 410 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepared to reflect on how to adapt todevelop capabilities to act autonomously in pursuit of its foreign policy goals, given the changing role of the US on the global stage;
Amendment 425 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises that the EU’s relations with Africa are of utmost importance and that this relationship with our ‘sister continent’ should reflect a common destiny and focus on creating a credible perspective in particular for the newest generations; welcomes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’3 ; calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to deepen discussions with the EU’s African partners in order to prepare for a successful EU- African Union Summit; _________________ 3 JOIN(2020)0004.
Amendment 430 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Welcomes the conclusion of Post- Cotonou Agreement, in April 2021, and strengthening our links with OACPS countries and cooperation in multilateral forums on sustainable development agenda and climate action;
Amendment 442 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressingincluding through electoral interference, disinformation campaigns and support for the far right parties, and raise the cost for the Russian authorities of the repression of its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society;
Amendment 463 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates, as underlined in its resolution of 16 September 2021 on a new EU-China strategy4 , its call for the EU to develop a more assertive, comprehensive, and consistent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EU as a whole; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EU values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible, competing where needed, and confronting where necessary; strongly advocates for Taiwan’s full participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international organisations; deplores the deterioration of among others civil and democratic freedoms and free press in Hong Kong and Macau; reinforces its commitment to the targeted sanctions under the EU Human Rights Global Sanction Regime against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; reiterates its strong condemnation of the baseless and arbitrary sanctions imposed by the Chinese authorities on several European individuals and entities, including five MEPs; repeats its call on the Chinese government to lift these wholly unjustified restrictive measures; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0382.
Amendment 475 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf region; calls for the EU to present a coherent strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation as a key strategic objective; reiteranotes that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of security for Europe and thesuch engagement should strive to build synergies with the efforts of the regional players, such as the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, including through an increased EU support for Track II dialogue initiatives involving academics, civil society, religionus leaders and othe only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activitier actors; is encouraged by the de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and calls on both countries to swiftly conclude the process of re- establishing full diplomatic relations;
Amendment 482 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Reiterates that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of regional security and non-proliferation and the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities; insists that the path towards the revival of the JCPOA lies through the lifting of all JCPOA-related U.S. sanctions which should go hand in hand with Iran’s full return to its obligations under the JCPOA; commends the role of the HR/VP for Foreign and Security Policy and EEAS in mediating between the U.S. and Iran in efforts to revive the JCPOA;
Amendment 489 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deployreassess its external actions and means and its approach to nation-building abroad; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistan to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, professions linked with Afghan civil society, human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, academics, artists and other groups at risk, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability; emphasizes the need for the EU to conduct a thorough scrutiny of its engagement in Afghanistan since 2002, with a view of applying the lessons learned to present and future missions;
Amendment 506 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Highlights India’s rising regional and geopolitical influence; underlines that increased political engagement is required to reinforce the EU-India partnership and unleash the full potential of the bilateral relations; reiterates the need for a deeper partnership which should be based on shared values and full respect for human rights;
Amendment 512 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for special attention to be paid totepping up and enhancing cooperation with our partners in Latin America; believes that a strengthened relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is central to the EU’s geopolitical strategy in the world; stresses the need for the Union to strengthen the ties that unite the EU with LAC countries, particularly in defending the rules-based multilateral order; calls for the EU to use all available tools to deepen its cooperation with LAC partners, ensure the swift ratification of the EU-Mexico agreement, deliver on the sustainable and environmental protocol with Mercosur so that the EU association agreement with Mercosur can be ratified, and conclude the negotiations for updating the EU association agreement with Chile; urges the EU to recover its position as the preferred partner of Latin American countries in view of other geopolitical actors occupying increasing space in the region, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine diplomacy;
Amendment 519 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. WelcomesCalls for a full use of the increased involvement of the European Parliament in the programming of Global Europe and IPA III as well as the introduction of a biannual High-Level Geopolitical Dialogue as a critical tool to not only scrutinize, but also actively shape the EU foreign policy priorities;
Amendment 525 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Reminds the Council to keepof the right of the Parliament to be informed about all the stages of the procedures connected to negotiations and conclusions of the international agreements and its prerogative to grant or to withhold consent to such agreements; is determined to use these powers, as defined in the Treaties, in order to ensure transparency and democratic oversight over the international agreements negotiated on behalf of the EU, as well as the implementation of the European Peace Facility, as pointed out in its recommendation of 28 March 20195 , including as regards its complementarity with other EU instruments in the field of external action; _________________ 5European Parliament recommendation of 28 March 2019 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the Proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility, OJ C 108, 26.3.2021, p. 141.
Amendment 526 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Is concerned by the growing number of actors at EU level with regard to the implementation of EU foreign policy and external action as, if not correctly managed and coordinated, it can bring confusion among our partners, harm the necessary unity of action and severely deteriorate our effectiveness and image in the world; believes that all EU actors dealing with EU foreign policy should be subject to the control of the Parliament in order to ensure democratic accountability of their actions;
Amendment 527 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Underlines the importance of the Parliamentary Assemblies as spaces for cooperation and institutional dialogue and their valuable contribution to European foreign action also in matters of security, as well as the need to promote their activity and guarantee their correct functioning and development;
Amendment 528 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 b (new)
Paragraph 42 b (new)
42 b. Calls to strengthen the European Parliament’s oversight of EU Delegation’s work in representing EU values and principles abroad and seeking the fulfilment of EU interests without disregarding the human rights approach; highlights the need for EU Delegations to have all the necessary and appropriate resources and capabilities to act effectively in these tasks;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Declaration on human rights defenders, adopted by consensus on 10 December 1998,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the UN SR Report on the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the digital age (A/HRC/41/41, 2019),
Amendment 7 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the info note of the UN Special Rapporteur Annalisa Ciampi on strategic litigation against public participations and rights to freedom of assembly and association,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 c (new)
Citation 13 c (new)
— having regard to the UN report on the adverse effect of the surveillance industry on freedom of expression (A/HRC/41/35,2019),
Amendment 11 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights ‘Human Rights Comment: Time to take action against SLAPPs’ issued on 27 October 2020,
Amendment 27 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 12 September 2012 ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe's engagement with Civil Society in external relations’ (COM (2012) 0492),
Amendment 28 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 b (new)
Citation 18 b (new)
— having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 8 April 2020 on the Global EU response to COVID-19,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2018 on violation of the rights of indigenous peoples in the world, including land grabbing,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 b (new)
Citation 23 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2021 on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability (2020/2129(INL)),
Amendment 32 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 c (new)
Citation 23 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 19 May 2021 on the effects of climate change on human rights and the role of environmental defenders on this matter (2020/2134(INI)),
Amendment 33 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 d (new)
Citation 23 d (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2020 on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy (2019/2167(INI)),
Amendment 37 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 November 2015 on the EU’s support to transitional justice,
Amendment 38 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regard to the EU’s Policy Framework on support to transitional justice,
Amendment 39 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as set out in Article 2 of the TEU; whereas no one shall be persecuted or harassed in any way for their involvement in activities to protect human rights or democracy; whereas silencing dissenting voices and curbing public participation and access to information have a direct impact on human rights and democracy;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 44 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas EU’s policies and actions concerning Human Rights protection and promotion in the world should keep moving forward towards a more assertive, decisive and effective action, employing all our instruments; whereas the EU should undertake an assessment of its Human Rights Toolbox with the aim of strengthening it and constantly explore the best ways for the EU to effectively act with concrete actions and employing the most adequate instruments to address Human Rights’ violations and abuses worldwide;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is extremely concerned by the challenges to human rights and democracy, resulting in the weakening of the protection of democratic institutions and of universal human rights, as well as the shrinking space for civil society, observed around the world; calls for the EU and its Member States to make stronger efforts to address the challenges to human rights, both individually and in cooperation with like- minded international partners; calls on the EU and its Members States to act a truly global leader in the promotion and the protection of human rights, gender equality, and the rule of law, and to strongly stand up against any attack to the principles of universality, inalienability, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of the human rights.
Amendment 69 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned by increasing number of illiberal democracies and autocratic regimes, which are in the majority for the first time in 20 years; calls for the EU and the Member States to make full use of the tools at their disposal to support good governance, rule of law, democratic institutions and enabling space for civil society worldwide;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the EU’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions, in which Parliament plays an active role; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for local electoral observers and calls for enquiring about possible EU action in this respect; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations, in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls Parliament’s political mediation tools, which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; calls for the EU to closely collaborate with domestic and international organizations such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organizations of the Declaration of Principles for international election observation;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the EU’s support to mediation and electoral processes through its assistance to domestic observers and through the election observations missions, in which Parliament plays an active role; stresses the importance of providing the highest level of protection for domestic electoral observers; highlights the need for effective follow-up to the missions’ reports and recommendations, in order to strengthen democratic standards and facilitate future peaceful democratic transitions in the countries concerned; recalls Parliament’s political mediation tools, which could be developed further to help in this overall approach; urges the EU to develop a closer and more ambitious international cooperation on election observation jointly with all relevant partners such as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the endorsing organisations of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls to strengthen the European Parliament’s overseeing of EU Delegation’s actions towards human rights violations and abuses in third countries and to take concrete and vigorous measures in case these cannot fulfil with their responsibilities in this regard; points out the need of guaranteeing that EU Delegations count with all necessary and appropriate resources and capabilities to act effectively concerning human rights issues in third countries;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the contribution of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) to defending and advancing human rights in the world; underlines the EUSR’s important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the EU’s human rights policies through engagement with third countries, cooperation with like-minded partners to advance the human rights agenda and increasing the internal and external coherence of the EU’s policies in the field;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the visibility and mandate of the EUSR’s role should be enhanced in order to have a meaningful impact on human rights; underlines that the EUSR has a flexible mandate which could be adapted to evolving circumstances; is of the opinion that the EUSR’s position could be made more effective by enhancing communication activities and developing a more public profile through, inter alia, the publication of public statements in support of human rights activists at risk, including Sakharov Prize laureates and finalists, and of human rights defenders imprisoned for long periods, thereby helping to protect their physical integrity and their essential work;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that all civil society actors, in particular independent civil society organisations, trade unions, community- led organisations and human rights defenders, have a vital role to play in the dialogues, in terms of providing input both to the dialogues and to evaluation of their outcomes; underlines that such organisations should therefore be consulted within the framework of official and informal dialogues, as well as exploratory talks; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to improve communication and transparency with regard to civil society organisations; to this end, calls on the EEAS and the Commission to appoint human rights focal points at the geographical divisions of their headquarters;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to maintain their vital support to the UN and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the UN and other multilateral forums; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger, inclusive and effective multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of UN bodies as the forum for advancing peace, conflict resolution and the protection of human rights, and welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Human Rights; calls to attribute more competences, resources and capacity of intervention to the UN bodies;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, an essential universal forum for international consensus-building on peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to maintain their vital support to the UN and to continue their efforts to speak with one voice in the UN and other multilateral forums; calls on Member States to make the EU’s foreign and security policy more effective by using the rule of qualified majority voting in the Council, especially in relation to human rights-related matters and for the adoption of sanctions; stresses that the challenges to the universal enjoyment of human rights call for even stronger multilateralism and international cooperation; highlights the vital role of UN bodies as the forum for advancing peace, conflict resolution and the protection of human rights, and welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Human Rights;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the UN’s bodies, in particular the Human Rights Council, and to obstruct the rules-based international order; strongly condemns all attacks against Special Procedure mandate holders and against the independence of their mandates; calls on the EU Member States and the EU’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; highlights the need for an adequate funding of all UN human rights bodies including the treaty bodies and calls on the UN Secretary- General to provide appropriate resources from the regular budget and on EU member states to increase their voluntary contributions; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since, according to the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, all states, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and the UN Human Rights Council should address situations of violations of human rights;
Amendment 127 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the increase in attempts to undermine the functioning of the UN’s bodies, in particular the Human Rights Council, and to obstruct the rules-based international order; urges to reinvigorate UN bodies and make them more capable of making decisions, ensuring also the consistency and agility of its implementation; calls on the EU Member States and the EU’s democratic partners to decisively counter these attempts and to strengthen their response to serious violations of international human rights; stresses that state sovereignty cannot be used as a pretext to avoid human rights monitoring by the international community since, according to the Founding Charter of the United Nations and UN General Assembly resolution 60/251, all states, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, have the duty and the responsibility to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and the UN Human Rights Council should address situations of violations of human rights;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Reiterates its call in favour of actions aimed at combating impunity and to promote accountability in countries where the dynamics of impunity reward those who bear the greatest responsibility and disempower victims, through the implementation of the Pilot Project on the European Observatory on Prevention, Accountability, and Combating Impunity, adopted by the EP and the Council, also by following the request in the previous Annual Reports on the human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recognises the important role played by human rights defenders in responding to COVID-19 by taking on a multitude of new roles in addition to their everyday human rights work, but also the significant and disproportionate risks they faced, particularly more marginalised human rights defenders; notes with concern that around the world, governments used the pandemic as a mean to specifically target human rights defenders by refusing to release imprisoned human rights defenders, prolonging their incommunicado detention, restricting prison visits to jailed human rights defenders, sentencing human rights defenders on trumped-up charges in closed-door hearings;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is seriously concerned at the precarious situation of human rights defenders and deplores the fact that they are the victims of increasing violence, including targeted killings; praises the important work undertaken by all human rights defenders around the world, sometimes at the highest of costs, and takes this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of all human rights defenders to the human rights movement; underlines the particularly severe situation, further aggravated by COVID-19, of female, environmental, labour, environmental and indigenous human rights defenders; deplores the increased use of techniques such as harassment, criminalisation and defamation campaigns, arbitrary arrests and unlimited detention in inhumane conditions used to silence human rights defenders, often on the basis of ill- defined terrorism charges; reiterates its call to EU Delegations and Member States’ embassies in third countries to regularly visit activists in prison, monitor their trials and advocate their access to justice and protection;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Deems urgent that a EU-wide scheme for issuing short-term visas for the temporary relocation of human rights defenders be implemented, in particular through the inclusion of instructions in the EU Visa Handbook and amending the legal instruments on visas, particularly the Visa Code; deplores the little progress on this issue over the past year and alerts that the current situation in Afghanistan must be a wake-up call on the need to urgently revisit, in a meaningful way, a more coordinated EU policy regarding the issuing of emergency visas for human rights defenders;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8 a (new)
Subheading 8 a (new)
Freedoms of Expression, Peaceful Assembly and Association
Amendment 179 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses that recent findings, such as the NSO Pegasus scandal, confirm that spying of human rights defenders and journalists, among others, is extremely alarming, and seems to confirm the dangers in the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine human rights; calls for promoting a safe and open space and building the capacity of CSOs, NGOs, HRDs, journalists and other concerned individuals to protect themselves from government cyber surveillance and interference, and promote stronger national and international regulation in this area;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Expresses its serious concern about the particular restrictions of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including the widespread use of counter-terrorism laws and policies to silence civil society and human rights defenders; reiterates the specific challenges to freedom of opinion and expression and their link to freedom of information, including access to independent and reliable information; condemns the raise of legal harassment and restrictive legislations as forms to silence critical voices such as through strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and criminalisation of defamation on and offline;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Amendment 182 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 d (new)
Paragraph 21 d (new)
21d. Condemns the increased misuse of legislative, police power or security measures to restrict the right to protest; calls to ensure the right of peaceful assembly is protected online and offline, especially when those who assemble protests are voices of dissent;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the interdependence between human rights, a healthy environment biodiversity and combating climate change, and welcomes the UN’s call for global recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; underlines the vital role played by environmental human rights defenders and local and indigenous populations in preserving such an environment, despite the threats of violence that they often face from those responsible for, and profiting from, environmentally harmful practices; encourages the EU and the Member States to promote the recognition of ecocide as an international crime under the Rome Statute of the ICC, and requests that the Commission study the relevance of ecocide to EU law and EU diplomacy; recommends that the scope of the serious human rights violations covered by the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime be extended to include environmental crimes;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that indigenous peoples have often been the first victims of deforestation, which endangers their rights to land, among other rights, and access to vital resources; underlines, in this regard, the right to determine and establish priorities and strategies for their self-development and for the use of their lands, territories and other resources; recalls that impunity for violations of the rights of indigenous peoples is a driving force in deforestation and therefore deems accountability for these violations to be essential;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Reiterates its call on the Union and its Member States to strengthen the linkage between human rights and the environment throughout their external action, and to use all instruments at their disposal to effectively support and protect human and environmental rights defenders;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Reminds that child rights have no boundaries and calls for a systematic and coherent approach to promote and defend children’s rights inside and outside Europe, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the 2030 Agenda;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls on the EU to mainstream children’s rights and children protection in all EU external policy, including in the context of Human Rights Dialogues, international and trade agreements, the Instrument of Pre-accession (IPA III) and the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI);
Amendment 237 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Calls for the setting up of a mechanism to track all the EU interventions that are relevant for children, including those in non-social sectors such as trade, digital, environment, and security, to ensure that a do-no-harm approach to child rights is fully implemented;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, persecution and killings linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more the profoundly disproportionate impact of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; welcomes the launch of the EU’s anti-racism action plan 2020– 2025, which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions, but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; calls on governments, regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders to redouble their efforts to effectively implement the Declaration and to develop and implement action plans to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its strong condemnation of discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, persecution and killings linked to race, ethnicity, nationality, social class, disability, caste, religion, belief, age, sexual orientation and gender identity that continue to be a major problem in many countries; welcomes the launch of the EU’s anti-racism action plan 2020–2025, which recognises not only the individual and social dimensions, but also the structural nature of this phenomenon; stresses that in spite of 20 years of work since the signing of Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance continue to be a scourge around the world and calls for a zero-tolerance approach to them; calls the EU to organize a Global Anti-Racism Summit on combating global racism and discrimination in collaboration with like-minded partners and international organization such as the OSCE, UN, the African Union, the OAS and the CoE;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Regrets the fact that indigenous peoples continue to face widespread and systematic discrimination and persecution worldwide, including forced displacements, arbitrary arrests and the killing of human rights and land defenders; Reiterates the call for the EU, its Member States and their partners in the international community to adopt all necessary measures for the recognition, protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples, including to their language, lands, territories and resources; welcomes the work that civil society and NGOs are doing on these issues; recalls its decision to appoint a standing rapporteur on indigenous peoples within Parliament, with the objective of monitoring the human rights-related situation of indigenous peoples; calls on countries to ratify the provisions of ILO Convention 169 of 27 June 1989 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underlines the difficult situation, discrimination and threats to life faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people around the world; calls on the EU to play a leading role in defending the rights of LGBTIQ people in international fora, including working towards the decriminalisation of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) and the elimination of intersex genital mutilation (IGM), so-called “conversion therapy” and the forced sterilisation of trans people; welcomes the fact that the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020–2025 includes the EU’s commitment to include LGBTIQ issues in all its external policies, including support under the NDICI – Global Europe Instrument and Instrument for Pre-Accession funds;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Acknowledges that LGBTIQ+ rights defenders and sex worker rights defenders faced increased physical, economic, legal and psychological risks during COVID-19 as they took on additional emergency roles to protect their communities and as state responses to the pandemic have exacerbated existing systems of classed, gendered, raced and sexualized injustice; deplores the use of COVID-19 as an excuse to crackdown on LGBTIQ+ defenders around the world through conducting raids on human rights defenders homes, mass arrests at the offices of LGBTIQ+ rights organisations, eviction from family homes, closure of human rights defender- run medical clinics, sexual harassment and detention of transgender human rights defenders at security check points established to limit social movement, homophobic and transphobic defamation portraying LGBTIQ+ rights defenders as spreaders of COVID-19;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Fully supports the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to hold a belief, or not to believe, and the right to manifest and to change or leave one’s religion or belief without fear of violence, persecution, or discrimination; deplores the persecution suffered by minorities on the grounds of belief or religion in many places in the world; condemns the abuse of blasphemy laws to perpetuate discrimination and deplores the use of religion and religious institutions to the detriment of human rights through the persecution, including by legal means, of belief or religious minorities, women and LGBTIQ persons; reiterates its condemnation of any attempt by authorities or governments to deny or interfere in the choice of religious or belief leaders;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls on the Council, the Commission, EEAS and EU Member States to work with third countries for the adoption of measures to prevent and fight hate crime, and for the adoption of legislation that is fully compliant with international standards on the freedom of expression and the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Underlines the importance of civil society initiatives in ensuring the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, and in promoting a multi- layered holistic approach that encompass human rights, conflict resolution, development, and interfaith and interreligious initiatives;
Amendment 285 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 14 b (new)
Subheading 14 b (new)
Right to participate in free and fair elections
Amendment 286 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Underlines that the right to participate in the conduct of public affairs, particularly though elections, in addition to being a human right in itself, is intrinsically linked to a number of other human rights, the enjoyment of which are crucial to a meaningful electoral process, and are at the core of democratic governments;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Strongly condemns the loss of democratic values in several third countries and the cases of electoral integrity challenges throughout excessive violence performed by public authorities, the misuse of administrative resources by governing parties, clampdowns on political opponents, censorship and threats to independent media, increased disinformation, among other issues of equal concern; urges the EU to target and counter this extremely worrisome situation and come forward with concrete and effective proposals, reaffirming its willingness to take a leadership role on promoting human rights, democratic values and free and fair elections in third countries;
Amendment 288 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Deplores that authoritarian and illiberal regimes move away from the path of mature democracies, universal human rights and democratic standards, creating a false impression of legitimacy by means of fake electoral processes that are neither free nor fair or transparent; calls the EU and Member States to strengthen the Union’s promotion of “democratic resilience” in third countries with all the instruments at their disposal;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 d (new)
Paragraph 30 d (new)
30d. Calls to establish the protection of democratic and electoral processes as a main global human right concern, and for the development of an effective framework for responses to interferences of all nature in electoral processes, collaborating closely with international organizations such as the OSCE;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Considers that corruption also constitutes a major violation of human rights and that the EU and its Member States must address it as such in their external action by applying the highest transparency standards to their funding to third countries, as well as by supporting anti-corruption civil society organisations, journalists and whistle-blowers; reiterates its concern over the use of SLAPPs to silence journalists, activists, whistle- blowers and human rights defenders who investigate and expose corruption;
Amendment 295 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls for addressing the impunity for grand corruption as a priority because of its grave negative impact on human rights, including through the creation of a European Observatory on the fight against impunity;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Underlines the need to develop principles and work for an internationally recognised legal definition of grand corruption, including its systemic nature, as a crime in national and international law;
Amendment 297 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 c (new)
Paragraph 31 c (new)
Amendment 305 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act) as an essential addition to the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox, which strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; indicates that the application of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime does not prevent or exclude the adoption of other EU’s instruments for Human Rights’ protection, thus these can be combined and complementary; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the EU or other entities as a response to the EU’s decisions under the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act; regrets the fact that the Council has decided to apply unanimity instead of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;
Amendment 306 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the adoption of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act) as an essential addition to the EU’s human rights and foreign policy toolbox, which strengthens the EU’s role as a global human rights actor by allowing it to take restrictive measures against legal and natural persons involved in grave human rights violations in the world; condemns any arbitrary and unjustified retaliatory restrictive measures imposed on the EU or other entities as a response to the EU’s decisions under the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act; regrets the fact that the Council has decided to apply unanimity insteadvoting and reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting when adopting sanctions on human rights issues;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls for the extension of the scope of the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act to include acts of corruption in order to ensure the effective targeting of the economic and financial enablers of human rights abusers; stresses the need for an effective strategy to implement the EU GHRSR-EU Magnitsky Act, consistent both with the EU’s other external policies, in particular with its human rights policies, and with the existing international frameworks on sanctions, international criminal law and international humanitarian law; welcomes the Commission’s announcement that in 2021, it will conduct a review of practices undermining sanctions and of the existing reporting obligations for Member States on their implementation and enforcement;
Amendment 327 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants and refugee, refugees and forcibly displaced persons, and calls for the EU and its Member States to fully uphold them in their cooperation with third countries, both in terms of the establishment of high legal standards and, equally importantly, their operationalisation in order to ensure the effective protection of these rights in practice; recalls that the EU and its Member States, in their external and extraterritorial actions, agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration, borders and asylum, shall respect and protect human rights, notably those enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the right to asylum, notably the individual assessment of asylum applications; reiterates its call on the Commission to carry out a review of the human rights impact of migration policy frameworks and of the EU’s cooperation on migration with third countries; underlines the risks related to informal arrangements on return and readmission, which are not subject to judicial scrutiny and therefore do not allow for effective redress for human rights violations suffered by migrants and asylum seekers; reiterates its call on the Commission to ensure a transparent ex ante risk assessments, performed by independent EU-bodies and experts on the impact of any formal, informal or financial EU cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants, refugees, and forcibly displaced persons;
Amendment 339 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Calls on partner countries and international organisations for the implementation of legal frameworks and to increase the efforts of reinforced cooperation on what relates to migrant smuggling, ensuring the protection of migrants and the prevention of exploitation of migrants; recalls in this regard that state smuggling of migrants should also be sanctioned;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Reiterates its call for the establishment of a coordinated European approach in order to support and ensure a prompt and effective identification processes of those who died on their way to the EU;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Reiterates that the EU and its Member States should actively support the UN Secretary-General’s and UN Security Council’s appeal for a global ceasefire, including through effective measures against illicit arms trade and enhancing the transparency and accountability of Member States' arms exports; deplores the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have increased political violence, intensified competition between armed groups and exacerbated long-simmering tensions, while leaving victims more unprotected; expresses grave concern about the increase in conflict- related sexual violence in this context, despite 2020 being the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security;
Amendment 350 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Stresses the multi-faceted threat to the enjoyment of human rights brought about by modern armed conflicts, which, in addition to states, often involve non-state agents and terrorist organisations; reiterates its call for the EU to strengthen its response to conflicts, for which the Union should fully develop and be able to autonomously implement its own instruments, also in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations, including a strong focus on conflict prevention, mediation and good offices efforts, addressing the root causes of the conflicts, humanitarian aid, providing the necessary support to the international peacebuilding and peacekeeping missions, as well as EU missions in the framework of the common security and defence policy, and post- conflict reconstruction operations supporting and applying strong integration and scrutiny of human rights and a robust gender perspective;
Amendment 362 #
Amendment 363 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Calls for the promotion transitional justice processes that empower civil society, victims, marginalised and vulnerable populations, women, children and youth, rural and urban residents; encourages the creation of links between permanent structures such as national justice systems and national institutions or networks for atrocity prevention and transitional justice's initiatives; stresses the need to provide the tools, space and access to information to victims and affected communities.
