Activities of Thijs REUTEN
Plenary speeches (16)
The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine (debate)
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)
The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)
Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration (debate)
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia (debate)
The cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia (debate)
Deplorable escalation of violence around the football match in the Netherlands and the unacceptable attacks against Israeli football fans (debate)
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)
Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region, the need to release all hostages and the recent ICC arrest warrants (debate)
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (RC-B10-0191/2024, B10-0189/2024, B10-0191/2024, B10-0192/2024, B10-0193/2024, B10-0195/2024, B10-0198/2024, B10-0200/2024) (vote)
Toppling of the Syrian regime, its geopolitical implications and the humanitarian situation in the region (debate)
Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024 (debate)
Preparation of the EU-Western Balkans Summit (debate)
Institutional motions (8)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION 11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the 11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov
Written explanations (1)
Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
Als GroenLinks-PvdA zijn we voor het zo snel als mogelijk implementeren van Ontbossingsverordening (EUDR) om zo wereldwijde ontbossing een halt toe te roepen.Helaas heeft de Europese Commissie echter aanzienlijke vertraging opgelopen bij het bieden van de nodige instrumenten en richtlijnen voor bedrijven om te voldoen aan de wet. GL-PvdA zeer teleurgesteld dat de Ontbossingsverordening (EUDR) nu door vertraagde implementatie van de Europese Commissie met een jaar moet worden uitgesteld. We begrijpen het uitstel, omdat de wet met deze vertraagde implementatie anders onuitvoerbaar wordt voor betrokkenen. Wij vinden het daarbij nu van groot belang dat de Commissie nu duidelijkheid en voorspelbaarheid voor alle betrokkenen verschaft.Tegelijkertijd roepen wij de Commissie op om serieus werk te maken van de implementatie van wetgeving. Het openbreken van net tot stand gekomen wetgeving, zoals in dit proces, brengt grote risico’s en onduidelijkheid met zich mee en is geen teken van goed bestuur. Een dergelijk proces moet ten alle tijden voorkomen worden.
Written questions (8)
Termination of housing rights for Ukrainian refugees in Hungary
Implementation of the ICJ advisory opinion as regards EU trade with illegal Israeli settlements
Launch of European humanitarian corridors from Lebanon to the EU
Endorsement of two anti-UNRWA bills by the Israeli Knesset
Change of algorithm on X before US election
Conflicts of interest and political interference by Elon Musk
Blatant disregard of International Criminal Court decisions by the Hungarian Prime Minister
Clarification on hierarchical disparities among the coordinators on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, on anti-Muslim hatred and on anti-racism
Amendments (1056)
Amendment 6 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022,
Amendment 9 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2024 on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration,
Amendment 14 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to UN Resolution 70/1 entitled ‘Transforming our World – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (Agenda 2030), adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015 in New York and establishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Amendment 58 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the geopolitical context in which the EU is operating has accentuated the need for more ambitious, credible, decisive and unified EU action and a full- fledged European foreign policy on the world stage and has highlighted the necessity for Member States to demonstrate the required political will to redefine the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) into a fully fledged EU policy; whereas the EU should be guided in its external action by the values and principles enshrined in Article 2, Article 3 (5) and Article 21 TEU, which have inspired the EU’s own creation, development and enlargement; whereas the EU should correspondingly stand up for freedom and democratic standards worldwide, as well as the universality of human rights;
Amendment 78 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas all UN agencies embody the rules-based international order as they uphold and implement both the letter and the spirit of the UN Charter, to which all UN Member States must abide;
Amendment 82 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the future of the Balkans and the countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood lies in the EU;
Amendment 85 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas Kosovo and the EU- facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue are facing threats of destabilisation;
Amendment 86 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas the report on “Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness”, presented by Sauli Niinistö, Special Adviser to the European Commission, provides strategic recommendations for enhancing Europe’s civilian and military preparedness in light of escalating and complex security threats;
Amendment 88 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
D e. whereas the consequences of climate change will have an ever- increasing effect on the spheres of human life, including the geopolitical order and world stability; whereas it is of crucial importance that fighting climate change, necessitating climate action, and aiding those that are hardest hit by its repercussions becomes a cornerstone of that European foreign policy; underlines the fundamental role which the Commission and the Member States, in a joint approach, must play in the advancement of climate diplomacy globally;
Amendment 90 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to dedicate further financial and human resources to EEAS to ensure it can effectively conduct its role as the EU’s diplomatic service in light of the highly contested geopolitical context and the increased demands on its limited capacities in recent years;
Amendment 91 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recognises the evolving nature of global security threats and recalls the crucial role that diplomacy and development play alongside military defence cooperation in ensuring long- term international security; underscores that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military measures, but requires comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of instability, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change; stresses that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and other development programs should be aligned with CFSP objectives, by fostering EU resilience, inclusive economic growth, and human rights;
Amendment 92 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Underlines the critical importance of gender empowerment within the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as a means to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development; stresses that the inclusion of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding efforts enhances the effectiveness and resilience of these processes; calls on the EU to prioritize gender equality in its external actions, support women-led initiatives in conflict- affected regions, and ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of the CFSP;
Amendment 93 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Welcomes the Niinistö Report and its recommendations for strengthening Europe’s civilian and military preparedness and resilience; supports the adoption of a whole-of-society approach to resilience, involving the active engagement of EU institutions, Member States, civil society, and individual citizens in strengthening the Union’s security framework; calls on Member States, the Commission and EEAS to closely examine the report’s conclusions and recommendations and dedicate the necessary political willingness and financial and human resources to implement the proposed actions which would enhance the Union’s role as a decisive security actor on the European and global stage;
Amendment 94 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Urges member states to establish a council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 95 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Encourages, pending the full application of qualified majority voting to decisions without military or defence implications, the full use of all currently existing possibilities to enhance decisiveness in this regard including the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31 (1) TEU;
Amendment 96 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Welcomes the proposal of the High Representative on anti-corruption sanctions regime, which would allow the EU to target serious acts of corruption worldwide; calls for its swift adoption by the Council;
Amendment 97 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Welcomes the resolve displayed by the Union and most Member States in the pursuit of full energy independence from the Russian Federation; reiterates its call for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels, including LNG, uranium, and products produced with crude Russian imports; urges the Commission and Council to enhance its monitoring capacity of fossil fuels, in order prevent re-export; highlights the essential nature and geopolitical importance in this regard of speeding up the green transition;
Amendment 98 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Reiterates its support for the European Political Community as a platform for discussion, dialogue and cooperation with European partners on the foreign policy and security challenges we are facing, with the aim of strengthening security and stability in Europe and pursuing political and security cooperation based on shared interests; calls for the close involvement of Parliament in the clarification of the scope and the future work of this Community; underlines that, for the future success and coherence of this format, some level of alignment on democratic values and principles is essential; reiterates that the European Political Community may under no circumstances become a pretext for delays to the EU accession of enlargement countries;
Amendment 99 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Strongly believes that the EU CFSP should contribute to the implementation and delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are the core pillars in the construction of a stable and peaceful global order;
Amendment 112 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
– the successful finalisation of the screening process for Albania at the end of 2023; reiterates the call for entering into the next phase of negotiations without further delaywelcomes the opening of the accession negotiations on the first cluster; highlights the need to further intensify reforms to address deficiencies that persist regarding the ‘fundamentals’;
Amendment 163 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 7 a (new)
– welcomes the high levels of alignment with the CFSP by most of the countries of the Western Balkans, with the exception of Serbia;
Amendment 168 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
– the ongoing attempts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalise their relations; encourages them to sign a comprehensive peace agreement without delay; recalls in this context its position that any partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan – including on energy – must have strong conditions attached on the respect of international law, fundamental rights and international obligations, in particular on Azerbaijan making substantial progress towards a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement with Armenia;
Amendment 172 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
– the ongoing attempts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalise their relations; encourages them to sign a comprehensive peace agreement without delay and urges the Azerbaijani authorities to withdraw from all parts of the sovereign territory of Armenia and to release 23 remaining Armenian hostages;
Amendment 179 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 a (new)
– the ICC prosecutor application to the Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber of arrest warrants for Hamas officials and the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister of Israel and for war crimes;
Amendment 181 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 b (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 b (new)
– the ICJ Case 192 - Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
Amendment 184 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 c (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 c (new)
– the Advisory opinion of the ICJ on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in OPT, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in OPT;
Amendment 186 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 d (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 8 d (new)
– the latest reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, as well as its legal analysis and recommendations on implementation of the International Court of Justice;
Amendment 220 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
– Russian gas laundering through Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani authorities’ facilitation of Russia’s circumvention of EU sanctions;
Amendment 221 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 b (new)
– the attack on Kosovan police officers by well-organised Serbian paramilitaries in Banjska/Banjskë in the north of Kosovo, which took place on 24 September 2023 and resulted in the murder of the Kosovan police officer Afrim Bunjaku and the injuring of two more Kosovan police officers; stresses that the perpetrators of this deplorable attack must be held accountable and face justice without delay;
Amendment 227 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
– the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks committed by Hamas across Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians and caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 232 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
– the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks committed by Hamas across Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians andand the disproportionate retaliatory action by the Israeli Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, which caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 238 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
– the legislation approved by the Israeli Parliament, forbidding contact between Israeli state entities and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in disrespect to international law and fundamental humanitarian principles;
Amendment 241 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
– the current conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians and caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 244 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
– Israel's authorities’ constant attempts to undermine and discredit the UN, its Secretary General and, especially, UNRWA, as well as its attacks on UNIFIL;
Amendment 245 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
– the declaration by the Israeli government to consider U.N. Secretary- General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata”;
Amendment 247 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
– the legislation adopted by the Knesset banning the activities of UNRWA and ceasing its relations with Israel authorities; deplores the dire consequences this will have for the region as UNRWA is the main humanitarian assistance structure in Gaza and the West Bank, of which millions of people depend for vital services; recalls that this legislation infringes international law;
Amendment 248 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
– the actions taken by some members of the Israeli government to deny the West Bank access to financial resources, as stated on 25 October in a letter by the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, ministers from G7 countries and EU Commissioner for Financial Services addressed to Israeli PM Netanyahu;
Amendment 249 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 d (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 d (new)
– the military escalation in Lebanon, and the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, the forced displacement caused by the escalating violence and the persistent use of military force;
Amendment 254 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
– Iran’s persistent non-compliance with its legal safeguard obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the advancement of its nuclear programme beyond all credible civilian justification; the attacks perpetrated or attempted within the European Union by terrorist organisations and networks affiliated to Iran;
Amendment 262 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 6 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 6 a (new)
– the signature of the memorandum of understanding on a strategic and global partnership between the European Union and Tunisia, without proper democratic oversight of the European Parliament; further deplores the whole process of the European Commission to disburse the €105 million financial support for Tunisia on migration, which final aim is to outsource the EU migration policy without proper human rights guarantees for migrants;
Amendment 271 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 a (new)
– the continued PRC’s violations of human rights in mainland China, against people in Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau and the transnational repression of Chinese dissidents as well as the persistent presence of Chinese police office on the EU territory;
Amendment 273 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 b (new)
– the PRC for not implementing the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); calls on the PRC to allow the OHCHR independent access to XUAR and invites the OHCHR to issue a comprehensive situational update and an action plan for holding the PRC accountable;
Amendment 281 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 8
Paragraph 3 – indent 8
– the increasing breadth and intensity of operations of Chinese Government vessels and aircraft intimidating China’s neighbours; denounces the government- led system of forced labour and China’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and more particularly Taiwan; recalls in this last respect the necessity to preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, to oppose any unilateral actions by force or coercion and to call all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate cross-strait tensions;
Amendment 297 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9
Paragraph 3 – indent 9
– the coups in Burkina Faso and in Niger with President Bazoum being detained and the constitution suspended; further condemns the decision of the central Sahel military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thus plunging ECOWAS into a deep political crisis; takes note of the de facto closure of the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) and the non-renewal of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM); deplores that the French troops and UN peacekeepers have departed and been replaced by Wagner Group mercenaries, Russian and Turkish military, whose industries supply arms to Sahelian capitals;
Amendment 301 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 a (new)
– the civil war in Sudan between the military government of Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the devastating consequences for the civil population and the atrocities committed against them; emphasises that the EU should urgently review its regional strategy for the Sahel;
Amendment 304 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 b (new)
– the last minute tactical and technical constraints put by the authorities of RDC which prevented the EU EOM to monitor the presidential elections; condemns the continuing severe clashes between the military and the M23 rebel movement destabilising the eastern DRC; calls on the review of the EU strategy for the Great Lakes Region;
Amendment 337 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 1
Paragraph 4 – indent 1
– the need to improve relations with Türkiye; welcomes the partial de- escalation of tensions in the east Mediterranean and the Aegean; reiterates its concern that Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to be at oddsnot aligned with EU priorities under the CFSP;
Amendment 402 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
– the concern about Russian and Chinese pressure exerted in Central Asia and stresses the need to scale up the EU’s presence in Central Asia in response, given its geostrategic importance; underlines the EU’s interest in increasing economic relations and intensifying political ties with the countries of Central Asia, in part to address the circumvention of sanctions against Russia and Belarus;
Amendment 414 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 7 a (new)
– the need to fight impunity and strengthen accountability efforts globally, including through the International Criminal Court (ICC), and to stand up for International Law and International Humanitarian Law; remains strongly concerned regarding the trend of undermining the decisions of international institutions and their employees by state officials; regrets the failure of some ICC Member States to execute ICC arrest warrants, thereby undermining the Courts work;
Amendment 510 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Deplores the “no limits” partnership between Russia and China; expresses grave concern about the renewed Chinese and Russian commitment to further strengthen their military ties; expresses deep and increasing concern at China’s support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, in particular through exportation of dual-use goods and through the deployment of its own soldiers to Russia, as well as China-based companies’ continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention; welcome the Council’s decision to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for their support to Russia's war in Ukraine;
Amendment 512 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Expresses deep concern over the increasing cooperation between Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), particularly in the areas of military and defence; condemns any support that DPRK provides Russia in its war against Ukraine, including arms supplies or other military assistance; calls on the EU and international partners to closely monitor and respond to these developments to uphold international security and stability;
Amendment 513 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Shows growing concern at the continuing attempts of Russia to destabilize neighbouring countries like Georgia and Moldova; condemns with the strongest terms the use of weaponized migration, FIMI, political assassination, terror’s acts and territorial occupation; underlines the need for reinforcing capacities of the EU to defend and develop democratic and value-based societies in the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 514 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Urges the Council to impose restrictive measures on third countries enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, whether through the facilitation of sanctions circumvention or through the provision of direct military assistance; calls, in particular, on the Council to impose similar measures on the Islamic Republic of Iran, DPRK and other countries in view of its delivery among other strategic military goods, unmanned aerial vehicles and provision of surface- to-surface missiles to the Russian Federation for use against Ukraine, notably against civilian targets;
Amendment 515 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Calls on all third countries, and in particular EU candidate countries to show unambiguous commitment to international law and EU values and to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia;
Amendment 516 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 f (new)
Paragraph 11 f (new)
11f. Notes the effect the Russian war of aggression is having on the Southern Caucasus and Central Asian states; welcomes the Union’s enhanced engagement with these countries and encourages an enhanced mission capacity to help foster a more stable and peaceful environment in these regions; highlights the hesitation of Central Asian states to lend support to Russia's war of aggression of Ukraine as a sign of Russia’s decreasing regional influence; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has encouraged Central Asia to pursue cooperation with other actors, and that these actors have stepped up their cooperation with Central Asia; expresses deep concern about Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 517 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11g. Emphasises the urgent need for the mirroring of all sanctions between Belarus and Russia, with Lukashenka's regime being fully complicit to the war of aggression against Ukraine and war crimes such as the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children;
Amendment 518 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 h (new)
Paragraph 11 h (new)
11h. Reiterates its support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, all political prisoners and the brave activists and journalists in Belarus who continue to defy the illegitimate Belarusian regime in spite of ongoing crackdowns and nasty bullying tactics, notably the refusal of passport prolongation for Belarussians abroad; recognises the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus;
Amendment 519 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 i (new)
Paragraph 11 i (new)
11i. Invites to use the lessons learned in the Union’s support for Ukraine to enhance its readiness for future scenarios; calls for a swift and fundamental reform of the EU treaties establishing a full-fledged, decisive, effective and coherent EU CFSP;
Amendment 544 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Strongly condemns constant and coordinated attempts by the Russian Federation, pro-Russian oligarchs and Russian-sponsored local proxies to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, sow divisions within Moldovan society and derail the country’s pro-European direction through hybrid attacks, the weaponisation of energy supplies, disinformation, bomb threats and staged protests as well as the threat or use of violence; welcomes the outcomes of the EU referendum and the Moldovan citizen’s historic choice to anchor their future within the EU despite massive interference and hybrid attacks by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote in Moldova; commends the establishment and operations of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova) which have enhanced the Moldovan authorities’ capabilities to address Russian interference; calls on the Council, Commission and EEAS to provide additional resources, including human and financial, equipment and civilian experts necessary to continue implementing the mission’s mandate beyond May 2025; further calls on the Member States to examine how similar missions can be created in other candidate countries, if necessary, and in close cooperation with their national authorities;
Amendment 553 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Praises the Moldovan people for running the presidential election professionally and with an extraordinary sense of duty and dedication, despite the continued massive interference from Russia and its proxies; encourages the authorities to continue these efforts in view of next year‘s parliamentary elections; reiterates its support to Moldova in defending its democracy;
Amendment 562 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law; express its strongest concern for the disproportionate military action by the Israeli Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law; expresses its gravest concern over the legislation approved by the Israeli Parliament forbidding contact between Israeli state entities and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), highlights that the legislation goes against international law and breaches fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, and will only exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis, potentially halting essential services such as food, shelter, education and healthcare for millions of Palestinian refugees in these territories; urgently calls on EU institutions and Member States to remain committed to supporting UNRWA and its mission;
Amendment 563 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law; recalls how support to UNRWA remains crucial to the EU’s strategy for promoting stability as well as support to the civilian population and development in the Middle East; calls for sustained and increased support to UNRWA in view of the unprecedented needs in Gaza and the wider region; welcomes the actions taken by the UN following serious allegations regarding the Agency’s staff and welcomes UNRWA's full commitment to implement the recommendations stemming from the ‘Colonna report', echo the European Council conclusions of 17 October 2024 and condemns the adoption of laws by the Israeli Knesset which could prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work;
