1714 Amendments of Vladimír BILČÍK
Amendment 132 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the European Parliament commits to the enlargement and engages with the accession countries while they continue to reform and achieve the required benchmarks; whereas democratic transformation and rule of law represent a central role of enlargement; whereas, among others, fundamental reforms in the areas of judiciary, fight against corruption, media freedom, human rights, including women and minorities’ rights are necessary for candidate countries to move on their EU path; whereas a number of civil society organisations contribute to the accession progress in their respective candidate countries;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the European Parliament commits to the enlargement and engages with the accession countries while they continue to reform and achieve the required benchmarks; whereas democratic transformation and rule of law represent a central role of enlargement; whereas, among others, fundamental reforms in the areas of judiciary, fight against corruption, media freedom, human rights, including women and minorities’ rights are necessary for candidate countries to move on their EU path; whereas a number of civil society organisations contribute to the accession progress in their respective candidate countries;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should step up considerably its conditional technical and financial support for fundamental reforms, the resolution of bilateral disputes and regional economic integration in accession countries; whereas the EP welcomes in this regard the €6 billion Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans which aims to accelerate fundamental reforms, enhance the countries’ integration into the European Union’s single market as well as boost economic integration of the region;
Amendment 139 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should step up considerably its conditional technical and financial support for fundamental reforms, the resolution of bilateral disputes and regional economic integration in accession countries; whereas the EP welcomes in this regard the €6 billion Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans which aims to accelerate fundamental reforms, enhance the countries’ integration into the European Union’s single market as well as boost economic integration of the region;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas the countries of the Western Balkans must focus on conflict resolution, regional cooperation and reforms in order to achieve common security and stability of the region;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas the countries of the Western Balkans must focus on conflict resolution, regional cooperation and reforms in order to achieve common security and stability of the region;
Amendment 263 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Considers the public support of the enlargement to be crucial for the enlargement process; understands that public support for EU enlargement is low in some accession countries of the Western Balkan, in this respect reiterates its calls for strengthening of the Parliament’s and Commission’s strategic communication about mutual benefits of the enlargement and positive experience of previous enlargements;
Amendment 263 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Considers the public support of the enlargement to be crucial for the enlargement process; understands that public support for EU enlargement is low in some accession countries of the Western Balkan, in this respect reiterates its calls for strengthening of the Parliament’s and Commission’s strategic communication about mutual benefits of the enlargement and positive experience of previous enlargements;
Amendment 338 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates the importance of tools, such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue, the Inter-parliamentary Dialogue (IPD) and the Parliamentary Dialogue Process (PDP), which contribute to institutional reform processes and build democratic parliamentary culture in the accession countries; emphasises the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, which should be conducted through the already existing channels, like the AFET committee, official delegations and democracy support activities, such as regular parliamentary dialogues with partner countries;
Amendment 338 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates the importance of tools, such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue, the Inter-parliamentary Dialogue (IPD) and the Parliamentary Dialogue Process (PDP), which contribute to institutional reform processes and build democratic parliamentary culture in the accession countries; emphasises the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, which should be conducted through the already existing channels, like the AFET committee, official delegations and democracy support activities, such as regular parliamentary dialogues with partner countries;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the important role of the Councils of the Judiciary in safeguarding judicial independence; considers it necessary to evaluate the reforms that are in the process of being adopted in different Member States and encourages the adaptation of the composition and functioning of these bodies to the standards established by the European Commission and the Council of Europe, and which have been endorsed by the EU Court of Justice.
Amendment 64 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Points out that the prosecution service is a key element for the capacity of the judiciary to fight crime and corruption; highlights the importance of guaranteeing the autonomy and independence of the prosecution service; stresses the need for safeguards to be put in place to help preserve the independence of the prosecution service so that it is free from undue political pressure, especially from the Government.
Amendment 65 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Observes that the setting up of parliamentary committees to investigate if so called “lawfare” or judicialisation of politics have occurred means, in practice, subjecting judicial procedures and decisions to parliamentary review with evident interference in the judicial independence and the separation of powers.
Amendment 66 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Considers that "ad hominem" legal reforms violate basic principles of the rule of law such as equality before the law and judicial independence.
Amendment 67 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Notes with concern the draft amnesty law presented in the Spanish Parliament, which in its current proposal covers crimes of embezzlement, terrorism, acts against the rule of law and constitutional integrity, with its main beneficiaries being political leaders associated with the current government majority; notes that the amnesty would mean the closure of the investigation of Russian interference in the events in Catalonia that occurred in September and October 2017, and that the European Parliament has accredited; notes the serious concern expressed by all judicial associations, lawyers' associations, as well as by civil servants and very diverse civil society organizations.
Amendment 75 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is deeply concerned about the new Slovak government’s hostile actions against police officials, urges representatives of the Government of the Slovak Republic to refrain from personal and political attacks on independent investigators and against decisions by courts in relation to police officers;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that the reduction of penalties for the crime of embezzlement in Spain is a worrying step back which is at odds with the EU's objectives and commitments in the fight against corruption; stresses the lack of consistency between the fight against corruption and the reduction of penalties for the crime of embezzlement.
Amendment 82 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Expresses deep concern regarding the hostile actions of the new Slovak government against the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which plays a crucial role in the Slovak Republic’s independent efforts to combat corruption, and the attempts to restrict these efforts;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the importance of the editorial independence of public service media and the duty of all Member States to respect this; notes with concern the Slovak government’s planned changes to the nation wide public TV and radio broadcaster RTVS, urges the Commission to be vigilant of any attempts to politically intervene in the broadcasting;
Amendment 133 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Condemns the Slovak Prime Minister’s official decision to cease communication with at least four independent media outlets, and reaffirms the essential role of independent, free media in delivering unbiased information to citizens;
Amendment 134 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Expresses serious concerns about the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic’s apparent preference for so- called alternative and disinformation media outlets, emphasizes that this constitutes an active effort to degrade the quality of the media environment and represents an attempt to diminish the scope for quality, independent journalism;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Regrets the worrying trends in the safety of journalists in several Member States; notes that the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists has registered more than 1 600 threat alerts since 2015; regrets the intimidation of journalist during election campaigns, such as recently happened in the election in Slovakia; is concerned about the Slovak government’s public statements, referring to independent media outlets as “hostile” and “enemies” and therefore contributing to public hate against journalists;
Amendment 64 #
2023/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Takes note of the potential of Central Asia´s natural resources in the EU´s energy diversification in the context of sustainable partnerships, while at the same time recognises the crucial role of the EU in financing of Central Asia´s sectoral reforms and improving its energy efficiency and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions; in this regard is concerned with the creation of dependency on Russia as a result of the signing of the natural gas deal between Gazprom and Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan;
Amendment 101 #
2023/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes the need to boost Central Asia’s resilience against disinformation by promoting independent media and content in local languages, increasing media literacy and organising targeted courses for local journalists; is concerned about the lack of media pluralism and calls for greater transparency of media ownership as well as financing with the aim of enhancing media independence and pluralism; is concerned about the increasing number of arrests of journalists and bloggers and about threats to close independent media outlets; insists that respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders must be ensured, that they must be guaranteed protection against harassment, pressure and threats and that any attacks against them must be investigated;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned that gender-based violence, discrimination and harassment of minorethnic and religious minorities, persons with disabilities and LGTBIQ+ people are still widespread in Central Asia and urges the Central Asian governments to prevent these human rights violations through appropriate laws and measures including de-criminalisation of same-sex sexual relations;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Parliament engages with elected officials and diplomats, 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 visits; whereas parliamentary diplomacy should be conducted through the already existing channels, like the AFET committee, official delegations and democracy support activities, such as regular parliamentary dialogues with partner countries;
Amendment 40 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European Parliament cooperates with like-minded partner countries in defending democracy, rule of law, media freedom and in countering disinformation and foreign interference in non-EU countries;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the European Parliament commits to the enlargement and engages with the accession countries while they continue to reform and achieve the required benchmarks;
Amendment 172 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Reiterates the importance of soft tools, such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue, the Inter-parliamentary Dialogue (IPD) and the Parliamentary Dialogue Process (PDP), which contribute to institutional reform processes and build democratic parliamentary culture in the accession countries;
Amendment 201 #
2023/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Considers the fight against disinformation and hybrid threats coming from third countries an essential part of parliamentary diplomacy; calls for reinforced cooperation with the Commission and the Council on the matter;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas since 2011 half a million Syrians have died and 14 million have been displaced due to violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups, but mainly as a result of the fierce repression by the Syrian regime, with the help of its allies, of its own people; whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones; whereas over 1 500 civilians were killed by the Syrian regime during the sarin attack in Ghouta in 2013;
Amendment 47 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas authoritarian foreign actors, including Russia, the Wagner militia, Hezbollah and Iran, have played a destructive role for the country since 2011, and whereas the Syrian regime does not control the whole of national territory and can remain in power only with the support of these foreign actors and their proxy forces;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas ISISDaesh committed crimes against humanity, including genocide, in the territories temporarily under its control prior to the intervention of the international coalition;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Syrian state is not sufficiently addressinggnores the basic needs of the Syrian people, especially in parts of the Syrian territory that are not fully controlled by the Syrian regime, the country’s economic situation is extremely precarious and Syria has turned into a narco-state;
Amendment 102 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) reaffirm the EU’s strong support for Syria’s continued democratic aspirations, despite the regime’s total repression since the peaceful protests in 2011, which has been bolstered by decisive military and financial assistance from Iran and Russia to enable Assad and his cronies to retain power;
Amendment 106 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) stress the regime’s personal responsibility for the death of more than half a million civilians, the destruction of the country, the displacement of the majority of the population (the internally displaced alone are estimated at six and a half million people), the torture and disappearance of 150 000 people at the hands of the concentration-camp system, the use of chemical weapons against civilians and the systematic destruction of any democratic and peaceful opposition;
Amendment 111 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) oppose any normalisation of relations with the Assad regime without any profound and objectively verifiable developments in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015), including the release of political prisoners, informing the families of the victims about the fate of the missing and the cessation of any attacks and obstacles to humanitarian aid;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) deplore the continued presence on Syrian territory of hundreds of Iranian and Russian bases and militias; express deep concern about the economic exploitation of the country by predatory foreign powers;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) condemn the attacks by Turkish forces and their occupation of Syrian territories in the north; express their deep concern about the persistence of radical Islamist opposition in Idlib province; support the continuation of the international coalition against the Islamic State, which remains active in Syria despite significant defeats; call for a determined international effort to continue its fight against the Islamic State in Syria until its complete elimination;
Amendment 156 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) step up efforts to counter Russian disinformation about the Syrian civil war and other conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, including disinformation in the Arabic language;
Amendment 208 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) strongly condemn Russia’s countless vetos against delivering aid to the people in the north; denounce once again Russia’s attempts to tarnish the image of wWhite helmetHelmets; stress that the White Helmets play a significant role in the rescue of Syrian civilians, often at the cost of their own lives;
Amendment 209 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
(aa a) reinforce cooperation with like- minded partners, such as NATO, on countering disinformation, hybrid threats and foreign interference coming from third countries, which represents an essential part of preventive diplomacy;
Amendment 230 #
2023/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ae a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ae a (new)
(ae a) deploy the Jean Monnet Dialogue, the Inter-parliamentary Dialogue (IPD) and the Parliamentary Dialogue Process (PDP), which can contribute to building democratic parliamentary culture and preventing conflict in the accession countries, especially in de-escalation of Serbia-Kosovo relations;
Amendment 8 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 18 October 2022 on growing hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ people across Europe in light of the recent homophobic murder in Slovakia
Amendment 23 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26
Citation 26
– having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, which opened for signature in Istanbul on 11 May 2011 (‘Istanbul Convention’) and was ratified by European Union on 28 June 2023,
Amendment 24 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
Citation 26 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 May 2023 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence with regards to institutions and public administration of the Union,
Amendment 26 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 b (new)
Citation 26 b (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 May 2023 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence with regards to matters related to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, asylum and non-refoulement,
Amendment 27 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 c (new)
Citation 26 c (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2019 on gender equality and taxation policies in the EU,
Amendment 37 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
– having regard to the report and recommendation of 22 May 2023 on the investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware
Amendment 56 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas free, independent and transparent elections are a pillar of democracy;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the increasing spread of disinformation poses threat to democratic functioning of the Union; whereas reducing information manipulation is a matter of public interest; whereas disinformation reduces the ability of citizens to take informed decisions and participate freely in democratic processes; whereas independent and pluralistic media are a powerful tool in fighting disinformation;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas government bodies in several EU Member States have used Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware against journalists, politicians, civil societies and other actors for political purposes; whereas this type of spyware misuse undermines fundamental human rights, democracy and electoral processes;
Amendment 107 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly condemns that in 2022 another global record for the number of imprisoned journalists was set; calls for a swift agreement on the anti-SLAPP directive, which should offer substantive and broad protection against abusive lawsuits; calls for full delivery of justice with regard to the brutal murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancé Martina Kušnírová in 2018 in Slovakia;
Amendment 110 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Expresses concern about the illegitimate use of spyware in the Union, where high-profile individuals, such as journalists, human rights defenders, politicians, or other actors have been targeted;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Strongly condemns any form of hate speech and smear campaigns in public media against journalists, politicians and other actors in the Member States;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Reiterates the importance of free, independent and pluralistic media, ensuring transparency of ownership and financing; in this regard welcomes the Commission’s proposal on the European Media Freedom Act;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Recalls that disinformation poses national threat; reiterates the need for media and digital literacy to be included in civic education in order to counter the spread of disinformation;
Amendment 187 #
2023/2028(INI)
13a. Welcomes the European Union’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention which will enter into force on 1 October 2023; calls on Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia to ratify the Convention in order to protect women against violence;
Amendment 193 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Condemns the increasing number of cases of discrimination, hate crime and violence against people belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community, such as the recent killings of Matúš Horváth and Juraj Vankulič on 12 October 2022 outside the well-known gay bar in central Bratislava, Slovakia; strongly condemns any type of smear campaigns, hate speech and verbal attacks against LGBTIQ+ people;
Amendment 11 #
2023/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas several Member States still restrict voting rights for peopledo not fully implement appropriate arrangements tailored to their national voting procedures to facilitate voting by citizens with disabilities, thus preventing the meaningful participation and representation of these citizens in democratic processes;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the lead candidate system for the election of the President of the European Commission was not implemented at the last European elections; regrets further a lack of progress on this issue since 2019; acknowledges that this led to disappointment among many voters; believes that a clear and credible link between the choice of voters and the election of the Commission President is needed and therefore proposes to reverse the roles of the European Council and the European Parliament in the nomination and confirmation of the President of the Commission to more accurately reflect the results of European elections; calls on the European political parties, national political parties and national governments to work together to ensure this outcome at the next elections;
Amendment 56 #
2023/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 60 #
2023/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 141 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
-1 The enlargement process is built on established Copenhagen criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on its own merits. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to ‘fundamentals first’ remains essential. The ‘fundamentals first’ approach links the rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Progress towards accession depends on each applicant’s respect for the Union’s values and its capacity to undertake and implement the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administrative and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices of the Union, while promoting good neighbourly relations.
Amendment 141 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
-1 The enlargement process is built on established Copenhagen criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on its own merits. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to ‘fundamentals first’ remains essential. The ‘fundamentals first’ approach links the rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Progress towards accession depends on each applicant’s respect for the Union’s values and its capacity to undertake and implement the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administrative and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices of the Union, while promoting good neighbourly relations.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) There is a need to bring forward some of the advantages of Union membership before accession. EAlongside democratic transition and respect for fundamental rights and values, including rule of law, economic convergence is at the heart of these benefits. Currently, the convergence of Western Balkans in terms of GDP per capita expressed in purchasing power standards remains low at between 30% and 50% of the Union average and is not progressing fast enough.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) There is a need to bring forward some of the advantages of Union membership before accession. EAlongside democratic transition and respect for fundamental rights and values, including rule of law, economic convergence is at the heart of these benefits. Currently, the convergence of Western Balkans in terms of GDP per capita expressed in purchasing power standards remains low at between 30% and 50% of the Union average and is not progressing fast enough.
Amendment 165 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To achieve these goals, special emphasis with respect to investment areas should be placed on sectors and human capital that are likely to function as key multiplidrivers for social and economic development: SMEs, connectivity, including transport, energy, green and digital transitions, research and innovation, education and skills development.
Amendment 165 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To achieve these goals, special emphasis with respect to investment areas should be placed on sectors and human capital that are likely to function as key multiplidrivers for social and economic development: SMEs, connectivity, including transport, energy, green and digital transitions, research and innovation, education and skills development.
Amendment 183 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The support under the Facility should be provided to meet general and specific objectives, based on established criteria and with clear payment conditions. The general objectives of the Facility should be to accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration with the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and alignment with Union laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership. The Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to fundamentals of the enlargement process, including rule of law, democratic transition, public procurement and State aid control, public finance management and fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as fight against disinformation. These objectives should be pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner.
Amendment 183 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The support under the Facility should be provided to meet general and specific objectives, based on established criteria and with clear payment conditions. The general objectives of the Facility should be to accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration with the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and alignment with Union laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership. The Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to fundamentals of the enlargement process, including rule of law, democratic transition, public procurement and State aid control, public finance management and fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as fight against disinformation. These objectives should be pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner.
Amendment 219 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respects and upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and media independence, and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 219 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respects and upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and media independence, and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 341 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud, spread of disinformation and subversive foreign interference; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
Amendment 341 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, the fight against fraud, corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax evasion and tax fraud, spread of disinformation and subversive foreign interference; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
Amendment 393 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall monitor the fulfilment of the preconditions set out in paragraph 1 before funds, including pre- financing, are released to Beneficiaries under the Facility and throughout the period of the support provided under the Facility taking duly into account the latest Enlargement PackageRule of Law Report, Enlargement Package and relevant resolutions of the European Parliament. The Commission may adopt a decision concluding that some of these preconditions are not met, and in particular, withhold the release of funds referred to in Article 21, irrespective of the fulfilment of payment conditions referred to in Article 16(3). The Commission shall withhold the release of funds in cases of a persistent lack of progress, serious deficiencies and regression on rule of law and fundamental reforms. The Commission’s assessment shall be transmitted simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission shall develop and apply clear guidelines on the application of conditionality for the release of funding.
Amendment 393 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall monitor the fulfilment of the preconditions set out in paragraph 1 before funds, including pre- financing, are released to Beneficiaries under the Facility and throughout the period of the support provided under the Facility taking duly into account the latest Enlargement PackageRule of Law Report, Enlargement Package and relevant resolutions of the European Parliament. The Commission may adopt a decision concluding that some of these preconditions are not met, and in particular, withhold the release of funds referred to in Article 21, irrespective of the fulfilment of payment conditions referred to in Article 16(3). The Commission shall withhold the release of funds in cases of a persistent lack of progress, serious deficiencies and regression on rule of law and fundamental reforms. The Commission’s assessment shall be transmitted simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission shall develop and apply clear guidelines on the application of conditionality for the release of funding.
Amendment 405 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. The resources referred to in paragraph 2 point (b) may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Facility, such as impact assessments, preparatory actions, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Facility and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, trainings, consultations with the Beneficiary authorities, conferences, consultation of stakeholders, including local and regional authorities and civil society organisations, information and communication actions, including inclusive outreach actions, and corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, insofar as they are strictly related to the objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, corporate information technology tools, as well as all other expenditure at headquarters and Union delegations for the administrative and coordination support needed for the Facility. Finally, expenses may also cover the costs of other supportingrelevant transparency activities such as quality control and monitoring of projects or programmes on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of reforms and investments. In case of using resources for auditing purposes, conflict of interests between the entity performing the audit and other activities of that entity in the framework of the Facility, such as consulting or administrative and coordination support, quality control and monitoring of projects, shall be disclosed and prevented.
Amendment 405 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. The resources referred to in paragraph 2 point (b) may be used for technical and administrative assistance for the implementation of the Facility, such as impact assessments, preparatory actions, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Facility and the achievement of its objectives, in particular studies, meetings of experts, trainings, consultations with the Beneficiary authorities, conferences, consultation of stakeholders, including local and regional authorities and civil society organisations, information and communication actions, including inclusive outreach actions, and corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, insofar as they are strictly related to the objectives of this Regulation, expenses linked to IT networks focusing on information processing and exchange, corporate information technology tools, as well as all other expenditure at headquarters and Union delegations for the administrative and coordination support needed for the Facility. Finally, expenses may also cover the costs of other supportingrelevant transparency activities such as quality control and monitoring of projects or programmes on the ground and the costs of peer counselling and experts for the assessment and implementation of reforms and investments. In case of using resources for auditing purposes, conflict of interests between the entity performing the audit and other activities of that entity in the framework of the Facility, such as consulting or administrative and coordination support, quality control and monitoring of projects, shall be disclosed and prevented.
Amendment 447 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Reform Agendas shall set out the reforms to be undertaken by the Beneficiary, as well as investment areas, towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3provide an overarching framework to achieve the general and specific objectives laid out in Article 3, setting out the reforms to be undertaken by the Beneficiary, as well as investment areas. The Reform Agendas shall comprise measures for the implementation of reforms and investments through a comprehensive and coherent package. In the areas of fundamentals, including the rule of law, the fight against corruption, fundamental rights and the freedom of expression, the Reform Agendas shall reflect the assessments in the most recent Enlargement Package and the Rule of law report. The Reform Agendas shall include an estimation of the financial amounts needed for the implementation of the reforms and investments under the Facility in line with the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3.
Amendment 447 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Reform Agendas shall set out the reforms to be undertaken by the Beneficiary, as well as investment areas, towards the achievement of the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3provide an overarching framework to achieve the general and specific objectives laid out in Article 3, setting out the reforms to be undertaken by the Beneficiary, as well as investment areas. The Reform Agendas shall comprise measures for the implementation of reforms and investments through a comprehensive and coherent package. In the areas of fundamentals, including the rule of law, the fight against corruption, fundamental rights and the freedom of expression, the Reform Agendas shall reflect the assessments in the most recent Enlargement Package and the Rule of law report. The Reform Agendas shall include an estimation of the financial amounts needed for the implementation of the reforms and investments under the Facility in line with the general and specific objectives set out in Article 3.
Amendment 31 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the EU is Serbia’s biggest investor, trading partner and principal donor;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that EU membership continues to be Serbia’s strategic goal and in this context, welcomes the appointment of the new Minister for European Integration; underlines the fact that progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights, and on the normalisation of relations with Kosovo and alignment with the CFSP will determine the dynamics of the accession process, as set out in the Negotiating Framework; underlines, in this context, that the importance of EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) alignment remains essential;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets Serbia’s continued insufficient commitment and low level of alignment with the CFSP, in particular in the context of the Russian war on Ukraine; regrets that in 2022, the European Commission noted backsliding in one of the negotiating chapters, notably in Chapter 31 on Foreign, security and defence policy; underlines the fact that, as a candidate country, Serbia must adhere to the EU’s principles and policies, and; alignment with any warmongering autocratic regime is unacceptable;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes Serbia’s alignment with the EU in voting in favour of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council; regrets, however, the fact that Serbia has consistently failed to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia; deplores Serbia’s close relationship with Russia; nd most declarations on behalf of the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission against Russia; welcomes Serbia’s alignment with EU’s restrictive measures against Belarus for its role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as measures against former Ukrainian leadership; welcomes Serbia’s energy assistance to and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine; deplores, however, Serbia’s continued close relationship with Russia; is concerned about the degree to which Russian officials influence some decisions of Serbian public institutions;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that some key components of Serbian foreign policy run directly counter to EU positions, including the signature of agreements setting out joint foreign policy priorities between Serbia andthe Plan of Consultations Between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia for 2023-2024 and meetings with senior officials from Russia who are on the EU sanctions list; is concerned by the appointment of the Director of the Security Intelligence Agency, who is known for his anti-EU and pro-Kremlin rhetoric; underlines that mutual trust between Serbia and the EU and Serbia’s genuine commitment to EU integration are essential in the context of the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. ERecalls that the EU accession processes is based primarily on the candidate country’s genuine willingness to adhere to EU values and principles; expresses concern about the recent decreasing trend in public support for EU membership in Serbia which remains consistently the lowest in the region and is a result of a long-standing anti-EU political rhetoric; recalls that the EU is Serbia’s main political and economic partner and by far the largest donor; expects that the Government of Serbia takes measures to counter disinformation about the EU and supports the accession process at the level of the Serbian population actively;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. NotWelcomes the initial steps taken by Serbia to align with the EU’s list of non- EU countries whose nationals require visas for the EU and calls for further alignment; notes that since autumn 2022 Serbia has cancelled visa-free regimes with 6 countries, including the ones identified as priorities (India, Tunisia, Burundi and Cuba); this has led to a decrease of numbers of citizens from these countries crossing illegally into EU Member States and applying for asylum; welcomes Serbia’s continued good cooperation with Frontex and the opening of negotiations for concluding a broader agreement;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes Serbia’s continued active participation in and positive contribution to EU missions and operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP);
Amendment 150 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. NotWelcomes the approval of the amendments to the Serbian constitution and stresses that the reform process should continuefollowing the referendum in January 2022, which aims to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the Serbia’s rule of law institutions; welcomes the adoption of the new judicial laws by the Serbian National Assembly on 9 February 2023; welcomes the constructive and inclusive consultation process leading up to their adoption; stresses that the reform process should continue through the adoption of the relevant implementing legislation in line with European best practices, fully implementing the Venice Commission recommendations and in line with the constitutional deadlines; calls on Serbia's public institutions to strengthen the safeguards for the independence and efficiency of the judiciary as a matter of priority;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the adoption of measures on improving the electoral conditions and media environment ahead of the April 2022 elections as a result of the iInter-pParty dDialogue (IPD) facilitated by the European Parliament; welcomes the readiness of the National Assembly to continue this dialogue process; welcomes the readiness of the National Assembly to continue this cooperation and supports the establishment of European Parliament’s co-facilitated Parliamentary Dialogue in Serbia;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Recalls the importance of following the rules of procedure in the National Assembly, including the timely organisation of parliamentary debates and keeping order in the Assembly during key political debates;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes the conclusions of the final report of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights election observation mission, according to which the 3 April 2022 parliamentary elections presented diverse political options, but a number of shortcomings resulted in an uneven playing field, favouring the incumbents; calls on the Serbian authorities to fully address the outstanding recommendations well ahead of the next elecaddress fully the outstanding recommendations, in particular contestants’ access to media, enhanced transparency and accountability of campaign finance, and measures to tackle pressure on voters and misuse of administrative resources well ahead of the next elections, in consultation with expert civil society organisations;
Amendment 182 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the participation of all relevant political actors in the early parliamentary elections, resulting in a more pluralistic parliament; regrets, however, the delays in the finalisation of election results and in the formation of the new parliament and government, which resulted in limiteddelays in important decision-making, including on EU-related reforms;
Amendment 186 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Welcomes the fair distribution of vice presidential offices and committee chairmanships in the new Assembly which reflect its composition; regrets, however, the return of the unwelcome practices in the work of the parliament, including the absence of government question-time sessions, lack of discussion on reports of independent institutions, and more frequent use of urgent procedures; stresses that the return of these practices reverses most of the progress achieved by the reform of parliament in recent years; expresses concern about the occasional heated atmosphere in the parliament as well as the instances of obstruction of the work of some parliamentary committees;
Amendment 187 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Reiterates its call on the National Assembly to avoid abusive inflammatory language and to counter hate speech and sexism towards women during parliamentary debate; calls on the Women’s Parliamentary Network of the Assembly to take a proactive role in this regard;
Amendment 197 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes some progress in the fight against corruption; stresses the fact that more effort and political will are needed to achieve tangible results, in particular with regard to serious and organised crime, and a convincing track record with effective investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, including freezing and confiscation of criminal assets;
Amendment 200 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes the adoption of the programme for reform of the local government system 2021-2025, which aims to address shortcomings in the functioning of local governments, and underlines that implementation is key; regrets that local authorities continue to remain weak; deplores the fact that the Law on Vojvodina’s financing resources has still not been adopted, despite being provided for under the Constitution;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. In line with the Tirana Declaration of 6 December 2022, calls upon the authorities to uphold core European values and principles, securing the primacy of democracy, fundamental rights, values and the rule of law, including separation of powers;
Amendment 223 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. NStresses that respect for human rights is an essential element of democracy and progress on the European path; notes that Serbia’s adequate legislative and institutional framework for upholding fundamental rights needs to be put into practice; urgescalls on the Serbian authorities to intensify their efforts to safeguard human rights, notably in regards to specific vulnerable groups, including by strengthening human rights institutions, and by investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators of human right violations;
Amendment 240 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Deplores the stagnation on freedom of expression, the cases of hate speech and smear campaigns and the increasing number of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) in the country; reiterates that pressure and attacks on activists, journalists and media outlets are unacceptable; urges the authorities to investigate and prosecute all such offences, including those against the investigative outlet KRIK and the daily newspaper Danas, and to create an environment in which freedom of expression can genuinely flourish; notes the continuing impunity in the cases of the murder of Slavko Ćuruvija and the attack against Milan Jovanović; condemns attacks against local media; in this respect, welcomes the establishment of the working group for the protection of journalists under the Prime Minister's Office;
Amendment 242 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Urges Serbia to improve and protect media professionalism, diversity and pluralism and to promote quality investigative journalism and media literacy;
Amendment 252 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Condemns the opening of an RT (formerly Russia Today) office in Belgrade and the launch of its online news service in Serbian in addition to the already available international English broadcast; urges the Serbian authorities to counter hybrid threats and align with the Council’s decision on the suspension of the broadcasting activities of Sputnik and RT; calls on Serbia to fight disinformation, including manipulative anti-EU narratives;
Amendment 267 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses concern about the delayed implementation of the media strategy and the related action plan; encourages its speedy implementation; urges the government to increase the transparency of media ownership and financing and ensure the independence of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM);
Amendment 273 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets the fact that the REM awarded four national frequencies to channels that have a history of violating journalistic standards; calls for the fifth licence to be awarded through a transparent and impartial process without unnecessary delay and in compliance with international media freedom standards;
Amendment 277 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Is concerned about the dominant market position of a telecommunications company, where the majority stakeholder is the state; is also concerned about the level playing field when it comes to the competitive media market environment; in this context, underlines the importance of advances in the area of EU competition policy;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16 c. Urges Serbia to ensure full financial and operational independence of the regulators for electronic communication and postal services (RATEL) and for electronic media (REM) to boost their capacity to work proactively; calls on Serbia to align to the EU electronic communication code, ensure competivness and market operators’ access to the electronic communication infrastructure;
Amendment 284 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underlines the importance of a framework enabling civil society organisations to operate freely and participate in policy-making in inclusive and meaningful ways; welcomes the adoption of the National Strategy for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development and an action plan for the implementation of the strategy for creating a conducive environment for the development of civil society and calls for its implementation without delay;
Amendment 293 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the significant representation of national minorities in the new parliament; encourages the Serbian authorities to step up efforts to ensure the non-discriminatory treatment of ethnic, religious and sexual minorities and other vulnerable groups and to ensure swift processing of discrimination cases against women, ethnic minorities, the LGBTIQ community, refugees, displaced persons, and people with disabilities;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Is concerned about gender-based discrimination and violence; calls on the government to adopt the overdue action plan and funding for the strategy relating to violence against women and domestic violence, including verbal violence in the National Assembly;
Amendment 318 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Urges Serbia to appoint members of the government's gender equality body on the basis of a credible track record;
Amendment 319 #
2022/2204(INI)
19 b. Welcomes the adoption of the gender equality strategy and prevention and protection against discrimination strategy and calls for implementation without delays; calls for a more comprehensive response to all violence against women as covered by the Istanbul Convention;
Amendment 327 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the holding in Belgradeorganisation of the first-ever EuroPride march in south- east Europe; regrets which took place in Belgrade; regrets, however, the contradictory and unclear communication by the Serbian authorities, including the initial ban on the march; notes with concern that investigation, prosecution and penalties for hate speech, threats and attacks against members of the LGBTIQ community are often inadequate;
Amendment 330 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes the need for Serbia’s further efforts to eliminate human trafficking; urges the government to adopt the 2021- 2022 national action plan for the implementation of the strategy for the prevention and suppression of trafficking in human beings; reiterates that Serbia must improve alignment with EU labour laws, also in light of the alleged forced labour and violation of human rights and trafficking in the Chinese Linglong factory;
Amendment 332 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the adoption of a new general protocol for the protection of children from abuse and neglect; encourages Serbia to improve the situation of all children, especially those from vulnerable groups and with disabilities; calls for the adoption of a national action plan for the rights of the child as the previous one expired in 2015;
Amendment 339 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the adoption of new strategies on anti-discrimination and Roma inclusion and calls for their effective implementation, as well as action plans on gender equality and Roma inclusion and calls for their effective implementation; underlines that more tangible results are still needed to guarantee the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, especially in the areas of education, use of minority languages, access to media and religious services in minority languages;
Amendment 346 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes Serbia’s engagement in regional cooperation initiatives; encourages Reiterates that good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain essential elements of the enlargement process; notes Serbia’s engagement in regional cooperation initiatives; welcomes recent improvement in bilateral relations between Serbia and Croatia and a constructive approach to solving outstanding bilateral issues; in this regards, welcomes the appointment of minister of human and minority rights and social dialogue from the Croatian minority; encourages it to step up its reconciliation efforts and seek solutions to past disputes; underlines that there is no place for genocide denial or the glorification of war criminals in a candidate country;
Amendment 355 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes the participation of Serbia in the inaugural summit of the European Political Community in Prague on 6 October 2022; regrets, however, the lack of representation at the Crimea Platform;
Amendment 379 #
2022/2204(INI)
24. Reiterates its full support for the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajčák; calls on Serbia and Kosovo to engage in this dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations in accordance with international law and without further delay; calls for the full implementation, in good faith and in a timely manner, of all the relevant agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb- Majority Municipalities; calls on both sides to be ready to make difficult decisions which lead to progress in the dialogue and reconciliation between their societies; underlines that the current geopolitical environment makes it even more imperative to overcome the legacies of the past and engage in meaningful negotiations;
Amendment 398 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Condemns, in the strongest terms, all actions that endanger stability and jeopardise the reconciliation process; is deeply concerned about the tensions in North Kosovo and the unacceptable shooting on Orthodox Christmas Eve and several other violent incidents targeting Serbs in Kosovo; recalls the shared responsibility for peace and the rule of law for all people in Kosovo;
Amendment 409 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the recent agreements in the framework of the Berlin Process; on the Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards, on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, and on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Doctors of Medicine, Dentists and Architects; calls for their rapid implementation;
Amendment 410 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the EU to increase cooperation with Serbia to strengthen democratic resilience and counter hybrid threats, including cyber security, protecting critical infrastructure and food and energy security;
Amendment 412 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes Serbia’s continued progress in developing a functioning market economy but underlines the fact that the country’s private sectoreconomy is hampered by weaknesses in the rule of lawlong standing structural challenges including weaknesses in the rule of law; reiterates that reforms in the fundamental areas as well as efforts to tackle corruption, enhance transparency, strengthen institutions and social dialogue remain essential for economic development;
Amendment 417 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the agreement atTirana Summit agreement on reduced roaming costs, which will allow for the Tfirana Summit on reduced roaming costsst reduction in roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans in 2023, with a view to full removal thereafter;
Amendment 421 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Serbian authorities to take measures to counter depopulation and brain drain, in particular through investments in education and health care as well as through the decentralization of the country by investing in medium-sized cities;
Amendment 427 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes the ongoing population census and welcomes the encouragements by minority leaders to participate in it; encourages the authorities to allocate rights to the relevant minority communities based on the census results;
Amendment 430 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is deeply concerned about the investments in Serbia by Russia and China and their influence on the political and economic processes in the regionmalign third countries and China and their influence on the political and economic processes in the region, as well as with the higher number of projects conducted outside the regular public procurement system through intergovernmental agreements; notes the increasing share in total investments in Serbia by China, the increase in imports from China, as well as the planned Free Trade Agreement with China and China's influence on the political and economic processes in the region; recalls that the EU is Serbia’s most important trade partner; recalls that all projects irrespective of their origin should support Serbia’s efforts to join the EU and respect European policies and rules as regards for instance, public procurement, competition, environment, including Environmental Impact Assessments, energy or transport;
Amendment 439 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Encourages Serbia to invest more efforts in establishing the Western Balkans Common Regional Market based on EU rules as this is part of Serbia’s preparations for the requirements of the EU’s internal market;
Amendment 444 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Urges the Serbian authorities to strengthen strategic communication linked to EU accession and Serbia’s European future; recalls that the Serbian authorities should act in line with the Brdo and Tirana Summit declarations calling for pluralistic media as crucial components of any democratic system that would also accurately reflect EU’s support to Serbia and improve the visibility of EU funding;
Amendment 445 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)
Paragraph 31 b (new)
31b. Calls on the EEAS, in the light of intensified foreign interference and information manipulation operations in the region, to reinforce its strategic communications work and presence in the region by establishing a regional stratcom post that would, in line with the Tirana Summit Declaration of 2022, intensify the EU’s efforts with the aim of helping Serbia fight foreign interference and information manipulation, including disinformation that seek to undermine the region's stability, democratic processes and its EU perspective; calls upon the EEAS to continue to lead and reinforce its engagement on dealing with foreign interference and information manipulation threats and further strengthen its work on building region’s resilience, by fostering media professionalism and media literacy that would also contribute to increasing the impact of strategic communication about EU - Western Balkans relations and the enlargement process in particular; calls on the Serbian authorities to join these EU-led efforts;
Amendment 450 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the Commission’s energy support package of 1 billion EUR in EU grants to help the Western Balkans overcome the energy crisis and building resilient and environmentally friendly energy systems; welcomes the signing of the 165 million EUR budget support to fight the energy crisis in Serbia; calls on the Serbian authorities to prepare a credible plan for reducing the country’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and building environmentally friendly energy systems in line with REpowerEU; welcomes the beginning of construction of gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria;
Amendment 459 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Welcomes the announcement that new energy policy, environmental protection and climate change are among the five priorities of the government; reiterates its urge to swiftly adopt and implement the integrated national energy and climate plan; calls on the Serbian Government to intensify efforts in integrating climate change into other sectoral policies and strategies;
Amendment 469 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Expresses concern about persistent air pollution; welcomes the new plan on protection from air pollution and reiterates its calls on the Serbian authorities to urgently acceleratestart the implementation of air quality plans; these plans; underlines that fossil fuels are redundant in a carbon-neutral economy and welcomes the announced efforts to diversify energy mix, improve energy efficiency and increase energy independence;
Amendment 479 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Expresses concern about the environmental impact of new infrastructure constructions in Serbia by Chinese companies; calls on the Serbian authorities to address theall legitimate concerns expressed in the environmental protests;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Montenegro is exposed to foreign interference and malicious disinformation campaigns originating from Russia;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Commends Montenegro’s long- standing commitment to EU integration, underpinned by a high level of public support; reiterates its support for Montenegro in this regard; stresses that progress in negotiations depends on meeting interim rule of law benchmarks; regrets that no chapters have been closed in the past six yeanotes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened, but regrets that none have been closed since 2017, slowing down Montenegro’s positive track record and status as the most advanced Western Balkans country in its progress towards EU accession; welcomes Montenegro’s acceptance of the revised enlargement methodology; encourages Montenegro to continue specifically focusing on meeting the remaining interim benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the fact that high political tensions and polarisation, the failure to build consensus on matters of national interest and a lack of cross-party dialogue have stalled progress on EU-related reforms and plunged Montenegro into a deep political and institutional crisis; notes that, as a consequence, Montenegro’s EU accession process was stalled as well; underlines the importance of continued respect for democratic processes, norms and standards;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of the results of the presidential elections held in March and April 2023 and the early parliamentary elections held in June 2023; expresses a firm belief that Montenegro needs a stable pro-European government and an EU- oriented majority to speed up EU-related reforms, encourages the President, the new parliament and the government to focus on the key reforms needed for the country to make progress in EU integration, and ensure their proper and timely implementation; remains ready to cooperate with all political actors to support the country in maintaining its strategic course;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes Montenegro’s continued full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including all of the sanctions adopted following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; commends its material and humanitarian support to Ukraineencourages the newly formed government to continue Montenegro’s commitment to continued full alignment to CFSP and international support to Ukraine; commends its material and humanitarian support to Ukraine including the Temporary Protection mechanism for persons fleeing Ukraine, granting them the right to stay in the country for one year;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Montenegro’s active involvement in EU common security and defence policy missions and operations, and in NATO missions, while recognising Montenegro’s strategic alliance with the EU and NATO; condemns any alleged attempts in the government, security and military sector to question its strategic orientation;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Remains seriously concerned by malign foreign interference, destabilisation efforts, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns by foreign actors in Montenegro; notes that religious institutions can be used as a tool for external influence and condemns Serbian interference in this regard; underlines the importance of media freedom and independence, quality of reporting and improving media literacy as key in fighting manipulative disinformation; calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Montenegro on addressing disinformation, and cyber and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European perspective of the region; welcomes Montenegro’s interest in cooperating with the EU via the European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) in this regard; condemns Russia’s efforts to exploit ethnic tensions in Montenegro in order to inflame conflicts and divide communities; condemns Russia’s role in spreading manipulative disinformation in Montenegro; is concerned about the attempts by the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro to promote Russia’s disinformation;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to improve the EU’s visibility in the country; underlines the importance of pursuing an active and effective communication campaign on Montenegro’s European future and its benefits;
Amendment 79 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on Montenegro, the EU Member States and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro to continue pursuing a more active and effective communication policy on the European perspective, aimed at both local and EU citizens, and to continue their coordinated efforts to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages Montenegro to re- engage in parliamentary cooperation through the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee; regrets the cancellation of the EU-Montenegro SAPC meeting in December 2022 due to Montenegro’s failure to follow the opinion of the Venice Commission with respect to the controversial adoption of the Law on amendments to the Law on the President;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Regrets the adoption of the controversial Law on amendments to the Law on the President by the Parliament of Montenegro in December 2022; welcomes the Constitutional Court’s launch of the procedure for reviewing the law’s constitutionality and its unanimous decision reached recently to overturn the Law on amendments to the Law on the President; underlines the importance of following the Venice Commission’s recommendations on matters related to legal provisions and the overall rule of law situation in the country;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for strengthening the functioning and coordination between state institutions in order to achieve political stability and continue its substantial progress in key EU-related reforms, in particular electoral and judicial reforms and the fight against organised crime and corruption;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its call for local-level elections to be held on the same day; welcomes the fact that elections in 14 municipalities were held on the same day in October 2022; calls for a robust legislative framework in this regard; calls to implement the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations with the aim to reform the entire electoral legislation;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections were competitive and well-managed overall, and that candidates were able to campaign freely and enjoyed equal opportunities to reach out to voters; remains concerned about the vulnerability of the media to internal and external influences in terms of campaign coverage; regrets the underrepresentation of women in political life as gender stereotypes in the country persist;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes the positive efforts made in the area of illicit trade, namely cigarette smuggling; notes the new measures announced by the government in July 2022, prohibiting the storage of tobacco in Bar; reiterates the importance of further measures to tackle cigarette smuggling in the country, especially in the Free Zone of the Port of Bar;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Amendment 125 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on Montenegro to step up its efforts to combat hate speech, online harassment, politically biased reporting and foreign influence in the Montenegrin media; underlines the importance of operational independence of Montenegro’s media regulators and public service broadcaster; in that respect welcomes the development of the RTCG’s Development Strategy and Digital Transformation Strategy for the period 2023-2027, recognising the vital role of the public broadcaster RTCG as the primary source of information; urges Montenegro to strive for independent and pluralistic quality media;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes some positive steps, such as the introduction of tougher penalties for attacks and threats against journalists, and the establishment of the ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media; reiterates, however, the need for the effective implementation of its findings and recommendations; expresses concern over foreign actors, such as Russia and China, spreading disinformation campaigns and hybrid threats, thus, endangering Montenegro on its European path; underlines the importance of media freedom and independence, quality of reporting and improving media literacy as key in fighting manipulative disinformation; calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Montenegro on addressing disinformation, and cyber and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European perspective of the region;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Urges Montenegro to conduct the long over-due population and housing census by the end of this year in line with EU and international standards; expects it to be conducted in an open and transparent manner without any political interference, where all recognised national minorities are counted properly without fear of intimidation or prosecution;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on Montenegro to strengthen measures against hate speech, social exclusion and discrimination of the LGBTIQ+ community, and to improve their access to justice, employment, housing and healthcare;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on Montenegro to improve access to justice and to ensure better follow-up and enforcement of rights in proceedings on domestic violence, as well as enhanced protection; Notes that gender-based violence continues to be of serious concern; urges Montenegro to implement the standards of the Istanbul convention, launch public awareness, encourage reporting of domestic violence and ensure proper investigation and prosecution of such crimes; calls on Montenegro to improve access to justice and to ensure better follow-up and enforcement of rights in proceedings on domestic violence, as well as enhanced protection; remains concerned about sexism directed at women in politics and public life; regrets that violence against women contributes to preventing women from becoming involved in political life;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Regrets the ongoing prevalence of discrimination against persons with disabilities; calls for the effective implementation of strategies to address the gaps in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities across sectors and policies; welcomes the fact that the reform of the National Disability Determination System is under way and calls for the effective implementation of strategies to tackle gaps in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities across sectors and policies, including healthcare, the labour market and in administrative and judicial proceedings; stresses the urgent need for a de-institutionalisation strategy;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes with concern the signing of the Fundamental Agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church amid criticism by civil society and political disagreements for the lack of inclusive consultation and transparency;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Welcomes the signing of the upgraded agreement on operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) which will enter into force provisionally on 1 July 2023; encourages further cooperation between Montenegro and Frontex in order to strengthen border management, support asylum procedures, fight smuggling and enhance readmission;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Notes Montenegro’s active participation in regional cooperation; recalls its hesitations about the Open Balkan initiative and notes Montenegro’s participation in the June and September summits as an observer; praises Montenegro for respecting minority rights and taking a positive role in the regional relations;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the recent agreements in the context of the Berlin Process and encourages the new parliament to adopt them;
Amendment 197 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Reiterates the importance to punish war crimes and its glorifications; urges Montenegro to open up former Yugoslav secret service archives and follow an adequate legal procedures to transfer relevant files to the Montenegrin state archives;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Encourages Montenegro to adjust its economic growth strategy in order to boost productivity, human capital and accelerate its convergence with the EU as advised by the World Bank;
Amendment 211 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Regrets China's exerting influence in Montenegro via its economic means, namely the $1 billion loan used to build the Bar-Boljare highway; in that respect notes China’s increased interest in investing in the Western Balkans and transportation infrastructure projects in Montenegro as part of its Belt and Road Initiative; welcomes the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the EU Global Gateway Initiative as greener, transparent alternatives for financing infrastructure projects; welcomes recent efforts made towards decreasing these fiscal vulnerabilities, including those related to China;
Amendment 220 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Encourages Montenegro to make the best use of the EU funds available under the IPA III and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, including the Western Balkans Investment Framework and the Youth Guarantee in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 231 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Welcomes the launch of day-ahead electricity market at MEPX, making the market more liquid and transparent, which benefits both consumers and producers and ensures fair prices, more secure and reliable electricity supply and greater integration of renewable energy source, thus, ameliorating the integration into the European energy union;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Underlines the importance of Montenegro’s infrastructure investments to comply with the EU standards on Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and respect the EU public procurement and state aid;
Amendment 243 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Commends Montenegro for signing a memorandum of understanding with the US while advancing works to install an LNG terminal in the port of Bar; expects Montenegro to commit to this project in order to diversify energy supply and enhance energy security;
Amendment 249 #
2022/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35b. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans from 1 October 2023 with a view to full removal thereafter; calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets to achieve a substantial reduction of roaming charges for data exchange;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. UrgNotes theat certain Member States that have not yet recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state to do so;
Amendment 213 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reiterates its full support for the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; calls on Kosovo and Serbia to engage in this dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations, based on mutual recognition, in accordance with international law; calls for the full implementation of all the relevant agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb- Majority Municipalities;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the final report of 26 July 2021 by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) Election Observation Mission on the Republic of Albania’s parliamentary elections of 25 April 2021,
Amendment 28 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas European integration represents the aspirations of Albanian citizens towards democracy and prosperity;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the prospect of Albania’s merit-based membership is in the Union’s own political, security and economic interests; whereas Albania’s EU accession depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; whereas the quality of a country’s necessary reforms determine the timetable for accession;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas democratic transformation, the rule of law and reconciliation play a central rois indispensable in the EU accession process;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas protection of minorities is crucial for aspiring EU member states; whereas the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages remains to be adopted in Albania;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas electoral shortcomings persist in Albania; whereas the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to further improve the conduct of elections in Albania and bring them fully in line with the OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards have not yet been fully addressed;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU remains the main political and economic partner of the Western Balkan countries; whereas the EU continues to be by far Albania’s biggest trade and investment partner and its largest provider of financial assistance;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the pace of EU accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights; Encourages its policymakers to accelerate the reforms that enabled the first long overdue intergovernmental conference and a successful start to the screening process, and to demonstrate steady progress in guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; urges decision- makers to work jointly towards meeting the membership criteria by 2030as soon as possible; recalls that candidate countries undergo in-depth transformations to fulfil membership criteria during accession negotiations, which last as long as needed to implement the necessary reforms; stresses the need to strengthen the transparency, accountability and inclusiveness of the accession process, including its parliamentary dimension;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes that the government maintained a focus on reforms related to the country’s EU path and reinforced its coordination structure for EU integration; stresses that the government, in cooperation with the opposition and all segments of society, needs to further advance the EU reform agenda;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Deplores political confrontation and disruptive actions and underlines a joint political and social responsibility for reforms; invites political actors to step up their commitment to dialogue and to strengthen democratic institutions and procedures through constructive engagement, the active participation of civil society, inclusive consultations and transparent decision-making; recalls the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight and underlines that the political opposition needs to be able to monitor and scrutinize the government;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores that the impending electoral reform was not concluded before the local elections in 2023; Calls on the Albanian authorities to fully address the outstandingOSCE/ODIHR electoral and party financing recommendations well ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections; stresses the need to prevent misuse of public administration/resources and vote- buying;