Amendment 364 #
Amendment 367 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Emphasises that the EU has a unique opportunity to exert leverage on businesses to uphold human rights at global level with the upcoming EU binding legislation on corporate due diligence and corporate accountability, obliging companies to prevent, identify, communicate, account for and effective remedy potential and/or actual adverse impacts on human rights, the environment and good governance inthroughout their value chain and provide for access to justice for victims and corporate liability regimes; calls for the strategylegislation to apply to all large undertakings governed by the law of a Member State, established in the territory of the Union or operating in the internal market, as well as publicly listed small and medium-sized companies; stresses the need to establish and enforce administrative controls and sanctions to make the legislation effective; calls for companies’ due diligence strategiesthe introduction of civil liability for harm caused or that a company has contributed to by failing to perform due diligence; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders, including workers, workers representatives, trade unions, human rights defenders, local communities including vulnerable ones such as Dalits, indigenous groups, migrant workers, informal workers and home workers and to be made public; welcomes the full entry into force in 2020 of the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation and the EU Taxonomy Regulation as constructive steps in this field;
Amendment 370 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Reiterates that 69% of human rights defenders killed around the world were engaged in the protection of their land and the environment and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples, often in the context of business, and emphasises the evermore crucial need, expressed by human rights defenders, for the EU to implement mandatory human rights due diligence legislation for companies;
Amendment 373 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that 2021 is the 10th anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a genuine framework whose guidelines, in particular those in the third pillar focused on access to remedy and respect for human rights defenders, provides an essential framework to cooperate with third countries on prevention, as well as on access to judicial and non-judicial complaint and redress mechanisms for victims; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue to play an active role in the ongoing negotiations for a UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights, as a means to help secure a level playing field for EU companiestresses the importance for all countries to fully implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and calls on those EU Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; Stresses the need to establish an international binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other companies; encourages the EU and its Member States to participate constructively in the work of the UN Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights; considers this to be a necessary step forward in the promotion and protection of human rights;
Amendment 374 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Reaffirms the need to create a grievance mechanism to lodge complaints regarding violations and abuses of indigenous peoples’ rights resulting from the activities of multinational businesses; recommends that the EU and its Member States include references to indigenous peoples and the rights contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the relevant and emerging frameworks for due diligence, and ensure that multinational companies be held to account in the event of a breach of their obligations;
Amendment 381 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of human rights clauses in all international agreements between the EU and non-EU countries; calls for these clauses to be enforced through clear benchmarks and to be monitored, with the involvement of Parliament, civil society and the relevant international organisations; underlines that the establishment of specific benchmarks could lead the EU to explore the introduction of proportionality into sanctions for non-compliance; underlines that breaches of agreements should trigger clear consequences, including, as a last resort, suspension or the withdrawal of the EU from the agreement for the most severe cases of human rights violations; recommends the inclusion of monitoring mechanisms on human rights in trade and foreign investment agreements, as well as complaints mechanisms, in order to ensure effective recourse to remedy for affected citizens and local stakeholders;
Amendment 388 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Underlines the strong link between trade and human rights and the incentivising role played by access to trade on upholding human rights conditionality for third countries; notes the ongoing review of the GSP+ Regulation, which is an opportunity to further strengthen this link; underlines that access to GSP+ is contingent on respect to international conventions and progress in the area of human rights and calls for the strict application of conditionality to partner countries including, if warranted, the swift revocation of GSP+ status;
Amendment 389 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Stresses the need for continued engagement and dialogue between the EU and all stakeholders - in particular civil society organizations and trade unions- in beneficiary countries, as well as further improvement of transparency and monitoring in order to ensure the GSP scheme fulfils its objective of sustainable development and good governance;
Amendment 390 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Underlines the important role played by digital technologies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; stresses that these technologies will continue to be implemented around the world in the post- pandemic period and that that they should be appropriately regulated to leverage their strength while avoiding their negative effects on human rights; in particular, stresses the importance of effective safeguards to the right to privacy and data protection in the health-related systems of mass surveillance, and of their proportionate use which should also be limited in time; stresses the evident risks of surveillance techniques to be used against human rights defenders, journalists, civil society and others in particular as they represent a serious obstacle to the defence of human rights, a risk to privacy and freedom of expression, and a serious threat to democratic institutions;
Amendment 393 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Strongly condemns the misuse of surveillance technology to monitor, intimidate and silence human rights defenders, journalists, among others, seriously undermining human rights; calls to urgently adopt robust regulations worldwide to guarantee the use of these technologies in compliance with international human rights standards and pending that, to adopt a moratorium on its sale, transfer and use, as well as to guarantee transparency on its use and that developing and trading companies comply with due diligence standards and upcoming EU legislation;
Amendment 395 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes the benefits brought about by the increased use of artificial intelligence, but stresses that the technologies must be developed, deployed and used in conformity with human rights, adopting a human rights based approach and under meaningful human supervision, in full transparency and ensuring accountability and non-discrimination, in particular to avoid both bias in automated decisions and data protection violations;
Amendment 397 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Stresses the vital role of social platforms in advancing freedom of expression and of organisation, but underlines the need for proper safeguards to prevent, on the one hand, the unjustified censorshiplimitation, curation or manipulation of users’ content, including automated censorship, and, on the other, the spread of hate speech, fake news and disinformation, disinformation and intentional harmful content; calls the EU to propose ways to facilitate the human rights defenders work online and the recognition that debate on human rights should be promoted and protected in any circumstances; welcomes the adoption of the new EU rules on the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use technologies;
Amendment 405 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty in view of its cruel and irreversible nature and calls for the EU to intensify its efforts to advocate universal abolition; underlines that a positive trend emerged in 2020 towards a moratorium on executions with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty, with 123 states voting in favour of the UN General Assembly’s resolution on this matter; is extremely concerned, however, about the dramatic increase in executions in certain countries; urges the EU and its Member States to defend abolition in all international forums and advocate for the widest possible support for this position;
Amendment 406 #
2021/2181(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Deplores the fact that torture and inhuman or degrading treatment continue to be widespread in many countries and calls for the EU to strengthen its efforts aimed at eradicating these practices, while supporting victims and promoting mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable; urges all Member States and other countries which have not done so to ratify the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its optional Protocol (OPCAT); recognises the importance of civil society organisations and HRDs in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Report of 2010 on Post-public employment: Good practices for preventing Conflict of Interest,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
Amendment 5 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2011) and the development of standards in the fight against corruption,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2066(INI)
— having regard to the Council Regulation (EU)2020/1998 of 7 December 2020 concerning restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuse,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the Council Decision (CFSP)2021/1277 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Lebanon,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
— having regard to the adoption of new binding provisions by the French Parliament for the restitution of confiscated stolen assets to the people in the countries of origin,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2020 on sustainable corporate governance,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to art. 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union on areas of crimes with a cross-border dimension, including corruption, in which the EU may establish common rules, by means of directives,
Amendment 17 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers Recommendation to Member States on common rules against corruption in the funding of political parties and electoral campaigns,
Amendment 18 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 b (new)
Citation 23 b (new)
— having regard to the Regulation 1141/2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations,
Amendment 35 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the OECD has declared that bribery and corruption are damaging to democratic institutions and the governance of corporations and a duty to adopt preventive measures against corruption should be part of the due diligence obligations imposed on companies operating in the Union;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 48 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power, the capture of structures of the State, a lack of accountability, the obstruction of justice, the use of improper influence, the institutionalisation of discrimination, clientelism, nepotism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things, and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption, the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like- minded democracies;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 69 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the external credibility of the EU also depends on effective anti- corruption action within its Member States and at EU level; whereas many EU Member States have put in place measures to prevent cases of undue influence and risks of corruption involving lawmakers and public officials; whereas these rules are only partially enforced and whereas harmonised rules at EU level are lacking and falling short to prevent risks of undue influence, conflict of interest and corruption;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas external actors such as Russia and China are using strategic corruption as a new foreign policy weapon within the EU, in countries in the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhood and elsewhere in the world, thus destabilising these countries and hampering their progress towards functioning democracies;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
G c. whereas foreign states and non- state actors are increasingly implementing strategies of elite capture, including at EU level and within EU Member States, and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants, among them former European politicians and highly qualified staff, recruited to advance specific interests in regulatory and legislative processes; whereas the regulation of professional activities and employment of former public officials in the private sector is a long-standing tool in the international fight against corruption and enshrined in the UNCAC;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the EU is the destination of several billion euros of misappropriated public funds and assets stolen from third countries; whereas European authorities are not yet able to confiscate and return the large majority of these stolen assets; whereas legal framework on stolen asset recovery is highly fragmented in the EU; whereas France has newly adopted a restitution mechanism for illicitly acquired assets to be returned to the country of origin;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas the protection of whistleblowers from discriminatory and retaliatory actions in public and private sector environments is essential to encourage the reporting of misuse of public funds, fraud, active bribery and other acts of corruption; whereas providing effective legal protection and clear guidance on reporting procedures is integral to efforts to combat corruption, to promote public sector integrity and accountability and to help businesses to prevent, detect and tackle bribery in commercial transactions;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
H c. whereas the private sector and business enterprises can play a significant role in addressing corruption in multinational groups and in global supply chains and have a key role in limiting Human Rights impacts and fighting corruption globally; whereas only three EU Member States are imposing legal obligation on larger companies related to the prevention and detection of corruption;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
H d. whereas States parties of the UNCAC, including all EU Member States, have committed to establishing the bribery of foreign public official as a criminal offence, punishable by criminal penalties and to establishing the liability of legal persons for the bribery of foreign public officials;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas corporate due diligence rleguislations are indispensable means to prevent and tackl, tackle and effectively remediate human rights and environmental violations globally; whereas the provisions of the UNCAC should form part of the due diligence obligations envisaged in the forthcoming Commission proposal on the matter;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas several States have in place Investor Citizenship and Residence Schemes, also called ‘golden visas’ programmes, which offer facilitated routes to citizenship or residence rights to foreign investors; whereas in order to make their programmes more competitive and to attract foreign direct investments, States, including EU Member States, tend to weaken their due diligence and integrity requirements, which increases the risk of misuse of these programmes for the purposes of money laundering or hiding funds obtained via corrupt activities and avoiding confiscation and persecution in home jurisdictions; whereas clients of these programmes increasingly come from China, followed by Russia;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas the new EU framework for targeted restrictive measures to address the situation in Lebanon provides for the possibility to impose sanctions against persons and entities responsible for undermining democracy and rule of law, including for serious financial misconduct, concerning public funds, insofar as the acts concerned are covered by the UNCAC, and the unauthorised export of capital; whereas the EU should avoid fragmentation of its legal framework with country-based sanction regimes and should rather adopt an horizontal regime against acts of corruption;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) formulate a comprehensive EU global anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the EU’s toolbox, identifying gaps, increasing funding, and expanding support to anti- corruption CSOs, as already requested by the European Parliament in its resolution of 13 September 2017 on corruption and human rights in third countries; take urgent action to prevent corruption by putting in place preventing measures, policies and practices, enhancing efforts and resources for education and training in the public and private sectors, including through public global corruption prevention campaigns;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) establish a dedicated Council Working Party for preparatory works on anti-corruption matters in order to inform the discussions in the Council;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) insist on the full implementation and enforcement of existing national and international anti-corruption instruments such as the UNCAC, OECD Convention on Combating the Bribery of Foreign Public Officials, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption; encourage all States that have not yet done so to ratify those anti-corruption instruments as matter of priority; launch an inclusive and comprehensive process to review the EU’s implementation of the UNCAC;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) advance efforts in all EU Member States to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions, in line with the UNCAC, and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ensure greater transparency and access to information on foreign assets detained on the EU territory, including on the origin of these assets, while taking into consideration possible threats to the owners’ safety and safeguarding their fundamental rights; encourage the adoption of legislations and take further measures to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions, in line with the UNCAC, and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ensuring that fundamental rights are respected and preventing further corrupt practices in the country of asset origin; meaningfully involve CSOs in the entire process, from identification of assets to monitoring the use of return assets;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) provide technical assistance and resources to States lacking sufficient capacity to address corruption and business-related human rights challenges; insist on the need for strengthened resources and additional capabilities for national law enforcement bodies dealing with corruption, including for enhanced technological capabilities to investigate corruption; promote and support the role of parliaments and other legislative bodies in the management of public resources and ensure their capacity to exercise effective budget oversight;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Internal-external coherence: fighting corruption in EU democracies
Amendment 135 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) strengthen the credibility of EU external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption and money laundering within the EU; recognise that systemic corruption in some EU Member States undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries and take action to terminate it; recognise that a lack of harmonisation and determined action, delays and a gap in implementing the anti- corruption regulations within the EU emboldens corrupt actors both inside and outside of the EU;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) request the Commission to put forward an EU anti-corruption directive on the basis of Art. 83 TFEU, establishing common EU rules for the definition of criminal sanctions for corruption and creating EU provisions regarding the return of confiscated stolen assets to countries of origin, including the reversal of the burden of proof for assets confiscation in corruption cases; align these standards with most advanced legal provisions in existing national legislations and best practices in EU Member States;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(g b) thoroughly analyse foreign interferences, including in the EU and its Member States, by foreign States and non-State actors using corruption as a tool to undermine democratic processes, notably by means of party funding and elite-capture;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(g c) urge Member States to prohibit extra-EU funding to political parties and those entities directly funded by political parties to campaign on their behalf; urge the strengthening of national rules, institutional frameworks and enforcement practices in respect of extra-EU funding of political foundations and electoral campaigns, particularly with transparency and oversight provisions; ensure coordination and harmonisation of national rules and enforcements practices to improve effectiveness both at EU and non-EU level, including by increasing resources for the European Coordination Network on Elections to take up this role; promote dedicated programmes on transparent political party financing and campaign spending in the EU’s external democracy support in third countries;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
(g d) adopt and apply strict standards for post-public employment and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with national post- employment rules designed to guard against corruption of former elected office holders and public officials increasingly exposed to corruption and co-opted by foreign stakeholders to exert undue influence towards EU and national institutions; tackle the current legal fragmentation, including at EU level, for post-public employment by creating harmonised rules, including at EU level, a robust oversight system and an appropriate sanction regime;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
(g e) address the impunity for grand corruption as a priority because of its grave negative impact on human rights, including through the creation of a European Observatory on the fight against impunity; develop principles and work for an internationally recognised legal definition of grand corruption, including its systemic nature, as a crime in national and international law; address ongoing cases of impunity for grand corruption by stronger enforcement of anti-corruption laws to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of grand corruption schemes; explore comprehensive approaches that includes reforms to international justice institutions, including extending the jurisdiction of the ICC; encourage States, including EU Member States, to make use of their universal jurisdiction to prosecute acts of grand corruption;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
(g f) work with third countries for the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive legislation on whistleblower protection in line with international human rights standards, providing for confidential and secure reporting mechanisms and robust legal protection from reprisals to all whistleblowers, including those reporting to CSOs, the media, and to international mechanisms; advance all efforts in EU Member States to swiftly transpose the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive into their national legislation and to effectively implement it; guarantee the same level of protection for staff of EU institutions and harmonise internal rules and standards in this regard; apply a minima the same level of protection for persons reporting breaches of national law;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
(g g) adopt common standards and mechanisms for enhanced transparency and reduction of the corruption and money laundering risk posed by ‘Citizenship by Investment’ programmes; require proper control and oversight of applicants and investments before granting ‘golden visas’ and regulate national schemes on the basis of minimum standards and practices harmonised at EU level to terminate competition between single Member States;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 3
Paragraph 1 – subheading 3
Human rights and anti-corruption: enriching and operationalising the EU’s toolbox
Amendment 157 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) create an EU anti-corruption task force, gathering anti-corruption experts, with the mandate to conduct ex-ante assessments of the level of corruption in third countries and to design comprehensive reform plans to tackle corruption prior to the conclusion of any EU agreement and the programming of EU funds; place this taskforce’s work under European Parliament’s oversight and grant this task force with adequate powers and resources to conduct investigations and evaluation on the ground and to provide technical and operational assistance to partner countries to implement required reforms; condition any EU bilateral assistance and bilateral agreement to full cooperation with this taskforce and genuine anti- corruption reform steps;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) ensure that the highest ethical and transparency standards are applied in EU funding, that CSOs and independent actors are included and that grievance mechanisms are available and accessible; ensure that all EU bodies and agencies improve access to information and refrain from charging fees for access to information; including the financing of projects and loans by the European Investment Bank (EIB), that CSOs and independent actors are fully involved in the monitoring of these funds and that grievance mechanisms are available, accessible and ensure accountability for the possible misuse of funds; ensure that all EU bodies and agencies guarantee free, swift and easy access to information, including regarding the allocation, the final recipient of funding and the final use of funds;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) include in all EU-third country trade and investment agreements, include a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with transparency provisions and binding and enforceable anti- corruption clauses; as a last resort,include commitment and high-standards of whistleblower protection in all EU trade and investment agreements with third parties; impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(l a) apply inclusive and meaningful transparency in trade negotiations, enable public oversight and public awareness of strategies and priorities; require similar degree of transparency from the negotiating partners;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) recognise the crucial role of CSOs, human rights defenders (HRDs) and investigative journalists in the fight against corruption, through changing societal norms, fighting impunity, gathering data, and achieving better implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures; insist on the need for victims of corruption to be able to participate in judicial corruption proceedings and to claim for compensations;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) insist on the importance of creating a safe and enabling environment and protecting journalists, whistleblowers, witnesses and anti-corruption activists from threats arising from their activities in preventing and fighting corruption;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) design programmes to provide more financial support to CSOs, independent media, whistleblowers and HRDs working on preventing and exposing corruption, advancing transparency and accountability,; inclumprove smaller CSOs’ access to EU funding; support against strategic lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPP suits); improve smaller CSOs’ access to EU fuparliaments in their oversight roles with capacity building and advance internal party democracy with capacity building and ingternal reforms;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
(p a) strengthen their support to civil society stakeholders targeted by strategic lawsuits against public participations (SLAPPs) and come forward with an EU directive enacting protection and legal safeguards for victims of SLAPPs, including the possibility for the victim to request the dismissal of abusive lawsuits;
Amendment 196 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) empower and allocate dedicated resources to EU delegations and Member States' representations to strengthen protection of witnesses, whistleblowers and anti-corruption HRDs, including through temporary visa schemtheir relatives and other persons close to them, as appropriate, including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in EU Member States;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) promote strong access to information laws, including improved transparency of public procurement and lobbying, with independent oversight bodies; promote greater policy coherence, including by integrating human rights due diligence and anti-corruption provisions into public procurement;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) support and strengthen independent, impartial and effective judiciaries, prosecution and law enforcement bodies; for the successful investigation, prosecution and adjudication of corruption offences, including through sufficient financial and training resources;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) continue supporting free and fair electoral processes and promote accountability to voters with special attention to electoral fraud and vote buying; promote transparency and impartiality rules to counter illicit political financing; ensure a more systematic follow-up on the recommendations of international observer missions;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – point ab
(ab) promote the inclusmeaningful and effective participation of non- governmental stakeholders, including academia and CSOs, as observers in subsidiary bodies of the Conference of States Parties of the UNCAC and other multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
(ab a) advance efforts to effectively enforce the prohibition of corruption in the private sector, in line with the UNCAC, to effectively enforce penalties on corporations for acts of corruption and to extend the prohibition of corruption to all corporation under national jurisdictions, regardless of where the act of corruption takes place;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab b (new)
(ab b) require all large companies and all listed companies, included those established in the EU and non EU companies operating in the EU market, to report on the impact of their activities and on the policy they implement on anti- corruption and anti-bribery matters;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac
Paragraph 1 – point ac
(ac) urgently set up an EU mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (HRDD) instrumentlegislation that requires companies to engage actively in the identification, assessment, mitigation, prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights, and which includes strong anti-corruption provisions and obligatory grievance mechanismsundertakings, including banks and financial institutions, to identify, prevent, mitigate, cease and account for human rights violations, including acts of bribery and corruption arising from their business models and operations in their global value chains, with robust enforcement mechanisms and liability regimes enabling victims to hold companies into account and to seek for remedy;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
(ac a) ensure that due diligence obligations apply to the bribery of foreign public officials, occurring directly or through intermediaries and is imposed to all entities and business relationships on a company’s global value chain; ensure liability of the company directing, authorizing or covering acts of corruption;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
(ad a) enact binding provisions and guidance for companies to guarantee safe internal and confidential reporting by directors, officers, employees and business partners on breaches of anti- corruption rules and professional ethics within the company and to protect these stakeholders, in line with the EU whistleblower directive;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae
Paragraph 1 – point ae
(ae) reconfirm the importance of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by ensuring that all Member States that have not yet adopted national action plans do so as soon as possible, and promote the adoption of action plans and corporate due diligence legislations by third countries; engage constructively and actively in the negotiations on the UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 8
Paragraph 1 – subheading 8
Sanctioning corruption through the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act )
Amendment 260 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af
Paragraph 1 – point af
(af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to amend the current EU Global Human Rights Screate a stand-alone global sanctions regime to tackle acts of corruption defined on the basis of the UNCAC; ensure oversight of the European Parliament on the implementation of this new sanctions Rregime by extending its scope to include acts of corrupand adopt strict reporting requirements to monitor the implementation of sanctions; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the EU as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point af a (new)
(af a) swiftly adopt targeted sanctions, including asset freeze and travel bans, to high-ranked officials and economic actors responsible for acts of corruption; share information and coordinate with likeminded partners;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aj
Paragraph 1 – point aj
(aj) recognise the causal linkages between environmental degradastruction as an impediment to the enjoyment of human rights, and the underlying networks of corruption, bribery or organised crime; work towards mainstreaming anti- corruption in EU climate action,nd environmental action advancing transparency and good governance of natural resources and the fight against land grabbing, and focusing on the sectors most at risk, such as the extractive industries;
Amendment 284 #
2021/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ak
Paragraph 1 – point ak
(ak) protect environmental HRDs and land defenders, particularly women and indigenous HRDs, who face the greatest risk of harassment, intimidation and violence and killings, including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in EU Member States;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to Article 13(3) ofthe Council Decision of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service1 (hereinafter EEAS Decision), and in particular its Articles 9 and 13(3), which laid down that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy had to carry out, by mid-2013, a review of the organisation and functioning of the EEAS, covering, inter alia, the implementation of Articles 6(6) and 6(8) on geographical balance, accompanied, if relevant, by a legislative proposal amending the Decision, _________________ 1 OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30.
Amendment 13 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Treaties clarify that the role of the European External Action Service (EEAS) is to assist the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission and work in cooperation with the diplomatic services of the Member States4 ; whereas the EEAS shall be consulted by the Commission on matters related to the external action of the EU in the exercise of its functions; _________________ 4 Article 27(1) TEU.