Amendment 569 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law and international humanitarian law; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 574 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes sanctions adopted against extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as violent activists, blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza; calls for the adoption of a package of sanctions against Israeli authorities and military responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region; urges to immediately review the EU-Israel Association Agreement and consider its suspension in case of non-compliance with human rights obligations;
Amendment 581 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire;
Amendment 583 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Urges to address the risk of mass starvation, the worsening of health conditions and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza;
Amendment 591 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states as peaceful neighbours and with Jerusalem as their shared capital; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalemalls on the EU to continue its strong support to the Palestinian state building and institutions and their capacity in preparation for future statehood, as a vital tool to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution; recalls that on 28 May 2024, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognized the State of Palestine, followed on 4 June 2024 by the decision of Slovenia’s parliament; calls on the High Representative to continue its efforts in creating the conditions for the recognition of the Palestinian State by all EU Member States; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; supports the procedure initiated by the High Representative to ask Member States to include in the list of sanctions those Israeli ministers who have expressed hate messages and declarations against international law and threatening the status quo over Temple Mount/Haram al- Sharif; considers that following the disproportionate military reaction and the continuous violations of humanitarian and international law the EU should immediately review the EU-Israel Association Agreement and consider its suspension in case of non-compliance with human rights obligations; expresses support for US President Biden’s three- phase Peace Plan and regrets the lack of will on both sides to ensure its implementation; regrets, further, that the latest rounds of peace talks did not bring any tangible results; expresses its utmost concern regarding the military escalation in Lebanon, and deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, the forced displacement caused by the escalating violence and the persistent use of military force; calls for an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line and for a full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701; expresses particularly grave concern regarding the attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); recalls that attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law and are totally unacceptable;
Amendment 598 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states as peaceful neighbours and with Jerusalem as their shared capital; welcomes the launch of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and calls for the VP/HR to continue investing heavily on a ceasefire and a peaceful solution of the conflict; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; expresses support for US President Biden’s three- phase Peace Plan and regrets the lack of will on both sides to ensure its implementation; regrets, further, that the latest rounds of peace talks did not bring any tangible results;
Amendment 655 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Shares the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons at all costs; points, however, to the fact that the regime in Tehran has clearly rejected a revival of the JCPOA and, at the same time, increased its nuclear weapons capability; regrets the fact that there is currently no strategy in place to persuade Iran to refrain from building military nuclear capacity, nor a plan of action for the event thatcalls upon the VP/HR to put forward a strategy towards Iran that includes a plan of action in case Iran does crosses the nuclear threshold; calls upon the VP/HR to put forward a revised strategy towards Iran;
Amendment 703 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights that the world is becoming more multipolar and less multilateral; emphasises that multilateral forums, chief among them the United Nations and its agencies, should be considered the EU’s format of cooperation of choice; expresses concern, in this respect, about the increasing relevance of exclusive formats of cooperation, which experience increasing competition; observes, at the same time, that international institutions and norms are increasingly being instrumentalised; stresses that this trend puts the EU in a delicate position, which balances the need to appeal for a broad and inclusive concept of multilateralism while prioritisreinforcing cooperation with selected, like-minded partners at the same time;
Amendment 707 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Emphasises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine destabilises and threatens the security and stability of the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, which in turn jeopardises the security of the EU itself; welcomes the fact that the EU enlargement policy has been reprioritised following the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; considers that the EU should therefore also prioritise the reform of its neighbourhood policy and accelerate the enlargement process in parallel with the institutional and decision-making reforms necessary to safeguard the Union’s integration capacity; calls to ensure that pending reform of the treaties will not be used as an excuse to delay accession process;
Amendment 712 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Welcomes recent signals regarding the accelerated timeline for candidate countries; calls for it to be ensured that ongoing and future accession negotiations will not be delayed because of particular national interests or the need to reform the Treaties; reaffirms that the pace of the enlargement process remains linked to the individual countries’ capacity to meet the criteria for accession, but that it also depends on the commitment of the political leaders in Western Balkan countries and the EU Member States;
Amendment 713 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Underlines the importance of financial instruments, such as the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance III, in order to strengthen the partnership between the EU and candidate countries; calls for the development of a coherent strategy for the gradual integration of all candidate countries, including into sectoral policies and as observers in the various institutions of the Union;
Amendment 714 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Welcomes the 2024 enlargement package, despite the delay, and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which includes a facility of EUR 6 billion in grants and loans to accelerate socio- economic convergence with the EU between 2024 and 2027; calls on the Council to demonstrate genuine political commitment to the EU membership perspective of the countries in Western Balkans; notes that this should include advancing accession negotiations with Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia; supports efforts to achieve, as a matter of priority, the relevant constitutional changes in North Macedonia and calls on all political forces to play a constructive role in this regard; asks, in particular, the governments of the Member States that set this additional requirement for North Macedonia to do their utmost to support these efforts; regrets the unjustified delays in the accession process of North Macedonia and recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including their implementation of EU-related reforms and their policy alignment with the CFSP, such as the positions and restrictive measures adopted in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes the fact that the majority of countries in the Western Balkans are aligned with the CFSP, while calling on Belgrade to urgently do the same, particularly considering that Serbia is one of the very few European countries not yet in line with the sanctions adopted in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; recalls that accession can only proceed once the country in question aligns with EU sanctions against Russia and makes significant progress on EU-related reforms; remains very concerned about the destabilising influence on the whole region of the Serbian authorities;
Amendment 715 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)
Paragraph 22 e (new)
22e. Deplores the fact that the Serbian parliamentary elections held on 17 December 2023 and local elections held on 2 June 2024 deviated from international standards and Serbia’s commitments to free and fair elections, owing to the dominance of the ruling party and the fragmentation of the opposition reduced their competitiveness, and concerns remained about pressure on public sector employees and misuse of public resources; considers that these elections cannot be deemed to have been held in just conditions; is alarmed by reports of the widespread and systematic scale of fraud that compromised the integrity of the elections in Serbia; expresses its serious concern over these irregularities and the overall election environment, which fell below the standards expected of an EU candidate country; reminds the Serbian authorities that the proper functioning of Serbia’s democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process and the EU accession methodology calls on the competent authorities to investigate properly and follow up on the I-EOM’s recommendations; encourages Serbia’s political leadership to ensure constructive, inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum and to deliver on the necessary reforms for Serbia to progress on the path to EU accession;
Amendment 716 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 f (new)
Paragraph 22 f (new)
22f. Supports the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the development of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina; calls on Kosovo and Serbia to engage in the 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 and without further delay; recalls that failure to advance on the normalisation of relations would negatively impact the EU integration of both countries; regrets the restrictive measures imposed by the Council against Kosovo and calls for their immediate lifting, as proposed by HR/VP; calls for the EU to adopt a balanced approach to the mediation between the parties in order to overcome the current stalemate; recalls that the failure of the Dialogue would also have consequences for the EU’s role as a credible foreign policy player;
Amendment 717 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 g (new)
Paragraph 22 g (new)
22g. Welcomes Kosovo’s application for EU membership and asks the Commission to respond to it; recalls that Kosovo’s bid to be considered a candidate country will be assessed on the basis of its own merits and of its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership; welcomes, however, the lifting of visa requirements for Kosovo citizens;
Amendment 718 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 h (new)
Paragraph 22 h (new)
22h. Regrets the fact that high political tensions and polarisation in Montenegro have delayed progress on EU-related reforms; welcomes the formation of a stable and pro-EU majority; stresses the importance of the new government being able and committed to take forward the EU-related reforms and keep Montenegro firmly on the EU strategic path; expects the country to start closing chapters/clusters in the accession negotiations and to be ready to join the EU by 2028;
Amendment 719 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 i (new)
Paragraph 22 i (new)
22i. Calls on the Commission to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework with Türkiye through a comprehensive and inclusive process, such as a modernised association agreement; remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to clash in many aspects with EU interests;
Amendment 720 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 j (new)
Paragraph 22 j (new)
22j. Regrets recent developments in Republika Srpska hampering the positive momentum on EU enlargement, notably the adoption of separate entity laws on election, referenda and immunity, the continued non-recognition of the Constitutional Court’s authority and decisions, as well as continued secessionist rhetoric; Reiterates its call for targeted EU sanctions against destabilising political actors in BiH, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik and his allies;
Amendment 721 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 k (new)
Paragraph 22 k (new)
22k. Welcomes Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027; calls in this regard for increased efforts to accelerate reforms, especially on rule of law, fighting corruption and organised crime, and promotion of fundamental rights including media freedom; welcomes the progress Albania has achieved in the implementation of the justice reform; cautions against undermining the work of independent institutions such as the Special Anti- Corruption and Organised Crime Structure (SPAK); encourages a return to orderly parliamentary conduct, emphasizing that constructive political debate is essential for democratic governance;
Amendment 728 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls for the promotion of comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions to enhance their effectiveness, transparency, and democratic representation, ensuring equitable participation for all regions, particularly underrepresented countries from the Global South; stresses that such reforms are essential to strengthen multilateralism, improve global governance, value-based decision-making and address international challenges more inclusively and responsively;
Amendment 730 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of a strong and constructive partnership with the UK; welcomes the renewed impetus from the new UK Government to reflect with the EU on possibilities for closer foreign policy and security cooperation, which would be of added value for both the EU and the UK; calls to explore avenues for more permanent forms of coordination with UK in regard to foreign and security policy and our shared interests and collective responsibilities in regions such as the Western Balkans; demands that Parliament be duly involved and informed in such reflections;
Amendment 758 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates that a peaceful, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific is of vital European interest; encourages, to this end, closerIs of the view that the centre of gravity in the global order is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and that the EU must strengthen its active role and presence in this region to safeguard its interests, promote stability and uphold a rules-based international order; encourages closer diplomatic and economic cooperation with the countries in this region; calls for enhanced foreign, security and defence policy ties with like- minded partners and increased cooperation with others in the region in line with the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific; encourages the VP/HR to promote the visibility and effect of the EU’s external action together with our Indo-Pacific partners, particularly Australia, India, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan;
Amendment 785 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that the rise of China remains one of the primary geopolitical challenges of the 21st century and requires a multi-dimensional response through which the EU maintains its engagement with China on a number of key issues; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to review its strategy towards China while maintaining diplomatic engagement whileand increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order for it to assume its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council;
Amendment 805 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a crucial partner in reinforcing rules-based multilateralism; supports ASEAN’s efforts to finalise negotiations with China on an effective and substantive code of conduct in the South China Sea; encourages enhanced EU political engagement and cooperation with ASEAN and working towards a comprehensive strategic partnership, not only economical, but also with regards to human rights, democracy and sustainable growth; calls for increased support to the Myanmar’s National Unity Government and to put pressure on ASEAN countries to align on international sanctions against Myanmar’s military junta;
Amendment 812 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that geopolitical challenges have strengthened the shared interest of the EU and India in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development; considers India an important democratic partner and encourages the EU to strictly engage with the Indian Government on the respect of human rights and rule of law, both internally and worldwide; calls for an India-EU summit to keep bilateral relations high on the agenda;
Amendment 821 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Urges the VP/HR and the Member States to focus on bilateral relations with like-minded partners in Africa, among others Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships; believes that the ‘more for more’ principle should be integrated fully into relations with non-EU countries, whereby the EU develops stronger partnerships with those countries that uphold the principles of the CFSP and the common security and defence policy (CSDP), and the fundamental values of the EU; calls for the EU to respond to partner countries’ expectations and to deliver quickly on political agreements with them in order to show that the EU is a key and strategic partner and demonstrate that the international rules-based system can meet contemporary challenges; stresses the importance of establishing these political agreements with third countries, based on common European values and fundamental rights;
Amendment 843 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises the need to continue stepping up the EU’s engagement with like-minded countries in Latin America, particularly given the growing influence of China and Russia in Latin America and the Caribbean; calls on the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to pursue proactive diplomacy in the region, with a strong emphasis on defending the multilateral global order, international law and respect for democracy and human rights; urges to promote a multilateral initiative to address the political instability in Haiti and the uncontrolled violence against the local population;
Amendment 865 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Believes simultaneously in the significance of building new alliances, inter alia with the countries in our neighbourhood as well as in the ‘Global South’, based on the respect for human rights, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships;
Amendment 870 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls on the DPRK to abandon its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner; urges the DPRK authorities to cease their ongoing crimes against humanity and to undertake a process of reform whereby all human rights are respected and protected;
Amendment 892 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses the need for the EU to foster the visibility and effectiveness of its external action and development cooperation efforts, also to counteract the post-colonial narrative of a North-South divide; emphasizes, however, that one of the primary challenges to the EU’s credibility and influence abroad is a lack of unity and consistency within its external policies, which frequently leads to perceived double standards; calls on the EU and its Member States to foster greater coherence and alignment in their international actions to project a more reliable and principled stance globally;
Amendment 953 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reaffirms the role of the EU Special Representatives, who promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an important role in the development of a stronger and more effective CFSP by providing the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions, acting as a ‘voice’ and ‘face’ for the EU and its policies; insists that the appointment of new EUSRs should take place only after a hearing in the European Parliament;
Amendment 966 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 43 – indent 1 a (new)
– to prepare targeted sanctions against destabilising actors within Bosnia and Herzegovina, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik; to respond every time to secessionist rhetoric with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina and to all froms of genocide denial and glorification of convicted war criminals in the region; calls on the member states to urge Bosnia and Herzegovina to follow up on all relevant ECHR rulings on its discriminatory electoral system, including the Kovačević ruling and to implement constitutional and electoral reform; calls on Commission and member states to insist with High Representative Christian Schmidt to refrain from further interference with the court proceedings on this case;
Amendment 991 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Calls on the European Commission and EEAS to pursue a feminist foreign and security policy with our partners, in accordance with the European Parliament report on the EU Gender Action Plan III;
Amendment 993 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 b (new)
Paragraph 44 b (new)
44b. Recognizes that the Arctic region carries significant strategic and geopolitical importance due to its emerging maritime routes, rich natural resources and opportunities for economic development unlocked by global warming, while being increasingly contested; considers alarming the growing activities and interest by authoritarian regimes, including Russia and China, in the Arctic; Underlines the importance of preserving security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic; stresses that the region must remain free from military tensions and natural resource exploitation, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates the need to include the Union’s Arctic policy in the CFSP and engage in effective cooperation with NATO; calls for the Arctic to be addressed regularly within the Political and Security Committee and Council meetings;
Amendment 995 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 c (new)
Paragraph 44 c (new)
44c. Welcomes the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit held on 16 October 2024; regrets however, that the human rights issues were only lightly covered in the joint statement of the summit; calls on the EU and the Member States to continue to emphasise the respect for human rights and gender equality as well as the progressive alignment of values, in particular for countering Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences;
Amendment 997 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 d (new)
Paragraph 44 d (new)
44d. Calls on the EU to step up its support of civil society and human rights defenders in our partner countries in light of shrinking space for civil society around the world;
Amendment 998 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 e (new)
Paragraph 44 e (new)
44e. Expresses its serious concern about the increasing attacks on LGBTIQ rights worldwide, as LGBTIQ persons continue to suffer discrimination and violence, including in countries where despite some progress, these hard fought rights now face backsliding, such as hostile rhetoric from elected politicians, surges in homophobic violence and the proclamation of so-called LGBTIQ-free zones;
Amendment 1018 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Underlines that each matter raised above requires an appropriate response by the executive; calls on the VP/HR to respond to Parliament’s calls, requests and concerns swiftly and in writing; considers that oral statements in committee or plenary can only constitute a sufficient response in exceptional or urgent cases; stresses that in the current challenging geopolitical context, close cooperation and partnership between the European Parliament and the VP/HR are of strategic importance; expects more systematic exchanges prior to the adoption of mandates and CFSP strategies and an improved flow of information on negotiations and the implementation of international agreements, as well as memoranda of understanding; expects, in addition, Parliament to be effectively incorporated throughout EU external policies and action as an integral player of ‘Team Europe’, thereby mobilising parliamentary diplomacy in support of the VP/HR’s efforts;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B k (new)
Recital B k (new)
Bk. whereas the Russian Federation makes use of private military companies (PMCs), such as the Wagner Group as part of a hybrid warfare toolbox to maintain plausible deniability while exerting influence in various regions and gaining access to natural resources and critical infrastructures; whereas Wagner Group has reportedly committed atrocities in Ukraine, Mali, Libya, Syria and the CAR; whereas it has reinforced anti- European sentiments, especially in countries with strong European presence or hosting CSDP missions;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B l (new)
Recital B l (new)
Bl. whereas conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls and, among other things, intensify gender-based violence as also demonstrated by Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine; whereas the participation of women in peacekeeping and military operations should be encouraged and strengthened;
Amendment 280 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Strongly condemns the recent pre- planned and unjustified attack of Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh which further exacerbates the major humanitarian crisis caused by Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor, in violation of Azerbaijan’s commitments under the trilateral statement of 9 November 2022 and the corresponding ceasefire and of the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice; deplores the loss of life and forcible evacuation of citizens and calls on Azerbaijan to protect the lives and respect the rights of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh; criticizes the fact that Azerbaijan’s offensive seriously undermines the ongoing peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and urges Azerbaijan to return to a constructive participation at the negotiating table; calls on the Council to reconsider the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan, and consider imposing sanctions against responsible Azerbaijani authorities; welcomes the efforts made by the European Union Mission to Armenia to provide real-time, on the ground information on the situation and effectively contribute to the peace negotiations through confidence building-measures and impartial observations and analysis of incidents along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border; calls on Azerbaijan to agree to have such a civilian mission on their side of the border, including allowing access to EUMA to the Lachin Corridor;
Amendment 283 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Commends and underlines the importance of the work of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Operation ALTHEA) in training and supporting the armed forces of BiH, contributing to a safe and secure environment and ensuring compliance with the Dayton Agreement; strongly condemns any divisive and/or secessionist rhetoric which further contribute to the vulnerability of the country and emphasizes that candidate country status is an opportunity and an obligation for BiH elected representatives to fulfil citizens’ expectations and concretely improve the daily life of ordinary people; calls for the further strengthening of EUFOR ALTHEA, particularly through the deployment of further troops and assets as well as the creation of a credible presence in the Brčko District;
Amendment 285 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Welcomes the Joint Communication of June 2023 on a New Outlook on the Climate and Security nexus, which outlines concrete actions to address the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on security and European defence, including CSDP; stresses the need to move forward with its comprehensive implementation with a view to enhance operational effectiveness, including to deploy environmental advisors to all CSDP missions and operations by 2025 and to support Member States in addressing any gaps, barriers and incentives to prepare their armed forces for climate change, as called for in the Strategic Compass;
Amendment 403 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Is concerned by the hybrid warfare activities of private military companies (PMCs) and state-sponsored proxies, such as the Wagner Group and other armed groups, militias and proxies to exert influence in several countries across the world; calls on the EEAS to create an initiative with like-minded partners to counter malign non-state and state- sponsored actor groups, such as Wagner; emphasises that the existing EU toolboxes should include responses, such as sanctions, to non-EU states financing or cooperating with private military companies in vulnerable regions;