Amendment 104 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the ongoing progress and looks forward to systematic improvements in the prevention, proactive investigation and prosecution of and non-selective final convictions for cases involving corruption and organised crime; calls for further progress in establishing a comprehensive, efficient, soundly coordinated and accountable public administrationstresses that increasing the number of final convictions of high-level officials remains an important priority to tackle the existing culture of impunity; notes that there were no convictions of officials on high-level corruption charges;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 112 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime, notably human trafficking, must continue to be a priority;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks, including disinformation, espionage, incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against Albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity; encourages the EU European External Action Service and Commission to further help boost Albania’s resilience against hybrid threats, in the area of cyber security, information manipulation and protection of critical infrastructures; stresses the need to improve coordination and address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to people in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on Albania to swiftly adopt the remaining pending legislation ensuring the full protection of national minorities, particularly the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes that Albania submitted its first report on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; reiterates the conclusions of the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention, stating the urgency of increasing resources to put legal provisions into practice; stresses that efforts are needed to increase women’s awareness of their rights and available services relating to domestic violence and protection;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Deplores that no progress was made on the rights of persons with disabilities and that Albania’s legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities remains only partially in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; calls on Albania to address the UNCRPD gaps and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; notes that the 2021-2025 national action plan for people with disabilities did not have enough funding, hence it could not be fully implemented; calls for more robust efforts to address discrimination and violence against persons with disabilities, to improve overall accessibility and to promote employment; expresses deep concern over the reports of limited access to voting for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Regrets that no progress was made regarding freedom of expression, and the increase in disinformation including smear campaigns, intimidation and threats, especially in online media and against journalists reporting on rule of law, corruption and justice issues;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its concern with the lack of progress on achieving institutional transparency, freedom of expression and media freedom and stresses the role of political leaders in creating an enabling environment for the pursuit of these freedoms; condemns attempts to discredit reporters and arbitrarily withhold public information, as well as the failure to ensure the safety of journalists; urges the authorities to take immediate action against political and economic interference in the media and intimidation against reporters; welcomes the withdrawal of the draft anti- defamation legisexpresses concern over enduring inflammatory rhetoric, including by high-level politicians, public officials and other public figures, which fuels the culture of intimidation, smear campaigns, violence and rioting, and calls for the final convictions of those who attack journalists to be ensured; urges the authorities to take immediate action against political and economic interference in the media and intimidation against reporters; welcomes the withdrawal of the draft anti- defamation legislation; stresses that that any revision of media laws should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner, in consultation with media organisations, with the aim of improving media freedom and self-regulation; urges the government to ensure the independence of the public broadcaster and media regulator and the transparency of media ownership, financing and public advertising;
Amendment 174 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines the importance of journalists’ equal, direct and transparent access to information from government sources; in this regard, expresses concern over the need for all government public relations to be handled by the newly created Media and Information Agency; encourages the government to improve access to the reporting and scrutinising of its work via official and formal channels, such as press conferences and interviews;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Energy between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan from 24 January 2011 and renewed in February 2017,
Amendment 2 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the European Union/Council of Europe joint programme “Central Asia Rule of Law Programme” (2020-2023) signed on 28 November 2019,
Amendment 14 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas Uzbekistan became the ninth beneficiary country when it joined the EU’s sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) arrangement in April 2021;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas under president Shavkat Mirziyoyev, economic and political reforms have been undertaken that have led the country in a gradual improvement, despite efforts still needed to be made; whereas Uzbekistan is ranked as ‘not free’ in 2022 Freedom House’s Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net rankings and is ranked 133rd out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 World Freedom of the Press Index, which is an improvement from 157th position in 2021, though the country’s overall score decreased;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, consensual same-sex conduct between men is a criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison; whereas this law not only violates the human rights of gay and bisexual men, but also has a harmful impact on the broader LGBTIQ community, making it challenging for them to live their lives freely and openly; whereas the criminalisation of same-sex relations between men in Uzbekistan creates a hostile and discriminatory environment, further marginalising LGBTIQ people and hindering their ability to access basic rights and services;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the OSCE stated that the 2021 presidential election lacked genuine competition and significant procedural irregularities were noted;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas on 30 April, the referendum on changing the constitution will be held as scheduled by the Oliy Majlis;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Uzbekistan withdrew from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2018; whereas since Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war of aggression on Ukraine, Uzbekistan has taken a neutral stance and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict; whereas on 17 March 2022, former Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov stated that Uzbekistan will not recognise separatists states of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines the importance of increased EU-Uzbekistan cooperation based on the principle of shared values and respect for international law, norms and good practices, notably in light of recent geopolitical events, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression Ukraine;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NConsiders Central Asia to be a region of strategic interest for the EU in terms of security, connectivity, energy diversification, conflict resolution and the defence of the multilateral rules-based international order; notes that Uzbekistan is uniquely positioned to be the driving force for regional cooperation that would help Central Asia become a more resilient, prosperous and more closely interconnected economic and political space; encourages the EU to intensify its political engagement with Central Asia in line with its geostrategic importance; underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable connectivity, in particular through its Global Gateway on initiative, energy and security; in this respect, underlines the importance of EU’s cooperation and dialogue programmes such as BOMCA (Border Management in Central Asia), CADAP (Central Asia Drug Action Programme), and LEICA (Law Enforcement in Central Asia), which are instrumental to cooperation in these policy areas;
Amendment 79 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises Uzbekistan’s key role in Central Asia and its responsibility towards maintaining stability, connectivity and a constructive approach to regional cooperation; in this respect, considers that the EU’s 2019 Strategy on Central Asia needs to be updated further in order to reflect the consequences of multiple recent geopolitical crises, including Russia’s illegal war of aggression on Ukraine, the Taliban take- over of Afghanistan, the global ambitions of China and political changes in neighbouring countries;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Takes note of the potential of Uzbekistan’s national resources in EU’s energy diversification, while at the same time recognises the crucial role of the EU in financing Uzbekistan’s sectoral reforms, improving its energy efficiency and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions; considers that based on the EU-Uzbekistan Memorandum of Understanding and the bilateral consultations both parts strive to enhance their energy and environmental security; in this regard, regrets the advantages of Russian state companies and Russian political insiders benefiting from gas sector in Uzbekistan;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; notes that Uzbekistan abstained in the votes on the United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, in particular those of 2 March 2022, 24 March 2022 and 23 February 2023 demanding an end to the Russian offensive and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine; notes that Uzbekistan opposed the expulsion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022; notes the commitment of the political leadership of Uzbekistan not to allow the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russiawelcomes former Foreign Minister Kamilov’s statement from 17 March 2022 asking for immediate stop of hostilities in Ukraine while acknowledging Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; notes the commitment of the political leadership of Uzbekistan not to allow the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia and encourages it to continue to do so in the future; in light of Russia’s conscription and crackdown on fundamental freedoms, welcomes Uzbekistan’s positive role in welcoming a great number of Russian citizens fleeing Russia for various political reasons;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes Uzbekistan’s long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan, which have continued after the takeover by Taliban; acknowledges the complex security situation in the region and the implications for Uzbekistan's security; commends its efforts to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in the country through the provision of humanitarian aid and electricity; invites Uzbekistan to use its contacts with the Taliban in a constructive manner to call for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans, in particular women, girls and minorities, which are essential conditions for greater international engagement with Afghanistan; reiterates its strong condemnation of the Taliban’s decisions to ban women and girls from attending secondary and university education and to prohibit the employment of women with non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the historic agreement of 27 January 2023 between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, which settles the outstanding issues between the two sides and completes a process that lasted three decades and the signing of the declaration of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries; welcomes the fact that these agreements will also contribute to deepening further bilateral relations and cooperation, including in trade and energy sectors;
Amendment 113 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets the loss of life during protests in the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 1 and 2 July 2022; calls on the authorities to investigate the actions of the security services that led to deaths and injuries among the protesters and calls on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice; calls for the independence and transparency of the judicial process to be ensured in the cases linked to the protests; welcomes the Uzbek authorities’ commitment to maintaining the current constitutional status of Karakalpakstan; notes the efforts by the Uzbek authorities to make these trials open to public and media, but underlines the importance of transparent judicial trials based on respecting the rights of defendants and adhering to good international practice;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the important role that civil society can play in supporting effective and inclusive reforms and good governance; regrets the barriers to NGO registration and the obligations imposed on NGOs receiving foreign funding by the Regulation on Coordination Between Non- Governmental Non-Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities in the Implementation of International Grant Projects approved by Decree No 328 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on 13 June 2022, which shrink the space for civil society activities and impede the exercise of the freedom of association; calls on the Uzbek government to adhere to providing freedom of association under the International Convent on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the GSP+ agreement;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Condemns the recent arresting of journalists accused of participating in July 2022 protests and the sentencing of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov; Stresses the need to ensure respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders and their protection against harassment, pressure and threats to them and their families and to investigate any attacks against them;
Amendment 146 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines the importance of strengthening the role and work of Oliy Majlis in order to improve parliamentary oversight; calls for improving interparliamentary cooperation between the European Parliament, notably the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC), and the Uzbek Parliament on issues of shared interest, such as improving democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 161 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that despite the adoption of a number of laws, including the Law on Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence of 2019, gender-based violence against women remains widespread; regrets that domestic violence is not defined or specifically criminalised in Uzbekistan’s legislationwelcomes the adoption of the 6 April 2023 bill which criminalises domestic violence and provides women and children with additional protection mechanisms under country´s Criminal and Administrative Codes; calls on the authorities to take measures to bring Uzbekistan into line with its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, as indicated in the concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Uzbekistan by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; calls on Uzbek authorities to work with civil society organisations and international partners to address these issues;
Amendment 164 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, that consensual same-sex sexual relations between men remain criminalised and is deeply worried about the prevalence of intimidation, harassment, violence and stigma against LGBTIQ people in the country; urges the authorities of Uzbekistan to decriminalise same-sex sexual conduct by repealing article 120 of the criminal code, in line with the ICCPR, to exclude any provisions criminalising same-sex conduct from its new criminal code and to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on Uzbekistan to adopt legislation to decriminalise same-sex relations;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Welcomes Uzbekistan’s success in eradicating child labour and forced labour in the country’s annual cotton harvest since 2021; recognises the important role that the civil society and the Uzbek government played in achieving this goal and encourages the government not to return to previous practises;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Underlines the importance of European Parliament’s close involvement in monitoring the implementation of all parts of the EPCA once it enters into force;
Amendment 180 #
2022/2195(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10d. Believes that the constitutional reform could be a good opportunity to push for many positive reforms that would address the socio-economic and human rights challenges in Uzbekistan, but encourages for these to include provisions that would enable a more solid democratic foundation and electoral process that is in line with international standards;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union and the Council of Europe (CoE) are natural partners and allies in promoting and monitoring human rights, respect for fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law on the European continent;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe underline, inter alia, that minority and regional languages require additional protection and take note of the Council of Europe Convention on Minority Languages and the FCNM;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it necessary to further strengthen the institutional cooperation between the EU and the CoE and give new impetus to bilateral cooperation in the promotion and defence of democracy, the rule of law and, fundamental rights, including the rights of minoritiefreedoms and human rights;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates the EU’s broadest possible alignment with the CoE convention system through the finalisation of its accession to other CoE treaties, such as the Istanbul Convention and the Convention against Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment; in this regards, calls on Member States to finalise the ratification processes of the outstanding conventions; calls on the Commission to look into what steps are needed for the European Union to accede to the European Social Charter and to propose a timeframe for achieving that objective;
Amendment 98 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Reiterates the importance of cooperation in criminal matters, such as fight against human trafficking, terrorism and radicalisation; notes that both the EU and CoE should continue cooperating on matters linked to supporting the work of journalists, protecting media freedom, countering hate speech and manipulative spread of disinformation and foreign and domestic interference in electoral processes;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Recognises the important work and expertise of the European Commission for Democracy through Law, known as Venice Commission, in improving functioning of democratic institutions and respect for fundamental rights, the functioning of justice systems and conduct of elections and referendums; encourages further cooperation between the EU and the Venice Commission in the context of EU's enlargement process;
Amendment 103 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the EU should also draw on the extensive expertise and recognised processes of the CoE bodies on human rights, fundamental freedoms, fight against corruption, improving of judiciary processes and the rights of persons belonging to minorities;
Amendment 108 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges the important role which the FCNM has played in the European integration process; recalls that during the process of evaluating candidate countries’ progress towards accession on the basis of the Copenhagen criteria, the Commission’s systematic monitoring of minority protection in candidate countries has relied to a great extent on the standards developed by the CoE, including throught the expertise and the opinions published by the Venice Commission; recalls that the EU considers candidate countries’ implementation of the FCNM an important element in the accession criteria for minority protection;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Recalls the European Union’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders; condemns in the strongest possible terms the unjustified, unprovoked and illegal Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; in this regard, encourages cooperation between the EU and CoE on matters linked to war accountability, justice and the future reconstruction of Ukraine;
Amendment 99 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas each enlargement country should be judged on its own merits, its fulfilment of the enlargement criteria and its implementation of reforms linked to rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms, with a special focus on the acquis communautaire alignment;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) recognise that the EU’s prosperity and security rests on its ability to defend democracy, human rights and democratic values, human rights, fundamental freedoms, rule of law and the rules- based multilateral order;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) recognise EU’s transformative power in the integration process and previous successful EU enlargement rounds;
Amendment 167 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) strengthen Member States’ commitment to enlargement by delivering on EU’s obligations towards the Western Balkan countries, which date back to the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit;
Amendment 181 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) avoid using unresolved bilateral disputes to blocklinked to historical events, self- identification and cultural or linguistic rights to block or delay candidate countries’ accession processes;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) strengthen strategic communication on the benefits of enlargement both in the accession countries and in the Member States; call on candidate and potential candidate countries to take decisive steps to tackle manipulative disinformation, to bolster infrastructure for fighting disinformation, Russian propaganda and other hybrid threats;
Amendment 264 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) recognise Western Balkan countries’ achievements by opening immediately long over-due accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia and granting visa liberalisation to Kosovo without delay;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) encourage the acceleration of Montenegro’s accession process, as the most advanced candidate country and the leader in the EU accession process;
Amendment 289 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q
Paragraph 1 – point q
(q) recognise the threat created by Russia’s war of aggression by immediatelywelcome the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova and confirming Georgia's European perspective; continuing to provide political and technical support to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia with a view to enabling them to reach this important milfurther advancest one as soon as possible their respective EU paths, as a clear political signal of support to the people of these countries, and a means to accelerate internal reform processes;
Amendment 309 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) step up the EU’s constructive engagement with the authorities of both Serbia and Kosovo to achieve a comprehensive legally binding normalisation agreement between the two in the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; underline the leading role of the Dialogue to achieve normalisation; reiterate the crucial importance of addressing all outstanding issues through the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue transparently, timely and in good faith;
Amendment 313 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) prioritise the alignment of accession countries with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and continue accession negotiations with Serbia only if the countrespecially in light of the EU sanctions against Russia; expects Serbia to progressively aligns with EU sanctions against Russiathe EU restrictive measures;
Amendment 396 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ab a (new)
(ab a) strengthen conducting of the electoral cycle with respect to OSCE and other international commitments, obligations and standards for democratic elections;
Amendment 404 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ac a (new)
(ac a) support parliamentary work in candidate and potential candidate countries, including through specialised democratisation tools and programs of the European Parliament;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas journalists and independent media play an important role in a democratic society and freedom of information is a fundamental right recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a journalist is an individual who, on a professional basis, observes, describes, documents, investigates and analyses events, statements, policies and any proposals that could affect society, with the purpose of systematising such information and gathering and analysing facts to inform segments of society or society as a whole;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas activities to fight disinformation are considered a matter of public interest;
Amendment 79 #
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 SLAPPs are a serious threat to democracy and fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and information, as journalists can be prevented or penalised for speaking up on issues of public interest; whereas this is especially common in countries with defamation or libel laws that are easier to abuse;
Amendment 89 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital V a (new)
Recital V a (new)
V a. whereas funding of political activities and politicians inside the European Union by malign foreign actors continues to be revealed by journalists;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RDeplores the continuing physical attacks, intimidation, hate speech and political slurs against journalists and civil society, including by state officials; calls on the authorities to investigate all cases of such attacks, to punish the perpetrators appropriately and to improve the safety of journalists; 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;
Amendment 148 #
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; welcomes furthermore the analysis made by the Commission in its 2022 Rule of Law Report of existing threats against the safety of journalists in the EU and legal threats and abusive court proceedings against public participation; asks, in this respect, 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;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Condemns the targeting of journalists by malign spyware; underlines the importance to provide redress to journalists who have been targeted with spyware;
Amendment 187 #
2022/2057(INI)
19. Calls on EU delegations, EU Member State diplomatic missions and like-minded partners to engage in proactive outreach to and support for journalist communitiess and independent media 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 and independent media at risk;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Emphasises that it is essential that journalists are guaranteed the necessary conditions to contribute to an open, free and fair public debate, which is a key aspect of helping society counter disinformation, information manipulation and interference;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Recalls that advances in media freedom and freedom of expression are a crucial part of EU's accession process; recalls that candidate countries with solid and competitive media environments are more prone to move swiftly in EU accession negotiations; in this respect, welcomes the support channelled through the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), but believes more action needs to be taken to support independent journalism in areas influenced by malign foreign actors, such as Russia and China; therefore, reiterates its call to establish a specific European Democratic Media Fund to support journalism in enlargement and European neighbourhood and candidate countries; is concerned about the extend of Russia propaganda in some EU candidate and potential candidate countries; condemns the opening of the office of Russia Today in Belgrade and the launch of its online news service in Serbian language; urges the Serbian authorities to counter hybrid threats and align with the Council’s decision on the suspension of the broadcasting activities of Sputnik and Russia Today;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection and stability of the EU’s external borders;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas NATO remains the most important EU defence and security ally and the cornerstone of collective defense for those Member States which are also NATO members; whereas cooperation should be envisaged with the UK and other like-minded democracies and possibly with the European Political Community, including on security and defence matters;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent EU council of defence ministers chaired by the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR); suggests that this permanent council could tackle a broader range of issues, including traditional CSDP matters, but also systematically fighting foreign interference, spread of manipulative disinformation and other hybrid threats;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that the security situation in Europe has significantly deteriorated following Russia's unjustified and illegal war against Ukraine; underlines that Russia's war against Ukraine fundamentally impacts EU's neighboring countries and has ripple-effects throughtout the entire continent; stresses that the EU must step up its defence capacities and show greater willingness to act decisively when European values and security are attacked; welcomes the unprecedented and united EU response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the provision of military equipment through the EPF; remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty; calls on the EU to sustain its efforts and provide Ukraine with all necessary financial, humanitarian and military aid;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States to make use of Article 31(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), which allows the Council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in common foreign and security policy (CFSP) matters; calls on the Member States to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in Article 31(3) TEU without delay;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the operational capabilities necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the mutual assistance clause under Article 42(7) TEU should be strengthened swiftly; underlines that a Treaty modification could define terrorist attacks, hybrid attacks, disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries as elements that would trigger Article 42(7) TEU; calls for a clarification of the respective scope of application and interlinkage of Article 42(7) TEU and Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty; in this respect, calls for provisions enabling joint procurement of defence equipment and other security-related spending as well as the establishment of joint and permanently stationed military units, including command structures;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2050(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that a Union mechanism should be established so as to allow all Member States to benefit from innovation in the field of defence and state-of-the-art defence technology, which could lead to joint procurement schemes in these fields;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35
Citation 35
— having regard to Russia’s illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as well as its unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine,
Amendment 120 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against and invasion of Ukraine, as well as the involvement of Belarus in this aggression; categorically rejects Russia's attempts to legitimatise annexations of Crimea and four Ukrainian oblasts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson; underlines that these acts are a flagrant violation of international law; condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia's active role in the destabilisation of international security, including in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea regions;
Amendment 416 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Considers synergies and coherence with the implementation of NATO’s Strategic Concept essential, particularly in the areas of countering Russian aggression, spread of malign disinformation in both the EU and in candidate and potential candidate countries; cyber defence, hybrid warfare and support to strategic partners;
Amendment 466 #
2022/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for stronger military-security cooperation with Western Balkan countries, in particular in areas such as resilience, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, counter-terrorism and countering disinformatUnderlines the importance of CFSP alignment in EU candidate and potential candidate countries, notably with regard to security implications linked to the Western Balkans; calls for stronger military-security cooperation with Western Balkan countries based on a common understanding of the strategic orientation of the countries in the region, based on shared democratic values, in particular in areas such as resilience, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, counter-terrorism and countering disinformation; welcomes the cooperation between the EU and NATO in the Western Balkans, including through the EUFOR Althea mission and the KFOR mission;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Russia's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of agression against Ukraine fundamentally changes the security landscape in Europe including through increasing instability in EU's Neighbourhood; whereas this new reality underlines the urgent need to prioritise EU's effectiveness of its foreign and security policy through increasing its ability to act to protect our values and interests;
Amendment 8 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Member States to make use of Article 31(2) TUE, which allows the Council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in CFSP matters without military implications, notably those concerning sanctions and human rights; calls on the Member States to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in Article 31(3) TEU without further delay;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the development of more integrated cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy with external alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and external like-minded democratic countries, in particular the US, the UK and Canada.; underlines the importance of cooperation with EU candidate and potential candidate countries in foreign affairs; reiterates its support to CFSP policy alignement during EU accession negotiations;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on strengthening the efforts to fight foreign interference in democratic processes in the EU, including through the spread of manipulative disinformation; considers it necessary to broaden the scope of threats defined in the mutual defence clause stipulated in Article 42(7) TEU to include hybrid threats, manipulative disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes that the European Parliament is actively involved in the CFSP through its particular instruments; underlines the importance and unique nature of Parliament’s set of democratisation programmes, such as the ‘Jean Monnet Dialogue’, aimed at fostering and strengthening the work of parliaments; recalls that all EU institutions should participate and work together in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy, including through election observation, mediation and dialogue activities, conflict prevention, the Sakharov Prize award and network, and parliamentary diplomacy;
Amendment 27 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Underlines the key role of EU Delegations in conducting CFSP, representing EU values and principles abroad and seeking the fulfilment of EU interests, including through Parliament's strengthened oversight; in this respect, highlights the importance for necessary and appropriate resources and capabilities in order to carry out their mandates effectively;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2048(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Stresses the need for the EU to increase the visibility of its CFSP through a better, more strategic communication of its external actions towards its own citizens and towards citizens of third countries;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme,
Amendment 40 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU Action Plan is the first EU policy instrument to recognise the structural dimension of racism, which has historical roots datingand in some Member States dates back to colonialism and slavery while in others exists due to other factors;
Amendment 108 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU Action Plan lacksis an important step towards tackling racism in the EU; whereas it does not foresee follow-up mechanisms and measurable targets;
Amendment 148 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the urgent need for the Union to develop a robust and comprehensive agenda for effectively combating racism and discrimination on all grounds and in all areas in the EU; insists that the Union and its institutions must lead by example in the fight against structural and institutional racism and anti- discrimination;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to assesscontinue the assessment of the implementation of the current EU legal framework for combating discrimination, racism, xenophobia and other types of intolerance in order to determine how to improve it where needed, and to take part in a regular dialogue and exchange of best practices with Member States and stakeholders, local governments and stakeholders; calls for concrete steps to address possible gaps identified in the course of this assessment;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Regrets that Roma communities remain one of the most discriminated and vulnerable groups in the EU; call on the Member States to implement the recommendation of the Council of the European Union on Roma equality, inclusion and participation adopted on 12 March 202 as well as EU Roma Strategic Framework for equality, inclusion and participation for 2020-2030 and to make full use of the available funding on both the EU and the national levels towards this end; calls on the Commission to intensify the monitoring of Member States’ progress and take further steps accordingly;
Amendment 186 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to ensure the full implementation of the Racial Equality Directive; condemns the fact that racial, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities face structural racism, discrimination, hate crime and hate speech, a lack of access to justice, and sustained socioeconomic inequalities in areas such as housing, healthcare, employment and education, education and other essential services, and experience greater difficulties in access to justice system, which need to be acknowledged as major barriers to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and key barriers to inclusion and equality;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Member States to ensure that healthcare services are prepared to address specific health issues that affect in particular people of African, Middle-Eastern, Latin-American and Asian descent through necessary trainings and updating of the medical education curricula accordingly;
Amendment 190 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on better enforcement of the Employment Equality Directive in all Member States as well as for effective monitoring of the compliance with the directive;
Amendment 191 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Call on the European Commission to monitor the application of the existing EU anti-discrimination legal framework and to take further steps where necessary, including infringement procedures in case of breaches of the EU law;
Amendment 202 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on Member States to apply the key guiding principles on encouraging reporting of hate crime developed in March 2021 by Working Group on hate crime recording, data collection and encouraging reporting; encourages exchange of best practices among relevant authorities;
Amendment 204 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. underlines that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a potential of helping identify and reduce the impact of human biases and can be used in mapping groups that are discriminated through application of AI software on data sets; recognises however the risks of reinforcing the existing discrimination and stresses therefore the importance of the quality of data used in the development of algorithms, as the standard of AI systems relies on the data used to train them; underscores that AI system that is trained on low quality data, does not meet adequate requirements in terms of its accuracy or robustness, or is not properly designed and tested before put into service, it may single out people in a discriminatory or otherwise incorrect or unjust manner;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Demands thatCalls on the Member States end racial or ethnic profiling in all forms, encompassing ato ensure that necessary safeguards for the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects are in place for the use of AI tools particularly when used by law enforcement; welcomes that the Commission's proposal on the Artificial iIntelligence (AI) tools and includingAct recognises the uses of AI in law enforcement context as high-risk; recalls that in accordance with Union law profiling that results in discriminal law enforcement, counter-terrorism measures and immigration controls, and to officiallytion against natural persons on the basis of personal data which are by their nature particularly sensitive in relation to fundamental rights and freedoms is prohibited as stipulated in the Directive (EU) 2016/680 (Articles 10 and 11); stresses the importance of the recognisetion and combating practices of unlawful discrimination and violence through anti- racism and anti-bias training for the authorities;
Amendment 227 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States to monitor racial bias, including in AI datasets, in criminal justice, education systems and social services, and to take proactive steps to ensure equal justice in order to improve relations between authorities and minority communities; calls, furthermore, for the creation of independent complaint mechanisms for all administrative, judiciary and executive branches of the state, in particular law enforcement; stresses the need to streamline anti-discrimination and anti- racism in all institutions of Member States’ justice systems, including within the judiciary, prosecution services and law enforcement agencies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide trainings for justice system practitioners with the aim to strengthen their legal and non-legal knowledge and skills in the area of non-discrimination and anti-racism;
Amendment 235 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises that according to FRA survey (2021) Your Rights Matter: Police Stops, the majority in the EU as a whole thinks that police generally treats people with respect “frequently” or “always”; notes however that there are disparities between Member States; stresses that there is a correlation between trust among citizens and the readiness to report a crime when witnessing it;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on CEPOL for more training on how to avoid unlawful profiling in law enforcement context and to assist with understanding and eliminating bias; recalls that the FRA Handbook on Preventing Unlawful Profiling Today And In The Future (2018) provides practical information that can be directly used by national authorities in their own trainings;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the need to ensure meaningful participation of all groups affected by intersectional discrimination in policymaking at EU, national and local levels, especially racialised groups;
Amendment 258 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of collecting comparable and robust disaggregated equality data in order to fully understand and to document discrimination and to tackle inequality holistically, based on voluntary participation, self-identification and informed consent, while protecting anonymity and confidentiality, ensuring community participation in defining of categories, analysis and evaluation, respecting the key principles of EU data protection legislation and fundamental rights and complying with national legislation; calls on the Commission to continue developing a common methodology on this with Member States in order to ensure the comparability, accuracy and reliability of the data collected; supports the FRA’s work on analysing this data and welcomes further developments in this field, in line with its new mandate and through structured and close cooperation with affected groups;
Amendment 266 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on all Member States to adopt national action plans against racism and discrimination by the end of 2022, as provided for in the EU Anti-racism Action Planwhich take into account the historical roots of racism and create a culture of remembrance, as provided for in the EU Anti-racism Action Plan; calls on the Commission to increase transparency and participation of racialised groups in the work of the subgroup on National Action Plans against Racism, including by providing information on national contact points; highlights the need to continue this EU Action Plan beyond 2025 and encourages the Commission to begin this work before the end of its current mandate;
Amendment 273 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls for more relevant programming under the Citizen, Equality, Rights and Values Programme in the area of fight against discrimination; stresses that only through adequate funding directly from the EU budget the organisations working on the ground will be able to make a meaningful contribution;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 286 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to adopt concrete legislative measures to strengthen the role and independence of equality bodies in Member States and to ensure that they are sufficiently funded in order to perform their tasks, especially when it comes to a better collection of data in view to mapping discrimination and inequalities across the EU;
Amendment 302 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls foron the European institutions to address structural and institutionalised racism, discrimination and the underrepresentation of minorities within theits structures of the European institutions to be addressed and for the adoption ofand to develop a workforce diversity and inclusion strategy;
Amendment 314 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the Commission’s appointment of the first anti-racism coordinator in 2021 and the continuous re- appointment since 2015 of the coordinator on combating anti-semitism and fostering Jewish life; but deplores that the position of anti-muslim hatred coordinator has been left vacant since July 2021;
Amendment 319 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to swiftly appoint the anti-muslim hatred coordinator; regrets that the post has been vacant since July 2021;
Amendment 337 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the systematic integration of issues related to anti-racism, discrimination and intersectionality into its annual reports on fundamental rights and the rule of law; calls for this dimension to be fully integrated and reflected in the final report of the panel of independent experts to be set up through the public procurement procedure requested by Parliament’s Bureau as part of the rule of law report;
Amendment 153 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) State advertising should be understood broadly as covering promotional or self-promotional activities undertaken by, for or on behalf of a wide range of public authorities or entities, including governments, regulatory authorities or bodies as well as state-owned enterprises or other state-controlled entities in different sectors, at national or regional level, or local governments of territorial entities of more than 1 million inhabitants. However, the definition of state advertising should not include emergency messages by public authorities which are necessary, for example, in cases of natural or sanitary disasters, accidents or other sudden incidents that can cause harm to individuals.
Amendment 177 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) An independent authority or body designated to handle complaints lodged by media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees (including those operating in non- standard forms of employment such as free-lancers and self-employed) or their family members, should be protected from any direct or indirect external influence. Such authority or body should have the necessary financial resources and relevant expertise, given the highly technical nature and sophistication of the surveillance measures. Furthermore, it should cooperate with other relevant supervisory authorities, such as data protection authorities, each acting within their respective areas of competence.
Amendment 214 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Without prejudice to the powers granted to the Commission by the Treaties, it is essential that the Commission and the Board work and cooperate closely. In particular, the Board should actively support the Commission in its tasks of ensuring the consistent application of this Regulation and of the national rules implementing Directive 2010/13/EU. For that purpose, the Board should in particular advise and assist the Commission on regulatory, technical or practical aspects pertinent to the application of Union law, promote cooperation and the effective exchange of information, experience and best practices and draw up opinions ion agreement with the Commissionits own initiative or upon itsthe request from the Commission in the cases envisaged by this Regulation. In order to effectively and independently fulfil its tasks, the Board should be able to rely on the expertise and human resources of a secretariat provided by the Commission. The Commission secretariat should provide administrative and organisational support to the Board, and help the Board in carrying out its tasks.
Amendment 254 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) To this end, providers of very large online platforms should provide a functionality on their online interface to enable media service providers to declare that they meet certain requirements, while at the same time retaining the possibility not to accept such self-declaration where they consider that these conditions are not met. Providers of very large online platforms may rely on information regarding adherence to these requirements, such as the machine-readable standard of the Journalism Trust Initiative or other relevant codes of conduct. Guidelines by the Commission mayshould be useful to facilitate an effective implementation of such functionality, including on modalities of involvement of relevant civil society organisations in the review of the declarations, on consultation of the regulator of the country of establishment, where relevant, and address any potential abuse of the functionality.
Amendment 269 #
2022/0277(COD)
(39) It is also key that the Board is empowered to issue an opinion, on its own initiative or upon the Commission’s request, where national measures are likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. This is, for example, the case when a national administrative measure is addressed to a media service provider providing its services towards more than one Member State, or when the concerned media service provider has a significant influence on the formation of public opinion in that Member Statesuch measure is preventing a media service provider established in one Member States from providing services in another Member State, or when the concerned media service provider has a significant influence on the formation of public opinion in that Member State. Media service providers that consider to be directly affected by specific measures should also be able to request the Board to issue an opinion on the measures in question.
Amendment 277 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) National regulatory authorities or bodies, as well as self-regulatory press bodies and civil society organisations, who have specific expertise in the area of media pluralism, should be involved in the assessment of the impact of media market concentrations on media pluralism and editorial independence where they are not the designated authorities or bodies themselves. In order to foster legal certainty and ensure that the rules and procedures are genuinely geared at protecting media pluralism and editorial independence, it is essential that objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria for notifying and assessing the impact of media market concentrations on media pluralism and editorial independence are set out in advance.
Amendment 282 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) The Board should be empowered to provide opinions on draft decisions or opinions by the designated or involved national regulatory authorities or bodies, where the notifiable concentrations may affect the functioning of the internal media market. This would be the case, for example, where such concentrations involve at least one undertaking established in another Member State or operating in more than one Member State or result in media service providers having a significant influence on formation of public opinion in a given media market. Moreover, where the concentration has not been assessed for its impact on media pluralism and editorial independence by the relevant national authorities or bodies, or where the national regulatory authorities or bodies have not consulted the Board regarding a given media market concentration, but that media market concentration is considered likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services, the Board should be able to provide an opinion, on its own initiative or upon request of the Commission. In any event, the Commission retains the possibility to issue its own opinions following the opinions drawn up by the Board.
Amendment 287 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) With a view to ensuring pluralistic media markets, the national authorities or bodies and the Board should take account of a set of criteria. In particular, impact on media pluralism should be considered, including notably the effect on the formation of public opinion, taking into account of the online environment. Concurrently, it should be considered whether other media outlets, providing different and alternative content, would still coexist in the given market(s) after the media market concentration in question. Assessment of safeguards for editorial independence should include the examination of potential risks of undue interference by the prospective owner, management or governance structure in the individual editorial decisions of the acquired or merged entity. The existing or envisaged internal safeguards aimed at preserving independence of the individual editorial decisions within the media undertakings involved should also be taken into account. The Board should also take into account the chapters and any country specific recommendations on media pluralism and media freedom in the Commission’s annual rule of law report as well as the Media Pluralism Monitor. In assessing the potential impacts, the effects of the concentration in question on the economic sustainability of the entity or entities subject to the concentration should also be considered and whether, in the absence of the concentration, they would be economically sustainable, in the sense that they would be able in the medium term to continue to provide and further develop financially viable, adequately resourced and technologically adapted quality media services in the market.
Amendment 340 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
(15) ‘State advertising’ means the placement, publication or dissemination, in any media service, of a promotional or self-promotional message, normally in return for payment or for any other consideration, by, for or on behalf of any national or regional public authority, such as national, federal or regional governments, regulatory authorities or bodies as well as state-owned enterprises or other state-controlled entities at the national or regional level, or any local government of a territorial entity of more than 1 million inhabitants;
Amendment 361 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Recipients of media services in the Union shall have the right to receive a plurality of news and current affairs content, produced with respect for editorial freedom of media service providers, without any interference from the state, to the benefit of the public discourse.
Amendment 362 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Recipients of media services in the Union shall have the right to receive a plurality of quality news and current affairs content, produced with respect for editorial freedom of media service providers, to the benefit of the public discourse.
Amendment 372 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall respect effective editorial freedom and independence of media service providers. Member States, including their national regulatory authorities and bodies, shall not:
Amendment 376 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) interfere in or try to influence in any way, directly or indirectly, editorial policies and editorial decisions by media service providers;
Amendment 384 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) detain, sanction, intercept, subject to surveillance or search and seizure, or inspect media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees or their family members, or their corporate and private premises, on the ground that theymedia service providers or their employees refuse to disclose information on their sources, unless and only this is justified by an overriding requirement in the public interest, in accordance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and in compliance with other Union law;
Amendment 386 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) order the disclosure of their sources, detain, sanction, intercept, subject to surveillance or search and seizure, or inspect media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees, especially journalists, or their family members, or their corporate and private premises, on the ground that they refuse to disclose information on their sources, unless this is justified by an overriding requirement in the public interest, in accordance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and in compliance with other Union law;
Amendment 396 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) access encrypted communications or deploy spyware in any device or machine used by media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, or their employees, especially journalists, or their family members, unless the deployment is justified, on a case-by-case basis, on grounds of national security and is in compliance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and other Union law or the deployment occurs in serious crimes, as defined in Article 2(17) of this Regulation, investigations of one of the aforementioned persons, it is provided for under national law and is in compliance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and other Union law, and measures adopted pursuant to sub- paragraph (b) would be inadequate and insufficient to obtain the information sought.
Amendment 398 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) deploy spyware or any other intrusive surveillance technologies in any device or machine used by media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, or their employees or their family members, unless the deployment is justified, proportionate and necessary, on a case-by-case basis, on grounds of national security and is in compliance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and other Union law or the deployment occurs in serious crimes investigations of one of the aforementioned persons, it is provided for under national law and is in compliance with Article 52(1) of the Charter and other Union law, and measures adopted pursuant to sub- paragraph (b) would be inadequate and insufficient to obtain the information sought.
Amendment 410 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. Without prejudice and in addition to the right to effective judicial protection guaranteed to each natural and legal person, Member States shall designate and guarantee an independent authority or body to handle complaints lodged by media service providers or, if applicable, their family members, their employees or their family members, regarding breaches of paragraph 2, points (b) and (c). Media service providers shall have the right to request that authority or body to issue, within three months of the request, an opinion regarding compliance with paragraph 2, points (b) and (c).
Amendment 412 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Provisions of this Article shall be applicable also to natural persons in non- standard forms of employment, such as free-lancers and self-employed, exercising activities in the same field as media service providers and their employees.
Amendment 425 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The head of management and the members of the governing board of public service media providers shall be appointed through a transparent, predictable and consistent, open and non-discriminatory procedure and on the basis of transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria laid down in advance by national law. Selection criteria shall be predictable and consistent for those involved and shall be known no less than 1 year before the planned appointment.
Amendment 430 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The duration of their term of office shall be established by national law, and be adequate and sufficient to ensure effective independence of the public media service provider. They may be dismissed before the end of their term of office only exceptionally and on the basis of a clear review mechanism where they no longer fulfil the legally predefined conditions required for the performance of their duties laid down in advance by national law or for specific reasons of illegal conduct or serious misconduct as defined in advance by national law.
Amendment 466 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) where appropriate, the extent to which their direct, indirect or beneficial ownership is held by the government, a state institution, state-owned enterprise or other public body.
Amendment 495 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Without prejudice to national constitutional laws consistent with the Charter, media service providers providing news and current affairs content shall take measures that they deem appropriate with a view to guaranteeing the independence of individual editorial decisions based on established professional editorial line. In particular, such measures shall aim to:
Amendment 503 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) guarantee that editors are free and independent to take individual editorial decisions in the exercise of their professional activity; and
Amendment 514 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Amendment 531 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the national regulatory authorities or bodies have adequate financial, human and technical resources to carry out their tasks under this Regulation independently, transparently and without political or any other undue influence.
Amendment 532 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the national regulatory authorities or bodies have adequatppropriate and sustainable financial, human and technical resources to carry out their tasks under this Regulation and guarantee their full independence.
Amendment 541 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
National regulatory authorities or bodies shall hold regular consultations with representatives of media service providers, civil society organisations, academia and independent media experts. The outcomes of these consultations shall be reflected in a publically available annual report.
Amendment 548 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
The Board shall act in full independence, including of any government or other undue influence, when performing its tasks or exercising its powers. In particular, the Board shall be completely autonomous, in the performance of its tasks or the exercise of its powers of any political, governmental or other undue influence when performing its tasks and, neither seek nor take instructions from any government, institution, person or body. This shall not affect the competences of the Commission or the national regulatory authorities or bodies in conformity with this Regulation.
Amendment 568 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 589 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Board shall have a secretariat, which shall be providith adequate financial resources and independent expertise to carry out tasks outlined byin the Commissis Regulation.
Amendment 623 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point e – introductory part
(e) in agreement withAfter informing the Commission, draw up opinions with respect to:
Amendment 632 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point f – introductory part
(f) upon request ofagreement with the Commission, draw up opinions with respect to:
Amendment 721 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The Board shall coordinate measures by national regulatory authorities or bodies related to the dissemination of or access to media services provided by media service providers established outside the Union that target audiences in the Union where, inter alia in view of the control that may be exercised by third countries over them, such media services prejudice or present a serious and grave risk of prejudice to public security and defenceinterest, security, including information security, and defence, including defence against dangerous disinformation.
Amendment 785 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 6
Article 17 – paragraph 6
6. With a view to facilitating the consistent and effective implementation of this Article, the Commission mayshall issue guidelines to establish the form and details of the declaration set out in paragraph 1.
Amendment 803 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Any legislative, regulatory or administrative measure taken by a Member State, including but not limited to the implementation of Directive 2010/13/EU, that is liable to affect the provision or operation of media service providers in the internal market shall be duly justified and proportionate. Such measures shall be reasoned, transparent, objective and non- discriminatory and shall not disproportionately disrupt the operation of media service providers.
Amendment 804 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Any legislative, regulatory or administrative measure taken by a Member State that is liable to affect the operation of media service providers in the internal market shall be duly justified and proportionate. Such measures shall be reasoned, transparent, objective and non- discriminatory as well as follow the principle of non-regression on EU values in Member States with respect to media freedom and independence.
Amendment 810 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3
Article 20 – paragraph 3
3. Without prejudice and in addition to its right to effective judicial protection, any media service provider subject to an administrative or regulatory measure referred to in paragraph 1 that concerns it individually and directly shall have the right to appeal against that measure to an appellate body. That body shall be independent of the parties involved and of any external intervention or political pressure liable to jeopardise its independent assessment of matters coming before it. It shall have the appropriate expertise to enable it to carry out its functions effectively and to respond to any appeals timely.
Amendment 812 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. The Board, on its own initiative or upon request of the Commission, shall draw up an opinion where a national legislative, regulatory or administrative measure is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. Following the opinion of the Board, and without prejudice to its powers under the Treaties, the Commission may issue its own opinion on the matter. Opinions by the Board and, where applicable, by the Commission shall be made publicly available. Where applicable, media service providers that consider to be directly affected by such measures shall also be able to request the Board to issue an opinion.
Amendment 813 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. The Board, upon request of the Commission, shall draw up an opinion where a national legislative, regulatory or administrative measure is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. The opinion shall, where appropriate, include proportionality analysis and can include consultation with national stakeholders. Following the opinion of the Board, and without prejudice to its powers under the Treaties, the Commission mayshall issue its own opinion on the matter. Opinions by the Board and, where applicable, by the Commission shall be made publicly available.
Amendment 831 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The assessment referred to in this paragraph shall provide an independent evaluation of any undue distortions to the media environment and be distinct from the competition law assessments including those provided for under merger control rules. It shall be without prejudice to Article 21(4) of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, where applicable.
Amendment 832 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the impact of the concentration on media pluralism, including its effects on the formation of public opinion and on the diversity and independence of media players on the market, taking into account the online environment and the parties’ interests, links or activities in other media or non-media businesses;
Amendment 836 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the safeguards for editorial independence, including the impact of the concentration on the functioning of the editorial teams and the existence of measures by media service providers taken with a view to guaranteeing the independence and adequate quality of individual editorial decisions;
Amendment 837 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the safeguards for editorial independence, including the impact of the concentration on the functioningindependence of the editorial teams and the existence of measures by media service providers taken with a view to guaranteeing the independence of individual editorial decisions;
Amendment 851 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. In the absence of an assessment or a consultation pursuant to Article 21, the Board, on its own initiative or upon request of the Commission, shall draw up an opinion on the impact of a media market concentration on media pluralism and editorial independence, where a media market concentration is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. The Board shall base its opinion on the elements set out in Article 21(2). The Board may bring media market concentrations likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services to the attention of the Commission.
Amendment 854 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. In the absence of an assessment or a consultation pursuant to Article 21, the Board, upon request of the Commission, shall draw up an opinion on the impact of a media market concentration on media pluralism and editorial independence, where a media market concentration is likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services. The Board shall base its opinion on the elements set out in Article 21(2). The Board may bring media market concentrations likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services to the attention of the Commission.
Amendment 890 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. Public funds or any other consideration or advantage granted by public authorities to media service providers and providers of online platforms for the purposes of advertising shall be awarded according to transparent, objective, proportionate and non- discriminatory criteria and through open, proportionate and non-discriminatory procedures. This Article shall not affect public procurement rules.
Amendment 901 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Public authorities, including national, federal or regional governments, regulatory authorities or bodies, as well as state-owned enterprises or other state- controlled entities at the national or regional level, or local governments of territorial entities of more than 1 million inhabitants, shall make publicly available accurate, comprehensive, intelligible, detailed and yearly information about their advertising expenditure allocated to media service providers and providers of online platforms, which shall include at least the following details:
Amendment 902 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. PRelevant public authorities, including national, federal or regional governments, regulatory authorities or bodies, as well as state-owned enterprises or other state- controlled entities at the national or regional level, or local governments of territorial entities of more than 1 million inhabitants, shall make publicly available accurate, comprehensive, intelligible, detailed and yearly information about their advertising expenditure allocated to media service providers, which shall include at least the following details:
Amendment 904 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the legal names of media service providers or providers of online platforms from which advertising services were purchased;
Amendment 905 #
2022/0277(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the total annual amount spent as well as the amounts spent per media service provider or provider of online platform.
Amendment 34 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
Having regard that for the effective exercise of their mandate in accordance with the Treaties, Members of Parliament shall have access to all types of information based on a need-to-know;
Amendment 35 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
Having regard to the specificity of the mandate of Members of Parliament elected in EU Member States and to the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and as a result, that Members shall be exempted from a security vetting procedure by national security authorities;
Amendment 45 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) Whereas the Treaties attribute powers to the different Union institutions. For these powers to be exercised effectively, Members thereof should have access by virtue of their mandate to all necessary information on the basis of a need-to-know.
Amendment 53 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) By creating a minimum common level of protection for EUCI and non- classified information, this Regulation contributes to ensuring that the Union institutions and bodies have the support of an efficient and independent administration in carrying out their missions. At the same time, each Union institution and body retains its autonomy in determining how to implement the rules laid down in this Regulation, in line with its own security needs. This Regulation shall in no case prevent Union institutions and bodies to fulfil their mission, as entrusted by the EU legislation, or encroach on their institutional autonomy. Due account should also be taken that the measures do not negatively affect the Union entities’ efficient information exchange and operations with other Union entities and national competent authorities.
Amendment 58 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) In order to preserve the specific nature of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) tasks and activities as part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), which are performed in cooperation with the national central banks and national competent authorities, this Regulation should not apply to ESCB and SSM Information.
Amendment 77 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation shall apply to all information handled and stored by the Union institutions and bodies, including information related to activities of the European Atomic Energy Community, other than Euratom Classified Information, and excluding information related to the ECB’s tasks and activities within the ESCB and the SSM.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Members of the Union Institutions shall have access to all types of information on the basis of a need-to- know for the effective exercise of their mandate in accordance with the Treaties.
Amendment 91 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) adopt decisions on the establishment of thematic sub-groups, their terms of reference and the regularity of their meetings;
Amendment 94 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. Each Union institution or body shall be appropriately represented in the Coordination Group and where applicable, in the thematic sub-groups. The Parliament, the Commission and the Council shall be represented in all thematic sub-groups. Other institutions and bodies where applicable.
Amendment 96 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
8. In the performance of the tasks referred to in paragraph 2, point (e), the Coordination Group shall be assisted by an Information Security Committee. That Committee shall be composed of one representative from each National Security Authority and shall be chaired by the Secretariat of the Coordination Group, referred to in paragraph 5. A representative of the Parliament shall attend as observer. The Information Security Committee shall have an advisory role.
Amendment 97 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) a sub-group on administrative arrangements with third countries and international organisations.
Amendment 145 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 42 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. For all information and material classified as EUCI a list of approved cryptographic products shall be maintained by the Council, on the basis of input from the National Security Authorities.
Amendment 146 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 42 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. For information and material classified as RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED a list of additional approved cryptographic products shall be established by ENISA/EU-CERT within 18 months following the publication of the regulation in the Official Journal of the European Union. The list should be reviewed in view of putting it up to date with technological and market developments every subsequent year.
Amendment 147 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 5
Article 42 – paragraph 5
5. The Coordination Group shall inform the Council on a yearly basis of any cryptographic products that it recommends for evaluation by a Crypto Authority Approval of a Member State, or ENISA/EU-CERT on the basis of a survey carried out in the Union institutions and bodies.
Amendment 148 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 1
1. All Union institutions and bodies mayshall share EUCI with other Union institutions or bodies under the conditions set out in Article 54.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 2
2. The sub-group on EUCI sharing and exchange of classified information shall be composed of representatives from the European Parliament, the Commission, the Council and the European External Action Service and shall work by consensus.
Amendment 153 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) there is a legal obligation pursuant to the Treaties, secondary law or an Interinstitutional agreement concluded between Union institutions;
Amendment 154 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 157 #
2022/0084(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 60 – paragraph 2
Article 60 – paragraph 2
2. All Union institutions and bodies that have been assessed either by Parliament, Commission or, Council or EEAS before the [dd/mm/yyyy date of applicability], as suitable to handle and store EUCI, shall be considered as meeting the conditions referred to in Article 19(1).