Amendment 29 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU needs to keep moving forward towards an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, led by a EU diplomatic service which is determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas it is of utmost importance to strengthen the EU’s International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy as bridges to promote mutual understanding and relations worldwide, and which have become a useful diplomatic tool for the EU and a fundamental part of its soft power;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2065(INI)
C c. whereas geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
C d. whereas it is necessary to strengthen the Union’s External Action and the EEAS with own, autonomous and permanent EU instruments and resources in foreign affairs, human rights protection and promotion, and security and defence in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player, as well as to be able to better pursue and achieve its objectives and defend its values worldwide;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the structure of the EEAS should be reformed in order to achieve a common EU diplomatic culture, using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the EEAS, the Commission, the Council and the structures of the Member States;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas it is fundamental for the EU's External Action coherence and effectiveness to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided both by the Treaties and the inter-institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union; is concerned by the fact that this lack of clarity can also appear through all the EU institutional apparatus concerning its external action in the relations and coordination among the different actors in this regard as, for instance, between the EEAS and the Commission;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ascertain the HR/VP leading role as a bridge builder between the CFSP and EU external relations with the aim of ensuring the highest level of coordination and coherence in EU external action, including in its close cooperation with the College of Commissioners in order to coordinate the external dimension of the EU internal policies, and reinforce coordination of the external action of Member states;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) revisupdate the EEAS Decision with a view to increasing the leverage of the EEAS, strengthening it, sharpening its tools and increasing its legitimacy; stresses that the abovementioned updating of the EEAS Decision should aim at reinforcing its autonomy from an EU perspective, as well as at a strengthened structure and increased resources;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) increase leverage by introducing qualified majority voting for certain foreign policy areas, such as human rights and the protection of international law, and for imposing sanctions, in order to increase the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign policy; stresses that even under this QMV, there should be an aim at reaching the largest consensus, and if possible unanimity; explore other options that could be implemented in the meantime such as introducing an “obligation of result”, requiring Member States to remain under discussion of a specific issue until a decision is taken;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) sharpen the tools by developing own, autonomous and permanent EU instruments in its External Action and aligning all external action with the Treaties, which state that the EU must achieve an ever- increasing degree of convergence of Member States’ actions, which requires that the EEAS be given a clearer role in proposing policy development so that policies conducted, defined and implemented on the basis of mutual political solidarity among the Member States can be formed;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) promote the joining of forces among mature democracies and international and regional organisations by uniting them under a global human rights league in order to address threats and promote human rights worldwide; stresses that mature democracies and alike-minded partners should adopt a defiant and public attitude reaffirming our commitment to defend the universality of human rights and the Rule of Law
Amendment 95 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e b (new)
(e b) fully support EU Delegations engagement and activeness on human rights protection and promotion in third countries; ensure that Member States and their embassies are also fully engaged and prioritise human rights protection and promotion, which should not be conducted only by EU Delegations in general;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e c (new)
(e c) bring forth sound proposals on how to achieve and guarantee an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) integrapromote fully the ‘more for more’ principle into relations with third countries, whereby the EU will develop stronger partnerships with those that share the CFSP’s principles and the fundamental values of the Union;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) adapt the structure of the EEAS toconsolidate the reorganization developments within the EEAS and develop strategic priorities, namely in the field of the new enlargement policies, cyber and hybrid threats and disinformation, the development of defence instruments and other emerging challenges, and allocate resources according to priorities and non-priorities identified;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) ensure the possibility for the EEAS to select and recruit their permanent EU diplomatic staff; develop a system for career development for EU Diplomats and officials within the EEAS in order to have balanced management posts in the EEAS;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2065(INI)
(h b) assess the problems originated by the temporary secondment of Member States' diplomats to the EEAS who later return to their national diplomatic services;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) ensure that the financial resources available match the level of ambition and support the operative flexibilities needed in order to react in real time to emerging geopolitical challenges; guarantee the full compliance of Article 9 of the EEAS Decision which enshrines that the HR/VP shall ensure the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the EU external action, in particular through the external assistance instruments;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Paragraph 1 – subheading 2
Sharpening the tools and strengthening the toolbox
Amendment 148 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) convert the EU delegations into genuine EU embassies, with one clear chain of command to its staff, including Commission officials, led by the EU ambassador, to each given country, in close coordination with the EEAS headquarters;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(k a) ensure a fairer geographical balance among Member States across all levels within the EEAS in filling, in particular, management posts and those of Heads of EU Delegations;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(k b) continue the efforts to achieve a better gender balance at all levels within the EEAS, including the management posts and Heads of Delegations;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) establish the consular function in EU embassies in third countries in order to be able to helpassist EU citizens, including in times of crisis;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(l a) promote the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EEAS on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; improve the security protocols of the services working on intelligence and/or with sensible information;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Amendment 168 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) establish ansupport the EU Crisis Response Centre with the task of coordinating the response of EU embassies and the services they offer to EU citizens in times of crisis;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) taskinvite the EEAS with preparing a revisionto assess the convenience of an update of the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy of 2016;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) adapt the organisation of the EEAS and the corresponding Commission services to new strategic needs without further delay, starting with the Arctic as well as climate and digital diplomacy;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(q a) develop a EU instrument that embodies a cultural face of the Union worldwide through a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on a frame of cultural cooperation and co-creation, actively involving civil society and cultural sectors of third countries; stresses that this instrument could aim to promote the EU worldwide, provide EU assistance on capacity building, as well as financial, to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society; underlines that this instrument should include the protection of cultural heritage abroad in EU external action, the promotion of intercultural dialogue, mobility of artists and cultural professionals between the EU and third countries, and the fight against disinformation; highlights that this toolbox should collaborate closely and draw experience from EUNIC, as well as alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) promote common training and other concrete measures from an EU perspective for the consolidation of an esprit de corps common EU Diplomatic culture among EEAS staff who have differing diplomatic, cultural, strategic and institutional backgrounds, and to provide joint training initiatives for EEAS staff and national diplomats as part of their continuous professional development;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(s a) continue fostering close cooperation and exchange of best practices between the EEAS and the diplomatic services of the Member States in the field of learning and development, with a view to further contribute to a unified image of the EU in external relations;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) support fully and develop the pilot project ‘Towards a European Diplomatic Academy’, which has been extended by one year in order to establish these functions within permanent organisational structures; ensure the establishment of a permanent structure for the European Diplomatic Academy, which should focus on different target groups concerning its future participants; considers in this view that even if in its initial phase the Academy could focus on the professional specialization of national diplomats, it should not be ruled out in the future a system of selection, recruitment and training of Europeans who are not Member States’diplomats and have completed a higher education; determine ways of access to the EEAS for those graduating from the European Diplomatic academy and for them to have the possibility to become a permanent part of its staff;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t a (new)
(t a) ensure that sufficient resources, including human resources, are allocated toward the abovementioned project, in order to ensure effective and timely implementation, also with regard to the work towards a permanent structure of the European Diplomatic Academy;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) increase Parliament’s access to documents, as a better formal exchange of information will improve cooperation and understanding between the institutions; update the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 November 2002 between the European Parliament and the Council concerning access by the European Parliament to sensitive information of the Council in the field of security and defence policy5 ; promote the strengthening of the framework of inter-institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations, through a framework agreement on strengthening External Action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament, which could enhance parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen the EU’s own toolbox for External Action; _________________ 5 OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 1.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 October 2013 on caste-based discrimination, in particular article 6 on religion as an intersectional factor of discrimination and abuse,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
— having regard to its resolutions of 17 December 2020 on forced labour and the situation of the Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and of 18 April 2019 on China, notably the situation of religious and ethnic minorities,
Amendment 28 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas UN human rights treaties, together with international and EU laws provide standards for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities as an integral part of human rights;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas freedom of religion or belief is violated in almost one third of countries worldwide; whereas over 5 billion people live in countries imposing or tolerating severe violations of freedom of thought, conscience, religiousn or belief;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, physical and mental abuse, rape and sexual violence, executions, limitation of access to elective offices, judicial harassment and prosecution, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of minorities on the ground of belief or religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in societystates and non- state actors, or combination of both – and can take different forms, such as killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, coercion, forced conversion, kidnapping and forced marriage, forced birth control, threats, exclusion, discriminatory and unfair treatment, harassment, limitation of access to elective offices, employment, education, health and administration services, destruction of places of worship, cemeteries and cultural heritage, and online hate speech;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated persecution and violence against belief and religious minorities in some countries; whereas furthermore the health crisis can provide a pretext to adopt persecution measures for purposes unrelated to the pandemic; whereas belief and religious minorities have become particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and mortality due to unequal access to adequate medical care;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas women of belief and religious minorities are particularly at risk of increased discrimination and violence linked to intersectional factors such as gender, religion, caste, ethnic background, power imbalances and patriarchy;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas minorities on the ground of belief and religious often lack of adequate national representation; whereas legislation often excludes the needs and interests of these minorities, with governments employing a range of extra-legal measures that persecute, delegitimise or stigmatise minorities on the ground of belief or religion;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas social media platforms are increasingly exploited as spaces for incitement to hatred and violence; whereas belief or religious minorities continue to be subject to hate speech online and offline from individuals across the political spectrum;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 69 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 79 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities everywhere in the world, including their right to change or choose their religion or belief, in respect of the principles of equality and non- discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution, violence, incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of religion and belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on belief or religion, and its commitment to eradicating such violence;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities everywhere in the world, including their right to change or choose their rbeligionef or breliefgion, in respect of the principles of equality and non- discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution, violence, incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of rbeligionef and breliefgion;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that, regardless of their religion and beliefbelief, religion, thought and conscience, it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusion of all citizens in their societies and in political, socio-economic and cultural life;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that freedom of religion or beliefthought, belief and religion, including freedom to worship, and freedom to believe or not believe, to espouse theistic, non-theistic, agnostic or atheistic views and the right to apostasy is a human right, and that it often serves as a last bastion of liberty and as a source of fierce determination in highly repressive settings;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that the religious grounds of persecution are often intertwined with some other grounds of distinct nature, in particular those linked to ethnicity, gender and caste; condemns the ongoing persecution and serious and systematic human rights violations in some countries that can amount to crimes against humanity;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon, which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities, namely Christians (including Copts), Jews, Muslims (including Ahmadis and Alevis), Buddhists, Hindus and smaller religious groups, such as Baha’is, Sikhs and Zoroastrians, as well as groups of people who are atheists, humanists, agnostics or do not identify with any belief or religion;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 117 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 128 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 131 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Is concerned about the application of sharia, blasphemy and other religious laws over national laws in some countries, where discrimination based on religious ground is taught at school and where practices like female genital mutilation, forced conversions, birth control, abortions and marriages, among others forms of violence, are taking place in total impunity;
Amendment 138 #
Amendment 142 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 149 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 156 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 163 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 164 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 172 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 177 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted in almost all of the region and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries; expresses its regret that freedom of worship is severely limited in some of the countries in the Middle East, with the notable example of Saudi Arabia, where public practice of any religion other than Islam is strictly prohibited;
Amendment 181 #
Amendment 188 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 198 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 211 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 217 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 223 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 231 #
Amendment 234 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 242 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 249 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Tackling key challenges posed by the persecution against belief or religious minorities
Amendment 257 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the paramount importance of holding accountable perpetrators of human rights abuses against persons belonging to belief or religious minorities; calls on the EU and Member States to urgently work towards the establishment of additional UN mechanisms and committees to investigate current human rights violations against belief and religious minorities around the world;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Council, the Commission, the EEAS and EU Member States to work with third countries for the adoption of measures to prevent and fight hate crime, and for the adoption of legislation that is fully compliant with international standards on the freedom of expression and the freedom of belief and religion;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Council and EU Member States to apply sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or involved in systematic violations of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities, as provided for by the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against belief or religious minority groups during the COVID-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to belief or religious minorities have been scapegoated, blamed for spreading the COVID-19 virus, and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare, food or humanitarian aid, on the basis of rbeligiousef or breliefgious criteria;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines that women belonging to belief or religious minorities have been specifically and increasingly targeted with the purpose of inflicting harm on their community as a whole; stresses that they are particularly exposed to violent attacks, kidnapping, sexual violence, forced conversion, forced and early marriage and domestic incarceration, and that lockdown measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have made their human rights situation even more precarious; calls to devote particular attention to abolishing practices and legislation that discriminate against them;
Amendment 284 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Condemns the use by authoritarian regimeState actors of legislation on security, or security imperatives, sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute or criminalize persons belonging to belief and religious minorities, to outlaw or restrict the practise or expression of their belief or religion and gatherings of believers, and to deter the membership and registration of belief or religious associations; calls on the Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation, and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges EU Member States to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Strongly condemns the use of coercive detention of belief and religious minorities in State-run re-education camps; deplores the actions of State authorities to force learning the dominant language, sing praises of the dominant party and renounce their religion in the internment camps; strongly condemns the use of forced labour of belief or religious minorities in State controlled factories; and the massive use of digital surveillance technologies to monitor and control population belonging to belief or religious minorities;
Amendment 291 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Condemns the intensified surveillance, attempts to control the functioning, practices and leadership of religious communities and minorities by some countries and the interference in their systems of belief;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Deplores the fact that more than 70in some countries in the world authorities enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy, apostasy and conversion, including the death sentence, or use laws against provoking religious offence to arbitrarily detain and ill-treat minorities on the ground of belief or religion, or claim violation of public order laws or law against incitement to violence without sufficient evidence to justify such charges; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to belief or religious minorities, and are thus seen, with good reason, as an instrument of oppression; calls for the EU to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws;
Amendment 299 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy, apostasy and conversion, including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities, and are thus seen, with good reason, as an instrument of oppression; calls for the EU to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; underlines that converts leaving a majority faith often experience the most severe violations including imprisonment, forced divorce, abduction, physical violence and murder;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Notes the need to protect the lawyers, NGOs and members of the civil society that help, collaborate and defend those who are persecuted on the grounds of belief or religion;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Stresses the need to eliminate discrimination in the field of employment, education, access to justice and effective remedies, housing, and healthcare; underlines the need to work with human rights institutions and organisations to monitor the compliance, examine complaint and repeal laws and policies that discriminate or persecute minorities on the ground of belief or religion;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)
Paragraph 28 c (new)
28c. Underlines the importance of civil society initiatives in tackling the persecution of minorities on the ground of belief and religion, and in promoting a multi-layered holistic approach that encompass human rights, conflict resolution, development, and interfaith and interreligious initiatives;
Amendment 313 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Strengthening EU human rights foreign policy and external actions to address the persecution of belief or religious minorities
Amendment 315 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. WelcomesTakes note of the recent appointment of Mr Christos Stylianides as the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or beliefbelief or religion; reiterates its calls on the Commission to guarantee transparency in the nomination, mandate, activities and reporting obligations of the Special Envoy and to ensure commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and to European values; stresses that the Special Envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views, also paying attention to the situation of non-believers at risk; calls on the Commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the Special Envoy works closely with the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM), and reiterates its calls on the Council and the Commission to adequately support the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate, capacity and duties; carry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the Special Envoy;
Amendment 323 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Council, the Commission, EEAS and EU Member States to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of EU human rights foreign policy, in line with the EU action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of rbeligionef or breliefgion, encompassing human rights, conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the EU Guidelines on freedom of religion or belief, allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the Guidelines to be communicated regularly to Parliament;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Urges the EEAS and EU Delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of belief or religious minorities for all relevant situations, as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (HRDCSs) for 2021-2024. and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the discrimination against and persecution of belief or religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries and ensure that these exchanges produce genuine positive outcomes; reiterates its call for Members of the European Parliament to be given access to the content of HRDCSs;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2055(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the Commission and EEAS to scrutinise the human rights situations of belief or religious minorities in third countries and the implementation of related commitments under bilateral agreements of those countries with the EU, including under trade agreements such as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that the announced return of the US to multilateralism provides an opportunity to re-engage with the US in repairing and rebuilding the transatlantic relationship and strengthening together, as equal partners, the global rules-based order in the spirit of our shared democratic values;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 234 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 279 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls to establish the protection of democratic and electoral processes as a main global security issue; suggests the joint development of a close framework for responses to interferences in electoral processes, set on a Transatlantic Code of Practices for Free and Resilient Democratic Processes, which seeks structural and comprehensive measures to respond to the hybrid nature of interferences, collaborating closely with international organizations such as the OSCE;
Amendment 306 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the EU and the US to promote a closer and more ambitious international cooperation on election observation jointly with all relevant partners, especially with the endorsing organizations of the "Declaration of Principles for international election observation", to counter growing public security threats to electoral processes; stresses the need to jointly counter the growing phenomenon of fake domestic observation, which undermines public trust in election observation overall, and to assess in-depth the opportunities, challenges and risks involved in the growing use of new electoral Information and Communication Technologies; insists on the need to reinforce the necessary cooperation with relevant domestic election observation organizations at all levels, as well as their protection within the framework of their activities;
Amendment 354 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for a comprehensive EU-US dialogue on China that should address the areas of divergence, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments, and explore possibilities for EU-US cooperation with China in multilateral frameworks on common challenges, such as climate change; understands that this forenamed EU-US cooperation on China should be addressed bilaterally and upon their condition as equal partners;
Amendment 401 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports closer cooperation with the US and Latin American countries in promoting multilateralism, democratic values, sustainable development, human rights and international law standards; understands the need for the EU and the US to engage more actively with Latin America and the Caribbean region as vital allies in international fora and as strategic partners in the defence of multilateralism; calls for an EU-US-Latin America “Atlantic Triangle Alliance” that allows both regions to jointly further progress in areas such as democracy, security and drug trafficking, fight against inequalities and development cooperation;
Amendment 1691 #
2021/0420(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Annex 1 – part 16/23 and part 17/23
Add the following to the comprehensive network: - Plasencia - Salamanca - Astorga (freight and passenger)
Amendment 38 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission and where appropriate the European External Action Service should monitor the status of ratification of the international conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance and their effective implementation, by examining the relevant information, in particular where available the conclusions and recommendations of the relevant monitoring bodies established under those conventions. Every threewo years, the Commission should present to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the status of ratification of the respective conventions, the compliance of the beneficiary countries with any reporting obligations under those conventions, and the status of the implementation of the conventions in practice.
Amendment 47 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)
(11 a) "human rights due diligence obligations" refers to the responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights and to protect against human rights abuse by business as set in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2011. The responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights refers to internationally recognized human rights – understood, at a minimum, as those expressed in the International Bill of Human Rights and the principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
Amendment 67 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The plan of action referred to in paragraph 1 point d) shall: (a) contain a schedule for the implementation of Article 12 (the ‘tariff suspension schedule’), based on benchmarks against which the progress in the implementation of the relevant conventions is assessed; (b) be jointly agreed with the Commission for a period of two years; (c) serve as a basis for the report referred to in Article 14; (d) be publicy available.
Amendment 73 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Common Customs Tariff ad valorem duties on all products listed in Annex III and Annex VII, which originate in a GSP+ beneficiary country, shall be suspended according to the tariff suspension schedule referred to in Article 9(2).
Amendment 83 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 January 2027, and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the status of ratification of the relevant conventions, the compliance of the GSP+ beneficiary countries with any reporting obligations under those conventions and the status of the effective implementation thereof.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. WAt the request of the European Parliament or where, either on the basis of the conclusions of the report referred to in Article 14 or on the basis of the evidence available, including evidence submitted through a complaint, the Commission has a reasonable doubt that a particular GSP+ beneficiary country does not respect its binding undertakings as referred to in Article 9, points (d), (e) and (f), or has formulated a reservation which is prohibited by any of the relevant conventions or which is incompatible with the object and purpose of that convention as established in Article 9, point (c), it shall, in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for the temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council thereof.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. 1. The preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2) may be withdrawn temporarily, fully or partially, in respect of all or of certain products, or of economic sectors, originating in a beneficiary country, for any of the following reasons:
Amendment 111 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) the beneficiary country fails to show effective implementation of the plan of action ;
Amendment 112 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Amendment 113 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)
(b b) when the Commission decides to withdraw a preferential arrangement to a beneficiary country in a particular economic sector, in application of article 19 (a and b) the commission may publish a list of companies, EU importers and local suppliers, that may still benefit from preferences. This list should be established based on the evidences provided by companies that they fully implemented their human rights due diligence obligations and that they have a supply chain free from human rights violations. The companies should agree on having the evidences and informations published for public scrutiny and civil society consultation.
Amendment 121 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. WAt the request of the European Parliament or where the Commission, acting upon a complaint or on its own initiative, considers that there armay be sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article it shall adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2). The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the adoption of that implementing act.
Amendment 134 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 2027 and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the effects of the scheme covering the most recent three- wo-year period and all of the preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2).
Amendment 136 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
Annex VI – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
(a) First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
Amendment 418 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
Amendment 437 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
Amendment 456 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
Amendment 461 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
Amendment 466 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
Amendment 478 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
Amendment 490 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 49
Recital 49
Amendment 501 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
Recital 50
Amendment 510 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
Recital 51
Amendment 522 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 52
Recital 52
Amendment 538 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
Amendment 547 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 54
Recital 54
Amendment 556 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 55
Recital 55
Amendment 560 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
Amendment 573 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
Amendment 593 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
Amendment 601 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
Amendment 669 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) “port of call” means the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, for the purpose of this Directive stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, stops in a transhipment port of a non-EU neighbouring country and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;
Amendment 670 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x b (new)
(xb) “transhipment port” means the port where the movement of one type of cargo to be transhipped exceeds 60 % of the total traffic of that port. It needs to be considered that cargo, container or goods are transhipped when they are unloaded from ship to the port for the sole purpose of loading them on another ship.
Amendment 671 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Directive 2003/87/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point x c (new)
(xc) “deep sea routes” means those shipping routes connecting two or more continents and performed by regular services covering more than 3 000 km long where ships would carry out transhipment operations at any port in its route. Such routes shall be incorporated in a list and reconsidered on an annual basis by the Commission;
Amendment 1304 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point -a (new)
Directive 2003/87/CE
Article 12 – paragraph 1a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1a a (new)
Amendment 1326 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a a (new)
(da) the following paragraph is inserted: " 3aa. An obligation to surrender allowances shall not arise, until 2030, in respect of emissions from ships operating in deep-sea routes with Carbon Leakage risks and under an efficiency benchmark. The list of routes and the efficiency benchmark shall be determined by the Commission. "
Amendment 1327 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point d b (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a b (new)
Amendment 1392 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 29 a – paragraph 1
Article 29 a – paragraph 1
(19a) in Article 29a, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: "1. If, for more than six consecutiveone and half months, the average allowance price is more than threeone and a half times the average price of allowances during the two preceding years on the European carbon market, the Commission shall immediately convene a meeting of the Committee esadopt a decision to release 100 million allowances covered by this Chapter from the Market Stabilished byty Reserve in accordance with Article 91(7) of Decision No 280/2004/EC. (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02003L0087-20200101)(EU) 2015/1814." Or. en
Amendment 1415 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Chapter IV a
Chapter IV a
Amendment 1424 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 30 a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 1480 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 30 e – paragraph 2
Article 30 e – paragraph 2
2. From 1 January 2027, Member States shall ensure that, by 30 April each year, the regulated entity surrenders a number of allowances covered by this Chapter, that is equal to the total emissions, corresponding to the quantity of fuels released for consumption pursuant to Annex III, during the preceding calendar year as verified in accordance with Articles 15 and 30f, and that those allowances are subsequentlyas follows: (a) 25% of verified emissions for 2026; (b) 50 % of verified emissions for 2027; (c) 75 % of verified emissions for 2028; (d) 100 % of verified emissions for 2029. To the extent that fewer allowances are surrender compared to the verified emissions for years 2026 to 2028, an amount of allowances equal to the difference between verified emissions and allowances surrendered shall be cancelled.
Amendment 1535 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annexes
Annexes
Amendment 1566 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Decision 2015/1814
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a a (new)
(ca) the following paragraph is inserted: "5aa. The number of allowances to be placed in the reserve during the 12 months beginning on 1 September of every year shall not exceed 25 % of the number of allowances to be auctioned during the next 12 months." ;
Amendment 1661 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Directive 2003/87/EU
Annex I – table – last row – column 1
Annex I – table – last row – column 1
“Maritime transport Maritime transport activities of ships covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council performing voyages with the purpose of transporting passengers or cargo for commercial purposes. This activity shall not include voyages performed by a shipping company performing voyages with total annual emissions lower than 10 000 tonnes per year.
Amendment 1674 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex III
Annex III
Amendment 1677 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex III
Annex III
Amendment 1685 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 2
Annex I – point 2
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex III a
Annex III a
Amendment 1698 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 3 – point c
Annex I – point 3 – point c
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex IV – Part C
Annex IV – Part C
Amendment 1705 #
2021/0211(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – point 4
Annex I – point 4
Directive 2003/87/EC
Annex V – Part C
Annex V – Part C
Amendment 3 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Special report no 14/2019: ‘Have your say!’: Commission’s public consultations engage citizens, but fall short of outreach activities, of the European Court of Auditors,
Amendment 4 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the Opinions and Resolutions of the European Committee of the Regions, namely the Resolution of the CoR on changing the ESI funds Common Provisions Regulation to support structural reforms(2018/C 176/02), the Opinion of the CoR “Reflecting on Europe: the voice of local and regional authorities to rebuild trust in the European Union of 09 October 2018 (CDR 1230/2018), and the Resolution of the European Committee of the Regions on the 2021 Work Programme of the European Commission (2021/C 37/01); having regard to the European Committee of the Regions’ priorities for 2020-2025 “Europe closer to the people though its villages, cities and regions” of 30 June - 2 July 2020,
Amendment 5 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 c (new)
Citation 8 c (new)
— having regard to 9th Subsidiarity Conference - Active Subsidiarity: Creating EU added value together, co- organised by the Committee of the Regions and the Italian Conference of the Presidents of regional Parliaments, in Rome on 22 November 2019,
Amendment 16 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. Whereas the ‘Have Your Say’ web portal has proven a useful point of access for citizens and stakeholders to participate in preparing Commission policy; whereas the European Court of Auditors, however, published a special report in 2019 with a set of recommendations in order to improve this portal, especially when it comes to the use of translation;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Commission received 52 reasoned opinions from national parliaments on the principle of subsidiarity in 2017, 37 in 2018 and none in 2019; whereas in 2020 (not covered in this report) the Commission received a total of only 9 reasoned opinions;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the current configuration of this mechanism sets in motion 40 legislative chambers in the EU, 75 regional parliaments and assemblies, and thousands of parliamentarians throughout the EU, and which is enormously time-consuming for the agendas of national parliament’s Committees for Union Affairs, overloading them when analysing the legislation sent by the EU Institutions, making it difficult for them to dedicate more time to the analysis of Union policies as a result;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Amendment 22 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas, under the framework of political dialogue in the relations of the institutions of the Union with national parliaments, national Parliaments can issue opinions on documents or policy areas where the institutions have power to act, with the aim to transmit their views on a much broader range of issues beyond subsidiarity; whereas this forenamed opinions from national parliaments are called “opinions” by the Commission and “contributions” by the European Parliament; whereas contrary to the falling amount of reasoned opinions, opinions have followed the opposite trend since they have been increasing significantly over the years;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
F d. whereas the European Committee of the Regions highlights its role as guardian of the principle of subsidiarity and believes this principle should be seen as a dynamic political and legal concept in policymaking and implementation;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F e (new)
Recital F e (new)
F e. whereas the European Committee of the Regions recently introduced in March 2021 the Regional Hubs 2.0; whereas this project is an own initiative of the Committee to monitor how EU policies work on the ground;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the current crisis has strengthened the need to alleviateidentify unnecessary regulatory burdens to make sure that EU laws deliver their intended benefits while reducing unnecessary costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 35 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the constant consideration of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, which are guiding principles for the European Union when it chooses to act; recalls the concerns raised in previous reports about the somewhat perfunctory character of the annual reports on subsidiarity and proportionality prepared by the Commission, which often fail to pay detailed consideration to how these principles are observed in EU policy- making; acknowledges the growing comprehensiveness of the annual reports on subsidiarity and proportionality of the Commission, within the current legal format, which are increasingly detailed and exhaustive;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the principle of subsidiarity enshrined in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union aims to ensure that decisions are taken as closely as possible to citizens and that constant checks are carried out to verifythis is constantly respected, and that action at EU level is justified in the light of the possibilities available at national, regional or local level and to guarantee that the EU does not take action, except in the areas that fall within its exclusive competence, unless it is more effective than action taken at national, regional or local level; recalls, too, that the principle of proportionality requires that any action taken by the EU should not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaties;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Acknowledges the work carried out by the EU institutions in the respect of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles as demonstrated in the fact that in more than 5000 analysis of EU legislation no orange card has been triggered; regrets however that the current structure of the subsidiarity process overburdens the agendas of national parliament’s Committees for Union Affairs compelling them to dedicate excessive time to technical and legal assessments with short deadlines, thus not enabling them to have a more political approach in their agendas and for debating on Union policies;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Emphasises that EU institutions must be attentive to counteract misemployment of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles for anti- integration policies, thus not to be used as a mechanism to slow the integration of the Union, and therefore defending the correct use of the forenamed principles;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the use of directives as legislative instruments allows for better compliance with and respect for the principle of subsidiarityStresses that in no case should the subsidiarity process lead to a dilemma between regulations and directives, this choice corresponds to another framework, since the subsidiarity analysis concerns "who does what better and closer” and not who prescribes norms or policies, thus it is not a necessarily legal analysis;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the conclusions of the Task Force on Subsidiarity, Proportionality and ‘Doing Less More Efficiently’; draws attention to the fact that Parliament declined the invitation to participate by appointing members to the Task Force, with full respect for its institutional role as the only directly elected body of the European Union and of ensuring democratic scrutiny of the activity of European Union; welcomes the results and recommendations of the Report of the Task Force stating that there is EU value added in all existing areas of activity and the task force did not, therefore, identify any treaty competences or policy areas that should be re-delegated definitively, in whole or in part, to the member states;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that the “orange card” procedure has never been activated, and that the “yellow card” has been activated only three times, out of a total of 435 reasoned opinions and 5227 opinions in the period 2007-2019; Emphasises the importance of the participation of national parliaments in the process of law-policy- making at EU level; regretEmphasises the fact that in 2017 the Commission received 20 % fewer reasoned opinions than in 2016 (52 reasoned opinions in 2017 compared to 65 reasoned opinions in 2016), and that in 2018 it received only 37 reasoned opinions; stresses that in 2019, 0 reasoned opinions were submitted; observes that no proposals received more than four reasoned opinions;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines that, on the contrary, and in comparison with reasoned opinions, the trend of opinions (“contributions” in the terms of the vocabulary of the European Parliament) demonstrates a consolidation of the substantial interest of national parliaments for political dialogue by means of the opinions, given that the Commission received 524 opinions in 2017 from national parliaments, 532 opinions in 2018, 159 opinions in 2019 and 246 opinions in 2020; identifies that this trend deepens with the abovementioned figures in 2020 despite this last figures not falling within the scope of this report;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines that the trend of the number of opinions and reasoned opinions in the period 2007-2019 demonstrates that national parliaments increasingly ask for more political dialogue and a greater involvement in the debate on EU policies, thus dedicating less time to the normative analysis of EU legislative proposals;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Suggests that the European Commission give due consideration to the recommendations of the European Court of auditors on the “have your say portal”, in particular by increasing the linguistic accessibility of consultations, in order to allow citizens and stakeholders to decide what they consider to be of “broad public interest”;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 102 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcome the ‘one-in, one-out’ approach based on stakeholder involvement, through which the Commission aims to offset newly introduced burdens, not to be used as a deregulatory measure, by relieving people and businesses of equivalent burdens at EU level in the same policy area; emphasises, however, that the implementation of this approach should not lead to mechanical decisions to repeal legislation or lower standards; and that its aim should be to modernize and reform EU legislation to face new societal challenges, while taking into account the added value of existing measures for society as a whole;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes, in this regard, the establishment by the Commission of the Fit for Future Platform, a high-level expert group with the participation of various stakeholders, Member State experts, and representatives of the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, which advises the Commission on how to make EU legislation more efficient, by identifying potentially unnecessarily burdensome existing EU legislationmeasures and how to simplify and modernise ithem, including through digitalisation;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Strongly suggests a revision of the subsidiarity control mechanism with the aim of making it more functional and agile so that local and regional authorities, and mostly national parliaments, are able to dedicate the essential time needed fora genuine debate on European politics, without being encompassed in a less efficient process with hardly any political substance, and therefore not appropriate to the character of national parliaments; recommends the development of a more political approach in this regard, in order to develop a greater added value for citizens;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Highlights that in the views of a future assessment of the “Better Law Making”, national governments could be considered as the institution who carries out the examination of “who does what better and closer” in regard to the subsidiarity process, since they are legally and administratively equipped and qualified to better analyse it and to determine the feasibility of EU legislation at all levels, and could therefore amount to more of an “active subsidiarity” approach;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Proposes a further involvement of the European Committee of the Regions in the subsidiarity control mechanism, which have the role of the guardian of the principle of subsidiarity representing regional and local authorities, and which has a right to bring an action before the CJEU for an infringement of the principle;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2262(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15 d. Calls on EU institutions to begin to address a complete reassessment of the subsidiarity process ahead of an eventual reform of the control mechanism, which may take place within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that a European Union with greater strategic autonomy is concomitant with revitalised EU-NATO relations; emphasises that a European Union with strategic autonomy will act as a cornerstone for the transatlantic alliance and facilitate a more efficient and effective approach to a number of the global challenges arising today and in the immediate future;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Underlines the importance of stepping up EU/NATO dialogue and cooperation with allied states in Latin America and the Caribbean when it comes to facing security challenges in given areas of shared interest; points out that Colombia is the only partner country of the alliance in Latin America and stresses the need to seek additional partners in the region.