Amendment 458 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Recalls that mainstreaming and operationalising gender perspectives in external relations and implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda are long-standing priorities for the EU; therefore, insists on the importance of delivering on all commitments made, including those in the EU’s Gender Action Plan (GAP) III (2020-2024) and in the Strategic Compass, including by promoting gender equality and by systematically mainstreaming a gender perspective, based on gender analysis, in all civilian and military CSDP planning and actions; welcomes, in this context, the appointment of Gender Advisors in all CSDP Missions and Operations and the establishment of a network of gender focal points; calls for the full implementation of the commitments made in the new Civilian CSDP Compact, which includes significantly increasing women’s participation in civilian CSDP among international staff, with the aim to reach at least 40 percent representation while striving for gender parity; underlines nevertheless that more needs to be done to ensure gender equality and the full and meaningful participation of women in CSDP, especially in military missions;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)
Paragraph 26 e (new)
26e. Reiterates its calls for institutionalised security and defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, including through closer collaboration on information sharing, military mobility, mutual security and defence initiatives, crisis management, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, FIMI and our relationship with common strategic competitors;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Enlargement Package adopted by the European Commission on 8 November 2023;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Enlargement Package adopted by the European Commission on 8 November 2023;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met; whereas enlargement has proven to be the most successful EU foreign policy instrument and is a very effective tool for boosting the necessary reforms both within the EU and in applicant countries, helping to encourage democratic transformation; whereas enlargement is a particular opportunity for tackling the climate crisis and improving energy cooperation between current and future member states; whereas enlargement is thus a crucial tool to improve the daily lives of inhabitants of both the EU and applicant countries;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given new geostrategic meaning to the enlargement of the European Union; whereas enlargement is a strategic geopolitical investment in the future, which can be mutually beneficial for both existing and future Member States if the proper conditions are met; whereas enlargement has proven to be the most successful EU foreign policy instrument and is a very effective tool for boosting the necessary reforms both within the EU and in applicant countries, helping to encourage democratic transformation; whereas enlargement is a particular opportunity for tackling the climate crisis and improving energy cooperation between current and future member states; whereas enlargement is thus a crucial tool to improve the daily lives of inhabitants of both the EU and applicant countries;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the role of the European Parliament should be strengthened throughout the entire enlargement process; whereas civil society organisations should be structurally involved in the process as well;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the role of the European Parliament should be strengthened throughout the entire enlargement process; whereas civil society organisations should be structurally involved in the process as well;
Amendment 170 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties or by a possible 'Treaty of reform and accession';
Amendment 170 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas under the current institutional framework, the EU already faces considerable challenges in crisis management and strategic decision- making; whereas it is clear that the EU institutions and decision-making mechanisms were not designed for a Union that could be composed of up to 37 Member States; whereas before the next enlargement takes place, significant pre- enlargement reforms are needed to guarantee that the EU is able to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration; whereas this implies significant changes in the EU’s institutional framework, including to decision-making procedures, and the possible introduction of differentiated integration solutions; whereas in order to achieve this, the EU should take full advantage of the flexibility afforded by the Treaty of Lisbon and consider the possibility of treaty change, including via adaptations introduced by the accession treaties or by a possible 'Treaty of reform and accession';
Amendment 185 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Union’s credibility and ability to act in a timely and effective manner depends on efficient decision- making, and even more so in an enlarged EU of 30 or more Member States; whereas efficient decision-making leading to timely and coordinated internal and external action is vital for safeguarding the EU’s interests and its global geopolitical leadership and credibility; whereas reform of the EU’s governance structures, with simplified decision-making procedures, must be discussed and adopted in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations;
Amendment 185 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the Union’s credibility and ability to act in a timely and effective manner depends on efficient decision- making, and even more so in an enlarged EU of 30 or more Member States; whereas efficient decision-making leading to timely and coordinated internal and external action is vital for safeguarding the EU’s interests and its global geopolitical leadership and credibility; whereas reform of the EU’s governance structures, with simplified decision-making procedures, must be discussed and adopted in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas enlargement is also a major challenge for EU’s financial sustainability, in particular regarding cohesion and, agriculture and foreign and security policies; whereas the current and the next multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement; whereas this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas enlargement is also a major challenge for EU’s financial sustainability, in particular regarding cohesion and, agriculture and foreign and security policies; whereas the current and the next multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement; whereas this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against UkraineCalls on the European Council, when evaluating the progress made individually by the candidate countries for EU accession and deciding on further steps, to take into account the background of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine that has significant consequences for Ukraine’s immediate neighbouring countries as well as for the stability, security and prosperity of the entire European continent and therefore requires a long-term political vision and bold decisions that reflect the strategic importance of European unity and therefore EU enlargement; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment in to share peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a driver for democracy and European values on the continent with its European neighbours as well as to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, human rights, including minority rights, fundamental freedoms and European values;
Amendment 249 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that enlargement is of the utmost strategic importance for the EU, and all the more so in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against UkraineCalls on the European Council, when evaluating the progress made individually by the candidate countries for EU accession and deciding on further steps, to take into account the background of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine that has significant consequences for Ukraine’s immediate neighbouring countries as well as for the stability, security and prosperity of the entire European continent and therefore requires a long-term political vision and bold decisions that reflect the strategic importance of European unity and therefore EU enlargement; stresses that an enhanced enlargement policy has become the strongest geopolitical tool at the EU’s disposal; points out that enlargement is a strategic investment in to share peace, security, and prosperity, as well as a driver for democracy and European values on the continent with its European neighbours as well as to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, human rights, including minority rights, fundamental freedoms and European values;
Amendment 286 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure and that each applicant must be assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria and therefore in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; stresses that while positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, there should be no fast-track or fixed deadlines for membership; underscores that there can be no short-cuts on fundamental values; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership and only significant progress on EU-related reforms can be a reason to resume accession negotiations with countries where the accession process is frozen, otherwise stalled or where backsliding took place; stresses the need to establish clear deadlines for concluding negotiations with the accession countries by the end of the current decade at the latest; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership; urges all candidate and potential candidate countries to prioritize strict alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and reiterates that accession can only proceed once a country aligns with EU sanctions against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 286 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that accession to the EU must always be a merit-based procedure and that each applicant must be assessed on their own merit in fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria and therefore in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law; stresses that while positive outcomes should be sought as quickly as possible, there should be no fast-track or fixed deadlines for membership; underscores that there can be no short-cuts on fundamental values; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership and only significant progress on EU-related reforms can be a reason to resume accession negotiations with countries where the accession process is frozen, otherwise stalled or where backsliding took place; stresses the need to establish clear deadlines for concluding negotiations with the accession countries by the end of the current decade at the latest; points out that alignment with the common foreign and security policy is also a way of showing full adherence to the EU’s fundamental principles and an important indicator for sustainable future membership; urges all candidate and potential candidate countries to prioritize strict alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and reiterates that accession can only proceed once a country aligns with EU sanctions against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 305 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms, offering positive conditionality in the form of access to EU policies or triggering negative conditionality in the form of the suspension of accession negotiations and pre-accession funding, in particular by making the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 on IPA III swiftly and fully operational, and enabling the reopening of the negotiation chapters under reversibility clauses, as well as by closely involving civil society in the process;
Amendment 305 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms, offering positive conditionality in the form of access to EU policies or triggering negative conditionality in the form of the suspension of accession negotiations and pre-accession funding, in particular by making the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 on IPA III swiftly and fully operational, and enabling the reopening of the negotiation chapters under reversibility clauses, as well as by closely involving civil society in the process;
Amendment 308 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CEmphasizes the absolute priority to strengthen the rule of law which has substantially gained in importance in the EU accession process and remains one of the most important conditions for EU membership to ensure that EU enlargement strengthens and does not weaken the Union and its Single Market; calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
Amendment 308 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CEmphasizes the absolute priority to strengthen the rule of law which has substantially gained in importance in the EU accession process and remains one of the most important conditions for EU membership to ensure that EU enlargement strengthens and does not weaken the Union and its Single Market; calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms;
Amendment 310 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms; calls for exploring avenues for further strengthening protection of the rule of law and the EU’s democratic values against backsliding for both new and existing Member States in the context of Treaty reform;
Amendment 310 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for a robust monitoring mechanism for the reforms and progress made by the candidate countries; urges, in particular, the setting up of a specific and effective monitoring mechanism for protecting fundamental values and the financial interests of the Union in the context of accession procedures; reiterates in this regard its calls to include candidate countries in the EU rule of law mechanism and its annual reporting exercise, automatically activating pre-accession cooperation and verification mechanisms; calls for exploring avenues for further strengthening protection of the rule of law and the EU’s democratic values against backsliding for both new and existing Member States in the context of Treaty reform;
Amendment 331 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; invites to consider appointing an EU chief negotiator to carry out negotiations under a broad negotiating mandate, who would also be accountable to the European Parliament; underlines that regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged;
Amendment 331 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that there is a need for stronger parliamentary oversight of the EU’s enlargement policy; insists on strengthening the role of Parliament throughout the entire accession process, including allowing it to scrutinise fully the progress made by the candidate countries across policy fields; invites to consider appointing an EU chief negotiator to carry out negotiations under a broad negotiating mandate, who would also be accountable to the European Parliament; underlines that regular dialogue and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of candidate countries should be encouraged;
Amendment 343 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies, initiatives and the single market, access to EU funds in the respective areas, enabling citizens to reap the benefits of accession throughout the process and not only upon its completion; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 23, 24, 30 and 31; stresses that a dedicated and separate DG for Enlargement is necessary; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that there will be no alternatives to substitute enlargement and that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
Amendment 343 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the challenge of a bigger Union requires an enhanced enlargement policy putting in place a clear incremental pathway towards EU membership, including gradual integration into common policies, initiatives and the single market, access to EU funds in the respective areas, enabling citizens to reap the benefits of accession throughout the process and not only upon its completion; notes that this pathway should be accompanied by increased technical and conditional financial assistance with a special focus on the implementation and enforcement of laws under negotiating chapters 23, 24, 30 and 31; stresses that a dedicated and separate DG for Enlargement is necessary; invites the Commission to present detailed proposals on the incremental accession methodology; underlines that there will be no alternatives to substitute enlargement and that the phasing-in of candidate countries into selected policy areas is by no means an alternative to fully-fledged membership;
Amendment 357 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that European institutional and financial reforms toshould increase the EU's ability to act, promote good governance, functionality and sustainability; notes that reforms are needed to ensurreinforce the EU’s and its institutions' capacity to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration;
Amendment 357 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that European institutional and financial reforms toshould increase the EU's ability to act, promote good governance, functionality and sustainability; notes that reforms are needed to ensurreinforce the EU’s and its institutions' capacity to absorb new members and to promote their successful integration;
Amendment 366 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decision, the climate crisis and ecological transition, tax measures and foreign and security policy decisions, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting in areas relevant to the accession process, and ensuring the effective functioning of an enlarged union as a whole and abolishing, in particular, the requirement for unanimity when deciding on the start of the negotiation process as well as the opening and closing of individual negotiating clusters and chapters;
Amendment 366 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that European institutional reforms must include simplified decision-making procedures, moving away from unanimity and replacing it with qualified majority voting provisions in areas such as the protection of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, sanctions and relevant foreign policy decision, the climate crisis and ecological transition, tax measures and foreign and security policy decisions, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting in areas relevant to the accession process, and ensuring the effective functioning of an enlarged union as a whole and abolishing, in particular, the requirement for unanimity when deciding on the start of the negotiation process as well as the opening and closing of individual negotiating clusters and chapters;
Amendment 380 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Points out that a parallel process of widening and deepening the EU will have a profound effect on a wide area of EU policies; notes that a simplified decision-making process for potential other areas will be of benefit to the overall governability of the EU as well;
Amendment 380 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Points out that a parallel process of widening and deepening the EU will have a profound effect on a wide area of EU policies; notes that a simplified decision-making process for potential other areas will be of benefit to the overall governability of the EU as well;
Amendment 385 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement; stresses the need for a broader rule of law conditionality mechanism covering all of the Union’s fundamental values as defined in Art 2 TEU;
Amendment 385 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the mechanism to protect the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental principles and values, and the monitoring capacity to ensure compliance, to be strengthened ahead of the next enlargement; stresses the need for a broader rule of law conditionality mechanism covering all of the Union’s fundamental values as defined in Art 2 TEU;
Amendment 420 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that institutional pre- enlargement reforms must also address the implications of enlargement on the composition of Parliament, including considering the possibility of observer Members of European Parliament; recalls that the European Parliament is already one of the largest parliaments in the world and underlines that in any case it must remain at a workable scale; points out, however, that a reasonable increase in the size of Parliament cannot be ruled out in order to ensure sufficient democratic representativeness; insists on a new system for seat allocation based on a permanent mathematical formula;
Amendment 420 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that institutional pre- enlargement reforms must also address the implications of enlargement on the composition of Parliament, including considering the possibility of observer Members of European Parliament; recalls that the European Parliament is already one of the largest parliaments in the world and underlines that in any case it must remain at a workable scale; points out, however, that a reasonable increase in the size of Parliament cannot be ruled out in order to ensure sufficient democratic representativeness; insists on a new system for seat allocation based on a permanent mathematical formula;
Amendment 432 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the functioning of the Council should also be reviewed in view of enlargement, in particular the system of rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union; notes that the calculation of qualified majority voting thresholds should also be reconsidered; urges the Council to overcome the current deadlock in the Article 7 TEU procedure and to replace unanimity minus 1 by a majority of four-fifths of the Member States in relation to this procedure in the Council;
Amendment 432 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that the functioning of the Council should also be reviewed in view of enlargement, in particular the system of rotating presidencies of the Council of the European Union; notes that the calculation of qualified majority voting thresholds should also be reconsidered; urges the Council to overcome the current deadlock in the Article 7 TEU procedure and to replace unanimity minus 1 by a majority of four-fifths of the Member States in relation to this procedure in the Council;
Amendment 450 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resources or potential co-financing instruments; notes that this would be an opportunity to restructure the EU budget, look at its core priorities and let the most financially strong contribute to a newly reformed EU; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security; underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 450 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that enlargement is a major financial challenge for the EU, in particular regarding cohesion and agriculture policies; point out that this challenge cannot be met without a larger EU budget and sufficient own resources or potential co-financing instruments; notes that this would be an opportunity to restructure the EU budget, look at its core priorities and let the most financially strong contribute to a newly reformed EU; notes that this adds to growing demands on EU funding in the fields of financial stability, health, energy, decarbonisation, digital, research and defence and security; underlines that such financial reforms must be discussed in parallel with the ongoing accession negotiations and adopted before enlargement takes place; defends its position that the current and future multiannual financial frameworks should be strengthened considerably to enable EU enlargement, and that this financial groundwork must be in place before enlargement takes place;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Deplores the use of unresolved bilateral and regional disputes to block or considerably delay candidate countries’ accession processes and adopt an official mechanism for the resolution and arbitration of these disputes to support their resolution separately from the accession to the EU, as they can hinder the implementation of European policies and weaken the EU’s regional and global influence; recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including the implementation of EU-related reforms as well as the policy alignment with the CFSP, such as on positions and restrictive measures taken following the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 474 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Deplores the use of unresolved bilateral and regional disputes to block or considerably delay candidate countries’ accession processes and adopt an official mechanism for the resolution and arbitration of these disputes to support their resolution separately from the accession to the EU, as they can hinder the implementation of European policies and weaken the EU’s regional and global influence; recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including the implementation of EU-related reforms as well as the policy alignment with the CFSP, such as on positions and restrictive measures taken following the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 479 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls to improve the consistency, efficiency and transparency of pre- accession assistance, clearly reflecting the priorities in the fundamental areas in the allocation of IPA III funding; calls in particular to introduce stricter and enforcable accountability with regard to the spending of such funding; calls also to improve the visibility of EU funding and the tangible results of it in the enlargement countries;
Amendment 479 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls to improve the consistency, efficiency and transparency of pre- accession assistance, clearly reflecting the priorities in the fundamental areas in the allocation of IPA III funding; calls in particular to introduce stricter and enforcable accountability with regard to the spending of such funding; calls also to improve the visibility of EU funding and the tangible results of it in the enlargement countries;
Amendment 481 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls to strategically apply targeted conditionality based on clear progress benchmarks, rewarding reforms and sanctioning regression or a persistent lack of progress;
Amendment 481 #
2023/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18 b. Calls to strategically apply targeted conditionality based on clear progress benchmarks, rewarding reforms and sanctioning regression or a persistent lack of progress;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas almost three years after the so-called elections on 9 August 2020, the Belarusian authorities are continuing their repression against the Belarusian people; whereas more than 50 000 Belarusians have been illegally arrested and tortured, more than 1 500 persons remain imprisoned on political grounds, many others live under the continuous pressure of intimidation, threats and possible arrest and fabricated charges pressed against them and around 300 000 have left the country for fear of a similar fate;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Lukashenka regime is dangerously undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by deepening Belarus’ integration into the Union State with Russia; whereas the regime continues its policy of russification of Belarus and suppression of Belarus language and national identity;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Lukashenka regime is dangerously undermining the sovereignty of Belarus by deepening Belarus’ integration into the Union State with Russia, risking (partial) de facto governance from Moscow;
Amendment 44 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Lukashenka regime continues to marginalise national and religious minorities, as well as to prosecute political parties, trade unions and civil society organisations, and lawyers representing political prisoners;
Amendment 46 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the Belarus Orthodox church in many cases serves the interests of the regime - it has removed senior bishops and lower clergy seen as disloyal to the regime, and given the regime lists of priests who have supported protests against the falsified presidential elections of 2020; whereas the leadership of the Belarusian Orthodox Church supports Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Belarusian authorities actively support and have become acfully complicesit in Russia’s unjustified war of aggression and its war crimes against Ukraine;
Amendment 66 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Lukashenka regime poses a direct threat to the EU and its citizens by continuing to instrumentalise migration' security, accepting the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory and refusing to implement nuclear safety requirements at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Astravyets;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have a well-established and internationally recognised structure, including the recent formation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels and whereas both the United Transitional Cabinet, members in the diaspora of various democratic opposition parties and other Belarusians play a vital role in the continued active support to political prisoners, their families and activists still in Belarus;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Belarusian democratic forces led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya have a well-established and internationally recognised structure, including the Coordination Council, the recent formation of the United Transitional Cabinet and the opening of the Mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels;