Amendment 136 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) work together with like-minded partners around the globe in order to defend the rules-based order, thus promoting and defending peace, democratic principles and respect for human rights; encourage EU candidate and potential candidate countries to align with EU’s restrictive measures and sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus;
Amendment 143 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) ensure that the perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations, including those who assisted such crimes by way of propaganda, will be held accountable and call on EU and Member States to assist Ukraine in international war crimes investigations;
Amendment 157 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) fight and counter propaganda and disinformation campaigns in Europe, its neighbourhood and around the world, in EU candidate and potential candidate countries and around the world; recognise Russia’s malign role in spreading disinformation across both traditional media outlets and social media platforms on the eve of and during its war of aggression against Ukraine, which Russia started on 24 February 2022; welcome banning of Russian propaganda tools such as Sputnik or Russia Today; call for identifying further propaganda tools;
Amendment 166 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) reiterate strong support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its international recognised borders; strongly condemn illegal annexation of parts of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, Donbass and Luhansk; denounce the unilateral recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of the Russian-occupied areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and urge all countries to refrain from joining it in this recognition; remain committed to fully implementing its non-recognition policy, including through restrictive measures and cooperation in international bodies;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Declaration;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to the Zagreb Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 May 2020,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the 8th Berlin Process Summit of 5 July 2021,
Amendment 9 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
Citation 18 a (new)
— having regard to the Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576 of 8 April 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) Second Interim Compliance Report of 4th Evaluation Round on Serbia adopted in March 2022;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 28
Citation 28
Amendment 28 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas since the opening of negotiations with Serbia, 1822 chapters have been opened, two of which have been provisionally closed; whereas Serbia opened cluster four4 on the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity in December 2021;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU is the largest investor, trading partner and provider of financial assistance to Serbia through IPA and has the largest peer to peer relationship with Serbia, accounting for 65 % of total exports and 59 % of total imports in 2020;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the Commission adopted a package of EUR 70 million under IPA II to help fund the access of Western Balkan countries to COVID-19 vaccines procured by EU Member States;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the assistance under IPA III is based on strict conditionality and envisages modulation and suspension of assistance in cases of backtracking on democracy, human rights and the rule of law with a total of EUR 2.79 billion between 2007 and 2020 under previous IPA programs;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses support for Serbia’s future membership of the EU and recalls that a credible enlargement perspective requires sustainable efforts and irreversible reforms in all areas, particularly to those linked to rule of law;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the increased voter turnout at the elections on 3 April 2022 and the return to a more pluralistic parliament; regrets the highly polarised political environment of the campaign, which was characterised by limited media pluralism and pressure on voters; condemns the violent attack on Pavle Grbović, one of the opposition leaders and regrets the unclear communication by the Republic Electoral Commission (REC) on preliminary election results following the closure of polling stations;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the fact that Serbia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls on the newly elected authorities to show real commitment to EU values and to align with the EU’s decisions and positions in foreign and security policy, including sanctionwift and full alignment with restrictive measures against Russia;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Notes Serbia's support to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty demonstrated through Serbia's support to the UN General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine and the support for exclusion of Russia from the UN Human Rights Council on 7 April 2022; notes that at the same time representatives of Serbia avoided the vote on the exclusion of Russia from the Council of Europe;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates the importance of alignment with the EU common foreign and security policy (CFSP), which must progressively become an integral part of Serbia’s foreign policy as a condition for the accession process; expresses concern about Serbia’s low alignment rate; regrets occasional statements by political leaders that call into question Serbia’s foreign policy orientation;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Calls on the political forces in Serbia to suspend their cooperative relations with authoritarian political parties in Russia;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Deplores continued flights between Belgrade and Moscow at a time when the EU airspace is closed for flights to and from Russia;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the adoption of the measures improving the electoral conditions and media space ahead of the April 2022 elections as a result of the Inter- Party Dialogue facilitated by the European Parliament; notes progress in their implementation of agreed measures;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates its call on Serbia and EU Member States to pursue more active and effective communication about the benefits of EU enlargement and as well as about the support granted through EU funding;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes the initiative of the French Presidency of the EU Council to organise an EU-Western Balkans Conference and hopes that it will be used to invigorate the enlargement process and to give the Western Balkan countries a clear perspective of accession; looks forward to Czech Republic's Presidency of the EU Council and further support to EU's enlargement policy;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Urges the newly elected majority to focus on addressing structural shortcomings and delivering concrete and tangible results in the rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom of expression, the fight against corruption and the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the recent changes to the Constitution following the referendum in January 2022, which aim to enhance the independence of the justice system; stresses that the reform process to strengthen the independence of the judiciary should continue, in particular by amending laws for the effective implementation of the constitutional amendments, in line with best European practices and standards and the Venice Commission recommendations; regrets the continuous pressure on the judiciary and public denials of international verdicts for war crimes and calls on the newly elected majority to strengthen the safeguards for the independence and efficiency of the judiciary as a matter of priority;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes some improvements in the work of the National Assembly, in particular the reduced use of urgent procedures and the adoption of a new Code of Conduct for members of parliament; is concerned, however, that inflammatory language against political opponents and representatives of other institutions expressing differing political views is still used during parliamentary discussions and; calls on the new parliament not to tolerate this practicesuch practices and to enforce effectively its Code of Conduct; underlines the importance of a cross-party consensus on EU-related reforms for ensuring the country’s progress on its EU path;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Welcomes GRECO's Second Interim Compliance Report of 4th Evaluation Round on Serbia dealing with corruption prevention in respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors, which concludes that Serbia has implemented satisfactorily or dealt with in a satisfactory manner eight of the thirteen recommendations contained in the Fourth Round Evaluation Report; calls for further implementation of the outstanding recommendations;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the adoption of changes to the Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance, responding to the calls for improved transparency of public policy making and enabling the citizens to get information of public interest without unnecessary obstacles;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2249(INI)
13. Urges the Commission to implement the findings of the European Court of Auditors Special Report 01/2022, ensuring an effective rule-of-law impact of EU financial assistance in the Western Balkans; calls on the European Commission to link funding more closely to progress on the rule of law, to increase support to civil-society organisations and independent media sources, and to improve project reporting and monitoring, as repeatedly advocated by the European Parliament; calls in this respect to ensure better coordination of various rule of law programmes supported by international donors;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes that competition in the media sector benefits media plurality; calls on greater transparency of media ownership;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Underlines the importance of improving the functioning and independence of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) as per Inter- Party Dialogue recommendations in order to strengthen media pluralism and implement the Media Strategy; notes the recent competition for national TV licences and underlines the importance of a fair and transparent process;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Deplores the continuing physical attacks, intimidation, hate speech and political slurs against journalists and civil society; calls on the authorities to investigate all cases of such attacks, to punish the perpetrators adequately and to improve the safety of journalists; calls for further progress in the implementation of the action plan based on the media strategy, without delays and in a transparent and inclusive manner;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Serbian authorities to ensure the full financial and operational independence of the regulators for electronic communications and postal services (RATEL) and for electronic media (REM), in compliance with the EU acquis;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the adoption of the Law on Gender Equality and the amendments to the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination; reiterates that coordination, an efficient institutional set- up and cooperation with civil society are necessary in order to improve human rights and political freedoms of women and vulnerable groups;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Serbian authorities to step up efforts toin ensureing the non- discriminatory treatment of national minorities throughout Serbia, especially in the areas of education, use of minority languages, access to media and religious services in minority languages, and to actively pursue investigations and convictions for hate- motivated crimes;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reiterates its concern over the alleged use of forced labour and violation of human rights at the Chinese Linglong factory construction sitend trafficking in the case of around 500 Vietnamese citizens in the Chinese Linglong factory construction site in Serbia; welcomes the initial steps and inspections by the Serbian authorities in tackling the issue; calls on Serbia’s authorities to investigate the case and ensure the respect of labour rights;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Deplores the deportation of a Bahraini national despiteto his home country despite an interim measure by the European Court of Human Rights interim rulsaying that histhe extradition should be postponed; recalls that Serbia must uphold fundamental rights of all people on its territory;
Amendment 286 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is deeply concerned about the spread of disinformation about Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the Serbian authorities to take decisive steps to tackle disinformation; calls on Serbian authorities and the Commission to bolster infrastructure to fight disinformation and other hybrid threats and to support evidence-based responses to both short- term and long-term disinformation threats in the Western Balk; underlines the importance of dialogue with Serbian civil society and the private sector to coordinate anti-disinformation efforts in both Serbia and the region; notes, in this regard, that Serbia would benefit from further association to expert groups of the European Union agency for cybersecurity (ENISA);
Amendment 297 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Appreciates the work of the European External Action Service Strategic Communications Task Force for the Western Balkans and calls for its reinforcementtasked with ensuring coordinated and consistent EU communication, building resilience and dealing with disinformation and information manipulation against the EU; calls for reinforcement of strategic communication actions and staff increase, including the possibility of setting up a regional strategic communication post located in the Western Balkan region;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes Serbia’s participation in regional cooperation mechanisms and its commitment to bilateral relations and encourages it to promote reconciliation; commends its decision to donate vaccines to the regionwith other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States; commends its decision to donate around 600 000 COVID-19 vaccines to the region, including to North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina; encourages it to work on all levels to promote reconciliation and strengthening good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 315 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reconfirms its unequivocal support for the EU- facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and reiterates the importance of constructive engagement on the part of the authorities of both Serbia and Kosovo in order to achieve a comprehensive legally binding normalisation agreement, which is crucial for both countries to advance on their respective European paths; calls for all past agreements to be respected and fully implemented, including the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities;
Amendment 323 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on both Serbia and Kosovo for the stepping up of efforts and the delivery of solutions on the issues of missing persons and the electricity arrangements in the north of Kosovo;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Regrets the decision of the Government of Kosovo to reject a proposal enabling the collection of the ballots of eligible voters to allow them to vote in the territory of Kosovo in the 16 January 2022 constitutional referendum and in the 3 April 2022 Serbian elections, as it had been the caspractice previously;
Amendment 337 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Regrets the destabilisation activities on the border in the North of Kosovo in September 2021 and calls on Belgrade and Pristina to address all issues through dialogue; regrets the fact that there was no agreement reached in the Working Group tasked to find a solution on the use of vehicle license plate; calls on both parties to find a solution within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue as soon as possible;
Amendment 338 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Deplores several instances of officials not being allowed to enter the territories of Kosovo or Serbia; calls on both parties to treat all visits in a way that is beneficial to the normalisation process and to the overall work in the context of EU-facilitated dialogue;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. UWelcomes the adoption of the National Strategy for War Crimes Prosecution for the period 2021-2026 and the recent start of the work of various bodies and reporting mechanisms linked to its work; underlines the importance of implementation of the Strategy; urges the Serbian authorities to act against the glorification of convicted war criminals and to cease all divisive rhetoric and actions that undermine the integrity of countries in the neighbourhood and threaten regional stability and reconciliation, and to show a genuine commitment for investigating and adjudicating war crimes cases;
Amendment 356 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the EU and its allies to further strengthen the work on reconciliation; welcomes the renewed engagement of the EU allies, in particular the appointment of US and UK special envoys for the Western Balkans;
Amendment 358 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Commends cultural and youth initiatives such the annual cross-border arts festival Mirëdita, Dobar Dan, which promote collaboration between Kosovo Albanians and Serbs;
Amendment 366 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the progress made in developing a functioning market economy and the fact that the impact of the COVID- 19 crisis on the economy was successfully mitigated by, inter alia, timely fiscal and monetary support measures; notes that the EU has continued to provide essential support to Serbia for its socio-economic recovery and for immediate medical needs;
Amendment 370 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes that despite improvements, the labour market still suffers from structural problems, demographic and migration challenges; calls on Serbia to further tailor education and training to labour market needs, in particular in the area of vocational education and training and linked to the green and digital transition;
Amendment 380 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Is deeply concerned by the depopulation and the continuing brain drain of Serbia’s human capital; welcomes the Serbian G's government’s initiatives to counter these trends by working with international organisations; and innovative approaches to counter these trends, including demographic change, while working with international organisations through a series of targeted policies across sectors to address demographic threats, as the steady population decline remains a key challenge for economic development;
Amendment 384 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the implementation of programmes to support small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular the reduction of the cost of borrowing for SMEs; calls on Serbia to address the remaining shortcomings, including a volatile business environment and unfair competition;
Amendment 392 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates its concern about Serbia’s growing dependence on Chinese investments and the scale of loans that Serbia will have to pay back to China and urges the Serbian authorities to improve the transparency and environmental impact assessment of Chinese investments;
Amendment 397 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes the withdrawal of the amendments to the Law on Expropriation and calls for a broader public debate on this issue;
Amendment 399 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the improvements in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing; notes that infrastructure and construction are significant sources of illicit money and encourages Serbia to minimisze the risk of illicit financial flows in the construction industry as well as the to reduce tax evasion and corruption in the infrastructure sector; calls on Serbia to ensure that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations are used in good faith;
Amendment 405 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Notes the EU’s additional support to Serbia of 10 million euros for economic recovery from the consequences of the pandemic;
Amendment 409 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Expresses concern that Serbia continues to prioritise investments inWelcomes the concrete steps taken in order to phasing out coal power plants; expresses concern that despite existing climate and environmental challenges, Serbia continues to invest in one new coal power plants; urges the authorities to adopt a strategynational integrated energy and climate plan consistent with the European Green Deal’s zero emissions target for 2050 and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans;
Amendment 413 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on Serbia to step up its efforts to diversify its energy supply and overall energy mix, and in particular to reduce its dependency on Russia, as well as to increase investments and modernise energy infrastructure in order to implement the necessary transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy; in this respect, underlines the importance of the construction of the inter-connector with Bulgaria; urges the Commission to ensure that the IPA funds contribute to the building of a climate neutral economy in Serbia; underlines that lack of efficiency in the energy sector critically impacts the country’s overall economic competitiveness;
Amendment 427 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Underlines the need for improvements in waste management and to introducelegislation, implementation, enforcement and to accelerate introducing and implementing waste hierarchy and circular economy measures;
Amendment 435 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Welcomes Serbia’s progress in the reform of the railway system; encourages it to ensure that investments in its transport infrastructure are compliant with the EU’s sustainable and smart mobility strategy and provide maximum benefit to Serbia’s economy;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas North Macedonia has fulfilled all the conditions for the scheduling of the first Intergovernmental Conference;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its clear support for North Macedonia’s democratic transformation, underpinned by its strategic pro-European orientation and, unwavering commitment to European values and the process of EU integration;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on EU-related reforms, by strengthening the capacities of the Assembly of North Macedonia (Sobranie); welcomes North Macedonia's continued political commitment to the Jean Monnet Dialogue process and urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the Jean Monnet Dialogue process;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism, fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech, disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; underlines the importance of institutional cooperation for setting up an effective framework to fight manipulative disinformation;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes North Macedonia’s continued commitment to Euro-Atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy and invites it to; encourages North Macedonia to increase further its alignment with CFSP; in light of the Russian war in Ukraine, underlines the importance of aligning itself with the restrictive measures related to Russia; welcomes its continued contributions to EU crisis management missions and operations;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Priority Agenda,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Venice Commission’s opinions of March and May 2021 on the revised draft amendments to the law on the State Prosecution Service and to its previous opinions,
Amendment 15 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas Montenegro is exposed to foreign interference and malicious disinformation campaigns originating from Russia;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve substantial progress in key EU-related reforms; notes that a functioning parliamentary democracy is key for reform processes;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 February 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the Parliament’s speaker and EU-Montenegro SAPC Co- Chair; notes that the protracted political crisis has a direct impact on the speed and progress of Montenegro’s EU-related reforms and, as a consequence, Montenegro’s EU accession process; underlines the importance of continued respect for democratic processes, norms and standards; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker and SAPC Co-Chair in line with the constitution, democratic norms and the pro-European aspirations of an overwhelming majority of Montenegro’s citizens;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the Democratic Front and sStrongly condemns the support expressed for the Russian Federation by some political leaders on the day of the start of Russian aggressionwar against Ukraine; recalls Russia’s persistent and continuous interest in destabilising the country through the spread of manipulative disinformation and influence on state and non-state actors;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the Democratic Front and Democratic Montenegro;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; the delayed appointment of the Head of Montenegro’s Mission to the EU and the appointment of key negotiators by clusters must be followed by other institutions' steps in order to ensure a more dynamic accession process;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes Montenegro’s continued and full alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, including its announcement of support for the latest EU sanctions against Russia, and its active participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations; notes that this applies to banning Sputnik and Russia Today in Montenegro;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the adoption of temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainian refugees; welcomes Montenegro's contribution to humanitarian aid to Ukraine;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Underlines the importance of Montenegro’s strategic alliance with the EU and with NATO; condemns attempts in the government, security and military sector to question the strategic orientation of Montenegro; encourages Montenegrin authorities to cooperate with both EU and NATO in the field of resilience to foreign interference, foreign manipulative disinformation and cybersecurity;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers, and by the boycott of the parliament, which continues to slow down the reform process; underlines the importance of paving the way towards a stable parliamentary majority;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the lack of progress on judicial reform, including on the still pending appointments to key independent institutions and the judiciary; encourages the Montenegrin authorities to fully implement the Venice Commission’s recommendations concerning the risks of politicisation of the Prosecutorial Council; encourages follow-up on recommendations by Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) linked to judiciary; notes the appointment of the new Prosecutorial Council in December 2021 and the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals in March 2022;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its strong recommendation that Montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; in this respect, welcomes all parliamentary decisions aiming to unite the election dates for local elections;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Welcomes the continuation of the work of the Committee on Electoral Legislation Reform despite initial interruptions; underlines the importance of cooperation across political parties; expects the Committee to diligently work toward achieving meaningful reform; notes that the Jean Monnet Dialogue (JMD) instrument in Montenegro could be helpful to Montenegro in building the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2247(INI)
12. Is worried about widespread corruption and urges Montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; calls on Montenegrin authorities to launch thorough investigations into any wrongdoing exposed by the Pandora Papers;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Welcomes the agreement on border management cooperation between Montenegro and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), which allows Frontex to assist Montenegro in border management, carrying out joint operations and tackling cross-border crime at the country’s sea borders; welcomes Montenegro's constructive and cooperative role in this process;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Welcomes the police intervention in Mojkovac as a significant attempt to tackling cigarette trafficking in Montenegro; reiterates that further measures are needed, specifically in the Free Zone of the Port of Bar in order to tackle drug and cigarette smuggling in the country;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Welcomes the adoption of the Strategy on Migration and Reintegration of Returnees in Montenegro, for the period 2021-2025; notes the roadmap for cooperation between Montenegro and EASO has been signed in December 2021;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13 d. Regrets the limited progress made on the implementation of the public administration reform (PAR); stresses the need of a merit-based recruitment of civil servants and the importance of depolitization of the public service;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages further strengthening civil society participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms and by improving the legal and institutional frameworks;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the first Citizens’ Assembly organised on 4 November 2021 by the Parliament of Montenegro in cooperation with the European Parliament; welcomed the active participation of citizens in the Assembly on 4 November and their commitment to designing anti- corruption policies; calls on parliamentarians to follow up on the conclusions of the first Citizens’ Assembly;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages Montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation, hate speech, online harassment, politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the Montenegrin media; underlines the importance of exchange of best practices between the EU Member States and Montenegro in order to identify worrying developments at an early stage and develop adequate countermeasures against the spread of manipulative disinformation, in particular coming from third countries;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Expresses concern about the high degree of polarisation in the media landscape, in particular the growing volume of disinformation spreading ethno- nationalist narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country; underlines the importance of media freedom and independence, quality of reporting and improving media literacy as key in fighting manipulative disinformation; calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Montenegro on addressing disinformation, and cyber and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European perspective of the region; welcomes Montenegro’s interest in cooperating with the EU via the European Democracy Action Plan (EDAP) in this regard;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 124 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated, sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposaladoption of the Criminal Code amendments to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes some positive steps, such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media, the revision of laws on media and on the public broadcaster RTCG, and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021- 2025; ; underlines the importance of operational independence of Montenegro’s media regulators and public service broadcaster;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in Cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church; condemns Serbian interferenceMetropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church; condemns interference and disinformation from third countries in this regard;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that foreign interference can also be pursued through the instrumentalisation of religious institutes, such as Kremlin's influence in Orthodoxy; condemns Russia’s efforts to spread manipulative disinformation to exploit ethnic tensions and Russia’s role in spreading manipulative disinformation in Montenegro;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the population and housing census is likely to take place this year, and expects it to be conducted in line with EU and international standards; notes that the census needs to be conducted in an open and transparent way where all recognised national minorities are counted properly without fear of intimidation;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Strongly condemns verbal and physical attacks against and intimidation of national minorities;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; calls for improving specialised support services for women and disadvantaged groups; condemns the killings of three women by their partners in a short period of time; notes that these cases were previously reported to the police and to the prosecutor's office; urges Montenegrin authorities to investigate fully these cases and ensure judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introduce tougher penalties for violence against women and children; welcomes the establishing of the Council for the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Amendment 160 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ rights and the first same-sex marriage in July 2021; welcomes the peaceful organisation of Pride in 2021;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Welcomes the removal of roaming fees between Montenegro and five other Western Balkan states as of 1st July 2021; in that respects encourages the government and the European Commission to create a road map to reduce and eventually eliminate roaming charges with EU Member States;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Recalls the need to implement a law on lustration, open up Yugoslav secret service archives and follow the legal procedures to submit the relevant files to the State Archives in order to address and research communist-era crimes and criminal organisations;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference; welcomes the new Cyber Security Strategy of Montenegro 2022- 2026 and calls for legislative process establishing the Cyber Security Agency to move forward without delay;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market; notes the recovery of the labour market linked to the economy projections; welcomes the Youth Guarantee Programme;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Expresses concern over Montenegro’s sustainable macroeconomic stability and growing vulnerability owing to the increase of its public debt, in particular to China, and the new EUR 750 million loan taken by the government without consulting the Parliament; calls on the European Commission to follow up on the macroeconomic situation and vulnerability in the next country report; notes that investments by third countries and foreign companies in strategic sectors may post a risk of creating unwarranted economic dependencies;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Underlines the importance of Montenegro’s infrastructure investments to abide by EU standards on environmental impact assessment while respecting EU public procurement and state aid;
Amendment 200 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes with concern the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Montenegro’s economy; welcomes the encouraging signs of Montenegro’s economic recovery in 2021; however calls for more sustainable economic and financial planning by the future government of Montenegro;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Welcomes Montenegro's projected strong economic growth of 10.8% in 2021, which is the highest rate among the six Western Balkans countries; welcomes the agreement on IPA III mobilising €14.2 billion to support the Western Balkans partners in meeting the requirements for European membership;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges Montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering, strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until December 2022; calls on the immediate termination of the citizenship by investment scheme; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion; notes with concern that between 07 December 2020 to 15 February 2022, the government reportedly awarded almost 200 citizenships to Russian nationals;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages Montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the EU’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; calls on effective using of EU pre-accession assistance in moving towards closing benchmarks of Chapter 27 - Environment and climate change;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Reiterates its call on Montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas, and to continue identifying potential Natura 2000 siteseffectively conserve protected areas; welcomes the designation of three marine protected areas in Montenegro (Platamuni, Katič and Stari Ulcinj); expresses its concern over developments in the Tara River Basin Biosphere Reserve; encourages to continue identifying potential Natura 2000 sites; welcomes the stopping of military use in the Sinjajevina mountain; notes however that the legal status of Sinjajevina needs to be further clarified;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Notes with regret the damage to the Tara River linked to building the Bar- Boljare highway; calls on Montenegro to closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; underlines that in the Western Balkans, the construction sector is among the most vulnerable to organized crime and corruption; is concerned that there is no action taken on the highway case Bar- Boljare in Montenegro in spite of unclear public procurement procedures, lack of proper planning documentation, extraordinary prices and ecological concerns;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. RegretNotes the fact that five EU Member States have not yet recognised Kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; stresses that while the independence of Kosovo is irreversible, the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia will facilitate the EU integration of both;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reconfirms its support for the EU- facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and reiterates the importance of constructive engagement on the part of the authorities of both Serbia and Kosovo in order to achieve a comprehensive legally binding normalisation agreement, which is crucial for both countries to advances on their respective European paths; calls for all past agreements to be respected and fully implemented, including the Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities; stresses that normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo is a priority for the EU accession of both countries, and would also be essential for securing stability and prosperity in the wider region; notes the lack of genuine engagement by Kosovo representatives in the EU-facilitated dialogue, and calls for active and constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue led by the EU Special Representative, seeking a comprehensive, sustainable and legally binding agreement in accordance with international law;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on both Serbia and Kosovo for the stepping up of efforts and the delivery of solutions on the issues of missing persons and the electricity arrangements in the north of Kosovo;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas enlargement is one of the EU’s most effective foreign policy instruments, as it contributes to extending the reach of the Union’s fundamental values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, peace building and respect for human rights;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU is Albania’s biggest trading partner and largest donor and whereas the country has benefited from EUR 1,24 billion in EU pre- accession funding under IPA I and IPA II since 2007;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas Albania remains an important geopolitical ally and a trustworthy foreign policy partner, thanks to its efforts to advance regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Albanian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas Albanian citizens have been able to participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under the Erasmus+ programme since 2015;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. URecalls that Albania’s EU accession depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; underscores that the pace of EU accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law, good governance and fundamental rights; urges Albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary, strengthen the rule of law and the economy, counter corruption and organised crime, and ensure media freedom;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms the joint responsibility of Albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation, enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance, transparency and pluralism and by enabling the active participation of civil society; expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process; encourages the use of the Jean Monnet Dialogue (JMD) to build the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture and trust and to develop true inter-party dialogue;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Proposes an EU Election Observation Mission to Albania ahead of the next parliamentary election; calls on the Albanian government to ensure the full implementation of the ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations regarding the electoral shortcomings in due time before the upcoming general elections;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the need for further progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reportersat Albania has fallen nine places in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index since 2018; notes the need for progress on freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism; calls on Albania to ensure a policy of zero tolerance for intimidation and attacks against journalists, and the media; requests authorities to take decisive action against the violence, intimidation, smear campaigns and indirect political and financial pressure directed at independent media outlets and reporters, which seriously stifle media freedom, induce self-censorship and gravely undermine efforts to uncover crime and corruption; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the Venice Commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner; in this regard, reiterates its grave concerns about the previously proposed so-called ‘anti-defamation package’, a legal act suffering from vagueness, that would likely have had a “chilling effect” suppressing free discussion and political speech in Albania, according to the Venice Commission6a; welcomes that the Parliament has initiated a process to review the current laws regarding the anti-defamation framework; _________________ 6a https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/docu ments/?pdf=CDL-AD(2020)013-e
Amendment 125 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission to improve coordination and to address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to citizens in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for further efforts to ensure and protect the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; notes that persons with disabilities were among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; deplores that during the April 2021 elections, persons with disabilities encountered barriers and difficulties to vote; calls for further efforts to address violence against persons with disabilities, improve overall accessibility (including services and information), and to promote employment; points out that the quality of education for disabled children, especially deaf children, remains a cause for concern;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Acknowledges the progress achieved in implementing the Istanbul Convention and calls on authorities to step up the prevention and responses to gender- based violence and femicide, to enhance support to survivors and to advance the prosecution of cases of harassment, and domestic violence andincluding violence against children; deplores that in Albania, 60% of all sexual abuse cases are committed against children - refugee and migrant children, and children with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence, exploitation, stigmatization and abuse;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses that the authorities still need to strengthen the system for monitoring and combating child labour and other forms of exploitation;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling organised crime, including the trafficking of humans, drugs, firearms and goods, along with cybercrime, violent crime, extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing regional, bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks, including with the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust; highlights that Albania is the only country from the region that has signed cooperation agreements with all justice and home affairs agencies of the EU and that the first fully fledged joint operation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) outside the European Union was deployed at the Greek-Albanian border in May 2019; commends that Albania has allowed air monitoring by EU Member State law enforcement services to detect production of narcotics;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29c. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; Stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime must continue to be a priority, and must be conducted in full respect for the fundamental rights enshrined in applicable international and regional laws and principles;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 d (new)
Paragraph 29 d (new)
29d. Notes that the Western Balkan countries serve as a transit corridor for migrants and refugees and that the large population movements in recent years have posed an enormous challenge to the region and EU Member States; notes that Albania continued to experience a growing influx of irregular migrants, mostly leaving Albania after a few days, on the way to other EU countries; notes that the number of irregular migrants apprehended in Albania in 2020 increased by 13% compared with 2019; stresses that the issue of Albanian nationals making unfounded asylum applications to EU Member States still requires substantial efforts from the Albanian authorities; calls for enhanced efforts in addressing the smuggling of migrants, in particular unaccompanied minors;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Stresses the need to improve the visibility of and communication concerning EU aid and Union financing in Albania; recalls, in this regard, the performance reward under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to North Macedonia and Albania and notably the substantial support the EU has provided to the Western Balkans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Amendment 2 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular, that of 8 June 2022 on violations of media freedom and the safety of journalists and that of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document on Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to Reporters' Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index 2022,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of continued strong public support for Georgia's European aspirations as well as Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas freedom of expression, freedom of media and the safety of journalists are a cornerstone of a functioning democracy;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the 19 April 2021 Agreement, mediated by the President of the European Council, underlined the need to address politicised justice through judicial reform in order to increase the independence, transparency and accountability of the judicial system;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the media environment of Georgia continues to deteriorate and, in the recent years, an unprecedented high number of violent physical attacks against journalists have occurred in Georgia; whereas in 2022 Georgia fell in the World Press Freedom Index from 60th to 89th place out of 180;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas selective investigations and prosecutions targeting those critical of the current government undermine public trust not only in judicial institutions, but also in the Georgian authorities;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
De. whereas former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has been constantly deteriorating, continues to be incarcerated;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D f (new)
Recital D f (new)
Df. whereas Nika Gvaramia, the director of the TV channel Mtavari, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison on dubious charges of money laundering, bribery and document forgery;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D g (new)
Recital D g (new)
Dg. whereas 20% of Georgian territory continues to be occupied by the Russian Federation;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D h (new)
Recital D h (new)
Dh. whereas Russia continues to employ disinformation, cyber attacks and other hybrid methods to undermine Georgia's societal and institutional resilience;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D i (new)
Recital D i (new)
Di. whereas the Russian Federation has intensified the annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories, including through the intentions of holding the so- called 'referendum' in the Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region on the matter of 'joining' the Russian Federation, transfer of the “Bichvinta” property complex and the surrounding area to the Russian Federation, as well as the incorporation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia in military, economic, justice, social and other spheres of the Russian Federation;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2236(INI)
Dj. whereas ethnic cleansing, discrimination and other severe forms of human rights violations of Georgians in the Russian occupied territories of Georgia, erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers and lengthy closure of so-called crossing points along the 'Administrative Border Line' continue to destabilise Georgia;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D k (new)
Recital D k (new)
Dk. 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 54 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold and ensure the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedresolutely 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 addressing these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022; calls on all Georgian political forces and civil society 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 66 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for unity and solidarity on the part of the international community; welcomes the strong response of Georgian society in support of Ukraine; regrets the fact that Georgia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls for political alignment by the Georgian authorities and all political stakeholders with EU positions on this important matter, in line with the country’s European ambitions;
Amendment 73 #
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 conflict resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussionsand end to Russian occupation of Georgian territory, including through the effective and result-orientated functioning of Geneva International Discussions and Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) in Gali and Ergneti, 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, as well as the policy of non- recognition and engagement; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities, in the occupied regionsllegal detentions and kidnappings and restriction on freedom of movement along the Administrative Border Line; 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 further enhance its engagement for the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, by effectively using all the 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;
Amendment 78 #
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 concerncondemns 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;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 86 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, notably to withdraw all its military and security from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms therein, to allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia pursuant to its mandate;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2236(INI)
6. Regrets that deep polarisation continues to be the defining feature of Georgia’s political environment; calls on all political stakeholders to unite their forces around the key goal of Georgia’s EU membership through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti- corruption reforms, and which continues to fuel societal divisions; calls on all political stakeholders to refrain from divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, and unite their forces around the key goal of Georgia’s EU membership through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti-corruption reforms; stresses with concern that deep polarisation continues to undermine Georgia's resilience, in particular, in the face of continued geopolitical challenges and Russian disinformation which seeks to further divide Georgian society; reiterates that the core provisions of the EU-brokered agreement of 19 April 2021 continue to present athe best pathway towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Georgia; calls on all political forces to return to and abide by the April 19 Agreement; notes that provisions of the 19 April Agreement have been incorporated in the EU-Georgia Association Agenda 2021-2027; calls on the Government of Georgia to ensure their strict implementation;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests, including oligarchs of the sole oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in economic, political and public life as one of the priorities identified by the Commission to be addressed before Georgia is granted candidate status;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reiterates its concern over the destructive role played by the sole oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in Georgia's politics and economy, and the level of control he exerts over the government and its decisions, including those on the politically motivated persecution of journalists and political opponents; is deeply worried by Ivanishvili's exposed personal and business links to the Kremlin, which determine the position of the current Government of Georgia towards sanctions on Russia; calls on the Council and democratic partners to consider imposing personal sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of the political process;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the perception of politicised justice; in this respect notes, in particular, regrets that the Supreme Court judges were appointed before the shortcomings in the nomination process identified by ODIHR and the Venice Commission were addressed; reiterates that the lack of progress on judicial reform meant that the conditions for receiving the EUR 75 million tranche of EU macro-financial assistance by September 2021 were not fulfilled;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that, despite Georgia's legal framework for guaranteeing freedom of expression and freedom of media, there is continued deterioration of the media environment and the safety of journalists;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2236(INI)
11b. Condemns the increasing number of cases of intimidation, threats and violence against the persecution of journalists, including an increasing number of criminal investigations into media workers and owners;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Notes continued Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the Georgian society, including in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the EU institutions and Member States to continue strengthening cooperation with relevant Georgian institutions to address Russian disinformation and its consequences;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Condemns the sentencing of Nika Gvaramia, the director of the independent TV channel Mtavari, on 16 May 2022; notes that the postponement of Nika Gvaramia's appeal process is unacceptable and reiterates its call for a review of Gvaramia's conviction;
Amendment 165 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions; regrets, in this respect, the dismantling of State Inspector’s Service against ODIHR recommendations; highlights the positive role of the public defender of Georgia in protecting human rights, promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law; calls for an inclusive process of selecting the new Public Defender;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to release former president Mikheil Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds in order to allow him to undergo proper medical treatment abroad;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Amendment 180 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Notes that, according to expert evaluations, the DCFTA has had a positive impact on legislative approximation and institutional development, but it only had a modest impact on trade between the EU and Georgia; calls on the Commission to review the DCFTA's potential to increase trade volumes between the EU and Georgia;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Amendment 188 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Regrets the continued delays in the development of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port following the Georgian Government's cancellation of the project contract with the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) in 2020; is deeply concerned by the Panama Papers revelations concerning Bidzina Ivanishvili's investment in the rival Poti port project and the impact of vested interests on key projects as well as overall investors' confidence in Georgia;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 196 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls on the Commission to extend “Roam-like-at-home” Regulation to Georgia, which has the potential to bring significant benefits for EU and Georgian businesses and citizens;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Calls on the Commission to support 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 199 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Underlines Georgia's role as a significant contributor to the EU crisis management (CSDP) operations;
Amendment 200 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Calls for an increased assistance and enhanced partnership in the area of security and defence with Georgia as declared in the EU Strategic Compass, including through the European Peace Facility; welcomes EU’s commitment and determination to support Georgia in countering hybrid threats;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, with a view to enhancing Georgia’s resilience;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15e. Reiterates support to the human capital development, strengthening private sector role in Vocational education system management and addressing skills mismatch for better employment possibilities;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 f (new)
Paragraph 15 f (new)
15f. Welcomes Georgia’s strong commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme and encourages Georgia’s participation in the new Horizon Europe Program in order to make use of the opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 g (new)
Paragraph 15 g (new)
15g. Calls the European Commission and Georgia to consider increasing the number of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) projects in Georgia in order to increase EU-Georgia connectivity;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 h (new)
Paragraph 15 h (new)
15h. Encourages European Commission, ENTSO-E and Georgia to start working on synchronization of Georgian electricity grid with the European Continental Grid and on the inclusion of Georgia in Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA);
Amendment 218 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the signing of the Jean Monnet Dialogue between the European Parliament and the Georgian Parliament; regrets the delays in implementing the JMD; reiterates the European Parliament's commitment and calls on the Georgian Parliament to start the process as soon as possible;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Deplores and condemns the personal attacks against Members of the European Parliament by representatives of the Georgian Dream party; considers these attacks unacceptable and damaging to the mutual relationship between Georgia and the European Union;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas China’s rapid military build-up, coupled with its increasingly assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region and its military activities in the East and South China Seas, as well as its deliberate and repetitive violations of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone and its increasingly aggressive rhetoric, manipulative disinformation and media campaigns, are leading to rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the positive role Taiwan plays in fostering peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region; underlines the importance of EU's support to Taiwan's observer status in the World Health Organisation;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2232(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Expresses deep concern about China's role in manipulative disinformation campaigns;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2229(INL)
Recital E
E. whereas the determination of the number of seats of a potential Union-wide constituency falls within the remit of the European Council decision on the composition of the European Parliament based on Article 14(2) TEU, while the provisions necessary for its establishment are based on Article 223(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and require changing the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage ;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2229(INL)
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the current allocation of seats in the European Parliament as established in European Council Decision 2018/937/EU only applies to the 2019- 2024 parliamentary term; stresses, therefore, that a new decision on the composition of the European Parliament for the 2024-2029 parliamentary term is required without delay;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2229(INL)
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that the current allocation of seats in the European Parliament breaches the principle of degressive proportionality in six instances, and therefore mustshould be corrected in a new allocation to be applied as of the next European elections in 2024;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2229(INL)
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the proposed allocation of seats should include a reserve of 28 additional seats for members elected in an Union-wide constituency in line with Parliament’s proposal on the Electoral Law as adopted on 3 May 2022; however, points out that, in line with that proposal, those seats canshall only be taken upeffectively established after the elections following the entry into force of a revised Electoral Law including the necessary provisions for the Union-wide constituency;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2229(INL)
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that a, whilst mathematical formulas displays great potential for providing in the future a permanent system tofor the allocate theion of seats ofin the European Parliament in an objective, fair, durable and transparent way; Considers that such a permanent system needs further deliberation and should be introduced well in advance of elections of the European Parliamentfuture, it is politically unviable for Parliament to suggest a permanent system at this stage;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2229(INL)
Paragraph 6
6. Adopts and submits to the European Council the annexed proposal for a decision of the European Council establishing the composition of the European Parliament, on the basis of its right of initiative laid down in Article 14(2) TEU; reminds that the Parliament will need to give its consent to the decision, therefore requests to be immediately informed if and how the European Council intends to deviate from the submitted proposal; underlines the urgent need to adopt the decision so that the Member States can enact, in good time, the necessary domestic provisions to enable them to organise the elections to the European Parliament for the 2024-2029 parliamentary term; commits therefore in the spirit of mutual sincere cooperation, to proceed swiftly with the consent procedure;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2229(INL)
Annex to the motion for a legislative resolution
Recital 4
Amendment 60 #
2021/2229(INL)
Annex to the motion for a legislative resolution
Article 3 – paragraph 2
resolution 2. In addition, to the number of Members of the European Parliament elected in each Member State, set in Article 3(1), and subject to the entry into force of Council Regulation (xx/yy) on the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, repealing Council Decision (76/787/ECSC, EEC, Euratom) and the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to that Decision, in the first elections following that event providing for a Union-wide constituency, 28 representatives in the European Parliament are elected in a Union-wide constituency in the first elections following that event, as provided for in that Regulation.
Amendment 17 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50
Citation 50
— having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia, especially those related to Russia’s actions in the territories of the EaP countries, illegal annexation of Crimea, violations of the rights of the Crimean Tatars, the occupation of parts of the territory of Georgia and related borderisation activities, and hostile propaganda and disinformation against the EU and the EaP countries,
Amendment 45 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the essential aims of the EaP are beneficial to the international community, including Russia, in that they help to forge a more stable region through measures that enhance good governance, democracy, the rule of law and good neighbourliness by promoting prosperity and prospects for the peoples of all EaP countries;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the 2014 invasion andof Ukraine, illegal annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk demonstrated that Russia rejects EU or NATO aspirations in former Soviet territories and is determined to contend and contest any attempts to aid democratic development in a region which it considers its ‘near abroad’;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas Russia, against the backdrop of a crisis on the EU-Belarusian border, has amassed over 100 000 troops on the border of Ukraine in an offensive formation while increasing its hybrid and cyber warfare tactics targeting the elected government in Kyiv, creating widespread concern about a potential second invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas following the electoral unrest after falsification of the 2020 presidential elections, Belarus has largely abandoned its aim of fostering better relations with the EU as it has suspended participation in the EaP, having reversed trends towards democratisation and taken to weaponising refugees in an attempt to uproot domestic aspirations towards liberalisation and destabilise EU Member States;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
P a. whereas Russia-sponsored disinformation campaigns and hybrid interference threaten the development of the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the European perspective in the EaP countries; whereas disinformation misleads population in the EaP countries, spreads distrust in democratic processes and traditional media, polarises societies, undermines the position of human rights as well as deteriorates conditions of minorities and vulnerable groups, and overall deteriorates the internal security of the EaP countries;
Amendment 274 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines the EU’s unequivocal support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Eastern Partnership; expresses its concern over continued pressure exerted by the Russian Federation and its involvement in both military and cyber warfare;
Amendment 281 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States to increase investment and assistance in security, military, intelligence and cyber cooperation with the EaP countries;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. EUnderlines the importance of Member States' solidarity with the precarious security situation in a number of EaP countries; encourages Member States to ensure that any provision of equipment support via the EPF to EaP countries is in line with the needs of the EaP country and is carried out in collaboration with NATO strategic planning in order to avoid duplication;
Amendment 304 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Remains concerned about the continued violations of the sea and air space of countries in the Baltic Sea, in the Black Sea regios and in the Sea of Azov by the Russian regime; underlines the continued serious situation in the Sea of Azov, particularly of the illegally occupied and annexed Crimea peninsula; condemns actions of Russia in the Sea of Azov concerning breaching international maritime law, and excessive inspection of both Ukrainian and third-parties ships;
Amendment 338 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) as a best practicecan serve as one of the formats for using investment that promotes mutual security and stability in critical infrastructure and believes that it should be opened to include EaP countries;
Amendment 340 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Call on the EU to support high- quality independent media and journalists in the EaP countries to strengthen pluralism, media freedom and the rule of law, and overall resilience of democratic societies in the EaP countries;
Amendment 341 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Calls on the EU to facilitate projects for the governments, civil societies, NGOs and other actors of the EaP countries that will help them fight disinformation and hybrid threats, including through the important work of the EEAS StratCom division, with its taskforces, EU Intelligence and Situation Centre (EU INTCEN) and Hybrid Fusion Cell, the Rapid Alert System, the established cooperation at administrative level among the EEAS, the Commission and Parliament, the Commission-led network against disinformation, and Parliament’s administrative taskforce against disinformation;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Calls for the EEAS to intensify and strengthen the role of EU Delegations in the EaP countries with a goal to enhance their capacity to debunk disinformation campaigns threatening democratic principles coordinated by foreign state actors, especially Russia;
Amendment 372 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Underlines the importance of EU engagement with NATO in the Black Sea region, together with EaP countries, in order to ensure a secure and stable Black Sea region;
Amendment 379 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Encourages the VP/HR to devote particular attention to the security of the EaP area in the upcoming EU-US security and defence dialogue and the EU-US dialogue on Russia; notes that a democratic, stable and pro-European Eastern Partnership poses a threat to the Kremlin regime and is therefore under political and military pressure by the Putin regime;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which notes that the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
Amendment 4 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to Article 2(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which enshrines the right to life for all persons,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
Amendment 7 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to Article 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which states that everyone is equal before the law,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
Amendment 9 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which prohibits all forms of discrimination,
Amendment 14 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
Amendment 16 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
Amendment 17 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 19 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
Amendment 20 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10
Citation 10
Amendment 21 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
Citation 11
Amendment 22 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
Amendment 23 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission recommendation of 16 September 2021 on ‘on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists’ (COM(2021)6650),
Amendment 24 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 9 December 2021 on ‘Amore inclusive and protective Europe: extending the list of EU crimes to hate speech and hate crime’ (COM(2021)777),
Amendment 25 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 entitled ‘A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy (2020-2025)’,
Amendment 26 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 d (new)
Citation 14 d (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 24 June 2020 entitled ‘EU Strategy on victims’ rights (2020- 2025)’,
Amendment 27 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 e (new)
Citation 14 e (new)
Amendment 28 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 f (new)
Citation 14 f (new)
— having regard to the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy of 14 October 2021,
Amendment 29 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 g (new)
Citation 14 g (new)
— having regard to the debate in the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local Regional Authorities Current Affairs Committee, and to its subsequent reports entitled ‘Fact-finding report on the role of local authorities with regard to the situation and rights of LGBTIQ people in Poland’ of 27 January 2021 and ‘Protecting LGBTIQ people in the context of rising anti-LGBTIQ hate speech and discrimination: The role of local and regional authorities’ of 10 February 2021,
Amendment 30 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 h (new)
Citation 14 h (new)
— having regard to the reports of the Fundamental Rights Agency, in particular, the Fundamental Rights Reports for the years 2020 and 2021,
Amendment 31 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 i (new)
Citation 14 i (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2021 on the declaration of the EU as an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone,
Amendment 32 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 j (new)
Citation 14 j (new)
— having regard to 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 33 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 k (new)
Citation 14 k (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 8 July 2021 on breaches of EU law and of the rights of LGBTIQ citizens in Hungary as a result of the legal changes adopted by the Hungarian Parliament,
Amendment 34 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 l (new)
Citation 14 l (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2021 on LGBTIQ rights in the EU;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 m (new)
Citation 14 m (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 7 October 2020 on the establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights,
Amendment 36 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 n (new)
Citation 14 n (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones,
Amendment 37 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 o (new)
Citation 14 o (new)
— having regard to the recommendations of the Parliament’s Frontex Scrutiny Working Group as laid down in its Report of 14 July 2021 on the fact-finding investigation on Frontex,
Amendment 38 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas Article 151 TFEU refers to fundamental social rights such as those set out in the European Social Charter; whereas the Union has still not acceded to the ECHR, in spite of its obligation to do so under Article 6(2) TEU;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
Amendment 41 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the EU, whereby citizensin many Member States, the lockdown and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of cases of intimate partner violence, psychological violence and coercive control and cyber violence, and with a 60 % increase in emergency calls reported by victims of domestic violence(18); where forcedas requirement to stay at home, close businesses, remain distant from friends and family, maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues, were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the EU, and were f and the alarming upsurge in the ‘shadow pandemic’ made it difficult for women and children to access effective protection, support services and justice and revealed that support resources and structures were insufficient and that victims had limited access to support services, leaving many of them without adequate and timely protection; whereas best practices in specific measures to provide timely and accessible assistance to victims, including setting up emergency texting systems or creating contact points to seek help in pharmacies and supermarkets should be shared among the Member States; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon, intimate partner violence against women remains under-reporcted to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehiclein the EU by the victims, their families, friends, acquaintances and neighbours, for various reasons, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whereas there is a significant lack of comprehensive, comparable and gender-disaggregated data, making it difficult to fully assess the impact of the crisis;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the EU, whereby citizens were forced to stay at home, close businesses, remain distant from friends and family, maintarestrictive measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with a wide range of fundamental rights, such as to movement and assembly, to private and family life, including physical distanceersonal data protection, and gto untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues,education, work and social security; where prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the EU, and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicleas the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and inequalities in all areas of life, especially affecting vulnerable groups, and sparked an increase in racist incidents;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the European Union is founded on a set of common values, enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), including respect for fundamental rights, equality, democracy and the rule of law; whereas the institutions of the European Union and the EU Member states have a shared responsibility of preserving these values which constitute the cornerstones of our democracies and are essential for the functioning of the European Union;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the term ‘Romani people’ encompasses people with Roma, Kalè, Manouches, Lovara, Rissende, Boyash, Domare, Kalderash, Romani child and Sinti background; whereas the new definition, Romani people, better includes even those stigmatised as gypsies without having a corresponding ethnic background, such as Egyptians, Ashkali, or Travellers;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 51 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas terrorist organisations have strong hierarchical control structures, in which the decisions are taken by their leaders; whereas the application of the concept of perpetration- by-means in terrorist crimes can serve to convict the most high-ranking perpetrators of the attacks, thus avoiding impunity;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas under Article2 TEU, the EU is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities; values which are shared by all Member States and which must be upheld by the EU and by each individual Member State in all their policies;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas freedom of religion is one of the fundamental rights, recognized by European and international legal instruments;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas gender-based violence is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and represents a major barrier to achieving gender equality within society; whereas both women and men can experience acts of violence because of their gender, women and girls remain disproportionately affected, particularly through certain forms of violence, including among others, sexual violence and harassment, female genital mutilation, domestic violence and intimate partner violence; whereas these acts of violence can be inflicted both in public and in private;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the right to equal treatment and non- discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 2and Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), Articles 8, 10, 19 and 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Articles21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’);
Amendment 59 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Amendment 62 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the survey by FRA on violence against women indicates that victims report their most serious incidents of partner violence to the police in only 14 % of cases, and that two thirds of female victims systematically do not report to the authorities, either out of fear or a lack of information about victims’ rights, or due to a general belief that intimate partner violence is a private matter, which should not be publicised;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the health crisis was increasingly used as a pretext to attack minorities, including migrants, people with a migrant backgrounds and Roma, who were already subject to racial and ethnic discrimination, hate speech and hate crime;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas the rule of law is one of the common values on which the EU is founded; whereas the Commission, together with Parliament and the Council, is responsible under the Treaties for guaranteeing respect for the rule of law as a fundamental value of the Union and for making sure that EU law, values and principles are respected and adhered to;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas media freedom is one of the pillars and guarantees of a functioning democracy and the rule of law; whereas media freedom, pluralism and independence and the safety of journalists are crucial components of the right of freedom of expression and information, and are essential to the democratic functioning of the EU and its Member States; whereas public authorities should adopt a legal and regulatory framework which fosters the development of free, independent and pluralistic media;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Ah. whereas online harassment, threats and lawsuits against journalists, targeting investigative journalists in particular, by prominent politicians and public figures, including members of the government, continue to increase in some of the Member States; whereas instances of political interference in the media across Member States have been reported; whereas journalists continue to face obstacles in obtaining access to public information and documents;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
Ai. whereas the criminalisation of journalists for their work is a particularly grave issue; whereas journalists should not be imprisoned or threatened with a prison sentence for defamation; whereas Member States should not impose criminal sanctions for media offences except in cases where other fundamental rights have been seriously impaired, for instance in the case of hate speech or incitement to violence or terrorism, and they should ensure that these sanctions are not applied in a discriminatory or arbitrary way against journalists;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A j (new)
Recital A j (new)
Aj. whereas the promotion of child rights is an explicit objective of EU policies and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which requires that the best interests of the child be a primary consideration in all EU action;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A k (new)
Recital A k (new)
Ak. whereas children’s rights continue to be violated in EU Member States, as a result of violence, abuse, exploitation, poverty, social exclusion and discrimination based on religion, disability, gender, sexual identity, age, ethnicity, migration or residence status;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A l (new)
Recital A l (new)
Al. whereas almost 25% of children under 18 are at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU; whereas poverty deprives children of educational opportunities, childcare, access to health care, adequate food and housing, family support and even protection from violence and can have very long-lasting effects; whereas as pointed out by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, fighting child poverty is also a matter of fundamental rights and legal obligations;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A m (new)
Recital A m (new)
Am. whereas children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds have been hit hard by the pandemic as they lacked adequate IT equipment, internet access and appropriate working space and conditions, which exacerbated existing learning inequalities;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A n (new)
Recital A n (new)
An. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented strain on children and families across the EU, especially those who were already economically or socially disadvantaged; whereas children continued to submit fewer asylum applications, but their reception conditions remained inadequate in several Member States;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A o (new)
Recital A o (new)
Ao. whereas the isolation measures put in place during the covid-19pandemic and the subsequent increase in online time spent by children have led to an increase in reported cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation via the internet;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A p (new)
Recital A p (new)
Ap. whereas some other Member States have not yet implemented all the requirements of the Audio-visual Media Services Directive(Directive (EU) 2018/1808), and in particular those regarding independence of the national media market regulator;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A q (new)
Recital A q (new)
Aq. whereas safeguarding biodiversity and eco systems is fundamental to climate resilient development[1],Whereas the 2021-2030 is a UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, whereas the Commission has announced postponement of adoption of crucial legislative initiatives related to environmental protection including a flagship law on nature restoration by several months; [1]https://report.ipcc.ch/ar6wg2/pdf/IPCC _AR6_WGII_SummaryForPolicymakers. pdf
Amendment 77 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A r (new)
Recital A r (new)
Ar. whereas the Green Deal aims to protect, conserve and enhance the EU's natural capital, and protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment- related risks and impacts, whereas number of legislative initiatives proposed will have a positive impact on the level of environmental protection as subject of Article 37 of the Charter;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A s (new)
Recital A s (new)
As. whereas the intentional targeting of certain minority groups’ rights in some Member States have created and established a momentum elsewhere, as can be evidenced by backtracking on the rights of women and LGBTIQ persons; whereas these are deliberate strategies aiming at weakening the protection of the Union’s fundamental rights, as enshrined in Article 2 TEU;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A t (new)
Recital A t (new)
At. whereas during Covid-19 lockdowns LGBTIQ people, in particular youth, were exposed to higher than average rates of domestic violence and gender-based violence due to discrimination against their being LGBTIQ; whereas LGBTIQ people are at heightened vulnerability to homelessness, which has been exacerbated during Covid-19 lockdowns;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A u (new)
Recital A u (new)
Au. whereas the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has adopted a resolution recalling the responsibilities of local authorities in protecting the rights of LGBTIQ persons and has invited them to appoint a ‘Local Expert on Equality and Diversity’; whereas the Committee of the Regions has laid out numerous suggestions for the active role of Local and Regional Authorities in the prevention of and protection against discrimination of LGBTIQ persons;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A v (new)
Recital A v (new)
Av. whereas Roma communities remain one of the most vulnerable and oppressed groups in the EU;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A x (new)
Recital A x (new)
Ax. whereas Roma women and children - being often subjected to multiple or intersectional discrimination - constitute among the most threatened groups and individuals in the Member States and accession and candidate countries as they face even worse obstacles than Roma men in the general population, too often living in poor, rural or urban - often informal -settlements with low access to education, work and health services, less years of life expectancy, no sanitation and clear water, a situation worsened due to the COVID- 19 pandemic;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A y (new)
Recital A y (new)
Ay. whereas under Article47 of the Charter, the fundamental right to an effective remedy requires access to an ‘independent’ tribunal; whereas political influence or control of the judiciary and similar barriers to the independence of individual judges have often resulted in the judiciary being unable to fulfil its role as an independent check on the arbitrary use of power by the executive and legislative branches of government;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A z (new)
Recital A z (new)
Az. whereas an effective, independent and impartial judicial system is essential to ensure the rule of law and the protection of the fundamental rights and civil liberties of citizens in the EU;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A aa (new)
Recital A aa (new)
Aaa. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the failure to address the situation of persons held in pre-trial detention; whereas practices related to the use of pre-trial detention during the COVID-19 pandemic varied from Member State to Member State but delays in court hearings and investigations resulted in longer pre-trial detention in a number of them; whereas persons deprived of their liberty were more vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak than the general population because of the confined conditions in which they live for prolonged periods of time; whereas court closures and/or delays of hearings and investigation caused confusion and uncertainty for the suspects, especially for those in detention, who had little to no idea when their trial would take place, and how much longer they would be detained;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A ab (new)
Recital A ab (new)