Amendment 4 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises the importance of a functioning digital single market and the ethical use of AI, robotics and related technologies for EU citizens, since they have the potential to tackle the challenges societies face, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with our social and democratic values, as it was demonstrated in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic; considers however, socio- economic, legal and ethical impacts have to be carefully addressed;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Maintains that SMEs and start-ups need to be supported in their digital transformation due to their limited resources; invites, therefore, the Commission to pursue a fitness check for SMEs before publishing legislation and to keep administrative burdens to a minimum by, inter alia, developing standards; as they are the backbone of Europe's economy; invites, therefore, the Commission to assess a proportionate approach to enable them to develop and innovate, including specific measures for the digitalisation of SMEs and start-ups in future legislation and to keep administrative burdens to a minimum by, inter alia, taking into account their position in every step of the digital transformation;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Acknowledges that market imbalances exist in relation to digital businesses that enjoy a significant market power, enabling them to impose their business practices on consumers and customers, and makes it increasingly difficult for other players, especially SMEs and start-ups, to compete and for new businesses to even enter the market;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Welcomes the launching of a new financing instrument, in the form of a co- investment facility of up to €150 million, to support artificial intelligence companies across Europe and asks to pay special attention to support SMEs and start-ups;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the digital single market and AI are diverse and subject to quick and dynamic developments; urges the Commission to base proposals and initiatives on the right balance avoiding on the one hand an one-size-fits-all approach and on the other hand a fragmentation of the market through national approaches on the othere an harmonised and future-proof regulatory framework that is inspired by a humanistic and human-centric approach in technological development;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights that a new regulatory framework for AI is needed focusing order to deal withn guaranteeing fundamental rights and establishing clear ethical principles, legal safeguards and liability in order to harness the potential risks of autonomous behaviour and to maximise the trust of and the benefit for users; invites, while safeguarding the best interests of EU citizens; invites, therefore, the Commission to propose a risk-based and innovation-friendly robust legislative framework for AI that focuses on identifying and closing gaps within existing legislation and being coherent with thewithout prejudice to existing sector- specific legislation;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the firm view that harmonised future-proof definitions of ‘AI’ and ‘high- risk’ should be future- proof to ensure legal clarity for consumers and businesses and should consider human oversight for high-risk AI applications; ; recalls that the risk based approach should take into account the potential that these technologies entail to breach fundamental rights and to cause any prejudice or harm to individuals or society at a whole; reminds that the development, deployment and use of any high-risk AI applications should guarantee full human oversight at any time and must include principles of transparency, safety, accessibility and accountability, non-discrimination and fairness, protection of privacy and personal data, good governance and be socially and environmentally sustainable;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is convinced that existing legislation needs to be adapted to new technologies; askurges the Commission to adjustupdate inter alia the Product Liability Directive1 , in particular by redefining the terms ‘product’ and, ‘damage’, ‘defect’ and considreversing adjustments to the concept ofthe ‘burden of proof’, which should mirror the modifications to the General Product Safety Directive2 ; _________________ 1 2; OJ L 210, 7.8.1985, p.29. OJ L 11, 15.1.2002, p. 4.
Amendment 39 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to make a proposal for the introduction of a liability regime that is based on the proportion of control the party holds over the risk of the operation taking into account the development and the deployment phase and ensure compensation for non-material damages caused by AI;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Outlines that society, including consumers, should benefit from the responsible development and, deployment of AI whichand use of AI technologies that benefit citizens, generate opportunities for businesses and serves the good of society; asks the Commission, therefore, to define ethical rules for the development, deployment and use of AI, robotics and related technologies taking into account the principles of better regulationhat respect fundamental rights guaranteeing human dignity, autonomy and safety taking into account the principles of better regulation, emphasising on evidence and transparent processes involving citizens and stakeholders, including trade unions and consumers’ associations;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that, for the training of AI, the free flow of data within the common data spaces of the digital single market is essential and this should be underpinned by thea solid underlying legal framework which promotes trust among businesses and includes, where necessary, appropriate and fair contractual rules addressing existing power or market imbalances, and ensuring a consumer- friendly approach to data access and control;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to support the development of international standards to govern theRecalls the global dimension of the opportunities and risks implicit in AI technologies; calls on the Commission to promote consistent international cooperation that contributes to create synergies on AI between European entities as well as other multilateral fora to align efforts and to better coordinate the development of AI; urges the Commission to support multilateral efforts to discuss in relevant fora an effective international regulatory framework to guide the development, deployment and use of AI;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that citizens, as users and consumers, are already benefiting from strong data protection rules such as the GDPR3 and ePrivacy Directive4 ; appreciates that the Commission foresees measures ensuring full coordination and avoiding duplication of the data protection existing legislations to empower individuals to exercise their rights, which must at least partly be based on civil law; _________________ 3 4OJ L 119 4.5.2016, p. 1. OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p.37.
Amendment 64 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Asks the Commission to ensure that userscitizens, as users and consumers, are properly informed and that their rights are effectively guaranteed when they interact with automated decision-making systems and thata system uses AI, when AI systems personalise a product or service for its users, and when they interact with automaticed decision- making systems do not generate unfairly biased outputor are subjected to autonomous processes for consumers in the single marketdecisions that influence their experience with digital products and services;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that bias in and discrimination by software, algorithms and data is unlawful; urges the Commission to propose measures to assure that automatic decision-making systems do not generate subjective, unjustifiable, unreasonable or illegitimate biased outputs for consumers in the single market;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Commission to ensure a strong protection for fundamental rights and users’ civil law rights in the forth-coming proposal for a Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Market Act (DMA), particularly in order to protect, inter alia, the freedom of expression and information and the freedom to provide services, and to protect users from harmful micro-targetingillegal content and harmful business practices based on targeting or the exploitation of data;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Outlines that it is unacceptable that users and consumers are exposed to unsafeillegal content as well as unsafe and counterfeit products and; therefore, increased responsibilities for online marketplaces are neededcontent hosting platforms and online marketplaces are needed to reinforce the digital single market; asks the Commission to set up clear rules for the responsibility of content hosting platforms, for the illegal content and for the goods sold or advertised on them in the DSA proposal in order to consider the consumer safeguards in place, which should be observed at all times, and the concomitant redress measures for retailers and consumers by inter alia close the legal gap in which the buyers failed to obtain the satisfaction to which he or she is entitled according to the law or the contract for the supply of goods, for example because of the inability to identify the primary seller (know your customer business principle);
Amendment 77 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers that the use of smart contracts in the digital single market must be firmly foundealls on the Commission to assess the development and use of distributed ledger technologies including blockchain, namely smart contracts in the digital single market, provide guidance to ensure legal certainty for businesses and con civil and contract law in order to ensure the rights of businesses and consumerssumers, in particular the question of legality, enforcement of smart contracts in cross border situations, and notarisation requirements where applicable, and make proposals for the appropriate legal framework;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that large platforms with significant network effects could act as de facto ‘online gatekeepers’ of the digital economy and urges the Commission to analyse the impact that the power of these large platforms have on the rights of users, consumers, start-ups and SMEs.;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions on the UN-EU strategic partnership on peace operations and crisis management - priorities for 2022-2024
Amendment 36 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the present multilateral order stems from a post-1945 global order, not necessarily fully reflecting today’s World, given that not all of the current global actors are properly accounted in the design of the multilateral architecture,
Amendment 38 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas there is a gap between the current global challenges and the capacity of the current multilateral system to deliver effective and inclusive solutions
Amendment 51 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas multilateralism is in need of swift revitalisation to tackle this multidimensional crisis; whereas peace and security, climate change and environmental degradation, disaster risk management, global public health and the deepening of poverty and inequalities at the global level are some of the pressing challenges that the world is facing right now; whereas only through a reinforced multilateral order will the international community be able to find lasting and sustainable answers to these challenges;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the UN Secretary- General’s report entitled ‘Our Common Agenda’, which was presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 and drafted through a wide-ranging consultation process including UN member states, thought leaders, young people, civil society, relevant stakeholders and citizens, as well as the UN system and its many partners, attests to the need for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism for the future; whereas this will be essential for the UN system and other multilateral fora in order to continue being an effective venue for global consultation and decision-making; whereas, in this context, the EU is uniquely positioned to support the UN and other relevant international organisations in pursuing a process of reform and in revitalising their delivery capacity and their ability to connect to relevant stakeholders, such as young people or the communities most impacted by climate change; whereas in doing so the EU should seize the opportunity to engage constructively and effectively with rival powers, while maintaining a firm stance on fundamental rights and pursuing closer cooperation with like-minded countries to reinforce the primacy of universal values and fundamental rights and to advance effective solutions to global challenges; whereas parliamentary diplomacy will be a key component of reinforcing rules-based, inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism; whereas the EU and the UN continue to work closely in over 170 countries to improve the protection of human rights for all, reduce hunger and malnutrition, prevent and overcome crises, build democratic and inclusive societies, deliver essential services, promote green growth and decent jobs, and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the UN Secretary- General’s report entitled ‘Our Common Agenda’, which was presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 and welcomed by the General Assembly in November 2021, and drafted through a wide-ranging consultation process including UN member states, thought leaders, young people, civil society, relevant stakeholders and citizens, as well as the UN system and its many partners, attests to the need for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism for the future; whereas this will be essential for the UN system and other multilateral fora in order to continue being an effective venue for global consultation and decision- making; whereas, in this context, the EU is uniquely positioned to support the UN and other relevant international organisations in pursuing a process of reform and in revitalising their delivery capacity and their ability to connect to relevant stakeholders, such as young people or the communities most impacted by climate change; whereas in doing so the EU should seize the opportunity to engage constructively and effectively with rival powers, while maintaining a firm stance on fundamental rights and pursuing closer cooperation with like-minded countries to reinforce the primacy of universal values and fundamental rights and to advance effective solutions to global challenges; whereas parliamentary diplomacy will be a key component of reinforcing rules-based, inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the new ‘Global Europe – Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument’ (Global Europe financial instrument), combined with the ‘Team Europe’ approach confers on the EU and its Member States an ability to pull resources together in a synergic way and to better coordinate assistance and create positive impact in the external action of the EU, including with a continued and strengthened cooperation with the UN on the ground; whereas the new Global Europe financial instrument provides for high-level political dialogue between the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Parliament on programming priorities with the opportunity for Parliament to reconnect this policy and programming dialogue to its political outreach and consultations with third countries, thus reinforcing, through its parliamentary diplomacy activities and outreach, the ability of the EU to assist and positively impact relevant third countries;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 (new)
Subheading 1 (new)
Rebuilding a multilateralism enshrined in the core of the EU values
Amendment 97 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that the best strategy to defend multilateralism is to rebuild it by making it more inclusive and representative of today’s global order
Amendment 100 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the joint communication by the Commission and the VP/HR to Parliament and the Council on strengthening the EU’s contribution to rules-based multilateralism; considers that this communication contributes very directly to and further advances the reflection on the direction of the EU’s foreign policy from its important, but more general commitment to effective multilateralism as defined in the 2003 European security strategy to the realisation of the need to combine the value and objective of effective multilateralism with principled pragmatism and the need to promote and preserve the EU’s interests and values, as laid out in the 2016 global strategy for the EU’s foreign and security policy; concurs with the Commission and the VP/HR on the need for the EU to be more assertive in pursuing its interests and in advancing the universal values in which it believes and, therefore, concurs on the need for the EU to defend and strengthen multilateralism as a means to ensuring a level playing field for the international community, providing a platform for inclusive policy dialogue, cooperation and convergence and achieving policy responses supported by the international community at large and which can truly deliver; highlights the paramount importance for the EU to strengthen its external action and diplomacy toolbox with its own autonomous instruments, increasing its capacity to be a global actor and “speak with one voice” in order to better defend multilateralism, including the creation of an European Diplomatic Academy as the European Parliament has recently called for; reiterates its call to include the “New European Bauhaus” as a new instrument in the EU’s external action toolbox and as a useful cultural and public diplomatic tool, which are fundamental to promote a values-based multilateral order and the strengthening of international partnerships; points to the EU’s ability to devise very efficient and inclusive regulatory standards for its single market and takes the view that the EU should also seek to promote such standards in the framework of its external action as a paradigm and contribution to the discussion on effective global regulatory standards;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Strengthening the United Nations and the participation of the European Union in its system
Amendment 109 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts; highlights the need to improve the political functioning of the UN, calling for a stronger interface between UN and regional organisations as underlined by United Nations Secretary-General Guterres; highlights the need to strengthen the coordination of UN Agencies with International Financial Institutions through the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); supports UN Secretary- General Guterres’ proposals to give young people and civil society stronger voices within the UN system;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the Commission and the EEAS as well as EU Delegations in third countries to actively reach out and consult the UN regarding EU policy and programmatic activities for 2021-2027 and beyond, and the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; reaffirms that the EU and the UN should work closely at HQ level and in the regions and countries to exchange analysis, and align policy and programmatic planning to maximise impact on the wellbeing of people and planet; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU- UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators, currently operating in more than 130 countries, provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary- General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the new Global Europe financial instrument and the ‘Team Europe’ approach to geographic and thematic assistance and programming provide a unique opportunity to define a common inter-institutional agenda that duly reflects and values the contributions of the EU Member States and reinforces the leveraging ability of the EU and its Member States; warns that the quest by some illiberal countries to attain and consolidate leverage through financing international organisations raises the issue of financial antagonism in multilateral fora and prompts the need for a reflection at EU level on how to secure the independence and effectiveness of relevant international organisations and multilateral fora through adequate EU funding; recalls that EU humanitarian aid and development assistance to third countries is very often channelled through the UN system; supports this partnership between the EU and the UN, but calls on the EU to ensure that the UN gives more visibility to the EU’s specific role and contributions; underlines, in this regard, the importance of carrying out, at EU level, an in-depth evaluation of both existing and envisaged EU-UN partnerships to assess whether there is adequate visibility for the EU’s contribution and whether the leadership roles conferred on the EU and its Member States are commensurate with the EU’s strong commitment and dedication to the UN system; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to carry out this review and to confer with Parliament on their findings and on the way forward to ensure that adequate value is given to the EU’s contributions, financial apportionment, commitment and dedication to the UN system;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Commands the work of the “Alliance for Multilateralism” as an informal network of countries united in their conviction that a rules-based multilateral order is the only reliable guarantee for international stability and peace, and that our common challenges can only be solved through cooperation;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 (new)
Subheading 1 (new)
Rebuilding multilateralism through enhanced global partnerships to pursue common goals
Amendment 159 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to work towards an effective, results-oriented and inclusive multilateralism, where governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and other relevant stakeholders can effectively work together to serve and achieve global goals, values and interests; acknowledges the importance of reconciling the two critical EU goals of enhancing the EU’s visibility as a global actor and supporting the role of multilateral fora; recalls the need to address and manage these tensions and to articulate a balanced position between these two goals, in line with the EU’s core values, ideas and interests; points out that despite the apparent tensions between these two critical European goals, they also provide new opportunities, as an enhanced EU strategic autonomy can allow the EU to make alliances with its bilateral partners within multilateral negotiations, and also promote and defend multilateral commitments when enduring bilateral negotiations;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of continuing to reach out to allies and like- minded partners in international organisations and multilateral fora to consolidate a coalition of like-minded countries committed to common values and objectives and to policy dialogue and effective cooperation globally; points, in this regard, to the particular relevance, not only of traditional transatlantic partners such as the US and Canada, as well as the UK, but also to countries in Latin America; recalls that the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and the countries of Latin America can create, in partnership together, a broader transatlantic area of common values and standards and a commitment to advancing global responses to global challenges; underlines, in this regard, that this broad transatlantic coalition could expand dialogue and cooperation to African countries and support the latter in their quest for political and economic stability; notes that cooperation between the EU and its northern and southern Atlantic partners would empower the political voices that want to build a future for Africa premised on democracy, inclusion and prosperity, while being mindful of the need to protect the African continent from the ravages and security threats stemming from climate change; highlights that the EU relations with the African Union and with Latin America and the Caribbean have an intrinsic value in themselves and are of crucial importance under the optics of a renewed multilateralism; supports, in this regard, efforts by the VP/HR, the Council and the Commission to further strengthen the EU’s partnership with the African Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States; points to the importance of furthering a convergence of positions at the UN and other multilateral fora between the EU and both accession and partner countries; calls on the EU to expand its ability to assist partner and like-minded countries, including through capacity building, knowledge-sharing, training and twinning, so that they can engage more effectively in the multilateral system; reiterates the importance of reinforcing the existing multilateral fora with like-minded partners, especially the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States summits;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports the EU’s tireless advocacy for and defence of universal human rights, its staunch support for the universalisation of international human rights law, its active support to and use of UN human rights fora to address pressing human rights issues, its steadfast support for strengthening accountability and international justice mechanisms and its fight against impunity; supports the VP/HR and the Commission in their quest to ensure that the UN Human Rights Council acts more efficiently, addresses all human rights issues and country situations effectively, credibly and without bias and ensures synergies with other multilateral human rights fora; pays tribute to the work of the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and takes the view that her tenure provides a unique opportunity to engage on effective dialogue and cooperation on how to streamline and reinforce the delivery capacity of the UN human rights system, including through increased public scrutiny of Human Rights Council membership, responsibilities and mandatory pledging events at the UN General Assembly with candidates to the Human Rights Council, as proposed by the VP/HR and the Commission in their joint communication; notes that the financial resources allocated to the work of the UN Human Rights Commissioner is notably insufficient, with many countries seeking to reduce them, while it has been a longstanding demand of the EU to increase its financing; welcomes the launch on 12 October 2021 of an annual strategic dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; welcomes the EU’s initiatives and activities pertaining to human rights in the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and the UN Security Council, as well as the cooperation between the EU and the UN on multiple thematic and country-based human rights issues;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
An improved involvement of the European Parliament
Amendment 214 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls Parliament’s important role as a democratic, convening institution that can provide a unique public forum to promote multilateralism; considers that Parliament should regularly invite high- level leaders from relevant international organisations to discuss shared interests and priorities; believes that to reinforce the parliamentary dimension of multilateral fora, Parliament should host on its premises, on an annual basis, a conference of speakers from G7 and G20 countries; calls for the reinforcement of structured dialogue between Parliament and the UN system; stresses, in this regard, the importance of holding regular meetings to exchange views between the Committee on Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees and the heads of the EU delegations to the UN in New York and Geneva and between the committee and the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States that are either permanent or rotating members of the UN Security Council; highlights the positive contributions of the annual delegations from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and its sub-committees to the UN headquarters in New York; calls for the formalisation of some of the informal sessions between the EU and the UN Security Council; encourages the setting up of a formal association between Parliament and the UN General Assembly;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Multilateralism as a driver to address urgent global challenges
Amendment 221 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the crucial contribution of the multilateral system in addressing the climate emergency; calls for the further enhancement, reinforcement and institutionalisation of the existing multilateral frameworks that seek to combat climate change, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences and the Paris Agreement, which have almost universal membership, through the establishment of accountability mechanisms and concrete principles to ensure the effectiveness of their mandates; stresses the need to reinforce global action against climate change, as only through collective, immediate and ambitious global action may the world be able to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels; believes that in the fight against global warming industrialised countries should support developing countries in the shift from fossil fuels to green energy, by transferring not only funding but also expertise and technology; recalls the importance of focusing on the implementation at the national level by adopting and implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while at the same time ensuring that the international community is collectively on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement at the multilateral level; recalls the importance of working closely with major emitters, climate-vulnerable countries and transatlantic partners to deliver progress on the 2030 target at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference;
Amendment 222 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the crucial contribution of the multilateral system in addressing the climate emergency; calls for the further enhancement, reinforcement and institutionalisation of the existing multilateral frameworks that seek to combat climate change, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences and the Paris Agreement, which have almost universal membership, through the establishment of accountability mechanisms and concrete principles to ensure the effectiveness of their mandates; stresses the need to reinforce global action against climate change, as only through collective, immediate and ambitious global action may the world be able to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels; recalls the importance of focusing on the implementation at the national level by adopting and implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while at the same time ensuring that the international community is collectively on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement at the multilateral level; recalls the importance of working closely with major emitters, climate-vulnerable countries and transatlantic partners to deliver progress on the 2030 target at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference; calls for continuing multilateral efforts to mobilise finance for the SDGs and climate, including dedicating 50% of climate finance to adaptation;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the key role of multilateral fora in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights this as an example of their importance in promoting and protecting global public health; celebrates the development of the Covax initiative, which constitutes an unprecedented exercise of international solidarity, and thanks its donors and contributors, while stressing the need to continue donating and increasing resources in order to make vaccines and treatments available for free to all countries; commends the work of the World Health Organization in combating the pandemic through its decisions based on scientific knowledge and evidence and stresses the need to enhance its mandate and executive capacity, especially with regard to data sharing and resource mobilisation, as well as reform the decision-making process of its Emergency Committee and establish enforcement mechanisms for its decisions and precepts; Welcomes the start of the works on a new international Treaty on pandemics, following the adoption of a decision on May 31st 2021 by the totality of the 194 WHO members;
Amendment 245 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need for further multilateral action in economic governance, especially in regards to taxation; celebrates the direction set up by the G20/Inclusive Framework in their latest proposal for establishing a minimum corporate tax rate of 15 %; encourages the international community to further integration in this area in order to avoid disloyal practices and abuses; calls for the enlargement of international standards and norms in this policy area% and the future Pillar allowing for a fairer reallocation of taxation rights; supports the Commission’s intention to propose an own resource equivalent to 15% of the share of the residual profits of the largest and most profitable multinational enterprises that are reallocated to EU Member States under this agreement; encourages the international community to further integration in this area in order to avoid disloyal practices and abuses; calls for the enlargement of international standards and norms in this policy area; welcomes the fact that more than 130 countries are members of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, whose work is managed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; reminds, however, that the UN would be a more inclusive forum for discussions and negotiations on international taxation; recalls the key importance of the World Trade Organization in regulating and facilitating world trade;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for extending multilateralism to new challenges and realities such as biodiversity, cybersecurity, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, which need to be developed alongside experts and scientists who should be party to multilateral, multi- stakeholder arrangements; welcomes the efforts of the UN Secretary General to enhance and coordinate the digitalisation of the United Nations, so that the internet serves the pillars of the UN: peace and security, human rights and development;
Amendment 263 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Highlights that a renewed multilateralism can have a positive impact in pushing forward the digital transformation, not only as powerful leverage to implement the SDGs, but also on the urgent need to set basic standards and norms and addressing its risks and challenges. Points out that the digital world should also be addressed as a very important new source of taxation;
Amendment 266 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Highlights the two key-strategic ideas of United Nations’ Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ proposal “Our Common Agenda” which are the need of a Global New Deal and of New Social Contract; points that those could be translated into very concrete measures such a stronger Global Green Fund and a mechanism of financial support to highly- indebted countries, provided they implement SDGs and act against poverty;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and in particular Articles 7, 8, 11, 16, 17(2), 47 and 52 thereof,
Amendment 20 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas sport plays a key role in the social, cultural and economic prosperity of the Union and promotes common values of solidarity, diversity and social inclusion;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas fan culture, built upon the freedom to share and live the sports experience both in real time and preceding or following live sports events, is an essential element of the role that sport plays in European society;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the meaning and scope of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter are to be determined in accordance with the corresponding case law by the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the illegal transmission of sport events not only causes significant economic harm to the sector, which results in losses in subscription and advertising revenue, but is also harmful for fans and consumers often as part of the activities of criminal organisations, that are also harmful for consumers;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas action should focus on the root cause of illegal content streams, namely illegal website enablers and not on individuals, including fans and consumers, who unwillingly and unknowingly are involved in illegal streaming;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the professional illegal transmission of a whole sport event should be distinguished from short sequences shared among and by fans andthat pertaining to a fan culture and from content shared by journalists and news reporters for the purpose of informing the general public as set out in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and in the exercise of their right to freedom of expression;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas certain major sports events are of general public interest and access to real-time information about them should therefore be guaranteed for all citizens and not be subject to undue or illegal restrictions; whereas this also concerns the journalists and news reporters who may provide such real-time information;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas, however, the current legal framework does not allow for the immediate action needed to remedy the illegal broadcast of live sport events; whereas, moreover, some Member States have adopted different rules on notice and action mechanisms that are not harmonised at Union level;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Requests that the Commission submit without undue delay, after carrying out the necessary impact assessments and stakeholder consultations, submit a proposal for legislative acts, following the recommendations set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that intellectual property rights are important for sport events’ organisers, as their exploitation represents a source of income, in particular in relation to the licensing of broadcasting rights for the sport events they organise; emphasizes the importance of this income for the funding and investment in grass roots sport, or amateur sports, and its contribution to society as an equalizer of people from different socio-economic backgrounds, with different physical abilities and of different genders.