Amendment 80 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the other leaders of democratic political parties have declared their European aspirations for the new Belarus;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. UrgesDemands from the Belarusian regime to end this spiral of violence, torture and repression against dissenting voices and perceived critics, to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners, their family members and all persons arbitrarily detained, and to engage in a genuine dialoguethe negotiations with representatives of the democratic forces and civil society in order to find a way out of the current political crisis through the organisation of free and fair elections to be organised under international observation led by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe;
Amendment 119 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Expresses deep concern over the alleged use of the forced labour of inmates in Belarusian penal colonies in particular by suppliers to major EU-based companies; calls on all EU-based companies to terminate relations with any Belarusian suppliers which use forced labour in their supply chains as far as not yet falling under restrictive measures, and calls on the Council to impose sanctions on any Belarusian companies which use forced labour in their supply chains;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Demands that the Lukashenka regime provides a proper medical care to all political prisoners and provides access to them for the international medical experts; demands an independent investigation into the deaths of political prisoners under custody by the regime;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Encourages the Foreign Affairs Council to extend a standing invitation to Ms Tsikhanouskaya, as leader of the Belarusian United Transitional Cabinet, to attend meetings of the FAC that concern Belarus;
Amendment 138 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Denounces politically motivated ‘show trials’ and trumped up charges aimed at instilling fear in representatives and supporters of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, free trade unions and human rights defenders, and in particular the recent sentencing to long prison terms of Nobel Peace Prize and Sakharov Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Uladzimir Labkovich, Raman Pratasevich, Henadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vatslau Areshka, and Mikalai Statkevich, as well as the sentencing in absentia of leading figures of the democratic forces such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Maroz, Volha Kavalkova, Siarhei Dyleuski, Valery Tsapkala, Stsiapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik on spurious charges of ‘conspiracy to seize power’ or ‘forming extremist organisations’; encourages the Council and the Commission to identify novel avenues to work towards the release of all political prisoners;
Amendment 142 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Denounces politically motivated ‘show trials’ aimed at instilling fear in representatives and supporters of the democratic forces, civil society, independent media, free trade unions and human rights defenders, and in particular the recent sentencing to long prison terms of Nobel Peace Prize and Sakharov Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, Valiantsin Stefanovich, Zmitser Salauyou, Uladzimir Labkovich, Raman Pratasevich, Henadz Fiadynich, Vasil Berasneu and Vatslau Areshka, as well as the sentencing in absentia of leading figures of the democratic forces such as Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Pavel Latushka, Maryia Maroz, Volha Kavalkova, Siarhei Dyleuski, Valery Tsapkala, Stsiapan Putsila and Yan Rudzik on spurious charges of ‘conspiracy to seize power’ or ‘forming extremist organisations’;
Amendment 169 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses its earlier call on the EU to ensure that the special tribunal to punish Russian crimes committed in- and against Ukraine must also have jurisdiction to be able to also investigate and eventually prosecute Aliaksandr Lukashenka and his regime;
Amendment 176 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Belarusian regime’s involvement in Russia’s unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, including the massive provision of ammunition and military hardware to the Russian aggressors and the use of Belarusian territory and airspace as a staging ground to launch missile attacks on military and civilian targets in Ukraine; notes that the vast majority of Belarusians disapprove of this multifaceted involvement in Russia’s war of aggression; expresses its support for the Belarusian volunteers, in particular the ‘Kalinouski’ and ‘Pahonia’ regiments, who are bravely fighting alongside the Ukrainian army to repel the aggressors;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to take all the actions necessary to enable the criminal prosecution of Belarusian officials who are complicit in the war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and the crime of aggression committed in Ukraine in particular noting the regime's collaboration, responsibility and active involvement in facilitating and executing the abduction and deportation of at least 2150 Ukrainian Children as investigated by the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAU);
Amendment 185 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to take all the actions necessary to enable the criminal prosecution of, including issuing an international arrest warrant of Aliaksandr Lukashenka and of all other Belarusian officials who are complicit in the war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and the crime of aggression committed in Ukraine;
Amendment 197 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to harmonize sanctions regime against Belarus and Russia in order to reduce possibility of sanction evasion; calls on the EU and its international partners to start legal proceedings against any EU or 3rd country individual or entity that helps Belarus with sanctions evasion;
Amendment 199 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on member states to refrain from lobbying openly or behind the scenes in favour of softening any of the restrictive measures against Belarus and instead to foster solidarity among member states to find solutions for problems caused by the imposed sanctions;
Amendment 205 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes with great concern the rampant economic, political and military integration of Belarus into the Union State with Russia; condemns the announced deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons under Russian command on Belarusian territory; reiterates that such deployment is in violation of NPT, and that it may trigger further nuclear redeployments in the region; calls on the EU and its Member States to take all possible step to prevent such deployment; calls for the EU and the Member States to maintain unity in addressing the multifaceted threats posed by the Lukashenka regime to the EU, in particular the continued state-engineered illegal migration crisis at the borders of Belarus with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and to work in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure nuclear safety at the Belarusian NPP;
Amendment 216 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the need for Council and Commission to be prepared for different scenarios such as (forced) replacement of Lukashenka or the de-facto annexation of Belarus materializing in complete annexation or occupation and to consult with the United Transitional Cabinet regarding these different scenarios;
Amendment 217 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Condemns the increasing restrictions by the regime on the activities of the democratic parties, independent trade unions, civil society organisations; calls on the EU and its Member States to continue and increase support and cooperation with them;
Amendment 251 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on signing of an agreement to formalise and systematise cooperation between the European Parliament and the democratic forces and civil society of Belarus, including the United Transitional Cabinet and the Coordination Council;
Amendment 255 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on the EU institutions to continue its support to the independent Belarus academic institutions, including European Humanities University, as well as to cultural, educational and professional training programs;
Amendment 52 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, as set out in Article 2 TEU and the Charter; whereas these values should be shared by Member States and should be upheld and actively promoted by the EU and Member States in their internal and external action; whereas in recent years some Member States have shown worrying decline in respect for those values; ;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas media freedom, pluralism, 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 in recent years, journalists and media actors in Europe and abroad have increasingly come under threat, particularly when focussing on the misuse of power, corruption, fundamental rights violations and criminal activities;
Amendment 64 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas government bodies in some Member States and third countries have used Pegasus and other surveillance spyware against journalists, politicians, law enforcement officials, diplomats, lawyers, business people, civil society actors and other actors, for political and even criminal purposes; whereas such practices are extremely alarming and underscore the risk of abuse of surveillance technologies to undermine fundamental rights and democracy;
Amendment 70 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Court of Justice recalled25a that the right to freedom of association enshrined in Article 12(1) of the Charter is one of the essential bases of a democratic and pluralist society, as it allows citizens to act collectively in fields of mutual interest and in doing so to contribute to the proper functioning of public life; whereas increasingly violent attacks against the right to assembly and association through the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators have been reported in some Member States; _________________ 25a Commission v. Hungary (Transparency of association), Case C- 78/18, EU:C:2020:476
Amendment 72 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas some Member States imposed restrictions with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space; whereas the civic space in many Member States faces legal, administrative, and fiscal harassment, criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising CSOs, activists and human rights defenders and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work;
Amendment 74 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, in March 2023, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights assessed situation of human rights defenders in Europe as having deteriorated alarmingly, and governments increasingly tend to disregard their human rights commitments, prioritising national security and public safety concerns over human rights; whereas the Commissioner , reported increasing restrictions on their ability to work freely and safely, as well as various forms of reprisals, including judicial harassment, prosecution, abusive controls and surveillance, smear campaigns, threats and intimidation in Member States and neighbouring countries; whereas this undermines democracy, and is part of a wider problem of polarisation in society characterised by increasing expression of hate and violence against different social or minority groups;
Amendment 75 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas journalists, media outlets and bloggers, human rights defenders, as well as civil society organizations, activists, trade unions, artists, researchers, whistleblowers, and politicians increasingly face threats, harassment, abusive lawsuits, and other forms of intimidation on account of their engagement in public participation;
Amendment 77 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas there have been multiple incidents of migrant deaths and human rights violations at European borders due to ineffective management and disproportionate use of force by the authorities; whereas the Court of Justice recalled that third country nationals can only be imprisoned when there is a specific legal basis to restrict their right to liberty and not when there is only a general criterion25b; _________________ 25b [1] Judgment of the Court (Second Chamber) of 6 October 2022. I. L. v Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet
Amendment 79 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there has been an organised backlash against women’s and girls’ rights in recent years, where some Member States have sought to roll back on sexual and reproductive health and rights, such as existing legal protections for women’s access to abortion care; whereas in some Member States the denial of safe and legal abortion has led to the death of a number of women in recent years; whereas the prevalence of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and rape remains, high across the European Union; whereas some Member States have still not ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention);
Amendment 83 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas FRA survey data show that the prevalence of discrimination on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin (including Roma, Muslims, jewish people and people of African descent) remains consistently high, both over time and across different population groups in different Member States; whereas antisemitism, islamophobia and racism are persistent forms of hatred and discrimination; whereas far-right extremism poses a particular threat to persons affected by discrimination and to society as a whole;
Amendment 89 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ people across the EU persists; whereas LGBTIQ+ persons still face discrimination and exclusion in several Member States regarding social protection, social security, access to healthcare, education, legal protection and access to and supply of goods and other services which are available to the public, including housing; whereas CJEU case law which protects social rights and the private life of same- sex couples and children born to same-sex parents is not being implemented, such as the Coman case (C-673/16) and Baby Sara case (C-490/20); whereas surgeries and medical treatments are performed on intersex children without their prior, personal, full and informed consent; whereas intersex genital mutilation can have lifelong consequences, such as psychological trauma and physical impairments;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas incidents of hate speech have steadily increased within the EU over the last few years26 , largely due to the increasing numbers of social media users and the fact that hate speech thrives online; whereas hate speech can lead to hate crime; whereas according to the FRA, up to nine in ten hate crimes and hate-motivated attacks in the EU are not reported and are therefore not sanctioned; _________________ 26 At a glance briefing ‘Combating hate speech and hate crime in the EU’, European Parliamentary Research Service, June 2022.
Amendment 95 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the EU is based on the promotion of social, cultural and economic rights; whereas the number of people still living in poverty in the EU is high, with more than one in five children at risk of poverty and almost one European out of four is at risk of poverty or social exclusion; whereas the poverty cycle exacerbates other inequalities such as a person’s access to education, health and employment particularly when there is a shortage of funding to provide access to services such as affordable housing; whereas the energy crisis and inflation increased the number of people affected by insecurity, poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 97 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is an obligation under Article 6(2) TEU and remains a high priority; whereas it is part of a broader prospect for an enhanced protection of fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law in the EU; whereas Member States and EU institutions and bodies including the European Court of Justice, the Fundamental Rights Agency of the EU (FRA) and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) have all a crucial role to play in upholding EU values and fundamental rights;
Amendment 106 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. SRecalls the importance of free media in upholding democracy, in holding public and private institutions to account and in allowing citizens to access balanced information; 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;
Amendment 108 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reiterates its concern for the abuse of fundamental rights in regards to the use of Pegasus and equivalent spyware for political purposes; underlines that the illegitimate use of spyware by national governments directly and indirectly affects the Union institutions and the decision making process, thus undermining the integrity of European Union democracy, and highlighting the urgency for greater transparency and legal accountability of the surveillance industry; calls on the Member States to put in place a conditional moratorium on the sale, acquisition, transfer, and use of spyware technologies, until a human rights-compliant regulatory framework will be in place; calls for a swift adoption of a strict human-rights-compliant regulatory framework at EU level for the trade in and use of spyware;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. IStresses that corruption is incompatible with the values of democracy and rule of law, as it deepens inequalities and erodes citizen’s trust in good governance; is deeply concerned by the increasing level of corruption in certain Member States, in particular of cases involving high-level officials and politicians; is concerned about the varying levels of implementation of the EU anti- corruption framework in Member States;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that judicial independence and effective checks and balances, which can vary from one Member State to another, are key components of the rule of law; condemns any attempts by Member State governments to exert political influence on or control over the independent decision-making of the judiciary directly or by organisational means; supports the creation of an EU strategy to ensure concrete and coordinated action at the EU level, including through the creation of a protection mechanism for human rights defenders within Europe, building on the examples in EU foreign policy, to ensure prevention, direct assistance and accountability;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the use of the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the horizontal enabling conditions for the freezing of EU funding to fight corruption and rule of law backsliding in Member States; stresses that funds restricted through different conditionality measures must only be released when key rule of law, corruption and human rights concerns are genuinely and adequately addressed; urges Member States to complete appropriate measures to reach the milestones set out in their respective Recovery and Resilience Plans; calls on the European Council to determine whether Hungary has committed serious and persistent breaches of EU values under Article 7(2) TEU;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the increasing threats to the freedoms of association, speech and assembly; reiterates that the right to peaceful assembly can be restricted only when provided for by law and if necessary and proportionate to protect a general interest recognised by the Union or the rights and freedoms of others; condemns the use of violent and disproportionate intervention by law enforcement during peaceful protests;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that in order to ensure the right to freedom of expression and information, which is foundational for any democracy, information must be universally accessible and diverse, and underscores that artistic freedom must be guaranteed; stresses that disinformation can be highly disruptive for the functioning of democratic societies, economies and political systems; reiterates its suggestion to establish a sanction regime to tackle disinformation from malicious foreign powers, in particular with a view to the upcoming European elections; underlines that an independent and pluralistic media landscape is indispensable to effectively counter disinformation and propaganda and therefore must be promoted, including through effective action against media concentrations and through the empowerment of independent media in the online environment; notes that the political independence of media regulation and oversight by Member States and the Commission, the protection of editorial independence throughout the Union, as well as the protection of journalists from surveillance and the protection of journalistic sources are of paramount importance;
Amendment 143 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the crucial role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in promoting active citizenship, fundamental rights and democratic participation in Europe; calls for a Commission strategy and common rules in all Member States to promote a regulatory and political environment free from chilling effects, threats and attacks, and to provide CSOs with a sustainable and non-discriminatory access to resources and support their engagement in civil dialogue and participation in policy making;
Amendment 146 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that under Article 6 of the Charter, everyone has the right to liberty and security, which means that everyone within the Union should be protected from unlawful and arbitrary arrest; calls on Member States to follow the Commission recommendation on procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in order to improve detention conditions and thus ensure a higher protection of the right to liberty and security;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Condemns the rise in antisemitic, anti-Islamic and racist incidents in the EU; recalls that under Article 10 of the Charter everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; deplores that incidents of discrimination, racist and xenophobic crimes are often not reported to the authorities, which leads to de facto impunity; regrets that not all Member States have fully transposed the framework decision on anti-racism and xenophobia;
Amendment 155 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Points out that the datafication of everyday life and data scandals mean that the right to the protection of personal data is of growing importance; reiterates its concerns about the uneven application of the General Data Protection Regulation; supports the current legislative process on a European regulatory framework on Artificial Intelligence providing for strong fundamental rights safeguards by banning intrusive and discriminatory uses of AI systems such as biometric surveillance, emotion recognition and predictive policy AI systems;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Strongly condemns the widespread fundamental rights violations and use of disproportionate violence by national authorities at Union borders, including arbitrary detention, inhumane living conditions and lack of access to health care, unlawful returns, and violent pushbacks; condemns laws in Member States that undermine the effective protection of human rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants on the land and at sea; highlights that almost a third of asylum seekers are children and reiterates that immigration detention of children should not be permitted;
Amendment 166 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Strongly deplores the numerous deaths of refugees and migrants at sea; calls urgently for permanent coordinated search and rescue operations and for Member States to take every possible action to save the life of people at risk at sea;
Amendment 174 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. DCalls on the Commission to ensure that the right of non-discrimination and equal treatment is respected across the EU; deplores that the proposal on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive has remained blocked in the Council for 14 years;
Amendment 180 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that gender-based violence is highly prevalent in all Member States across the Union; condemns the backsliding on women’s rights in some Member States, particularly the denial of access to safe and legal abortion; highlights that the ECtHR has ruled that restrictive abortion laws and lack of implementation violates a woman’s right to bodily autonomy and integrity; reiterates its condemnation of Poland’s law which imposes a near total ban on abortion; recalls that citizens who help those to access abortion when it is not freely and legally available should not be persecuted; reiterates its call on the Commission to include the right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Directive to combat Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence; highlights that such Directive should guarantee obligations laid down in the Istanbul Convention as a minimum standard and aim to strengthen these standards to increase the level of protection; welcomes the EU´s accession to the Istanbul Convention;
Amendment 190 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recalls that hate crimes and hate speech motivated by racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance or a person’s disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics are extreme examples of discrimination; notes that EU Member States have a duty to combat and investigate hate crime, punish perpetrators and take preventive measures; stresses the need for appropriate recording of hate crimes by law enforcement authorities to better understand the nature and prevalence of the phenomenon and its impact on victims;
Amendment 194 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to extend the list of EU crimes in Article 83(1) TFEU to hate speech and hate crimes, highlighting the need to ensure a robust EU criminal law response to hate speech and hate crime on all grounds; deplores the delayed approval of the initiative, and reiterates its call on the Council to work diligently towards a consensus;
Amendment 195 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the Commission to effectively monitor the implementation of the measures contained in the various equality strategies, such as the EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2020-2025, the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020- 2025, the Strategy on Roma Equality and Inclusion, as well as the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025; urges the Member States to swiftly draw up and implement national action plans against racism (NAPAR); demands the full implementation and enforcement of existing EU law, including the Racial Equality Directive and the Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia;
Amendment 197 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Deplores that discriminatory profiling practices by police persists in the European Union; is deeply concerned about cases of police violence against racialized people in several Member States; calls on the Member States to ensure that people have access to independent and well-functioning police complaints mechanisms capable of launching investigations into cases of police violence, misconduct and abuse and to safeguard the rights of people to document these cases;
Amendment 203 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. 22. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition of decisions and acceptance of authentic instruments in matters of parenthood and on the creation of a European Certificate of Parenthood to protect the rights of all children by ensuring that their parental ties established in one Member State are recognised in all EU Member States;
Amendment 208 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recognises that poverty is another form of discrimination that leads to the violation of fundamental rights; highlights the particular vulnerability of children and the impact that poverty has on them and on their physical and psychological development; calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to develop policies to reduce poverty, paying particular attention to children;
Amendment 212 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Council Recommendation of 30 January 2023 on adequate minimum income27 ensuring active inclusion as a step forward in implementing principle 14 of the European Pillar of Social Rights; regrets however the lack of concrete measures to overcome structural discriminatory and biased approaches towards vulnerable groups such as women, racialized minorities, Roma, and refugees; calls on the Member States to collect data on minimum income disaggregated for these groups; _________________ 27 OJ C 41, 3.2.2023, p. 1.