Aab. whereas revelations that several countries, including EU Members States, have used the Pegasus surveillance spyware against journalists, politicians, and other actors are extremely alarming and appear to confirm the dangers of the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine human rights and democracy;
Amendment 87 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A ac (new)
Recital A ac (new)
Aac. whereas the phenomenon of gender-based cyber violence is increasing, with one in five women aged between 18 and 29 having reported online cyber sexual harassment in the European Union; whereas the digital public sphere must represent a safe environment for everyone, including for women and girls; reiterates that there must be no impunity in an online environment; whereas the European Parliament has called on the Commission in two adopted own-initiative legislative reports, to submit proposals on combating gender-based violence and cyber violence and on adding gender- based violence as a new area of crime listed in Article 83(1) of the TFEU;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 92 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 100 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. whereas whistleblowing is a fundamental aspect of freedom of expression and plays an essential role in detecting and reporting wrongdoing, and in strengthening democratic accountability and transparency; whereas whistleblowing represents a key source of information in the fight against organised crime, and in investigating, identifying and publicising cases of corruption within the public and private sectors; whereas the adequate protection of whistleblowers at EU, national and international level, as well as the acknowledgement of the important role played by whistleblowers in society, are preconditions for ensuring the effectiveness of such a role;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 104 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reiterates, that rule of law, media freedom and effective fight against corruption lay at the foundation of our societies and are our core values which affect all fundamental rights; notes with regret, however, that violation of these principles is persistent in the Union;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the rule of law is intimately linked with respect for democracy and fundamental rights and highlights that deterioration of any of these values constitutes an attack on the pillars of the Union as stipulated in TEU; repeats the numerous calls by the Parliament to broaden the scope of the Rule of Law report to include all Article 2 TEU values in order to have a holistic overview of the situation in all Member States;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1e. Condemns the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) which are being used to silence and intimidate journalists and human rights defenders, including LGBTI rights defenders critiquing human rights abuses;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Reiterates, that rule of law, media freedom and pluralism, and effective fight against corruption lay at the foundation of our societies and are our core values which affect all fundamental rights; notes with regret, however, that violations of these principles are persistent across some EU Member States and pose a serious threat to the fair, legal and impartial distribution of EU funds; calls on the Commission to make use of all tools at its disposal, including the procedure envisaged under the Rule of Law Conditionality Mechanism which entered into force on 1 January 2021, to address these violations of the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Regrets that structural problems regarding independence of the judiciary and autonomy of prosecution services in some member states undermines citizens’ access to justice and has negative impact on their rights and freedoms; reminds that deficiencies in rule of law in one member state affect right of all persons in the EU; calls on Member States and EU institutions to protect judges and prosecutors from political attacks and pressures that attempt to undermine their work;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1e. Regrets that structural problems regarding independence of the judiciary and autonomy of prosecution services in some member states undermines citizens’ access to justice and has a negative impact on their rights and freedoms; reminds that deficiencies in rule of law in one member state also affect the other EU Member States, in terms of the mutual trust between them and the respect of the fundamental rights of all EU citizens’ under Union law; calls on Member States and EU institutions to protect judges and prosecutors from political attacks and pressures that attempt to undermine their work;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1d. Insists that Member States must fully comply with Union and international law as well as with CJEU and ECHR judgements, including those, which are related to judicial independence; condemns the lack of compliance of Poland and Hungary with multiple laws and judgements of the European courts;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime, hate speech and accusations devoid of foundation or formulated in bad faith, both offline and online, motivated by discrimination based on any grounds, such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; expresses concern over the hate crimes and crimes relating to incitement to discrimination or violence which occurred during the COVID- 19pandemic, leading to the stigmatisation of some particularly vulnerable individuals; recalls that racism and xenophobia are crimes, not opinions;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Is concerned about the reports which show that some Member States’ authorities have used the Pegasus spyware for political or other unjustified purposes to spy on journalists, politicians, lawyers, civil society actors and other persons, in violation of Union law and of the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; recalls that Pegasus is only one of the many examples of a program that is abused by state entities for illicit mass surveillance purposes against innocent citizens;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Welcomes the creation of an inquiry committee on Pegasus in the European Parliament, which will investigate the scope of alleged violation of rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and in the Article2 of the Treaty;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Recognises the crucial role played by civil society organisations (CSOs) in the promotion and protection of the Union values enshrined in Article 2 TEU and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; stresses their key contribution to protection of the rule of law principles in the Member States, giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people, and ensuring access to crucial social services;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Acknowledges, that a healthy civic space is a prerequisite for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; stresses that the Union should therefore commit to the preservation and cultivation of civic space at local, regional, national and European level, including through adoption of a dedicated strategy for civic space;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Right to equal treatments of children, elderly and people with disabilities
Amendment 119 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Recognises and condemns the existence of structural racism in the EU caused by stereotypes fostered by discourses that result in discrimination against ethnic minorities in all areas of their lives; is deeply concerned by individual, structural, and institutional forms of racism and xenophobia in the EU and rising discrimination against Arabs, Black Europeans, People of Asian descent, Jewish people, Muslims, and Roma people; urges the Member States to end with discriminatory institutional practices, policies and laws;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Recalls the importance of collecting mandatory and systematic disaggregated equality data and to develop indicators in order to measure and report progress of the EU strategies against racism and discrimination; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts in this direction;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Highlights that the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights has pointed out in its annual reports on fundamental rights, that discriminatory institutional practices, policies and laws exists in many Member States; recalls the urgent need to extend protection against discrimination beyond employment through a horizontal and intersectional approach; urges the Commission and the Council to unblock the ETD without further delay and without lowering the standards;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collect equality data disaggregated by racial and ethnic origin as well as other protected characteristics in order to document racism; urges the Commission to step up efforts, including by proposing ambitious legislation, in order to act against racism; further calls on the Commission to ensure a proper follow-up of the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025 and to put in place efficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to measure progress;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 c (new)
Subheading 1 c (new)
Calls for a mainstreaming mechanism for cooperation and coordination for EU and national equality policies, ensuring that all forms of discrimination, especially those intersecting, are taken into account in the review and adoption of policies, including via equality impact assessments in a regular and transparently addressed manner pursuant to clear goals and timelines, informed by evidence and by using performance indicators; calls for the establishment of close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, support organisations, communities and people facing discrimination while ensuring adequate resources to undertake actions and monitoring measures;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 d (new)
Subheading 1 d (new)
Amendment 130 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 e (new)
Subheading 1 e (new)
Welcomes the European Commission's recognition, for the first time, of the existence of structural racism in its EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025 and the setting out of concrete measures for tackling racism and ethnic discrimination in the EU, and urges both the Commission and the Member States to implement public policies and measures to tackle this discrimination at its root; calls on the European Commission to monitor and tackle action against racism and discrimination in Member State including through initiating infringement procedures to foster the effective application of legislation;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 f (new)
Subheading 1 f (new)
Recalls the need to pay close attention to digitalisation and the social biases introduced into new technologies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place measures to prevent the risks that new technologies, including AI, have in exacerbating discrimination, existing inequalities and poverty; further calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle the gender and diversity gap in ICT and STEM sectors, particularly in the development of new technologies, including AI, and, in particular indecision-making positions;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 g (new)
Subheading 1 g (new)
Denounces the fact that gender-based violence is one of the most widespread forms of violence in the European Union, with surveys carried out by the Union revealing that one in three women in the Union - i.e. 62 million women - has suffered physical or sexual violence since the age of 15 and that one in two (55 %) has suffered sexual harassment, which has increased sharply as a result of the COVID-19pandemic;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 h (new)
Subheading 1 h (new)
Calls on the Commission and Member States to step up measures to prevent institutional discrimination, particularly from law enforcement and the judiciary system, which might have a stronger negative impact on individuals from groups in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 i (new)
Subheading 1 i (new)
Condemns the increase in attacks on LGBTIQ+ people and urges the Member States and the Commission to take measures to put an end to these attacks and to guarantee effective equality for LGBTIQ+ people in all areas;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 j (new)
Subheading 1 j (new)
Stresses the urgency to address all forms of gender-based violence; welcomes the Commission proposal to combat gender- based violence and that it includes provisions on intersectionality; underlines the cross-border dimension of gender- based violence and calls on the Commission to add gender-based violence in the list of EU crimes; urges the Commission to ratify the Istanbul Convention; points out that the Istanbul Convention should be understood as the minimum standard to eradicate gender- based violence;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 k (new)
Subheading 1 k (new)
Calls on the Member States to adopt National Action Plans Action Racism (NAPARs) by the end of 2022 and prioritise actions to tackle lack of access to justice, and sustained socio-economic inequalities in areas such as housing, healthcare, employment and education, which need to be acknowledged as major barriers to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and key barriers to inclusion and equality;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 l (new)
Subheading 1 l (new)
Condemns the actions of anti-gender and anti-feminist movements that systematically attack women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights, including sexual and reproductive rights; urges the Commission to ensure that civil society organisations supported and funded by the Union do not promote gender discrimination; welcomes the first-ever EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and further condemns the increasing cases of discrimination, hate crime and violence against LGBTIQ+ people’s; asks the Commission to ensure proper follow-up of the Strategy;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 m (new)
Subheading 1 m (new)
Welcomes that the Commission appointed a victims’ rights coordinator, adopted its first victims’ rights strategy and sept up a victims’ rights platform; stresses, however, that challenges to access to justice, particularly for victims in vulnerable situations, and to judicial independence persisted in several Member States;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 n (new)
Subheading 1 n (new)
Highlights the worrying increase in gender-based violence during the Covid- 19 pandemic; stresses the importance to ensure that the response to the Covid-19 crisis incorporates the gender perspective and gender budgeting, as well as ex-post gender impact assessments, as indicated in the Commission’s 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy; urges the EU institutions to ensure gender mainstreaming in all EU policies and actions;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 o (new)
Subheading 1 o (new)
Urges the EU institutions and the Member States to tackle the root causes of structural discrimination; calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement measures to address persisting structural inequalities in key areas such as criminal justice system, education, housing, employment, healthcare, goods and services; underlines the important role of education and media in countering racist narratives and deconstructing prejudices and stereotypes; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote anti-racism trainings;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 p (new)
Subheading 1 p (new)
Underlines that the Black Lives Matter movement mobilised societies across the globe to address racism and discrimination by law enforcement authorities; welcomes the adoption of the EU anti-racism action plan and the appointment of the EU Coordinator on anti-racism; urges the Member States to adopt and implement national action plans against racism and the Commission to monitor and ensure proper follow-up of the NAPARs and of the EU action plan; further urges the Commission to mainstream anti-racism and anti- discrimination in all EU policies;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 q (new)
Subheading 1 q (new)
Highlights the need to address the potential risks of AI, especially for individuals from racialized groups, not as a technological, but as a societal problem; calls on the Commission and the Member states to ensure that AI systems are guided by the principles of transparency, explainability, fairness, and accountability and that independent audit are put in place to prevent that these systems exacerbate racism;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 r (new)
Subheading 1 r (new)
Expresses deep concern that the Covid-19 crisis was increasingly used as a pretext to attack groups in vulnerable situations, including migrants, people with immigrant backgrounds and Romani people, who are already subject to racial and ethnic discrimination, hate speech and hate crime; is particularly concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Romani people, which has amplified inequalities and fuelled prejudice, including the cases of police violence;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 147 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to cease its strategies of identity politics, favouring groups based on sex, ethnicity, skin colour, group history or self-perception; notes that so-called ‘positive discrimination’ includes negative discrimination towards those not in that particular group; further notes that intersectional discrimination does not solve the problems of underprivilegedStresses with concern that discriminatory practices continue to occur, based on grounds such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, perople, but rather multiplies a victim mentality for people in every applicable category; urges the Commission and the Member States to take a meritocratic viewpoint, whereby people are judged on individual meriterty, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; emphasises the obvious link between deteriorating rule of law standards and violations of fundamental rights;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges the Member States to ensure the full implementation of the Race Equality Directive and Employment Equality Directive in order to combat persisting racism against people of different origins, ethnicity or colour; condemns the fact that racial, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities still face deep-rooted structural and institutional racism, discrimination, hate- crime and hate-speech, a lack of access to justice, and sustained socio-economic inequalities which are major barriers to them fully enjoying their fundamental rights, social inclusion and equality as EU citizens, in all spheres of life, including housing, education, healthcare and employment;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the Commission’s EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child, the Commission’s efforts to ensure respect for, and promotion of, the rights of the child in judicial proceedings, and the fact that the Directive on victims of crime ensures a higher level of protection of children as vulnerable victims; regret however that the Agenda does not clearly highlight the prior responsibility of both parents for the well-being of their children and the rights of the child;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the EU institutions and all Member States to elaborate child- friendly policies especially in relation to education, data-protection and judiciary; recalls that the EU and its Member States must take into account the rights and duties of the parents, legal guardians, or other individuals legally responsible for the child;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to strengthen checks at border crossing points, in particular with Ukraine, in order to identify children in vulnerable situations; calls on Member States and border control authorities to cooperate and exchange information in order to identify unaccompanied minors;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Reiterates calls on all EU institutions and Member States to effectively address challenges such as the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, protection of unaccompanied migrant children and the situation of institutionalised disabled children, protection of children who have suffered domestic abuse and workplace exploitation, missing children;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Urges the Council and the Member States to immediately unblock and conclude the negotiations on the Horizontal Directive on discrimination;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Welcomes the fact that, following Parliament's recommendations, the European Commission has adopted an ambitious strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities for the period 2021-2030; reaffirms the fundamental importance of the implementation of the proposed measures and the further development of national measures in order to ensure that people with disabilities are not disadvantaged and discriminated against in terms of employment, education and social inclusion;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Is concerned about the lack of progress as regards precarious working conditions in care services which has dramatic consequences on the ability of older persons needing such services to live dignified lives and to remain integrated in society; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen their efforts to combat all forms of discrimination against older people; as a consequence of demographic change in the EU, underlines the importance of supporting initiatives linked to active ageing;
Amendment 164 #
Amendment 167 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2 a (new)
Subheading 2 a (new)
Condemns the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation(SLAPPs) which are being used to silence and intimidate human rights defenders
Amendment 169 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 170 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor, deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and freealls on Member States to protect and develop an independent, pluralist and free media sector; condemns in this respect any measures aimed at silencing critizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream mediacal media and undermining media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that several Member States’ positions in international press freedom rankings have declined; highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; strongly condemns threats to media freedom, including harassment and attacks aimed at journalists and whistle-blowers, the disregard of their legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is deeply concerned about attacks, harassment, violence and threats against journalists, human rights defenders and other persons exposing foreign interference and disinformation campaigns;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that foreign interference seriously affects democratic processes in the EU;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the EU institutions to draw up a Code of Ethics to guide public authorities and political representatives in the use of social media platforms and networks; insists on responsible use of such platforms and networks to combat manipulation and misinformation originating in the public sphere and to oblige platforms to do their part to reduce information manipulation and interference;
Amendment 179 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Expresses its concern about the threat that different forms of propaganda and misinformation, including anti- vaccine propaganda, pose to human life and health, freedom of speech and expression and to the independence of the media, and the negative effects they might have on the quality of political debate and on the participation of citizens in democratic societies; calls on the Commission to promote and invest in the strengthening of media literacy, actively support quality journalism and foster data protection and create a more transparent online ecosystem while safeguarding media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Believes that EU binding rules providing robust and consistent protection for the independent media and journalists from vexatious lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them in the EU are much needed in order to help end this abusive practice;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Is deeply concerned about the spread of manipulative disinformation and interference in EU’s democratic processes by state actors, non-state actors and third parties in the EU; calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to play an active role in countering foreign interference and spread of manipulative disinformation;
Amendment 185 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the Commission’s recent initiative to issue a Recommendation on Ensuring Safety of Journalists in the European Union; calls on the Commission to deliver on the Media Freedom Act without delay;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3e. Reiterates the importance of building resilience to foreign interference, detecting and countering attacks as efficiently as possible, within the EU framework of fundamental rights and in a transparent and democratic way;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls on the Commission to ensure proper implementation of the Audio- visual Media Services Directive, in particular with reference to the independence of media regulators, transparency of media ownership and media literacy; calls on the Commission to make effective use of infringement procedures in situations where Member States implement these provisions incorrectly or incompletely
Amendment 189 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Welcomes the fact that the European Democracy Action Plan envisages that the Commission and the EEAS together develop a toolbox for foreign interference and influence operations, including hybrid operations and the clear attribution of malicious attacks by third parties and countries against the EU;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Urges the Member States, in the context of increased and rapid spread of disinformation, hoaxes and political propaganda, to include targeted age- appropriate activities in their curricula focused on the development of critical thinking, media literacy and digital skills; calls on greater emphasis to be put on citizenship education with focus on fundamental rights, democracy and participation in public affairs;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Underlines the importance of the review of the Code of Practice on Disinformation and the proposals for a Digital Services Act, a Digital Markets Act and other measures linked to the European Democracy Action Plan in order to become effective tools to tackle foreign interference;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Strongly condemns Kremlin’s active role in spreading manipulative disinformation across both traditional media outlets and social media platforms in the EU; strongly condemns the destabilizing efforts of the Russian government in the EU, including its interference in elections and democratic processes in the EU and in the candidate/potential candidate countries; notes that Russia’s malign disinformation campaigns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine have been targeting the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Is extremely concerned about the existence and continuous spread of extreme right-wing movements, especially neo-fascist and neo-Nazi groups, in the EU; calls on the Member States to take urgent measures to effectively ban these groups; at the same time calls on more research on the foundations, membership base and especially funding of such groups with the aim of identifying possible foreign interference; stresses the need to give greater space in the history curricula to objective and factual learning about different racial or ethnic ideologies, such as slavery, colonialism or fascism, and their forms and origins, including the misuse of science for their justification, as well as their consequences and possible remnants in present times in order to combat repeated resurgence of these ideologies;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Welcomes the EU-wide ban on Russian propaganda outlets such as Sputnik TV, Russia Today and other Russian disinformation organs which have the sole aim of weakening and dividing the EU’s public opinion and EU decision makers; welcomes the various bans EU Member States have introduced in their legislations in order to combat Kremlin’s disinformation campaign linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine;
Amendment 196 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Regrets that some Member States have thwarted the effective exercise of citizens’ right of access to documents, by unnecessarily delaying or even eliminating deadlines for access to documents requests; emphasises that this not only led to lack of trust in authorities amongst citizens, but also to the undermining of media pluralism in the EU;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 200 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Condemns governmental politicisation of the media, whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the Member States to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties, ensuring independence of financing, editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the German broadcasters ARD and ZDF are firmly in the hands of politicians, despite decades of appeals by the German Constitutional Court to try and change this;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Condemns governmental politicisation of the media, whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the Member States to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties, ensuring independence of financing, editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the German broadcasters ARD and ZDF are firmly in the hands of politicians, despite decades of appeals by the German Constitutional Court to try and change thRegrets the fact that that the safety of journalists is not universally guaranteed; underlines the importance of media pluralism and the need to protect journalists against threats and attacks in order to prevent self-censorship and to assure freedom of expression and the right to information and safeguard the journalistic profession; calls on the Commission to improve the instruments for assessing measures taken by governments that may undermine freedom of information and pluralism;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Expresses concern about the creation of government-controlled bodies which manage large parts of a country’s media landscape and the hijacking of public service media outlets to serve partisan interests; recalls that where media ownership remains highly concentrated, whether in government or private hands, it constitutes a significant risk to the diversity of information and viewpoints represented in media content; recalls that freedom of expression and information, including the freedom of artistic expression, and media freedom are fundamental to democracy and the rule of law and urges Member States to guarantee the independence of their media authorities; recalls that the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media, is a component of the freedom of artistic expression;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls the importance to ensure media freedom, pluralism and independence, the transparency of media ownership and regulation of market concentration, as well as the protection of journalists; calls on the Commission to step up efforts in this direction, including by proposing binding measures and by protecting and promoting funding for investigative journalism;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Strongly condemns the continuous smear campaigns in public media against judges, journalists and politicians critical of the current government, including SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) lawsuits initiated by government agencies, government officials, state-owned companies or individuals with close ties to the government coalitions across Europe; urges the Commission to use all legislative and executive instruments at its disposal to prevent these intimidator actions that endanger freedom of expression from occurring; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with journalists’ organisations, to monitor and report on attacks against journalists, as well as on lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate independent media, and to guarantee access to the appropriate legal remedies;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Condemns the attacks, detentions and violence against journalists during protests, who have been prevented from reporting, and thus, doing their job; expresses deep concern about the cases of police brutality, particularly against journalists, during protests, and urges accountability; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, particularly during protests;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Believes that EU binding rules providing robust and consistent protection for the independent media and journalists from vexatious lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them in the EU are much needed in order to help end this abusive practice;
Amendment 209 #
Amendment 210 #
Amendment 211 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Underlines that the emergency measures that have implied concentrations of powers and derogations of fundamental rights go hand in hand with corruption risks; calls on the Member States to step up their efforts to ensure that adequate legislation and institutional frameworks to combat corruption are applied effectively in practice, and that governments act with transparency and accountability; calls on the Member States in this regard to closely follow the guidelines issued by GRECO in 2020 to prevent corruption risks in the context of the pandemic;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 b (new)
Subheading 3 b (new)
Considers that the rule of law is intimately linked with respect for democracy and fundamental rights and highlights that deterioration of any of these values constitutes an attack on the pillars of the Union as stipulated in TEU; repeats the numerous calls by the Parliament to broaden the scope of the Rule of Law report to include all Article 2 TEU values in order to have a holistic overview of the situation in all Member States;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 c (new)
Subheading 3 c (new)
Welcomes the infringement procedures initiated by the Commission against Hungary and Poland as part of the July 2021 infringement package concerning the respect for the human rights of LGBTIQ persons and breaches of EU law, which constitute the first time the Commission has specifically initiated infringements to safeguard their rights; takes note of the Commission’s reasoned opinion to the Hungarian government on the ‘anti-LGBTIQ’ law and the government’s response, and calls on the Commission to proceed with the infringement by bringing the case to the CJEU; takes note of the decision of the Budapest High Court annulling the obligation to print a disclaimer in children’s books in Hungary, and calls on the Commission to monitor the development of the case to assess necessary next steps in the infringement; is concerned over the lack of follow-up vis-a-vie infringement procedures on Polish ‘LGBTI-free’ zones and lack of sincere cooperation by the Polish authorities, and calls on the Commission to send a reasoned opinion to the government;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 d (new)
Subheading 3 d (new)
Recalls that the abuse of discretionary power should be controlled by judicial or other independent review and that available remedies should be clear and easily accessible, including access to an ombudsperson or another form of non- contentious jurisdiction; calls on the Member States to establish mechanisms to prevent, correct and sanction abuse of discretionary powers and to provide adequate reasons for their decisions, in particular when they affect the rights of individuals;
Amendment 216 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 e (new)
Subheading 3 e (new)
Condemns the approach of some EU governments to adopt legislation in fast- track procedures without public consultations, such as constitutional changes to legitimise discriminatory policies that could otherwise not be legislated upon, such as provisions that specifically aim at LGBTIQ persons; notes that the changes approved to the Hungarian constitution, or the ‘anti- LGBTIQ’ bill adopted in June 2021 by the Hungarian Parliament are notable examples of encroachment on the right to equal treatment and the principle of non- discrimination;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 220 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the seeming impunity of some national governmentUnderlines that the rule of law is a cornerstone of democracy, maintains the separation of powers, ensures accountability, contributes to trule of law scrutiny, especially Germany, where political parties continue to exert influst in public institutions and guarantees the principles of legality, legal certainty, prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers, judicial independence, in the appointment of judges, and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court casempartiality, and equality before the law; stresses that the rule of law and judicial independence in particular are critical for citizens’ ability to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny, especially Germany, where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges, and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court casrule of law backsliding in many Member States over different periods and by different levels of authority, from the executive level through procedures such as fast-tracking laws in periods of state emergencies, to the local level such as pervasive abuse by policing authorities;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is concerned that the Covid-19 pandemic, and responses to it, have had an unprecedented impact on the functioning of courts and on the ability to exercise defence rights, as lawyers’ ability to consult with their clients was severely restricted; underlines that access to police stations and courts were severely restricted, and many court hearings were postponed or moved online; stresses that these measures had serious implications for the ability of persons arrested, prosecuted, or detained to exercise their fair trial rights;
Amendment 232 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Expresses concern about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people in detention; stresses that some Member States adopted measures to reduce prison populations, but often only on a temporary basis; underlines that the EU is facing a long-standing crisis in prison overcrowding, which is mainly driven by the excessive use of pre-trial detention; is concerned about the increasing mental health problems among people on remand; calls on the Commission to propose minimum standards on prison and detention conditions in the EU;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the indispensability of enforcing court sentences, both at national and EU level; condemns all national governments and sub-state entities on EU territory that refuse to follow judgments; emphasises that sentences of the Court of Justice of the European Union have to be implemented in a timely manner and as soon as possible in accordance with the Treaties, which the Member States agreed to comply with, in particular, those court sentences that seek to prevent discrimination on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Strongly condemns the ongoing severe violations of the principles of the rule of law in some Member States, which are causing a serious danger in relation to fundamental rights and freedoms; recognises the links between violation of rule of law and fundamental rights violations in a number of areas such as judiciary, independent journalism and free media;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Is deeply concerned by the fact that the Polish authorities have deliberately and systematically violated rule of law-related judgments and orders of the CJEU; calls on the Polish authorities to comply with the various CJEU and European Court of Human Rights rulings regarding the composition and organisation of the illegitimate ‘Constitutional Tribunal’ and the Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court in order to comply with the standards of judicial independence that Poland committed to;
Amendment 241 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Reiterates its condemnation of the practice of prosecuting and harassing judges who are critical of the Polish Government; calls on the Disciplinary Chamber in its current composition to stop all of its activities and cases, including legal cases, and to reinstate all judges who have been removed from their positions as adjudicators by this Chamber, including those judges who continue to be prevented from adjudicating despite them having successfully appealed their suspension by the Chamber in a court of law, as the final verdicts on appeal are subsequently and continuously disregarded by the presidents of the courts in which they serve;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Recalls that no proper response has yet been given to Parliament’s initiative on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament, the Commission and the Council; calls on the Commission and the Council to immediately enter into negotiations with Parliament on an interinstitutional agreement pursuant to Article 295 of the TFEU;
Amendment 245 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Reiterates its position on the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation, which entered into force on 1 January 2021 and is directly applicable in its entirety in the European Union and all its Member States for all funds of the EU budget, including resources allocated through the EU Recovery Instrument since then;
Amendment 246 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5f. Strongly condemns the efforts of the governments of some Member States to weaken the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary; expresses its deep concern, in particular, about decisions which call into question the primacy of European law and calls on the Commission to use all available means to take action against these attacks;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Stresses that under Article 47 of the Charter, the fundamental right to an effective remedy requires access to an independent tribunal; notes the increasing challenges posed by national constitutional courts and some politicians in this regard and calls on the Member States to respect the crucial role of the CJEU and to comply with its rulings;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5h. Reiterates that corruption is a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law and fair treatment for all citizens; highlights the link between corruption and fundamental rights violations in a number of areas such as the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and freedom of expression of journalists and whistle-blowers, detention facilities, access to social rights, or trafficking of human beings;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 i (new)
Paragraph 5 i (new)
Amendment 250 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 j (new)
Paragraph 5 j (new)
5j. Stresses that in action and a lax approach towards oligarchic structures and the systemic violation of the rule of law weaken the entire European Union and undermine the trust of its citizens; underlines the need to ensure that taxpayers’ money never ends up in the pockets of those who undermine the EU’s shared values;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 k (new)
Paragraph 5 k (new)
5k. Welcomes the rapid establishment of an efficient, independent and fully operational European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in order to strengthen the fight against fraud in the European Union; highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO);
Amendment 252 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 l (new)
Paragraph 5 l (new)
5l. Stresses the need to monitor and enforce the compliance with all Article 2 TEU values comprehensively; calls on the Commission to integrate this comprehensive monitoring in an Annual Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights report;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Amendment 257 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)
Subheading 4 a (new)
Calls on all Member States to respect the bodily autonomy of all people, in particular by banning intersex genital mutilation , so-called ‘conversion therapy’ practices, and the forced sterilisation of trans people as a precondition for accessing legal gender recognition; reiterates that legal gender recognition laws should be adopted in accordance with international human rights standards, there by being accessible, affordable, administrative, quick and based on self-determination;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 b (new)
Subheading 4 b (new)
Is concerned about reports of excessive force, police brutality and misconduct against Romani people reported across the EU, in line with the 2020 findings of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), which also revealed that Romani people are subject to widespread poverty, inadequate living conditions, poor health, exclusion from the labour market and harassment.
Amendment 259 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 c (new)
Subheading 4 c (new)
Condemns the persisting social exclusion and anti-gypsyism that lead to the disproportionate criminalisation of Romani people and calls on the Commission to put forward better legislation and specific policy measures to prevent such incidents and ensure justice for victims, while placing the fight against anti-gypsyism at the heart of EU policies;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 265 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that COVID-19 pandemic put additional burden on most vulnerable groups of society worldwide such as women and girls, who remain the most vulnerable and were increasingly exposed during the pandemic to domestic violence, intimate partner violence mobbing, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, child and forced marriage, rape as a weapon of war and economic discrimination;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that the rights of access to health, in particular to sexual and reproductive health, are fundamental rights of women which should be reinforced and which should in no case be reduced or taken away;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Insists on the fact that gender- based violence must be tackled at European level in order to put an end to inequalities in protection between Member States; welcomes the Commission's proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence; nevertheless regrets that the Commission proposal does not take into account Parliament's desire to include gender-based violence in Article 83 of the Treaty;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Stresses the importance of combatting gender-based violence in all its forms and advancing gender equality and women’s rights; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a directive on “combating violence against women and domestic violence” presented on March 8th, 2022, which proposes among others measures in the areas of criminalization of certain forms of violence, including criminalisation of rape based on lack of consent and certain forms of cyber violence, as well as measures on protection of victims, and access to justice, victim support and prevention;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Regrets that in the European Union one in three women above 15 years of age has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence; is highly concerned about the alarming increase in incidents of gender-based violence, particularly in regard to domestic violence, due to health-related measures imposed to curb the spread of the COVID- 19 pandemic (e.g., lockdowns);
Amendment 271 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Urges the Council to conclude the Union’s ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (i.e., Istanbul Convention); regrets that to this date not all 27 EU Member States have ratified the Convention and reiterates its call on Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia to ratify the Convention;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 274 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Condemns the approach of some EU governments to adopt legislation in fast-track procedures without public consultations or even, in exceptional cases, constitutional changes as a way to legitimise discriminatory policies that could otherwise not be legislated upon, such as provisions that specifically aim at LGBTIQ persons; notes that the changes approved to the Hungarian constitution, or the ‘anti-LGBTIQ’ bill adopted in June 2021 by the Hungarian Parliament are notable examples of encroachment on the right to equal treatment and the principle of non-discrimination;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights that smear campaigns against LGBTIQ people and civil society more broadly are more prevalent in Member States in which media freedom is under attack;
Amendment 276 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the clear support by 18 Member States who published a joint statement condemning the anti-LGBT amendments in Hungary’s Child Protection Law; welcomes the reiterated support for fighting against discrimination against LGBTIQ people by 16Member States; stresses that the promotion of the European way of life unquestionably includes the promotion of tolerance, acceptance, non-discrimination and equal treatment;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present in 2022 a Regulation on the mutual recognition of parenthood between Member States, which will create legal certainty for rainbow families across the EU;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Stresses the need for the recognition of all partnerships for the purposes of freedom of movement, including for non-EU partners of EU nationals; is alarmed at the continuing non-implementation of the 2018 CJEU Coman & Hamilton Case(C-673/16), which recognised that the term “spouse” includes same-sex spouses under EU freedom of movement laws; points out the submission of a complaint to the Commission pertaining to an identical Romanian case (A.B. and K.V. v. Romania - 17816/21; complaint (CHAP(2019)3147)); stresses that the Commission's inaction has resulted in the Coman & Hamilton plaintiffs bringing the case to the ECtHR in an attempt to secure legal redress (Coman and others v. Romania – 2663/21); reiterates its call on the Commission to open infringement procedures against Romania for the non- implementation of the Coman & Hamilton case;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Calls on all Member States to respect the bodily autonomy of all people, in particular by banning intersex genital mutilation, so-called ‘conversion therapy’ practices, and the forced sterilisation of trans people as a precondition for accessing legal gender recognition; reiterates that legal gender recognition laws should be adopted in accordance with international human rights standards, thereby being accessible, affordable, administrative, quick and based on self-determination;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7e. Welcomes the infringement procedures initiated by the Commission against Hungary and Poland as part of the July 2021 infringement package concerning the respect for the human rights of LGBTIQ persons and breaches of EU law, which constitute the first time the Commission has specifically initiated infringements to safeguard their rights; takes note of the Commission’s reasoned opinion to the Hungarian government on the ‘anti-LGBTIQ’ law and the government’s response, and calls on the Commission to proceed with the infringement by bringing the case to the CJEU; takes note of the decision of the Budapest High Court annulling the obligation to print a disclaimer in the children’s book in Hungary, and calls on the Commission to monitor the development of the case to assess necessary next steps in the infringement; is concerned over the lack of follow-up on the infringement on the Polish ‘LGBTI- free’ zones and lack of sincere cooperation by the Polish authorities, and calls on the Commission to send a reasoned opinion to the government;
Amendment 281 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 283 #
Amendment 286 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 a (new)
Subheading 5 a (new)
Is concerned about the increase of hate speech and smear campaigns across Members States, often perpetrated by high-ranking public officials or leading politicians, which specifically target media, NGOs and certain social groups or minorities, such as LGBTIQ persons; notes their undeniable impact on civil space, creating an unsafe environment for civil society and human rights defenders; is alarmed by the numerous examples of attacks on LGBTI offices and staff in 2021 alone in several member states
Amendment 287 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 b (new)
Subheading 5 b (new)
Encourages Member States to fully transpose and apply the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia to criminalise racist hate crime and hate speech; Encourages Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that a racist or xenophobic motive is considered an aggravating circumstance or, alternatively, that the courts may take such a motive into consideration in determining the penalties.
Amendment 288 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 c (new)
Subheading 5 c (new)
Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Council Decision to extend the list of EU crimes in December 2021 to ‘hate crime and hate speech’ and calls on the Council to diligently work towards its unanimous adoption; recalls the need for the Commission and the Member States to work in cooperation with internet companies in order to provide adequate safeguards and to thoroughly implement the Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 290 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that freedom of speech is a fundamental right, vital for the development of a pluralisticDeplores the fact that a significant number of Roma people in the EU still live in marginalised settlements in extremely precarious conditions and in very poor socio-economic circumstances, often lacking access to clean drinking water, electricity, safe and ademocratic society; emphasises that any restriction to the quate housing, education, employment, healthcare, sewage facilities and waste collection; recalls that the situationl ine or offline exercise of this freedom, such as the removal of content, must be exceptional, prescribed by law and justified by the pursuit of a legitimate aim, in accordance with Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 10 Roma settlements is in clear violation of human rights and fundamental rights and has serious ramifications, especially for Roma children; urges the Member States to follow the Council recommendation on Roma equality, inclusion and participation as well as the EU Roma Strategic Framework on Equality, Inclusion and Participation for 2020 - 2030 and to make full use of EU and national funding towards this end; calls ofn the European Convention on Human RightsCommission to intensify the monitoring of Member States’ progress and take further steps accordingly;
Amendment 297 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Strongly condemns the discrimination and segregation of Roma women in maternal health care facilities; welcomes that the Czech Republic adopted a compensation-law for victims of forced and illegal sterilization, Slovak’s government took a step and apologized in 2021 but for the moment no compensation law has been proposed.
Amendment 300 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that under international human rights law, certain restrictions can be lawfully placed on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in order to protect public health or other legitimate interests, but they must be provided by law and be necessary and proportionate to a specific aim; expresses deep concern at imposing blanket bans on protests, prohibiting or restricting protests where other public gatherings of similar sizes remained unaffected or using force against peaceful protesters;
Amendment 305 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 306 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. ICalls concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work, in cooperation with internet companies, to provide adequate safeguards, in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate, and to include the possibility of judicial redress; the Member States to ensure proper involvement of social-legal protection bodies regarding children and social guardianship in marginalised Roma communities in order to ensure that children receive the protection and care necessary for their well-being and development, while respecting their best interests and to put in place procedures tailored to the different needs of marginalised Roma communities in order to carry out their duties in the same way as for children from the majority population;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work, in cooperation with internet companies, to provide adequate safeguards, in particular to ensure that any interference is Highlights the growing racist and xenophobic sentiments by opinion leaders, politicians and the media that have created a hostile climiated to what is necessary and proportionate, and to include the possibility of judicial redress for advocates and organisations working against racism;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 310 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for transparent implementation and public review of the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, adopted by the Council on 24 June 20137 , as called for by Parliament in its resolution of 15 January 2019 on EU Guidelines and the mandate of the EU Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU8 ; calls for progress reports on the implementation of the Guidelines to be communicated regularly to Parliament and the Council; __________________ 7 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/c ms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/137585 .pdf 8 OJ C 411, 27.11.2020, p. 30.Deplores the fact that the practice of segregation of children from minority groups in schools remains a significant issue in Europe; emphasises that such practices often stem from misdiagnosing these children with intellectual disabilities based on their social or personal circumstances; calls on the Member States to strengthen their inclusive policies to prevent these discriminatory practices, both intentional and non-intentional and to put in place supervisory mechanisms in order to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions;
Amendment 311 #
Amendment 313 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
Amendment 315 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 a (new)
Subheading 6 a (new)
Recalls the European Parliament resolution of 19 June 2020 on the anti- racism protests following the death of George Floyd which reaffirms that Black Lives Matter; Reinstates its support for the massive protests in European capitals and cities all around the world against racism and discrimination following the death of George Floyd in 2020;Supports the protesters’ call to take a stand against oppression and structural racism in Europe;
Amendment 317 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 b (new)
Subheading 6 b (new)
Notes that the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights pointed out that discriminatory institutional practices, policies and laws exist in many EU Member States;
Amendment 318 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 c (new)
Subheading 6 c (new)
Is concerned by individual, structural, and institutional forms of racism and xenophobia in the EU and rising discrimination against Arabs, Black Europeans, People of Asian descent, Jewish people, Muslims, and Romani people;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 d (new)
Subheading 6 d (new)
Stresses that as pointed out in the Fundamental Rights Agency’s 2021Report, Member States should significantly improve the effectiveness of their measures and institutional arrangements for applying fully and correctly the Racial Equality Directive in particular by enhance the independence of equality bodies by ensuring they are appropriately mandated and resourced to fulfil effectively the tasks assigned to them in the EU’s non-discrimination legislation;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 e (new)
Subheading 6 e (new)
Welcomes the appointment of the EU Coordinator on Anti-Racism in May2021, the organisation of the EU Anti-Racism Summit, the creation of a Permanent Forum of consultation with civil society on anti-racism and the Council Conclusions on racism and antisemitism;
Amendment 321 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 f (new)
Subheading 6 f (new)
Calls on the Member States to ensure the full implementation of legislation and to pass the Equal Treatment Directive in order to combat persisting racism and discrimination against racialised/ethnic groups, religious minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ people;
Amendment 322 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6 g (new)
Subheading 6 g (new)
Calls on the Member States to adopt National Action Plans Action Racism(NAPARs) by the end of 2022 and prioritise actions to tackle lack of access to justice, and sustained socio-economic inequalities in areas such as housing, healthcare, employment and education, which need to be acknowledged as major barriers to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and key barriers to inclusion and equality;
Amendment 324 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 325 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Fully supports the work of Frontex in their difficult task protecting the EU external borders against floods of illegal migrantsHighlights Article37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which affirms that measures towards achieving a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment must be integrated into the policies of the Union;
Amendment 326 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Recalls that Member States with external borders still face high migratory pressure as well as the risk of becoming hotspots; the protection of external borders is essential in order to combat violation of fundamental rights such as smuggling and human trafficking; commends the work of fundamental rights officers integrated in the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, which has an important role to play against organised crime at Europe’s external borders;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Commends the efforts of Member States who are hosting the biggest share of Ukrainian refugees and showing tremendous European solidarity; expresses deep concern on potential violation of fundamental rights of Ukrainian refugees, especially women and children, from those who seek to take advantage of their tragic circumstances; urges Member States and Frontex to put additional effort in combating any abuse and violation of the rights and dignity of Ukrainian refugees;
Amendment 330 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the Member States to ensure the effective and early identification of asylum seekers with special needs, their prompt access to adapted reception conditions and the provision of procedural guarantees; calls on the Member States and the Commission to take the necessary measures to provide information and ensure transparency concerning the detention of migrants and asylum seekers in Member States;
Amendment 331 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 339 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes with regret that during the Covid-19 pandemic the Roma population has been scapegoated on many occasions, especially during the first wave; notes that they were exposed to stigmatization, discrimination and hate speech linking the virus to their ethnicity; deplores that some media and social networks often portrayed Roma as a public health hazard responsible for spreading the virus;
Amendment 341 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Regrets that COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected the marginalized Roma communities due to poor housing conditions, limited access to water, electricity and sanitation; notes that their situation was further exacerbated by poverty, as many of them were left without any income due to strict quarantine measures;
Amendment 342 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Is appalled by the fact that throughout the pandemic the younger generation of Roma had little access to schooling due to limited access to internet and appropriate IT equipment, which left them behind the school education even further;
Amendment 343 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Calls on the Commission and the Member states to step up their policies of addressing the poverty and social exclusion of Roma communities, with a special attention to the rights of Roma women and children;
Amendment 344 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 346 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Commission to adhere to its competences under the treaties, and not seek to encroach on Member StatCalls for the EU wide implementation of the Aarhus Convention that links environmental rights and human rights; highlights that environmental impairment and the failure of some public authorities to provide information about serious environmental risks to which individuals are exposed, may have soevereignty, especially in the area of health legislation; harmful consequences for individuals; calls for the protection of journalists, activists, NGOs, rights defenders, whistleblowers and public watchdogs acting in these fields.
Amendment 347 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 351 #
Amendment 353 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 357 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Emphasises that the COVID-19 pandemic showed severe gaps in the capacity and preparedness of healthcare, education, employment and social protection systems of Member States; strongly believes that Member States must greatly improve their healthcare, social welfare and social assistance systems to ensure they provide full support to everyone, and notably to those more vulnerable, even during a crisis, thereby adequately protecting health, economic and social rights of all; Recalls that in accordance with Article 6 of the TFEU the competence to protect and improve human health lies with the EU Member States; underlines the high level of Covid- 19 comorbidities among chronic patients; recalls the critical situation of patients with rare diseases in many Member States, lacking diagnosis, proper treatment and medical care;
Amendment 358 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reminds that the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in its early phases, caused severe violations of the freedom of movement and freedom of work and deterioration of working and living conditions, including for seasonal and cross-border workers throughout the Union;
Amendment 359 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Highlights that, due to the emergency measures adopted in many Member States, physical access to doctors and healthcare services, including hospitals, was limited, non-urgent medical treatments, including surgical interventions, were often postponed, number of hospitalised cancer patients dropped severely and the right to healthcare was repeatedly and systemically violated; calls the Member States to respect the right to healthcare of all the people, and remove any restrictions that would discriminate people in having access to proper healthcare;
Amendment 360 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the Member States to ensure that restrictions on Fundamental Rights resulting from the pandemic are lifted as soon as the situation of public health allows, and that all rights and freedoms are restored in full;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 369 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 371 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the President of Parliament to rescind the obligation for Parliament staff to show their EU Digital COVID Certificate in order to access their workplace, as this is in contravention of the GDPR, whereby personal data collected f1. Is alarmed by the significant increase in domestic violence during the pandemic of Covid-19; commends prompt responses by some national, regional and local governments to put in place measures to help victims of domestic violence, such as expansion of helplines and information sharing, introduction of codeword schemes at pharmacies, pop-up counselling centres at grocery shops or cone purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering Parliament’s premises), with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that DNA data has not been collected, stored and transferred to third partiescealed applications to facilitate reporting of domestic violence and abuse; points out, however, to the general lack of shelters or other safe accommodation options for survivors of domestic violence; therefore urges the Member States to allocate adequate funding to existing shelters to help them increase their capacities, as well as to facilitate the setting-up of additional shelters and safe housing facilities for survivors, including for accompanying minors; moreover calls on the Member States to ensure that services for survivors are regarded as essential and remain open, and are complemented by adequate and specialized training for police forces as well as targeted justice responses with the aim to increase preparedness for the future;
Amendment 373 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 377 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Invites the Union to fully protect and promote the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in all its aspects, individual and collective, private and public, as well as institutional;
Amendment 378 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the religious freedoms in the European Union, due to the introduction of unprecedented sanitary measures;
Amendment 379 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to carry out a thorough analysis of imposed restrictions on religious gatherings, in order to remove any unnecessary constraints on religious freedoms of citizens, but also to prevent future unnecessary restrictions;
Amendment 380 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Is alarmed at the rise of attacks on places of worship in the EU, including churches; encourages the continued integration of protection of places of worship in public spaces, recognising their specificity and vulnerability;
Amendment 381 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Supports an effective protection on the part of the Member States of the right to conscientious objection, both at the individual and institutional level, especially in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, educational and economical fields, as a fundamental right placed at the basis of democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 383 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 385 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes that hybrid attacks, in various forms, scales and nature, pose a challenge to fundamental rights and freedoms across the EU; notes that the severity of current hybrid threats by foreign authoritarian regimes and malicious actors aim to undermine fundamental rights and legitimacy of democratically elected authorities;
Amendment 387 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges the competent institutions to ensure that the prison privileges and treatment that may be granted to those convicted of terrorism according to the legislation of the Member States are linked to their cooperation in the resolution of all attacks of which they have knowledge, as an additional sign of their true repentance;
Amendment 388 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Asks the European Commission to update, where appropriate, the Directive 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combatting terrorism, as well as other existing EU rules on victims’ rights, such as the Directive 2012/29/EU, in order to effectively enhance the assistance and protection provided to victims of terrorism and to prevent further victimisation arising from humiliation of the image of the victims by social sectors related to the perpetrator;
Amendment 389 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Welcomes the sanctions regimes recently set up by the EU, such as the restrictive measures against cyberattacks threatening the Union and its Member States and the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), in order to equip the EU with deterrence tools towards third countries undermining fundamental rights; notes that a deteriorating situation in the EU’s immediate neighbouring countries has a direct impact on the EU; calls on the Commission to ensure that serious acts of corruption are included in the EU’s sanction system;
Amendment 392 #
2021/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Emphasizes that the availability of online services throughout the Union is one of the fundamental preconditions for full societal inclusion in Europe; observes that some parts of the European Union are still not covered by quality online services, most often in rural areas, which could lead to further widening the inequality gap among European citizens; encourages the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the digital transformation of the European Union, which focuses on human well-being, includes all generations equally and addresses security in the online space;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the Union’s committed relationship with NATO, which remains fundamental to EU security policy; underlines the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between EU and NATO; notes that the recent global security challenges have brought forward a renewed debate on EU’s strategic autonomy; welcomes, in this regard, the ongoing preparation of the new EU-NATO Joint Declaration, which will be presented before the end of the year;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for increased efforts to fight foreign disinformation and information manipulinterference and manipulative disinformation, which negatively influence the Union’s ability to implement effectively its internal and foreign policies and undermines the values on which the EU is founded; notes the increase of disinformation campaigns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative role certain state and non-state actors played in the dissemination of these campaigns;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reiterates its calls for the use of Article 31(2) TEU, which allows the Council to take certain decisions on CFSP matters by Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), and the ‘passerelle clause’ contained in Article 31(3) TEU) to switch progressively to QMV for decisions in the area of the CFSP that do not have military or defence implications in order to improve the speed of the EU’s responses to a fast-changing global environment;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Regrets that there is no structured EU-UK cooperation in the area of foreign, security and defence policy; calls for the full and effective implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and Withdrawal Agreement (WA), in particular the provisions related to the cooperation on global issues in multilateral fora, promotion of democracy, rule of law and human rights, climate change, sanctions regimes, non- proliferation and disarmament, fight against terrorism and cybersecurity; welcomes the setting up of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and calls for its swift constitution and start of work;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Recalls that in its position on the Conference on the Future of Europe, the European Parliament listed "Security and the role of EU in the world" as one of the policy priorities; welcomes that this was, inter alia, translated into the plenary Working Group on "EU in the world"; underlines the importance of debating issues linked to the future of CFSP at the Conference;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Offers other EU institutions its active particiCalls for the active involvement of European Parliament’s instruments into the CFSP; underlines the importance and the unique set of European Parliament’s democratisation programs aimed at fostering and strengthening the work of parliaments, such as the Jean Monnet Dialogue; recalls that all EU institutions should partioncipate and work together in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy, including through election observation, mediation and dialogue activities, conflict prevention, the Sakharov Prize award and network and parliamentary diplomacy.;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the annual Rule of Law Report is a key element of the EU’s Rule of Law Toolbox; welcomes the entry into force of the new rule of law conditionality mechanism; notes the importance of strengthening and streamlining existing mechanisms to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the Treaties are upheld throughout the Union;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report as a positive addition to the EU’s toolbox to promote improvements as well as to prevent and address rule of law issues in Member States, and recalls that the Commission’s report was a commitment made by President Von Der Leyen in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 Commission, ahead of her election;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Commission to continue to use all tools at its disposal to enforce EU values and prevent their violations; underlines the importance of the binding conditionality during the disbursement of the “Next Generation EU” payments and all other EU funds and payments;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that public debate about the report is central to the annual rule of law cycle and therefore that the time of its publication is keyrelevant; regrets therefore the publication of the 2021 report just before parliamentary recess in mid-July; calls on the Commission to instate an annual EU Values Week each September, in which the report is presented to the European Parliament and national parliaments at the same time as the Justice Scoreboard, the Fundamental Rights Report, and the Media Pluralism Monitor;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that important elements of Parliament’s resolutions of 25 October 2016 and of 7 October 2020 on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing, in particular the panel of independent experts,; calls therefore to widening the scope to include all values set out under Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and the interinstitutional agreement for an annual monitoring cycle; calls on the Council and Commission to engage in discussions on such interinstitutional agreement, in order to set up a single and coherent monitoring system for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that important elements of Parliament’s resolutions of 25 October 2016 and of 7 October 2020 on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing, in particular the panel of independent experts, widening the scope to include all values set out under Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and the interinstitutional agreement for an annual monitoring cycle; calls on the Commission to address these shortcomings;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes Commission’s involvement of civil society actors, both through the online public consultation and the country visits and interviews, however believes that more transparency from the Commission on the methodology and selection process of stakeholders invited to consultation meetings, as well as closer consultation and collaboration with civil society to design a more straight forward and more easily accessible process, is needed;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to conclude each country chapter with a ‘traffic light’n assessment of the fulfilment of the conditions of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092);
Amendment 36 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes Commission proposals´s commitment to include country-specific recommendations as of 2022, as per Parliament’s resolution of 25 October 2016, which should be framed in the context of Member States’ obligations under EU law and international human rights law and standards, which would allow for tracking and evaluating progress and regression against an agreed, binding framework; calls on the Commission to monitor and report on their implementation;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
— having regard to European Court of Auditors Special Report 01/2022: EU support for the rule of law in the Western Balkans: despite efforts, fundamental problems persist,
Amendment 43 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 b (new)
Citation 34 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2021 entitled ‘Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: an Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation,
Amendment 44 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 c (new)
Citation 34 c (new)
— having regard to European Court of Auditors Special Report 09/2021: Disinformation affecting the EU: tackled but not tamed,
Amendment 45 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines that while the 2020 Rule of Law Report has encouraged positive reforms related to the rule of law in a number of Member States, some serious concerns remain, however, with regard to a number of Member States, especially pertaining to the independence of the judiciary and the freedom and pluralism of media;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Is concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fight against corruption, as it slowed down legal reforms or the adjudication of corruption cases in some Member States and increased the risk of corruption; stresses that while efforts to repress corruption have significantly increased in several Member States, yet others are cause for concern as regards the effectiveness of investigation and prosecution;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Amendment 54 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that constitutional checks and balances at EU level should be included in the report; commits toassessed, by requesting a Venice Commission opinion on key principles of democracy in EU governance, in particular the separation of powers, accountability and checks and balances;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Notes that several Member States’ positions in international press freedom rankings have declined; highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; strongly condemns threats to media freedom, including harassment and attacks aimed at journalists and whistle-blowers, the disregard of their legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. CUnderlines the importance of interinstitutional dialogue and cooperation on rule of law matters; calls on the Council to discuss the report in all transparency and engage in dialogue with the European Parliament; calls on the European Council, too, to discuss the findings of the report, as the values of Article 2 TEU are a matter to be addressed at the highest political level.
Amendment 63 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underlines the importance of the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe deliberations, notably in the “Values and rights, rule of law, security” panel, and takes note of the recommendations by the European Citizens’ Panel 2;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas it is necessary to strengthen and streamline existing mechanisms and to develop an effective EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights to ensure that Article 2 TEU values are upheld not only throughout the Union but also by candidate countries;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the EU needs to continue supporting journalism in the fast- changing digital environment; whereas editorially independent public service media are essential and irreplaceable in providing high-quality and impartial information services to the general public and must be protected from malign capture and strengthened as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and the fight against disinformation;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas quality, sustainably and transparently financed, and independent news media and professional journalism are essential for media freedom and pluralism and the rule of law, and are therefore a pillar of democracy and the best antidote to disinformation;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas journalists and media outlets continue to be targeted through intimidation, threats on social media and physical attacks; whereas the spread of disinformation polarises society and weakens our democracy;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas the media, both traditional and digital, are cornerstone of democratic societies and a guarantee against abuse of power; whereas the loss of media freedom weakens our democracies;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s second annual rule of law report and hopes that making it a core element of the EU's rule of law toolbox will lead to the removal of other duplicative mechanisms for some countries; regrets the fact that the Commission did not address in full the recommendations made by Parliament in its resolution of 24 June 2021 on the Commission’s 2020 Rule of Law Report; considers that these recommendations remain valid and reiterates them;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the fact that the functioning of justice systems, the anti- corruption framework, media pluralism and certain institutional issues related to checks and balances, including civic space to a certain extent, are all part of the Commission’s annual report; expresses, however, its deep disappointment that the anti-corruption report has not yet been included in the framework of the common rule of law mechanism; regrets, however, that not all rule of law issues were covered in sufficient detail in the 2021 report; calls for the inclusion in the annual report of other important elements of the Venice Commission’s 2016 Rule of Law Checklist; believes that civic space deserves a separate subheading in the report;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the annual report should identify cross-cutting trends at EU level; asks the Commission to identify instances where certain measures or practices that undermine the rule of law in one Member State become blueprints for others, or when the gravity and scope of such deficiencies have the potential to affect the Union as a whole; calls on the European Court of Auditors to further work on their assessments of effectiveness of EU measures to support the rule of law; recalls that strengthening the rule of law is also linked to the fight against manipulative disinformation that is weakening our democratic institutions;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the 2021 report could have provided clearer assessments, stating whether there were deficiencies, a risk of a serious breach or an actual breach of Article 2 TEU values in each of the pillars analysed in the country chapters; calls for a more integrated analysis on the interlinkages between the four pillars and of how combined deficiencies may amount to breaches or risks of a breach; calls specifically for an assessment of the improper use of surveillance tools and its impact on democratic processes within the EU as well as potential breaches of Article 2 TEU values in this context;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recommends that the Commission includes in the framework of the annual report a new pillar assessing potential threats to democratic processes in the EU, such as the abuse of surveillance technologies by government officials for political gain;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to include country-specific recommendations in the 2022 report; calls on the Commission to accompany such recommendations with deadlines for implementation, targets and concrete actions to be taken; calls on the Commission to include in subsequent reports indications on the implementation of its recommendations; acknowledges that online platforms have a vast disruptive impact on the media sector, stresses, in this respect, that current legislation does not entirely provide for a fair environment in the public ecosystem, such as in the fight against disinformation and algorithmic accountability; considers that the adoption of relevant legislation, notably the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done in the European Media Act and through other relevant measures aimed at guarding the quality of our public information space;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to invite the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) to provide methodological advice and conduct comparative research to add detail in key areas of the annual report, bearing in mind that the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression and other fundamental rights have intrinsic links with the rule of law; calls on the European Court of Auditors to further work on their assessments of the effectiveness of EU measures to support the rule of law; recalls that strengthening the rule of law is also linked to the fight against corruption and a key condition for economic growth;
Amendment 297 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses the importance of pluralistic, high-quality media, independent journalists, fact-checkers and researchers, and a strong public service media for lively and free democratic debate;
Amendment 298 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Amendment 299 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Acknowledges that the online platforms have a vast disruptive impact on the media sector, stresses, in this respect, that current legislation does not entirely provide for a fair environment in the online ecosystem, such as in the fight against disinformation and algorithmic accountability; Considers that the adoption of relevant legislation, notably the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done in the European Media Act;
Amendment 300 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17d. highlights the importance of the public media in Europe; calls on Member States to ensure stable, open, transparent, sustainable and adequate funding for public service media on a multi-annual basis in order to guarantee their quality and independence from governmental, political and other pressures;
Amendment 314 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission to address in their upcoming Media Freedom Act a disbalance between traditional media and often unregulated media platforms; calls on the Commission to create fair conditions in the light of digital transformation of the media sector and the spread of online platforms;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes growing instability, deteriorating security environment, geopolitical impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of unprecedented challenges in the international environment, which increased demands on the Union to act as a global player;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Emphasises that the EU needs a robust and resilient external service with clear political leadership in order to tackle the current challenges;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WCalls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference and manipulative disinformation, which negatively influence the Union’s ability to implement effectively its foreign policies and undermines the values on which the EU is founded; notes the increase of disinformation campaigns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative role certain state and non-state actors played in the dissemination of these campaigns; welcomes the ECA’s Special Report on Disinformation affecting the Union and calls for implementing the ECA recommendations in the Union’s action plan against disinformation; stresses the continuous need to fight foreign propaganda and expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the EEAS Strategic Communication Task Force and calls for providing it with the necessary financial and personnel resources;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the importance of public diplomacy and strategic communication as an integral aspect of the Union's external relations and an instrument to communicate its values and interests and to enhance the Union’s visibility; calls on the EEAS to continue its efforts to modernise its approaches and invest in new skills and capabilities; reiterates the importance of promoting rule of law, fundamental freedoms and values that the EU is based on.