Amendment 76 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that tackling online piracy of sport events that are broadcast “live” and whichose economic value lies in the “live” broadcast is the mainonly challenge that sport events’ organisers face which may require a legislative response at Union level;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that, given the specific nature of live sport events broadcast and the fact that their value is mainly limited to the duration of the sport event in question, enforcement procedures need to be as swift as possible and to allow for immediatethe timely and efficient removal of illegal content;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers, however, that the current legal framework for injunction and for notice and take down mechanisms does not allowways guarantee for an effective and timely enforcement of rights to remedy the illegal broadcast of live sport events; considers, therefore, that concrete measures, specific for live sport event broadcasts, should be adopted to adapt the current legal framework to fit these specific challenges and to allow for the promptimely and efficient removal of illegal sport events broadcasts online; is of the view that real-time take down, provided that there are no doubts about the ownership of the right concerned and the fact that the transmission was not authorised should be the sole objective to pursue;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines, also, that the general framework provided for by Union law is not applied in a similar way in national legislation and that civil procedure and notice and take down mechanisms differ from one Member State to another; is of the view that there is a lack of efficiency of enforcement tools in the cross-border context; calls for furtherwelcomes efforts to harmonisation ofe the procedures and remedies in the Union in this specific contexte context of the Digital Services Act package;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Directive on electronic commerce provides that certain online service providers are to act expeditiously to remove or disable access to illegal information they store, upon obtaining actual knowledge or awareness thereof, through notices submitted to them; maintains that the notice and action procedure should form the basis for measures addressing illegal content in the Union; considers, however, that the current notice and take down procedure does not allow forways guarantee swift enforcement in a way that provides effective remedies, considering the specific characteristic of “live” sport events; underlines that all provisions to be taken must be in line with the future Digital Services Act;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to propose concrete measures specifically adapteding notice and action procedures to live sport events allowing for immediatethe timely and efficient removal of, or the disabling of access to, content, including a real-time take down procedureillegal broadcasts, where there are no doubts about the ownership of the right concerned and the fact that the transmission was not authorised; stresses, nevertheless, that the core provisions of the Directive on electronic commerce, such as the prohibition of general monitoring obligations and the limited liability regime, must be upheld;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that injunction procedures are relatively long and do not cope with the specific issue of illegal broadcasting of sport events; stresses the existence of practices developed at national level, such as live injunctions and dynamic injunctions, that have proved to be solutions to tackle piracy of sport events broadcasts more efficiently; calls fon the Commission to explore the possible introduction in Union law of injunction procedures aimed at allowing real-time blocking of access to or removal ofddressing illegal online live sport content in real time, based on the model of “live” blocking orders and “dynamic injunctions”, including an evaluation of the efficiency of such measures and their impact on fundamental rights online;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recognises that injunction procedures to remove illegal sport events broadcast online, irrespective of the manner of their implementation, must ensure that the measures strictly target the illegal content and do not lead to the arbitrary and excessive blocking of legal content;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the need for safeguards to ensure that the legal framework strikes the right balance between the need for efficiency of enforcement measures and the need to protect third party rights, including access to effective judicial remedy, appropriate information about the alleged infringement for the affected service providers and internet users, and adequate safeguards in relation to the protection of personal data;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the responsibility for the illegal broadcasting of sports events does not lie with fans and consumers;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
- to further assess the need to harmonise, without prejudice to the general Union framework to be defined in a Digital Services Act, procedures and remedies in the Union to boost the efficiency of enforcement tools, including in the cross- border context;
Amendment 144 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
- to improve enforcement tools to allow for real-time take down ofevaluate the efficiency of enforcement tools addressing illegal live sport content, considering their need for effective notice and take down mechanisms which imply immediatetimely and efficient measures to be taken;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 7 a (new)
Annex I – part 1 – paragraph 1 – indent 7 a (new)
- to clarify that the responsibility for the illegal broadcasting of sports events does not lie with fans and consumers;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Without prejudice to the modification, in the framework of a future Digital Services Act, of the general rules regarding the manner in which illegal online content is tackled by online intermediaries , Directive 2000/31/EC (the Directive on electronic commerce) should be amended or, specific provisions regarding the rights of sport events organisers should be introduced in Union legislation, in order to:
Amendment 158 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- clarify the concept behind the phrase “acts expeditiously” set out in Article 14 of the Directive on electronic commerce in relation to an online intermediary, such that “expeditiously” is considered to mean “immediately from the notification of the infringement by rightholders and by no later than 30 minutes after the starthalf-time of the sport event”. in question;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Amendment 171 #
2020/2073(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part 2 – paragraph 2 – indent 4
- specify that the removal of the illegal content should take place immediately after reception of the notice and by no later than 30 minutes after the event startedhalf-time of the sport event in question, provided that there is no doubt about who owns the content and whether any direct or indirect consent was given by the rightholders to make the content available to the public; strong indication should be put on the rightholders torightholders should also be held responsible for preventing any removal of legal content; to that end, blocking access to or removing illegal content should in principle not require blocking the access to a server that hosts legal services and content;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the EESC Opinion on “European Philanthropy: an untapped potential (Exploratory opinion at the request of the Romanian Presidency)”,
Amendment 12 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas European democracy depends on civil society being able to function freely and across borders; whereas the existence of NPOs is essential in our free and participative democracies, as well as in defending the rights of minorities; whereas NPOs also function as schools of democracy contributing to the thriving of civil society, and to closing the gaps in services and economic activities;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas today many associations and NPOs play a full part in the economic life and in the development of the internal market, by engaging in some economic activity on a regular basis; whereas the volume of cross-border financial flows between NPOs has increased considerably in the last decade;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas nowadays the awareness among policymakers and civil society about the potential of NPOs in terms of provision of services, citizen engagement and social innovation has increased; whereas their potential is probably untapped in a wide range of areas such as education, culture, health care, social services, research, development aid, humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas cross-border associations and NPOs in particular contribute greatly to the achievement of the Union'’s objectives and develop many and various activities of general interest with a transnational relevance; whereas NPOs provide services in often unprofitable areas of the social sector and encourage participation in many social activities and could contribute to strengthen the social cohesion between EU societies, especially in cross-border regions;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Observes that legal, cultural, political and economic differences between Member States continue to make the cross-border activities of NPOs very complex, and that the current administrative and fiscal treatment of the cross-border activities of these organisations results in higher transaction costs than at national level;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that, due to their particular character, the proposed legal instruments are to refrain from regulating political parties; furthermore, recalls that the Union respects the status of churches, religious organisations or communities, as well as philosophical or non-confessional organisations under national law; underlines that this does not preclude organisations that only draw from a religious, philosophical or non- confessional inspiration such as faith-based charitable NPOs, from benefitting from the scope of these proposals; points out that trade unions in several Member States are given a special beneficial status and, they should therefore be excluded from the proposed instruments but however should be given a choice to make use of the provisions under the proposed instruments, if they so wish; Points out to the fact that NPOs are likewise free to choose to make use of the provisions under the proposed regulation whereas for NPOs, the directive automatically applies;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – recital 10
Annex – Part I – recital 10
(10) Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council5 provides for the creation of European groupings of territorial cooperation (EGTC). Such groupings are formed mostly by state or local authorities or other entities governed by public law. Thus, non-governmental civil society actors and citizens are not covered. __________________ 5 Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) (OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 19).
Amendment 121 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – recital 12
Annex – Part I – recital 12
(12) It is therefore necessary to establish at Union level appropriate and rules which will permit the creation of European associations with their own legal personality.
Amendment 123 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – recital 12 a (new)
Annex – Part I – recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Trade unions, organisations which are associations of trade unions and foundations, associations or other non- profit bodies with a trade union aim shall be excluded from the scope of this Regulation. However, it shall be possible for organisations which are associations of trade unions or foundations, associations or other non-profit bodies with a trade union aim to decide to fall under the application of parts of the Regulation or of the Regulation as a whole, if they so wish.
Amendment 129 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 1 – paragraph 4
Annex – Part I – Article 1 – paragraph 4
4. A European Association’s objectives shall respect and support the promotion of the objectives and values on which the Union is founded as laid down in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 138 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 4 – title
Annex – Part I – Article 4 – title
National supervisoryassociations authority
Amendment 147 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 5 – title
Annex – Part I – Article 5 – title
European Associations AuthoritBody
Amendment 166 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex – Part I – Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) as the result of a conversion into a European Association of an existing entity formed under the law of a Member State, which is composed of founding Members from at least two Member States and which has its registered office within the Union; or
Amendment 174 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex – Part I – Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Neither the formation of a European Association nor any restructuring processes shall result in the undermining of workers’ or trade union rights or working conditions. Employers’ obligations shall be maintained, including any obligations established in collective agreements. The preferential status of workers with regard to outstanding wages, including in case of dissolution and insolvency, shall be ensured and outstanding wages shall be paid before any other creditors. Trade unions and workers’ representatives shall be informed and consulted before the formation of an European Association and any restructuring processes. Workers’ information, consultation and board-level representation rights shall be maintained.
Amendment 179 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
Annex – Part I – Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a precise statement of the European Association’s objectives and its non-profit purpose;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point k a (new)
Annex – Part I – Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point k a (new)
(ka) whether or not it disposes of founding social capital and, if so, the amount of such capital;
Amendment 239 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 13 – paragraph 1
Annex – Part I – Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. A European Association shall be free to determine its internal management structures and governance in its statutes, which in any case must be in accordance with the democratic principles and fundamental values of the EU, subject to the other provisions of this Regulation.
Amendment 247 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 15 – paragraph 5
Annex – Part I – Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. TExcept in the case where a majority of the members of the Association objects, the meetings of the General Assembly may be held online without that affecting their validity, or the validity of the decisions adopted.
Amendment 288 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 23 – paragraph 5
Annex – Part I – Article 23 – paragraph 5
5. European Associations shall not be required to disclose information on their members, in particular with regards to the objectives and activities of the association. Disclosing information on members shall not be required unless necessary for the purpose of a criminal investigation concerning criminal offences punishable by a maximum custodial sentence of a maximum of at least onthree years.
Amendment 293 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Chapter 5 – title
Annex – Part I – Chapter 5 – title
Amendment 295 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 24 – title
Annex – Part I – Article 24 – title
Amendment 298 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 24 – paragraph 1
Annex – Part I – Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. The supervisory authority of the registering Member State shall consult in a timely manner the supervisory authorities of other Member States within the framework of the European Associations Authority on any substantial issues regarding the lawfulness and liability of a given European Associations registered in the Member State’s territory.
Amendment 306 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex – Part I – Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) by decision of the General Assembly, withhich has a possibility to annul such decision before any dissolution or liquidation of a European Association.
Amendment 307 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex – Part I – Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The European Association shall inform the supervisory authority of its dissolution pursuant to paragraph 1 no later than 15 calendar days after the decision has been made.
Amendment 311 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part I – Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex – Part I – Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A European Association may be dissolved by a binding decision of the European Associations Authority which is, subject to judicial review, taken on its own initiative or at the request of the supervisory authority of the Member State in which the European Association has its registered office, if:
Amendment 325 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 2
Annex – Part II – recital 2
(2) Non-profit organizations enjoy protection of certain rights, including fundamental rights, in their own capacity, as it derives from relevant case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and of the European Court of Human Rights. Several Member States recognise specifically the right of association in their respective constitutions as a right of citizens to contribute with private resources to the common good.
Amendment 328 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 7 a (new)
Annex – Part II – recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The EESC has called on the Member States to establish an enabling environment for philanthropy in line with EU freedoms and fundamental rights, which encourage philanthropic and citizen action, private giving to public benefit causes and the creation of philanthropic organisations1a. __________________ 1a SOC/611, European philanthropy: an untapped potential OPINION. European Economic and Social Committee.
Amendment 332 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 11
Annex – Part II – recital 11
(11) It is necessary at Union level to build on existing standards and guidance to establish minimum standards for non-profit organisations in line with Freedom of Association and free flow of capital, aimed at ensuring a uniform level of protection and a level playing field for all non-profit organisations established in the Union, in order to secure an enabling environment in which these organisations can contribute without hindrances to the functioning of the internal market.
Amendment 336 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 17
Annex – Part II – recital 17
(17) Trade unions, organisations which are associations of trade unions and foundations, associations or other non- profit bodies with a trade union aim should be excluded from the application. This exclusion should not in any way be used by Member States to justify a limitation of Trade Union prerogatives and rights recognised in national, EU, European or international law or human rights instruments;, in particular the Council of Europe European Social Charter and the relevant Conventions and Recommendations of the International Labour Organisation and their related case law and jurisprudence. However, organisations which are associations of trade unions or foundations, associations or other non-profit bodies with a trade union aim, may decide to fall under the application of parts of the Directive or of the Directive as a whole, if they so wish.
Amendment 339 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 22
Annex – Part II – recital 22
(22) The implementation of rules concerning non-profit organisations should be undertaken by regulatory authorities that act in an impartial, independent and timely manner in line with the right to good administration. Decisions and acts affecting the exercise by non-profit organisations of their rights and obligations should be open to independent review, including by a court or tribunal.
Amendment 340 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 23
Annex – Part II – recital 23
(23) Simplifying and easing bureaucracy and regulatory requirements, ensuring that those requirements are not unduly burdensome, streamlining rules on formation, registration and de-registration, and modernising related procedures and systems is necessary to ensure a conducive environment for the operations of non- profit organisations across the Union and to enhance transparency and trust in the sector. Supervising competences, where applicable, need to be proportionate, respect the autonomy and self- government of NPOs and avoid unjustified burdens. To that effect, general obligations as regards the simplification of administrative rules as well as specific obligations as regards certain aspects of the regulatory framework should be established in this Directive.
Amendment 344 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – recital 27
Annex – Part II – recital 27
(27) Non-profit organisations should have the freedom to seek, receive and use financial, material and human resources, whether domestic, foreign or international, for the pursuit of their activities. Non-profit organisations across the Union have reported increasingly difficult access to resources including public funding and there are concerns in an increasing number of Member States as regards the proportionality of strict rules being adopted on non-profit organisations’ access to foreign funding. Philanthropic organisations have also reported about difficulties to donate and grant to other NPOs in some cases. It is therefore necessary to establish principles and standards on non- profit organisations’ financing, including as regards access to and use of private resources and public funding, the pursuit of economic activities and the obligation not to unduly restrict cross-border financing in line with Treaty rules on free movement of capital.
Amendment 359 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 2 – paragraph 5
Annex – Part II – Article 2 – paragraph 5
5. Trade unions, organisations that are associations of trade unions and foundations, associations or other non- profit bodies with a trade union aim, shall be excluded from the scope of this Directive. However, when implementing this Directive, Member States shall ensure that organisations which are associations of trade unions or foundations, associations or other non- profit bodies with a trade union aim, may decide to fall under the application of parts of the Directive or of the Directive as a whole, if they so wish.
Amendment 375 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 7 – paragraph 4
Annex – Part II – Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure that oversight and supervision of non-profit organisations is undertaken by designated independent supervisory authorities whose powers and functions shall be clearly defined by law and exercised in accordance with the right principle to good administration, including as regards the grounds for possible inspections and audits, the procedures, duration and scope of inspections and audits and the powers of inspecting and auditing officers.
Amendment 378 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 8 – paragraph 1
Annex – Part II – Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that non-profit organisations, their founders, directors, staff, members, beneficiaries of the activities of the NPOs and all persons seeking to exercise rights related to the formation, registration, operations, financing and cross-border activities of non-profit organisations established, registered or operating in its territory have access to effective complaint mechanisms before a competent independent authority such as an ombudsperson or the national human rights institution in order to seek assistance to assert their rights.
Amendment 383 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 10 – paragraph 1
Annex – Part II – Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that any natural or legal person may apply for membership, where applicable according to the legal form, of a non-profit organisation established, registered or operating in its territory according to that organisation’s statutes and constitutions, and to freely exercise membership rights subject to the organisation’s statutory conditions and regulatory limitations.
Amendment 390 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 11 – paragraph 3
Annex – Part II – Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, non- profit organisations may be required to disclose and make public, in their statutes or by other means, further information on their operations, functioning or financing, insofar as this is necessary to genuinely meet an objective of general interest, subject to the principle of proportionality in particular with regards to the objectives and activities of the organisation. Disclosing the members lists of membership-based non-profit organizations shall not be required by state authorities, unless required for the purpose of a criminal investigation concerning criminal offences punishable by a maximum custodial sentence of a maximum of at least onthree years.
Amendment 395 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 13 – paragraph 8
Annex – Part II – Article 13 – paragraph 8
8. Member States shall maintain a database of registered associationNPOs that is accessible to the public, including statistical information on the number of accepted and rejected applications with due consideration for data protection principles and the right to privacy.
Amendment 405 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 17 – paragraph 2
Annex – Part II – Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. For the purpose of paragraph 1, Member States mayshall not require non-profit organisations operating in their jurisdiction other proof than the evidence of establishment or registration as a non-profit organisation in another Member State.
Amendment 410 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex – Part II – Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Member States shall ensure that neither cross-border conversions nor mergers have the effect to undermine workers’ or trade union rights or working conditions. They shall ensure that the employers’ obligations shall be maintained, including any obligations established in collective agreements. The preferential status of workers with regard to outstanding wages, including in case of dissolution and insolvency, shall be ensured and outstanding wages shall be paid before any other creditors. Workers’ information, consultation and board-level representation rights shall be maintained, and trade unions and workers’ representatives shall be informed and consulted before any conversion or merger.
Amendment 415 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 24
Annex – Part II – Article 24
Member States shall ensure that non-profit organisations established, registered or operating in their territory be free to engage in any lawful economic, business or commercial activities provided that such activities support their non-profit objectives or are mission related, subject to the licensing or regulatory requirements generally applicable to the activities concerned pursuant to national laws, regulations and administrative practices.
Amendment 418 #
2020/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex – Part II – Article 27 – paragraph 2
Annex – Part II – Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that information concerning membership of a non-profit organisation may only be accessed by a competent authority where such information is necessary for the purpose of the investigation of criminal offences punishable by a maximum custodial sentence of a maximum of at least 3 years.
Amendment 60 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point ii
Paragraph 4 – point ii
(ii) protection of the full integrity and proper functioning of the single market and customs union, the indivisibility of the four freedoms; in particular, the degree of cooperation in the economic pillar should be commensurate with the freedom of movement of peopleassociation pillar must be in accordance with the commitments that are acquired to facilitate the mobility of people, in areas, among others, such as the non- requirement of visas to travel, the mobility of researchers and students, the cooperation in the field of social security, and of temporary service providers and business travellers;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates its support to the negotiating directives, which set out that Gibraltar will not be included in the territorial scope of the agreements to be concluded between the EU and the UK, and that any separate agreement will require the prior agreement of the Kingdom of Spain;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Withdrawal Agreement is the instrument for implementing the arrangements for the UK’s withdrawal and that the onlyone of the main purposes of the EU-UK Joint Committee is to oversee its application; underlines the importance of the effective implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement as a litmus test for the good faith that the UK has committed to brings to the negotiating process and recalls that the outcome of the negotiations would be linked to it;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, after the end of the transition period the UK, while being a third country, will have the task of implementing parts of the Union Customs Code, which will require unprecedented structures to be set up even before the end of the transition period, necessitating due consideration for the issue of proper implementation and enforcement; calls on the Commission to carry out periodical and efficient checks and controls; notes that the term goods ‘at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union’ used in Article 5 of that Protocol is unclear and depends on subsequent decisions of the Joint Committee which are exempt from formal European Parliament scrutiny; requests to be kept fully informed oin the application of that Article andadvance and in detail on any proposals for decisions of the Joint Committee in that regardwith regard to the application of that Article, such as the establishment of the specific criteria for a good to be considered 'at risk', or on the amendment of any of its previous decisions;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that until 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom is obliged to contribute, inter alia, to the financing of the European Defence Agency, the European Union Institute for Security Studies, and the European Union Satellite Centre, and to the costs of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly believes that the UK should adhere to the evolving standards on taxation and anti-money laundering legislation within the EU acquis, including tax transparency, the exchange of information on tax matters and anti-tax avoidance measures, and should address the respective situations of its Overseas Territories, its Sovereign Base Areas and its Crown Dependencies and their non- compliance with EU good governance criteria and transparency requirements; reminds, with regard to the territory of Gibraltar, the negotiating directives and the provisions set out in the draft legal text of the EU;
Amendment 289 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Regrets the fact that the UK negotiating objectives published on 27 February stated that foreign policy will be determined within a framework of broader friendly dialogue and cooperation between the UK and the EU, demoting this key area to a non-institutionalised relationship to be agreed upon at a later stage;
Amendment 309 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that both the EU and the UK share principles, values and interests and a commitment to promoting global prosperity, security and effective multilateralism; stresses that it is in both sides’ interest to maintain an ambitious, close and lasting cooperation that, respecting the autonomy of the Union, serves the security of Europe and it citizens and contributes to global stability, the protection of human rights and peace in line with the objectives and principles we share and which, for the EU, are set out in Article 21 of the TEU;
Amendment 328 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Underlines the fact that the EU isand the UK are to each other an important partner for the UK in foreign and security policy, as the need for common responses to address foreign, security and defence policy challenges is crucial to both sides; encourages the exchange of information and intelligence as well as close cooperation in the areas of counter- terrorism, space policy, cyberwarfare and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence;
Amendment 331 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Emphasises that as of 1 January 2021, if there is no agreement on cooperation in foreign and security policy, the UK will be considered a third country without any specific framework of relations, which will have an impact on existing cooperation in foreign and security policy;
Amendment 342 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that it is in the common interest of the UK and the EU to cooperate on the development of effective and genuinely interoperable defence capabilities, including within the European Defence Agency, and under the necessary administrative agreement that will have to be negotiated, in order to be able to continue the highly valuable partnerships within NATO and EU programmes on defence and external security, such as the European Defence Fund, Galileo and cyber-security programmes;
Amendment 363 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recalls that effective international arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation regimes are a cornerstone of global and European security; recalls the importance of a coherent and credible European strategy for multilateral negotiations at global level and on regional de-escalation and confidence-building measures; calls on the UK to commit to continuing to remain compliant with in the future withe criteria ofequivalent to those laid down by Common Position 2008/944/CFSPP12; _________________ 12 OJ L 335, 13.12.2008, p. 99.
Amendment 379 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Insists on the absolute necessity for this governance system, while respecting the autonomy of both sides, to fully preserve the autonomy of the EU’s decision-making and legal and judicial order, including the role of the CJEU as the sole interpreter of EU law and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; considers that, for provisions based on EU law concepts, the governance arrangements must provide for referral to the CJEU;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas the aim of a review of the DSA is to update the civil and commercial laws governing responsibility for online platforms and hosting service providers to provide certainty and safety for companies, users and society as a whole.
Amendment 11 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that wherever it is technically and legally possible and reasonable, intermediaries should be required to enable the anonymous use of their services and payment for them, since anonymity effectively prevents unauthorised data disclosure and identity theft; notes that where the Directive on Consumer RightsUnion law requires commercial traders to communicate their identity, providers of majoronline market places could be obliged to verify their identity of the traders acting in a professional or non-professional capacity, while in other cases the right to use digital services anonymously shcould be upheld;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that since the online activities of individuals allow for deep insights into their personality and make it possible to manipulate them, the collection and use of personal data notably by systemic platforms and social networks concerning the use of digital services, should be subjected to a specific privacy framework and limited to the extent necessary to provide and bill the use of the service;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that automated tools are unable to differentiate illegal content from content that is legal in a given context; highlights that human review of automated reports by service providers does not solve this problem as private staff lack the independence, qualification and accountability of public authorities; stresses, therefore,could improve the functioning of content recognition technologies to differentiate illegal content from content that is legal where it is legally provided and could enhance existing practices if use in combination with human review and an increased transparency on their functioning; underlines that to ensure the well-being and independence of the personnel, the staff should receive proper training and adequate psychological support to develop skills that help them and to discern on the need to collaborate with public authorities where needed; stresses that the Digital Services Act should explicitly prohibit any obligation on hosting service providers or other technical intermediaries to use automated tools for content moderation, and refrain from imposing notice-and- stay-down mechanismsunless otherwise specified in existing legal text; insists that content moderation procedures used by providers should not lead to any ex-ante control measures based on automated tools or upload-filtering of general monitoring of uploaded content;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2018(INL)
4. Stresses that the final responsibility for enforcing the law, deciding on the legality of online activities and ordering hosting service providersshould always rest with independent judicial and other competent public authorities; hosting service providers has a duty of care to ensure a safe online environment for users and therefore their responsibility to remove or disable access to illegal content as soon as possible should rest with independent judicial authoritiesbe based on existing legislation and jurisprudence; considers that only a hosting service provider that has actual knowledge of illegal content and its illegal nature, through a valid notice, should be subject to content removal obligations and to ensure that the same illegal content cannot be re-uploaded;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the spread of disinformation such as false and racist information on social media should be contained, also by giving users control over content proposed to them; stresses that curating content on the basis of tracking user actions should require the user’s consent; proposes that users of social networks should have a right to see their timeline in chronological order; suggests that dominant platforms should provide users with an API to have content curated by software or services of their choice;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2018(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that online marketplaces should be forbidden from imposing a locked ecosystem for the use of digital products sold on their services; a high level of interoperability should be ensured by providing these products in a format that do not limit the use of the product exclusively to a certain proprietary digital ecosystem.
Amendment 5 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies are a tool to serve the people and that algorithmic systems can enable access to information, including listings of different kinds of cultural objects; notes the risks of intellectual property rights (IPR) infringement when blending AI and different technologies with a multiplicity of sources (documents, photos, films)and contribute to the general interest of citizens and that they can enable access to education, culture and information, including educational platforms, listings of different kinds of cultural objects and a multitude of data sources; notes that the use of data sources such as documents, photos or films used by AI and related technologies may be subject to intellectual property rights;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that consistent integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education sector has the potential to face some of the biggest challenges of education, to come up with innovative teaching and learning practices, and finally, to accelerate the progress towards achieving sustainable development goals in order to accomplish with the 2030 Agenda for Education.
Amendment 13 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that education, culture and the audio-visual sector are areas sensitive to the use of AI and related technologies since they have the potential to impact our societies and the fundamental rights they uphold; contends therefore that legally binding ethical principles should be observed in their deployment, development and use;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Emphasises that European artificial intelligence should safeguard and promote core values of our Union such as democracy, independent and free media and information, quality education, environmental sustainability, gender balance and cultural and linguistic diversity;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that AI could redefine research by studying patterns in interest in the acquisition and movement of cultural objects across borders; notes, furthermore, that predictive analytics can also play an important role in fine-tuning cultural data analysis;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that AI-improved image recognition softwaretechnologies could vastly enhance the ability of educational facilities and relevant actoteachers to provide and develop modern and innovative schooling methods while ensuring quality sources and respecting the protection of IPRsand fairness in education, non-discrimination and an adequate protection of personal data, in particular children’s data, through transparent and reliable data sources respectful of IPRs; such schooling methods should nevertheless be assessed as to their reliability and accuracy;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – point a (new)
Paragraph 3 – point a (new)
(a) Notes that due to the significance that the AI could have in the education scenery, it is necessary a rigorous legal basis covering all digital tools to facilitate and enhance teaching activities thought aspects such as reporting educational contents or the improvement of teacher- student ratio.
Amendment 37 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines the need to ensure EU- wide digital and AI literacy, namely through the development of training opportunities for teachers; insist that the use of AI technologies in schools should contribute to narrow down the social and regional digital gap.
Amendment 38 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic crisis can be considered as a probation period for the development and use of digital and AI related technologies in the educational and cultural sectors, as exemplified by the many online schooling platforms and online tools for cultural promotion employed across the Member States; thus calls on the Commission to take stock of those examples when considering a common EU approach to the increased use of such technological solutions;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
(a) Highlights the future role that the inclusion of AI-based technological tools should have in the conservation, disclosure and heritage control, just as in the associated research projects.
Amendment 51 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point b (new)
Paragraph 5 – point b (new)
(b) Stresses the significance that the proposals for legal measures have for a global and unified access to AI in all different artistic and cultural sectors.
Amendment 54 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Asks the Commission to assess the impact of AI and AI related technologies in creating new audio-visual works such as deep fakes and to establish the appropriate legal consequences attached to their creation, production or distribution for malicious purposes.
Amendment 4 #
2020/2013(INI)
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 of those of the UN 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 while promoting peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the UN and the wider international community to undertake all necessary regulatory efforts to ensure that the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military affairs and in the law enforcement civil capacities, such as police and border control forces, and the use of AI-enabled systems by the military stay within the strict limits set by international law and, including international humanitarian law (IHL) and Human Rights law;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers in particular that the development and use of AI- enabled systems must abide by the principles ofin armed conflicts must abide by the Martens Clause, and must never breach or be permitted to breach the dictates of the public conscience and humanity; considers that this is the ultimate testeir ability to be used in compliance with international humanitarian law is the minimum standard for the admissibility of an AI- enabled system in warfare; calls on the AI research community to integrate this principle in all AI-enabled systems intended to be used in warfare; considers that no authority can issue a derogation from those principles or certify an AI- enabled system breaching them;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the HR/VP to push for an AI international regulatory framework, aligning major powers on common norms, based on democratic values, adequately framed so as to prevent their use for espionage, mass, targeted and political surveillance, disinformation and data manipulation, and a cyber-arms race;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the creation of a UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Advancing responsible State behaviour in cyber space in the context of international security and calls on the EU to fully take part in its work;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Calls on the HR/VP to pave the way for global negotiations with a view to put in place an AI arms control regime, and to update all existing Treaty instruments dedicated to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation so as to take AI-enabled systems in warfare into account; calls on the Common position on arms export to fully take into account and cover AI-enabled weapons systems;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Reaffirms support to the work of the UN GGE on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), which remains the relevant international forum for discussions and negotiations on the legal challenges posed by autonomous weapons systems; encourages the UN to foster dialogue among Member States, researchers, academics, civil society humanitarian actors and the private sector so as to have inclusive policymaking processes on new international provisions preventing the development, use and proliferation of lethal autonomous weapons systems ; calls for all existing multilateral efforts to be accelerated so that normative and regulatory frameworks are not outpaced by technological development and new methods of warfare;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that states, parties to a conflict and individuals, when employing AI-enabled systems in warfare, must at all times adhere to their obligations and liability under the applicable international law and remain accountable for actions resulting from the use of such systems; recalls that AI machines can under no circumstances be heldhumans remain accountable for intended, unintended or undesirable effects caused by AI- enabled systems on the battlefield;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the need to take duly into account, during the design, development, testing and deployment phases of an AI-enabled system, potential risks as regards to incidental civilian casualties and injury, accidental loss of life, and damage to civilian infrastructure, but also risks related to unintended engagement, manipulation, proliferation, cyber-attack or interference and acquisition by organised crime and terrorist groups;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need for robust testing and, evaluation, certification and monitoring systems based on democratic norms to ensure that during the entire lifecycle of AI-enabled systems in the military domain, in particular during the phases of human- machine interaction, machine learning and adjusting and adapting to new circumstances, the systems and their effect do not go beyond the intended limits and that users will at all times be able to comply with the applicable international law;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that any AI-enabled system used in the military domain must, as a minimum set of requirements, be able to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants on the battlefield, not have indiscriminate effects, notbetween military and civilian targets, recognize when a combatant surrenders or is hors de combat; not have indiscriminate effects, individuate the use of force and not target a certain category of people, not be of a nature to cause unnecessary suffering to persons, nor cruel or degrading treatments, not be biased or be trained on biased data, and be used in compliance with the IHL principles of military necessity, proportionality in the use of forcedistinction, proportionality and precaution prior to engagement and in attack;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that in the use of AI- enabled systems in security and defence, full situational understanding of the operator, predictability and reliability of the AI-enabled system ability to detect possible changes in circumstances and ability tooperational environment and ability to intervene in or discontinue an attack are needed to ensure that IHL principles, in particular distinction, proportionality and precaution in attack, are fully applied across the entire chain of command and control; stresses that AI- enabled systems must allow the military leadership to assume its full control and responsibility and be accountable at all times;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on states to carry out an assessment of hown whether autonomous military devices shave contributed to their national security and what their national security canould gain from AI-enabled weapon systems, in particular as regards the potential of such technologies to reduce human error, thus enhancing the implementation of IHL principlessupport and enhance human decision- making in compliance with IHL;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2013(INI)
9a. Calls for the establishment of a European Agency for Artificial Intelligence, which mandate would cover common standards, certification and monitoring frameworks, as well as strong bilateral cooperation with NATO when it comes to the deployment, development and us of AI in the military field;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. CRecalls the European Parliament position on autonomous weapons systems enabling strikes to be carried out without meaningful human intervention; calls on the HR/VP, the Member States and the European Council to adopt a common position on autonomous weapons system, that ensures meaningful human control over the critical functions of weapons systems, including during deployment; calls on the HR/VP, in the framework of the ongoing discussions on the international regulation of lethal autonomous weapon systems by states parties to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), to help streamline the global debate on core issues and definitions where consensus has not been reached, in particular as regardsadvance the effort to develop a new global normative framework and a legally binding instrument, focused on definitions, concepts and characteristics of AI- enabled lethal autonomous weapons and theirsystems, specifically their critical functions in the identification, selection and engagement of a target, application of the concept of human responsibility in the use of AI- enabled systems in defence, and theto consider the necessary degree of human/machine interaction, including the concept of human control and judgment, to ensure compliance with international humanitarian and Human Rights law as well as with ethical concerns, during the different stages of the lifecycle of an AI- enabled weapon.