Amendment 214 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that digitalisation is a transversal process that impacts access to all services, particularly healthcare, and the exercise of fundamental rights; underlines that digital poverty in the EU should be monitored and assessed in relation to access to essential services and fundamental rights, including for elderly people, people living in situations of homelessness, people living in remote areas and Roma people25a; _________________ 25a https://www.eapn.eu/wp- content/uploads/2023/02/eapn-EAPN- Report-2022_Equal-access-to-affordable- quality-essential-services-5639.pdf
Amendment 217 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that housing is not a commodity, but a necessity, and is a precondition for participating fully in society; calls on Member States to step up investment in social and affordable housing to eradicate the burden of high housing costs, particularly among disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, and to avoid competition between these groups;
Amendment 221 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the recognition of the universal right to access to a healthy and sustainable environment by the UN Human Rights Council on 8 October 2021; notes that according to the European Environment Agency, 307,000 premature deaths resulted from exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution in the Union in 2019 alone; recalls the need for full alignment of the EU ambient air quality standards with the latest WHO guidelines by 2030;
Amendment 222 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the progress made since the resumption of the negotiations towards EU accession to the ECHR in June 2020 and the provisional agreement on the draft revised accession instruments reached in March 2023; calls on the Commission and the Council to resolve the remaining issue on the situation of EU acts in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as swiftly as possible in order to complete the accession process;
Amendment 225 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Supports the FRA’s work on analysing data in order to document discrimination and welcomes further developments in this field; calls on national bodies cooperating with FRA to provide impartial data; calls on the FRA to consult additional sources when serious concerns persist on the quality of data; welcomes the Commission’s proposals for two directives on standards for equality bodies, aiming to ensure better implementation and enforcement of EU anti-discrimination rules;
Amendment 226 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation between the EU institutions, the Member States, the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; calls on the Commission to present a report assessing the possibility and modalities to extend the mandate of the EPPO, as provided for in Article 86 TFEU, to include serious environmental crimes that are detrimental to the interests of the Union or affect the consistent application of EU policies related to the protection of the environment;
Amendment 227 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls to establish the FRA as an independent human rights authority, similar to national human rights institutions and in line with the UN General Assembly’s Paris Principles of 1993, to protect and promote the Charter policies and practices from Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, and from Member States when implementing Union law; considers that this requires a legal basis in the Treaties for the setting up of a European Union Authority for Fundamental Rights, enshrining its independence and introducing the ordinary legislative procedure for adopting and amending its mandate; calls to entitle this new Authority to bring actions under Article 263 TFEU on grounds of infringement of the Charter; calls to include in its mandate the power to handle complaints and mandatory consultation by the Commission of the FRA when preparing proposals for legislative acts or recommendations which have an impact on fundamental rights;
Amendment 228 #
2023/2028(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of the relevant CJEU case-law upholding the respect for fundamental rights and further defining the rule of law; is concerned by the persistent refusal of some Members States, notably Hungary and Poland, to implement domestic, CJEU and ECtHR judgements, which contributes to the erosion of the rule of law; stresses that the non-implementation of judgments can lead to human rights violations being left without remedy; highlights that the primacy of EU constitutes the bedrock of the EU’s legal order; deplores that Poland undermines the primacy of EU law in order to avoid compliance with judgements of the CJEU;
Amendment 170 #
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 electionsregrets that integrity of elections was undermined, due to legal uncertainty caused by a comprehensive change of electoral framework shortly prior to elections, voters being deprived of the right on balanced and objective information about the electoral offer, and endangering the freedom of choice for certain groups of the population; regrets that the longstanding issues of unbalanced media reporting, pressure of voters and the abuse of public office have persisted throughout the election campaign; calls on the Serbian authorities to fully address the outstanding recommendations well ahead of the next elections , in particular those more ambitious that could lead to substantial improvements in the electoral conditions, especially in levelling the playing field, enabling pluralism in the media, and protecting voters’ rights; urges the authorities to properly investigate and prosecute pressure on voters, clientelism, corruption and other recorded allegation on criminal acts in relation to elections; deplores the institutional lack of reaction and sanctions from previous elections that directly contributes to the atmosphere of impunity in regard to pressures on voters, clientelism and corruption; regrets serious allegations about manipulation with Voter Registry, that lacked adequate institutional response; expresses concern that it took 93 days to determine the final results of the early parliamentary elections; urges Serbian authorities to ensure that the electoral results are determined efficiently and transparently in the future;
Amendment 180 #
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 formation of the new parliament and government, despite the clear outcome of the elections, which resulted in limited decision-making, including on EU-related reforms; expresses concern about the limited space for opposition's engagement in the parliament, mistreatment of opposition MPs, tensions and slandering campaigns in the plenary; condemns obstructions and misuse of parliamentary mechanisms, including particularly parliamentary oversights and control instruments; and calls for equal treatment of opposition MPs, consistent and effective implementation of the parliamentary Code of Conduct and impartial sanctioning of parliamentary integrity breaches;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Kosovo ranked at number 84 in the Transparency International Global Corruption Perceptions Index with a score of 41, ahead of many of its regional counterparts; whereas it has witnessed a sharp increase from 2019, marking positive steps in the fight against corruption.
Amendment 55 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Kosovo’s application for EU membership, which reflects the pro- European orientation of its citizens and a clear geopolitical strategic choice; calls on the Member States to invite the European Commission to present the questionnaire in order to asses Kosovo’s readiness for candidate status.
Amendment 65 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the long-awaited agreement on granting visa liberalisation to the citizens of Kosovo to enter into force no later than 1 January 2024; urges the Commission and Council to avoid any further delays;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Member States that have not yet recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state to do so; recalls its position that the independence of the Republic of Kosovo is irreversible;
Amendment 83 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. calls on Member States not to vote against the admission of Kosovo to several European and international organisations, such as the Council of Europe;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Commends Kosovo for suspending its visa regime for Ukraine citizens and the readiness to host Ukrainian and Afghan refugees fleeing the war and to host a specific program for the journalists of these countries;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the progress in implementation of the priorities of the European Reform Agenda II; commends the efforts in strengthening the institutional capacities for implementation, monitoring and reporting of EU related reforms;
Amendment 125 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Welcomes the launch and the ongoing implementation of the rule of law strategy and action plan aiming at strengthening the independence, impartiality, integrity, accountability as well as the overall capacity of judiciary and prosecution, with a specific focus on fighting corruption and organized crime;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that there have been someincreased number of successful operations targeting organised crime, but notes with regret that limited progress has been made in investigating and prosecuting such cases; is concerned about the challenging situation regarding the fight against organised crime in the north of Kosovo;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to education, health services, public buildings and transport; welcomes the increased employment of people with disabilities through the recovery packages of the government;
Amendment 207 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Regrets the fact that the initiatives to involve the Serb community in Kosovo’s political, social and economic structures remain very limited; calls on the Government of Kosovo and the representatives of Kosovo Serbs to commit to genuine dialogue in order to increase mutual trust; calls on Serbia and Kosovo Serb representatives to respect their Dialogue obligations and return to the Kosovo institutions to fulfil their duties, including in the police, judiciary and local administrations and not to further escalate the tensions on the ground;
Amendment 218 #
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 by both sides, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb- Majority Municipalities; which must be set up in line with Kosovo's constitution;
Amendment 219 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Emphasises the urgent need for the EU-led Pristina-Belgrade dialogue process to be intensified with the objective of normalising bilateral relations on the basis of mutual recognition; denounces the continuous pattern of escalatory actions by Serbia and Serbian-sponsored actors, including through illegitimate blockades, violent attacks and the threat of military action, with the objective of forcing concessions and undermining the Republic of Kosovo; regrets that Serbia has resumed the Kosovo de-recognition campaign;
Amendment 224 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Takes note of the positive signals to de-escalate tensions by both sides; welcomes the positive step by Prime Minister Kurti to accept the European Union’s proposal for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia; takes note of the statements by president Vucic of his intention to accept the European Union’s proposal for the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia;
Amendment 235 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Condemns all actions that endanger stability and jeopardise the reconciliation process, including the tensions in Nthe north of Kosovo, and recalls the shared responsibility for peace and the rule of law for all people in Kosovo;
Amendment 237 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Highlights that Russia started a hybrid campaign in which it uses its influence in Serbia to try to destabilize, interfere and threaten neighbouring sovereign states like Kosovo, by exploiting and flaring up existing disputes in the north of Kosovo; Condemns the continuation of Russian attempts to exert influence over the Western Balkans, by means of exploiting and stoking cultural, ethnical and religious divisions and destabilizing pro-democratic forces;
Amendment 253 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Amendment 265 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the progress made in digitalising the economy; in particular by increased number of quality services provided by online government platform E-Kosova;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. Whereas a growing number of threats, including the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the continued rise of global authoritarianism, the assertive foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China, the climate emergency, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, are profoundly reshaping the EU’s immediate geopolitical environment; whereas the proliferation of new and emerging challenges requires the EU to be in a position to act in a swift and decisive manner in its external action; whereas the present de facto requirement of Council unanimity in all matters under Title V TEU severely hampers the Union’s ability to pursue this objective;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the potential for fast, efficient and effective foreign policy, security and defence action, as set out in the Lisbon Treaty, has only been used in a very limited wayparticular in Article 48(7) and Article 31(3) TEU, has yet to be ovper the past decadeationalised due to a lack of political will from the Member States;
Amendment 12 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the use of passerelle clauses would immediately boostenhance the efficiency of decision-making in the field of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and would be highly appropriate given; whereas doing so would allow the EU to respond more swiftly and decisively to the dramatic change to the European security environment as a result of the Russian warFederation’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Strongly believes that the Council’s unanimity-based decision- making process in matters falling under Title V TEU is deeply inadequate to effectively respond to emerging international challenges and crises and shape the EU’s pro-active and decisive external action on the global stage;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. RegretsDeplores the fact that passerelle clauses have never been used in the field of the CFSP, even though due to Member States’ lack of political will and contrary to the Parliament’s clear position on the matter; takes the view that emerging global challenges and the Union’s immediate geopolitical environment, notably the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has, clearly called fornecessitate the EU to adopt swifter and more efficient and swift decision- making processes;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Member States to demonstrate the political will to overcome the practice of imposing vetoes on matters related to the Union's external action for purposes of obtaining concessions in unrelated policy areas;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Swedish Council Presidency to follow up on the Czech initiative in an effective way by putting the useinitiative of the Czech Council Presidency in an effective way, starting with the addition of the use of passerelle clauses in the field of the CFSP on the agendaand relevant Commission external action to the agenda of the first Council meeting following the adoption of the present report;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that Article 48(7) and Article 31(3) TEU contain passerelle clauses that can enable switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting in areas that fall under Title V TEU; calls on the Member States to make full use of the passerelle clauses, in particular that contained in Article 31(3) TEU, without further delay, especially in priority areas;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Member States to switch to QMV for decisions in all areas of the CFSP, starting within a year with priority areas such as the EU global human right and relevant Commission areas of external action, starting within a year by activating the passerelle clauses for priority areas; insists that these priority areas include all decision-making regarding the Union’s sanctions regimes, restrictive measures and other instruments linknotably the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, as well as any measures related to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and interim steps in the enlargement process; stresses that unanimity decisions should remain required for the creation and deployment of military missions or operations under the common security and defence policy (CSDP); , including restrictive measures, defence assistance, and financial and economic support, and interim steps in the EU accession process; urges Member States to give consideration to switching to QMV for relevant Council decisions pertaining to the common security and defence policy (CSDP) with the exception of the mutual defence clause in Article 42(7) TEU; encourages the consideration of the use of QMV in situations where passerelle clauses do not apply and for the creation and deployment of military missions under the CSDP that do not involve an executive mandate;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Urges the Council to make greater use of the flexibility provided for in Article 31(2) TEU; calls on the European Council to explore the adoption of a greater number of decisions regarding the EU’s CFSP and relevant Commission external action as relating to the Union’s strategic interests and objectives under Article 22(1) TEU, whether concerning the relations of the Union with a specific country or region or thematic in approach, thereby enabling qualified majority voting under Article 31(2) TEU;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Encourages, pending the activation of the passerelle clauses and the full application of qualified majority voting in all areas of the CFSP and relevant Commission areas of external action, the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31(1) TEU;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2142(INI)
3 c. Invites the Member States, where appropriate, to make greater use of enhanced cooperation in the fields of CFSP and relevant Commission external action and consider the adoption of decisions in line with the provisions for qualified majority voting set out in Article 333(1) TFEU and Article 330 TFEU;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Insists that any activation and implementation of passerelle clauses regarding Title V TEU may not delay, nor form a pretext for any lack of political will to facilitate, convening a convention by activating the procedure for revising the Treaties provided for in Article 48 TEU, with the objective of, inter alia, enshrining qualified majority voting for all matters relating to the EU’s CFSP and relevant Commission areas of external action in the Treaties;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates the need for strong parliamentary oversight of the CFSP and CSDP, CSDP, and Commission external action to ensure accountability and democratic legitimacy; calls on the Council, Commission and European External Action Service to proactively engage with Parliament and keep it informed; commits itself to improving the efficiency of its oversight mechanisms, so as to potentiallyin particular where doing so could contribute to speeding up decision-making within the Council.
Amendment 19 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 June 2022,
Amendment 30 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 17 February 2022 on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2021 (2021/2182(INI)),
Amendment 32 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
Amendment 123 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) acknowledge that the EU’s enlargement policy, as the single most effective EU instrument for securing peace, prosperity and fundamental values on the European continent requires the Union's unequivocal commitment;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) initiate Treaty changes enhancing the EU’s capacity to act by reforming voting procedures, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting in areas relevant to the accession process;
Amendment 252 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) step up solidarity and interim political and economic incentives for accession countries, ensuring that intermediate integration steps do not substitute but facilitate the final goal of fully-fledged EU membership; provide clarity and clear communications towards the governments and citizens of accession countries on the objectives and benefits of such intermediate steps;
Amendment 272 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in addressing the 14 key priorities, aset as preconditions for obtaining candidate status; grant the status of candidate country to Bosnia and Herzegovina upon its satisfactory implementation of those key priorities which constitute a substantial set of reforms;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 June 2022,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022,
Amendment 13 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution on the follow-up to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 2 May 2022,
Amendment 30 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has brought war back to the European continent, has seriously undermined European and global security, has created economic uncertainty, has led to a spike in energy prices, has considerable potential to further destabilise many EU and non-EU countries and has therefore significantly changed the geopolitical context of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);
Amendment 37 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine wais a wake-up call for the European Union, presenting a realn immediate threat to the European security and creatingorder and to the security of the European Union and its Member States; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine galvanises momentum towards achieveing a geopolitical redefinition of the CFSP; whereas it is also an opportunityRussia’s invasion also highlights the necessity, underlined by the citizen- driven outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, for the Member States to show thedemonstrate the necessary political will to transform the CFSP into a fully -fledged European policy;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the global consequences of the Russian Federation’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine are compounded by the impact of the ongoing unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; whereas the return of full-scale war to the European continent, economic instability, and the Russian Federation’s deliberate instrumentalisation of energy volatility result in immediate geopolitical uncertainty for citizens of the European Union, candidate Member States, and prospective candidate Member States, as well as for partners around the world;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas achieving strategic autonomy requires the Union to be able to pursue all matters of strategic significance to the EU without undue reliance on the capabilities of third states and non-EU actors, including through the elimination of vulnerabilities that leave the Union open to internal division and enforced concessions to authoritarian actors; whereas achieving strategic autonomy will allow the Union to further enhance its external action from a basis of strength, more effectively pursue and project its values-based interests, and strengthen its contribution to global multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the development of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights worldwide;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the voluntary accession of European states to the European Union remains the Union’s most successful foreign policy instrument; whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were granted candidate status for EU Membership, and Georgia granted a European perspective, on 23 June 2022; whereas the European Commission recommended the Council grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status for EU Membership on 12 October 2022;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is guided by the values of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law; whereas the Union’s values, as enshrined in Article 2, Article 3 (5), and Article 21 TEU, are in its immediate interest; whereas autocratic pressure on these democratic values continues to mount, eroding checks on abuse of power, increasing the incidence and severity of human rights violations, and constricting space for civil society, independent media, and democratic opposition movements; whereas, according to Freedom House, 2021 witnessed the 16th consecutive year of global democratic decline;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas the rules-based international order, founded on international law and the institutions of multilateralism, is under ever-increasing risk, both from within and from without; whereas autocratic states, working alone and through concerted action, attempt to undermine multilateral organisations and agencies as well as international humanitarian and human rights law, subvert its meaning through co-optation, or circumvent or thwart its implementation, while promoting the further development of autocratic norms in the European Union and in third states, including through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military incentives and coercion, and through disinformation campaigns; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its deliberate war crimes form an attack on the foundations of the multilateral rules- based global order;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the EU’s swift, unified, and sustained response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is a test ofament to the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy and ofwhen faced with immediate pressure; underlines that, in order to enhance its role as a credible values-based foreign policy player, a reliable international partner, and a credible security and defence actor, the Union must adopt and, in areas in which these are presently available, implement decision-making procedures conducive to this objective;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war in Ukraine and other international challenges calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU; stresses in this view that the direct or indirect support of a third country to the illegal positions of Russia -i.e. in votes at the UN General Assembly on relevant resolutions or by helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions- should bring clear, swift and specific consequences in our political and trade relations with that country;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war inRussia’s invasion of Ukraine and other international challenges, including the continued rise of global authoritarianism, the PRC’s assertive foreign policy, the climate emergency, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Strategic Compass, adopted by the Council in March 2022, gives the EU the tools to be both an effective security provider in a hostilen increasingly adversarial global and regional environment and a more assertive global actor for peace and human security, and therefore calls for its swift implementationon the HR/VP, the Commission, and the Member States to prioritise its swift implementation in cooperation with like-minded partners and in full complementarity with NATO;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
- putting the concept of strategic sovereignty into practiceoperationalising strategic autonomy,
Amendment 104 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
- leading the reinforcement of multilateralism and building partnerships for a better world,
Amendment 114 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Union's remarkable level of unity and resolve in responding swiftly and forcefully to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; urges the Member States to maintain and, where necessary, increase this high and coherent level of support for Ukraine and its citizens in full accordance with Ukraine’s evolving needs and the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a
Paragraph 6 – point a
(a) switching progressively to qualified majority voting for decisions in all areas of the CFSP that do not have military or defence implications, as well as for other EU external policy tools such as the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, by using the passerelle clauses provided for in the Treaties;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
(a a) encouraging, pending the full application of qualified majority voting to decisions without military or defence implications, the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31 (1) TEU;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
(a b) convening a Convention by activating the procedure for the revision of the Treaties provided for in Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union, with the objective of, inter alia, enshrining qualified majority voting for all matters relating to the EU’s CFSP in the Treaties;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point c
Paragraph 6 – point c
(c) establishing new formats of cooperation, such as the European Security Council, comprised of the Member States’ Foreign Affairs Ministers, which could be responsible for responding swiftly in emergency situations, in order to develop an integrated approach to conflict and crisis, as well as a Council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point d
Paragraph 6 – point d
(d) making full use of the ‘Team Europe’ approach to coordinate and avoid duplication in the EU’s foreign and security policy while projecting unity;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point e
Paragraph 6 – point e
(e) providing sufficient funding, institutional capacity, and technical support at EU and Member State level to prepare for, and respond without delay to, current, emerging, and future challenges;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates its support for the adoption and implementation of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, enabling the EU to swiftly impose targeted restrictive measures against individuals, entities, and bodies responsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; welcomes the Commission’s intention, as requested by Parliament and announced in the President’s 2022 State of the Union, to introduce a legislative proposal extending the scope of the EU GHRSR to include corruption; urges the Commission to augment this legislative proposal with avenues enabling an enhanced role for the European Parliament in proposing cases of serious human rights violations; reiterates its call on the Council to introduce qualified majority voting for the adoption of restrictive measures imposed under the EU GHRSR;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights that the enforcement of sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation is paramount to limiting its ability to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine and must therefore be of the highest priority; urges the Council to impose restrictive measures on third countries enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, whether through the facilitation of sanctions circumvention or through the provision of direct military assistance; welcomes restrictive measures imposed on the regime in Belarus; calls on the Council to impose similar measures on the Islamic Republic of Iran in view of its delivery of unmanned aerial vehicles and planned provision of surface-to-surface missiles to the Russian Federation for use against Ukraine, notably against civilian targets;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Amendment 161 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates the necessity to strengthen the Union’s External Action with own and permanent EU instruments and resources in foreign affairs, human rights protection and promotion, and security and defence in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player, as well as to be able to better pursue and achieve its objectives and defend its values;