Amendment 27 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the leading role of EU delegations in third countries with respect to the conduct of EU's foreign policy goals; calls on EU delegations to continue their coordinated efforts to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects.
Amendment 29 #
2021/2115(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the EEAS to strengthen the role of the EU delegations in third countries in order to reinforce their ability to debunk disinformation campaigns threatening democratic values orchestrated by foreign state actors; in light of the ongoing disinformation campaigns, calls for support to more active and effective communication policy on the European perspective for candidate and potential candidate countries and on EU values and democracy more general, aimed at both local and EU citizens.
Amendment 27 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the time is ripe to reform EU decision-making, making full and more effective use of the EU’s hard and soft power instruments, including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain EU foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law without further delay, while also ensuring that the EU’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine since 24 February 2022 is a blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, and seriously undermines European and global security and stability; whereas Russia's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of agression against Ukraine fundamentally changes the security landscape in Europe including through increasing instability in EU's Neighbourhood; whereas this new reality underlines the urgent need to prioritise EU's effectiveness of its foreign and security policy through increasing its ability to act to protect our values and interests;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the unprovoked and, unjustified and illegal military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine since 24 February 2022 is a blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, and seriously undermines European and global security and stability;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) adapt the structure of the EEAS to the new enlargement policies, hybrid threats and disinformation, the development of defence instruments and other emerging challenges; calls on strengthening the efforts to fight foreign interference in democratic processes in EU's partner countries, including through the spread of manipulative disinformation;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(j a) underlines the importance of cooperation with EU candidate and potential candidate countries in foreign affairs; reiterates its support to CFSP policy alignement during EU accession negotiations;
Amendment 223 #
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 ; notes the Parliament is actively involved in EU's foreign policy through its particular instruments; underlines the importance and unique nature of Parliament’s set of democratisation programmes, such as the ‘Jean Monnet Dialogue’, aimed at fostering and strengthening the work of parliaments; recalls that all EU institutions should participate and work together in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy, including through election observation, mediation and dialogue activities, conflict prevention, the Sakharov Prize award and network, and parliamentary diplomacy; _________________ 5 OJ C 298, 30.11.2002, p. 1.
Amendment 96 #
2021/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the situation in Russia is deteriorating dreadfully because of President Putin’s systemic repression of democratic forces such as when just two weeks after the arrest of Alexei Navalny Russian authorities detained more than 11 000 peaceful demonstrators, bringing the total number of Russians detained since January 2021 to more than 15 000, or such as including the network of regional campaign offices of Alexei Navalny in the list of "extremist and terrorist" organizations;
Amendment 308 #
2021/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the EU should continue its work on the containment of Russian hybrid threats including manipulative disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks and elections intervention with instruments able to eliminate Russian hybrid influences from the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 396 #
2021/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) the EU should increase its ability to prepare and adopt sanctions against the Russian authorities for their systemic repression of democratic forces, minorities, religious and LGBTI groups in Russia and to centralise EU decision- making by making the triggering of sanctions automatic in cases of corruption or violation of human rights, including by updating the EU global sanctions mechanism (EU Magnitsky Act) to address cases of corruption;
Amendment 447 #
2021/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) the EU should confront the Russian-language propaganda of President Putin’s regime and support the establishment of a Free Russia Television with 24/7 airtime as well as support already established free and independent media operating in Russia;
Amendment 502 #
2021/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) the EU should adopt an ambitious strategy to support the successful development of democracy and the rule of law in EaP countries, which would serve as a good example and would incentivise the Russian people to support democracy; accordingly, the EU should propose to EaP countries that have an association agreement with the EU a new momentum of European integration with a view to keeping their motivation for reforms;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that the EU's relationship with the US is built on common values and respect for international law; recalls that both political systems of the US and the EU are founded on democratic principles, rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for strengthened interparliamentary cooperation between Members of the European Parliament and Members of Congress in different thematic areas that could enable the exchange of best practices on global, but also on shared, domestic challenges, such as addressing economic and social inequality, protection of human rights and democratic standards, universal health coverage, legislative convergence on AI, responsibility of online platforms, combatting manipulative disinformation and a just transition towards climate neutrality;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the importance of visa reciprocity between the EU and the US and encourages both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution that would enable a visa-free regime for all EU citizens; underlines the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts in science, research and education;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Amendment 339 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the EU should engage more with the US in the Western Balkans and eastern Europe in order to build resilient, prosperous, democratic multi- ethnic societies there, capable of resisting the disruptive influence of both local and external authoritarian forces; in this regard, welcomes the renewed engagement of the United States in the Western Balkans; welcomes the constructive role the United States plays in supporting EU enlargement; underlines the EU’s leading role in the process of normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo;
Amendment 385 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for close cooperation to jointly address the range of threats emanating from the Russian Federation, such as the continued destabilisation of Ukraine and Georgia, and Russia’s continued threat to their respective territorial integrity, interferences in democratic processes in the EU and the US, hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns, while at the same pursuing selective cooperation in the areas of shared transatlantic interest, notably in the area of arms control;
Amendment 344 #
2021/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned by the assertive and, at times, aggressive diplomatic pressure from the Chinese authorities; underlines that EU institutions can in no way bow to pressure or censorship from Chinese channels; is concerned about undue pressure by Chinese officials on researchers and academics working on China across the EU;
Amendment 443 #
2021/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Considers it necessary to develop new industrial policies in areas such as microchips and semiconductor production, rare earth mining, cloud computing and telecoms technology in order to decrease EU’s reliance on Chinese supply chains and to develop a competitive and sovereign industrial strategy;
Amendment 471 #
2021/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Points to the need to strengthen the EU’s tools to defend itself, increase its capacity to protect its interests overseas, acquire greater influence in its direct neighbourhood and ensure that the Member States are united in their geopolitical approach towards China;
Amendment 474 #
2021/2037(INI)
35. Believes that the Conference on the Future of Europe should be used to give the VP/HRprovide a forum for debate on EU's external action; underlines the importance of discussing issues linked to improving and strengthening EU's CFSP, for instance through a stronger mandate for the VP/HR to act on behalf of the EU and take the necessary steps to; believes that the Conference on the Future of Europe should debate the possibility of introduceing qualitied majority voting in certain areas of foreign affairs, as well as tond the possibility of createing a European Defence Union;
Amendment 481 #
2021/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Expresses its concern about China's increasing influence in the candidate and potential candidate countries; calls for a strategic approach to counter Chinese actions through investments, loans and business activities in the Western Balkans; underlines the crucial importance of EU's increased political and economic engagement in the region, including through investments in the region’s infrastructure and economies;
Amendment 491 #
2021/2037(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls for defence cooperation among the Member States to be strengthened and for the Member States to invest in stronger cooperation with other like-minded democratic players such as Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. Whereas the existence of CBI/RBI schemes affects all Member States; whereas the operation of a CBI/RBI scheme by an individual Member State thusmay generates significant adverse externalities on other Member States; whereas those externalities warrant regulation by the Union;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. Whereas the operation of CBI schemes lead to the commodification of Union citizenship; whereas such commodification of rights is not compatible withviolates Union values, in particular equality;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. Whereas Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain currently operate RBI schemes with minimum investment levels ranging from EUR 60 000 (Latvia) to EUR 1 250 000 (the Netherlands); whereas attracting investment is a natural and vital method of maintaining well functioning economies of Member States, but as such should not pose legal and security risks to Union citizens;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. Whereas CBI/RBI schemes may pose a wide range of risks that include corruption, money laundering, security threats and tax avoidance; whereas those risks cannot be properly assessed because of a lack of transparency and are currently not sufficiently managed, resulting in weak vetting and a lack of due diligence with respect to applicants under CBI/RBI schemes in Member States; whereas all the resulting risks should be properly assessed, and transparency with regard to the implementation and consequences of the schemes should be increased;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. Whereas some CBI/RBI schemes tend to bare located in Member States that are particularly prone to risks related to financial secrecy, such as tax avoidance and money laundering, and corruption; whereas financial secrecy impedes the transparency of CBI/RBI schemes and disrupts trust among Member States;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital T a (new)
Recital T a (new)
Ta. Whereas in 2019 the Commission concluded that clear statistics on CBI/RBI applications received, accepted and rejected are missing or insufficient;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that schemes granting nationality or residence primarily on the basis of a financial investment (CBI/RBI schemes), also known as ‘golden passports’ or ‘golden visas’, are objectionable from an ethical and legal point of viewpose several serious legal and security risks for Union citizens;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the advantageous conditions and fast-track procedures set for investors under CBI/RBI schemes, when compared to the conditions and procedures for other third-country nationals wishing to obtain international protection, residence or citizenship, are discriminatory, lack fairness and could contribute to undermineing the integrity of the Union asylum and migration acquis;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the role of intermediaries in developing and promoting CBI/RBI schemes, as well as in preparing individual applications, often in the absence of transparency or accountability, represents a potential conflict of interest prone to abuse and therefore requires a strict and binding regulation offramework for such intermediaries, beyond mere self- regulation and codes of conduct; asks for the cessation of the services of intermediaries in case of CBI schemes;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Deplores the lack of comprehensive security checks, vetting procedures and due diligence in Member States that have CBI/RBI schemes in place; regrets thatcalls on the Member States dto not always consult the available Union databases and do noto exchange information on the outcome of such checks and procedures, allowing for in order to prevent successive applications for CBI/RBI schemes across the Union;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets that the Group of Experts on Investor Citizenship and Residence Schemes, composed of Member State representatives, has not agreed on a common set of security checks as it was mandated to do by the end of 2019; finds that that shows the limits of adopting an intergovernmental approach as regards the matter and underlines the need for Union action;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ICalls concerned that where continuous and effective physical residence is not enforced by Member States, the Member States to effectively enforce the necessary physical residence for third-country nationals couldwishing to obtain long-term residence status under the Long- Term Residence Directive without five years of continuous and legal residence, which is a requirement under that Directive;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that Union anti-money laundering law is a crucial element to counter the risks posed by CBI/RBI schemes; welcomes the fact that the Commission’s package of legislative proposals of 20 July 2021 on anti-money laundering and on countering the financing of terrorism addresses RBI schemes, most notably by promoting the inclusion of intermediaries on the list of obliged entities; considers, however, that gaps will still remain, such as the fact that public entities that process CBI/RBI applications will not be included on the list of obliged entities;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2026(INL)
17. Notes that a risk stems from third countries that have CBI schemes and that benefit from visa-free travel to the Union19 because third-country nationals can purchase citizenship of that third country with the sole purpose of being able to enter the Union without any additional screening; stresses that risks are exacerbated for Union candidate countries that have CBI/RBI schemes20 because the expected benefits of future Union membership may be a factor; in this regard, welcomes the decision of the Montenegrin government to discontinue its investor citizenship scheme and underlines the importance of phasing out the investor citizenship scheme in Montenegro fully and effectively as soon as possible; _________________ 19Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. 20Serbia, Albania, Turkey, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
Amendment 57 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that, as CBI/RBI schemes constitute free riding and produce severerious consequences for the Union and the Member States, a financial contribution to the Union budget iscould be warranted, also as a concrete expression of solidarity following from, inter alia, Article 80 TFEU; requests, therefore, that the Commission, in 2022, on the basis of Article 311 TFEU, submitasks the Commission to consider a proposal for the establishment of a new category of the Union’s own resources, consisting of a ‘CBI & RBI Adjustment Mmechanism’ that would place a levy of 50 % on the investments made in Member States as part of CBI/RBI schemes;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Considers that the contribution of the CBI/RBI schemes to the Member States’ real economy is limited and does not sufficiently add to job cCBI/RBI schemes should seek to bring greationer and growth because considerable amounts of investment are made directly into the real estate market or into fundsmeasurable added value to the Member States’ economy in terms of job creation, innovation and growth; considers that the large investments associated with CBI/RBI schemes could impact financial stability, particularly in small Member States where inflows could represent a large share of GDP or foreign investment21 ; requests that the Commission submit, in 2022, on the basis of Article 79(2) and Articles 80, 82, 87 and 114 TFEU, a proposal for an act that would include Union-level rules on investments under RBI schemes in order to strengthen their added value to the real economy and provide links to the priorities for the economic recovery of the Union; _________________ 21 EPRS EAVA Study, p. 36-39.
Amendment 63 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – introductory part
Paragraph 21 – introductory part
21. RequestAsks that the Commission submit, in 2022, on the basis of Article 79(2) and Articles 80, 82, 87 and 114 TFEU a proposal for an act that would comprehensively regulate various aspects of RBI schemes with the aim of harmonising standards and procedures and strengthening the fight against organised crime, money laundering, corruption and tax evasion, covering, inter alia, the following elements:
Amendment 66 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point a
Paragraph 21 – point a
(a) increased due diligence and rigorous background checks, including of the family members of applicants;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point b
Paragraph 21 – point b
(b) the regulation and limitation of the activities of intermediaries and, in the case of CBI schemes, the cessation of their services;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Requests that the Commission include in its proposal targeted revisions of existing Union legal acts that couldAsks the Commission to help to dissuade Member States from establishing harmful RBI schemes, such as further by strengthening legal acts in the field of anti-money laundering, and targeted changes toin the Long-Term Residence Directive;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Requests thatUrges the Commission exert as much pressure as possible to ensure that third countries that have CBI/RBI schemes in place and that benefit from visa free travel under Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 abolish their CBI schemes and reform their RBI schemes to bring them in line with Union law and standards and that the Commission submit, in 2022, on the basis of Article 77(2), point (a), TFEU, a proposal for an act that would amend Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 in that regard; requests that specific attention in that regard be paid to candidate countries and proposes that it be included in the accession criterianotes that under the revised Union enlargement methodology issues linked to CBI/RBI schemes are considered to be complex and dealt with across various negotiating clusters and chapters; underlines the importance of gradual and diligent alignment to Union law applicable to such schemes by candidate and potential candidate countries; stresses that continuous monitoring under the visa liberalisation process is key;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reminds the Commission President of ther repeated commitment to Parliament’s right of initiative and of her pledge to follow up on Parliament’s own-initiative legislative reports, contained in the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2019-2024; expects, therefore, the Commission to follow up on this resolution with concrete legislative proposals;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 88 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 1
Annex I – indent 1
— A Union-wide notification and quotamonitoring system for the maximum number of citizenships to be acquired under CBI schemes across the Member States should be established with the numbers to be gradually lowered each year, reaching zero in 2025, thereby leading to the complete phasing out of CBI schemes. Such a gradual phasing out will allow those Member States maintaining CBI schemes to find alternative means to attract investment and sustain their public finances. Such a phasing out is in line with the previous position of Parliament expressed in several resolutions and is necessary in light of the profound challenge that CBI schemes pose to the principle of sincere cooperation under the Treaties (Article 4(3) TEU).
Amendment 89 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – subheading 2
Annex I – subheading 2
Proposal 2: a comprehensive rlegulational framework covering all RBI schemes in the Union
Amendment 92 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 3
Annex I – indent 3
— To address the specificities and widespread occurrence of RBI schemes across the Member States, a dedicated Union legal framework in the form of a regulation is necessarys needed. Such a rlegulational framework will ensure Union harmonisationproper data and information collection on RBI schemes, limit the risks posed by RBI schemes and make RBI schemes subject to Union monitoring, thereby enhancing transparency and governance. The regulationat legal framework is also meant to discourage Member States from establishing harmful RBI schemes.
Amendment 93 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 4
Annex I – indent 4
— The rlegulational framework should contain Union-level standards and procedures for increased due diligence and rigorous background checks for applicants. A proposal for a regulation is more than warranted, especially in light of the fact that the Group of Experts on Investor Citizenship and Residence Schemes never made any progress as regards those elements. In particular, all applicants must be structurally crosschecked against all relevant national, Union (SIS, VIS, ECRIS-TCN, ETIAS) and international (Interpol) databases by the Member State authorities. There should also be an independent verification of documents submitted, a full background check of all police records and involvement in previous and current civil and criminal litigation, in- person interviews with the applicants and a thorough verification of how the applicant’s wealth was accumulated and its relation to the reported income.
Amendment 97 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – introductory part
Annex I – indent 6 – introductory part
— An important element of the rlegulational framework should be the regulation ofquirements for intermediaries. The following should be included:
Amendment 98 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point a
Annex I – indent 6 – point a
(a) a Union-level licensing procedure for intermediaries containing a thorough procedure with due diligence and auditing of the intermediary company, its owners and its related companies should be considered. The license should be subject to renewal every second year and be featured in a public Union register for intermediaries. Where intermediaries are involved in applications, Member States should only be allowed to process such applications when prepared by Union-licensed intermediaries. Applications for licensing should be made to the Commission, to be supported by the relevant Union agencies, in particular the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), in carrying out the checks and procedure.
Amendment 101 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point b
Annex I – indent 6 – point b
(b) specific rules for the activities of intermediaries. That should include detailed rules concerning the background checks, due diligence and security checks that the intermediaries are to carry out on applicants, including the obligation for them to contract independent third parties to verify those checks.
Amendment 102 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point c
Annex I – indent 6 – point c
Amendment 105 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point e
Annex I – indent 6 – point e
(e) anti-corruption measures to be adopted within the intermediary, including on appropriate staff remuneration, the two-person rule (that every step is checked by at leastand best due diligence practices two persons) and provisions for a second opinion when preparing applications and carrying out checks on applications, and a rotation of staff members across the countries of origin of applicants under RBI schemes.be followed by the intermediaries;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point f
Annex I – indent 6 – point f
(f) a banclear and transparent rules on combining the consultation of governments on the establishment and maintenance of RBI schemes with their involvement in the preparation of applications. Such a combination may creates a conflict of interest and provides the wrong incentives. Consequently, a baregulation on public affairs lobbying or consulting is required for intermediaries and for affiliated industry representation organisations. Furthermore, intermediaries should not be allowed themselves to implement RBI schemes for Member State authorities. Intermediaries should only be allowed to act as intermediaries in individual applications and only when being approached by individual applicants.
Amendment 109 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 6 – point g
Annex I – indent 6 – point g
(g) a monitoring, investigations and sanctions framework to ensure that intermediaries comply with the regulation. The Commission, Union agencies and Member State authorities should be able to conduct undercover investigations, posing as potential applicants. Sanctions should include fines of up to 25 % of revenue and should, where infringements are established twice, lead to the revocation of the Union licence to operatequirements.
Amendment 110 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 7
Annex I – indent 7
— A duty for Member States to report to the Commission regarding their RBI schemes should be introduced. The Member States should submit a detailed annual report to the Commission on the overall institutional and governance elements of their schemes. They should also report on individual applications and on rejections and approvals of applications. The Commission should carry out, in cooperation with Europol (including through its liaison officers in third countries) and Frontex, Union-level final checks of applications against the relevant Union and international databases and should also carry out further security and background checks. On that basis, the Commission should issue an opinion to the Member State. The competence to grant residence or not under RBI schemes should remain with the Member States. The Union-level final check will also help to highlight several unsuccessful applications by the same individualcompetence to grant residence or not under RBI schemes should remain with the Member States.
Amendment 114 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 8
Annex I – indent 8
— A system for prior notification to and consultation with all other Member States prior to granting residence under an RBI scheme should be set up. If a Member State does not object within 14 days, that will mean they have no objection to the granting of residence1 . That will allow Member States to detect double or subsequent applications and will allow Member States to conduct checks in national databases that might not be available at Union level. _________________ 1Similar to the system set out in Article 22 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) (OJ L 243, 15.9.2009, p. 1)to detect double or subsequent applications should be set up among Member States.
Amendment 116 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 9
Annex I – indent 9
— Member States should be required to effectively check physical residence on their territory and to keep a record of it, which the Commission and Union agencies can consult. That should include at least biannual in-person reporting appointments and on-site visits to the domicile of the individuals concerned.
Amendment 120 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 11
Annex I – indent 11
Amendment 125 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 13
Annex I – indent 13
— As all Member States and the Union institutions are confronted with the risks and costs of the CBI and RBI schemes operated by some Member States, a common mechanism to offset the negative consequences of CBI and RBI schemes, based on appropriate data and information, is justified. Moreover, the value of selling Member State citizenship or visas is inherently linked to the Union rights and freedoms that come with it. By establishing a CBI and RBI adjustment mechanism, the negative consequences borne by all Member States are compensated through thata fair contribution to the Union budget. It is a matter of solidarity between the Member States havoperating CBI and RBI schemes, and the other Member States and the Union institutions. In order for that mechanism to be effective, the levy payable to the Union should be set at a minimum of 50 % of the investment made.
Amendment 128 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 14
Annex I – indent 14
Amendment 138 #
2021/2026(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – indent 20
Annex I – indent 20
— For candidate and potential candidate countries, their complete phase- out of CBI schemes and their strict regulation of RBI schemes should be a prominentn integral part of the accession criterianegotiations.
Amendment 5 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s first ever Rule of Law Report as a positive addition to the EU’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in Member States; underlines that it is necessary to strengthen and streamline existing mechanisms and develop an effective mechanism to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the Treaties are upheld throughout the Union;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s first ever Rule of Law Report as a positive addition to the EU’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in Member States, while considering that further improvements are needed;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26
Citation 26
— having regard to the report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights of 17 January 2018 entitled ‘Challenges facing civil society organisations working on human rights in the EU’, and to its other reports and data, published on 17 January 2018, the bulletins on the fundamental rights implications of the Coronavirus pandemic in the EU, published in 2020, and to the Agency’s other reports, data and tools, in particular the European Union Fundamental Rights Information System (EFRIS),
Amendment 12 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the Commission’s report iwas a response to the Council’s failure to trigger the procedure under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as requested by the Commission in 2017 and Parliament in 2018; regrets that the Council has failed to resume hearings under Article 7 of the TEU since December 2019; notes that the failure to apply Article 7 of the TEU, also due to the requirement of unanimity for the sanctions mechanism, enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in Article 2 of the TEUcommitment made by President Von Der Leyen in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 Commission, ahead of her election;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Regrets the Council’s failure to move further the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU, as requested by the Commission in 2017 and the Parliament in 2018; underlines, in the strongest terms, that only qualified majority is required to determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2; regrets that the Council has failed to resume hearings under Article 7 TEU since December 2019; notes with concern that the failure to progress in Article 7 TEU procedure enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in Article 2TEU; urges the Portuguese presidency of the Council to take the appropriate steps in order to move further the procedure under Article7(1) TEU;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that the report fails to fully address all Union values set out in Article 2 of the TEU, such as democracy and fundamental rightsConsiders the scope of the report can be broadened and fine-tuned as requested by the EP; reiterates the need to have a single monitoring system for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as proposed by Parliament1 ; calls again on the Council and the Commission to engage in discussions to set up such a mechanism via an interinstitutional agreement; _________________ 1European Parliament resolution of 7 October 2020 on the establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0251).
Amendment 22 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 50 a (new)
Citation 50 a (new)
— having regard to the report of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights of 10 September 2020 on Antisemitism: Overview of antisemitic incidents recorded in the European Union;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the methodology of the report, which focuses on four pillars: independence of the judiciary, the anti- corruption framework, media pluralism, and checks and balances; invites the Commission to in the next editions broaden the scope of the report, or at least of its first pillar and to include in the next editions an assessment of how the right to a fair trial is guaranteed in Member States, with particular attention paid to the right of defence, andthe equality between prosecution and defence parties and the length of trials; believes that the report should go beyond monitoring and include preventive and corrective elements with a clear outline of enforcement measures;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to use all tools at its disposal to counter violations of EU values, such as infringement procedures, including expedited procedures, actions to ensure compliance with the judgments of the Court of Justice and applications for interim measures before the Court; welcomes the new rule of law conditionality mechanism and asks that it be fully enforced with regard to all EU funds, including Next Generation EU; reiterates it has entered into force and is binding in its entirety for all commitment appropriations and payment appropriations in all Member States and for the EU institutions; underlines the importance of the direct applicability of the Regulation since 1 January 2021, particularly in the context of the disbursement of the Next Generation EU funds which will occur early in the budget cycle;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas according to the 2021 World Press Freedom Index the worrisome developments aimed at stifling free speech and press freedom set a bad example within the EU and EU accession candidates;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Amendment 52 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas the threats to media freedom include harassment and attacks aimed at journalists, disregard of journalists' legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
F d. whereas it is necessary to strengthen and streamline existing mechanisms and develop an effective mechanism to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the Treaties are upheld throughout the Union;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a deleterious impact on fundamental rights as well as on constitutional checks and balances; insists that any measures restricting the rights and freedoms of EU citizens should be transparent, proportional and temporary; calls on the Commission to furthercontinue analyseing measures taken in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic in its 2021 report.
Amendment 61 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; strongly condemns threats to media freedom, including harassment and attacks aimed at journalists, the disregard of their legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector; notes that several Member States’ position in international press freedom rankings have declined;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that roles and prerogatives of respective institutions within the available procedures must be respected;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for a more integrated analysis on the interlinkages between the four pillars included in the report and of how combined deficiencies may amount to systemic breaches of the rule of law; calls on the Commission to propose EU Anti- SLAPP legislation to protect journalists from vexatious lawsuits;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the annual reports should identify cross-cutting trends at Union level; believes that a Union-wide perspective is absent from the 2020 report; asks the Commission to identify instances where certain practices undermining the rule of law are becoming blueprints for others or when the gravity and scope of such practices have the potential to affect the Union as a whole; calls on the Commission to clearly illustrate systematic disinformation and foreign interference campaigns with the aim of undermining public trust in state institutions and independent media, while pushing Member States towards authoritarian-style governance structures;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Decries the fact that the initiation of preliminary ruling proceedings before the Court of Justice of the EU has been declared unlawful in Member States subject to Article 7political pressure in Member States subject to Article 7 of the TEU to prevent the initiation of preliminary ruling proceedings by national courts before the Court of Justice of the TEU; is appalled by the growing resistance of some Member States to comply with CJEU rulings on the grounds of sovereignty or unconstitutionality; believes that these developments pose a systemic threat to the Unionunity of EU law and to the functioning of the Union as such; considers, therefore, that forthcoming annual reports should consider challenges to the Union’s legal architecture and principles as serious violations in the assessment; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the rulings of national courts regarding the primacy of EU law over national constitutional norms; urges the Commission to ensure immediate and adequate responses to refusals to implement and respect CJEU judgements, such as court actions following Article 260 TFEU;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Is concerned by the rise of illiberal tendencies as well as corruption; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the Union’s legal order, the functioning of its single market, the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the inclusion in the report of a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism; urges the Commission to provide an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the national frameworks for the protection of media freedom and media pluralism; calls on the Commission to put a specific focus on murder cases of journalists with a particular focus on the effective subsequent criminal investigations and proceedings;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Deplores the lack of assessment as regards the public and private media sector at national level and its degree of independence from government or any other interference and an assessment of transparency of media ownership; believes that proper implementation of Article 30 of the 2018 Audiovisual Media Services Directive19 should be closely monitored; calls in this regard on the Commission to examine attempts of intimidation and defamation of journalists, in particular by public service broadcasters; in this context, highlights the trend that increasingly also foreign journalists are directly attacked as public enemies for their investigative reports; _________________ 19 OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 69.
Amendment 166 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is alarmed by the growing deterioration of media freedom and media pluralism in some Member States since the publication of the 2020 report; observes with concern that challenges to media freedom are interlinked with the undermining of the freedom of expression, artistic freedom and academic freedom; recalls in this regard physical, psychological and economic threats directed towards journalists that have so far resulted in the murder of investigative journalists; calls, therefore, for this pillar to be expanded to all aspects of freedom of expression and for the title of the pillar to be adapted accordingly;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence and freedom from political interference; highlights the need to ensure financial independence and conditions for sustainable activity by private media operators to avoid political capture of the media;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Recalls the importance of independent national human rights institutions and national ombudsman bodies, in full compliance with the Paris Principles, as well as equality bodies, in preserving citizens' rights and being able to defend the rule of law at national, regional and local level;
Amendment 205 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Commission to include country chapters of all candidate and potential candidate countries to EU enlargement with an in-depth analysis on their justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, on media freedom and pluralism, as well as on institutional checks and balances;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to present annual reports on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, including equality and rights of persons belonging to minorities, as part of the Union’s annual reporting mechanism;
Amendment 225 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the Commission’s announcement of its strategy to strengthen the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; believes that such an annual review should provide input for a comprehensive mPoints out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments to avoid duplication, in particular the Commission’s annual rule of law report, the Commission’s Rule of Law Framework, the Commission’s annual reporting on the application of the Charter, the Council’s Rule of Law Dialogue and the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools, including procedures under Article 7 TEU, infringement proceedings and budgetary conditoring mechanism and that its methodology, cycle and scope should therefore be aligned wiionality once in force; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the Annual Monitoring Cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering Article 7 TEU and of budgetary conditionality once in force; stresses that the roles and prerogatives of each of the the annual reportsree institutions must be respected;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regular, inclusive and structured dialogue with governments and national parliaments, NGOs, professional associations and other stakeholders; notes that three24 Member States refused totransparently makde public their submissions for the 2020 report; calls for full transparency in the process and for all submissions to be made public;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Calls on the Commission to invite the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to provide methodological advice and conduct targeted comparative research to fill gaps and add detail in key areas of the rule of law report in addition to the contributions the Agency already makes in terms of, for instance, using EFRIS and data on civic space;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Reiterates that the annual report should serve as a basis for deciding whether to activate the procedure provided for in Article 7 of the TEU, whether to activate the Rule of Law Framework or whether to launch infringement procedures, including expedited procedures, applications for interim measures before the Court of Justice and actions regarding non-implementation of CJEU judgments concerning the protection of Union values; considers that the Conference on the future of Europe could further clarify in Treaty provisions the well-established legal principle on the primacy of EU law;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls for the Commission to use the findings of the annual report in its assessment thatReiterates its positions as laid down in its resolution of 17 December 2020; stresses that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation has entered into force and is binding in its entirety for all commitment appropriations and payment appropriations in all Member States and forms the basis of the mechanism to protect the budget against breaches of the principle of the rule of law; reiterates its call on the Commission to dedicate a specific section of the annual report toEU institutions; underlines the importance of the direct applicability of the Regulation since 1 January 2021, particularly in the context of the disbursement of the NextGenerationEU funds which will occur early in the budget cycle; recalls that the Commission ‘shall be completely independent’, and its members ‘shall neither seek nor take instructions from any Government’ in accordance with Article 17(3) of the TEU and Article 245 of the TFEU; recalls further that in accordance with Article 17(8) of the TEU, the Commission ‘shall be responsible to the European Parliament’; asks the Commission to include in its annual Rule of Law Report a dedicated section with an analysis of cases where breaches of the principles of the rule of law in a particular Member State could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget in a sufficiently direct way;
Amendment 291 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Calls on the Commission to launch a dedicated programme that supports innovative initiatives with the aim of promoting formal and informal education with regard to the rule of law and democratic institutions among EU citizens of all ages, in particular at local and regional level;
Amendment 294 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10 a (new)
Subheading 10 a (new)
Calls on the Council and the Commission to provide adequate funding for an independent and European-wide, national, regional and local quality journalism that investigates in particular where violations and shortcomings have been identified;
Amendment 298 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to assess in successive reports how the issues identified in the areas analysed in previous reports have evolved, clearly outlining positive and negative trends;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission to make clear in its annual Rule of Law Reports that not all rule of law shortcomings and violations are of the same nature and/or intensity and that when the values listed in Article 2 of the TEU are violated gravely, permanently and systematically, the authoritarian-style governance structures and elements of a given Member States should be clease being democraciesrly denoted as such;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas effectively fighting organised crime is part of the EU accession process, notably in the fundamentals cluster and in the negotiating Chapter 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that depriving countries of the Western Balkans of a European perspective is worsening rather than improvingby fostering the EU integration process, the situation aswith regards to fighting organised crime, and underlines that only by fostering the EU integration process can it be in the Western Balkans region can improved;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines the importance of cooperation and intelligence sharing with international partners like the Unites States, Canada, the United Kingdom and international organisations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption, NATO and the UNODC;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that the Western Balkan countries serve as a transit corridor for migrants and refugees and that the large population movements in recent years have posed an enormous challenge to the region in fighting the smuggling of migrants; calls for greater exchange of information and enhanced coordination between countries of the Western Balkans, and encourages the EU and its Member States to provide more assistance in addressing these issues through, inter alia, the Joint Operational Office and the Operational Platform – Eastern Mediterranean Route while taking into account the specificity and the needs of the Western Balkan Route;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes the increase in organised cyber-criminal activities; welcomes the efforts of the Western Balkan countries to expand their capacity to fight cybercrime and the increase in prosecutions for cybercrime; calls for the EU to promote greater cooperation with the Western Balkan countries on tackling online threats; in this respect, underlines the importance of fighting manipulative disinformation in close cooperation with European partners;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Takes note of the specialised country reports issued by Council of Europe's Group of European States against Corruption (GRECO); underlines the importance of the EU accession countries to enhance cooperation with GRECO and to thoroughly implement their specific recommendations;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Notes the conclusion of the agreement on border management cooperation between Serbia and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) which allows Frontex to assist Serbia in border management and carry out joint operations; notes that Serbia has played an active, cooperative and constructive role in EU external border management;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Notes the entry into force of the agreement on border management cooperation between Montenegro and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), which allows Frontex to assist Montenegro in border management, carrying out joint operations and tackling cross-border crime at the country’s sea borders; welcomes Montenegro's constructive and cooperative role in this process;
Amendment 146 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Underlines the importance of democratic capacity-building in the Western Balkan region, including, inter alia, through specialised programs and pilot projects aimed at strengthening participative democracy and discussing issues linked to fighting organised crime and corruption;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Amendment 17 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The modern interconnected world economy creates an increased risk of, and opportunity for, economic coercion, as it provides countries, especially non- democratic regimes, with enhanced, including hybrid, direct or indirect, means to deploy such coercion. It is desirable that the Union contribute to the creation, development and clarification of international frameworks for the prevention and elimination of situations of economic coercion.
Amendment 19 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) Non-democratic regimes, such as the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China or the Islamic Republic of Iran, continue to undermine the international rules-based order, threaten the Union's and the Member States' democratic governance and security, and degrade our economic competitiveness.
Amendment 22 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Whilst always acting within the framework of international law, it is essential that the Union possess an appropriate instrument to deter and counteract economic coercion by third countries in order to safeguard its rights and interests and those of its Member States. This is particularly the case where third countries take measures affecting trade or investment that interfere in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State by seeking, including its governmental and judicial actions and decisions, by seeking, directly or indirectly, to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State. Such measures affecting trade or investment may include not only actions taken on, and having effects within, the territory of the third country, but also actions taken by the third country, including through entities controlled or directed by the third country and present in the Union, that cause harm to economic activities in the Union.
Amendment 23 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) The economic coercion by the People's Republic of China against Lithuania, a Member State of the Union, undermines the basic principles of the Union's Single Market and requires joint response.
Amendment 24 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) The People's Republic of China's economic coercion against Union candidate and potential candidate countries undermines the Union's enlargement policies and the success of democratic and economic reforms in countries aspiring to become Member States of the Union. China's investments and loans in the Western Balkan countries, especially the 1 billion euro loan taken by the Montenegrin government for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway, increase the countries' vulnerability to foreign interference and place a burden on their public finances.
Amendment 25 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The objectives of this Regulation, in particular counteracting third countries’ economic coercion of the Union or a Member State, cannot be sufficiently achieved by Member States acting on their own. This is because Member States as distinct actors under international law may not be entitled under international law to respond to economic coercion directed against the Union. Additionally, because of the exclusive competence conferred on the Union by Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are prevented from taking common commercial policy measures as a response to economic coercion. Therefore, those objectives can bare achieved with greater effectiveness at Union level, and in the spirit of unity and solidarity.
Amendment 30 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Commission should examine whether third-country measures are coercive, on its own initiative or following information received from any source, including legal and natural persons or a Member State. Following this examination, the Commission should determine in a decision whether the third-country measure is coercive. The Commission should communicate any affirmative determination to the third country concerned, together with a request that the economic coercion cease within a period of no more than 90 days and a request, where appropriate, that any injury be repaired.
Amendment 32 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Union should support and cooperate with third countries affected by the same or similar measures of economic coercion or other interested third countries, in particular, like minded democratic partners. The Union should participate in international coordination in bilateral, plurilateral or multilateral fora that are geared towards the prevention or elimination of the economic coercion.
Amendment 34 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The Union should only impose countermeasures when other means such as negotiations, mediation or adjudication do not lead to the prompt and effective cessation of the economic coercion and to reparation of the injury it has caused to the Union or its Member States, and where action is necessary to protect the interests and rights of the Union and its Member States and it is in the Union’s interest. It is appropriate that the Regulation sets out the applicable rules and procedures for the imposition and application of Union response measures and permits expeditious action where necessary to preserve the effectiveness of any Union response measures.
Amendment 35 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Union response measures adopted in accordance with this Regulation should be selected and designed on the basis of objective criteria, including: the effectiveness of the measures in inducing the cessation of coercion by the third country; their potential to provide relief to economic operators within the Union affected by the third-country measures of economic coercion; the aim of avoiding or minimising negative economic and other effects on the Union; and the avoidance of disproportionate administrative complexity and costs; and strategic communication of Union's actions to ensure that they are not misrepresented or manipulated by third country through misinformation, disinformation or propaganda. It is also essential that the selection and design of Union response measures take account of the Union’s interest. Union response measures should be selected from a wide array of options in order to allow the adoption of the most suitable measures in any given case.
Amendment 39 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) It is important to ensure an effective and regular communication and exchange of views and information between the Commission on the one hand and the European Parliament and the Council on the other, in particular on efforts to engage with the third country concerned to explore options with a view to obtaining the cessation of the economic coercion and on matters that may lead to the adoption of Union response measures under this Regulation.
Amendment 49 #
2021/0406(COD)
— interferes in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State, including its governmental and judicial actions and decisions, by seeking to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State
Amendment 50 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
— by applying or threatening to apply measures affectingundermining the economic security, trade or, investment. or competitiveness
Amendment 52 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
- circumvents or assists another third country to circumvent restrictive measures imposed by the Union
Amendment 55 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) whether the third country is engaging in a pattern of interference seeking to obtain from the Union or from Member States or other countries particular acts, or to hinder the Union's or the Member States' capacity to act;
Amendment 56 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) the broader context, including, whether the third country's coercive measures are part of a wider pattern of behaviour that undermine the Union or Member States' interests, security, or capacity to act;
Amendment 62 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission mayshall examine any measure of a third country in order to determine whether it meets the conditions set out in Article 2(1). The Commission shall act expeditiously.
Amendment 64 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall use the Single Entry Point to allow all Union stakeholders to submit information concerning measures taken by a third country.
Amendment 67 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union or through other suitable public communication means with an invitation to submit information within a specified time limit. In that event, the Commission shall notify the third country concerned of the initiation of the examination.
Amendment 74 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
The Commission shall keep the European Parliament and the Council regularly informed of relevant developments.
Amendment 77 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall enter into consultations or cooperation, on behalf of the Union, with any other country affected by the same or similar measures of economic coercion or with any interested third country, with a view to obtaining the cessation of the coercion. This mayshould involve, where appropriate, coordination in relevant international fora and coordination with like-minded democratic partners in response to the coercion.
Amendment 81 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) action is necessary to protect the security, interests and rights of the Union and its Member States in that particular case, and
Amendment 85 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, upon adoption of the implementing act, notify the third country concerned of the Union response measures adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. In the notification, the Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, call on the third country concerned to promptly cease the economic coercion, offer to negotiate a solution, and inform the third country concerned that the Union response measure will apply, unless the economic coercion ceases within a period of up to no more than 90 days.
Amendment 91 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Any Union response measure shall not exceed the level that is commensurate with the injury suffered by the Union or a Member State due to the third country’s measures of economic coercion, taking into account the gravity of the third country’s measures and the rights in question, as well as the impact of the measures on the Union or a Member State.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall keep under review the measures of economic coercion deployed by a third country that have triggered the Union response measures, the effectiveness of the Union response measures adopted and their effects on the Union’s interests and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council regularly informed thereof.
Amendment 11 #
2020/2272(ACI)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that, in line with the political statement, the institutions commit to a coordinated approach on reinforcing the common transparency culture with the view to improving and further strengthening ethical interest representation; highlights their obligation under the Agreement, and in accordance with Article 13(2) TEU, to practise mutual sincere cooperation when developing the scheme and that the institutions should therefore aim for the highest level of commitment; insistreminds that the measures referred to in the Aagreement represent athe minimum for which should be expanded further; there is political support given the existing constitutional and legal limitations;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2272(ACI)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the commitments made by Parliament in the negotiation process on conditionality and complementary transparency measures; considers that the modification of Rules 11 and 35 of its Rules of Procedure have provided a strong impetuscommitment in that regard; welcomes the fact that the Agreement preserves the constitutional right of the Members to exercise their mandate freely;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2272(ACI)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is of the opinion that the implementation of the conditionality measures and other complementary transparency measures through individual decisions is not only a way to respect the respective internal organisational powers of the three signatory institutions but that it offers also an opportunity to increase the level of commitment of the respective institutions with regard to the scheme throughout the implementation period; welcomes in that regard the fact that the annual report has been expanded to cover the implementation of such measures adopted by the signatory institutions;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2272(ACI)
Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Committee on Constitutional Affairs to consider, Underlines the importance of political ownership guaranteeing the pbrocess of revision of the EP Rules of Procedure, further transparency measures which should be introduced in order to enhance Parliaad consensus necessary to go beyond the current proposals, especially in view of the formal requirement’s commitment to the joint schemthat apply to any revision of the Rules of Procedure;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2262(INI)
1 a. Underlines the importance of using fully the existing instruments for strengthening the role of national parliaments in the Union structures, such as the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments, the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs (COSAC) and other joint parliamentary and joint committee meetings; recalls that the Treaties foresee a role for inter-parliamentary cooperation and gives national parliaments responsibility in scrutinizing legislative and non-legislative initiatives;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the Commission’s commitment to providing, in future, for aggregated answers where at least four parliaments have issued reasoned opinions and to allowing for flexibility on the eight- week deadline by which national parliaments must submit their opinions; notes that the implementation of the right for national parliaments to scrutinise compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, on the basis of the so-called early warning system (EWS), has partially improved relations between the EU institutions and national parliaments;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Suggests that the introduction of a ‘red card’ instrument, enabling a legislative proposal from the Commission to be withdrawn if 55 % of national parliaments raise an objection, should be discussed at the Conference on the Future of EuropeConference on the Future of Europe should discuss legislative proposals pertaining to strengthening the cooperation between national parliaments and the Commission on legislative proposals; notes that any possible new instruments must be reflective of the principle of subsidiarity while recognising exclusive Union competences;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the involvement of regional parliaments with legislative powers, which under Article 6 of Protocol No 2 to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union can be consulted by national parliaments, and supports their systematic consultation on major initiatives;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its support to national parliaments in providing joint own- initiative opinions, such as those provided by the Visegrád Group countries on the future of the subsidiarity principle and parliamentary cooperation;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2262(INI)
8. Believes that the REFIT platform should be expanded to widen its focus from regulatory burdens to matters of subsidiarity and proportionality; warns against the rigid application by the Commission ofelcomes the Commission's commitment to introduce a ‘'one in, one out’' principle in the implementation of better law-making processes., but recalls that this merely maintains the status-quo in legislation, and stresses the need for Member States to avoid gold- plating as a first step towards stemming the tide of new regulation;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the transatlantic community is faced with a broad array of unprecedented common challenges, ranging from the fight against terrorism to hybrid threats, challenges to rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms, climate change, manipulative disinformation, cyber attacks, emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), and a shifting global power balance, as well as the resulting challenge to the international rules-based order;
Amendment 199 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the importance of close transatlantic cooperation in the areas of arms control, disarmament and non- proliferation; furthermore, sees potential for further transatlantic cooperation on a range of international issues, such as safeguarding international borders, territorial integrity, maritime security, pandemic response and in the areas of outer space and the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 223 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the fact that three Western Balkan countries in the EU accession process, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia, are NATO member states;
Amendment 227 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Reiterates its support to both EU and NATO Enlargement;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Expresses its utmost concern regarding the continuous revisionist policies pursued by Russia under President Putin; underlines the importance of respecting international borders and territorial integrity of Russia’s neighbours; underscores the need for both NATO and the EU to remain vigilant and to adequately respond to acts of aggression and provocation by Russia, such as, in particular, its illegitimate and illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014; regrets President Putin’s evident rejection of dialogue, and considers Russia’s continued aggressive actions as a threat to Euro- Atlantic security and stability;
Amendment 249 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders;
Amendment 250 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Expresses deep concern over the continued attacks and acts of hostility in EU and NATO member states by Russian intelligence services;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Expresses deep concern over attacks with the involvement of Russian GRU intelligence services in the 2014 explosion of an arms depot in Vrbětice in the Czech Republic;
Amendment 254 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Regrets previous excessive actions of the Russian Federation in the Sea of Azov and the militarization of both the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; underlines the importance of respecting international maritime law;
Amendment 452 #
2020/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. URecalls that both EU and NATO are build around democratic principles, respect for rule of law and fundamental freedoms; underlines that the transatlantic partnership not only needs strong militaries but also strong, democratic and resilient societies; emphasises the mutually reinforcing link between strong democratic foundations and a strong transatlantic partnership, which only together can ensure the longevity of our democracies; supports the idea put forward by the Biden administration for a global summit of democracies; calls for increased efforts to encourage the participation of young people in our democratic processes;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the reform of the European Parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the European elections and the democratic legitimacy of the Union decision-making process, reinforce the concept of citizenship of the Union, improve the functioning of the European Parliament and the governance of the Union, make the work of the European Parliament more legitimate, strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities, enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting European elections, and bring Members of the European Parliament closer to their voters, and in particular the youngest amongst them;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 203 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 217 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Suggests including common provisions governing expenditure linked to the European electoral campaign for each entity admitted for the purpose of tabling a list of candidates for members of the European Parliament in the Union-wide constituency; calls for strong coordination with the upcoming revision of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/20214 on this matter;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution –Recital 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution –Recital 5
(5) Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) gives the European Parliament the right to elect the President of the European Commission. In order to give that right its appropriate expression, the European public sphere should be developed in such a way that all European voters are allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the President of the European Commission. For this to happen, the lead candidates nominated by a European political party, by a movement or by a coalition of European parties, need to be able to stand behind a common electoral programme in all Member States. Likewise, a Union-wide constituency, in which lists are headed by each political family’s should nominate a candidate for President of the Commission, should be created, in order to enhance the democratic and pan- European dimension of the European elections. That Union-wide constituency should be subject to clear rules ensuring gender and demographic proportionality, with particular attention to small and medium sized Member States.
Amendment 286 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 6
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 6
(6) According to Article 10(4) of the TEU, political parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union. European political parties and movements should therefore play a more central role in the European elections’ process, including by giving them the possibility of tabling pan- European lists in the Union-wide constituency, so that they become known by and more visible to electors, both on ballot papers and in campaign materials and publications.
Amendment 304 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 9
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Recital 9
(9) A European Electoral Authority should be established for the management of the Union-wide constituency. Such a European Electoral Authority would be essential for coordinating information on the European elections and monitoring the implementation of the common standards of the European electoral law, by ensuring an efficient exchange of information and best practices between national bodies. In addition.
Amendment 354 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 5
Amendment 373 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 8
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 2 – point 8
Amendment 395 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 4
Every European Union citizen from 18 years of age shall have the right to vote and to stand as a candidate for election to the European Parliament, in both the national and in the Union-wide constituency, without prejudice to those Member States that, at the date of the entry into force of this Regulation, have set the minimum age that is lower than 18 for eligibility to vote and for eligibility to stand as a candidate.
Amendment 444 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Members of the European Parliament shall be elected as representatives of the citizens of the Union on the basis of proportional representation, in each Member State and in the Union- wide constituency.
Amendment 452 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 12 – paragraph 4
Amendment 468 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 14 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 14 – paragraph 1
In accordance with its specific national situation and without prejudice to Article 15, each Member State may establish single constituencies for elections to the European Parliament or subdivide its electoral area in a different manner, without generally affecting the proportional nature of the voting system.
Amendment 475 #
Amendment 548 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – title
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – title
Amendment 552 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. Each European electoral entity permitted by the European Electoral Authority to table a list of candidates for members of the European Parliament in the Union-wide constituency shall appoint a general electoral administrator responsible for drawing up a general accounting plan for the income and expenses of the electoral campaign.
Amendment 563 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
An initial amount of EUR 0,50 shall be allocated for each vote obtained by the Union-wide constituency in the previous election to the European Parliament to those European electoral entities that have obtained at least one seat in the election. Every five years, the Commission shall adjust that initial amount in line with the average of inflation,.
Amendment 579 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 10
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 10
Amendment 582 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 11
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 16 – paragraph 11
Amendment 601 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 17 – paragraph 4
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 17 – paragraph 4
Amendment 641 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 – paragraph 5
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 – paragraph 5
Amendment 644 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 –paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 26 –paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 657 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 1
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. A European Electoral Authority is hereby established for the purpose of coordinating the exchange of information on the European elections across the EU, monitoring the implementation of this Regulation and supervising the exchange of information on citizens of the Union voting outside their home country, as well as conducting and monitoring the electoral process of the Union-wide constituency.