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 13 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and with special attention to SDG 16, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
Amendment 16 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
- having regard to the United Nations Secretary General’s appeal for a global ceasefire in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic,
Amendment 35 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas security is a precondition for development; whereas human security is a precondition for lasting peace and stability; whereas a strong nexus between security, development, and humanitarian intervention is essential for the sustainable development of the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa regions; whereas without development and poverty eradication, there will be no sustainable peace; whereas in order to ensure its security and sustainable development, each country must have or acquire adequate capacities in all essentialkey sectors, including security and defence and whereas this will not only stabilise that country, but will also enable it to contribute constructively to peace, stability and crisis prevention in its region;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean in the east, Africa is struggling to contend with challenges, such as historical underdevelopment compounded by the destrucabilisation of the traditional agro- pastoral economy as a result of climate change, population growth and pressure on the natural and environmental resources such as deforestation; whereas another major challenge is the emergence of new forms of mafia economy, including human and drug trafficking and the uncontrolled export of gold deposits, which, combined with the abandonment, inefficiency and corruption of theweak governance, rising inequalities and lack of trust in governments and public administration, is producing a hybridisation between terrorist groups, traffickers and traditional community and regional conflicts, with the phenomenon of jihadist religious extremism appearing as a false response for the societies concerned;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas poverty and insecurity feed off each other and push young people to migrate to Europe in search of a better life, impoverishing states by depriving them of their best human resourcescombined with other factors such as bad governance, corruption and lack of employment opportunities, particularly affect young people and the possibilities given to them, thus pushing many to migrate;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU is also supporting the establishment and operationalisation of the G5 Sahel Joint Force;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas after years of training, the above-mentioned EU missions have been hampered in their sustainability and effectiveness due to restrictions on their mandate, training programmes, and a lack of basic equipment, including weapons, ammunition and vehiclessustainability plans and local ownership;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas these restrictions have allowed third countries, notably Russia, China and Turkey, to fill the void left by the European Union by supplying such equipment have increased their supply of weapons and ammunitions to countries of the region;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas neither the Somali army, nor the Malian army norand the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) have been able to contribute effectively to the fight against jihadistare struggling to fight effectively against terrorists and armed groups or hold and secure the ground cleared with the aid of friendly international forces, the result being that the local populations feel abandoned and fear being accused of collaborating with the government by the jihadists or the armed groups in the CAR once they return and reoccupy the space from which they were expelled;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas after years of involvement in the above-mentioned civil and military missions, the general situation has become worse and worsenot improved significantly and a new and comprehensive strategy therefore needs to be implemented;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the European Union must coordinate the development and, security and humanitarian initiatives in which it is involved as part of an integrated strategy; considers that the African Union and African States from the region are key partners with which the EU is meaningfully engaged in order to jointly achieve sustainable development and human security; considers that the EU- Africa security cooperation must be based on human rights and humanitarian law and must respect the do-no-harm principle; considers that a security strategy for the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa regions must first and foremost lie on addressing the root causes of the conflicts in the region, and notably the deep inequalities;
Amendment 201 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the revision of Article 3a(4)(b) and (c) of Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 in the light of the grave and profound degradation in the security conditions in the region and in order to fill any gaps in EU missions and projects with a view to supporting the capacity- building of partners in the security sector, including through funding for military spending and the provision of weapons, ammunition or lethal equipment, transport and training essential for improving the combat capability of African armed forces fighting against jihadism; supports the Joint Communication of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 28 April 2015 entitled ‘Capacity building in support of security and development – Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’4 ; _________________ 4 JOIN(2015)0017.Welcomes the proposal for a new Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument;
Amendment 218 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the VP/HR to propose a Council decision on the establishment of a specific service to oversee the supply and use of such equipment and training; calls for funding from the EU budget to be provided for the administrative expenditure arising from that Council decision, including for personnel; calls on the Council to charge the Member States for the expenditure arising from the supply and use of such equipment and training; calls on the Member States that do not participate in funding the supply and use of such material to abstain from the vote in the Council;
Amendment 227 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Considers that the sustainability and effectiveness of EU civilian and military missions in Africa have been hampered by the lack of of local ownership, sustainability plans and basic equipment in the countries affected and that it is therefore necessary:
Amendment 236 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point a
Paragraph 5 – point a
a) for the EU budget be large enough to effectively address the current challenges relating to training and military equipment (including weapons, munitions and transport)equipment;
Amendment 243 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point b
Paragraph 5 – point b
b) to adapt the APF in order to overcome the current limitations on the acquisition of arms and munitionsput in place the proposed European Peace Facility, with full respect for the Common Position, for Human rights and humanitarian law, and with effective transparency provisions such as the publication of a detailed list of military equipment provided to partner countries under the Facility;
Amendment 260 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends that the EU considers contributing to the operational and logistical costs of the operations against jihadist terrorism conducted by the national armed forces of Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, within the framework of peacekeeping operations in the Sahel- Saharan area and by taking a similar approach to the one it takes to financing the G5 Joint Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISON);
Amendment 270 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recommends that any financing of capacity-building operations for African countries is conditional on an action plan, which includes training on security sector reform, human rights, international humanitarian law, and the rule of law, with reasonable deadlines with the possibility of further adjustments depending on the evolution of the situation;
Amendment 300 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 10 – point d a (new)
d a) putting in place a Human Rights monitoring mechanism to prevent Human Rights violations;
Amendment 307 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the EU must conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and put in place proper monitoring systems and oversight, of the EUCAP Sahel Mali, EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUCAP Somalia and EUAM CAR civilian missions, adapting them to real needs in order to make them fully operational and effective;
Amendment 313 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that the Government of Somalia is unable to perform its duties and that the Somali army is also unable to counter al-Shabab’s terrorist activities and is not yet ready to take over from AMISOM; recalls that the Somali army waRecalls that the Somali army is supposed to take over from AMISOM in December 2021; underlines that the achievement of that objective requires a new and comprehensive assistance programme to the government and the army of Somalia;
Amendment 324 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for the EU to help the joint forces of the G5 Sahel to become operational through the direct provision of financial assistance for the acquisition of adequate weapons and military equipment; calls on the partners who made pledges at the Brussels Donors’ Conference on 22 February 2018 to implement them expeditiously;
Amendment 336 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Supports the African Union request to the United Nations Security Council for the G5 Sahel joint force and AMISON to be placed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter in order to benefit from sustainable funding;
Amendment 342 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that coordination with the countries of North Africa is desirable as well as an effective contribution to peace and reconciliation in Libya in order to prevent it from becoming a hotspot for the spread of jihadismterrorist, criminal and armed groups, arms and human trafficking;
Amendment 358 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the efforts of Mauritania to take a social and development approach to its military and security response; expresses its solidarity with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, countries that are deeply affected by terrorism; compliments the efforts and sacrifices of the international community, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the Multinational Joint Task Force, the G5 and the French Armed Forces (Operation Barkhane), and EUTM Mali and the Chadian Army, which is the essential force in the central and east sectors of the G5 requiring special support for its battalions;
Amendment 381 #
Amendment 386 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. States that there can be no security strategy without joint developmentsustainable development and humanitarian action;
Amendment 390 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Believes that the European Union should ensure that sustainable development plans are multi-sectoral and provide a global solution to the challenges of the region concerned; stresses that an integrated approach to peace, security and sustainable development requires the meaningful involvement of local civil society actors, and especially of women and young people; is of the opinion that these plans must be adopted by the administration in agreement with the local beneficiary communities and implemented with the participation of humanitarian organisations and local civil society organisations to ensure effective coordination and ownership;
Amendment 402 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – introductory part
Paragraph 25 – introductory part
25. Considers that the development of Africa should bea meaningful security cooperation between the EU and Africa must be built upon sustainable development, and especially focused on:
Amendment 407 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point a
Paragraph 25 – point a
a) consolidating democracy by ensuring a real parliamentary system, its institutions and the rule of law, guaranteeing all civil society liberties;
Amendment 410 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 25 – point a a (new)
a a) ending conflicts and preventing their recurrence while addressing their root causes in order to achieve long lasting peace and security;
Amendment 415 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point b
Paragraph 25 – point b
b) empowering women by recognising them as agents of change and their role as the centre of gravity ofin African families andhouseholds and communities, promoting their participation in local and national institutions; and decision-making, and fostering their role in peace-building, conflict prevention and mediation;
Amendment 428 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point c
Paragraph 25 – point c
c) providing basic services such as food security, health, and education to increase people’s confidence in the stateccess to basic hygiene, social protection and education;
Amendment 434 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point d
Paragraph 25 – point d
d) ensuring administrative and legal stability and fighting poverty and corruption;
Amendment 439 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point d b (new)
Paragraph 25 – point d b (new)
d a) fighting poverty and corruption;
Amendment 449 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Expresses its deep concern that the current security crisis in Africa could lead to a massive displacement of the population, undermining North African states and affecting Europe;
Amendment 470 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers it essential to provide extraordinary assistance to the regions concerned in view of the extraordinary challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and to adapt current programmes and projects to this new challenge by demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to the situation;
Amendment 475 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Recommends that the EU, together with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, intervenes on a financial level to help control debt and the payment of interest; calls for all possibilities to be explored, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, for debt relief, debt suspension and debt sustainability for African countries;
Amendment 3 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that the new nomenclature for the external action part as proposed by the Commission is much less detailed than the previous one, reducing transparency, predictability, accountability, scrutiny, and limiting the budgetary authority’s capacity to make budgetary choices reflecting political priorities; insists, therefore, that a more differentiated budget structure, with dedicated lines for the most important beneficiaries and sub- regions, is needed; notes that the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development have proposed a revised nomenclature that is adapted to the new instruments, but introduces a higher level of detail by creating new budget lines within the extremely broad geographic and thematic lines proposed by the Commission; emphasises that the revised nomenclature enjoys strong support in both committees;
Amendment 10 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Rejects the deep cuts to heading 6 in the European Council agreement on the MFF of 21 July 2020, which would leave the NDICI at a lower level than its predecessor instruments during the current financial programming period, at a time when EU leadership is needed more desperately than ever; regrets the European Council's decision to discard the external pillar of Next Generation EU, namely the top-up of EUR 10,5 billion for the NDICI proposed by the Commission; calls for significant reinforcements for the NDICI as one of the EU's flagship programmes;
Amendment 17 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for increased funding levels for all geographic and thematic programmes under the NDICI, in line with its first-reading position on the latter; reiterates its position that the thematic programmes within the NDICI, including on human rights and democracy and on EU elections observation missions, should be reinforced in order to allow the Union to maintain its strong role in these priority areas; underlines that its position on the allocations for the NDICI is fully aligned with the amounts laid down in Parliament's first-reading position on the NDICI;
Amendment 19 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Rejects the introduction of an “emerging challenges and priorities cushion” budget line, with no substantial information on the intended use of the funds under this line provided by the Commission; insists that such a blank cheque is not compatible with the principles of transparency and democratic accountability and undermines the budgetary authority's prerogatives;
Amendment 30 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that it is important to continue confidence building with the Eastern Partnership countries and especially with the associated ones; underlines the importance of promoting fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law; therefore calls for the allocations to Azerbaijan and Belarus to be limited to support to civil society and non-state actors, as well as people-to- people contacts;
Amendment 36 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Recalls the challenges the countries of South Neighbourhood are facing especially due to the tumultuous developments in the region, including but not limited to the COVID-19 emergency and the security environment; is of the opinion that, especially following the dramatic events in Lebanon, an increased support should be foreseen;
Amendment 38 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. In order to support a peaceful resolution to the Libyan conflict proposes the creation of a dedicated budget line for "the support to the political process in Libya";
Amendment 39 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Calls for an increased financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in recognition of the essential role played by UNRWA as unique provider of vital services for millions of Palestine refugees and as an investment towards security, stability and development in the region;
Amendment 45 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Points out that the revised nomenclature proposed by the Committee on Foreign Affairs envisages separate budget lines for the Western Balkans and Turkey; insists on the need for dedicated budget lines for Turkey in view of the highly sensitive nature of EU funding for Turkey; underlines that due to the lack of progress on democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, the allocations for Turkey should be limited to the so called fundamentals, be directly managed by the EU and focus exclusively on support for civil society and people-to- people contacts with the objective of protecting and promoting democratic values and principles, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 54 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Regrets the low level of funding for heading 5, and in particular for the European Defence Fund and for military mobility; calls for a significant increase of funding so as to meet the ambition of the EU in the defence area;
Amendment 57 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Following the recent worrying developments in Belarus, calls for an increase in the allocations for the Special Representatives and for the creation of a new Special Representative for Belarus, to support the process for a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the will of the Belarusian people.;
Amendment 61 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for the increase of budget lines on Foreign Policy Needs and Priorities, Crisis Response and Civilian CSDP emergency measures in order to deal with the dramatic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 62 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Recalls that the respect of human rights worldwide continues to be a core business for EU external action and enough financing should be available to face the multiple human rights crises throughout the world; reiterates its strong support to human rights defenders, including environmental defenders, in particular those most at risk, and calls for adequate funds to support the project Protect Defenders EU in order to extend and reinforce its protection;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas cooperation between the EU and allthe EaP countries is not a linear process by all means, and cooperation can be achieved and maintained only in so far as those core values and principles are respected, moreover, in serious cases it can be reversed;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas to improve economic and political stabilization of the region the EU should strengthen the political and economic cooperation with the EaP countries, moreover the EU should verify whether the principles of democracy and the rule of law are adhered to;
Amendment 66 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the EaP the European Council emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with the EaP countries and called upon the Commission and the Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to make long-term policy proposals in order to prepare the June 2020 Summit;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the EU’s Eastern European Partners are still imperilled by unresolved regional conflicts, the Eastern Partnership pursues the common goals of good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation as well as peaceful resolution of all ongoing conflicts within existing agreed negotiating formats and principles based on the norms and principles of international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act;
Amendment 90 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the European Parliament backs the EU’s continued support of the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chairs to achieve progress in the search for a political, equitable and lasting settlement of the conflict in Nagorno- Karabakh; whereas this process continues to be based on the principles of territorial integrity, non-use of force, and equal rights and self-determination as enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act;
Amendment 125 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) consider that the EaP process must be based on the principle of differentiation and that the scope and depth of cooperation between the EU and the EaP countries must be determined by the ambitions of the parties, as well as by the implementation of reforms, notably regarding respect for democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and good governance;
Amendment 131 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) reiterate that the Eastern Partnership is based on shared fundamental values such as democracy, human rights, rule of law and good governance, common principles as well as joint commitments taken at previous Eastern Partnership summits which should be carried forward;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) acknowledge that those countries that are undertaking comprehensive reforms and taking action to meet the criteria of Article 49 of the TEU may be eligible for EU membership, through a process of gradual integration; consider that for an eventual accession process both the EU and the partner country must be well prepared;
Amendment 179 #
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 with the EU and closer economic and trade relations among the EaP countries;
Amendment 198 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) provide greater financial assistance, including in the context of the external financial instruments that are currently under legislative negotiation; such assistance should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual partners and used to implement activities under the EaP programme; consider that EU’s financial assistance is also an investment into the future, since it supports reforms that increase the economic and social stability of partner states, and lays down the basis for a successful future cooperation;
Amendment 298 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) acknowledge that the implementation of the DCFTAs has been sufficiently successful that it may gradually lead to theencourage continuous and effective implementation of the DCFTAs in order to gradually create the conditions for opening up of the EU single market in line with the implemented EU standards and requirements;
Amendment 418 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) reiterate the EU’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all EaP countries; reaffirm the EU’s support to the inviolability of internationally recognised borders of all EaP countries; emphasise the need for the earliest peaceful settlement of the frozen conflicts on the basis of the norms and principles of international law;
Amendment 425 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v b (new)
(vb) reaffirm support to the OSCE Minsk Group co-Chairs’ efforts to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and to their 2009 Basic Principles which reflect a reasonable compromise based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples; call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue negotiations in good faith with a view to implementing these principles to solve the conflict, which cannot be solved using military force; call on the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue high-level talks and commit to genuine confidence- building measures and dialogue between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;
Amendment 469 #
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 their activities and safeguarding their working environment; moreover continue a wide-ranging dialogue with them;
Amendment 505 #
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 and boost EU citizens’ awareness about the EaP, moreover to effectively counteract anti-EU propaganda;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas in June 11, 2019 the European Court of Human Rights(in the case of Ozdil and Others v. the Republic of Moldova) found that Moldova had violated the rights to liberty, security, privacy and family life when in September 2018 its Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) detained and forcibly returned to Turkey five Turkish citizens who had been seeking asylum; whereas this disguised extradition is just one example of a systematic pattern of enforced and involuntary disappearance, illegal detention and deportation to Turkey of Turkish nationals in dozens of countries around the world;
Amendment 256 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Reiterates its call to the Moldovan authorities to ensure that any extradition requests coming from third countries are processed in a transparent manner while following judicial procedures fully in line with European principles and standards;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Georgia has remained committed to the implementation of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area and continues alignment to the EU acquis as well as to the EU standards, which is bringing increasing benefits;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Amendment 26 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Commends the response of the Georgian people and public authorities to the COVID-19 outbreak and emphasises the effective preventive measures taken by medical workers, the Lugar Laboratory and governmental authorities, resulting in lessening the burden on Georgia’s healthcare system and mitigating the negative effect on the economy; congratulates the Georgian citizens for having abided to these measures in the face of economic and social hardship; welcomes that the EU has lined up over EUR 250 million in grants for Georgia to respond to COVID-19 and EUR 150 million in loans for enhancing macroeconomic stability and allowing resources to be channelled towards protecting the citizens and mitigating the pandemic’s severely negative socio- economic consequences;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the Georgian authorities for completing the constitutional reform process and theall major political parties for signing the Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Statement of 8 March 2020, which established the key features of the electoral system and enabled it to be used for the upcoming parliamentary elections; calls on all parties to ensure that the agreement is translated intohonour both the letter and spirit of the agreement, to fully implement all aspects of the agreement and to ensure that all elements of electoral reform are translated into the Constitution and the law and fully implemented as soon as possible;
Amendment 85 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concern about recent court cases against opposition politicians, which contributed to a climate of increased mistrust and heightened tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, and led to ahave undermined trust between the ruling party and the opposition; welcomes the Presidential pardon of convicted opposition politicians, which paves the way for reducing polarisation of politics and the society; calls on Georgia to respect the highest standards of judicial independence and fair trial as committed to under the AA;.