Amendment 162 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for the strengthening of the EEAS and EU Delegations’ capacities and resources, including by updating the “Council Decision of 26July 2010”, in order for them to be able to better fulfil EU´s objectives and interests worldwide;
Amendment 164 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls for an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective; calls for the full implementation, including its one year extension, of the Pilot Project “Towards a European Diplomatic Academy”, which should also focus on target groups of a future academy, including the possibility for those who are not Member States’ diplomats to become EU diplomats in the future;
Amendment 168 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for the strengthening of the EU’s International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy by developing a EU instrument that embodies a cultural face of the Union worldwide through a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on a frame of cultural cooperation and co- creation, actively involving civil society and cultural sectors of third countries; stresses that this instrument could aim to promote European culture and way of life, provide EU capacity building and financial assistance to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society; underlines that this instrument should include the protection of cultural heritage abroad in EU external action, the promotion of intercultural dialogue, mobility of artists and cultural professionals between the EU and third countries, and the fight against disinformation; highlights that this toolbox should collaborate closely and draw experience from EUNIC, as well as alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Stresses that geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad; calls for the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls for the strengthening of the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its resources and capabilities;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Highlights the necessity to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided both by the Treaties and the inter- institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union;
Amendment 171 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g(new)
Paragraph 6 g(new)
6g. Underlines that the current design of multilateralism does not fully reflect the current world’s order as not all global actors are properly accounted in its architecture; calls on the Commission, the Council, the EEAS and EU Member States to bring forth sound proposals on how to achieve and guarantee an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 172 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 176 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Russian Federation’s grave and, massive, and deliberate violations of human rights and the fundamental norms of international law have highlighted the need for stronger, more ambitious, credible, strategic and unified EU presence and action on the world stage, and accentuated; emphasises the necessity for the EU to autonomously set its own strategic objectives, as set out in the Strategic Compass, and develop the capabilities to pursue themse, both autonomously and in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the shift in the Member States’ approaches, moving towards creating moresignifying a move towards enhanced EU strategic sovereigntautonomy by adopting the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022 and the Strategic Compass on 21 March 2022, which highlight the need to strengthen EU defence capabilities and to contribute positively to global and transatlantic security, in close collaboration with NATO;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the Strategic Compass ensures a holistic approach to the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy, and must form the foundation for the development of a common strategic culture at the level of both the Union and its Member States; calls for the EU and the Member States to show the necessary unity and political will to swiftly implement the ambitious measures to which they have committed to in the Strategic Compass, including the timely operationalisation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity;
Amendment 209 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the swift and repeated use of the European Peace Facility to support Ukraine, improve itprovide the necessary support to enable Ukraine to defend and regain effective control over its entire territory within its internationally recognised borders; highlights the necessity to improve the Union’s ability to act andby building on the European Peace Facility support already delivered to Ukraine, including through the Clearing House Cell, and to use the lessons learnt in the Union’s support for Ukraine to enhance its readiness for future scenarios; supports the establishment of the Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces on EU soil and urges its swift deployment; reiterates its call on the HR/VP, the Member States and international partners to prepare a swift and decisive response should Russia deploy chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons against Ukraine;
Amendment 217 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for the significant enhancement of the European Peace Facility in order to ensure its full alignment with Ukraine’s present and future needs, the Union’s resolve to continue providing assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes, and the evolving needs of other partners, including on the African continent;
Amendment 225 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the importance of stepping up the EU’s efforts, in cooperation with NATO and other international partners, to address and foster resilience against hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation and propaganda campaigns, both within the Union and in third countries; calls on the Commission and the Member States, in close cooperation with NATO and non- NATO partners, to treat the protection of critical European infrastructure, including offshore pipelines and submarine communications and power cables, as a matter of highest priority; calls for further development of the Union’s strategic communications capabilities through the StratCom Task Forces, including those directed at third countries and with a particular focus on the populations of Russia and Belarus, as well as for the allocation of adequate financial resources to this end;
Amendment 233 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the resolve displayed by the Union and most Member States in the pursuit of full energy independence from the Russian Federation; reiterates its call for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels and uranium, and for the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines to remain closed and be completely abandoned; emphasises that short-term diversification of energy sources may not come at the expense of meaningful human rights dialogue with alternative energy providers and highlights the essential nature of speeding up the green transition;
Amendment 236 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Urges the Commission to conduct regular comprehensive stress test exercises of strategic supply chains, including in the areas of health, energy, foodstuffs, semiconductors, and critical raw materials, with an eye to preventing supply chain disruptions, preparing for the consequences of severe disruptions, and reducing EU dependencies on third states, in particular those which do not share the Union’s values or with which the Union finds itself in a state of systemic rivalry, to non-critical levels while enhancing its own capabilities, in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 239 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for an increased EU commitment to developing a comprehensive international space regulation, in order to prevent the weaponisation of spabuilding upon, updating, and reinforcing the existing UN Treaties, Declarations and Legal Principles underpinning space governance, taking account of rapid technological advancements, in order to further the sustainable peaceful development of space while preventing its weaponization and militarisation; welcomes the announcement that the Commission will present a Space Strategy for Security and Defence;
Amendment 248 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Amendment 253 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises that the Union must continue to take the lead in the promotion of a more relevant, resilient, and effective multilateralism which forms the basis for inclusive policy dialogue, cooperation, and convergence aimed at furthering human security, sustainable development, and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict in full respect of international law and human rights; urges the Union and its Member States to speak with one voice in multilateral fora, to strengthen ties with like-minded partners around the world and intensify outreach to other third countries and their populations, and to pursue pragmatic sectoral multilateral solutions in areas in which doing so is in accordance with its values-based interests;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to maintain the strongest possible unity within the international community in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and defending and promoting international law and the multilateral rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Underlines that, as NATO remains fundamental to the European security order, the EU and the Member States must commit to strengthening its European pillar, inter alia ,for those Member States which are also Member States of NATO, by consistently meeting the NATO defence spending benchmark of 2% of GDP as of 2024 while preventing duplication, reducing fragmentation, and enhancing interoperability; urges the two remaining NATO Member States which have not yet done so to ratify Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO without delay;
Amendment 276 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Emphasises that the achievement of a geopolitical EU must start on the European continent; welcomes, therefore, the establishment and launching summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Prague in October 2022 as an essential forum to strengthen relations between European states, including those outside the EU or wishing to join in the future, to develop a shared understanding of current challenges, and to pursue political and security cooperation based on shared interests; underlines that, for the future success and coherence of this format, some level of alignment on democratic values and principles is essential; reiterates that the EPC may under no circumstance precipitate, or form a pretext for, delays to the EU accession of enlargement countries;
Amendment 279 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the need to intensify the dialogue with the UK on possible avenues for future cooperation and coordination in the area of foreign and security policy, in line with the provisions of the Political Declaration, and including in the framework of the EU- NATO partnership, the United Nations and other international forums, the European Political Community, and other international forums; urges the UK to ensure the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and pursue practical, flexible and durable common solutions within the Protocol’s legal framework;
Amendment 294 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the importance of strong transatlantic cooperation, again highlighted in the context of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, based on shared values and objectives, and on the principle of partnership in leadership and responsibility, while respecting the other party’sies’ autonomy, interests and aspirations;
Amendment 300 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the outcome of the EU-China Summit; reiterates its requests for a renewed EU-China strategy which reflects the PRC’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, including towards the Union and towards candidate and potential candidate-Member States; underscores the necessity of ensuring that any support to Russia’s war in Ukraine and any circumvention of the effects of the sanctions against Russia by China must have consequences for its relations with the EU; reiterates its condemnation of the PRC’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang UAR, which represent a serious risk of genocide, of its undermining of democracy in the Hong Kong SAR, and of its persistent threats issued against Taiwan;
Amendment 317 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to establish strategic cooperation with Taiwan; reiterates its advocacy for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international and multilateral bodies and organisations; calls on the Commission to launch, without delay, preparatory measures for negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan;
Amendment 331 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Strongly condemns authoritarian and illiberal regimes’ attacks against human rights and their universal character, as well as the corresponding erosion on their protection; calls on mature democracies and alike-minded partners to adopt a defiant and public attitude reaffirming our commitment to defend the universality of human rights and the Rule of Law; calls on mature democracies and international and regional organisations to join forces by uniting under a global human rights framework in order to address threats and promote human rights worldwide;
Amendment 362 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is having a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership countries first and foremost; calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to engage in a thorough reflection on a reform of the Eastern Partnership policy; welcomes the Union’s enhanced engagement with the countries of the Southern Caucasus, notably the swift adoption of an EU monitoring mission to the Armenian side of the Armenia- Azerbaijan border;
Amendment 375 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reiterates its support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, which continues to resist the regime of the illegitimate leader and the regime’s complicity in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in spite of ongoing crackdowns; insists that all sanctions applied to the Russian Federation must be mirrored for the Belarusian regime while avoiding adverse consequences, notably relating to the provision of visas, for the Belarusian people; recognises the aspirations of the majority of the people of Belarus to live in a free, sovereign, and democratic county and urges the Commission and the Member States to make adequate preparations, in cooperation with the formal representatives of the democratic opposition, to assist in the country’s future democratic transition;
Amendment 377 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Highlights the hesitation and, in certain cases, unwillingness of Central Asian states to lend their support to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a sign of Russia’s decreasing regional influence; notes the PRC’s and Türkiye’s increasing engagement with the region, notably through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Belt and Road Initiative; calls for enhanced EU involvement in Central Asia, based on respect for fundamental rights and the Union’s values-based interests, including through the Global Gateway;
Amendment 380 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the war inWelcomes the fact that the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the EU to reprioritise its enlargement policy; emphasises that, while the widening and deepening of the Union must go hand-in-hand, the necessity for EU internal reform may not form a pretext for slowing the merit-based accession process; welcomes the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and calls for it to be granted to Georgia, provided that the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion have been addressed; underscores that, while enlargement has proven to be an effective foreign policy toolthe Union’s most effective foreign policy tool, its implementation should be reassessed to allow for the accelerated integration of accession countries that demonstrate strategic orientation towards the EU and unwavering commitment to EU-related reforms, democratic consolidation, and foreign policy alignment, including through their phase-in into specific Union policies and initiatives; highlights the need for sufficient and sustained support for the energy security of EU accession countries, with particular focus on those countries which remain substantially exposed to Russian manipulation of supply, as well as for the establishment of security compacts with accession countries vulnerable to Russian aggression;
Amendment 396 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates its strong support for the European future and EU accession of all countries of the Western Balkans; calls on the Member States to renew their commitment to enlargement by delivering on the EU’s commitments towards the Western Balkan countries, in particular by immediately lifting visa requirements for Kosovo citizens; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia; welcomes the European Council’s readiness to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urges the country’s political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the 14 key priorities and implementing the substantial set of reformemphasises the necessity for the EU to reinforce the credibility of the enlargement process by safeguarding its merit-based nature, including through the fundamental nature of democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law under chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis in the revised enlargement methodology, while avoiding the politicisation of the enlargement process through bilateral disputes; regrets Serbia’s continued low alignment with the CFSP, notably in regard to the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and reiterates its position that further negotiating chapters should be opened only when Serbia strengthens its commitment to reform in the areas of democracy and rule of law and demonstrates progressive alignment with the CFSP; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and urges all relevant parties to pursue the necessary steps to enable North Macedonia’s and Albania’s swift progress; denounces the detrimental role played by regional actors and Russian foreign interference across the countries of the Western Balkans;
Amendment 406 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the Commission’s recommendation, and the European Council’s readiness, to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina; calls on the European Council to swiftly grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken to strengthen the country’s readiness for accession negotiations; urges the country’s political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the eight steps in the Commission recommendation, as well as on the 14 key priorities, and implementing the substantial set of reforms; reiterates its call for the adoption of targeted sanctions against destabilising actors in BiH, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik, and calls on all Member States to ensure that such sanctions can be adopted by the Council; expresses concern over the timing, content, and manner of introduction of changes to the BiH election law and to the FBiH constitution by the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, made on election day, which risk undermining democratic legitimacy and consolidating ethno-nationalism; commends the work of EUFOR Operation Althea and urges the HR/VP and the Member States to work towards the extension of its mandate beyond November while providing for adequate preparation for alternative scenarios;
Amendment 412 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reiterates its appreciation for Turkey’s condemnation of the unjustified Russian invasion and military aggression against Ukraine and for its role as facilitator between Ukraine and Russia, including through its vital contribution to bring about the important deal to export the Ukrainian grain; expresses however serious concern by the continuing lack of alignment with EU sanctions against Russia, particularly in the framework of the free movement of goods derived from the existing custom union and against the backdrop of recently strengthened trade and financial relations with Russia; calls on Turkey to reverse the constant deterioration in its alignment with the EU CFSP (which currently stands at a meagre 7%); stresses that Turkey’s geopolitical role does not override the serious shortcomings with regard to human rights situation in the country, which remain the main obstacle for the advancement of EU-Turkey relations;
Amendment 424 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Remains deeply concerned about reports that the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement deliberately seeks to circumvent and undermine the centrality of democratic and rule-of-law reforms in EU accession countries; urges the Commission to instigate an independent and impartial investigation into whether the conduct displayed and policies furthered by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the European Commission and of the Commissioner’s obligations under the Treaties;
Amendment 430 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to support the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and to cushion the adverse effects on these countries of the supply shocks and price increases resulting from the war in UkraineRussia’s invasion of Ukraine, in particular in the domain of food security; welcomes the UN-brokered Black Sea grain initiative; urges Russia to end the renewed weaponization of food exports, which irresponsibly risks galvanising further food insecurity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and to abide by the terms of the agreement in full;
Amendment 434 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Expresses its deep concern about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Afghanistan following the violent Taliban takeover, with particularly adverse effects on women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, independent media representatives, and individuals who provided assistance to the EU and its Member States; urges the Commission and the High Representative to ensure the full and timely evacuation of all members of staff of the EU Special Representative in Afghanistan and EUPOL Afghanistan, other particularly vulnerable persons, and their dependent spouses, children, parents, and unmarried sisters, in accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/151; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced funding for humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan; reiterates its non- recognition of the Taliban regime;
Amendment 439 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Fully supports the aspirations of the Iranian people, who want to live in a free, stable, inclusive and democratic country that respects its national and international commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms; welcomes, in this regard, the restrictive measures imposed on Iranian individuals and entities, including the so-called “morality police”, for their role in the repression of the ongoing, women-led protests in Iran demanding equal rights and ending the systematic discrimination of women and broader violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic; calls for the establishment of an international investigative and accountability mechanism for human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government;
Amendment 453 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the ambition to strengthening of the EU’s relations with the Gulf countries, as underlined in the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 18 May 2022 on a strategic partnership with the Gulf (JOIN(2022)0013); notes that there is a common interest in engaging more strategically with the Gulf partners; calls on the EU and the Member States to continue to emphasise respect for human rights and gender equality as well as the progressive alignment of values, notably related to countering the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences; deeply deplores, in this respect, the OPEC+ decision, notably driven by Saudi Arabia, to reduce oil production, which risks undermining efforts to counter Russia’s aggression and exacerbating the global energy crisis;
Amendment 458 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the adoption of the Union’s multiannual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),ensuring predictable support for Palestine refugees in line with the EU- UNRWA Joint Declaration 2021-2024, as well as the Union’s additional contribution to the Agency under the Food and Resilience Facility to address food insecurity; emphasises that continued support to the Agency remains fundamental to regional stability and development with an eye to a sustainable peace and a two-state solution on the basis of 1967 borders;
Amendment 464 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and calls on the Russian leadership to end it immediately and withdraw unconditionally from Ukraine and any other country whose territory, or parts thereof, it has unlawfully occupieds; urges the international community to hold Russia accountable for the countless war crimes and human rights violations its armed forces have perpetrated in Ukraine and elsewhere, and reaffirms that Russia will have to pay compensation for all of the damage and destruction it has caused in Ukraine; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the lead in the preparation of a multilateral mechanism overseeing, enforcing, and disbursing the payment of reparations to Ukraine;
Amendment 474 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Takes note of the prevalence of support for Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine across many countries, notably due to the effective nature of Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns; encourages the HR/VP, the Commission and the Member States to enhance diplomatic outreach to these countries, to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and to intensify strategic communications; highlights the central role to be played by the Global Gateway in tackling shared challenges based on democratic values, equal partnerships, and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 485 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Stresses the importance of strengthening relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by updating the EU-LAC strategy, with a strong emphasis on joint efforts to strengthen the multilateral global order, international law, and respect for democracy and human rights, in particular against the backdrop of the increasing and disproportionate influence of China and Russia in the region in comparison with the EU; stresses, in this context, the importance of concluding balanced and modernised agreements with Chile, Mexico, and Mercosur with a binding and enforceable chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) that includes a strong human rights dimension and alignedment with the goals of the European Green Deal, provided that, in the case of Mercosur, agreement is reached on the additional instrument;
Amendment 489 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to implement the commitments agreed on at the AU-EU Summit, to swiftly implement the Global Gateway projects in Africa and to strengthen partnerships with countries on the African continent, in line with the Strategic Compass; and on the basis of equality, particularly with the aim of promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, digital and green transformations, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflict, in accordance with the principles of international law; underlines that EU engagement with Africa, including through development and trade cooperation, must prioritise contributing to strong and resilient societies, enhancing social equality and security, and supporting democratic structures on the ground; welcomes the allocation of funding under the European Development Fund towards mitigating growing food insecurity resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for further similar measures to betaken as necessary;
Amendment 497 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls to enhance EU agreements establishing or strengthening EU relations with a third country, as well as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, by including, during the negotiations of these agreements, a conditionality concerning the possibility of a bilateral standing invitation to observe the respective elections of the Parties involved; stresses that this electoral observation conditionality should be addressed as well in already existing agreements, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, in case of their revision by means of a possible Protocol;
Amendment 505 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to enable and strengthen parliamentary oversight of EU external action, including by continuing regular consultations with the VP/HR and the Commission, and by involving Parliament in the proper further implementation and scrutiny of the European Peace Facility and the Strategic Compass; recalls that the European Parliament upholds a degree of informal cooperation with the EEAS enhanced by Council Decision of 26 July 2010 and the “High Representative’s declaration of political accountability of 2010”; highlights that is necessary to further strengthen the framework of inter- institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations; calls for a “Framework Agreement on strengthening External Action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament", which could move forward towards enhancing EU’s own toolbox for External Action;
Amendment 512 #
2022/2048(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Affirms that Parliament should make full use of its oversight and budgetary powers in relation to the decisions of the Union in the international arena; highlights the importance of Parliament’s democracy support programmes, which have great potential to reinforce the EU’s role around the world by engaging key political stakeholders and facilitating sustainable democratic governance in non-EU and EU accession countries;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to the establishment in June 2016 of the EU High Level Group on cCombatting racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,Hate Speech and Hate Crime;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the Commission communication of 3 March 2021 entitled ‘Union of Equality: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030’ (COM(2021)0101), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by the EU and all its Member States;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the adoption of the anti- discrimination directive have been blocked in the council since 2008;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas there are barriers to access justice for victims of racial discrimination; whereas equality bodies in themany Member States lack the human and financial resources and/or political will andthe necessary independence to bridge this gap, including because of insufficient political will;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2005(INI)
Ea. whereas intersectionality is an important horizontal concept of the Gender and LGBTQI strategies and only such an approach can pave the way to sustainable and respectful changes in society;
Amendment 93 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the FRA reports that the racialized groups most affected by racism and discrimination in Europe, based on ethnic or immigrant background, are Roma, people with a North African or sub-Saharan African background[1]; whereas FRA also report high levels of discrimination and racism against Muslims[2] and Jewish[3] people; [1] https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2017/ second-european-union-minorities-and- discrimination-survey-main-results/, p. 13.[2] https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2017/ second-european-union-minorities-and- discrimination-survey-muslims- selected.[3] https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2018/ experiences-and-perceptions- antisemitism-second-survey- discrimination-and-hate.