Amendment 661 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 666 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 27 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 719 #
2020/2220(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 30
Annex to the motion for a resolution – Article 30
For the purposes of the provisions of Article 16(4) second subparagraph, and as regards only the 2024 election to the European Parliament in the Union-wide constituency, the electoral financing in favour of European electoral entities shall be calculated on the basis of aggregating the total number of votes cast for the national political parties and national political movements affiliated to them in the 2019 election to the European Parliament. In the case of European coalitions of national political parties or movements, the electoral financing shall be calculated on the basis of the votes cast for each national political party or movement affiliated to the standing coalition in the 2019 election to the European Parliament.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas according to several Eurobarometer surveys, a large proportion of EU citizens are not satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU and tend to distrust the EU institutionsthe results of the 2019 European elections sent a positive signal that European citizens are taking an increasing interest in developments at EU level and that they believe that EU legislation has an impact on their daily lives; whereas in Civic Engagement Eurobarometer 20201a, voting in European elections was regarded by 55% of respondents as the most effective way of ensuring voices are heard by decision- makers at EU level; whereas, not only is this perception presenevertheless, according to several Eurobarometer surveys, a proportion of EU citizens are not sat EU level, but also at national level;isfied with the way democracy works in the EU; _________________ 1aFlash Eurobarometer (FL4023) en- report.pdf (europa.eu)
Amendment 4 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas overall turnout at the recent European Parliament elections was 50.6%, the highest turnout since the 1994 elections and a notable increase from 2014 where the turnout was 42.6%; whereas, although the turnout in 2019 was higher among all groups of the population, the increase was led by the younger generation, with large increases among people aged under 25 and aged 25–39; whereas despite the overall increase in turnout large differences remain between individual Member States;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the European Union is founded on the idea of representative democracy; whereas in a representative democracy accountability through elections is the key source of legitimacy; whereas such accountability does not exist for other means of citizen's participation;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the legal and political impact ofdemocratic elections to the European Parliament constitute the onlymain bottom-up instruments for citizens in the EU, whilst other means, namely the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), complaints to the European Ombudsman and petitions to Parliament, is rather minimal are important supplements for vibrant Parliamentarism;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas citizens of the EU and any natural or legal person residing in or with a registered office in a Member State have the right to submit petitions to the European Parliament under Article 24 TFEU and Article 227 TFEU whenever the matter affects them directly and falls within the EU fields of activity;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas most forms of participation are generally ubiased bytowards organised interest groups and notrarely used by individual citizens; whereas individual citizens are largely unaware of the existing participatory instruments;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the need to reflect on how the Union can become more democratic and effective; believes that a profound reform of the Union and possible changes to the Treaties, which would make the Union more effective, united, democratic, solidary, sovereign and resilifocused, capable, and accountable, are necessitated, whereas this includes improving the democratic responsiveness of EU institutions towards Parliament, are strengthened by directly engaging with citizensnd of Parliament itself towards the European electorate;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that the existing participatory instruments should be improved to make citizens’ participation more accessible; opines that, to facilitate public participation in wider political discourse and equip the public with the opportunity to influence political outcomes, with synergies in existing mechanisms, it is imperative that citizen engagement is structured in a way that creates realistic expectations and provides a benefit to strategic agenda of the Union by further legitimising policy; believes that this bottom-up participatory agenda should be capable of complementing, not substituting, representative democracy in the EU;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 67 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged the use of digital media and online conference systems, therefore sees further opportunities that digitalisation offers for civic engagement in times of crisis; points out that this has helped citizens to participate more quickly, widely and inclusively in decision-making; believes that the EU should promote new and innovative ways of citizen engagement, enabling the use of digital technology tools that facilitate multilingual dialogue with citizens;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Points out the New European Bauhaus initiative as a recent innovation to encourage and facilitate citizens’ participation; highlights that the initiative brings citizens, experts, businesses, and institutions together and facilitates conversations about making tomorrow’s living spaces more affordable and accessible;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 96 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights that civil society organisations, shouldtakeholders and other lobby groups already play a major role in participatory instruments; underlines the fact that, in order for such instruments to be successful, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) must be involved;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that the outcome of the participatory process must be clearly defined, so that it can be subject to a legally binding follow-up; proposes that participants should be provided with written feedback at the end of such exercises, since they ensure the accountability of the institutions and the credibility of such processes;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 120 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 124 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 142 #
2020/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses the need to permanently includeconsult citizens in the structural reforms of the EU by reforming the Convention method as provided for in Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union; proposes that this be discussed in the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2149(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need to communicate strategically, to fight foreign propaganda and to expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the EEAS Strategic Communication Task Force and calls for the broadening of its mandate, including in relation to state sponsored disinformation originating in China and in Russia, and providing it with further necessary financial and human resources; stresses that strategic communication must include fighting disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and in particular Article 50 and Article 8 thereof,
Amendment 3 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Declaration for the European Parliament plenary of 16 April 2019;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
— having regard to European Council Decision (EU) 2018/937 of 28 June 2018 establishing the composition of the European Parliament,
Amendment 5 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
— having regard to the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 10 December 2018, Andy Wightman and Others v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, case C- 621/18,
Amendment 6 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 c (new)
Citation 11 c (new)
Amendment 7 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 d (new)
Citation 11 d (new)
— having regard to the study commissioned by the European Parliament Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs, entitled ”Interpretation and implementation of Article 50 TEU – Legal and institutional assessment”, March 2021,
Amendment 8 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 e (new)
Citation 11 e (new)
— having regard to the Good Friday or Belfast Agreement of 10 April 1998 between the Government of the United Kingdom, the Government of Ireland and the other participants in the multi-party negotiations (the "Good Friday Agreement"),
Amendment 9 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. Whereas the objective of this report is to analyse the way in which the provisions of Article 50 of the TEU were interpreted and applied, and the way the procedure of withdrawal of the UK from the EU under that Article was organised and conducted, including the lessons drawn for EU law and the functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 10 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. Whereas the reflection on the implementation of Article 50 contributes to a better understanding of key components of the EU constitutional identity, the principles underpinning the European integration, the importance of the decision making autonomy and the right to regulate, to be taken into account in future treaty change;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT) is not directly applicable to the TEU as the EU is not a party to the Convention;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2136(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Reiterates the importance of parliamentary scrutiny at all stages of this process; underlines the importance of the European Parliament's crucial role in the withdrawal procedure; in this respect, notes the importance of full application of Article 218 (10) TFEU with regards to Parliament's prerogatives regarding the withdrawal, which states that the European Parliament must be informed at all stages of the procedure of negotiations between the Union and third countries; underlines that the Commission must keep Parliament informed on an equal footing with the Council;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas Article 50 of the TEU does not impose any formal requirements regarding the notification of the intention to leave the Union or its revocation, the extension of the period of two years set out under Article 50(3) of the TEU, and does not explicitly provide for the possibility of transitional arrangements,
Amendment 24 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas, in its judgment of 10 December 2018, in case C-621/18, the Court of Justice determined the conditions under which the withdrawing Member State may revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union,
Amendment 25 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas Article 50 of the TEU is not clear as regards the application of parts of Article 218 of the TFEU other than its paragraph 3,
Amendment 26 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas the application of Article 50 of the TEU underlines that EU membership is voluntary and that a Member State cannot be forced to stay or leave, whereas the decision to withdraw from the Union is made in line with the withdrawing state’s internal constitutional order;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Article 50 of the TEU confers on the Union institutions the exceptional horizontal competence to negotiate an agreement covering all matters necessary to arrange the withdrawal of a Member State;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas under the TEU, EU citizens are directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas Parliament is part of the decision-making procedure under Article 50 of the TEU and exercises general political control, as provided for in Article 14 of the TEU;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the withdrawal of the UK had an impact on the composition of the European Parliament as provided for in Article3(2) of European Council Decision (EU) 2018/937,
Amendment 45 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the Union institutions have undertaken all efforts not to politicise the process of withdrawal, but the withdrawal under Article 50 of the TEU is nevertheless inherently political as it stems from and is influenced by fundamental choices regarding membership of the EU and/or the relationship with the EU;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas after the entry into force of the Withdrawal Agreement the only legal path for a re-accession to the EU is on the basis of Article 49 of the TEU;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas Article 8 of the TEU emphasises the special relationship of the EU and its neighbouring countries;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
Recital I d (new)
Id. whereas, according to the European Parliament’s rules of procedure, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs is responsible for the institutional consequences of withdrawal from the Union;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
Amendment 51 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that the withdrawal of aone of its Member States has been an unprecedented and extremely critical process for the European Union;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that the historical importance for EU membership of the UK’s withdrawal did not and does not deviate the Union from its integration process, as the Article 50 provides guarantees to the EU legal order and protects fundamental goals of the European integration;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the provisions of Article 50 of the TEU and the way in which they were interpreted and implemented reflect and uphold the common values and the goals that are at the foundation of the Union, in particular freedom, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that Article 50 of the TEU has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union, thus confirming explicitly the voluntary nature of EU membership, and of ensuring the orderly withdrawal of the UK from the Union, while allowing for the subsequent building of an enhanced relationship between the EU and the UK as a third country;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 77 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the clear division of tasks among the institutions and the unprecedented inclusive and transparent approach adopted byof the Commission and its Chief Negotiator were paramount in maintaining coherence and unity within the EU and in promoting the EU’s priorities and interests in the negotiations, and safeguarding the integrity of the legal order of the Union;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Commends the main institutional actors for having safeguarded the unity among the 27 Member States as well as within and among the Union institutions respecting the nature of the withdrawal as a Union process;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Believes that the Union’s interest has prevailed thanks to strategic organisation and conditionality between the different stages of the procedure, in particular through the sequencing of the negotiations, and the conditions linked to the extension, to the transition period, as well to the start of the second phase of talks on a new and close partnership between the EU and the UK on the basis of substantial progress in the negotiations on citizens’ rights, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the financial settlement;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Appreciates that the chapter on citizens’ rights of the withdrawal arrangements was agreed rather early in the negotiations, and the initial version of the draft Withdrawal Agreement of 19 March 2018 contained an entirely agreed Part Two on citizens’ rights, including on the direct effect of its provisions, and on the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice on the relevant provisions on citizens’ rights;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Stresses that the Union has clearly identified from the outset as issues of the European Union as a whole the specific circumstances of the island of Ireland and the need to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement and mitigate the effects of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal on the Republic of Ireland;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7e. Considers that the time-limited transitional period with continued application of existing EU regulatory, budgetary, supervisory, judicial and enforcement instruments and structures following the withdrawal was in the interest of both parties and facilitated the negotiation of and bridging to the future relationship;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 f (new)
Paragraph 7 f (new)
Amendment 87 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes, nevertheless, that the withdrawal process was characterised by hesitancyvolatility, on the part of the UK, leading to protracted uncertainty from the outset, reflected in the time gap between the referendum and the withdrawal notification under Article 50 of the TEU, and until the end of the negotiations, due to; Considers that raising the spectre of a no-deal withdrawal amounted to brinkmanship and gravely endangered the prospects of an orderly withdrawal;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Is of the view that the provisions of Article 50 of the TEU on the notification and extension of the period under Article 50(3) of the TEU have been handled in a sufficiently flexible manner to respond to the political vacillations and inconsistencies of the successive UK governments, while preserving the integrity of the withdrawal process and upholding the legal order of the Union;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Recalls that the decision to withdraw is the sovereign right of a Member State and that the Union is obliged to acknowledge the intention of that state; reminds that Article 50 of the TEU does not specify and therefore places no constraints on the form of notification of the intention to withdraw; believes in this context that the conduct of a Member State not respecting EU law and/or expressing its intention to not apply the EU Treaties, not recognise the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and not respect its judgements are a clear rejection of the obligations linked to EU membership;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Points out that the withdrawal from the European Union is by nature a complex process, and that the political choices of the withdrawing Member State regarding its future relations with the Union can add to such complexity;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Amendment 102 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes, in this regard, that if an agreement is not reached, the withdrawal becomes effective two years after notification of the Council, in accordance with Article 50 (3) of the TEU; emphasises that there are no provisions in the Treaty to tackle a no-deal scenario;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Reiterates the importance of the work undertaken by the Commission and the Member States at all levels of public administration and in reaching out to citizens and private sectors, in terms of awareness raising and preparation, through the publication of a great number of specific stakeholder preparedness notices, and the timely adoption of unilateral and temporary contingency measures;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Amendment 105 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Notes that the Treaty does not specify any substantive requirements on the guidelines of the European Council under Article 50(2) of the TEU, or regarding the framework for the future relationship between the withdrawing Member State and the Union and its link with the withdrawal arrangements;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – introductory part
Paragraph 11 – introductory part
11. Considers that Article 50 of the TEU strikes a balance between ensuring a legally sound withdrawal process and safeguarding the political flexibility necessary for adaptation to the specific circumstances; believes, however, that, in the framework of a future reform of the Treaty, the opportunity of remedying some of the loopholes identified in Article 50 of the TEU could be assessed, with particular regard tocomplexity of the withdrawal process and the far-reaching nature of its consequences are disproportional in relation to the lack of detail of the provisions of Article 50 of the TEU, including on the following aspects:
Amendment 113 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 1
Paragraph 11 – indent 1
- delimited requirements for the extension of the period of two years set out under Article 50(3) of the TEU,
Amendment 117 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 11 – indent 1 a (new)
- the formal requirements of the notification of the intention to leave,
Amendment 120 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 2
Paragraph 11 – indent 2
- a legal basis and strict conditions forthe transitional arrangements,
Amendment 125 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 3
Paragraph 11 – indent 3
- explicit conditions for the revocation of the notification of the intention to leave,
Amendment 129 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 – indent 4
Paragraph 11 – indent 4
- clarification of the application of the provisions of Article 218 of the TFEU, notably on the role other than its paragraph 3, and in particular on the role of the European Parliament and of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the procedure;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes, furthermore,Regrets that the withdrawal of the UK from the Union entailed the departure of an entire community of EU citizens; believes that the withdrawal provisions of the Treaty should, as much as possible, ensure legal certainty for the vast number of EU citizens affected by the withdrawal, setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights obtained on the basis of EU law;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Amendment 144 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Emphasises that the European Parliament played a pivotal role in the entire process of the withdrawal, contributing actively with duly substantiated resolutions to the identification of strategies and to the protection of the interests and priorities of the EU and its citizens, since the run-up to the UK referendum on EU membership; recalls in this regard that the contribution of Parliament was structured mainly through the Brexit Steering Group (BSG), created by the Conference of Presidents on 6 April 2017, with the support and close involvement of Parliament’s committees and the Conference of Presidents;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses that the Parliament was mobilised as a whole and in unison in the monitoring of the process of withdrawal, both through its political bodies and through its committees, which were called to identify from early on the impact of the UK’s withdrawal on the policy areas and legislation in their respective fields of responsibility; reiterates the importance of the continuous involvement of the committees responsible for sectoral policies during the negotiations; commends the long and exhaustive preparatory work undertaken by the committees in gathering evidence, advice and expertise through hearings, workshops and studies on all issues related to the withdrawal or the future relationship between the EU and the UK;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Recalls that the European Parliament has engaged in active dialogue with citizens and organisations representing them, through auditions and meetings organised by parliamentary committees and the BSG, who have striven to give a voice to their concerns and expectations during the withdrawal process;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Reminds that according to Article 50 (4) of the TEU, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State cannot participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning the process of withdrawal, while the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) elected in the withdrawing Member State continue to be MEPs with all their rights and obligations intact until the withdrawal becomes effective;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Recalls the central role of the Union negotiator in liaising and creating remarkable unity between the Union’s institutions and the 27 Member States;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Recognises the unprecedented nature of inter-institutional cooperation and transparency in the implementation of the Article 50 of the TEU, including the working methods and structures involved in the negotiations, the information channels, the publication of negotiating documents and the participation in meetings, and in particular in Sherpa meetings and meetings of the General Affairs Council;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Acknowledges the relevance of the core principles proposed by the European Parliament and introduced by the European Council in its successive negotiation guidelines, and subsequently implemented in the negotiations: - Protecting citizens’ rights derived from their status as EU citizens; - Acting in the interest of the Union and preserving its constitutional integrity and the autonomy of its decision-making; - Safeguarding the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union; - Preserving the financial stability of the Union; - Defending the withdrawing state’s enjoyment of all the rights and fulfilment of all the obligations deriving from the Treaties, including the principle of sincere cooperation; - Defending the clear difference in status between Member States and non-member States, as a state having exited the Union cannot have the same rights and obligations as a Member State;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Continues to support fully the abovementioned principles;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 f (new)
Paragraph 14 f (new)
14f. Is of the opinion that the abovementioned principles reach beyond the context of Article 50 of the TEU, as they underpin European integration and have become key elements of the EU constitutional identity and EU legal order even though they are not part of the treaty;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 g (new)
Paragraph 14 g (new)
14g. Notes that in this respect, the Article 50 of TEU exit procedure has led both the EU and its Member States to reaffirm the Union’s constitutional identity;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 h (new)
Paragraph 14 h (new)
Amendment 158 #
2020/2136(INI)
15. Reiterates that, until a withdrawal agreement enters into force or, failing that, the two-year period mentioned in Article 50(3) of the TEU has elapsed, the withdrawing State remains a Member State, and enjoys all the rights and is under all the obligations deriving from the Treaties without exception, including the principle of sincere cooperation laid down in Article 4(3) of the TEU, as well as the obligation to hold elections to the European Parliament and to appoint its representatives in the institutions and bodies of the Union;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 175 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Emphasises in this regard that while the Article 50 process is concluded once the withdrawal from the EU becomes effective, the actual unwinding of EU membership and implementation of the withdrawal agreement is a long term process; Reaffirms in this context that Parliament will play its full role in the monitoring of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Amendment 180 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that Article 50 of the TEU addresses and allows to solves the procedural aspect of a Member State’s withdrawal, but does not solve the significant political and economic consequences and disruptive effects of the withdrawal of a Member State from the EU;
Amendment 182 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Amendment 184 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, and on its impact on the future of the EU; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the Union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; recalls in this context that the Union has embarked on an unprecedented process of reflection on its future in the framework on the Conference of the Future of Europe;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Believes that it is the responsibility and role of the Union and its Member States to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the EUserve the nature of the European integration through their commitment to the European values and principles, including loyal cooperation principle and to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the EU; regrets in this context the restraint and limited engagement of the European Parliament and its committees in the run-up to the UK referendum which did not allow to improve access of the European citizens of UK to the information on the functioning of the EU and implications of withdrawal process; calls on Member States to consistently provide wide- reaching information to EU citizens on the functioning of the European Union, its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the Conference on the Future of Europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the European Union and how it should evolve;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Articles 9 and 10, 15(3)3, 14, 15,16 and 17(3) thereof,
Amendment 2 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the special report 13/2019 of the European Court of Auditors on the ethical frameworks of the audited EU institutions
Amendment 5 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
— having regard to the recommendations of Transparency Intthe Organisation for Economic Co-Opernational and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe’´s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)various NGO´s,
Amendment 7 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the TEU stipulates that ‘the Union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens, who shall receive equal attention from its institutions, bodies and agencies’; whereas this implies that public decisions are taken in the interest of the common good and notthat conflicts of interests - which occur, according to the definancial power of individual actors; ition of the OECD "when an individual or a corporation (either private or governmental) is in a position to exploit his or their own profession or official capacity in some way for personal or corporate benefit" - should be avoided in the legislative process and whereas any definition of conflict of interest has a contextual and evolving nature and full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest, nor does it guarantee that public trust will be won or decreased;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Treaties have established a system of division of powers between the institutions of the Union that assigns to each institution its own role within the institutional structure of the Union and in the performance of the tasks entrusted to it;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the European Court of Auditors has stated in its special report 13/2019 1a on the ethical framework of the EU that Parliament, Council and Commission "have to a large extent adequate ethical frameworks in place for both staff and Members". _________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/SR19_13/SR_ethical_frameworks _EN.pdf
Amendment 18 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas nevertheless the enforcement of the ethical framework could be improved;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the shortcomings of the current EU ethics framework derive largely from the fact that it relies on a self-regulatory approach and lacks adequate human and financial resources and competences to verify informany further evolution of the EU ethics framework must have a clear legal basis while respecting the separation of powers as laid down in the Treationes;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 27 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, as a consequence, multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the EU institutions have harmed every incidence of unethical behaviour can endanger the trust which European citizens place in the EU institutions;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the current ethics standards frameworks appearse to be highly fragmented, with different rules in different institutions, creating a complex system which is difficult for both EU citizens and for those who have to respect the rules to understandailored according to the specificities of each European institutions;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas the balance of powers assigned to the institutions is a fundamental guarantee afforded by the Treaty to European citizens;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Meroni doctrine developed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) allows for the delegation of EU institutions’ competences to external bodies; under strict conditions; whereas according to the court any delegation of competences must be limited and can only relate to clearly defined executive powers, the use of which must be entirely subject to the supervision of the high authority and cannot concern discretionary powers involving any political judgement in order not to jeopardise the balance of powers between the institutions;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas, following the preceding considerations, the legal margin for overarching rules applied to individual institutions with a common application is very narrow;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
Amendment 43 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. Underlines that all EU institutions have to meet the highest standards of independence and impartiality while stressing each institution´s right of organisational sovereignty;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. Recalls that Members of Parliament´s freedom of the mandate is in the interest of the citizens they represent;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Amendment 46 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G d (new)
Recital G d (new)
G d. Points out that all staff in the institutions is covered by the EU staff regulations of officials of the European Union (EUSR) and conditions of employment of other servants of the European Union (CEOS);
Amendment 47 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G e (new)
Recital G e (new)
G e. Recalls that the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union set out a European governance framework based on the separation of powers, laying down distinct rights and obligations for each institution;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G f (new)
Recital G f (new)
G f. Points out that based on the principle of conferral, institutions cannot delegate by means of an interinstitutional agreement, powers which they themselves do not have, for instance where such powers are conferred by the Treaties on the Court of Auditors or have remained with the Member States;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G g (new)
Recital G g (new)
G g. Recalls furthermore that one of Parliament´s primary functions as laid down in the Treaty on European Union is to exercise political control;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 57 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Principles Considers that any option under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the EU institutions must be respectful of the following principles: - the principle of sound financial management, ensuring the efficient and effective management of Union ressources - the principles of conferral and separation of powers - the freedom to choose an occupation and the right to engage in work as stipulated by article 15 of the Charter of Fundamental rights of the European Union - rule of law and fundamental European principles such as the presumption of innocence, the right to be heard, the principles of legality and proportionality - Freedom of the mandate of Members of European Parliament
Amendment 58 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Further stresses that any option under discussion requires a solid legal base for the constitution and for any competences to be assigned;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Insists that any option under discussion requires a clear definition of the mandate, composition and competences none of which must duplicate or interfere with the work of OLAF, the European Ombudsman, the European Court of Auditors or the European Court of Justice;
Amendment 60 #
Amendment 61 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Underlines that the principle of separation of powers is the foundation pillar of modern democracy; considers it imperative for the legislative to control the executive, as any reversal of the roles and powers of the legislative and executive would otherwise endanger the independence of the free mandate of elected Members of Parliament;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Stresses that any option under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the EU institutions can neither, based on primary law, issue any decision on whether a criminal offense has been committed, nor impose any sanctions, nor impose any administrative measures intended to avoid or clean up accidental or negligent non-compliance with the rules;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 c (new)
Subheading 1 c (new)
Highlights that any option under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the EU institutions which is to regulate the grey area in between can only have an advisory function for the institutions concerned;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 d (new)
Subheading 1 d (new)
Insists that any decisions on measures to be taken or sanctions to be imposed can only be taken by the competent bodies of the institutions themselves;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 e (new)
Subheading 1 e (new)
Recalls that distinction must be made between a conflict of interest arising during or after the exercise of a function and the importance to distinguish between the two and recalls furthermore to distinguish between acts that authorised if declared and acts that are not authorised at all.
Amendment 66 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 f (new)
Subheading 1 f (new)
Suggests that each institution concludes agreements on exchange of information with the Member States respecting the framework of the separation of powers;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
Paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Considers that the new EU Ethics Body should be delegated a list of competences to implement ethics rules for Members and staff; takes the view that this list should include by way of a minimum the competences provided for in:any options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the EU institutions should only have advisory competences for the members of the institutions;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Amendment 73 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 2
Paragraph 2 – indent 2
Amendment 76 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 3
Paragraph 2 – indent 3
Amendment 79 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
Paragraph 2 – indent 4
Amendment 82 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 5
Paragraph 2 – indent 5
Amendment 87 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 94 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Insists that the IIAany cooperation agreement between the institutions should be open to the participation of allother EU institutions and bodies; believes that the IIA should allow the Ethics Body to conclude agreements with national authorities with a view to ensuring the exchange of information necessary for the performance of its task in order to agree on common measures which can be implemented in respect of the division of powers;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 101 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the participating institutions should entrust the EU Ethics Body with monitoring powers over ethics standards, as well as advisory, investigative and enforcement powersany options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the EU institutions has to be respectful of the balance between the institutions as established by the treaties, underlines that it must not replace, substitute or interfere with the responsibilities and prerogatives of each institution and points out that given these considerations, the decision-making powers must remain within the respective institutions, hence only a body with advisory function able to issue non- binding recommendations is conceivable;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 120 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 126 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 130 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses that requesting tax documents and bank records are interventions in private law, for which there must be serious allegations that enter in competence of OLAF;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that in relation to its enforcement powers, the body could take over from the Appointing Authority in dealing with staff ethics obligations, and that in relation to Members of Parliament or Commissioners, the body couldannot be granted enforcement powers within the limits of the provisionssince this transferral of powers would countained in the Treaties, and without prejudice to any additional mechanisms provided for in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, in particular concerner the separation of powers laid down ing termination of officehe Treaties;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that thesuch an EU Ethics Body should be entrusted with advisory tasks in order to provideto improve the enforcement of existing provisions in the EU institutions in order to provide reliable and trustworthy advice to any individual possibly covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. BelievUnderlines that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of designated Commissioners-designate should remain a competence of Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affair remains a political and institutional competence of the European Parliament and its bodies, while thesuch an EU Ethics Body shcould support the process with the publication of itsits non-binding analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available;
Amendment 153 #
Amendment 154 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 a (new)
Subheading 3 a (new)
Recalls that the competent bodies in the institutions are regulated by law and that the composition of the competent body in the European Parliament could be made up of MEPs and former MEPs, such an EU Ethics Body may be composed of Members or former Members of the institutions;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3 b (new)
Subheading 3 b (new)
Amendment 159 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the Ethics Body should be composed of nine Members, three selected by the Commission, three elecappointed by Parliament, and three asdesignated de jure from among the former Presidents of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the Court of Auditors and former EU Ombudsmen;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Considers that its members must be independent, chosen on the basis of their competence, experience and professional qualities, as well as their personal integrity, have an impeccable record of ethical behaviour and provide a declaration of the absence of conflicts of interest; is of the opinion that the composition of the body should be gender-balanced; underlines that all member shall be independent in the performance of their duties;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. InsistsRecommend that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human, material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks in accordance with the principles of sound financial budget management;
Amendment 181 #
Amendment 182 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Proposes a two-stepn approach whereby, in the event that thesuch an EU Ethics Body becomes aware of a breachdeals with a breach of conduct or possible breach of ethics rules, it first recommends actions to put an end to the breach; considers that ithis first preventive step should ensure confidentiality and the right of the person to be heard; suggests that in the event that the individual concerned refuses to take the appropriate actions, the EU Ethics Body should make relevant information about the case publicly available and decide, if appropriate, on sanctions; considers that this two-step approach should apply provided that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the individual acted in bad faith and recommends that intentional breach, gross negligence, the concealment of evidence and non- compliance with the obligation to cooperate should be, as such, subject to sanctions, even when the breach itself has ceaseto be heard;
Amendment 192 #
Amendment 193 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 a (new)
Subheading 5 a (new)
Amendment 194 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5 b (new)
Subheading 5 b (new)
Insists that the procedures laid down in the Treaties must be applied, such as the transfer of investigations by the European Court of Auditors to OLAF and to the European Court of Justice;
Amendment 197 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that the EU Ethics Body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and, where appropriate, recommendations for improving ethics standardsto be presented to the European Parliament;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Insists that the decisions of thean EU Ethics Body should bcannot issue legally binding, reviewable before the CJEU and subject to possible complaints to the EU Ombudsma decisions, since no institution can delegate decision- making authority to another institution;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. BelieveRecalls that the Commission’s use of its right has a near monopoly ofn legislative initiative has been neither constructive nor productive in recent years; believess, and that the samse shoulds true of the frequent use of recast procedures and the lack of respect the principles of proportionality, subsidiarity and better law-making and be accompanied by a proper impact assessment;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that the European Parliament, as a democratically elected body, does not have the formal right of legislative initiative like national parliaments; Strongly recommends therefore makingto strengthen and to make further use of Parliament’s powers under the Treaties and for a Treaty revision to be considered to give Parliament an enhanced direct right of legislative initiative, as it directly represents the European peoplecitizens and not just national interests, which need to be counter- balanced; deplorstresses the fact that this possibility has been regularly deferred to a future Treaty revision;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that Treaty revision is a lengthy process; strongly recommends therefore that in the meantime the European Parliament explores all other options to enhance its right to initiate legislation;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Considers that it is worth exploring the possibility to amend the 2010 Framework Agreement on the relations between the European Parliament and the Commission1a and the 2016 Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on better law-making1b in order to strengthen the European Parliament’s powers to influence the European agenda-setting; _________________ 1ahttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32010 Q1120%2801%29 1bhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016 Q0512%2801%29
Amendment 15 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Amendment 20 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the European Council has a de facto right of initiative when defining the strategic guidelines for legislative planning within the area of freedom, security and justice in accordance with Article 68 TFEU, which does not constitute a level playing field between Parliament and the Council; underlines moreover the early influence by the Member States via their participation in numerous Commission advisory bodies;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers it dDeeply regrettables that only one-third of Parliament’s legislative and non- legislative initiative procedures can be considered successful, and that most legislative initiative (INL) reports adopted since 2011 did not result in a positive reply from the Commission1 ; considers it regrettable also that theconcrete legislative proposal as follow-up by the Commission1 ; regrets that the three months deadlines for the Commission to react to parliamentary resolutions and to come forward with legislative proposals have consistently not been respected; expects the Commission’s response to and implementation of an INL report to be automatic, as pledged by the current Commissionfully in line with Article 225 TFEU, with the 2010 Framework Agreement and the 2016 Interinstitutional Agreement on better law-making; _________________ 1 ‘The European Parliament’s right of initiative’, Andreas Maurer, University of Innsbruck, Jean Monnet Chair for European Integration Studies and Michael C. Wolf, University of Innsbruck, July 2020, p. 55 and 57.
Amendment 28 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls that Article 225 TFEU and the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-making requires the Commission to give detailed reasons for not following-up on the European Parliament’s request to legislate; considers that the validity of the Commission’s reasons for not following- up with a concrete legislative proposal to a Parliament INL report are subject to interpretation and Parliament should reserve its right to take action under Article 265 TFEU when it considers it necessary;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Believes that INL reports should be accompanied by impact assessments whenever possible and drafted as clearly as possible;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns the consistent lack of properRecalls the 2016 legislative initiative on the EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights1a; regrets the insufficient response to Parliament’s initiative on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; recalls the 2020 resolution on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights1b; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to enter without delay into negotiations with Parliament on the interinstitutional agreement; _________________ 1a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/TA-8-2016-0409_EN.pdf 1b https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/doc ument/TA-9-2020-0251_EN.pdf
Amendment 41 #
2020/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes that the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe should serve as a major democratic initiative to discuss possible developments for the future institutional set-up, including through strengthening the Parliament's role in decision-making;
Amendment 52 #
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, global public health, spread of manipulative disinformation 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 76 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas multilateral cooperation among likeminded partners in dealing with foreign malicious interference is needed;
Amendment 82 #
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 freedoms 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 87 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the European Parliament's role and tools in the area of parliamentary mediation and dialogue can contribute actively to supporting democratic parliamentary culture and, inter alia, strengthen multilateralism;
Amendment 175 #
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 toin the Western Balkans and in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhood, 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; 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 187 #
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 and fundamental freedoms, 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 and respect for territorial integrity of states; in this regard, underlines EU's support to the established and recognised international borders and rejects any attempts to forcefully change them; 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; 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 209 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights the importance of a multilateral cooperation between like- minded partners to fight malign and manipulative disinformation carried out by state and non-state actors; underlines the importance of the EU to take global lead in establishing international definitions, norms and principles in tackling these issues, including for foreign interference in elections;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Supports the Parliament's role in both strengthening parliamentary, capacity-building activities, global democracy support and its particular role in parliamentary mediation and dialogue through, among other, the Jean Monnet Dialogue; underlines the added value of the particular role the Parliament plays in fostering dialogue and sharing best practices and democratic standards;
Amendment 225 #
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; welcomes COP26 efforts to establish definitions for disinformation linked to climate change;
Amendment 257 #
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, fight against manipulative disinformation; biotechnology and artificial intelligence, which need to be developed alongside experts and scientists who should be party to multilateral, multi- stakeholder arrangements;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU has to lead, in a predictable manner and by respecting its commitment to fundamental freedoms and rule of law, in multilateral and international efforts linked to managing the exit strategy from the ongoing pandemic;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is a possible game changer in the international environment and a catalyst of change in the global order;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) to review the 2016 Global Strategy, reflecting these geopolitical shifts and, to ensuringe that the EU plays its part in defending the rules-based multilateral world order that was created after the Second World War, and to include democracy support and protection of human rights as a Team Europe priority, involving the European Parliament in this task through its existing democracy support tools and mechanisms;
Amendment 141 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes the geopolitical competition and tensions following the COVID-19 outbreak, and recognises that the European Union still has to position itself in the new world order in which, alongside the EU, the US, China and Russia play a leading roleneeds to play an active and leading role in the possible new world order;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is concerned about the lack of constructive political leadership the United States has shown in fighting COVID-19;, believes that the false information in President Trump’s tweets and during his press conferences have been very unhelpful in the joint fight against the virusoth domestically and internationally;
Amendment 185 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is worried about the decision of the US to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the general tendency of its President to withdraw the US from the multilateral organisations that were created to establish a rules-based world order;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. AUnderlines the importance of the transatlantic relationship in the global world order; reiterates that the European Union and the United States share common values linked to the existing international structures; acknowledges the need to find a new method of cooperation between the EU and US, based on mutual respect and a joint agenda to defend multilateralism, the rule of law and human rights;
Amendment 372 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recalls that third countries’ response to the COVID-19 crisis must not violate human rights or international law, be limited to strictly necessary, proportionate measures, and that they be subject to regular scrutiny and time bound;
Amendment 456 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the expansion and modernisation of EU communication strategies so that EU action is sufficiently visible both within and beyond the EU; urges the European External Action Service (EEAS) to further strengthen its capacities to counter disinformation, including the creation of a dedicated far- East StratCom Task Force focused on the disinformation emanating from China, and imposing costs on countries and non-states actors that deliberately spread disinformation to divide and harm the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 458 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Is concerned about the proliferation of disinformation associated with the global pandemic and the COVID- 19 situation; underlines the importance of EU principled stance on fighting disinformation linked to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and cyber-attacks against crucial infrastructure; calls on social media platforms to act actively and adopt measures that prevent the spread of disinformation and hate speech regarding the COVID-19 virus;
Amendment 512 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Underlines the strategic importance of EU engagement and support in its neighbourhood, both in the East and in the South; stresses that the EU must give Western Balkan countries that are not yet part of the EU a fair chance to join the EU, and that the EU must continue its efforts to invest in the region;
Amendment 529 #
2020/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that the EU enlargement process and EU's focus on supporting the reform processes in the Western Balkans is continuing despite the ongoing pandemic; underlines the importance of the unprecedented aid to the Western Balkans during the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes EU's readiness for continued economic and humanitarian support to candidate and potential candidate countries; reiterates that aid to our partners must be accompanied by a robust communication campaign;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked toshould not divert our attention from the gains by Eof eurosceptics, which should be considered as a warning for European integration, especially in several founding Member States where far-right extremists and anti-European forces won the electionspopulist and nationalist movements; whereas many of these radical forces from left to right are against the EU integration project;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that EU citizens want the EU to act swiftly and effectively on important matters such as climate change, migration, protection of fundamental rights and democratisation;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. Whereas we need to be more efficient and proactive in taking advantage of all means of communication, including digital technology, to foster a strong link between European political decisions and constituents’ sense of connection to EU institutions;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the amendedParliament should pursue its proposals for amendments to the Electoral Act, still pending ratification by some Member States, already requires further improvements (i.e. regarding parental leave for MEPs)with renewed vigour and to push for unified European electoral rules;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the 2019 elections failed to culminate in the choice of a Commission President from among the various Spitzenkandidaten, resulting in a backward step from the process which was established in 2014;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas it lacks, among other things, the possibility for Spitzenkandidaten to stand as official candidates in all Member States on transnational lists, allowing all European voters to choose and vote for their preferred Spitzenkandidatimproved, allowing all European voters to know who are the candidates to the presidency of the European Commission and how they were chosen by European political parties; whereas Parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 February 2018 on the revision of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission15 ; ; _________________ 15 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0030.
Amendment 84 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the Spitzenkandidaten system needs to be improved and formalised in the EU’s primary law after an in-depth institutional reflectionaddressed and reflected upon in the Conference for the Future of Europe; whereas this reflection should also include the de facto political role of the Commission and its President and any related changes to the decision-making process of the Union;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas institutional improvements such as transnational lists, as acknowledged by Parliament in its resolution of 7 February 2018 on the composition of the European Parliament, or the transformation of the Council into a second legislative chamber of the Union, as proposed in its resolution of 16 February 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the European Union, would radically transform the European elections into one true European election,are needed in order to achieve a true European political sphere as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national electiondebates that it is today;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. Whereas proposal such as the "transnational lists" or the transformation of the Council into a second legislative chamber are still under discussion; whereas none of them count currently with a majority support; Whereas the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe provides a true opportunity to discuss these issues and other institutional reforms; Whereas the success of the Conference will crucially depend on the agenda, the involvement of the citizens and the European Council's willingness to implement results;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas European political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of a successful European political debate, both during and beyond European elections and should be rendered more visible;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 European elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the EU to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time such as climate change and environmental concerns, social and gender inequalities, sustainable growth, and geopolitical concerns such as migration and foreign policyas economy and sustainable growth, public health, climate change and environmental protection, digital revolution, the promotion of freedom, human rights and democracy, social and gender inequalities, migration and demography, security and the role of the EU in the world; urges all the European institutions, therefore, to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given, directly or indirectly, by the citizens; regrets both the lack of decisiveness by the Council and the lack of clear intent to achieve solutions based on a common approach;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. DeplorWelcomes the fact that the outcome of the elections did not lead togender balance in Parliament has improved over the last elections; Stresses however that there is still room for further improvements in order to achieve a genuine gender -balance ind Parliament; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with Parliament and other bodies such as the Venice Commission, to formulate recommendations to Member States with a view to increasing the representation of women in the European Parliament;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that the reason whyAcknowledges that the Spitzenkandidaten process failed to produce a President of the European Commission after the 2019 elections is because no improvements were made to it following the experience of 2014; intends to strengthen the democratic process for choosing the Commission President before the next European elections of 2024;
Amendment 165 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the up-comingCalls for the swift adoption of the joint declaration of the three European institutions on the Conference on the Future of Europe, recalls the commitment by the Commission President to address the issue of transnational lists and the Spitzenkandidaten process as the priority institutional issues during the Conference;
Amendment 168 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines the important role of the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe in the debate related to institutional matters, in light of the outcome of the 2019 European elections;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the election of the Commission President depends on a majority of Parliament’s members, which de facto requires the formation of a coalition; recommends that the election procedure be reversed so that Parliament proposes and elects the President of the Commission, after obtaining the consent of the European CouncilRecalls the commitment by the Commission President to address the issue of the Spitzenkandidaten process and transnational lists in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe; Stresses that the election of the Commission President depends on a majority of Parliament’s members, which de facto requires the formation of a coalition, as shown in the election of July 2019 of the von der Leyen Commission;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the outcome of the European elections has reinforced the political dimension of the election of the European Commission, and therefore the need for more accurate and objective scrutiny of the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate; calls for the creation of an independent body, endowed with the appropriate means, to have this scrutiny included in its responsibilitiesstrengthening of this scrutiny before, during and after the mandate of the Commissioners-designate by reinforcing the role of the already existing Independent Ethical Committee;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 196 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Considers that portfolios of Commissioners should reflect the institutional and committee set-up of the European Parliament;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Insists that all European voters should be allowed to vote for their preferredbe allowed to know who the candidate fors to the Ppresidentcy of the European Commission are, giving them the choice to vote for his or her political party; reiterates, therefore, that the Spitzenkandidaten should be able to stand as official candidates atin the next elections in a joint European constituency across all Member StateEuropean Elections;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 213 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 221 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the Electoral Law has not yet been ratified by some Member States, further improvements are required, such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances, as well as on the elections in the joint European constituencyshould be addressed at the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 235 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 243 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Commission and the Council to consider, in accordancfully engage with the work of Parliament’s new Special Committee on Foreign interference and Disinformation, the urge and take into creation of a European organisation dedicated to the fight against foreign interferenceonsideration the outcome of its work; encourages the Commission and the Council to work much more closely with Parliament on these matters, as the protection of our democratic institutions is a core competence of the European Parliament;
Amendment 249 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Considers European political parties' manifestos should be known before the elections, which requires clear and transparent rules on campaigning; underlines the European election rules shall promote European party democracy, including by making obligatory for parties running in European elections and the European party logo appear (next to the national one) on the ballot sheet;
Amendment 256 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Is of the opinion that the introduction of an annual European Week taking place simultaneously in all national parliaments, with debates between MPs, European Commissioners, MEPs and representatives of civil society on the Commission Work Programme would support the emergence of connected inter-parliamentary public spheres as well as improving the communication of European actions at national level;
Amendment 262 #
2020/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that the outcome of the European elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens, civil society and their representatives to shapepresents an opportunity for an in-depth reflection about the future of the Union; calls, therefore, on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious, interactive and inclusive Conference on the Future of Europe; open to citizens, civil society and their representatives, and which can strengthen representative democracy as well as EU's resilience by delivering tangible results for its citizens, including on health protection and security
Amendment 21 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the statement of the President of the European Parliament of 13 August and the leaders of the five political groups of 17 August on the situation in Belarus following the presidential election of 9 August,
Amendment 28 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas despite the fundamental restrictions on basic freedoms and human rights that remain in Belarus, the EU policy of critical engagement with Belarus has produced some results in the form of signed agreements and increased cooperation in areas such as environment and connectivity, cross-border cooperation and border management; whereas future relations between the EU and Belarus will be defined in the Partnership Priorities to be agreed by both sides;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the OSCE ODIHR International Election Observation Mission noted an overall disregard for the fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression during the 2019 parliamentary elections, which took place after a limited amount ofspace for election campaigning, and within a restrictive environment and repressions that did not provide for a meaningful or competitive political contest overall;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, despite the 2016 EU Council's decision to lift restrictive measures against 170 individuals and three companies in light of steps taken by Belarus to improve EU-Belarus relations, no progress has been achieved in areas of democratic governance and human rights, with increasing administrative, financial and physical repressions against the democratic opposition, civil society organisations, journalists and bloggers, and even ordinary people;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 54 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the 2020 presidential elections have thus farnot only followed the same pattern as the parliamentary elections, but demonstrated even more regime- orchestrated repressions than in previous years;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Belarusian authorities denied that COVID-19 had spread in the country, thereby wasting precious time that could have been used to prepare and protect the country’s population and in particular its medical staff, did not cancel mass events, and instead engaged in the intimidation of journalists and bloggers, the democratic opposition, civil society organisations and ordinary people who dared to contradict the official government narrative;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the EU stood in solidarity with the people of Belarus from the on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing financial and material support through bilateral and regional programmes;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas press freedom in Belarus has significantly deteriorated since 2015, the few independent journalists or, media outlets and bloggers that are able to operate in the country are subject to systematic harassment and punitive measures, such as arrests or initiation of criminal investigations, and the number of prosecutions for statements on the internet has increased;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas there has been notable increase in engagement with the Belarusian civil society, including through EU-supported activities and intensifying people-to-people contact;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has displayed the resilience, strong resolve and unprecedented self- organisation of the Belarusian society, particularly in light of the authorities' lethargic response, and even denials of the pandemic and its impact;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas from a security point of view, Belarus is closely linked to and dependent on Russia and is engaging in actions posing a threat to the EU Member States such as the non-transparent Zapad 2017 joint military exercises;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Amendment 122 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas independent platforms established by civil society organisations of Belarus (such as Golos - Belarus2020.org) conducted independent exit polls and analysed protocols of more than 200 precinct electoral commissions, which released genuine results, that clearly point to the fact that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received an absolute majority of votes (in the range of 71.1% to 97.6%);
Amendment 123 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Amendment 126 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G d (new)
Recital G d (new)
Gd. whereas the Belarusian authorities did not comply with minimum international standards for a credible, transparent, free and fair presidential election process;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G e (new)
Recital G e (new)
Ge. whereas peaceful protests expressing a desire for democratic change and freedom started already on the night of Sunday 9 August in Minsk and many other cities around the country, the scale of protests is unprecedented in the history of Belarus going into the hundreds of thousands;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G f (new)
Recital G f (new)
Gf. whereas the authorities responded to peaceful protests with disproportionate brute force, heavy use of tear gas, batons, flash grenades and water cannons, several thousand protestors were detained, there have been reports of torture, rape, missing persons, several people have been found dead so far;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G g (new)
Recital G g (new)
Gg. whereas Lukashenko and his regime have approved these criminal actions and pogroms by OMON of innocent people and whereas more than 7000 Belarusians were detained, more than 400 hospitalised, 5 confirmed dead and dozens still missing, while further arrests and harassment of activists, including journalists, are still taking place all over Belarus;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G h (new)
Recital G h (new)
Gh. whereas the European Union and its Member States did not recognise the results of the presidential election due to substantial doubt about the fairness of the election, condemned the disproportionate, unacceptable use of force against peaceful protestors and supported the right of the people of Belarus to determine their future;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G i (new)
Recital G i (new)
Amendment 164 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) support the sovereignty of Belarus, including against pressure from the Russian Federation for deeper integration, and remind Belarus that the European Union is open to further development of relations with the country both bilaterally and within the Eastern Partnership framework if Belarus meets conditions linked to democracy, the rule of law, international law, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) acknowledge that while the critical engagement policy has brought about some developments in bilateral relations, progress in the key areas of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and civil society remains very limited or almost non- existent, and, as the EU is engaging in a more tailored approach to the Eastern Partnership, consider applying the ‘less for less’ principle in the case of further deteriorationwith regards to the Belarusian authorities in the case of continued deterioration of the human rights situation, while pursuing a 'more for more' principle with regards to the civil society;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 223 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) pay close attention to the presidential election campaign and insist that a lack of progress in conducting elections according to international standards and furthercondemn the lack of free and fair presidential election, including the repressions and crackdowns, against the oppositionnd insist that these developments will have direct adverse effeimpacts on relations with the EUthe EU-Belarus relations;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) pay close attention to the fallout of the presidential election campaign and insist that a lack of progress innot conducting new elections in according toance with international standards and further crackdowns against the opposition will have direct adverse effects on relations with the EU;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) insist thaton the transparency and inclusiveness of the upcoming constitutional reform i, through a national dialogue, as a crucial opportunity to introduce genuine changes, including basic civil rights and freedoms, which would address the weaknesses of the current political system, ensure transparent and pluralistic electoral process, and enable the Belarusian people to participate more actively in the political life and processes;
Amendment 245 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) insist that the upcoming constitutional reform is a crusupports the initiative of the Belarusian People's Coordination Councial opportunity to introduce genuine changes which would address the weaknesses of the current political system and enable the Belarusian people to participate more actively in political lifeto immediately reintroduce the Constitution of 1994, which can be done through a national referendum;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) call on the authorities to remove the arbitrary barriers under which no new political party has been registered in Belarus since 2000 and enable the registration of political parties, religious and civic and public organisations, and to stop the restrictions applied to established organisations;
Amendment 262 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subheading 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – subheading 1 a (new)
Post-election situation in Belarus
Amendment 263 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) strongly support the decision to not recognise the election results as announced by the Belarusian Central Electoral Committee, not to recognise Alexander Lukashenko as president of the country once his current term of office expires; note that the current presidential term in Belarus ends at the latest on 5 November 2020 and after that date a position of the President of Belarus will be vacant. According to the article 81 of the Constitution of Belarus in this case new election of President has to be held not earlier than 30 days and not later than 70 days;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g b (new)
(gb) recommend to recognise Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as president elect by the people, until new elections have taken place;
Amendment 271 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Amendment 272 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g d (new)
(gd) recommend to recognise the Belarusian People's Coordination Council as the legitimate representative of the people demanding democratic change and freedom in Belarus;
Amendment 273 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g e (new)
(ge) welcome the efforts of the Belarusian People's Coordination Council for a peaceful and democratic transition of power as a result of an inclusive national dialogue;
Amendment 274 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g f (new)
(gf) urge to prepare a comprehensive review of its policy towards Belarus, taking into account different scenarios of developments in the country, that also include a substantially increased financial and technical commitment from the EU;
Amendment 275 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g g (new)
(gg) urge the EU to organise a donors conference for democratic Belarus, which would bring together international financial institutions, G-7 countries, EU member states and institutions, and others willing to pledge a multi-billion euro financial package to support the future reform efforts and restructuring of the economy;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g h (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g h (new)
(gh) call on the Russian Federation to refrain from any interference, covert or overt, in the peaceful democratic revolution in Belarus;
Amendment 277 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g i (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g i (new)
(gi) as long as the political situation in Belarus does not change reconsider any ongoing disbursements of the EU financial assistance and adjust it accordingly, so that it reaches the end- recipients and circumvents the authorities;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g j (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g j (new)
(gj) encourage Member States to facilitate and accelerate the procedure for obtaining visas for those who flee Belarus for political reasons;
Amendment 279 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g k (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g k (new)
(gk) call for a full EU/international investigation of crimes against the people of Belarus committed by law enforcement authorities of Lukashenko regime against peaceful protesters demanding transparent, free and fair Presidential elections, stopping current repressions and immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus;
Amendment 280 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g l (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g l (new)
(gl) call to establish in the European Parliament an inquiry committee (or another proper body of the European Parliament) on the investigation of crimes committed in Belarus, which would periodically report on its findings to the plenary sessions of the European Parliament;
Amendment 281 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g m (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g m (new)
(gm) condemn the suppression of internet and media, road blockades, and intimidation of journalists in order to stop the flow of information about the situation in the country - the people have the right to access information; condemn the crackdown on international journalists and media limiting their ability to report on the democratic revolution in a free, fair and balanced way;
Amendment 282 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g n (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g n (new)
(gn) propose to appoint an EU special representative for Belarus in order to support the process of a peaceful transition of power in accordance with the will of Belarusian people under the leadership of the president elect by the people and the Belarusian People's Coordination Council;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) condemn the ongoing intimidation and persecution of opposition figures, including presidential hopefulcandidates, peaceful protesters, civil society activists and independent journalists and bloggers;
Amendment 307 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including members of the democratic opposition, human rights defenders, activists, journalists, bloggers and others convicted in retaliation for exercising their civil and political rights;
Amendment 314 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) demand for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained after participating in the democratic revolution protests following the falsified presidential election of 9 August; demand the authorities to provide all information on people who went missing in relation to their participation in the protests after 9 August;
Amendment 316 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(kb) demand that all legal actions undertaken by the authorities against members of the Belarusian People's Coordination Council are dropped and all of them who are detained and arrested are freed;
Amendment 324 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) support independent media outlets and, journalists and bloggers, including those who work on a freelance basis with unregistered foreign media;
Amendment 326 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) ensure that the new targeted sanctions apply to groups, individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses in Belarus, as well as against those individuals, entities and enterprises, through which such actions are financed and enabled; at the same time, impose visa bans against regime representatives, sanctioned individuals and their family members;
Amendment 331 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) demand that any spread of disinformation in Belarus concerning the EU and its Member States is vigilantly countered as well as any hybrid threats undertaken by third actors;
Amendment 350 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) welcome and encourage the energy diversification of Belarus, reducing its dependence on Russia through imports of oil and gas from new suppliers, including via the territory of the EU; and through the development of alternative energy sources;
Amendment 353 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) strengthen cooperation with international authorities in the field of nuclear safety, and insist on access and monitoring of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant (NPP);
Amendment 358 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Amendment 383 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) explore possibilities for visa-free travel to Belarusian citizens so that people-to-people contact is not held hostage to undemocratic principles of the Belarusian authorities;
Amendment 386 #
2020/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
(rb) strengthen democracy support programmes and strategic communication, and support greater outreach to local communities beyond the traditional 'pro-European' cohorts;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the situation with regard of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights has substantially deteriorated in a number of Member States, which is deeply regrettable; underlines that the Union is founded on a set of common principles of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; recalls in particular the importance of upholding the rule of law and the obligation of Member States to ensure effective judicial protection, which is a core value of the Union as a community based on law;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes the contradiction that whereas future Member States are vetted for their compliance with these values before they accede to the Union, no similar method exists to supervise adherence to these foundational principles after accession in the European Union;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2072(INL)
1 b. Highlights that the lack of monitoring, evaluating and supervisory mechanisms for the EU's legal founding principles would not constitute a problem if Member States adhered to these principles after their accession into the European Union;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Acknowledges that the establishment of an EU Mechanism on Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights must be linked to strengthening democratic functioning in the Union; regrets that previous requests for dialogue with particular governments led to limited solutions only;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Amendment 17 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1 e. Demands to strengthen the Court of Justice of the European Union by introducing an instrument of individual complaint for citizens; underlines the need to establish a mechanism for arbitration of constitutional matters; proposes that this topic be debated during the course of the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recognises that in the Annual Monitoring Cycle, the Member States should be given an opportunity to present their positions in full, while not hampering the efficiency of the procedure; underlines the importance of Member States' active and responsible approach to the Annual Monitoring Cycle;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the preceding decade has seen brazen attacks againstupholding of Union values in severall Member States; whereas international comparisons and Parliament resolutions have evidenced considerable democratic backsliding in Hungary and Poland in particular is essential in order for the Union to function properly; whereas Parliament has been calling since 2016 for a comprehensive, preventive and evidence- based monitoring in this field via an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 92 #
2020/2072(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights that the Conference on the Future of Europe provides a momentum for better understanding the need to protect Union values in this context; underlines that the Conference on the Future of Europe will bring new impetus to European discussion on strengthening European democracy; therefore, in the event of Treaty changes being made in the future, the effectiveness of the Article 7 procedure should be enhanced by removing the requirement for unanimity and reinforcing the sanction mechanism;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, including civil society, Council of Europe and United Nations bodies, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, national human rights institutions, national parliaments and loc and relevant national authorities;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas it is necessary to strengthen and streamline existing mechanisms and develop an effective mechanism to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the Treaties are upheld throughout the Union;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. emphasises the urgent need for the Union to develop a robust and posievidence-based and objective agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights for all its citizens; insists that the Union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in Europe and the world;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. warns that the Union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values, which threatens its long- term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies, further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession, as well as corruption and state capture, in several Member Statesis concerned by the rise of illiberal tendencies as well as corruption; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the Union’s legal order, the functioning of its single market, the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. recognises that the Union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the Member States; regrets the inability of the Council to make meaningful progress in enforcing Union values in ongoing Article 7 TEU procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the Union’s toolkit in that fielunderscores that the existing instruments to prevent democratic and rule of law backsliding should be streamlined and properly enforced;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. highlights that the mechanism should serve as an objective, evidence- based tool assessing Member States on equal footing respecting the principles of subsidiarity, necessity and proportionality;
Amendment 152 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. welcomes the Commission’s work on the Annual Rule of Law Report; notes, however, that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensevidence- based and objective monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding Parliament, the Council and the Commission to a transparent and regularised process, with clearly defined responsibilities, so that the protection and promotion of Union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the Union agenda;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. proposes the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (the ‘Mechanism’), building on Parliament’s 2016 proposal and the Commission’s 2020 Rule of Law Report, to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between Parliament, the Council and the Commission, consisting of an Annual Monitoring Cycle on Union values, covering all aspects of Article 2 TEU, and applying equally, objectively and fairly to all Member States while respecting the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and necessity;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. underlines that the Annual Monitoring Cycle must contain country- specific recommendations, with timelines and targets for implementation, to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete Union enforcementand legally available measures;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. points out that the Mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments for monitoring, in particular the Annual Rule of Law Report, the Commission’s Rule of Law Framework, the Council’s Rule of Law Dialogue and the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), whilebut also other reports such as Justice Scoreboard or Report on the Application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; highlights also that the Mechanism should increasinge complementarity and coherence with other available tools, includingmainly infringement procedures under, Article 7 TEU, procedure and budgetary conditionality once in force, and the European Semester; is of the opinion that the Annual Monitoring Cycle can fulfil the objectives ofshould replace the CVM for Bulgaria and Romania, thus contributing to equal treatment of all Member States; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the Annual Monitoring Cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering Article 7 TEU andinternal discussions and for the adoption of their positions; notes that the institutions should be able to take the outcome into account for the purposes of triggering Article 7 TEU and the Commission should be able to take the outcome into account for launching the procedure under Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States11 , as well as for launching the procedure in accordance with Article 17 TEU; _________________ 11[instead of xxxx insert final number of 2018/136(COD) in the text and correct OJ reference in footnote] OJ C ..., ....., p. ....