Amendment 111 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deplores the constant violations by the Russian Federation, which exercises de facto controling effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia regions, of the fundamental rights of the people in these occupied regions, who are being deprived of the freedom of movement and residence, the right to property and the right of access to education in the native language, and reiterates its full support for the right of return of internally displaced persons; expresses its concern over the continuous illegal process of installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial obstacles along the occupation line (‘borderisation’), which has particularly detrimental effects on people living in and around these regions in the context of the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of reducing antagonism and the polarisation of politics and of ensuring constructive cooperation in the country’s democratic institutions, in particular the pParliament of Georgia; therefore profoundly regrets that the ninth meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee ofn 12 and -13 February 2020 in Strasbourg enconcluded without an agreement on a final statement and recommendations being reached; calls on the Parliament of Georgia to resume its work on the electoral reform and adopt the necessary constitutional amendments on the new electoral system in line with the 8 March agreement as well as with ODIHR recommendations, as soon as the situation related to the pandemic and the working conditions allow and calls on all political parties and parliamentarians to contribute to this crucial goal in good faith;
Amendment 143 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes with satisfaction that the EU is one of Georgia’s largest trading partners; welcomes the continued approximation of Georgia’s legislation in trade-related areas; emphasises the need to increase Georgian exports to the EU and to attract investments from the EU in Georgia in order to provide more jobs and improve Georgia’s trade balance with the EU and its macro-financial stability, first and foremost by strengthening the rule of law, by fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion and by supporting the approximation to the EU standards;
Amendment 149 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to support full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on sustainable economic development in line with the European Green Deal as well as on support to SMEs and structural reforms in cooperation with business and civil society;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Encourages the government of Georgia to continue the extensive reform of labour legislation so as to ensure better regulation of working conditions including continued improvements in labour inspections and social dialogue; highlights in particular the need to amend the Labour Safety Law in order to set up a fully-fledged inspection system and proper anti-discrimination mechanism to explicitly monitor labour rights and systematically verify any workplace hazards, to include a modern anti- corruption mechanism and to ratify all respective ILO Conventions; encourages the involvement of civil society organisations and trade unions in these reforms, in light of their importance for workers’ and social rights in Georgia;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, since 1999,Turkey enjoys the most ambitious and mutually demanding model of relations the EU can offer to a third state, that is the candidate status for becoming a member; whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values, interests, standards and policies of the EU;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas as a candidate country and in the framework of the accession process, Turkey undertook a series of important reforms which for a period of time provided hope for the achievement of the membership; whereas during all these years, the accession process was strongly supported by the EU both politically and financially;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the critical assessment of a general backsliding in Turkey has also been shared by other relevant institutions such as the Council of Europe, and by international human rights organizations; whereas it has also been reflected by the increasing number of cases and critical rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR);
Amendment 61 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas this backsliding has been observed as affecting three main areas: the deterioration in the rule of law and fundamental rights, the institutional framework and related reforms, and a foreign policy that is increasingly conflictual and inclined to military options instead of dialogue and diplomacy; whereas in all these three areas there has been a clear divergence with EU standards, policies and interests;
Amendment 65 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in its previous annual report, in view of the consolidation of this serious backsliding, Parliament called on the Commission and the Member States, in accordance with the Negotiating Framework, to formally suspend accession negotiations with Turkey;
Amendment 117 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that Turkey’s lack of commitment to carrying out the reforms assumed in the accession process has made the latter inadequate to frame a complex relationship that has progressively become more transactional and driven by circumstances, with little to do with the logic of the original format of gradual alignment to predetermined benchmarks;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is deeply concerned that, over the years, the lack of progress in Turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal, marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights, adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit anti-EU narrative, amplified in the country by the pro-government media outlets; calls, in this context, on Turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the EU path, as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recognizes that the lack of results in an increasingly stagnant accession process has contributed to a fatigue felt on both sides and a progressive detachment and mounting disregarding by the Turkish authorities for the results of the Commission’s progress monitoring procedure and Parliament’s resolutions; takes the view that the accession process has become an end in itself
Amendment 161 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that, since Parliament’s last report, the situation, far from improving, has deteriorated even further with regard to the domestic, institutional and foreign policies; firmly insists, therefore, on the formal suspension of accession negotiations with Turkey, in order for both sides to review in a realistic manner the appropriateness of the current framework and its ability to function, or, if necessary, to explore possible new models for future relations;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the current lack of understanding between the EU and Turkey, but reaffirms its firm conviction that Turkey is a strategic neighbour and ally with which the EU wishes to have the best possible relations; reaffirms its interest in having a strategic alignment and constructive cooperation based on shared values and interests in areas such as foreign policy and security, economy, trade, migration, climate change or digitalization; believes that, the if current negative trends were to be reversed, strengthened relations could provide great potential and be mutually beneficial, particularly in multilateral fora and with regard to geostrategic challenges;
Amendment 191 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Acknowledges in this sense that, if the accession progress were to be continued, the EU should be coherent with the path offered to Turkey excluding any possibility that, in the event of a successful alignment, a final veto could thwart the whole process on the grounds of political, cultural or religious motives;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on Turkey to cooperate with the EU and the Council of Europe on deep and urgent reforms in these areas, as the country is still at very early stages of the alignment with the EU acquis and remains far from meeting its international commitments in full;
Amendment 228 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. NBelieves that the deterioration of the fundamental freedoms in Turkey predates the period of the State of Emergency installed after the coup attempt of 2016; considers that extraordinary measures can be expected in front of an existential threat such as a coup attempt but that they need to be proportional and remain limited in time and scope; notes with deep concern that, despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in July 2018, its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt, despite that existential threat having long ago and fortunately disappeared;
Amendment 252 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets that the current overly broad anti-terrorism provisions and the abuse of the anti-terror measures have become the backbone of this state policy; reiterates its firm condemnation of the violence by the Kurdistan W of repression of human rights and of any critical voice in the country, with the complicit cooperation of a judiciary branch unable or unwilling to rein in any abuses to the constitutional orkders’ Party (PKK), which has been on the EU list of terrorist organisations since 2002; regrets that this broad concept of terrorism contravenes the basic principle of individual responsibility through collective generic accusations;
Amendment 273 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is deeply worried about the disregard by the Turkish judiciary of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings and the increasing non-compliance of lower courts with the judgments of the Constitutional Court; is deeply concerned about the recent targeting by the executive on the latter, including the public statements considering the institutional overhaul of the Court;
Amendment 276 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 279 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Stresses that a serious reform of the legislative and judicial branches of power is needed in order to improve access to the justice system, increase its effectiveness and provide better protection for the right to trial within a reasonable time;
Amendment 280 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Condemns the dismissal and large- scale transfers and the forced removal of approximately 30% of Turkish judges and prosecutors, causing a worrying decline in the overall quality of judicial decisions, intimidation and self-censorship; expresses serious concern about the recruitment and promotion of judges and prosecutors in the absence of objective, uniform, merit-based criteria and about the use of ad-hoc appointments; calls for addressing the shortcomings in the structure and process for the selection of the members of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) with a view to ensuring its independence and putting an end to its arbitrary decisions;
Amendment 281 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Is deeply concerned about the situation of lawyers in Turkey, as for the last years hundreds have been and continue to be harassed, arrested, prosecuted, and convicted in relation to their professional activities; deeply regrets the recent amendment to the Law on Lawyers as a further blow to the functioning of the judiciary and as an attempt to disempower existing bar associations and eradicate remaining critical voices; urges the Turkish authorities to respect the independence of the legal profession and to allow lawyers to conduct their work freely in line with international human rights standards; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all lawyers who are detained solely for exercising the legal profession;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Deplores the death of the lawyer Ebru Timtik, after238 days of hunger strike in demand for a fair trial after her conviction for alleged membership of a terrorist organisation and while her appeal was pending before the Court of Cassation; reminds that she is the fourth prisoner to die this year as a result of a hunger strike to demand a fair trial, following the deaths of Helin Bölek and Ibrahim Gökçek, two musicians from the Grup Yorum band, and Mustafa Koçak; expects that the ongoing trial against three police officers charged with the killing of the Kurdish human rights lawyer, Tahir Elçi, will finally reveal the full circumstances around his death and bring justice to his case;
Amendment 283 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 f (new)
Paragraph 14 f (new)
14f. Notes with concern the lack of remedy for the large-scale dismissals affecting 30 percent of its judges and prosecutors and over 150,000 public sector workers that took place during the state of emergency, including the inefficiency of the Inquiry Commission on the State of Emergency; calls on Turkish authorities to respect the rights of defence of those dismissed and to ensure an assessment procedure in line with international standards;
Amendment 284 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 g (new)
Paragraph 14 g (new)
14g. Urges Turkey to align its anti- terrorism legislation with international standards in order to ensure an effective protection of fundamental rights and freedoms and proportionality and equality before the law; recognizes that Turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses nevertheless that this must be done in accordance with the rule of la w, human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks on the part of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been on the EU list of terrorist organisations since 2002;
Amendment 285 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 h (new)
Paragraph 14 h (new)
14h. Is appalled by the statements by top representatives of the executive and the ruling coalition on the possible reinstatement of the death penalty that Turkey abolished in 2004; warns that such regrettable move would not only contravene Turkey’s existing international commitments but would be incompatible with the EU accession process;
Amendment 286 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. EReiterates the importance of media freedom and independence as one of the core values of the EU and a cornerstone of any democracy; expresses serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information; urges Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority, amid a suffocating lack of pluralism in media outlets, frequently misusing anti-terror legislation with the aim of muzzling criticism; urges Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to immediately release and acquit all unlawfully detained journalists, writers and social media users for exercising their profession and civil rights; notes that, even if in the last year the number of journalists in prison has decreased from 160 to over 70, this number remains very high and continues to be a cause of serious concern;
Amendment 295 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Turkish authorities to demonstrate zero tolerance towards all incidents of physical and verbal abuse or threats against journalists, and to allow media outlets which have been arbitrarily closed to reopen;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Is deeply concerned about the lack of independence and impartiality of public entities such as the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and the Press Advertising Agency (BİK) which are being used as a tool to arbitrarily suspend, ban, fine or financially strangle media outlets considered to be critical to the Government; regrets the cancellation in 2019 of more than 700 press cards by the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications and the difficulties that local and international journalists encounter to do their job;
Amendment 301 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Expresses its serious concern about the new law on the “Arrangement of Internet Publication and Combatting Crimes Committed Through These Publications” of July 2020 which places new draconian obligations on social media providers and is highly likely to mark another blow to the freedom of expression as it gives the government sweeping powers to censor online content and prosecute social media users; notes the lifting on the ban on Wikipedia but stresses that over 400.000 websites remain blocked and several restrictions on the use of social media continue to be in force;
Amendment 303 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Deplores the massive deterioration of academic freedom in Turkey, in particular the continuous breaches of the rights of Peace Academics despite the Constitutional Court decision of July 2019, and the amendments to the Turkish Higher Education Council Law, which add additional restrictive measures to the ones already in force;
Amendment 314 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes with great concern the way that the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) has been specifically and continuously targeted by the Turkish authorities; strongly condemns the continued detention since November 2016 of former HDP co- chair Selahattin Demirtaşs Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş, opposition leader and former presidential candidate; recalls the ruling by the European Court on Human Rights on his case, which calls on the Turkish authorities to immediately release him;
Amendment 321 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Condemns the revocation of the parliamentary status of HDP and CHP MPs, which seriously damages the parliament’s image as a democratic institution; strongly regrets the rejection by two lower courts to retrial the case of one of these MPs, Enis Berberoğlu, as ruled by the Constitutional Court, thus putting into serious question the judicial hierarchy in Turkey; recalls its condemnation of the politically motivated sentence of Canan Kaftancıoğlu, Istanbul Provincial chair of the CHP, to almost 10 years of prison and demands its reversal;
Amendment 327 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on Turkey to release all imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, academics and others who have been detained on unsubstantiated charges and to enable them to carry out their work without threat or impediment in all circumstances; strongly condemns the re-arrest and continued decalls on the Commission and the Member States to increase their protenction of Osman Kavala, a prominent civil society figureand support for human rights defenders at risk in Turkey, including through emergency grants;
Amendment 331 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Strongly condemns the re-arrest of Osman Kavala, a prominent and respected leading civil society figure, only hours after his acquittal in February 2020, and his continued detention for over three years on spurious charges and in a blatant refusal to abide by the final judgement of the ECtHR and the subsequent call by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers; considers the new case and indictment against him and US academic Henry Barkey -for allegedly spying and attempting to overthrow Turkey’s constitutional order- unfounded, devoid of any evidence and therefore politically motivated; is appalled by the decision of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) to investigate the three judges of the Istanbul 30th Heavy Penal Court who last February acquitted Kavala and the rest of the defendants in the Gezi Park trial due to the lack of evidence; is appalled to see how, on the other hand, the former Istanbul Deputy Public Prosecutor Hasan Yılmaz, responsible for the second indictment against Kavala, has been subsequently appointed Deputy Minister of Justice;
Amendment 338 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Condemns the heavy prison sentences on terrorism related charges despite the absence of any evidence of criminal activity received by 4 of the human rights defenders affected by the Büyükada case last July, whose convictions were uphold in November by the Istanbul Regional Court of Appeal, while the rest of the defendants have been acquitted; considers this case as another example of the hostile environment against civil society organizations and the recurrent influence of virulent political discourse leading to biased judiciary decisions; condemns the re-arrest of writer Ahmet Altan in November 2019 just a week after he was released from jail following more than three years in pre- trial detention;
Amendment 343 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls on Turkey to effectively implement a new Human Rights Action Plan in a participatory and transparent manner, addressing all issues and proposing real and credible remedies; urges the Commission to support the implementation of such an Action Plan only if conditions are in place for reaching results;
Amendment 345 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18d. Deeply regrets the unjust and discriminatory nature of the penal reform adopted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic since it excludes those imprisoned for their political activities from early release; regrets that the freedoms of expression, assembly and association have further deteriorated as a result of the government’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic; regrets the unfounded attacks from the government and top political leaders towards the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) for having publicly questioned the official government statistics;
Amendment 350 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Commends the existence of a vibrant, plural, engaged and heterogeneous civil society in Turkey, in spite of the massive political crackdown, as it represents one of the few remaining checks on the Turkish Government and with the potential to help the country confront its deep political and social challenges;
Amendment 354 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Expresses serious concerns about the further backsliding affecting freedoms of assembly and association in light of recurrent bans, disproportionate interventions in peaceful demonstrations, investigations, administrative fines and prosecutions against demonstrators on charges of ‘terrorism-related activities’;
Amendment 358 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Reiterates the commitment to maintain strong support for Turkey’s civil society; emphasises that the allocation of funds under the future Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) should continue to focus on support for Turkey’s democratic civil society and increased opportunities for people-to- people contacts;
Amendment 361 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Points out that visa liberalisation would constitute an important step towards facilitating people-to-people contacts; welcomes the presidential circular of May 2019 calling for the acceleration of demarches but stresses that there has been very little real progress concerning the 6 outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by Turkey; calls on the Turkish authorities to step up the efforts to meet these outstanding criteria;
Amendment 362 #
2019/2176(INI)
20. Remains deeply concerned by the situation in the south-east of Turkey with regard to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and political participation, which receives less attention than deserves; is concerned by the restrictions put in place on the rights of journalists and human rights defenders working on the Kurdish issue and the continued pressure on Kurdish media, cultural and language institutions and expressions all around the country, leading to further shrinking of cultural rights; stresses the urgency of resuming a credible political process leading to a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish issue; calls on Turkey to promptly investigate all serious allegations of human rights abuses, killings and forced disappearances, and to allow international observers to carry out independent monitoring activities; is concerned by the recent mass raids and detentions in Diyarbakır affecting lawyers, politicians and civil rights activists, and by the remanding in prison of five civil society figures including Dr Şeyhmus Gökalp, High Honorary Board member of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB);
Amendment 373 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges Turkey to protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups, including women, LGBTI people and ethnic and religious minorities; continues to be concerned about the prevalence and severity of violence against women in Turkish society, including “honour” killings, non-legal child marriages and sexual abuse, and about the Turkish authorities’ reluctance to punish the perpetrators of gender-based violence; encourages Turkish authorities to substantially improve the social services network for an effective protection of women including, among others, the increase in the number of shelters or establishing a specific 24/7 emergency hotline for women suffering violence; rejects any legal provision that could allow in the future to grant rapists suspended sentences for their child sex offences as long as they marry their victim; is deeply worried about the increasing attacks by high-level government and political representatives against the Istanbul Convention, including calls for Turkish withdrawal, on the grounds that it allegedly runs counter to the morality and values of the “Turkish family”; deplores the continued very low level of representation of women in Government, Parliament, at the local level or, in general, with regard to any decision-making positions;
Amendment 386 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Expresses deep concern at the violations of the human rights of LGBTI people, in particular physical attacks, the prolonged bans on Pride marches across the country or the restrictions to the freedoms of assembly, association and expression; reminds that Turkey is among the countries with the highest murder rates of transgender persons; condemns the homophobic language and hate speech by high-level government officials including the head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), the Ombudsman Institution or the chair of the Red Crescent Society of Turkey; calls on Turkish authorities to increase their efforts to prevent hate crimes, prejudice and social gender-based inequality; recalls that legislation in Turkey on hate speech is not in line with ECtHR case- law;
Amendment 405 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Is deeply concerned about the reported rise in allegations of violent arrests, torture, ill-treatment and cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment in police and military custody and in prisons, as well as by cases of enforced disappearances over the past four years, by the failure of prosecutors to conduct meaningful investigations into such allegations and by the pervasive culture of impunity for members of the security forces and public officials implicated; urges Turkey to ensure that a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into these allegations of torture and other ill-treatment is carried out including into the allegations of torture regarding two villagers in Van after being detained by the gendarmerie on 11 September which caused the death of Servet Turgut and severe injuries to Osman Şıban; calls on Turkey to authorize the publication of two pending reports by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture on its ad hoc visits in 2016 and 2018;
Amendment 417 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Calls for the effective implementation of the second Action Plan and the national strategy for Roma, with a more inclusive approach towards civil society, a reinforced gender perspective, an enhanced cooperation with local authorities and the allocation of the necessary resources;
Amendment 418 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 d (new)
Paragraph 21 d (new)
21d. Points out that trade union freedom and social dialogue are vital to the development of a pluralistic society; regrets, in that respect, the legislative shortcomings on labour and trade union rights and stresses that the right to organize, the right to enter into collective bargaining and the right to strike are fundamental rights of workers; is concerned by the continuing strong anti- union discrimination by employers and by the dismissals, harassment and detentions that managers and members of some unions continue to face; calls on Turkish authorities to align to the ILO core labour standards to which the country has committed;
Amendment 427 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is alarmed by the consolidation of an authoritarian interpretation of the presidential system; is deeply concerned about the continued hyper-centralisation of power in the Presidency, to the detriment not only of the Parliament but also of the Council of Ministers itself, under the reformed constitutional design, which does not ensure a sound and effective separation of powers between the executive and the legislative branches and the judiciary; regrets the current limitations to the check and balances needed for an effective democratic accountability of the executive branch, and in particular the lack of accountability of the Presidency; is concerned by the increasing influence of the Presidency over State institutions and regulatory bodies that should remain independent; expresses its concern particularly on the marginalization of the Parliament which has seen its legislative and oversight functions largely undermined and its prerogatives recurrently breached by Presidential decrees; calls on the review of the current presidential design and implementation in line with the principles of democracy as referred to in the recommendations of the 2017 Venice Commission of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 433 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Notes with concern that the civil service system continued to be marked by partisanship and politicisation and that, together with the excessive presidential control at every level of the state machinery, it has resulted in an overall decline in the efficiency, capacity and quality of the public administration; call on Turkey to take measures to restore a merit-based competitive promotion system and to ensure the transparency and accountability of the administration;
Amendment 434 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Is concerned about the ever more frequent use of a hyper-nationalist narrative among the ruling elite -but also shared to a large extent by almost the entire political spectrum in the country- that increasingly gives rise to antagonistic approaches towards the EU or its Member States; is concerned about the increasing clout of religious conservatism in political lifedeep polarization of Turkish politics, accentuated by the new presidential system, and the increasing use of polarizing populistic narratives which further divide Turkish society and hampers inter-party dialogue and reconciliation; is concerned about the increasing clout of religious conservatism in political life, in contrast with the long- established secular tradition of the country; is worried, in this sense, about the growing role and resources of the Directorate for Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in all spheres of Turkish public life, including education, and also abroad;
Amendment 449 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Is deeply concerned by the conversion of the Hagia Sophia historical-religious monument into a mosque without authorisation of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which could violate the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to which Turkey is a signatory; calls on Turkey to reconsider and reverse this decision; stresses that the decision on Hagia Sophia, undermines efforts of dialogue and cooperation between religious communities as well as Turkey’s pluralistic, multicultural social fabric; deplores Turkey’s widespread practice of expropriation, including church properties, which is a violation of the rights of religious minorities;
Amendment 454 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on Turkey to improve the broader environment for elections at all levels in the country, ensuring a fair and free playing field for all candidates and parties and aligning itself with the recommendations of the Venice Commission on addressing the gaps in the electoral framework and its call to reverse decisions not consistent with international norms and standards;
Amendment 455 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23c. Recalls that the 10% electoral threshold -the highest among Council of Europe members- is at odds with the case law of the ECtHR and reduces the opportunities for representation of large groups of the electorate; is concerned by the public statements on possible electoral reforms which could further hamper the entry and participation of political parties in the Parliament and the eventual establishment of parliamentary majorities;
Amendment 456 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Strongly condemns the removal of democratically elected mayors from officeIs deeply worried about the severe impact on local politics and local democracy of recent decisions taken by Turkish authorities; strongly condemns the removal of democratically elected mayors from office (including the mayors of Diyarbakir, Van, Mardin and more recently Kars) on the basis of questionable evidence and, in particular, their arbitrary replacement by unelected trustees appointed by the central government; strongly believes these unlawful decisions constitute a direct attack on the most basic principles of democracy, depriving millions of voters of their democratically elected representation;
Amendment 465 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Condemns the Supreme Election Council’s (YSK)decisions to re-run the metropolitan mayoral election in Istanbul and the denial of mayoral mandates to HDP winning candidates in favour of second-placed AKP candidates, putting into serious question the respect for the legality and integrity of the electoral processes and the institution’s independence from political interference;
Amendment 470 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls the laudable role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of the EU-Turkey Statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; commends Turkey’s hospitality towards the approximately 3,6 million Syrian refugees and around 370,000 registered refugees from other countries, which is the largest refugee community in the world; applauds the efforts taken by all involved authorities, particularly the municipalities, to improve the integration of the refugee populations; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of the EU-Turkey Statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; emphasises that the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees for political leverage cannot be accepted; strongly condemns, in this view, Turkey's use of migratory pressure for political purposes in March 2020, when the Turkish authorities actively encouraged migrants and refugees to take the land route to Europe through Greece;
Amendment 509 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union given the current circumstances, including the growing list of Turkey’s deviations from its currents obligations, the fact that the EU and Turkey are currently quarrelling at the WTO or the unacceptable calls to boycott on EU Member states; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States;
Amendment 522 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Is firmly convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic can only be tackled through global cooperation; believes that EU-Turkey cooperation could be further deepened in this regard, including with respect to the establishment of sustainable supply chains; welcomes Turkey’s positive role in supplying protective equipment to a number of Member States and third countries;
Amendment 525 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Calls on Turkish authorities to continue their progress in the alignment with the EU directives and acquis related to the environment and climate action and to ratify the Paris Agreement on climate change; notes the public’s concerns around the ‘Kanal İstanbul’ project which has led to several court cases against the positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on this project; welcomes that Turkey has to a large extent aligned its legislation with the EU Directive on EIA; calls on Turkey to complete its alignment including the provisions that would require to run transboundary consultations with the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 527 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Acknowledges that, as any sovereign country, Turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals; expects that, as an EU candidate country, Turkey would aim at increasingly aligning its foreign policy to that of the EU under the Common Foreign and Security Policy; deeply regrets that, to the contrary, Turkey has decided recurrently to act unilaterally and to consistently collide with the EU priorities in a wide range of foreign affairs matters, rendering Turkey an unpredictable and unreliable international actor;
Amendment 529 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)
Paragraph 26 d (new)
26d. Stresses that, whatever claims Turkey can have, these should be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and that any attempt to pressure other countries by the use of force, threats or hostile and insulting rhetoric, particularly towards the EU, are unacceptable and unseemly for an EU candidate country; calls, in this view, on the Commission and the VP/HR to show a firm stance in front of any abusive language against the EU expressed by representatives of the Turkish Government;
Amendment 534 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, as well as Turkey’s violations of Greek national airspace, including overflights of inhabited areas, and territorial sea, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; stresses that a sustainable conflict resolution can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations in a spirit of good will and in line with international law; calls on all sides in a genuine collective engagement to negotiate the delimitation of EEZs and the continental shelf in good faith, fully respecting international law and the principle of good relations between neighbours; supports the proposal for a multilateral conference on the Eastern Mediterranean with the participation of all actors involved, to provide a platform to settle disputes through dialogue; reiterates its call on the Council to stand ready to develop a list of further restrictive sectoral and targeted measures in the absence of any significant progress in engaging with Turkey;
Amendment 555 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Condemns the partial illegal reopening of Varosha beach, which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue; calls on Turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality; , by negatively modifying the situation on the ground, exacerbating division and embedding the permanent partition of Cyprus; warns against any change of the status quo in Varosha in violation of the UNSC resolutions; calls on Turkey to reverse this action and avoid any other unilateral action that could raise further tensions on the island, in compliance with the recent call of the UNSC; calls on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the Varosha area to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the UN in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 550 (1984) and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island through a policy of illegal settlements; reiterates its call on Turkey, to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement in line with United Nations Security Council relevant resolutions; regrets that the highest Turkish authorities have endorsed the two state solution; urges to relaunch negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus under the auspices of the UN- Secretary General as soon as possible, building on the agreements already reached in the 2017 Crans-Montana process; calls for the EU and its Member States to play a more active role in bringing negotiations to a successful conclusion; reiterates its support for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality, single sovereignty and single citizenship and with political equality between the two communities, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in accordance with international law and the EU acquis and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; is firmly convinced that a sustainable conflict resolution can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations in a spirit of good will and in line with international law; stresses the need for the EU acquis to be implemented across the entire island, following the solution of the Cyprus problem and the importance to engage with the democratic forces of the Turkish Cypriot community; praises the important work of the bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), which deals with both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot missing persons;
Amendment 587 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Strongly condemns the Turkish military interventions in Syria, especially in the northeast and Idlib, which constitute grave violations of international law; reiterates that legitimate security concerns cannot justify unilateral military action in a third country; recalls that there can be no sustainable military solution to the Idlib issue but only apolitical one;
Amendment 602 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on Turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Libya under the auspices of the UN, and to fully adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council; stresses the need for an immediate ceasefire; strongly condemns 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 in clear violation of both international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions;
Amendment 625 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Regrets that, rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, Turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh; calls on Turkey to refrain from any activity and rhetoric that could further exacerbate tensions in the South Caucasus region;
Amendment 644 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Recalls that the EU and NATO remain the most reliable partners for Turkey in international security cooperation; calls on Turkey to keep political coherence in the fields of foreign and security policies in its condition as member of the NATO and accession candidate;
Amendment 673 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Takes the view that enhancing communication and dialogue at all levels are key to restoring mutual trust between the EU and Turkey; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusbelieves that other channels of communication should be strengthened, including among municipalities -supporting the relevant work done by the Committee of the Regions- and in the realm of the Turkish side to reinstate the normal functioning of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee; academia, culture and journalism; calls for a swift resumption of the meetings between the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and the European Parliament in the framework of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), as an important framework for discussion and de-escalation; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusal of the Turkish side to reinstate the normal functioning of the EU- Turkey JPC;
Amendment 690 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Amendment 692 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33b. Calls for the involvement of representatives of Turkey, as a candidate country, in the debates and activities related to the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe; believes that, beyond representatives of the Government, this participation should also include a pluralistic representation of members of the parliament, representatives of local government, and civil society, particularly the youth;
Amendment 695 #
2019/2176(INI)
33c. Considers that, as a necessary step in order to improve the overall state of the relations, both sides need to abide by a respectful language, invest efforts in fighting the existing prejudices and misconceptions, and allow for a more objective and complete consideration of the other side’s image among the respective public opinion, reversing the mutual deteriorating perception; calls, in this view, on the Commission to launch a communication strategy for Turkey aimed at raising awareness about the EU, providing objective information on its policies and restoring Turkish citizens’ perception; stresses that a belligerent and aggressive rhetoric only reinforces the extreme positions on both sides and that a purely confrontational approach plays into the hands of those who aim at pulling Turkey and the EU apart;
Amendment 698 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, and asks for this report and the Commission’s Turkey 2020 Report to be translated into Turkish.