Amendment 98 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas hate speech and hate crimes are among the most severe manifestations of racism and xenophobia;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the way in which people are portrayed in the media, regardless of their racial, religious or ethnic background, can reinforce negative stereotypes with racial connotations;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Ee. whereas social biases and structural inequalities are also often integrated into new technologies, including AI;
Amendment 103 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E f (new)
Recital E f (new)
Ef. whereas CSOs plays a critical role in preserving and implementing EU values and fundamental rights, and in the implementation of EU policies and strategies; whereas there is a degradation of civic space throughout the EU and many CSOs struggle to survive and have problems with funding[1];[1]Shrinking space for civil society in Europe, European Parliament resolution of 8 March 2022 on the shrinking space for civil society in Europe (2021/2103(INI)
Amendment 105 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E g (new)
Recital E g (new)
Eg. whereas Roma women and people with disabilities have also faced structural violence and violation of their integrity and bodily autonomy, being victims of forced sterilisation, contraception and abortion which are harmful practices and form of gender based violence rooted in eugenic beliefs;
Amendment 120 #
2022/2005(INI)
H. whereas the EU institutions need to take concrete steps to ensure sustainable changes towards a fully inclusive and respectful workplace; whereas discrimination is often multidimensional and only an intersectional approach can pave the way to sustainable changes, stemming from histories, policies and practices of racism deeply embedded in societal structures;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to regularly assess 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;
Amendment 166 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to mainstream anti-racism and gender equality when drafting legislation, adopting budgets or implementing laws, including founding of projects on a Member State, regional and local level;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls the long-standing call of the Parliament for the adoption of the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive, that has been blocked in Council since 2008 to harmonise the scope and the reach of the anti-discrimination instruments; calls on forthcoming presidencies of the Council to make equal treatment and the fight against discrimination in all its forms a key priority to break the deadlock; calls for ensuring that the EU Equality legislative framework combats intersectional discrimination, including in its structural and institutional forms, to move away from a single-axis individual approach and address systemic discrimination without lowering the standards; calls on the Council to establish a Council configuration on Gender Equality and Equality to properly discuss the abovementioned topics in a permanent forum;
Amendment 182 #
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, which need to be acknowledged as major barriers to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and key barriers to inclusion and equality;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. 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, which need to be acknowledged as major barriers to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and key barriers to inclusion and equality;
Amendment 197 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets that 14 years after the adoption of the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia, several Member States have not yet fully and correctly transposed its provisions into national law; calls on the Member States to put measures in place that encourage victims and witnesses to come forward and report hate crime, and strengthen the ability of national law enforcement systems to correctly identify and record it;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Member States to put measures in place that encourage victims and witnesses to come forward and report hate crime, and strengthen the ability of national law enforcement systems to correctly identify and record it;
Amendment 246 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt specific actions to combat gender-based violence against racialised women, including through the adoption of the proposed Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, by adding gender- based violence on the list of EU-crimes and by criminalising forced sterilisation and forced abortion and providing remedies and support to victims;
Amendment 270 #
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 which take into account the historical roots of racism, as provided for in the EU Anti- racism Action Plan; 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 272 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls its support to CSOs, in particular in the field of anti-racism, anti- discrimination and tolerance, and the need for dedicated and sufficient EU funding being available to them; deplores attacks in different forms (hate speech, tax regimes, SLAPPs, attacks to their offices or people working in them) against those CSOs providing support to citizens and expertise to policy makers in this field;
Amendment 305 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Welcomes in this regard the adoption of the EP diversity strategy and its roadmap for 2022-2024; highlights that it is also the responsibility of the respective political groups to enforce it in their respective HR strategy;
Amendment 310 #
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; demands the immediate appointment and reminds that these positions should be permanent and therefore coordinators should be sustained and supported financially;
Amendment 320 #
2022/2005(INI)
15a. Calls on the Member States to officially recognise antigypsyism as a specific form of racism against Romani people;
Amendment 321 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Is concerned about the continued spread of the so-called “Great Replacement Theory”, a racist and xenophobic conspiracy theory, which incites to evil, hate and violence, including hate crimes around the world; Is alarmed by how the so-called “Great Replacement Theory” is mainstreamed into the political speech of a number of political figures from extreme right in the member states and reminds that this is a threat to the Union fundamental shared values;
Amendment 323 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Is concerned about reports[1]of discriminatory and racist practices at the borders and reminds Member States of each individual’s right to seek asylum and to be treated with respect underinternational law. [1]https://fra.europa.eu/en/news/2022/war -ukraine-fundamental-rights- implications-within-eu (12 May 2022) and EU-Ukrainian border checkpoints: First field observations | European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights(europa.eu) (23 March 2022)
Amendment 325 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Takes the view that Member States should tackle racism and discrimination since an early stage and mainstream inclusive education in all national official curricula, including via accurate reference to historical system of oppressions and abuses, so as counter stereotypes, unconscious bias and structural racism;
Amendment 328 #
2022/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the need for a monitoring and accountability mechanism to ensure the effective application of EU anti-racism legislation and policy; calls for the commission to initiate infringement proceedings swiftly against Member States that are shown to be in breach;
Amendment 339 #
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; including a summary of the situation of each Member State as regards the implementation of The EU Antiracism Action Plan; 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 52 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Persons, entities and bodies, which are designated individually in Union restrictive measures and subject to those Union restrictive measures, as well as dependants of those natural persons, may often be involved as instigators and accomplices. For instance, the practice by designated persons, or family members, and entities of transferring funds, property or economic resources to a third party with a view to circumvent Union restrictive measures is increasingly widespread. Therefore, this conduct is covered by the circumvention offence approximated by this Directive.
Amendment 55 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The circumvention of restrictive measures enables the continued use of frozen assets in ways which undermine the objectives and effectiveness of those restrictive measures. Proceeds resulting from the violation of Union restrictive measures or instruments used to pursue the violation of restrictive measures should become the object of confiscation. Where the assets are confiscated in connection with the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine or associated crimes, without prejudice to restitution to and compensation of the victims or the public concerned by the criminal offence, the confiscated assets or the net proceeds resulting from the liquidation of such assets should be assigned to contributions towards the reconstruction efforts of Ukraine.
Amendment 64 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) It is appropriate to exclude from the criminalisation activities which concern the provision of goods and services of daily use for the personal use of designated natural persons, such as food and healthcare products and services, or of petty cash, where it is clearly limited to fulfilling the basic human needs of such persons and their dependent family members. The failure to report such activities should also be excluded from criminalisation. It is also appropriate to exclude from the criminalisation activities which concern humanitarian disaster relief, such as after natural or man-made disaster, and the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger, for example in proximity to the EU's external borders and on sea. The failure to report such activities should also be excluded from criminalisation. In addition, it is appropriate to exclude from criminalisation the delivery of humanitarian aid to persons issistance or activities that support basic human needs. Such humanitarian aid or activities must be provided strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law and can notably but not exclusively consist of food and nutrition, shelter, health care, water and sanitation. Furthermore, in implementing this Directive, Member States should take into account that International Humanitarian Law, the law of armed conflict, requires that restrictive measures should not prevent the delivery of humanitarian aidssistance in line with principles of impartiality, humanity, neutrality and independence.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Whistleblowers can be crucial in provideing valuable information to competent authorities concerning past, ongoing or planned violations of Union restrictive measures, including attempts to circumvent them. This information can relate, for example, to vital facts concerning violations of Union restrictive measures, their circumstances and the individuals, companies and third countries involved. Therefore, it should be ensured that adequate arrangements are in place to enable such whistleblowers to alert the competent authorities and to protect them from retaliation. For that purpose, it should be provided that Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council49is applicable to the reporting of violations of Union restrictive measures and to the protection of persons reporting such violations. _________________ 49 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17–56.
Amendment 88 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, including the rights to liberty and security, the protection of personal data as further specified by Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Regulation (EU) 2918/1725 and Directive (EU) 2016/680, the freedom to conduct a business, the right to property, the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence and the right of defence including the right not to incriminate oneself and to remain silent, the principles of legality, including the principle of non-retroactivity of criminal penalties and proportionality of criminal offences and penalties, as well as the principle of ne bis in idem. This Directive seeks to ensure full respect for those rights and principles and should be implemented accordingly.
Amendment 147 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – indent 3
Article 3 – paragraph 6 – indent 3
– to humanitarian aid provided for persons issistance or activities in support of basic human needs.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
(3) Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the criminal offences referred to in Article 3(2), points (h)(iii), (iv) and (v), are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least one year of imprisonment when they involve funds or economic resources of a value of at least EUR 1050 000. Member States shall ensure that the threshold of EUR 1050 000 or more may also be met through a series of linked offences referred to in Article 3(2), points (h)(iii), (iv) and (v), when committed by the same offender.
Amendment 167 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
(4) Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the criminal offences referred to in Article 3(2), points (a) to (g), (h)(i) and (ii), and point (i), are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least five years of imprisonment when they involve funds or economic resources of a value of at least EUR 1050 000. Member States shall ensure that the threshold of EUR 1050 000 or more may also be met through a series of linked offences referred to in Article 3(2), points (a) to (g), (h)(i) and (ii), and point (i), by the same offender.
Amendment 207 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that funds or economic resources subject to Union restrictive measures in respect of which the designated person or their dependants, entity or body commits or participates in an offence referred to in Article 3(2), points (h)(i) or (ii), are considered as ‘proceeds’ of crime for the purposes of Directive (EU) […/…] [Directive on asset recovery and confiscation].
Amendment 208 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall take the necessary measures to allow confiscated property to be used for public interest or social purposes, with a particular focus on the victims wherever possible. Where the confiscated assets originated in a third country, except in the circumstances of war of aggression, Member States shall take all appropriate measures to return them to the third country. In order for these measures to take place efficiently, the Commission and the Member States shall facilitate coordination between competent authorities and with third countries.
Amendment 210 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 b (new)
The Commission shall issue guidelines on the use of the confiscated instrumentalities, proceeds and property for compensation, restitution and reparations towards States, especially in the circumstances of war of aggression insofar as the interests at stake are directly or indirectly affected by the criminal activities covered by this Directive and the Directive (EU) [.../...] of the European Parliament and of the Council [on asset recovery and confiscation].
Amendment 225 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Such mechanisms shall be aimed at least at:
Amendment 248 #
2022/0398(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
(1) Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by [OP- please insert the data- within sixthree months after entry into force of the Directive]. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main measures of national law which they adopt in the field covered by the Directive.
Amendment 49 #
2022/0288(COD)
(42) The overall enforcement of this Regulation will be facilitated by the interconnection between the electronic licensing system established by this Regulation and the EU Single Window Environment for Customs established by [insert corresponding title and all the information in the footnote as soon as it is adopted]. The electronic licencing system will provide for a number of features, including registration of economic operators and natural persons, who are authorised according to the Firearms Directive to manufacture, acquire, possess or trade firearms, their essential components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons. They will need to register before they request import or export authorisations. Consequently, firearms owners benefitting from administrative simplifications will not be required to register in the system.
Amendment 51 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42 a (new)
Recital 42 a (new)
(42a) The electronic license system should not be used for purposes outside of the scope of this Regulation and cannot be interconnected with any other database which might contain personal data.
Amendment 55 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. Competent authorities shall process applications for import authorisations within a period of time, which shall not exceed 650 working days, from the date on which all required information has been provided to the competent authorities. Under exceptional circumstances and for duly justified reasons, that period may be extended to 980 working days.
Amendment 56 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 63 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. Competent authorities shall annul, suspend, modify or revoke an import authorisation if the conditions for granting it are not met or are no longer met. Where competent authorities take these decisions, they shall make this information available to the customs authorities through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28, as soon as such decisions are taken.
Amendment 66 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. Competent authorities may only grant export authorisations for firearms of categories A, B and BC of Annex I if the application for such authorisation is accompanied by an end-user certificate delivered by the authorities of the country of final destination. Annex IV establishes the content of the end-user certificate.
Amendment 69 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall adopt an implementing delegated act to establish an uniform end- user certificate. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37(2)6.
Amendment 71 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) The competent authorities of a Member State shall, for a period not exceeding 10 working days, suspend the process of export or, if necessary, otherwise prevent firearms, their essential components or ammunition from leaving the customs territory of the Union through that Member State, where they have grounds for suspicion that the reasons substantiated by hunters or sport shooters are not in conformity with the relevant considerations and the obligations laid down in Article 18 of this Regulation. In exceptional circumstances and for duly justified reasons, the period referred to in this point may be extended by the competent authorities to 320 working days.
Amendment 76 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Where competent authorities refuse, annul, suspend, modify or revoke an export authorisation, they shall make this information available without delay to the customs authorities through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 78 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. Where the competent authorities have suspended an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be without delay communicated to the other Member States at the end of the period of suspension, through the electronic licensing system as referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 79 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. Where the competent authorities have refused to grant an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be without delay registered in the system referred to in Article 29.
Amendment 80 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
They may first consult the competent authorities of the Member State or Member States which issued refusals, annulments, suspensions, modifications or revocations under paragraphs 1 , 3 and 5 . If, following such consultation, the competent authorities of the Member State decide to grant an authorisation, they shall without delay notify the competent authorities of the other Member States, providing all relevant information to explain the decision.
Amendment 81 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 8
Article 19 – paragraph 8
8. The competent authorities shall check annually that the conditions of authorisation are met throughout the duration of the authorisation. Such checks mayshall be based on representative samples of all authorisations in force. Each export authorisation shall be individually verified at least every threewo years by the competent authorities. Member States shall report to the Coordination Group on the results of the checks and verifications. The reports shall be discussed in the Coordination Group established by Article 33.
Amendment 82 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Within twoone months after the exit of the customs territory of the Union, the exporter shall provide to competent authority that delivered the export authorisation, proof of the receipt of the dispatched shipment of firearms, essential components or ammunition in the third country of import, which shall notably be ensured by producing the relevant customs import documents.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. In the absence of such a proof of receipt of the dispatched shipments as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article within twoone months after the exit of the customs territory of the Union, or in case of suspicion, Member States’ competent authority shall immediately request from the customs authorities of export to confirm that the export declaration has been lodged and that firearms, their essential components and ammunition as listed in Annex I have exited the customs territory of the Union, and , request the importing third country to confirm receipt of the dispatched shipment of firearms, their essential components or ammunition.
Amendment 84 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and competent authorities granting the export authorisation, in case of suspicion, shall carry out regular post- shipment checks, not only in case of suspicion but also randomly, to ensure that the exported firearms, their essential components and ammunition are in line with the commitments made in the end- user certificate as set out in Annex IV.
Amendment 87 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, competent authorities and customs authorities shall cooperate closely and exchange information. Any information containing personal data shall be handled in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and equivalent laws and regulations, as well as in respect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 90 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Access to relevant databases and the electronic licensing system can only be granted to persons who have received proper training on adequate data protection, including Regulation (EU) 2016/679, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and other relevant laws and regulations in relation to the processing of personal data.
Amendment 91 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Amendment 95 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Customs authorities mayshall suspend the import of the goods for the customs procedure concerned, if they have certain doubts and in such a case, they shall inform immediately through electronic means the competent national authority, which shall take the decision on the treatment of the goods. If the national competent authority does not reply to the customs authority within 10 working days, then the customs authority shall release the goods.
Amendment 101 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Seizure data shall include, if available, the following information:
Amendment 105 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In accordance with their national law or practice in force, Member States shall keep, for not less than 20 years, all information relating to firearms and, their essential components and ammunition, which is necessary to trace and identify those firearms, their essential components and ammunition, and to prevent and detect trafficking therein. That information shall include the place, dates of issue and expiry of the export authorisation; the country of export; the country of import; where applicable, the third country of transit; the consignee; the final recipient if known at the time of export; and the description and quantity of the items, including the unique marking referred to in Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2021/555 .
Amendment 108 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall confidentially submit via email to the Commission each year by 31 July, their national annual data for the preceding year on:
Amendment 111 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall, in consultation with the Firearms Imports and Exports Coordination Group, submit an annual report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of this Regulation. That annual report shall be public. It shall include information about the number of authorisations and refusals, the quantities and values of actual imports and exports of firearms, their essential components and ammunition, by category and sub- category as listed in Annex I, by origin and by destination at Union and at Member States level. It shall also include information on the administration, in particular staffing, and the enforcement of controls, in particular the number and results of the post-shipment checks at Union and national level.
Amendment 113 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall adopt implementingdelegated acts establishing the rules and format to be used by Member States for providing the Commission with anonymised statistical data as referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 of this Article. Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 376.
Amendment 117 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall without delay establish and maintain an electronic licensing system for import and export authorisations and decisions related to them pursuant to Articles 9 and 14 of this Regulation. Member States shall take all necessary measures to speed up the implementation of the electronic licensing system. All the functionalities of the licensing system shall be established by ... [five years after the adoption of this Regulation].
Amendment 118 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point d
Amendment 122 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, in consultation with the Coordination Group established by Article 33, shall develop or chose a secure and encrypted system to supportguarantee direct cooperation and the exchange of information between Member States regarding refusals to grant import or export authorisations. The system shall be established by ... [two years after the adoption of this Regulation].
Amendment 127 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation, notify them to the European Commission and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. Penalties for infringements of this Regulation shall be linked to the annual worldwide turnover of the undertaking concerned.
Amendment 128 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
3. Upon request of the Coordination Group or the European Parliament and in any event every 105 years, the Commission on the basis of the annual implementation reports shall review in detail the implementation of this Regulation and present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on its application, which may include proposals for its amendment. Member States shall provide the Commission with all appropriate information for the preparation of the report . The Commission shall publish a first interim application report by 5 years after the entry into force of this Regulation .
Amendment 129 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) (ca) establish a uniform end-user certificate
Amendment 130 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) (cb) establish the rules and format to be used by Member States for providing the Commission with anonymized statistical date as referred to Article 27
Amendment 35 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Article 10(3) of the Treaty on European Union states that every Union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’) provides, inter alia, for the rights to respect for private and family life (Article 7), the protection of personal data (Article 8), freedom of expression and information, which includes respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media (Article 11), freedom of assembly and of association (Article 12), freedom of the arts and sciences (Article 13), and to an effective remedy and to a fair trial (Article 47).
Amendment 50 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The purpose of this Directive is to provide protection to natural and legal persons who engageing in public participation on matters of public interest, in particular journalists, media organizations, and human rights defenders, against court proceedingincluding civil society, non-governmental organisations and trade unions, as well as researchers, academics or artists and whistleblowers, against lawsuits, which are initiated against them, as well as the threats thereof, to deter them from public participation (commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation or ‘SLAPPs’).
Amendment 57 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Investigative journalists and media organisations in particular play a key role in combating organised crime, corruption and extremism. Their work carries particularly high risks and they are experiencing a growing number of attacks and harassment. A robust system of safeguards is needed to enable them to fulfil their crucial role as watchdogs on matters of legitimate public interest.
Amendment 66 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Human rights defenders also play an important role in European democracies, especially in upholding fundamental rights, democratic values, social inclusion, environmental protection and the rule of law. They should be able to participate actively in public life and make their voice heard on policy matters and in decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. Human rights defenders refers to individuals, groups, or organisations engaged in defending fundamental rights and a variety of other rights, such as civil, political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and climate rights, women’s rights, LGBTIQ rights, the rights of the people with a minority racial or ethnic background, labour rights, trade union rights, or religious freedoms. Other participants in public debate, such as academics and researchers, also deserve adequate protection.