Amendment 184 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. stresses that roles and prerogatives of respective institutions within the available procedures must be respected;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 199 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. reaffirms the role of Parliament, in accordance with Article 7 TEU, in monitoring compliance with Union values; reiteencouratges the call for Parliament to be present in Article 7 hearings when it is Parliament that initiated the procedure; believes that the Mechanism, underpinned by an interinstitutional agreement, respecting prerogatives of each of the institutions and sincere cooperation, will provide the necessary framework for better coordination;
Amendment 209 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. is of the view that, in the long-term, strengthening the Union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core willcould require Treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe in that regard;
Amendment 213 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. strongly believes that addressing the crisiscomprehensive monitoring of the upholding of Union values, including through the proposed Mechanism, is a precondition for re-establishing mutual trust among Member States, thus enabling the Union as a whole to sustain and further all common policies;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of Union law and thus to the strengthening of a European common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming European judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure;
Amendment 225 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 3
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 3
(3) The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission (‘the three institutions’) recognise the paramount importance of respect for Union values. Respect for Union values is necessary for the good functioning of the Union and the achievement of its objectives as set out in Article 3 TEU. The three institutions are committed to mutual sincere cooperation with the aim of promoting and ensuring respect for Union values.
Amendment 226 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 4
(4) The three institutions recognise the need for streamlining and strengthening the effectiveness of existing tools designed to foster compliance with Union values. A comprehensive, evidence-based interinstitutional mechanism respecting the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and necessity should therefore be established in order to improve coordination between the three institutions and consolidate initiatives taken previously. In accordance with the Conclusions of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 6 and 7 June 2013, such a mechanism should operate in 'a transparent manner, on the basis of evidence objectively compiled, compared and analysed and on the basis of equality of treatment as between all Member States'.
Amendment 229 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 5
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 5
(5) The three institutions agree that an Annual Monitoring Cycle on Union Values is necessary to reinforce the promotion and respect for Union values. The Annual Monitoring Cycle should be comprehensive, objective, impartial, evidence-based and applied equally and fairly to all Member States and should respect the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and necessity. The primary objective of the Annual Monitoring Cycle should be to prevent violations of and non- compliance with Union values, while providing a shared basis for other actions by the three institutions. The three institutions also agree to use this Interinstitutional Agreement to integrate existing instruments and initiatives relating to the promotion of and respect for Union values, in particular the Annual Rule of Law Report, the Council’s Annual Rule of Law Dialogue and, the Commission’s Rule of Law Framework, the EU Justice Scoreboard and the Annual Report on the Application of the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, in order to avoid duplication and strengthen overall effectiveness.
Amendment 242 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 8
Annex I – paragraph 4 – point 8
(8) The Annual Monitoring Cycle should also be complementary to and coherent with other instruments relating to the promotion and strengthening of Union values. In particular, the three institutions commit to usingtaking into account the findings of the annual monitoring reports in their assessment of whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach or existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member State of Union values in the context of Article 7 TEU. Similarly, the three institutions commit to usingin accordance with Article 17 TEU the Commission should take into account the findings of the annual monitoring report in theirits assessment of whether an infringement procedure should be launched or whether there are generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx of the European Parliament and of the Council3 . The three institutions agree that the annual monitoring reports should more generally guideinform their actions with respect to Union values. _________________ 3 [instead of xxxx insert number of 2018/136(COD) in the text and the footnote and correct OJ reference in footnote] Regulation (EU) .../… of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States OJ C ..., ....., p. ....
Amendment 256 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 – introductory part
Annex I – part 2 – point 3 – introductory part
3. The three institutions agree to establish a permanent Interinstitutional Working Group on Union Values (‘Working Group’). The Working Group shall facilitate coordination and cooperation among the three institutions in the Annual Monitoring Cycle. The Working Group shall invite the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights to participate in its meetings. The Working Group shall also consult independent experts on a regular basis.
Amendment 261 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 4
Annex I – part 2 – point 4
4. On an annual basis, the Commission shall organise a targeted stakeholder consultation to collect information for the Annual Report. The stakeholder consultation shall take place in the first quarter of each year. The consultation shall be transparent and based on a clear and rigorous methodology agreed by the Working Group. The methodology shall, in any event, encompass in an appropriate form the benchmarks, such as those listed in the Annexes to Commission Decisions 2006/928/EC and 2006/929/EC.
Amendment 266 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 5
Annex I – part 2 – point 5
5. The stakeholder consultation shall give an opportunity to civil society organisations, professional associations and networks, Council of Europe bodies, Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and the Member States, including national parliaments and locrelevant national authorities, to contribute to the Annual Report. The Commission shall incorporate the information provided by stakeholders in the Annual Report. The Commission shall publish relevant contributions to the consultation on its website prior to the publication of the Annual Report.
Amendment 273 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 7
Annex I – part 2 – point 7
7. Designated representatives of any of the three institutionsthe Working Group shall have the possibility to conduct a limited number of fact-finding visits to the Member States for the purpose of obtaining additional information and clarification about the state of Union values in the Member States concerned. The Commission shall incorporatuse the findings in the Annual Report.
Amendment 282 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 9
Annex I – part 2 – point 9
9. The Commission shall draft the Annual Report based on information gathered during the preparatory stage. The Annual Report should cover both positive and negative developments relating to Union values in the Member States. The Annual Report shall be impartial, based on objectively compiled evidence and respect equality of treatment between all Member States and the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and necessity. The depth of reporting should reflect the gravity of the situation in question.
Amendment 296 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 12
Annex I – part 2 – point 12
12. No later than two months from its publication date, the European Parliament and the Council shall discuss the content of the Annual Report. The discussions shall be made public. The Parliament and the Council shall adopt positions on the Annual Report by means of resolutions and conclusions. As part of the follow-up, the European Parliament and the Council shall assess and reflect on the extent to which previous recommendations have been implemented by the Member States. The three institutions shall endeavour to promote debate on the Annual Report in the Member States, in particular in national parliaments.
Amendment 297 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 13
Annex I – part 2 – point 13
13. On the basis of the findings of the Annual Report, the Commission may, either on its own initiative or upon request by the European Parliament or the Council, enter into a dialogue with one or several Member States, including national parliaments and relevant local authorities, with the aim of facilitating implementation of the recommendations. The Commission shall regularly report on the progress of the dialogue. The Commission may, at any time, provide technical assistance to the Member States through different activities. The European Parliament shall organise, in cooperation with national parliaments, an interparliamentary debate on the findings of the Annual Report.
Amendment 304 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 14 – introductory part
Annex I – part 2 – point 14 – introductory part
14. Without prejudice to the powers of the Commission under Article 258 TFEU and under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx1a, and the right of the European Parliament and the Commission to submit to the Council a reasoned proposal in accordance with Article 7(1) TEU, the three institutions agree that the Annual Reports should guide their actions concerning Union values. _________________ 1a[instead of xxxx insert number of 2018/136(COD) in the text].
Amendment 309 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 2 – point 15
Annex I – part 2 – point 15
15. Where the situation in one or several Member States portends imminent and serious damage to Union values, the European Parliament or the Council may exceptionallyCommission may exceptionally, either on its own initiative or upon request by the Commission toEuropean Parliament or the Council draft an urgent report on the situation. The Commission shall prepare the report in consultation with the Working Group. The Commission shall make the urgent report public no later than two months following a request by the European Parliament or the Council. The findings of the urgent report should be incorporated in the next Annual Report. The urgent report may specify recommendations aimed at addressing the imminent threat to Union values.
Amendment 315 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 16
Annex I – part 3 – point 16
16. The three institutions acknowledge the complementary nature of the Annual Monitoring Cycle and other mechanisms for the protection and promotion of Union values, in particular the procedure laid down in Article 7 TEU, infringement procedures and Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx. The three institutions commit to take account of the objectives of this Interinstitutional Agreement in Union policies.
Amendment 327 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – subheading 1
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – subheading 1
Amendment 329 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – subheading 1 a (new)
Annex I – part 3 – point 20 – subheading 1 a (new)
Arrangements for infringement procedures
Amendment 331 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – point 20 a (new)
Annex I – part III – point 20 a (new)
20a. The Commission takes into account the findings of the Annual Report in its assessment of whether an infringement procedure should be launched.
Amendment 335 #
2020/2072(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part 3 – point 21
Annex I – part 3 – point 21
21. The three institutions agree to useCommission takes into account the findings of the Annual Report in theirits assessment of whether there are generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2020/xxxx.
Amendment 42 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the urgent need for a stronger long-term and multi-faceted partnership, which should also translate into stronger political cooperation built on equality, trust and shared values; this partnership should be based on promoting and enhancing good governance, democracy, rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of supporting free, fair and competitive elections and credible electoral processes; supports coordination between the EU and the African Union on election observation missions;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004); calls for strong, ambitious and constant EU engagement in the security, stability and development of Africa;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Reiterates that the Parliament will monitor the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 255 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point iii
Paragraph 16 – point iii
(iii) full respect for the existing social and labour standards of the EU’s social model (including equivalent levels of protection and safeguards against social dumping), at least at the current high levels provided by the existing common standards;
Amendment 286 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Calls on full respect and implementation the citizens’ rights guaranteed under the Withdrawal Agreement for both EU and UK citizens and their families; calls for an ambitious citizens' mobility scheme; underlines that mobility arrangements must be non-discriminatory and fully reciprocal;
Amendment 295 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recallgrets that this is contrary to the provisions of the Political Declaration, which contains a part dedicated specifically to the EU-UK future security partnership, and to which the UK has agreed;
Amendment 312 #
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, sustainable development and effective multilateralism; stresses that it is in both sides’ interest to maintain an ambitious, close and lasting cooperation that 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 set out in Article 21 of the TEU;
Amendment 315 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Underlines the importance and the added value of interparliamentary cooperation on global issues; stresses the common interest of both the United Kingdom and the European Union in stable, secure and democratic Western Balkans and both Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood;
Amendment 364 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Amendment 366 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Underlines that both the United Kingdom and the European Union have a common responsibility to fight hybrid threats, including the spread of disinformation;
Amendment 367 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Reiterates the support to joint mediation efforts and election observation missions in third countries;
Amendment 386 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the proposal to establish a Parliamentary Partnership Assembly for Members of the European Parliament and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the European ethical Charter on the use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial systems and their environment of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the ‘Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI’ of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence set up by the Commission of 8 April 2019;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas digital technologies in general and the proliferation of data processing and analytics enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) in particular bring with them extraordinary promise; whereas AI isdevelopment has made a big leap forward in recent years which makes it one of the strategic technologies of the 21st century, generating substantial benefits in efficiency, accuracy, and convenience, and thus bringing positive change to the European economy and society; whereas AI should not be seen as an end in itself, but as a tool for serving people, with the ultimate aim of increasing human well-being, human capabilities and safety;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the development of AI must respect the values on which the Union is founded, in particular human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human and fundamental rights, have to be respected throughout the life cycle of AI tools, notably during their design, development, deployment and use;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas trustworthy AI systems need to be accountable, designed for all (including consideration of vulnerable, marginalised populations in their design), be non-discriminatory, safe and transparent, and respect human autonomy and fundamental rightsnon-discriminatory, safe and transparent, and respect human autonomy and fundamental rights in order to be trustworthy, as described in the Ethics Guidelines of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Union together with the Member States bear a critical responsibility for ensuring that policy choicedecisions surrounding the development, deployment and uslife-cycle of AI applications in the field of the judiciary and law enforcement are made in a transparent manner, respect the principles of necessity and proportionality, and guarantee that the policies and measures adopted will fully safeguard fundamental rights within the Union and fully safeguard fundamental rights; whereas the relevant policy choices should respect the principles of necessity and proportionality;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas AI applications offer great opportunities in the field of law enforcement, in particular in improving the working methods of law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities, and preventing and combating certain types of crime more efficiently, in particular financial crime, money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as certain types of cybercrime, thereby contributing to the safety and security of EU citizens;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 55 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas AI applications in use by law enforcement include applications such as facial recognition technologies, e.g. to search suspect databases and identify victims of human trafficking or child sexual exploitation and abuse, automated number plate recognition, speaker identification, speech identification, lip- reading technologies, aural surveillance (i.e. gunshot detection algorithms), autonomous research and analysis of identified databases, forecasting (predictive policing and crime hotspot analytics), behaviour detection tools, advanced virtual autopsy tools to help determine the cause of death, autonomous tools to identify financial fraud and terrorist financing, social media monitoring (scraping and data harvesting for mining connections), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers, and automated surveillance systems incorporating different detection capabilities (such as heartbeat detection and thermal cameras); whereas the aforementioned applications have vastly varying degrees of reliability and accuracy;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas AI tools and applications are also used by the judiciary worldwide, including in sentencing, calculating probabilities for reoffending and in determining probation, online dispute resolution, case law management, and the provision of facilitated access to the law;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the applications of AI in law enforcement and the judiciary are in different development stages, ranging from conceptualisation through prototyping or evaluation to post-approval use; whereas new possibilities of use may arise in the future as the technology becomes more mature due to ongoing intensive scientific research worldwide;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the use of AI in law enforcement entails a number of potential risks, such as opaque decision-making, different types of discrimination, and errors inherent in the underlying algorithm which can be reinforced by feedback loops, as well as risks to the protection of privacy and personal data, the protection of freedom of expression and information, and the presumption of innocence; whereas the extent of these risks varies between different applications and depending on the purpose of their use;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas some countries make greater use of AI applications in law enforcement and the judiciary than others, which is partly due to a lack of regulation and regulatory differences which enable or prohibit AI use for certain purposes;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas AI systems used by law enforcement and judiciary are also vulnerable to AI- empowered attacks or data poisoning, whereby a wrong data set is included on purpose to produce biased results; whereas in these situations the resulting damage is potentially even morery significant, and can result in exponentially greater levels of harm to both individuals and groups;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RWelcomes the positive contribution of AI applications to the work of law enforcement and judicial authorities across the Union as a key enabling technology to ensure safety and security of citizens; highlights e.g. the enhanced case law management achieved by tools allowing for additional search options; believes that there is a wide range of other potential uses for AI by law enforcement and the judiciary which should be explored, subject to methodological precautions and scientific assessments; reiterates that, as processing large quantities of data is at the heart of AI, the right to the protection of private life and the right to the protection of personal data apply to all areas of AI, and that the Union legal framework for data protection and privacy must be fully complied with;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reaffirms that all AI solutions for law enforcement and the judiciary also need to fully respect the principles of non- discrimination, freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence and right of defence, freedom of expression and information, freedom of assembly and of association, equality before the law, the principle of equality of arms, and the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Acknowledges that the speed at which AI applications are developed around the world necessitates a future- oriented approach and that any attempts at exhaustive listing of applications will quickly become outdated; calls, in this regard, for a clear and coherent governance model that guarantees the respect of fundamental rights, but also allows companies and organizations to further develop artificial intelligence applications;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers, in this regard, that safeguards should be proportionate to potential risks associated with the use specific AI applications; believes that any AI tool either developed or used by law enforcement or judiciary should, as a minimum, be safe, robust, secure and fit for purpose, respect the principles of fairness, accountability, transparency and, non- discrimination as well as explainability, with their deployment subject to a strict necessity and proportionality test;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the importance of preventing mass surveillance by means, which per definition does not correspond to the principles of necessity and proportionality; strongly supports high thresholds for and transparency in the use of AI technologies, and of banning applications that would result in it; applications that could result in it; calls for law enforcement or the judiciary to use AI applications that adhere to the privacy-by- design principle whenever possible to avoid function creep;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2016(INI)
5. Stresses the potential for bias and discrimination arising from the use of machine learning and AI applications; notes that biases can beAI applications such as machine learning; notes that discrimination can result from biases inherent in underlying datasets, especially when historical data is being used, introduced by the developers of the algorithms, or generated when the systems are implemented in real world settings;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the fact that many algorithmically driven identification technologies that are currently in use disproportionately misidentify non-white people, childaccording to ethnicity, age and gender; considers, thereforen, the elderly, as well as womenat strong scientific and ethical standards are needed and that strong efforts should be made to avoid automated discrimination and bias;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for strong additional safeguards in case AI systems in law enforcement or the judiciary are used on or in relation to minors, who are particularly vulnerable;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 141 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. UTakes note of the risks related to data leaks, data security breaches and unauthorised access to personal data and other information related to criminal investigations or court cases that are processed by AI systems; underlines that security and safety aspects of AI systems used in law enforcement need to be carefully considered, and be sufficiently robust and resilient to prevent the potentially catastrophic consequences of malicious attacks on AI systems;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2016(INI)
9. Considers it necessary to create a clear and fair regime for assigning legal responsibility and liability for the potential adverse consequences produced by these advanced digital technologies;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls for the adoption of appropriate procurement processes for AI systems by Member States and EU agencies when used in law enforcement or judicial context, so as to ensure their compliance with fundamental rights;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that in judicial and law enforcement contexts, the final decision always needs to be taken by a human, who can be held accountable for the decisions made, and includeTakes the view that law enforcement and judicial authorities that make use of AI systems need to uphold high legal standards, in particular when analysing data; underlines the need to ensure human intervention and accountability throughout the different stages of decision-making, to assess both the quality of the data and the appropriateness of each decision taken on the basis of that information; considers that persons subject to these systems should be given the possibility of a recourse for a remedy;
Amendment 163 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for algorithmic explainability and transparency as a necessary part of oversight in order to ensure that the development, deployment and use of AI systems for judiciary and law enforcement comply with fundamental rights, and are trusted by citizens, as well as in order to ensure that results generated by AI algorithms can be rendered intelligible to users and to those subject to these systems, and that there is transparency on the source data and how the system arrived at a certain conclusion;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for traceability of AI systems that defines the capabilitiethe decision making process of AI systems within law enforcement and the judiciary which outlines the functions and limitations of the systems, and keeps track of where the defining attributes for a decision originate, for instance through compulsory documentation obligations;
Amendment 172 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for a compulsory fundamental rights impact assessment to be conducted prior to the implementation or deployment of any AI systems for law enforcement or judiciary purposes, in order to assess any potential risks to fundamental rights and, where necessary, define appropriate safeguards to address these risks;
Amendment 174 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Deplores that many law enforcement and judicial authorities in the EU lack the funding, capacities and capabilities to reap the benefits AI tools can offer for their work; encourages law enforcement and judicial authorities to identify, structure and categorise their needs to enable the development of tailor- made AI solutions and to exchange best practices on AI deployment; stresses the need to provide the authorities with the necessary funding, as well as to equip them with the necessary expertise to guarantee full compliance with the ethical, legal and technical requirements attached to AI deployment;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Amendment 176 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for periodic mandatory auditing of all AI systems used by law enforcement and the judiciary to test and evaluatean adequate institutional framework, including proper regulatory and supervisory oversight, to ensure proper implementation; calls for periodic mandatory auditing of all AI systems used by law enforcement and the judiciary by an independent authority to test and evaluate the context, purpose, accuracy, performance, and scale of algorithmic systems once they are in operation, in order to detect, investigate, diagnose and rectify any unwanted and adverse effects and thereby ensure continuous compliance with the applicable regulatory framework;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Supports the recommendations of the Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI for a ban on AI-enabled mass scale scoring of individuals; considers that any form of normative citizen scoring on a large scale by public authorities, in particular within the field of law enforcement and the judiciary, leads to the loss of autonomy, endangers the principle of non-discrimination and cannot be considered in line with European values;
Amendment 181 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Welcomes the recommendations of the Commission’s High-Level Expert Group on AI for a proportionate use of biometric recognition technology; shares the view that the use of remote biometric identification should always be considered “high risk” and therefore be subject to additional requirements;
Amendment 182 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for a moratoriumStrongly believes that the deployment of facial recognition systems by law enforcement should be limited to clearly warranted purposes in full respect onf the deployment of facial recognition systems for law enforcement, until the technical standardapplicable law; reaffirms that as a minimum, the use of facial recognition technology must comply with the requirements of data minimisation, data accuracy, storage limitation, data security and accountability, as well as being lawful, fair, transparent and following a specific, explicit and legitimate purpose that is clearly defined in Member State or Union law; reminds that these systems are already successfully used, inter alia to search suspect databases and identify victims of human trafficking or child sexual exploitation and abuse; emphasises the need to ensure that the technical standards and underlying algorithms can be considered fully fundamental rights compliant, and that results derived are non-discriminatory, and there is public trust ; believes that this will be decisive to ensure public trust and support regarding the necessity and proportionality ofor the deployment of such technologies;
Amendment 190 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Notes that predictive policing is among the AI applications used in the area of law enforcement; acknowledges that this can allow law enforcement to work more effectively and proactively, but warns that while predictive policing can analyse the necessary data sets for the identification of patterns and correlations, it cannot answer the question of causality and therefore cannot constitute the sole basis for an intervention;
Amendment 194 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls for greater overall transparency from Member States, and for a comprehensive understanregarding of the use of AI applications in the Union, broken down by Member State law enforcement and judicial authority, the type of tool in use, the types of crime they are applied to, and the companies whose tools are being used; requests Member States to provide an overview of the tools used by their law enforcement and judicial authorities, the purposes for which they are used, and the names of the companies or organizations which have developed those tools;
Amendment 197 #
2020/2016(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Reminds that AI applications, including applications used in the context of law enforcement and the judiciary, are being developed globally at a rapid pace; urges all European stakeholders, including the Commission and EU agencies, to ensure international cooperation and to engage third country partners in order to find a common and complementary ethical framework for the use of AI, in particular for law enforcement and the judiciary;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas 43 % of Roma are in some form of paid employment1 ; whereas 50% of Roma between the age of 6 and 24 do not attend school and 63 % of young Roma (aged 16-24) are not in education, employment or training (NEET)2 ; whereas the increasing share of Roma NEETs was an area where the situation had deteriorated in 2016 compared to 20113 ; _________________ 1European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 3. 2Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies – 2019, COM(2019)0406, p. 4. 3 Roma inclusion measures reported under the EU framework for NRIS, SWD(2019) 320 final, PART 1/2, p. 18.
Amendment 11 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas Roma are struggling to find stable employment as they do not fit job requirements because of their often limited chances of developing their skills and competences;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Roma are born into an extreme generational poverty, one third of Roma households do not have tap water, just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Roma live in overcrowded housing4 ; _________________ 4European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6.
Amendment 21 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
Citation 11
— having regard to the relevant reports and recommendations of civil society organisations representing people with Romani backgroundRoma, non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and research institutions,
Amendment 29 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas a significant proportion of people with Romani background in Europe live in marginal conditions in both rural and urban areas, and in very poor socio- economic circumstances25 ; __________________ 25 FRA, Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey, Roma – Selected findings, 2016.
Amendment 50 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the more attention paid to those Member States that have a sizable Roma population and history of rather ineffective measures. The Commission should monitor and better support these Member States and their policies and measures;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the most critical points to address in the area of Roma employment are effective transition from education to the open labour market, tackling negative stereotypes that are often the biggest obstacles to find employment, tackling discrimination by employers, matching labour demand with labour supply, and the growing rates of Roma youth not in education;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas a Directive for the Equality and Inclusion of People with Romani Backgroundthe EU initiative on Roma Equality and Inclusion, developed on the basis of more realistic quantitative and qualitative data, a legislative act with a binding character on the European Union and its Member Statend country-specific indicators, is needed and must be proposed by the Commission;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for an urgent and thorough commitment by the relevant state authorities to the desegregation of Roma pupils in schools and to securing the same quality and inclusive mainstream learning as the non-Roma pupils, as Roma children are often educated in segregated environments, while the misdiagnosis of Roma children as having special educational needs is still a common discriminatory practice;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas adequate funding must be allocated for the implementation of post- 2020 National Inclusion Strategies for People with Romani BackgroundRoma from the local, regional and national budgets of the Member States; whereas the EU and the Member States must ensure that the funds allocated are properly spent and not misused;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 104 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the equal participation of local and regional stakeholders (NGOs, activists, experts, community members, etc.) must be significantly involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of public policies towards people with Romani backgroundRoma, in the post-2020 context;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to facilitate an exchange of best practices between Member States and to monitor the progress;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Member States to make the greatest effort in order to sensitise public opinion concerning Roma inclusion;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas under COVID-19 lockdowns, the situation of marginalised communities of people of Romani backgroundRoma in overcrowded compounds and settlements is very difficult; whereas people of Romani backgroundRoma do not have access to adequate healthcare, drinking water, sanitation and food, and are particularly at risk; whereas the Member States must deliver emergency support and medical care in order to limit the spread of the virus; whereas racism, exclusion and discrimination against people of Romani backgroundRoma should be urgently addressed by the Union and its Member States;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the Commission must develop a proposal for a post-2020 directive for eEU initiative on Roma Equality and iInclusion of people with Romani background in Europe putting the fight against poverty and anti-gypsyism at the forefront; stresses that the new proposal must include clear and binding objectives, measures and targetobjectives, country- specific indicators and concrete measures for the Member States, a clear timeline and clear and binding progress requirements, as well as success indicators and adequate funding for its implementation; emphasises the need for a robust monitoring and oversight mechanism to ensure effective implementation and appropriate use of funds; notes that equal participation in all domains of public life, political participation, and the language, arts, culture, history and environment of people with Romani backgroundRoma should be explicitly mentioned in the proposal for post-2020 EU public policy for people with Romani backgroundRoma, as additional measures to the four main priority areas of education, employment, housing and healthcare;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that to make the future EU Roma inclusion process successful and credible a fundamental change in approach is needed; emphasises that national efforts towards Roma inclusion should be accelerated in all EU Member States; stresses however that the emphasis should be placed on those with a sizable Roma population where an ineffective process of Roma inclusion poses macroeconomic challenges, deepens regional disparities and thus hampers EU social cohesion; underlines that the EU support to those countries should be measured up to the challenges, that greater attention should be devoted to the effectiveness of policies and measures in these countries, and that adequate funding should be closely linked with policies;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to develop a proposal for a post-2020 EU directive for the einitiative on Roma Equality and iInclusion of people with Romani background, giving priority to (i) achieving a positive impact; (ii) a rights-based approach, including a plan to eliminate social and economic inequalities; (iii) developing a vision for the future proposal, including specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time- bound objectives to protect and improve the inclusion of people with Romani backgroundRoma; and (iv) eliminating inequalities, especially for children from their earliest years;
Amendment 163 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to ensure the equal participation of Romani and pro- Romani civil society organisations, experts and community members, including those active at local and regional level, taking into account a gender perspective in both the policy debate and in decision-making;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to take into account the internal heterogeneity of the community in the priority domains of the post-2020 EU directive proposal, ensuring that nobody is left behind, and to use the designation ‘people with Romani background’ when referring to Romani groups in post-2020 EU policies and discussionsInitiative on Roma Equality and Inclusion, ensuring that nobody is left behind;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the link between EU mainstream financial and policy instruments, particularly the European Structural and Investment Funds, and inclusion priorities for people with Romani backgroundRoma, as part of the next multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to consider a new funding tool or sub- programme that should be linked to an existing EU educational and social funding programme, such as Erasmus Plus or the European Social Fund, for targeted and tailored support in quality education for pupils with Romani background between the ages of 3 and 18 who are contending with extreme poverty and do not have access to existing EU educational and social inclusion funding instruments;
Amendment 212 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to develop post-2020 National Strategies for the Inclusion of People with Romani BackgroundRoma based on realistic quantitative and qualitative data with an adequate pre- defined budget, incorporated into the national, regional and local budgets and which reflects the scale of the social inclusion needs of people with Romani backgroundRoma;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to officially recognise anti-gypsyism as a specific form of racism against people with Romani backgroundRoma, and to develop and implement specific and effective preventive and corrective measures against it on all levels where it occurs;
Amendment 258 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to strengthen the participation of people with Romani backgroundRoma in policy-making, moving from a paternalistic to a non- paternalistic approach;
Amendment 263 #
2020/2011(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to indicate what level of funding would be needed to carry out the proposed measures for inclusion of people with Romani backgroundRoma and to state the amount of money available for such measures from the national and from the EU budgets;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the work carried out by the Council of Europe to promote the protection and safety of journalists, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)1[1] of the Committee of Ministers to member states on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership and the declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the financial sustainability of quality journalism in the digital age, and the Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4[1] of the Committee of Ministers to member states on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the Joint Communication of 10 June 2020 entitled ‘Tackling COVID-19 disinformation - Getting the facts right’ (JOIN(2020) 8 final),
Amendment 14 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission’s Code of Practice to fight online disinformation, agreed on 26 September 2018,
Amendment 20 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 May 2020 on media literacy in an ever-changing world,
Amendment 30 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
— having regard to the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services' Report on disinformation: Assessment of the implementation of the Code of Practice (2020)
Amendment 41 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas all Member States must adhere to the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union
Amendment 53 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas several Member States’ position in international press freedom rankings has declined;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas journalists and other media actors continue to be at risk of violence, threats, harassment, pressure, (self-) censorship, public shaming and even assassination in the EU as a result of their investigative activities to protect the public interest; whereas women journalists face gender-specific forms of violence, such as sexual and online harassment, whereas more than 70% of women working in the media have experienced more than one type of harassment, threat, or attack online; whereas 52% of women have experienced these types of offence in the past year alone;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the threats to media freedom includes harassment and attacks aimed at journalists, disregard of their legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in addition to violence, intimidation and harassment of journalists there is lack of prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes and impunity leads to a chilling effect; whereas OSCE reports that impunity prevails as e.g. less than 15% of murders of journalists in the OSCE region are solved;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the global COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating social and economic impact on the media sector; whereas media outlets have been reporting considerable losses in their revenue from advertising, whereas thousands of media workers have already lost, or are at risk of losing their jobs, either temporarily or permanently, whereas this has particularly strong impact on freelance journalists whose number is increasing throughout the EU and who constitute already a significant part of all journalists in Europe; whereas financial sustainability of the job and financial independence are a crucial part of press freedom;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the impact of disinformation online, sometimes with serious consequences for public health
Amendment 80 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas digital advertising revenue often benefits non-EU actors and European media revenues are in sharp decline
Amendment 82 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the internet and social media play a role in spreading hate speech and fostering radicalisation leading to violent extremism, through the circulation of illegal content; whereas combating all forms of intolerance is an integral part of human-rights protection as developed by the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the AVMSD obliges the authorities in every Member State to ensure that audiovisual media services do not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality; whereas the AVMSD obliges Member States to ensure the independence of media regulators;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the spread of false news and disinformation available via social media or search websites poses a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the independence of the media, and has strongly impaired the credibility of the traditional media; whereas data analysis and algorithms have an increasing impact on the information made accessible to citizens;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom; whereas reports indicate that coordinated campaigns have been running across EU Member States and neighbouring regions, promoting false health information and disinformation about the EU and its partners; whereas the Commission addresses these phenomena in its recent joint communication on tackling COVID-19 disinformation;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas genuinely independent, adequately funded public-service media operating across various platforms are key to functioning democracy in the EU
Amendment 109 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its continued deep concern about the state of media freedom within the EU in the context of the abuses and attacks still being perpetrated against journalists and media workers in the Member States because of their activities, as well as the growing public denigration and general weakening of the profession, weighing particularly heavily on local, investigative and cross-border journalism; stresses that, in accordance with the Council of Europe Recommendation on media pluralism (2018), Member States have a positive obligation to foster a favourable environment for freedom of expression, offline and online, in which everyone can exercise their right to freedom of expression;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; highlights as well the need to ensure the financial independence and the conditions for the sustainability of the activities of private market operators to avoid media capture; reiterates in this context Parliament’s call for an ambitious EU media action plan; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludes opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violence; draws attention to the recommendations included in the Resolution 2255 (2019) of PACE that calls on the Member States to guarantee editorial independence, as well as sufficient and stable funding, for public service media; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of audiovisual media against undue state and commercial intervention is crucial; calls on the Commission to present a legal framework to supervise the operation of public service media providers, including whether they fulfil the criteria of prudent management and task-based financing, and if their services fulfil the expectations of fact-based, fair and ethical journalism;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and other media actors as well as of their sources, including in a cross-border context; reiterates its call to Member States to take a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists; strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to present proposals to prevent so-called ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation’ (SLAPP);
Amendment 176 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that excessive concentration of the content-producing and content-distributing sectors may threaten citizens’ access to a range of content; underlines that media pluralism, which depends on the existence of a diversity of media ownership and of content as well as independent journalism, is key to challenging the spread of disinformation and ensuring that EU citizens are well- informed; reminds that according to the Media Pluralism Monitor conclusions the media ownership concentration remains one of the most significant risks to media pluralism and is seen as creating barriers to the diversity of information; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation at Member States level of existing EU instruments against ownership concentration and illegal state aid to increase diversity in the media landscape;
Amendment 195 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisiseconomic recovery plan; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021- 2027), as redrafted following the COVID- 19 crisis, offering direct financial support for independent journalists and media outlets, freelancers and self-employed media workers; reiterates also in this context its call for an ambitious EU media action plan to support the development of a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape;
Amendment 199 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Strongly welcomes the allocation of EU funds to start projects, such as the Europe-wide rapid response mechanism for violations of press and media freedom and a cross-border investigative journalism fund in order to strengthen media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for an ambitious MFF with increased budget allocations to support media and independent journalism; stresses the importance of innovation in journalism and news media which could be fostered through EU funding
Amendment 202 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Stresses that public-service media role as trusted providers of public good and serving general public interest would be improved by appropriate and sustainable funding, free of political interference in the Member States
Amendment 218 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Amendment 236 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media content; reiterates its concern about the potential threat disinformation poses to freedom of expression and the, democratic discourse, independence of the media and public health;
Amendment 240 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on all online platforms to ensure their algorithms underpinning search functions favour reliable sources and trustworthy sites over a commercial logic based on advertising; calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to control and monitor online platforms and to ensure that they comply with this approach;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the EU institutions for strengthened and pro-active communication in all official languages when major public emergencies, such as the pandemic occur in order to ensure that European citizens have access to accurate, user-friendly and verified information;
Amendment 259 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate, transparent and subject to regular oversight, and may under no circumstances prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet; deplores that certain online platforms remove professional journalistic content based on non-transparent terms and conditions which unnecessarily limit the freedom of expression;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to present a European Democracy Action Plan that aims to counter disinformation and to adapt to evolving threats and manipulations, as well as to support free and, independent and financially viable media; emphasises in this respect that protecting free and independent media while combating hate speech and disinformation is a fundamental factor in terms of the defence of the rule of law and democracy in the EU; welcomes the creation of the European Digital Media Observatory, a digital platform to help fighting disinformation;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positiveromising impact of the voluntary actions taken by service providers and platforms to counter disinformation; calls on all online platforms and other key players to join the list of signatories;
Amendment 280 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positive and necessary, yet still insufficient, impact of the voluntary actions taken by service providers and platforms to counter disinformation;
Amendment 283 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to improve media literacy through support for educational initiatives aimed at both students and professional educators, as well as through targeted awareness-raising campaigns within civil society, highlights that media literacy is an increasingly essential and critical skill for the modern citizen and consumer and recalls its fundamental role as one of the primary solutions to growing disinformation- and hate speech-related issues;
Amendment 284 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Considers that the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation could be strengthened through improved monitoring of the existing commitments, transparent and disaggregated provision of information and data by the online platforms and expansion of the existing commitments; considers that co- regulatory approach continuously reflecting current developments in the digital sphere could be a way forward;
Amendment 289 #
2020/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Considers continuous media literacy curriculum and efforts across all age groups to be of significant importance when increasing societal resilience to various threats in the digital space;
Amendment 45 #
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 destruction of the traditional agro- pastoral economy as a result of climate change, population growth and 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 the 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 concernedAfrica is struggling to contend with multiple challenges stemming from the historical development of the continent;
Amendment 65 #
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 resourcesnew challenges, such as poverty and insecurity, cause migration;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
L a. whereas the African Union remains a key partner for EU's peace and stability efforts;
Amendment 177 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the proposal by the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy which will be a basis for the new strategy with Africa based on five key areas of green transition, digital transformation, sustainable growth and jobs, peace and governance and migration and mobility; underlines the importance of the upcoming EU-AU Summit in order to strengthen bilateral relations and define common strategic priorities with partners;
Amendment 385 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. SUnderlines the importance of the future EU-Africa partnership and states that there can be no security strategy without joint development action;
Amendment 408 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point a
Paragraph 25 – point a
a) consolidating democracy by ensuring a real parliamentary system, guaranteeing all civil societyparliamentary democracy and respect for fundamental freedoms and civil liberties;
Amendment 412 #
2020/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 25 – point a a (new)
a a) conducting free, fair and competitive elections;
Amendment 126 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) For years, politics has relied on voluntary cooperation with a view to address these risks and challenges. Since this has proved insufficient and there has been a lack of harmonised rules at Union level, Member States arehave been increasingly introducing, or are considering introducing, national laws on the matters covered by this Regulation, imposing, in particular, diligence requirements for providers of intermediary services. Those diverging national laws negatively affect the internal market, which, pursuant to Article 26 of the Treaty, comprises an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods and services and freedom of establishment are ensured, taking into account the inherently cross- border nature of the internet, which is generally used to provide those services. The conditions for the provision of intermediary services across the internal market should be harmonised, so as to provide businesses with access to new markets and opportunities to exploit the benefits of the internal market, while allowing consumers and other recipients of the services to have increased choice. Moreover, a fragmentation of rules can have negative consequences for the freedom of expression.
Amendment 132 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Responsible and diligent behaviour by providers of intermediary services is essential for a safe, predictable and trusted online environment and for allowing Union citizens and other persusers and consumers within the Unions to exercise their fundamental rights guaranteed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘Charter’), in particular the freedom of expression and information and the freedom to conduct a business, the rights to privacy and data protection, and the right to non-discrimination.
Amendment 134 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Such a substantial connection to the Union should be considered to exist where the service provider has an establishment in the Union or, in its absence, on the basis of the existence of a significant number of users in one or more Member States, or the targeting of activities towards one or more Member States. The targeting of activities towards one or more Member States canshould be determined on the basis of all relevant circumstances, including factors such as the use of a language or a currency generally used in that Member State, or the possibility of ordering products or services, or using a national top level domain. The targeting of activities towards a Member State could also be derived from the availability of an application in the relevant national application store, from the provision of local advertising or advertising in the language used in that Member State, or from the handling of customer relations such as by providing customer service in the language generally used in that Member State. A substantial connection should also be assumed where a service provider directs its activities to one or more Member State as set out in Article 17(1)(c) of Regulation (EU) 1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council27 . On the other hand, the mere technical accessibility of a website, of an email address or of other contact details from the Union, cannot, on that ground alone, be considered as establishing a substantial connection to the Union. _________________ 27 Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2012 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters (OJ L351, 20.12.2012, p.1)sufficient to constitute a substantial connection to the Union.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Regulation should complement, yet not affect the application of rules resulting from other acts of Union law regulating certain aspects of the provision of intermediary services, in particular Directive 2000/31/EC, with the exception of those changes introduced by this Regulation, Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended,28 and Regulation (EU) …/..2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council29 – proposed Terrorist Content Online Regulation. Therefore, this Regulation leaves those other acts, which are to be considered lex specialis in relation to the generally applicable framework set out in this Regulation, unaffected. However, the rules of this Regulation apply in respect of issues that are not or not fully addressed by those other acts as well as issues on which those other acts leave Member States the possibility of adopting certain measures at national level. _________________ 28 Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 95, 15.4.2010, p. 1 . 29Regulation (EU) …/.. of the European Parliament and of the Council – proposed Terrorist Content Online Regulation
Amendment 142 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to achieve the objective of ensuring a safe, predictable and trusted online environment, for the purpose of this Regulation the concept of “illegal content” should be defined broadly and also covers information relating to illegal content, products, services and activities. In particular, that concept should be understood to refer to information, irrespective of its form, that under the applicable law is either itself illegal, such as illegal hate speech, child sexual abuse material or terrorist content and unlawful discriminatory content, or that relates to activities that are illegal, such as the sharing of images depicting child sexual abuse, unlawful non- consensual sharing of private images, online stalking, the sale of non- compliant or counterfeit products, the non- authorised use of copyright protected material or activities involving infringements of consumer protection law. In this regard, it is immaterial whether the illegality of the information or activity results from Union law or from national law that is consistent with Union law and what the precise nature or subject matter is of the law in question.
Amendment 148 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The concept of ‘dissemination to the public’, as used in this Regulation, should entail the making available of information to a potentially unlimited number of persons, that is, making the information easily accessible to users in general without further action by the recipient of the service providing the information being required, irrespective of whether those persons actually access the information in question. The mere possibility to create groups of users of a given service should not, in itself, be understood to mean that the information disseminated in that manner is not disseminated to the public. However, the concept should exclude dissemination of information within closed groups consisting of a finite number of pre- determined personAccordingly, that information should be considered to be disseminated to the public only where users seeking to access the information are automatically registered or admitted without a human decision or selection of whom to grant access. Interpersonal communication services, as defined in Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council,39 such as emails or private messaging services, should fall outside the scope of this Regulation. Information should be considered disseminated to the public within the meaning of this Regulation only where that occurs upon the direct request by the recipient of the service that provided the information. _________________ 39Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (Recast), OJ L 321, 17.12.2018, p. 36
Amendment 161 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) In order to create legal certainty and not to discourage activities aimed at detecting, identifying and acting against, removing and reporting illegal content that providers of intermediary services may undertake on a voluntary basis, including the deployment of automated tools to detect manifestly illegal content, it should be clarified that the mere fact that providers undertake such activities does not lead to the unavailability of the exemptions from liability set out in this Regulation, provided those activities are carried out in good faith and in a diligent manner. In addition, it is appropriate to clarify that the mere fact that those providers take measures, in good faith, to comply with the requirements of Union or national law, including those set out in this Regulation as regards the implementation of their terms and conditions, should not lead to the unavailability of those exemptions from liability. Therefore, any such activities and measures that a given provider may have taken should not be taken into account when determining whether the provider can rely on an exemption from liability, in particular as regards whether the provider provides its service neutrally and can therefore fall within the scope of the relevant provision, without this rule however implying that the provider can necessarily rely thereon.
Amendment 165 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Since 2000, new technologies have emerged that improve the availability, efficiency, speed, reliability, capacity and security of systems for the transmission and storage of data online, leading to an increasingly complex online ecosystem. In this regard, it should be recalled that providers of services establishing and facilitating the underlying logical architecture and proper functioning of the internet, including technical auxiliary functions, can also benefit from the exemptions from liability set out in this Regulation, to the extent that their services qualify as ‘mere conduits’, ‘caching’ or hosting services. Such services include, as the case may be, wireless local area networks, domain name system (DNS) services, top–level domain name registries, certificate authorities that issue digital certificates, or content delivery networks, that enable or improve the functions of other providers of intermediary services. Likewise, services used for communications purposes, and the technical means of their delivery, have also evolved considerably, giving rise to online services such as Voice over IP, messaging services, cloud infrastructure providers and web-based e-mail services, where the communication is delivered via an internet access service. Those services, too, can benefit from the exemptions from liability, to the extent that they qualify as ‘mere conduit’, ‘caching’ or hosting service.
Amendment 166 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Providers of intermediary services should not be subject to a monitoring obligation with respect to obligations of a general nature. This does not concern monitoring obligations in a specific case and, in particular, does not affect orders by national authorities in accordance with national legislation, in accordance with the conditions established in this Regulation. Nothing in this Regulation should be construed as an imposition of a general monitoring obligation or active fact-finding obligation, or as a general obligation in relation to illegal content. However, notice-and-action mechanisms should be complemented by requirements for providers to take proactivespecific measures to relation to illegal contenthat are proportionate to their scale of reach as well as their technical and operational capacities in order to effectively address the appearance of illegal content on their services.
Amendment 170 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Depending on the legal system of each Member State and the field of law at issue, national judicial, law enforcement or administrative authorities may order providers of intermediary services to act against certain specific items of illegal content or to provide certain specific items of information. The national laws on the basis of which such orders are issued differ considerably and the orders are increasingly addressed in cross-border situations. In order to ensure that those orders can be complied with in an effective and efficient manner, so that the public authorities concerned can carry out their tasks and the providers are not subject to any disproportionate burdens, without unduly affecting the rights and legitimate interests of any third parties, it is necessary to set certain conditions that those orders should meet and certain complementary requirements relating to the processing of those orders.
Amendment 172 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Orders to act against illegal content or to provide information should be issued by designated national competent authorities in compliance with Union law, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the prohibition of general obligations to monitor information or to actively seek facts or circumstances indicating illegal activity laid down in this Regulation. Member States should ensure that the competent authorities fulfil their tasks in an objective, independent and non- discriminatory manner and do not seek or take instructions from any other body in relation to the exercise of the tasks under this Regulation. The conditions and requirements laid down in this Regulation which apply to orders to act against illegal content are without prejudice to other Union acts providing for similar systems for acting against specific types of illegal content, such as Regulation (EU) …/…. [proposed Regulati2021/784 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online], or Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 that confers specific powers to order the provision of information on Member State consumer law enforcement authorities, whilst the conditions and requirements that apply to orders to provide information are without prejudice to other Union acts providing for similar relevant rules for specific sectors. Those conditions and requirements should be without prejudice to retention and preservation rules under applicable national law, in conformity with Union law and confidentiality requests by law enforcement authorities related to the non- disclosure of information.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30 a (new)
Recital 30 a (new)
(30 a) In line with the judgment of the Court of Justice of 3 October 2019 in case C-18/18 and where technologically feasible, providers of intermediary services may be required, on the basis of sufficiently substantiated orders by designated competent authorities and taking full account of the specific context of the content, to execute periodic searches for distinct pieces of content that a court has already declared unlawful, provided that the monitoring of and search for the information concerned by such an injunction are limited to information conveying a message whose content remains essentially unchanged compared with the content which gave rise to the finding of illegality and containing the elements specified in the injunction, which, are identical or equivalent to the extent that would not require the host provider to carry out an independent assessment of that content.
Amendment 174 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The territorial scope of such orders to act against illegal content should be clearly set out on the basis of the applicable Union or national law enabling the issuance of the order and should not exceed what is strictly necessary to achieve its objectives. In that regard, the national judicial, law enforcement or administrative authority issuing the order should balance the objective that the order seeks to achieve, in accordance with the legal basis enabling its issuance, with the rights and legitimate interests of all third parties that may be affected by the order, in particular their fundamental rights under the Charter. In addition, where the order referring to the specific information may have effects beyond the territory of the Member State of the authority concerned, the authority should assess whether the information at issue is likely to constitute illegal content in other Member States concerned and, where relevant, take account of the relevant rules of Union law or international law and the interests of international comity. Providers of intermediary services should not be legally required to remove content which is legal in their country of establishment. However, in accordance with Union law, it should be possible for a competent authority to request a provider established or legally represented in another Member State to block access to specific content from the Union territory. This is without prejudice to the right for providers to check specific content subject to an order against their terms and conditions and subsequently remove it despite it being legal in their country of establishment.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Providers of intermediary services that are established in a third country that offer services in the Union should designate a sufficiently mandated legal representative in the Union and provide information relating to their legal representatives,empowered to act on their behalf so as to allow for the compliance, effective oversight and, where necessary, enforcement of this Regulation in relation to. It should be possible for intermediary services to designate, for those providers. It should be possibleurposes of this Regulation, a legal representative already designated for other purposes, provided that that legal representative to alsois able to fulfil the function as point of contact, provided the relevanrovided for in this Regulation. Providers of intermediary services that arequirements of this Regulation are complied with. part of a group should be allowed to collectively designate one legal representative.
Amendment 181 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) To ensure an adequate level of transparency and accountability, providers of intermediary services should annually report, in accordance with the harmonised requirements contained in this Regulation, on the content moderation they engage in, including the measures taken as a result of the application and enforcement of their terms and conditions. Providers offering their services in more than one Member State should provide a breakdown of the information by Member State. However, so as to avoid disproportionate burdens, those transparency reporting obligations should not apply to providers that are micro- or small enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.40 _________________ 40 Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).
Amendment 184 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Providers of hosting services play a particularly important role in tackling illegal content online, as they store information provided by and at the request of the recipients of the service and typically give other recipients access thereto, sometimes on a large scale. It is important that all providers of hosting services, regardless of their size, put in place user-friendly notice and action mechanisms that facilitate the notification of specific items of information that the notifying party considerassesses to be illegal content to the provider of hosting services concerned ('notice'), pursuant to which that provider, based on its own assessment, can decide whether or not it agrees with that assessment and wishes to remove or disable access to that content ('action'). Provided the requirements on notices are met, it should be possible for individuals or entities to notify multiple specific items of allegedly illegal content through a single notice. The obligation to put in place notice and action mechanisms should apply, for instance, to file storage and sharing services, web hosting services, advertising servers and paste bins, in as far as they qualify as providers of hosting services covered by this Regulation.
Amendment 191 #
2020/0361(COD)
(42) Where a hosting service provider decides to remove or disable access to information provided by a recipient of the service, for instance following receipt of a notice or acting on its own initiative, including through the use of automated meantools, that provider should inform the recipient of its decision, the reasons for its decision and the available redress possibilities to contest the decision, in view of the negative consequences that such decisions may have for the recipient, including as regards the exercise of its fundamental right to freedom of expression. That obligation should apply irrespective of the reasons for the decision, in particular whether the action has been taken because the information notified is considered to be illegal content or incompatible with the applicable terms and conditions. Available recourses to challenge the decision of the hosting service provider should always include judicial redress.
Amendment 202 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) An online platform may in some instances become aware, such as through a notice by a notifying party or through its own voluntary measures, of information relating to certain activity of a recipient of the service, such as the provision of certain types of illegal content, that reasonably justify, having regard to all relevant circumstances of which the online platform is aware, the suspicion that the recipient may have committed, may be committing or is likely to commit a serious criminal offence involving a threat to the life or safety of person, such as offences specified in Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council44 or in Directive 2017/571 of the European Parliament and the Council. In such instances, the online platform should inform without delay the competent law enforcement authorities or Europol in cases where the competent law enforcement authority cannot easily be identified, of such suspicion, providing all relevant information available to it, including where relevant the content in question and an explanation of its suspicion. This Regulation does not provide the legal basis for profiling of recipients of the services with a view to the possible identification of criminal offences by online platforms. Online platforms should also respect other applicable rules of Union or national law for the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals when informing law enforcement authorities. _________________ 44Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1).
Amendment 218 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) Three categories of systemic risks should be assessed in-depth. A first category concerns the risks associated with the misuse of their service through the dissemination of illegal content, such as the dissemination of child sexual abuse material or illegal hate speech, and the conduct of illegal activities, such as the sale of products or services prohibited by Union or national law, including counterfeit products. For example, and without prejudice to the personal responsibility of the recipient of the service of very large online platforms for possible illegality of his or her activity under the applicable law, such dissemination or activities may constitute a significant systematic risk where access to such content may be amplified through accounts with a particularly wide reach. A second category concerns the impact of the service on the exercise of fundamental rights, as protected by the Charter of Fthe fundamental Rrights, including the to freedom of expression and information, the right to private life, the right to non- discrimination and the rights of the child. Such risks may arise, for example, in relation to the design of the algorithmic systems used by the very large online platform or the misuse of their service through the submission of abusive notices or other methods for silencing speech or hampering competition. A third category of risks concerns the intentional and, oftentimes, coordinated manipulation of the platform’s service, with a foreseeable impact on healthpublic health, education, civic discourse, electoral processes, public safety and security and protection of minors, having regard to the need to safeguard public order, protect privacy and fight fraudulent and deceptive commercial practices. Such risks may arise, for example, through the creation of fake accounts, the use of bots, and other automated or partially automated behaviours, which may lead to the rapid and widespread dissemination of information that is illegal content or incompatible with an online platform’s terms and conditions.
Amendment 222 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58
Recital 58
(58) Very large online platforms should deploy the necessary and proportionate means to diligently mitigate the systemic risks identified in the risk assessment. Very large online platforms should under such mitigating measures consider, for example, enhancing or otherwise adapting the design and functioning of their content moderation, algorithmic recommender systems and online interfaces, so that they discourage and limit the dissemination of illegal content, adapting their decision- making processes, or adapting their terms and conditions. They may also include corrective measures, such as discontinuing advertising revenue for specific content, or other actions, such as labelling of content shared by bots or removing fake accounts, improving the visibility of authoritative information sources and offering corrections whenever possible. Very large online platforms mayare asked to reinforce their internal processes or supervision of any of their activities, in particular as regards the detection and resolution of systemic risks. They may alsare asked to initiate or increase cooperation with trusted flaggers and independent fact-checkers, organise training sessions and exchanges with trusted flagger organisations, and cooperate with other service providers, including by initiating or joining existing codes of conduct or other self-regulatory measures. Any measures adopted should respect the due diligence requirements of this Regulation and be effective and appropriate for mitigating the specific risks identified, in the interest of safeguarding public order, protecting privacy and fighting fraudulent and deceptive commercial practices, and should be proportionate in light of the very large online platform’s economic capacity and the need to avoid unnecessary restrictions on the use of their service, taking due account of potentialwith a view to limiting the negative effects on the fundamental rights of all parties involved, notably the recipients of the service.
Amendment 231 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61
Recital 61
(61) The audit report should be substantiated, so as to give a meaningful account of the activities undertaken and the conclusions reached. It should help inform, and where appropriate suggest improvements to the measures taken by the very large online platform to comply with their obligations under this Regulation. The report should be transmitted to the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment and the Board without delay, together with the risk assessment and the mitigation measures, as well as the platform’s plans for addressing the audit’s recommendations. The report should include an audit opinion based on the conclusions drawn from the audit evidence obtained. Where applicable, the report should include a description of specific elements that could not be audited, and an explanation of why these could not be audited. A positive opinion should be given where all evidence shows that the very large online platform complies with the obligations laid down by this Regulation or, where applicable, any commitments it has undertaken pursuant to a code of conduct or crisis protocol, in particular by identifying, evaluating and mitigating the systemic risks posed by its system and services. A positive opinion should be accompanied by comments where the auditor wishes to include remarks that do not have a substantial effect on the outcome of the audit. A negative opinion should be given where the auditor considers that the very large online platform does not comply with this Regulation or the commitments undertaken. Where the audit opinion could not reach a conclusion for specific elements within the scope of the audit, a statement of reasons for the failure to reach such a conclusive opinion should be added.