Amendment 22 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the rule of law is a key benchmark for assessing the progress towards the EU accession;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the ongoing pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the EU and the Western Balkans must continue tackling common challenges together;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the country has to recover from the widespread damage caused by the 26 November 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic; boost preparedness for civil protection and disaster response and advance preparations for joining the Union Civil Protection Mechanism;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the EU has mobilised grants worth €115 million for the post- earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction within the €400 million European support pledge;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas the EU mobilised €51million to assist Albania in tackling COVID-19 and made available up to €180 million in macro-financial assistance;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas the EU is Albania’s biggest trading partner and the largest donor, and the country has benefited from €1.25 billion in EU pre-accession funding since 2007;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D g (new)
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans will facilitate a long-term recovery, following the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the economic development and reforms in the region;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D h (new)
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas Albanian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D i (new)
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas since 2015 Albanian citizens participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under Erasmus+;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D j (new)
Recital D j (new)
Dj. whereas the EU remains fully committed to supporting Albania’s strategic choice for European integration, based on the rule of law and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D k (new)
Recital D k (new)
Dk. whereas Albania remains a trustworthy foreign policy partner, advancing regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers the appointment of the Chief Negotiator and the negotiating team, along with the adoption of the action plan to address the conditions and priorities set by Council’s conclusions of March 2020, to be a sign of a clear political commitment to advance the EU integration process;
Amendment 73 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages political leaders to create a climate of confidence by increasing transparency and overcoming the lack of dialogue and expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process;
Amendment 75 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on public institutions to be proactive and make information publicly and timely available to civil society, media and the general public, particularly when related to issues of high public interest;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the importance of ensuring that preparations for the 2021 parliamentary elections take place in a transparent and inclusive manner;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Notes that all political forces, state bodies, civil society and the media have a joint duty to ensure a transparent, credible and objective election campaign, free from disinformation, intimidation and false accusations;
Amendment 97 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Urges Albania to improve intra- governmental co-ordination, decentralisation under the territorial administrative reform, to advance public consultations at local level and advance with public administration reform;
Amendment 101 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recalls the paramount importance of safeguarding the rule of law through implementation of judicial overhaul and a steady and consistent prosecution of high- level corruption;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages Albania to complete the relevant steps towards re-establishing the Constitutional Court’s ability to function fully and efficiently, as well as to make sure the Appeals Court does not stop operating and urges all involved to swiftly conclude the appointment process;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that the High Court has regained its ability to function and that it has been reviewing more than a thousand cases, and encourages it to make further progress in the appointment of additional judges and to develop a plan to recover its backlog;
Amendment 119 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls the need to improve transparency and control of political party funding under the amended Law on Political Party Financing;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Notes the importance of effectively implement the recommendations of the Albanian Supreme State Audit Institution;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the increase in proactive investigations, prosecutions and final convictions targeting illicit wealth and money laundering, leading to the systematic freezing and seizure of criminal assets, and calls for their further intensification, in line with the principles of judicial independence, due process and fair trial;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Underlines the importance of the continuing efforts and systemic improvements in tackling human, firearms and counterfeit goods’ trafficking, along with the cyber-crime and terrorist threats;
Amendment 133 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expresses its support for inclusive policies and calls for progress to be made in adopting measures to effectively protect the fundamental freedoms and rights of all citizens, with a special focus on women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ persons;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes that the National Action Plan for LGBTI Issues 2016-2020 has expired; Calls on the government to develop the new action plan in a transparent and inclusive process in consultation with civil society and ensure appropriate resources are assigned for its implementation;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the decision to eliminate the unacceptable "conversion therapy", strengthening the right to gender identity and gender expression;
Amendment 146 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for the creation of an effective mechanism for the prevention of gender- based and domestic violence and harassment, exacerbated by the COVID- 19 pandemic, and for protection and support to be given to its victims, combined with the effective and efficient prosecution of its perpetrators;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma and other ethnic minorities; welcomes the 2019 Poznan Declaration on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process, urges the authorities to advance Roma integration policies in line with the EU Roma strategic framework;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls forto ensure non-discriminatory access to public services and further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 153 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reminds Albania of its calls for further improvements to be made in the education and health, and the employment rates and living conditions of Roma, Egyptians and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of measures ensuring the protection of national minorities, including self-identification, the use of languages and property rights; Welcomes in this context the adoption of the law on the population census;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages Albania to make further progress on measures consolidating property registration, restitution and compensation rights, implementing the law on transitional ownership, and completing the comprehensive land sector reform;
Amendment 166 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes Albania’s efforts in promoting tolerance, inter-religious harmony and addressing prejudice and discrimination, including antisemitism, as affirmed by the parliamentary approval of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is respected, and during state of emergency or state of natural disaster the restrictions to public gatherings are applied fairly;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due process for asylum seekers in compliance with Albania’s international obligations, and to properly address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, while increasing preparedness for potential increases in migratory flows; calls for increased capacities to process asylum requests and investigations into the reported cases of breaches of the return procedures;
Amendment 177 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross-border crime, including in cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), must be conducted in full respect for fundamental rights, enshrined in applicable international and regional laws and principles;
Amendment 180 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts being made and urges the authorities to take a robust approach in preventing, investigating, prosecuting and punishing human trafficking and the exploitation of its victims, who include children and other vulnerable groups, to increase reintegration services and ensure witness protection;
Amendment 184 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the ongoing measures and calls for further progress to be made in considerably reducing the number of unfounded asylum claims by Albanian nationals, including the arrivals of unaccompanied minors, in the EU Member States; notes that Albania continues to fulfil visa liberalisation benchmarks;
Amendment 185 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Notes the importance of addressing allegations of police misconduct and to eradicate ill-treatment of suspects and prisoners;
Amendment 187 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Underlines the need to improve the climate for the functioning of civil society and urges the authorities to ensure meaningful, timely and representative consultations, and to enhance throughout the decision- making at different governance levels and to enhance the legal and fiscal framework, improving the financial sustainability of the non-governmental sector;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Stresses the importance of consultation and participation of civil society organizations on the regular function of society; Notes that this involvement is of paramount importance to the participation of citizens in the life of the country;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls the importance of ensuring quality journalism and media literacy for the functioning of democracy and in tackling disinformation, hate speech and fake-news; stresses the importance of increasing the levels of media literacy in Albania;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Underlines the need to strengthen self-regulation, ethics, independence, impartiality, financial sustainability and reporting quality of public and private media outlets and to enhance transparency of the media ownership, funding and public advertising; notes the need to improve labour and social conditions of the media professionals in order to ensure quality journalism;
Amendment 198 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Expresses grave concern about the proposed measures under the draft media law and welcomes the commitment to adopt amendments only if they are publicly shared in a consultation process with civil society, journalists and media organisations and assessed as being fully in line with the Venice Commission’s recommendations;
Amendment 205 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Encourages the Albanian Government to prioritise measures aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular consideration for marginalised and vulnerable groups such as Roma, Egyptians and the LGBTQI+ community, while taking further steps to enhance the representativeness of the social dialogue and to tackle the widespread informal economy;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Encourages the Albanian Government to prioritise measures aimed at mitigating the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while taking further steps to improve diversification, competitiveness, and digitalisation, enhance the representativeness of the social dialogue and to tackle the widespread informal economy;
Amendment 209 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Stresses the need to substantially strengthen social care coverage and improve access to social and healthcare services in order to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 212 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for the measures addressing the demographic decline and the brain drain to be stepped up through active labour market policies that address skills mismatches and reduce long-term unemployment, as well as by addressing problems relating to housing and access to education;
Amendment 213 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for the measures addressing the demographic decline and the brain drain to be stepped up through active labour market policies that address skills mismatches and reduce long-term unemployment, particularly among the youth and the most excluded/marginalised groups;
Amendment 216 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Welcomes the positive trends in women’s participation in politics, and calls for additional steps to address thegender imbalances, gender pay gap and workplace discrimination;
Amendment 217 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Recalls that sustainable growth depends on eradication of endemic corruption, improved transparency, legal certainty and efficiency, fair competition and reduction of bureaucracy;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Calls for adequate co-financing and further improvements in transparency and visibility of the EU funding;
Amendment 220 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Stresses that the EU Investment Plan for the Western Balkans should play an important role on the fight against the demographic decline and the brain drain, developing tools to address this problem;
Amendment 223 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41b. Underlines that planning and construction of eco-sensitive projects, including hydropower, industrial and tourist sites, must be conducted under a broad country-wide stakeholder consultation with the civil society and local communities and must comply with international and EU norms on impact assessments and environmental protection;
Amendment 229 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Recalls the need to overhaul the Fierza Hydro Power Plant and construct the Skavica Hydro Power Plant;
Amendment 234 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Urges the authorities to ensure full compliance with the Energy Community Treaty; underlines the contribution of the newly launched trans-Adriatic pipeline, and upcoming connection of the converted Vlora thermal plant, to regional energy security;
Amendment 241 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for continuing progress in strengthening strategic transport networks in line with the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) regulatory framework and advance work on the Albanian sections of the “Blue Highway“;
Amendment 242 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to complete the railway sector reforms and advance the Tirana-Podgorica-Durrës rail connection;
Amendment 243 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to complete the electricity market reform and put in place Bitola-Elbasan electricity interconnector with North Macedonia;
Amendment 245 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Recalls the need to prioritise setting up of an integrated regional waste management system, promote recycling, close hazardous dumpsites, address deforestation, step-up water quality monitoring and wastewater treatment capacities and strengthen the capacities of the agencies on environment and protected areas;
Amendment 257 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Recalls that regional cooperation should be underpinned by respect for fundamental European values and a common future in the EU;
Amendment 258 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48a. Calls upon all political leaders to take urgent steps to set up the Regional Commission tasked with establishing the facts about all victims of war crimes and other serious human rights violations committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM), building upon the significant work carried out by the Coalition for RECOM;
Amendment 263 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Welcomes Albania’s ongoing full alignment with the common foreign and security policy decisions and declarations since 2012 and its active contribution to the EU crisis management missions and operations; urges Albania to comply with the EU position on the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court;
Amendment 238 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Encourages the EU to further prioritise conflict prevention and mediation; underlines that this approach delivers a high degree of EU added value in political, social, economic and security terms; recalls that conflict prevention and mediation activities help to assert the presence and credibility of the EU on the international scene; highlights Parliament’s valuable contribution in the field of mediation and dialogue, especially in the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries, and calls for the further development of interinstitutional cooperation on mediation; confirms its support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the Eastern Partnership within their internationally recognised borders, and flatly rejects the use of force or the threat of force in conflict resolution;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, adopted on 24 June 2013,
Amendment 11 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders,
Amendment 12 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
– having regard to the EU Guidelines on Death Penalty, adopted by the Council in 2013,
Amendment 27 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and the outcomes of their review conferences,
Amendment 30 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the Yogyakarta Principles (‘Principles and State Obligations on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics’) adopted in November 2006, and the 10 complementary principles (‘plus 10’) adopted on 10 November 2017,
Amendment 51 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 14 February 2018 on the future of the LGBTI List of Actions (2019-2024) (2019/2573(RSP)),
Amendment 75 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 76 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas a comprehensive and binding EU Strategy for Gender Equality as requested by the EP for long and promised by the designate President of the Commission must provide for gender mainstreaming of all EU policies, including the integration of gender equality into the EU’s trade policy and foreign relations policy and reinforce the impact of the upcoming Gender Action Plan III;
Amendment 86 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas, according to the latest EU Annual Report on Human Rights, the EEAS has fully updated 125 country strategies on human rights and democracy; whereas these strategies -and their annual implementation reports- “constitute an essential tool in ensuring policy consistency”, “identify key strategic priorities” and “define long- and short term objectives”, setting out “concrete actions to advance human rights”; whereas these country strategies and their annual implementation reports remain completely inaccessible to Parliament;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its deep concern at the attacks on democracy and the rule of law worldwide in 2018, which reflect the rise of authoritarianism as a political project, embodying disregard for human rights, repression of dissent, politicised justice and predetermined elections, shrinking space for civil society to operate, as well as limiting freedom of assembly and freedom of expression; is of the opinion that countries falling into authoritarian regimes become more vulnerable to instability, conflict, corruption and violent extremism; welcomes the fact that, at the same time, a number of countries have launched peace and democratisation processes, implemented constitutional and judicial reforms, and engaged with civil society in open and public debates with the objective of promoting fundamental freedoms and human rights, including the abolition of the death penalty;
Amendment 103 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reminds that there can be no hierarchy of human rights; stresses the need to ensure full respect for, and adherence to, the principle that human rights are universal and inalienable, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated; stresses the severe unacceptability of attempts to use the rights of certain groups to justify the marginalisation of others;
Amendment 129 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is seriously concerned at the increase in the number of cases of murder, attacks and intimidation against people standing up for human rights throughout the world, in particular journalists, scholars, lawyers and civil society activists, inter alia environmental and land defenders, mainly in countries with high levels of corruption and a poor record of upholding the rule of law and judicial oversight; notes that women human rights defenders face specific risks and need adequate protection;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of advancing gender equality and women’s rights worldwide; emphasises that, in spite of progress, women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence; stresses that manyost societies still struggle to provide women and girls with equal rights under the law and equal access to education, healthcare, decent work and equal pay and political and economic representation; expresses concerns over the ongoing attacks on women’s rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), as well as over legislation in many parts of the world that restricts these rights, including in the EU;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of advancing gender equality and women’s rights worldwide; emphasises that, in spite of progress, women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence; stresses that many societies still struggle to provide women and girls with equal rights under the law and equal access to education, healthcare, decent work and political and economic representation; points out inter alia FGM among the most heinous human rights violations; welcomes the Spotlight initiative on violence against women launched by the European Commission and asks for its reinforcement;
Amendment 142 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that respecting and promoting the rights of the child, fighting against all manifestationkinds of abuse, neglect, the trafficking and exploitation of children, including theforced marriages and the recruitment or use of child soldiers in armed conflict, and providing children with care and education are crucial tostakes for the future of humanity; in this respect supports the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) established with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1612 on children and armed conflict, including the strengthening of the independence and impartiality of the composition of the annual list of child rights violators, free from political interference;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that respecting and promoting the rights of the child, fighting against all manifestations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, the trafficking and exploitation of children, including the use of child soldiers in armed conflict, and providing children with care and education are crucial to the future of humanity;
Amendment 154 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Draws attention to instances of persecution and discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality, class, caste, religion, belief, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics and age, which remain rife in many countries and societies; is seriously concerned at the increasingly intolerant and hate-filled responses targeting people who are the victims of these human rights violations;
Amendment 174 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that freedom of speech and expression, as well as media pluralism, are at the heart of resilient democratic societies; urges that the best possible safeguards against hate speech, disinformation campaigns and hostile propaganda be put in place by developing a legal framework both at EU and international level for tackling hybrid threats, including cyber and information warfare;
Amendment 187 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Underscores the importance of human rights to be promoted and mainstreamed across all external policy of the EU; takes note of the works on such important issues being currently carried out under the status of a subcommittee in Parliament; reiterates its call to upgrade this into a full committee;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission and EU Member States to adopt a new ambitious, comprehensive and binding Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for the next five years; its implementation and impact should be assessed through a strong monitoring mechanism;
Amendment 192 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Notes the importance of its resolutions on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (known as urgency resolutions, in accordance with Rule 144, formerly Rule 135 of its rules of procedures); underlines the legal recurrence and the paramount visibility of the EU, by means of this tool, in its fight for human rights; calls on the EEAS to provide Parliament with regular reports on the follow-up actions it has taken on all the urgency resolutions and/or the recommendations therein; calls on the EEAS and EU Member States to enhance the visibility of the human rights violations raised in Parliament's urgency resolutions; reiterates its belief that this tool can be further developed to strengthen human rights and democracy through increased timely reflection, targeting and efficiency;
Amendment 193 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Strongly recommends that the Commission enhances its engagement with Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights to enable it to contribute actively to the upcoming EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy;
Amendment 194 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to inform, consult and work closely with Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, when revising and/or adopting EU policy documents for the conduct and monitoring of EU human rights foreign policy;
Amendment 202 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Highlights that trade and human rights reinforce each other, and that the business community has an important role to play in offering positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy and corporate responsibility; reminds the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) of the need to make effective use of human rights clauses within international agreements, based on political dialogue, the regular assessment of progress and recourse to the consultation procedure upon request from a party; requests that robust implementation and monitoring mechanisms of human rights clauses be put in place, involving Parliament, national and local civil society and relevant international organisations, as well as establishing a complaints mechanism for groups of citizens and stakeholders who are affected by human rights violations;
Amendment 215 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly supports the work and efforts of the EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR) in protecting and promoting human rights in the world; underlines the important objective within the mandate of the EUSR to enhance the Union’s effectiveness in this area; insists on its request for the revision of this mandate to be made permanent and more accountable and to grant the EUSR own- initiative powers, adequate resources and the ability to speak publicly in order to report on achievements of visits to third countries and to communicate the EU's positions on human rights topics;
Amendment 223 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the EEAS to further improve the transmission to Parliament of relevant political reporting on all activities of the EU Delegations related to human rights, including detailed information on the local implementation and financing of relevant EU projects and the monitoring of local civil society; calls in particular to establish means for sharing with Parliament, or specific relevant office holders, information on the human rights and democracy country strategies prepared by the EU Delegations, while ensuring security and confidentiality as needed, in order to improve the transparency, accountability and consistency of the EU policy in this field;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Welcomes the fact that human rights focal points and Human Rights Defenders liaison officers are now present in all EU Delegations; calls on the EEAS to provide Parliament with a detailed report on the completion of this network of focal points in order to evaluate and ensure an even implementation throughout all EU Delegations and detect possible disparities in the level of allocated resources or in the engagement with local civil society;
Amendment 225 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Welcomes the efforts by the EEAS and the Commission to continuously strengthen EU officials’ awareness on human rights; highlights, given the need to mainstream human rights in all EU policies, the importance to ensure that the training on human rights issues - particularly those related to business and human rights, land and environmental issues and the implementation of all EU guidelines on the field of human rights- are extended to all EU and Member States' diplomats deployed in third countries and not restricted to those officials dealing specifically with human right issues such as the focal points;
Amendment 234 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation, discrimination, harassment and assault, abduction, violent policing, arbitrary arrests and cases of torturerbitrary arrests, cases of torture and killings; calls to support actions aimed at combating impunity and promote accountability especially in those regions where the dynamics of impunity reward those who bear the greatest responsibility and disempower victims;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses the link between the increase in human rights violations and widespread impunity and the lack of accountability in regions and countries devastated by conflicts or marked by politically motivated intimidation, discrimination, harassment and assault, abduction, violent policing, arbitrary arrests and cases of torture; stresses also that in conflicts, minorities and marginalised groups are often particularly severely impacted;
Amendment 253 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Strongly believes that the impunity challenge has clearly emerged as a central issue and calls therefore on the EEAS and the Commission to include an ambitious strategy on that respect within the 3rd EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy; in that spirit, highly recommends the setting up of an European Observatory on Prevention, accountability, and combating impunity that would serve the purpose of connecting existing accountability mechanisms (e.g. EU early warning systems, preventing genocide, implementing the Responsibility to Protect, accountability processes and post- conflict transitional justices), following- up of the resolutions of Parliament on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (known as urgency resolutions, in accordance with Rule 144, formerly Rule 135, of its Rules of Procedure), raising awareness about unreported situations and human rights violations, including the most sensitive issues (e.g. extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances), bridging the gap between mechanisms and victims, and contributing to implement Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and further raise the profile and visibility of the EU engagement on this matter;
Amendment 274 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the invaluable and essential role that HRDs play at the risk of their lives, in particular women’s human rights defenders; recommends strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions and the Member States, enabling them to provide continuous support to HRDs; values the ‘ProtectDefenders.eu’ mechanism established to protect HRDs at grave risk; calls on the Council and the Commission to establish a specific coordinated procedure for awarding visas to HRDs; calls on the Commission to make full use of the financial capacand Member States to ensure sufficient funding for the protection of HRDs in the relevant Thematic Programmes of the next NDICI and to ensure its accessibility ofby the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to support HRDsose most in need who are the most marginalised; calls on the Commission to make full use of this instrument in the future;
Amendment 278 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the invaluable and essential role that HRDs play at the risk of their lives; recommends strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions and the Member States, enabling them to provide continuous support to HRDs; values the ‘ProtectDefenders.eu’ mechanism established to protect HRDs at grave risk; calls on the Council and the Commission to establish a specific coordinated procedure for awarding visas to HRDs; calls on the Commission to make full use of the financial capacity of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to support HRDs, ensuring it is accessible and reaches those most in need, who are most marginalised;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Expresses its concern at the continued shrinking of civil society space in 2018; deplores that human rights defenders continue to be increasingly killed, persecuted, harassed and arbitrarily detained for defending universal principles of human rights; deplores the increasing enactment and abusive use of laws in third countries implemented to curtail and criminalise the legitimate work of human rights defenders;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Notes that women’s rights organisations and defenders are specifically targeted and suffer particularly from the shrinking civic space; stresses the need for the EU to politically support, increasingly protect and raise financial allocations for independent civil society organisations that promote the rights of women and girls in all areas; urges the EU and Member States to ensure the protection of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and take into account the specific protection needs they have;
Amendment 283 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Underscores that HRDs working on land, environmental and indigenous rights, women HRDs and LGBTI+ rights defenders are those most at risk and require special attention; highlights that HRDs are indispensable actors in the promotion of human rights and democratisation;
Amendment 288 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Calls on all EU Delegations and their focal point on human rights on the ground to regularly implement their obligation to meet with human HRDs, visit detained activists, monitor their trials and advocate for their protection on the ground; calls for them to be more visible and vocal with regard to human rights concerns; in this regard, further calls the EEAS, to collaborate more closely with Parliament and to raise concerns at an early stage;
Amendment 292 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Highlights that 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the UN declaration on Human Rights Defenders; welcomes the first ever European Parliament Human Rights Week, which offered a platform for an exchange with HRDs; encourages the EU institutions to retain this practice on a regular basis;
Amendment 297 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Strongly supports the EU’s strategic engagement for gender equality and its ongoing efforts to improve the human rights situation of women and girls, in line with the 2030 SDGs; and calls for the EU to adopt a comprehensive and binding Gender Equality Strategy once the strategic engagement expires; calls on the European Commission to prepare and adopt a communication to renew the Gender Action Plan after 2020, as an important EU tool to contribute to women and girls’ rights worldwide; calls on Member States to endorse the Gender Action Plan III in Council conclusions calls on the Commission and the EEAS to further contribute to gender equality and girls’ and women’s empowerment by working closely with international organisations and non-EU countries, in order to develop and implement new legal frameworks regarding gender equality, and to eradicate harmful practices targeted at women and girls, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation;
Amendment 310 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Welcomes the approach of integrating the gender perspective in EU Common Security and Defence Policy activities and underlines the importance of providing adequate gender sensitive training to healthcare professionals and humanitarian aid workers, including those working in emergency assistance;
Amendment 312 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Points out that sexual and gender- based violence against women and girls, including harmful traditions such as child marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), inadequate access to basic sectors and social services, for example health, education, water, sanitation, and nutrition, difficulties in gaining access to sexual and reproductive health, and unequal participation in public and private institutions, as well as in political decision-making and in peace processes, represent an inacceptable violation of basic human rights that cannot be accepted by the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 319 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 g (new)
Paragraph 21 g (new)
21g. Stresses the importance of viewing access to health as a human right; highlights the need to guarantee access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including measures to ensure that women freely control their bodies and lives, have access to family planning, to adequate feminine hygiene products and to receive the recommended natal care to prevent child and maternal mortality; highlights that safe abortion services are important elements to save women’s lives and contribute to avoiding high-risks births and reducing infant and child mortality; stresses the importance of access to adequate gender-sensitive mental health services, particularly in conflict and post- conflict situations;
Amendment 321 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 h (new)
Paragraph 21 h (new)
21h. Strongly condemns the continued application of the Global Gag Rule and its impact on women’s and girls’ health and rights; reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to fill the financing gap left by the US in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights, using both national and EU development funding;
Amendment 322 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 i (new)
Paragraph 21 i (new)
21i. Expresses grave concerns on the escalated use of torture in the form of sexual and gender based violence, as a weapon of war;
Amendment 325 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 j (new)
Paragraph 21 j (new)
21j. Stresses the alarming increase of violence against women and calls for further action in order to assure that the Istanbul Convention is ratified and thus implemented entirely all over Europe;
Amendment 327 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 k (new)
Paragraph 21 k (new)
21k. Emphasises that gender equality should be a key priority in all working relations, policies and external actions of the EU, as it is a principle for the EU and its Member States itself according to the Treaties;
Amendment 328 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 l (new)
Paragraph 21 l (new)
21l. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the promotion and status of gender equality in the most affected EU Member States, with special regard to the institutional, policy and legislative framework;
Amendment 331 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for new EU initiatives to prevent and combat child abuse in the world, to rehabilitate conflict-affected children and children that suffer from multiple and intersectional discrimination, and to provide them with a sheltered environment in which care and education are fundamental; calls for the EU to initiate an international movement to advocate the rights of the child, inter alia by organising an international conference on the protection of children in fragile environments;
Amendment 347 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8 a (new)
Subheading 8 a (new)
Rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons
Amendment 356 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Strongly supports the Commission List of actions to advance LGBTI equality and the Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons for external action from 2013, as important elements of the EU’s ongoing efforts to improve the human rights of LGBTI people, in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; calls on the Commission/EEAS to continue the work on protecting and furthering the human rights of LGBTI people, by working closely with international organisations and non-EU countries, in order to combat discrimination and human rights violations, as well as support the development of legislation and policies protecting the human rights of LGBTI people worldwide;
Amendment 394 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Is deeply concerned that some countries penalise blasphemy, conversion or apostasy, including by the death penalty; reiterates that the right to FoRB includes the rights not to believe, to espouse theistic, non-theistic, agnostic or atheistic views and the right to apostasy;
Amendment 411 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Welcomes the revised EU policy towards third countries on torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment; calls on the EU Member States to mainstream safeguards against torture and other ill treatment in all their actions and policies;
Amendment 476 #
2019/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that the EU should continue to actively support democratic and effective human rights institutions and civil society in their efforts to promote democratisation; reminds that human rights are a fundamental corner stone of democratisation processes; positively notes, in this context, the European Endowment for Democracy’s consistent engagement in the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of the EU to promote democracy and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms; recalls that the experience gained and the lessons learned from transitions to democracy in the framework of the enlargement and neighbourhood policies could make a positive contribution to the identification of best practices that could be used to support and consolidate other democratisation processes worldwide;
Amendment 3 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that economic development and multilateralism are important tools to improve people’s lives; points out that one of the objectives of the IPA is to strengthen the economic, trade and investment relationship between the EU and Viet Nam in accordance with the objective of sustainable development, and to promote trade and investment in a manner that is mindful of high levels offull compliance with human rights, environmental and labour protection and relevant internationally recognised standards and agreements;
Amendment 8 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the EU and Viet Nam and the upgraded potentialpossibility to address human rights concerns in the framework of the institutional mechanisms established under Article 35 of the PCA and Article 13 of the FTA; believes that those articles provide the necessary tools to address human rights concerns related to the IPAtakes note that even if a Party may unilaterally take appropriate measures when it considers that the other Party has committed a material breach of the PCA, these measures are in full discretion of the parties and have been used in very exceptional circumstances;
Amendment 14 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that under Article 35 of the PCA, the Parties agree to cooperate in the promotion and protection of human rights, including with regard to the implementation of international human rights instruments to which they are parties; notes with concern that it has proved to be insufficient as serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the PCA;
Amendment 17 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
4. Fully supports the human rights dialogue between the EU and Viet Nam, which is a very effective way to discuss issues related to human rights; regrets the lack of any tangible result after several rounds of EU- Vietnam human rights dialogues; further regrets that on at least two occasions Vietnam detained activists right before the dialogues; calls for the strengthening of the annual EU-Viet Nam human rights dialogue with the involvement of local and international civil society and taking into account information received from relevant international organisations; calls for the dialogue to be geared around concrete deliverables; notes with concerns that Vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed and largely operates underground for fear of persecution and retaliations;
Amendment 25 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underscores the importance of the IPA in contributing to raising living standards, promoting economic growth and stability, helping advance the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development and respect for human rights in Viet Nam, while also enabling the EU to foster its objectives of peace and stability in the region.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Regrets that the European Commission conducted negotiations with Vietnam towards an IPA without carrying out a human rights impact assessment, thereby violating its own commitments and obligations, and calls on the Commission to carry out one, prior to the entry into force of the agreement
Amendment 33 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Regrets that the regimes instituted by the investment protection agreement has insufficient clauses to compel states to respect, protect and implement human rights and have limited guarantees for people whose fundamental rights are violated by the investor or the host State to have an effective recourse;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Calls, for the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism, providing affected citizens and stakeholders with effective recourse in order to address potential negative impacts on human rights;
Amendment 35 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Notes that ICS jurisprudence is insufficient to secure an interpretation conform to human rights standards and investment tribunals have often not taken them into account adequately;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Believes that the asymmetrical nature of the ICS system, the lack of human rights obligations of investors and the exorbitant costs associated with ICS limit the access and the remedy for civil society; requires that this system does not restrict the ability of the State to fulfil its obligation to protect human rights or prevent businesses from respecting these rights;
Amendment 37 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Calls to reform the ICS system in order to ensure that this investment tribunal is able to systematically and rigorously apply international human rights law, environmental and labour law and gives sufficient weight to international human rights obligations and the accountability of corporate investors to respect human rights;
Amendment 38 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Regrets that Amicus Curiae can not be considered an effective participation since investment tribunals have full discretion to determine whether they accept amicus curiae and this possibility is often rejected or limited by the courts;
Amendment 39 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5h. Calls for a binding and enforceable clause in the IPA for States to protect human rights including by regulating and controlling enterprises and a mandatory clause recalling that businesses have to comply with international human rights and environmental standards;
Amendment 40 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 i (new)
Paragraph 5 i (new)
5i. Calls the EU and Viet Nam to cooperate to develop an action plan to fight child labour, including the necessary due diligence framework for enterprises;
Amendment 41 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Amendment 3 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that Parliament gave its consent to the EU-Viet Nam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) on 17 December 20151 , which defines future relations and aims to enhance further cooperation on global and regional challenges; notes with concern that serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the PCA; _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0467.
Amendment 10 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges Viet Nam’s efforts to undertake an ambitious reform agenda, notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the FTA; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ILO Conventions, namely No. 29 on forced labour, Nos. 100 and 111 on non- discrimination, Nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently No. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the Vietnamese Government to quickly ratify and fully implement the outstanding Conventions; regrets that the sustainable development chapter does not create any legal and binding obligation; calls for a public and binding calendar for the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and No. 105 on the Abolition of Forced labour;
Amendment 16 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that labour rights and trade union freedoms, including those enshrined in the fundamental ILO conventions, are not reflected under the actual penal code; Remains concerned that Viet Nam rejected an high number of recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review 2019 regarding the penal code in order to bring it in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Calls on Vietnamese authorities to implement these recommendations, with clear and public benchmarks and calendar;
Amendment 18 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Remains concerned about human rights violations, including the application of the death penalty in Viet Nam; calls on Viet Nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; highlights that human rights constitute a cornerstone of the trade and sustainable development chapter of the FTA; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreementcalls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement; deeply regrets that the number of political prisoners, human rights, labour, religious and environmental activists, journalists and bloggers has dramatically increased in recent years, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons detained for the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression;
Amendment 31 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. calls on the authorities of Vietnam to repeal its law on Cybersecurity and to bring legislation regulating public gatherings and demonstrations into conformity with the international legislation on freedom of assembly and association;
Amendment 33 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. highlights that human rights should constitute a cornerstone of trade and the sustainable development chapter of the FTA: regrets that instead it only focuses on a limited range of rights; calls therefore for a comprehensive human rights chapter with implementation measures, benchmarks and calendar; calls for the evaluation of the impact of the agreement periodically;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Deplores the refusal of the European Commission to carry out a human rights impact assessment on the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement and calls on the Commission to carry out one, prior to the entry into force of the agreement
Amendment 35 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Requests the application of the State to State dispute settlement to TSD Chapter
Amendment 41 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. urges the establishment of an independent complaint mechanism providing affected citizens and local stakeholders with effective recourse with a view to addressing potential negative impacts on human rights and the establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism with provision for fines and the suspension of trade benefits;
Amendment 43 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that the FTA creates an institutional and legally binding link to the PCA; points out that Article 1 of the PCA contains a standard human rights clause which can trigger appropriate measures, including, as a last resort, the suspension of the PCA, or parts thereof, without delay; recalls that the European Ombudsman, in case1409/2014/MHZ on the EU-Vietnam FTA, found that the preamble of the EU- Vietnam FTA and other traditional tools, such as the ‘essential element’ clause of PCA and the human rights dialogue, are insufficient to adequately respect EU obligations, especially when the third country´s legislation is not in line with international human rights standards;
Amendment 49 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages the Commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to Viet Nam and its independent civil society in order to support Viet Nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of Article 13 of the FTA.; notes with concerns that Vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed; calls on the Commission to indicate which Vietnamese independent civil society groups will be included in the domestic advisory groups and how it will ensure that their independence is preserved;
Amendment 57 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. calls for closer interaction with the European Parliament in preparation for the annual Human Rights Dialogues, debriefings and in updating of the EU Human Rights Country Strategy for Vietnam;
Amendment 60 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls therefore the EP to give its consent to the agreements only when these recommendations, are legally and effectively protected;