Amendment 233 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 62
Recital 62
(62) A core part of a very large online platform’s business is the manner in which information is prioritised and presented on its online interface to facilitate and optimise access to information for the recipients of the service. This is done, for example, by algorithmically suggesting, ranking and prioritising information, distinguishing through text or other visual representations, or otherwise curating information provided by recipients. Such recommender systems can have a significant impact on the ability of recipients to retrieve and interact with information online. They also play an important role in the amplification of certain messages, the viral dissemination of information and the stimulation of online behaviour. Consequently, very large online platforms should ensure that recipients are appropriately informed, and can influence the information presented to them. They should clearly present the main parameters for such recommender systems in an easily comprehensible manner to ensure that the recipients understand how information is prioritised for them. They should also ensure that the recipients enjoyhave alternative options for the main parameters, including a visible, user-friendly and readily available option to turn off algorithmic selection within the recommender system entirely and options that are not based on profiling of the recipient.
Amendment 240 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) In order to appropriately supervise the compliance of very large online platforms with the obligations laid down by this Regulation, the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment, the Digital Services Coordinators of destination or the Commission may require access to or reporting of specific data. Such a requirement may include, for example, the data necessary to assess the risks and possible harms brought about by the platform’s systems, data on the accuracy, functioning and testing of algorithmic systems for content moderation, recommender systems or advertising systems, or data on processes and outputs of content moderation or of internal complaint-handling systems within the meaning of this Regulation. Investigations by researchers on the evolution and severity of online systemic risks are particularly important for bridging information asymmetries and establishing a resilient system of risk mitigation, informing online platforms, Digital Services Coordinators, other competent authorities, the Commission and the public. This Regulation therefore provides a framework for compelling access to data from very large online platforms to vetted researcherscientific researchers meeting specific requirements, for the sole purpose of conducting research that contributes to the identification, understanding and mitigation of systemic risks. All requirements for access to data under that framework should be proportionate and appropriately protect the rights and legitimate public and private interests, including trade secrets and other confidential information, of the platform and any other parties concerned, including the recipients of the service. The vetted researchers should be required to make the results of their research publicly available, taking into account the rights and interests of the recipients of the service concerned, notably under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 242 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) In order to appropriately supervise the compliance of very large online platforms with the obligations laid down by this Regulation, the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment or the Commission may require access to or reporting of specific data. Such a requirement may include, for example, the data necessary to assess the risks and possible harms brought about by the platform’s systems, data on the accuracy, functioning and testing of algorithmic systems for content moderation, recommender systems or advertising systems, or data on processes and outputs of content moderation or of internal complaint-handling systems within the meaning of this Regulation. Investigations by researchers on the evolution and severity of online systemic risks are particularly important for bridging information asymmetries and establishing a resilient system of risk mitigation, informing online platforms, Digital Services Coordinators, other competent authorities, the Commission and the public. This Regulation therefore provides a framework for compelling access to data from very large online platforms to vetted researchers. All requirements for access to data under that framework should be proportionate, reported per individual Member State and appropriately protect the rights and legitimate public and private interests, including trade secrets and other confidential information, of the platform and any other parties concerned, including the recipients of the service.
Amendment 257 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 84
Recital 84
(84) The Digital Services Coordinator should regularly publish a report on the activities carried out under this Regulation. Given that the Digital Services Coordinator is also made aware of orders to take action against illegal content or to provide information regulated by this Regulation through the common information sharing system, the Digital Services Coordinator should include in its annual report the number and categories of these orders addressed to providers of intermediary services issued by judicial, law enforcement and administrative authorities in its Member State.
Amendment 272 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) rules on the implementation and enforcement of the requirements set out in this Regulation, including as regards the cooperation of and coordination between the competent authorities.
Amendment 318 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Providers of intermediary services shall not be deemed ineligible for the exemptions from liability referred to in Articles 3, 4 and 5 solely because they carry outapply voluntary measures on their own- initiative investigations oror carry out other activities aimed at detecting, identifying, reporting and removing, or disabling of access to, illegal content, or take the necessary measures to comply with the requirements ofset out in national or Union law, including those set out in this Regulation.
Amendment 331 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Providers of intermediary services shall, upon the receipt of an order to act against a specific item of illegal content, issued by the relevaa competent national judicial or administrative authoritiesy, on the basis of the applicable Union or national law, in conformity with Union law, inform the authority issuing the order of the effect given to the orders, without undue delay, specifying the action taken and the moment when the action was taken.
Amendment 337 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 1
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 1
— a sufficient statement of clear reasons explaining why the information is illegal content, by reference to the specific provision of Union or national law infringed;
Amendment 338 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3
— user-friendly information about redress available to the provider of the service and to the recipient of the service who provided the content, including information about redress to the competent authority, recourse to a court, as well as the deadlines for appeal;
Amendment 342 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 a (new)
- identification details of the competent authority issuing the order and authentication of the order by that competent authority;
Amendment 344 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 b (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 b (new)
- a reference to the legal basis for the removal order;
Amendment 345 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 c (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 c (new)
Amendment 346 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 d (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 3 d (new)
- where necessary and proportionate, the decision not to disclose information about the removal of or disabling of access to the content for reasons of public security, such as the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of serious crime, for as long as necessary, but not exceeding six weeks from that decision
Amendment 355 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The Digital Services Coordinator from the Member State of the judicial or administrativecompetent authority issuing the order shall, without undue delay, transmit a copy of the orders referred to in paragraph 1 to all other Digital Services Coordinators through the system established in accordance with Article 67.
Amendment 366 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 1
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 1
— a sufficient statement of clear reasons explaining the objective for which the information is required and why the requirement to provide the information is necessary and proportionate to determine compliance by the recipients of the intermediary services with applicable Union or national rules, unless such a statement cannot be provided for reasons related to public security, such as the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences;
Amendment 370 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2
— user-friendly information about redress available to the provider and to the recipients of the service concerned, including information about redress to the competent authority, recourse to a court, as well as the deadlines for appeal;
Amendment 373 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 a (new)
- identification details of the competent authority issuing the order and authentication of the order by that competent authority;
Amendment 374 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 b (new)
- a reference to the legal basis for the removal order;
Amendment 375 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 c (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a – indent 2 c (new)
- the date, time stamp and electronic signature of the competent authority issuing the removal order;
Amendment 403 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Providers of intermediary services shall act in a diligent, objective and proportionatenon-discriminatory and transparent manner in applying and enforcing the restrictions referred to in paragraph 1, with due regard to the rights and legitimate interests of all parties involved, including the applicable fundamental rights of the recipients of the service as enshrined in the Charter.
Amendment 417 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Providers of intermediary services shall publish, at least once a year, clear, easily comprehensible and detailed reports on any content moderation they engaged in during the relevant period. Those reports shall include breakdowns at Member state level and, in particular, information on the following, as applicable:
Amendment 419 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) the complete number of content moderators allocated for individual official languages per Member State and a qualitative description of how automated tools for content moderation are used for content moderation in each official language
Amendment 424 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Providers of intermediary services shall provide an accessible database of removed harmful content. This database shall be user-friendly and it shall include the reasons why the content was removed.
Amendment 468 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Providers of hosting may choose to make use of ex ante control measures based on automated tools for content moderation, notably to prevent the upload of specific content which has been declared illegal by a court. Where providers of hosting services otherwise use automated tools for content moderation, they shall ensure that qualified staff decide on any action to be taken and that legal content which does not infringe the terms and conditions set out by the providers is not affected. The provider shall ensure that the staff is provided with adequate training on the applicable legislation and, where necessary, with access to professional support, qualified psychological assistance and qualified legal advice.
Amendment 469 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Providers of hosting services shall act in a transparent, coherent, predictable, non-discriminatory, diligent and proportionate manner when moderating content, with due regard to the rights and legitimate interests of all parties involved, including the fundamental rights of the recipients of the service as enshrined in the Charter.
Amendment 473 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) where applicable, information on the use made of automated means used in taking the decision, including where the decision was taken in respect of content detected or identified using automated means;
Amendment 478 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. The obligations pursuant to this Article shall not apply where the provider can demonstrate that the recipient of the service has repeatedly provided illegal content or where the removal is based on an order in accordance with Article 8 and the competent authority that issued the order decides that it is necessary and proportionate that there be no disclosure for reasons of public security, such as the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of terrorist offences, for as long as necessary, but not exceeding six weeks from that decision. In such a case, the hosting service provider shall not disclose any information on the removal or disabling of access to terrorist content. That competent authority may extend that period by a further six weeks, where such non-disclosure continues to be justified.
Amendment 568 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the absolute numbers of items of manifestly illegal content or manifestly unfounded notices or complaints, submitted in the past year; broken down per Member State;
Amendment 571 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 20 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the relative proportion thereofof manifestly unfounded notices or complaints in relation to the total number of items of information provided or notices submitted in the past year broken down per Member State;
Amendment 573 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. Online platforms shall set out, in a clear and detailed manner,user-friendly language their policy in respect of the misuse referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 in their terms and conditions, including as regards the facts and circumstances that they take into account when assessing whether certain behaviour constitutes misuse and the duration of the suspension.
Amendment 619 #
2020/0361(COD)
1. Very large online platforms shall identify, analyse and assess, from the date of application referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 25(4), at least once a year thereafter,on an ongoing basis, the probability anyd significeverity of anty systemic risks stemming from the design, functioning and use made of their services in the Union including disproportionate systemic risks at the level of Member State. This risk assessment shall be specific to their services and shall include the following systemic risks:
Amendment 629 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) intentional or coordinated manipulation of their service, including by means of inauthentic use or automated exploitation of the service, with an actual or foreseeable negative effect on the protection of public health, education, minors, civic discourse, risk of deception or manipulation of users and consumers or actual or foreseeable effects related to electoral processes and public safety and security.
Amendment 635 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – title
Article 27 – title
27 Mitigation ofSpecific measures to mitigate risks
Amendment 637 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. VWithout prejudice to the due diligence requirements set out in Chapter III of this Regulation, very large online platforms shall put in place reasonablappropriate, proportionate and effective mitigation measures, tailored to the specific systemic risks identified pursuant to Article 26. Such measures may include, whereas applicable:
Amendment 644 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) adapting content moderation or recommender systems and online interfaces, their decision- making processes, the features or functioning of their services, or their terms and conditions;
Amendment 645 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) adapting content moderation or recommender systems and online interfaces, their decision- making processes, the features or functioning of their services, or their terms and conditions;
Amendment 648 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) targeted measures aimed at discontinuing or at least limiting the display of advertisements in association with the service they providefor specific content;
Amendment 652 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) reinforcing the internal processes or supervision of any of their activities in particular as regards detection and resolution of systemic risk;
Amendment 657 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) initiating or adjusting cooperation with other online platforms through the codes of conduct and the crisis protocols referred to in Article 35 and 37 respectively as well as other relevant self- regulatory measures.
Amendment 667 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) identification and assessment of the most prominent and recurrenteach of the systemic risks reported by very large online platforms or identified through other information sources, in particular those provided in compliance with Article 31 and 33;
Amendment 673 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission, in cooperation with the Digital Services Coordinators, mayshall issue general guidelines on the application of paragraph 1 in relation to specific systemic risks, in particular to present best practices and recommend possible measures, having due regard to the possible consequences of the measures on fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of all parties involved. When preparing those guidelines the Commission shall organise public consultations.
Amendment 680 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Very large online platforms shall be subject, at their own expense and at least once a year, to independent audits to assess compliance with the following:
Amendment 683 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the obligations set out in Chapter III; in particular the quality of the identification, analysis and assessment of the risks referred to in Article 26, and the necessity, proportionality and effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures referred to in Article 27
Amendment 700 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(f a) where the audit opinion could not reach a conclusion for specific elements within the scope of the audit, a statement of reasons for the failure to reach such a conclusive opinion.
Amendment 703 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
(f b) a description of specific elements that could not be audited, and an explanation of why these could not be audited.
Amendment 711 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. Very large online platforms that use recommender systems shall set out in their terms and conditions, in a clear, accessible and easily comprehensible manner, the main parameters used in their recommender systems, as well as annd they shall provide clear and user-friendly options for the recipients of the service to modify or influence those main parameters that they may have made available, including at least one option which is not based on profiling, within the meaning of Article 4 (4) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.”
Amendment 718 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Where several options are available pursuant to paragraph 1, very large online platforms shall provide an easily accessible and user-friendly functionality on their online interface allowing the recipient of the service to select and to modify at any time their preferred option for each of the recommender systems that determines the relative order of information presented to them including the option not to apply any recommender systems and to have the content shown in chronological order.
Amendment 740 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
2. Upon a reasoned request from the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment or the Commission, very large online platforms shall, within a reasonable period, as specified in the request, provide access to data to vetted researchers who meet the requirements in paragraphs 4 of this Article, for the sole purpose of conducting research that contributes to the identification and, understanding and mitigation, of systemic risks as set out in Articles 26(1). and 27
Amendment 747 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4
Article 31 – paragraph 4
4. In order to be vetted, scientific researchers shall be affiliated with academic institutions, be independent from commercial interests, have proven records of expertise in the fields related to the risks investigated or related research methodologies, and shall commit and be in a capacity to preserve the specific data security and confidentiality requirements corresponding to each request.
Amendment 751 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. Within 15 days following receipt of a request as referred to in paragraph 1 and 2, a very large online platform may request the Digital Services Coordinator of establishment or the Commission, as applicable, to amend the request, where it considers that it is unable to give access to the data requested because one of following twohree reasons:
Amendment 755 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 6 – point b a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 6 – point b a (new)
(b a) insofar as personal data is concerned, giving access to the data would violate applicable Union or national data protection law.
Amendment 757 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Upon completion of the research envisaged in Article 31(2), the vetted researchers shall make their research publicly available, taking into account the rights and interests of the recipients of the service concerned in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/679.
Amendment 779 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Amendment 77 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to enhance the accession process by ensuring that it strengthens fundamental values and rule of law and brings sustainable democratic and economic transformation and social convergence, and by making sure that the internal reform of the EU and its enlargement run in parallel;
Amendment 101 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to provide clear and consistent accession benchmarks as well as continued political and technical support throughout the process, and to improve the measuring of progress, ensuring that each accession country is assessed on the basis of its own merits;
Amendment 121 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) to encourage gradual participation in EU sectoral policies and programmes prior to accession, including through targeted financial support, in order to bring tangible benefits for citizens and enhance the EU’s assistance and presence in these countries prior to full-membership;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) to enhance the conditionality mechanism and strengthen the reversibility of the accession process by applying clear objective criteria when deciding whether negotiations should be put on hold or suspended; to ensure that the Commission initiates these procedures after thorough evaluation and in response to a proposal from the Member States or the European Parliament; to ensure that the conditionality mechanism is accompanied with a robust communication from the EU institutions about the specifics for possible suspension;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) to bring the primacy of democracy and the rule of law back to the very centre of the enlargement process by opening first and closing last the chapters related to the judiciary, corruption and organised crime, as well as those related to respect for human rights and media freedomfundamental freedoms, human rights, media freedom and freedom of expression;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) to engage Members of the European Parliament in the EU accession process through European Parliament’s different instruments, including through the SAPC meetings;
Amendment 227 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) to foster electoral reforms that ensure free, fair, competitive and transparent elections, in line with international standards; to contribute to the European Parliament’s democracy support programmes in the region;
Amendment 229 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) to encourage the National Parliaments to use the European Parliament’s democracy support tools such as Jean Monnet Dialogue and Inter- Party Dialogue in order to facilitate political work on parliamentary dialogue and to enhance accountability, oversight, democratic scrutiny and quality of legislative work;
Amendment 238 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) to strongly condemn smear campaigns, threats and intimidation against journalists and media outlets and to insist on the investigation and prosecution of such offences, thus enabling a safe environment for journalists, while tackling the issues of concentration and lack of transparency of media ownership;
Amendment 244 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) to strengthen a democratic, independent and diverse media landscape;
Amendment 263 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) to support the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM) and urge political leadership in the region to actively participate in it;
Amendment 298 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
(aaa) to support the regional dialogue platform “Bridging the Gap”, established by the European Parliament’s Young Political Leaders Programme, in the efforts to eliminate the gap between youth policy, youth participation and Parliamentarians in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 300 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point aa b (new)
(aab) to encourage concrete actions to enhance youth participation in politics and the implementation of youth-centred policies throughout the Western Balkans;
Amendment 368 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ap a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ap a (new)
(apa) to condemn actions of third countries aiming at destabilising and undermining democratic governance in the Western Balkan region;
Amendment 119 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) acknowledge and strive for a continuous transformational impact of EaP policy in order to bring about political, social, economic and legal changereforms in the three associated partner countries;
Amendment 447 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
(wa) condemn influence of third countries in undermining the democratic order of the EaP countries, as well as influencing elections; condemn dissemination of disinformation and targeted disinformation campaigns;
Amendment 456 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point w b (new)
(wb) support and strengthen a democratic, independent and diverse media landscape in the EaP;
Amendment 519 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point z a (new)
(za) support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries and condemn, in the strongest terms, violations of international law;
Amendment 170 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes Moldovan participation in common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions and operations, cyber security and cyber-crime investigations, as well as Moldova’s cooperation with NATO; welcomes Moldova's alignment with EU's CFSP Declarations;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recognizes the importance of the European Union's Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) in harmonising border management and customs regime to that of the Union, but also with regards to the solution of the Transnistian issue;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the Roma children are still prevented from exercising their basic rights, such as right to quality and inclusive education;
Amendment 174 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the EU has witnessed spread of racism, intolerance, extremism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and anti- Roma sentiments fuelled by right-wing but also mainstream politicians; whereas the situation reflects the worsening of social situation, unemployment of youth, failure of school´s systems as well as dysfunctional judiciary and corruption at highest political positions in some Member States;
Amendment 331 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls the cases when Member States fail to secure Roma people’s equal access to justice and their equality before the law, notably the disproportionate criminalisation of Roma, over-policing (ethnic profiling, excessive stop-and- search procedures, uncalled-for raids on Roma settlements, excessive use of force during arrests, assaults, threats, humiliating treatment, physical abuse, and the denial of rights during police interrogation and custody), and in under- policing of crimes committed against Roma, providing little or no assistance, protection or investigation in cases of crimes reported by Roma;
Amendment 405 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Member States to commemorate the victims of the Roma Holocaust, to mark 2 August as Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
Amendment 40 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the EU is Serbia’s biggest trading partner; whereas Serbia benefits from EU assistance under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance with a total indicative funding allocation of EUR 1.539,1 billion for the period 2014-2020;
Amendment 54 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that EU membership continues to be Serbia’s strategic goal and that it is among the priorities of the newly elected government; encourages Serbian authorities to communicate more actively and unambiguously their commitment to European values in the public debate;
Amendment 64 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that the momentum created by the new mandate following the 21 June 2020 elections in Serbia is an opportunity to make important progress towards Serbia’s European perspective and is thus encouraged to move forward decisively on all reforms in order to pave the way for opening new chapters; advocates for the opening of additional negotiating chapters as Serbia makes the necessary commitments to reform; notes that the opening of chapters is a tool for achieving sustainable pro-European change in Serbia; calls on the Council and the Commission to support the opening of the technically prepared chapters and to accelerate the overall accession negotiation process;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note of the conclusions of the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR special election assessment mission that the 21 June 2020 parliamentary elections were administered efficiently but that the dominance of the ruling party, including in the media, was of concern; welcomes the establishing of the Working Group for the implementation of ODIHR recommendations; calls on the authorities to address fully all ODIHR recommendations well ahead of the next elections;
Amendment 129 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the establishment of the Inter-Party Dialogue (IPD) with the National Assembly facilitated by the European Parliament and the initial measures taken by the Serbian authorities and the parliamentary majority to improve electoral conditions; calls for further implementation of all commitments undertaken in the framework of the IPD;
Amendment 138 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the continuation of the IPD with the National Assembly under European Parliament's facilitation with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders and pro-European political forces in the countrySerbia in order to improve the political climate and trust across the political spectrum;
Amendment 142 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the new government to focus on fundamental reforms and address structural shortcomings in the areas of rule of law, fundamental rights, media freedom and the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration;
Amendment 143 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes with concern, that overall, corruption remains an issue where limited progress was made; welcomes the steps which were made in ensuring the independence of the Anti-Corruption Agency, and the results produced so far in finalising corruption cases; encourages further progress to be made, in particular in the area of improving the track record on investigations, indictments and final convictions in high-level corruption cases, and implementing the laws on the prevention of corruption in line with the EU acquis as well as the recommendations by Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO); welcomes the publication of the recent GRECO report and encourages the Ministry of Justice to work on the implementation of the recommendations;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Underlines the importance of a broad consultation process in the constitutional reform;
Amendment 149 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges Serbia to deliver convincing results, including a sustainable track record with effective investigations in areas of concern such as the judiciary, freedom of expression and the fight against corruption and organised crime; reiterates its call for justice from 2018 with regard to the unlawful demolition of private property in the Savamala neighbourhood in Belgrade;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Serbian parliament to adopt constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciarNotes with concern the continued political influence over the judiciary, and notes the need for strengthening the safeguards for the independence of the judiciary, including, if applicable, by revising the current system of recruitment and human resource management to turn it into a fully merit-based procedure; is concerned with the constitutional reform being put on hold and calls for the adoption of judicial legislation without unnecessary delay;
Amendment 166 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Calls for the law on Vojvodina’s financing resources to be adopted as soon as possible;
Amendment 173 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes improvements to the practices and procedures of the national assembly, including the reduction in filibustering, number of urgent procedures and regrouping of unrelated items under the same agenda points; underlines that the quality of the legislative process still needs to be improved by increasing transparency and social dialogue and ensuring that independent regulatory bodies are empowered to exercise their oversight roles effectively;
Amendment 178 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for the newly elected parliament to step up its efforts to ensure inclusive political dialogue, notably within parliament; calls also for a stronger role for civil society which remains an essential element of a well-functioning democracy; calls on the parliament to avoid inflammatory language and to counter hate speech during parliamentary debate;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the increased efforts of Serbia in cooperation with the EU in the field of inclusion of Roma, in particular in improving their housing situation; calls on Serbian authorities to address structural discrimination faced by Roma with regard to their citizenship status, as well as healthcare, education and employment;
Amendment 227 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes note of Serbia’s efforts to fight violence against women and children and domestic violence; welcomes the policy commitment of the authorities to eliminate gender-based violence; stresses, however, that implementation is key and improvements are needed in order to improve access to quality services in this area; underlines the importance of including a gender perspective in economic programs;
Amendment 236 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines the need for protection of LGBTI rights; welcome the peaceful conduct of two pride parades in 2019; calls for more adequate responses from the authorities to hate speech and hate- motivated crimes;
Amendment 243 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Commends the strong female representation in the new government and the new parliament; welcomes the representation of national minorities in the parliament;
Amendment 250 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Serbia’s engagement in regional cooperation initiatives; encourages Serbia to sustain its efforts at all levels aimed at reconciliation and strengthening good neighbourly relations; underlines that regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are linked to Serbia’s goal of successful European perspective;
Amendment 269 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Regrets that the Mitrovica Bridge has not yet been opened to all traffic, in spite of the completion of the renovation works;
Amendment 275 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the importance of regional cooperation on war crimes and missing persons, including of recognising and respecting court verdicts on war crimes, rejecting hate speech and the glorification of war criminals, and supporting domestic prosecutors in bringing perpetrators to justice; welcomes the work of civil society organisations in the field of reconciliation, transitional justice and due reparation;
Amendment 278 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the initiative of regional integration through economic development provided that it is inclusive and compatible with EU accession and existing commitments;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Welcomes Serbia’s continued cooperation under the Sarajevo Declaration Process;
Amendment 280 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Welcomes the constructive role of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and Serbia's active participation in the RCC; underlines the importance of regional cooperation in the context of the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 281 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); highlights the importance ofand the work carried out by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO);
Amendment 282 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Notes that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commission suggests to postpone the year in which Novi Sad is due to host a European Capital of Culture from 2021 to 2022;
Amendment 285 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the progress Serbia has made in the development of a functional market economy; invites Serbia to continue its efforts to boost competitiveness and long-term and inclusive growth through structural reforms, in particular in the energy sector, the labour market as well as by improving transparency and predictability in the regulatory environment;
Amendment 288 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Encourages Serbia to implement reforms with a view to strengthening the public health sector, improving social protection and providing support to the private sector in order to mitigate the economic consequences of COVID-19;
Amendment 291 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Welcomes the fact that Serbia was granted the status of a programme country in the Erasmus+ programme in 2019;
Amendment 292 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Welcomes the good progress Serbia made in economic and financial areas such as company law, intellectual property law, competition and financial services, and managerial accountability and audit; notes however, that further progress is needed in the area of public procurement;
Amendment 297 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on Serbia to increase the sustainability of its energy sector by diversifying its energy sources and moving towards renewables while at the same time adopting the necessary measures to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas; welcomes the launch of the largest wind farm Čibuk 1; also welcomes the progress made on the gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria;
Amendment 298 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes Serbian active participation in the Transport Community and in trans-European network projects, including the construction of the Niš- Merdare-Pristina highway;
Amendment 299 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Welcomes the entry into force of the new Regional Roaming Agreement signed in April 2019;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Urges the authorities to ensure alignment with EU standards and policy objectives on climate protection and environment as well as energy efficiency, in order to facilitate the transition to a circular economy; encourages Serbia to work on regional connectivity and the completion of the regional energy market;
Amendment 309 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Welcomes the launching of the Green Agenda in the Western Balkans, adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Sofia Summit in November 2020;
Amendment 318 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Reiterates the importance of alignment with the EU common foreign and security policy (CFSP), which must progressively become an integral part of Serbia’s foreign policy; expresses concern about Serbia’s lowest alignment rate in the region;
Amendment 334 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Serbia on addressing manipulative disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European perspective of the region; encourages concrete steps in building resilience and cyber security;
Amendment 340 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the conclusion of the agreement on border management cooperation between Serbia and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) which will allow Frontex to assist Serbia in border management and carry out joint operations;
Amendment 342 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Notes that Serbia continued to contribute significantly to the management of the mixed migration flows towards the EU by playing an active and constructive role;
Amendment 349 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. TReiterates that the EU is Serbia's leading trading partner accounting for 63% of total trade; takes note of Serbia’s decision to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union in October 2019; expects Serbia, however, to align with EU trade policy;
Amendment 355 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes Serbia’s continued participation in crisis management missions and operations under the common security and defence policy (CSDP); welcomes the counterterrorism arrangements signed between the EU and Serbia; welcomes, in this respect, improvements in regional and international cooperation on combating terrorism and violent extremism;
Amendment 374 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. WRecalls that the EU is the largest provider of financial assistance to Serbia; welcomes the Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) for the Western Balkans; recognises the importance of the EIP in reinforcing regional and cross- border cooperation; underlines that the EIP should encourage necessary structural reforms in infrastructure, energy, environment and education;
Amendment 382 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on the Council-legislators to fine- tune both incentives and conditionality in the future Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III); reiterates that the scale of financial assistance should match the goal of Serbia’s European perspective;
Amendment 383 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Reiterates that the EU swiftly mobilised immediate support for the Western Balkans to tackle the health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-economic recovery of the region;
Amendment 384 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38b. Calls on Serbian authorities to make the best use of the European Union reallocation of the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; underlines the importance of paying special attention to vulnerable groups;
Amendment 385 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Calls on the European Commission and Members States to allocate a sufficient amount of COVID-19 vaccines to the citizens of all Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the fact that on its first working day, the newly formed Montenegrin Government held an exchange of views with Members of the European Parliament and EU officials; encourages the new Government to use its mandate to accelerate EU-related reforms and accession negotiations; underlines the importance on moving ahead in EU- accession and stresses that it is vital not to reverse earlier achievements in the reform process; notes that the new enlargement methodology foresees both positive and negative conditionality, and the principle of reversibility;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes recent public opinion surveys, which show that 75 % of the citizens support Montenegro’s accession to the EU, which is a clear message to the new Government that the people want reforms based on European values; notes that this is one of the highest rates of public support for the EU in the region;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note of the findings and conclusions of the international observers from the OSCE ODIHR, and calls on the authorities to address their recommendations fully; welcomes the Government’s adoption of a decision on the establishment of the Council for the Control of the Electoral Roll; notes that the Parliament of Montenegro passed a Decision on the establishment of the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform in December 2020; expects the Committee for Comprehensive Electoral Reform to begin functioning without any further delay; encourages holding local elections simultaneously across the country in order to bring more stability to Montenegro’s democracy and avoid the phenomenon of perpetual campaigning;
Amendment 55 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on all political forces in the newly elected Skupština (Parliament) of Montenegro to engage in a constructive, meaningful and inclusive dialogue in the Parliament, as this is the key to a successful parliamentary democracy; reiterates that a functioning parliamentary democracy is based on the participation of both government and opposition in the parliamentary decision- making process; underlines that broad consensus of both the ruling majority and the opposition is fundamental in moving forward on the EU accession path and on reforms; calls on all political parties represented in the parliament to refrain from boycotting the work of parliament; calls on measures aimed at improving dialogue and trust across the political spectrum;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the first appointments to Montenegro’s Delegation to the EU- Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC); calls for the finalisation of the process and the appointment of members of the opposition as soon as possible; reiterates that the work of SAPC should resume as soon as possible;
Amendment 58 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the steps aimed at improving the supervisory role of the Parliament of Montenegro over the executive and its transparency and openness to citizens and civil society of the Parliament of Montenegro;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls for the newly elected parliament to step up its efforts to ensure inclusive political dialogue within parliament; calls also for a stronger role for civil society which remains an essential element of a well-functioning democracy;
Amendment 83 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Deplores the state of freedom of expression and media freedom, an area in which five successive Commission reports have noted ‘no progress’; strongly condemns all types of attacks against the media and intimidation of journalists, and calls for the urgent and effective investigation of these; regrets that some cases of violence against journalists still remain unsolved; urges Montenegro to provide conditions conducive to the effective exercise of freedom of expression, which is one of the EU’s fundamental values and a crucial element of Montenegro’s EU accession process; underlines the need to strengthen the media environment, including by supporting professionalism of the media and media organisations and improving working conditions for journalists;
Amendment 90 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Underlines that media literacy and media freedom are key to combating disinformation; calls for the strengthening of European cooperation with Montenegro on addressing manipulative disinformation, and cyber and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the European perspective of the region; encourages concrete steps in building resilience and cyber security at the time when Montenegro faces increasing pressure through foreign interference that seeks to undermine Montenegro’s statehood and pro-Western orientation;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Notes that women continue to be underrepresented in public life and in decision-making processes and face vulnerabilities in employment and in social policies;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Notes that some minorities, in particular Roma and Egyptians, face difficulties in access to the labour market, education and public life;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 f (new)
Paragraph 23 f (new)
23f. Recalls that while the Montenegrin government approved the annual action plan of the strategy for the protection of persons with disabilities from discrimination and for the promotion of equality (covering 2017- 2021), the implementation remains the key goal; regrets that persons with disabilities still face discrimination and difficult access to justice;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes progress on the protection of LGBTI rights and the adoption of the law on same-sex partnerships; welcomes the peaceful conduct of the Pride Parade in 2019;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Commends Montenegro for its commitment to inclusive regional cooperation, and the constructive role it plays in the Western Balkans region, and welcomes its active participation in numerous regional initiatives; underlines that regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are linked to Montenegro’s EU perspective;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Welcomes the signing of the Protocol on the Determination of the Border Point between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia in May 2019 and calls for a speedy conclusion of similar agreements with other neighbouring countries;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)
Paragraph 26 e (new)
26e. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); highlights the importance and the work carried out by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO);
Amendment 148 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Welcomes the ratification and the entry into force of the agreement on border management cooperation between Montenegro and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) which will allow Frontex to assist Montenegro in border management and carry out joint operations;
Amendment 202 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the positive developments in further aligning Montenegro’s national environmental and climate change legislation with the acquis; calls on the authorities to take urgent measures to better safeguard protected areas and potential Natura 2000 sites; including Ulcinj Salina, Lake Skadar, the Tara river and others; recalls that establishing military training and weapons testing area in UNESCO- protected areas, including the Tara River area and the Sinjajevina mountain area, must follow UNESCO principles of socio- cultural and ecological sustainability;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2173(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 f (new)
Paragraph 36 f (new)
36f. Welcomes the launching of the Green Agenda in the Western Balkans, adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Sofia Summit in November 2020;
Amendment 155 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for greater protection and inclusion of persons belonging to minorities, including Serbs, Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, as well as persons with disabilities, by providing them with adequate health and social protection and care; urges more efforts to fight discrimination and antigypsyism;
Amendment 222 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Regrets that the Mitrovica Bridge has not yet been opened to all traffic, in spite of the completion of the renovation works;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Calls on progress and a proactive approach to the establishing of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities;
Amendment 230 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Reiterates its support for the initiative to establish the Regional Commission for the establishment of facts about war crimes and other gross human rights violations on the territory of the former Yugoslavia (RECOM); highlights the importance and the work carried out by of Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO);
Amendment 1 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 a (new)
Citation -1 a (new)
- having regard to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement,
Amendment 2 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the European Council conclusions of 19-20 June 2003 and the Thessaloniki Agenda for the Western Balkans,
Amendment 15 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 c (new)
Citation 12 c (new)
- having regard to its recommendation of 19 June 2020 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 Western Balkans, following the 2020 summit (2019/2210(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas enlargement is one of the EU’s most effective foreign policy instruments contributing to extending the reach of the Union’s fundamental values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, fostering peace and respect for human rights;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the merit-based prospect of full EU membership is in the Union's own political, security and economic interests, the quality and dedication to the necessary reforms determine the timetable for accession; whereas consistent efforts on the key reforms require the joint engagement of all stakeholders;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises the importance of the integration process as a catalyst for reforms, and welcomes the support which this process enjoys among the Albanian people;
Amendment 53 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses the need to improve the visibility and communication concerning EU aid and Union financing in Albania; in this regard, reminds of the performance reward under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to North Macedonia and Albania and notably the substantial support the EU has provided to the Western Balkans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 64 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that progress in accession under the revised enlargement methodology depends on lasting, in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas, in particularstarting with the rule of law and, the fight agaunctioning of democratic institutions and public administ corruptionration as well as the economy of the candidate country;
Amendment 84 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of implementing the electoral reform measures codified in July 2020, which are in line with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) ) and Council of Europe recommendations; welcomstresses the commitmentimportance to implement the forthcoming Venice Commission opinion regarding the amendments to the Electoral Code adopted in October 2020; deplores the breach of the 5 June 2020 agreement, and that the Albanian Parliament passed the disputed legislation, despite repeated calls by the international community to await the opinion of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 92 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for the most pressing recommendations of the Venice Commission to be adopted and implemented in due time before the upcoming general elections;
Amendment 253 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes Albania’s unremittongoing efforts in promoting good neighbourly relations and regional integration;
Amendment 262 #
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; commends Albania’s active participation in military crisis management missions under the common security and defence policy, as well as its active contribution to NATO missions of strategic importance to the EU;
Amendment 113 #
2019/2167(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines the importance of promoting gender equality in EU’s foreign policy also through Parliament’s relations with third countries; in this respect, welcomes the decision of European Parliament’s Delegations to appoint a representative for gender issues in each Delegation; underlines the need to promote equality and diversity in all activities of the Delegations, including during official parliamentary meetings with third countries;
Amendment 54 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas EU’s enlargement policy is an effective foreign policy instrument of the Union;
Amendment 56 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas European Neighbourhood Policy is a key instrument with regards to Eastern and Southern Neighbours;
Amendment 73 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that at a moment when competing powers are increasingly challenging the rules-based global order, we, as Europeans, must defend multilateralism, international law, democracy and human right, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 149 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Promotes an EU foreign policy that will unite the EU institutions and all foreign ministries behind a common and strong EU-level foreign policy thus giving the EU more credibility; emphasises the need to build ad hoc coalitions to strengthen EU cohesion and democratic legitimacy;
Amendment 243 #
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; recalls that modern democracies require fully functioning legislative branches and in this regard, underlines the importance of supporting the work of parliaments in both the Western Balkans and in the Neighbourhood;
Amendment 264 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Welcomes the President of the Commission's reassertion of the European perspective of the Western Balkans; calls for a credible EU enlargement strategy in the Western Balkans, a region of strategic importance to the EU; underlines the importance of an ongoing reform process linked to the transformative effect on the candidate countries; notes with regret the slowing down of the process;
Amendment 271 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Underlines the vital role of the EU's election observation missions; stresses the political responsibility of the Chief Observers, which are nominated from the ranks of the MEPs;
Amendment 339 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for stronger support to the EU maritime security strategy as freedom of navigation is an increasing challenge; insists that freedom of navigation must be respected at all times; notes that breaches of international maritime law occur more frequently and recalls the volatile situation in the Sea of Azov;
Amendment 371 #
2019/2136(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Promotes the boosting of the European Union’s strategic communication capabilities; calls, in that connection, for further support for the EEAS Strategic Communications Division; underlines that interference in elections is part of a broader strategy of hybrid warfare and that responding to it therefore remains a core security and foreign policy issue; recalls the highly dangerous nature of state-sponsored Russian propaganda and calls on the Commission and the Council to put forward a strategy to swiftly counteract Russian disinformation strategies;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the need to continuously improve the mechanisms designed to ensure that rule-making is in full compliance with the Treaties, notably the principles of conferral, subsidiarity and proportionality, as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU); supports the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (the ‘Mechanism’) to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between the three institutions, consisting of an Annual Monitoring Cycle on Union values, covering all aspects of Article 2 TEU and applying equally, objectively and fairly to all Member States, while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas, under the terms of Article 319 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Parliament shall give a discharge to the Commission;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the discharge procedure is used to examine the accounts of the institution in question in order to verify implementation is lawful and regular and respects the principles of sound financial management;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2057(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. UNotes the persisting problems highlighted by the European Parliament with regard to the discharge procedure; underlines the urgent need for a memorandum of understanding between the European Parliament, Council and the Commission on the provision of the information necessary for Parliament to take an informed decision on discharge; considers that the negotiations with the Council to this end should be resumed and extended to the Commission, so as to ensure that Parliament is provided with the necessary information on how the Council is implementing its budget, either directly or via the Commission;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2057(DEC)
4. Takes the view that, while the current situation could be improved through better cooperation between Union institutions inside the Treaties framework, the possibility of a revision of the Treaties could ultimately be requiredflected upon in order to render the discharge procedure more clear, in the sense that the Parliament is tasked with the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions and bodies individually; underlines that the impact of such changes on the inter- institutional balance as provided for in the Treaties should be thoroughly examined by the competent Committee.
Amendment 23 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. CReiterates the importance of both the Eastern and the Southern Neighbourhood for the Union; calls for reversing the proposed budget cuts for the countries in the Southern Neighbourhood under the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI); reiterates that contributions from ENI to the Syria pledge and the EU Trust Fund for Africa must not come at the expense of the ENI core priorities and calls for these additional commitments to be fully offset by reinforcements; underlines the importance of continuous support and contributions to the Eastern Partnership countries;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for increased funding dedicated to counter disinformation campaigns threatening democratic processes in the Union's Neighbourhood.
Amendment 4 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses deep concern about the deliberate and systematic efforts of the Hungarian Government to undermine the founding values of the Union enshrined in Article 2 TEU, in particular through the removal of the constitutional checks and balances, by the limitation of the independence of the judiciary, by intentional alterations of the national electoral system and by hampering freedom of expression, education and academic freedom as well as university autonomy; highlights that these trends have substantially worsened since the triggering of Article 7(1) TEU and have been severely amplified by the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 25 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that the Council’s constitutional obligation to organise hearings, enshrined in Article 7(1) TEU, should be implemented in an open, regular and structured manner; regrets therefore that the Council, invoking the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impossibility to hold physical Council meetings, only organised two hearings under Article 7 TEU since December 2019; insists that in all proceedings related to Article 7 TEU, Parliament and the Commission should be treated equally; calls on the Council to systematically provide the Member State concerned with recommendations including deadlines, and to oversee the implementation thereof on a regular basis, following the hearings under Article 7 TEU;
Amendment 29 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that only qualified majority is required to determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2; notes that the failure to progress in Article 7 TEU procedure enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, undermining those values and mutual trust between Member States and the EU as a whole; urges the French presidency of the Council to take the appropriate steps in order to move further the procedure under Article7(1) TEU;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Salutes the decision of the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to launch the Rule of Law Conditionality mechanism against Hungary; Regrets however that this decision was taken with significant delay;
Amendment 44 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Takes note of the recent parliamentary elections in Hungary and insists that anythe Hungarian government elected remains responsible for eliminating the risk of serious breaches of EU values.;
Amendment 46 #
2018/0902R(NLE)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Thoroughly condemns the criticism of the re-elected Prime Minister of Hungary of the President of Ukraine and deplores the increasing ties of Hungary with Russia, given the invasion of Ukraine by the latter;
Amendment 29 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new)
- the functioning of a free and independent media;
Amendment 39 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its deep concern that, despite three hearings of Poland having been held in the Council, multiple exchanges of views in the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, alarming reports by the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, and four infringements procedures launched by the Commission, the rule of law situation in Poland has not only not been addressed but has seriously deteriorated since the triggering of Article 7(1) TEU;
Amendment 73 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes with concern that the OSCE concluded that media bias and intolerant rhetoric in the campaign for the October 2019 parliamentary elections were of significant concern20 and that, while all candidates were able to campaign freely, senior state officials used publicly funded events for campaign messaging; notes, furthermore, that the dominance of the ruling party in public media further amplified its advantage21 ; _________________ 20OSCE/ODIHR, Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions after its Limited Election Observation Mission, 14 October 2019. 21OSCE/ODIHR, Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on the parliamentary elections of 13 October 2019, Warsaw, 14 February 2020.
Amendment 77 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is concerned that the new Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Matters of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘Extraordinary Chamber’), which is composed in majority of judges nominated by the new National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ) and risks not to qualify as independent tribunal in the assessment of the CJEU, is to ascertain the validity of general and local elections and to examine electoral disputes; this raises serious concerns as regards the separation of powers and the functioning of Polish democracy, in that it makes judicial review of electoral disputes particularly vulnerable to political influence22 ; _________________ 22Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, CDL-AD(2017)031, para. 43; Third Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520 of 26 July 2017, para. 135.
Amendment 83 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Amendment 93 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that, already in 2017, changes in the method of nomination of candidates to the position of the First President of the Supreme Court deprived the participation of the Supreme Court judges in the selection procedure of any meaningful effect and put the decision in the hands of the President of the Republic; denounces that recent amendments to the act on the Supreme Court even further reduce the participation of the judges in the process of selection of the First President of the Supreme Court by introducing a position of First President ad interim appointed by the President of the Republic and by reducing the quorum in the third round to 32 out of 1205 judges only, thereby effectively abandoning the model of power-sharing between the President and the judicial community enshrined in Article 183(3) of the Polish Constitution26 ; _________________ 26Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, CDL-PI(2020)002, paras 51-55. (The number of judges of the Supreme Court has been increased from 120 to 125 by virtue of the Ordinance of the President of the Republic of Poland of 3 June 2019, amending the relevant Regulation of the Supreme Court.)
Amendment 94 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes that upon conclusion of the term in office of the First President of the Supreme Court in April 2020, the President of Poland nominated as subsequent Acting First President of the Supreme Court a judge whose independence and impartiality could be put into question; notes that the above- mentioned Acting President, as well as his successor, also nominated as Judge of the Supreme Court by the new NCJ, were responsible for organising the election of candidates for the next First President of the Supreme Court by the General Assembly of the Supreme Court;
Amendment 95 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Is deeply concerned that the process of electing the candidates did not conform to the rules of procedure of the Supreme Court and violated basic standards of deliberation among the members of the General Assembly; further states its concern about reports of attempts by the Acting Presidents to inhibit dialogue among the judges who participated in the election and about alleged attempts to manipulate the vote in the General Assembly;
Amendment 96 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Notes with regret that doubts concerning the validity of the election process in the General Assembly as well as the impartiality and independence of the Acting Presidents during the election process could undermine the legitimacy of the new First President of the Supreme Court nominated by the President of Poland on 25 May 2020, and could thus put into question the independence of the Supreme Court;
Amendment 97 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Regrets that on 25 May 2020, the President of Poland nominated the new First President of the Supreme Court, although the General Assembly of the Supreme Court had not yet officially submitted a list of candidates to the President, as required by Article 183 of the Polish Constitution, which further undermines the separation of powers and negatively affects the legitimacy of the new First President of the Supreme Court; recalls that a similar violation of law by the President of Poland occurred when nominating the President of the Constitutional Tribunal;
Amendment 103 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that, in 20178, two new chambers within the Supreme Court were created, namely the Disciplinary Chamber and the Extraordinary Chamber, which were staffed with newly appointed judges selected by the new NCJ and entrusted with special powers – including the power of the Extraordinary Chamber to quash final judgments taken by lower courts or by the Supreme Court itself by way of extraordinary review, and the power of the Disciplinary Chamber to discipline other (Supreme Court) judges, creating de facto a “Supreme Court within the Supreme Court”;30 _________________ 30OSCE-ODIHR, Opinion of 13 November 2017, p. 7-20; Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, para. 43; Recommendation (EU) 2018/103, para. 25; GRECO, Addendum to the Fourth Round Evaluation Report on Poland (Rule 34) of 18-22 June 2018, para. 31; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 8. (The new Act on Supreme Court was adopted in December 2017, however, from an organisational standpoint, both the new chambers were created and began to adjudicate at the end of 2018. The first nominations for judges in the newly- created chamber of the Supreme Court were delivered by President Duda on September 20th 2018 and October 10th 2018.)
Amendment 119 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 11
Subheading 11
The rules governing the organisation of the ordinary courts and, the appointment of courts presidents and the retirement regime for judges of the ordinary courts
Amendment 121 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Regrets that the Minister of Justice, who is, in the Polish system, also the Prosecutor General, obtained the power to appoint and dismiss court presidents of the lower courts at his discretion during a transitional period of six months, and that in 2017-2018 the Minister of Justice replaced over aone hundred and fifty court presidents and vice-presidents; notes that, after this period, removal of court presidents remained in the hands of the Minister of Justice, with virtually no effective checks attached to this power; notes, furthermore, that the Minister of Justice also obtained other “disciplinary” powers vis-à-vis court presidents, and presidents of higher courts, who in turn, now have large administrative powers vis- à-vis presidents of lower courts36 ; regrets this major setback for the rule of law and judicial independence in Poland37 ; _________________ 36Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 45. 37See also Council of Europe, Bureau of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE-BU), CCJE- BU(2018)6REV, 18 June 2018. (The total number of Presidents and Vice- Presidents of the courts who have been expelled on the basis of the provisions cited is 158 - according to data officially provided by the Ministry of Justice upon the request by the Polish Judges’ Association ‘Iustitia’.)
Amendment 123 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Recalls that the CJEU found in its judgement of 5 November 201938a that the provisions of the Polish law amending the law on the organisation of the ordinary courts, which lowered the retirement age of judges of the ordinary courts, whilst allowing the Minister of Justice to decide on the prolongation of their active service, and which set a different retirement age depending on their gender, are contrary to Union law; _________________ 38aJudgment of the Court of Justice of 5 November 2019, Commission v Poland, C- 192/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:924.
Amendment 132 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Recalls that the CJEU found in its judgement of 5 November 201943a that lowering the retirement age of public prosecutors is contrary to Union law because it establishes a different retirement age for men and women who are public prosecutors in Poland; _________________ 43aJudgment of the Court of Justice of 5 November 2019, Commission v Poland, C- 192/18 ECLI:EU:C:2019:924.
Amendment 154 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Is deeply concerned by the excessive use of libel cases by some politicians against journalists, including by sentencing with criminal fines and suspension from exercising the profession of journalist; fears for a chilling effect on the profession and independence of journalists and media46 ; calls on the Commission to propose an Anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) Directive that will protect the media from vexatious lawsuits in the Union that are intended to silence, intimidate or bankrupt them; _________________ 46Council of Europe Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, 2020 Annual Report, March 2020, p. 42.
Amendment 156 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Is concerned about reported cases of detention of journalists for doing their job when reporting on anti-lockdown protests;
Amendment 157 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 b (new)
Paragraph 37 b (new)
37b. Is concerned by the actions carried out by the Polish authorities in recent years, including a re-shaping of the public broadcaster into a pro-government broadcaster, hindering public media and their governing bodies of independent or dissenting voices and exercising control over the broadcasting content, the latest example involving the Polish public Radio Three (known as Troika), which was accused of censoring an anti-government song that topped the charts, with the internet links and news about the song disabled on the station’s website shortly after the chart show was broadcast; notes with regret that since 2015 Poland has fallen in the World Press Freedom Index from 18th to 62nd place; recalls that Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights states that the freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected; recalls that Article 54 of the Polish Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and forbids censorship;
Amendment 171 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Calls on the Polish authorities to modify the act of 15 September 2017 on the National Institute for Freedom - Centre for the Development of Civil Society49 , in order to ensure access to state funding for critical civil society groups at all levels, and a fair, impartial and transparent distribution of public funds to civil society, in a continually shrinking space for it to operate, and ensuringe pluralistic representation; calls for the rapid adoption of the Rights and Values Programme with adequate funding for the Union values strand; _________________ 49OSCE/ODIHR, Opinion on the Draft Act of Poland on the National Freedom Institute - Centre for the Development of Civil Society, Warsaw, 22 August 2017.
Amendment 175 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Is deeply concerned about the transmission of personal data from the Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population (PESEL register) by the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland to the operator of the postal services on 22 April 2020, aimed at facilitating the organisation of the presidential election on 10 May 2020 via postal ballot, despite the lack of a proper legal basis, as the bill allowing for an all- postal election was not adopted by the Polish Parliament until 7 May 2020; notes furthermore that the PESEL register is not identical to the voters register and includes also personal data of citizens of other EU Member States, thus the above-mentioned transfer could constitute a potential breach of the Regulation (EU) 2016/679; recalls that the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) discussed this matter during its meeting on 5 May 2020 and underlined in its subsequent statement that public authorities may disclose information on individuals included in electoral lists, but only when this is specifically authorised by Member State law;
Amendment 186 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reiterates its deep concern expressed in its resolution of 14 November 2019, also shared by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights51 , over the original text of the draft law amending Article 200b of the Polish Penal Code, submitted to the Sejm by the ‘Stop Paedophilia’ initiative, for its extremely vague, broad and disproportionate provisions, which de facto seeks to criminalise the dissemination of sexual education to minors and whose scope potentially threatens all persons, in particular parents, teachers and sex educators, with up to three years in prison for teaching about human sexuality, health and intimate relations; stresses the importance of health and sexual education; _________________ 51Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Statement of 14 April 2020.
Amendment 190 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 22
Subheading 22
Amendment 193 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 22
Subheading 22
Amendment 200 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Recalls that Parliament has strongly criticised, already in its resolutions of 14 September 2016 and 15 November 2017, any legislative proposal that would prohibit abortion in cases of severe or fatal foetal impairment, emphasizing that universal access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive healthcare and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right52 ; _________________ 52See as well Statement of 22 March 2018 by UN Experts advising the UN Working Groupaccording to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the ECHR and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life and dignity, freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, the right of access to health care, the right to privacy, the right to education and the prohibition onf discrimination, against women, and Statement of 14 April 2020 by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.s is also reflected in the Polish Constitution;
Amendment 202 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Recalls Parliament’s criticism regarding the stance of the Polish government towards women’s rights; calls on the Polish government to take a firm stand on women’s rights; calls on Poland to respect the case law of the ECtHR in this regard;
Amendment 203 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Stresses that in the area of sexual and reproductive health the Union has complementary and supportive competence while legislative powers in that regard lie with the Member States;
Amendment 216 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Reiterates its call on the Polish government to take appropriate action on and strongly condemn any xenophobic and fascist hate crime or hate speech53 ; _________________ 53EP Resolution of 15 November 2017, para. 18; PACE, Resolution 2316 (2020) of 28 January 2020 on the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland, para. 14; UN Human Rights Committee (HRC), Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 23 November 2016, CCPR/C/POL/CO/7, paras 15-18.
Amendment 230 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Recalls its stance expressed in its resolution of 18 December 2019, when it strongly denounced any discrimination against LGBTI people and the violation of their fundamental rights by public authorities, including hate speech by public authorities and elected officials, in the context of elections, as well as the declarations of zones in Poland free from so-called ‘LGBT ideology’, and recalled on the Commission to strongly condemn such public discrimins the condemnation of such actions by the Commission as well as international organisations;
Amendment 238 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Calls on the Polish government to comply with all provisions relating to the rule of law and fundamental rights enshrined in the Treaties, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the ECHR and international human rights standards, and to engage directly in dialogue with the Commission; stresses that such a dialogue needs to be conducted in an impartial, evidence-based and cooperative manner while also respecting the competences of the Union and its Member States as enshrined in the Treaties, and the principle of subsidiarity; calls on the Polish government to cooperate with the Commission pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation as set out in the Treaty; calls on the Polish government to swiftly implement the rulings of the CJEU and to respect the primacy of Union law;
Amendment 253 #
2017/0360R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the tools available to it, to address a clear risk of a serious breach by Poland of the values on which the Union is founded, in particular expedited infringement procedures and applications for interim measures before the CJEU, as well as budgetary toolsexplore whether there are budgetary tools that can be introduced in this regard as a last resort; calls on the Commission to continue to keep Parliament regularly informed and closely involved;