Amendment 70 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Other participants in public debate, such as academics and researchers as well as individual persons, such as artists and whistleblower, also deserve adequate protection, since they are also targeted by SLAPPs.
Amendment 77 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) To foster this environment, it is important to protect journalists and human rights defenders from court proceedingnatural and legal persons engaging in public participation from lawsuits against public participation. Such court proceedings are not initiated for the purpose of access to justice, but to silence public debate typically using harassment and intimidation.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Court proceedingLawsuits against public participation may have an adverse impact on the credibility and reputation of journalists and human rights defenders andnatural and legal persons engaging in public participation. The negatively affect their credibility and reputation, exhaust their financial and other resources, as well as cause them psychological harm. Because of such proceedinglawsuits, the publication of information on a matter of public interest may be delayed or altogether avoided. The length of procedures and the financial pressure may have a chilling effect on jonaturnalists and human rights defenderslegal persons engaging in public participation. The existence of such practices may therefore have a deterrent effect on their work by contributing to self-censorship in anticipation of possible future court proceedings, which leads to the impoverishment of public debate to the detriment of society as a whole.
Amendment 87 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Those targeted by court proceedinglawsuits against public participation may face multiple cases simultaneously, sometimes initiated in several jurisdictions. Proceedings initiated in the jurisdiction of one Member State against a person resident in another Member State are usually more complex and costly for the defendant. Claimants in court proceedinglawsuits against public participation may also use procedural tools to drive up the length and cost of the litigation, and bring cases in a jurisdiction they perceive to be favourable for their case, rather than to the court best placed to hear the claim. Such practices also place unnecessary and harmful burdens on national court systems and lead to a misuse of their resources.
Amendment 89 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The safeguards provided in this Directive should apply to any natural or legal person on account of their direct or indirect engagement in public participation. They should also protect natural or legal persons who, either on a professional or on a personal basis, support, assist or provide goods or services to another person for purposes directly linked to public participation on a matter of public interest. This involves for example internet providers, publishing houses or print shops, which face or are threatened with court proceedings for providing services to the person targeted with court proceedings.
Amendment 90 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) This Directive also aims at discouraging pre-trail procedures, such as warning letters and cease-and-desist declarations, that are used to silence natural and legal persons engaging in public participation. By giving natural and legal persons engaging in public participation the tools to fight such claims in court effectively, the Directive also helps to prevent such intimidation tactics.
Amendment 92 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) This Directive should apply to any type of legal claim or action of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. This includes civil claims brought in criminal proceedinglaims in expedite procedures, such as injunctions. It also includes civil claims brought in criminal proceedings, as they are in essence civil, not criminal claims. It also includes interim and precautionary measures, counteractions or other particular type of remedies available under other instruments.
Amendment 96 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Public participation should mean any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of current or future public interest, such as the creation, exhibition, advertisement or other promotion of journalistic, political, scientific, academic, artistic, commentary or satirical communications, publications or works, and any preparatory activities directly linked thereto. ItFuture public interest refers to the fact that a matter may not yet be of public interest, but may become so once the public becomes aware of it for example through a publication or individual complaint. Public participation can also include activities related to the exercise of the right to academic freedom, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, such as the organisation of or participation to lobbying activities, demonstrations and protests or activities resulting from the exercise of the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy, such as the filing of complaints, petitions, administrative and judicial claims and participation in public hearings. Public participation should also include preparatory, supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question and that are targeted to stifle public participation. In addition, it can cover other activities meant to inform or influence public opinion or to further action by the public, including activities by any private or public entity in relation to an issue of public interest, such as the organisation of or participation to research, surveys, campaigns or any other collective actions.
Amendment 100 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Public participation should also include preparatory, supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question. Such activities should directly concern a specific act of public participation or be based on a contractual link between the actual target of SLAPP and the person providing the preparatory, supporting or assisting activity. Bringing claims not against a journalist or a human rights defender, but against the media organization, e.g. internet platform on which they publish their work or against the company printing a text or a shop selling the text, can be an effective way of silencing public participation, as without such services opinions cannot be published and thus cannot influence public debate.
Amendment 104 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) The notion of a matter of public interest should include also quality, safety or other relevant aspects of goods, products or services, including the conditions under which these are produced, where such matters are relevant to public health, safety, the environment, climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights. A purely individual dispute between a consumer and a manufacturer or a service provider concerning a good, product or service should be covered only when the matter contains an element of public interest, for instance concerning a product or service which fails to comply with environmental or safety standards, labour rights, consumer rights or human rights, including the principle of non- discrimination.
Amendment 108 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Abusive court proceedings typically involve litigation tactics used in bad faith such as delaying proceedings, causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shoppinglawsuits are characterized by their main purpose to prevent, restrict or penalize public participation or aim to achieve a chilling effect on public participation in the matter at stake; they thus constitute an abuse of substantive or procedural laws. It is a general principle of law, which rights may not be exercised in an abusive way; established i.e. in Article 54 Charter and Article 17 ECHR. The abusive nature of a lawsuit is to be deducted from a totality of the circumstance of the lawsuit. Abusive lawsuits typically involve litigation tactics such as exaggerated or excessive claims, requesting obviously disproportionate prior restraint measures, delaying proceedings, initiating multiple proceedings on similar matters, causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shopping. The extent to which a lawsuit is manifestly unfounded is another indicator for its abusiveness. The past conduct of the claimant and, in particular, any history of legal intimidation should also be considered when determining whether the lawsuits are abusive in nature. A previous early dismissal of a similar claim as abusive should be a prima facie indictor for abusiveness. These tactics are used by the claimant for other purposes than gaining access to justice. Such tactics are often, although not always, combined with various forms of intimidation, harassment or threats.
Amendment 114 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20 a (new)
Recital 20 a (new)
(20a) Lawsuits under this Directive entail all proceedings before a court or tribunal in civil matters, including injunctions.
Amendment 118 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Defendants should be able to apply for the following procedural safeguards: a request for a security to cover procedural costs, or procedural costs and damages, a request for an early dismissal of manifestly unfounded court proceedingabusive lawsuits, a request for remedies against abusive court proceedinglawsuits (award of costs, compensation of damages and penalties), or all of them at the same time.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25a) Proceedings against public participation exposes those targeted to high financial and psychological harm, while confronting them with the need to establish often hard to prove facts like the abusive nature of a lawsuit. In such situation, the defendants should have the right to avail himself of all support necessary to alleviate his burden and make his case. This includes, but is not limited to, the support and providing of information. The defendant should have the right to seek such support from any natural or legal person with a legitimate interest or expertise in safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons engaging in public participation. This encompasses i.e. journalists and academics as well as non-governmental organisations, professional and representative associations, trade unions and other collective bodies acting in the interest of the defendant or with particular knowledge of the claimant, particularly his engagement against public participation.
Amendment 129 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) If a defendant has applied for early dismissal, it should be for the claimant in the main proceedings to prove in the accelerated procedure that the claim is not manifestly unfoundedabusive. This does not represent a limitation of access to justice, taking into account that the claimant carries the burden of proof in relation todefendant has to prove that the claim in the main proceedings and only needs to meet the much lower threshold of showing that the claim is not manifestly unfounded in order to avoid an early dismissalconcerns public participation and show a prima facie case for abusiveness.
Amendment 142 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36a) This directive is not intended to solve all SLAPPs being deployed against persons engaging in public participation. Particular focus should be drawn in the future to the abuse of the criminal law system as well as the administrative law system. In particular, the offence of defamation posed particular dangers of being misused as basis for SLAPPs. The Commission and Member States should work on solutions to address these dangers.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Directive provides safeguards against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedingabusive lawsuits in civil matters with cross- border implications brought against natural and legal persons, in particular journalists and human rights defenders, on account of their engagement in public participation.
Amendment 157 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
1. ‘public participation’ means any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information, academic freedom, freedom of the press, freedom of association and assembly, the right of collective bargaining and action on a matter of public interest, and. It includes any preparatory, supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto. Thi, in particular the work of media organizations. Covered activities includes complaints, petitions, administrative or judicial claims and participation in public hearings;
Amendment 162 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) fundamental and human rights, public health, safety, the environment, or the climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights;
Amendment 165 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
(c) matters under public consideration or reviewunder consideration by a legislative, executive, or judicial body, or any other public official proceedings as well as actions or inactions by government bodies;
Amendment 168 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
(d) allegations of corruption, fraud or criminalityembezzlement as well as sexual harassment and gender based violence or any other criminal or administrative offence;
Amendment 179 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
3. ‘abusive court proceedinglawsuits against public participation’ mean court proceedings brought in relation to public participation that are fully or partially unfounded and have as their main purpose to prevent, restrict or penalize public participation. Indications of such a purpose can be:
Amendment 183 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
(b) the existence of multiple ongoing or previous proceedings initiated by the claimant or associated parties in relation to similar mattersmatters of public participation;
Amendment 185 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
(c) intimidation, harassment or threats on the part of the claimant or his or her representatives.;
Amendment 186 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) the use of litigation tactics that inflict unreasonable costs on the defendant, including by the choice of jurisdiction or deployment of dilatory motions;
Amendment 192 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c b (new)
(cb) a previous early dismissal of a similar claim as abusive.
Amendment 196 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that when court proceedinglawsuits are brought against natural or legal persons on account of their engagement in public participation, those persons can apply for:
Amendment 199 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) early dismissal of manifestly unfounded court proceedingsuch lawsuits in accordance with Chapter III;
Amendment 200 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) remedies against abusive court proceedingsuch lawsuits in accordance with Chapter IV.
Amendment 202 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States mayshall provide that measures on procedural safeguards in accordance with Chapters III and IV can be taken by the court or tribunal seised of the matter ex officio. Member States shall ensure, that the court or tribunal seized of the matter must take measures under Article 8, 14 and 15 ex officio.
Amendment 206 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – title
Article 7 – title
Amendment 209 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a court or tribunal seised of court proceedings against public participation may accept that non- governmental organisationsthe person engaged in public participation has the right to have, subject to her or his approval, any natural or legal person with a legitimate interest or expertise in safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons engaging in public participation may take part in thoseany proceedings, either in support of the defendant covered under this directive, either in support of the person engaged in public participation or to provide information.
Amendment 213 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7a Third party representation Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that in any proceedings covered under this directive the defendant has the right to have, subject to her or his request, a body, organisation or association act on her or his behalf.
Amendment 217 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Chapter III – title
Chapter III – title
Amendment 219 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall empower courts and tribunals to adopt an early decision to dismiss, in full or in part, court proceedinglawsuits against public participation as manifestly unfoundedabusive as defined in Article 3 para. 3.
Amendment 223 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may establish time limits for the exercise of the right to file an application for early dismissal. The time limits shall be proportionate and not render such exercise impossible or excessively difficultThe defendant can move for early dismissal at any stage of the proceedings.
Amendment 231 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that where a defendant has applied for early dismissal, it shall be for the claimant to prove that the claimwsuit is not manifestly unfoundedabusive.
Amendment 245 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Member States shall provide the Commission with all relevant information regarding the application of this Directive by [53 years from the date of transposition] and thereafter on an annual basis. On the basis of the information provided, the Commission shall by [64 years from the date of transposition] at the latest, submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the application of this Directive. The report shall provide an assessment of the evolution of abusive court proceedinglawsuits against public participation and the impact of this Directive in the Member States. If necessary, the report shall be accompanied by proposals to amend this Directive. Those reports shall be made public.
Amendment 248 #
2022/0117(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall, based on the application of this Directive on SLAPPs in civil claims brought in criminal proceedings and based on other available information, assess if further action against SLAPPs in criminal proceedings is necessary.
Amendment 213 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k b (new)
(kb) support the crucial work of the IAIE (International Atomic Energy Agency) in securing the safety of the Ukrainian nuclear facilities; strengthen the global WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control architecture; further strengthen its CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) preparedness;
Amendment 226 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) review, without delay, the mandate of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine, in line with the needs expressed by the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities; acknowledge and commend the adaptability shown by the EUAM Ukraine and EUBAM Moldova/Ukraine in promptly and efficiently redefining its support to the Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities in their most pressing needs;
Amendment 228 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) improve force generation and strengthen the staffing, resources and strategic communication of all CSDP missions in Bosnia Herzegovina and Georgia and reinforce the EU’s diplomatic presence in the Eastern Partnership countries and in the Western Balkansand operations, particularly those affected by a deteriorated threat landscape, notably Operation Althea in Bosnia Herzegovina and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia;
Amendment 232 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) reinforce the EU’s diplomatic presence and engagement in countries that show their interest in enhanced cooperation with the EU, in particular in the Eastern Partnership countries and in the Western Balkans, and in countries where Russian interference threatens their stability, security or democratic path;
Amendment 323 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad
Paragraph 1 – point ad
(ad) reinforce that Ukraine, like any other country, has the sovereign right to make decisions about its political and economic alliances and seconomic integrationurity arrangements on its own, without interference from other countries;
Amendment 324 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad a (new)
(ada) support the investigation of war crimes committed in Ukraine, including by calling for a special UN tribunal for the crimes in Ukraine to be set up, as an example for the EU’s efforts to strengthen transnational justice;
Amendment 325 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad b (new)
(adb) give the Union the means to fulfil its ambition to be a global actor for peace; strengthen the EU internal policies and cohesion to make it a more credible, more effective and more relevant global player in the increasingly confrontational strategic environment it is in; engage into a strategic discussion over the long-term objectives of the EU’s foreign, neighbourhood and enlargement policies, including their interlinkage, instruments and resources;
Amendment 326 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad c (new)
(adc) review the European Neighbourhood Policy with the aim to thoroughly assess the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on cooperation within the Eastern Partnership and develop proposals on how to continue strengthening ties with the Eastern Partnership countries in a context marked by outright military aggression and other tangible security threats, targeted disinformation campaigns, as well as economic and social consequences of the confrontation with Russia;
Amendment 327 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad d (new)
(add) advance enlargement policy with a view to giving a credible accession perspective to the Western Balkans and sincerely responding to the European aspirations of the EU’s Eastern neighbours while ensuring that enlargement policy, accession prospects and the accession process contribute to strengthening security and stability, democracy and rule of law, economic and social prosperity as well as internal cohesion and effectiveness of EU action;
Amendment 328 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad e (new)
(ade) develop stronger partnerships with and improve the capacity-building of our closest partners, notably in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood, notably in the field of CBRN, cyber security and resilience of critical entities;
Amendment 329 #
2022/0000(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point ad f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point ad f (new)
(adf) notes with concern that the level of implementation of targeted sanctions against Kremlin-linked individuals continues to be uneven across Member States, with several Member States lagging due to the opaque nature of Russian financial assets, divergent legal frameworks, a lack of dedicated institutional capacity, or political will; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enhance the credibility of its sanctions mechanisms and effectiveness of sanctions implementation through the further centralization of tracing and identification of assets held by sanctioned individuals, the enhanced dedication of resources, and the weekly publication of key statistics, including the nature, ownership and value of individual assets frozen and the total value of identified and frozen assets, broken down by Member State;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Welcomes the implementation of Youth Guarantee in North Macedonia, as a program for reducing youth unemployment, particularly considering economic consequences and reduced job opportunities for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic; reiterates the importance of funds made available through Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans for flagships projects such as a Youth Guarantee in North Macedonia;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45 a. Welcomes North Macedonia’s full alignment with EU foreign policy after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including imposing sanctions on Russia; commends the record speed integration in NATO´s structures which serves as an example to others, after North Macedonia’s strategic security choice to join NATO and thus contributing to and providing stability in the Western Balkans; reiterates that the strongest and fastest positive signal the European Union can give to any country seeking candidate membership status, countries already having that status or countries currently in negotiations for membership, is to immediately support the opening of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania;
Amendment 105 #
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; calls on the Montenegrin authorities to engage in the implementation of recommendations approved by citizens;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. ENotes China’s increased interest in investing in the Western Balkans and transportation infrastructure projects in Montenegro as part of the Belt and Road Initiative; expresses concern over Montenegro’s 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; welcomes the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans as alternative and transparent model for financing infrastructural projects and calls on the Commission and the Member States to also provide and stimulate enhanced EU investment by encouraging Montenegro to actively approach the EU and European financial institutions;
Amendment 201 #
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 disbursement of €60 million of COVID-19 Macro-Financial Assistance package aimed at mitigating economic impact of the pandemic and keeping macro- economic stability;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Kosovo’s commitment to advance on EU-related reforms and the overwhelming consensus among political parties and public support for European integration;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the increased political stability and strong commitment of the government to further advance on its European path as demonstrated by the adoption of the Action Plan of the European Reform Agenda II and the National Programme for the Implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement; underlines the need 2022-2026; welcomes the willingness of the government to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the Kosovo institutions for their effective implementation;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. CWelcomes the establishment of the ad-hoc Commission for electoral reform on 13 April 2021 by the Assembly; calls on Kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deploregrets the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous EU election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its call on the Council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of Kosovo;, as Kosovo remains the only country in the Western Balkans without visa liberalisation regime, despite fulfilling all the benchmarks for visa liberalisation roadmap, as consistently confirmed by the Commission since July 2018.
Amendment 85 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes also Kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the European Union in 2022, for a candidate country status but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the progress in normalisation of relations with Serbia is necessary for Kosovo to advance on its European path;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the Assembly of Kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and commends Kosovo for its alignment with the EU by adopting sanctions against Russia, allocating humanitarian aid to Ukraine and for its willingness to host refugees by temporarily lifting visas for Ukraine citizens, including a specific programme for journalists from Ukraine to work remotely in Kosovo;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes note of the government’s plans for the vetting of judges and prosecutors, and underlines the importance of the Venice Commission’s opinion; stresses that vetting should be used as a last resort and insists that the EU and the US reservations should not be disregarded; welcomes the cooperation of Kosovo authorities with the EU to find solutions within European standards that make Kosovo’s judiciary more efficient, independent and accountable;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the government to implementaddress appropriately the concerns related to the ruling of the Constitutional Court granting parcels of land to the Visoki Dečani Monastery; is concerned that the authorities have still not implemented this court decision, thereby undermining the government’s commitment to enforcing the rule of law and its respect for an independent judiciary;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Regrets the Kosovo Assembly’s failure to adopt the draft Civil Code, at the first reading, and calls for its adoption once the Civil Code is again submitted to the plenary, which would bring much- needed progress for Kosovo citizens and would have a positive impact on the economic development of Kosovo;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Regrets the fact that the initiatives to involve the Serb community in Kosovo’s political, social and economic structures are only very limited; reiterates that the institutionalisation of the learning of official languages in Kosovo and equal access to services and information in the official languages are essential; Welcomes the efforts of the Kosovo authorities to address inter-ethnic incidents;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call for greater inclusion of persons belonging to minorities, including the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, as well as persons with disabilities and displaced persons, by providing them with access to adequate healthcare and social protection; Welcomes the initiative of the Government of Kosovo to regularly consult and meet with all communities living in Kosovo as part of internal dialogue.
Amendment 186 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the appointment of new board of public broadcaster RTK in a transparent and merit based process; calls for finding a sustainable solution for the public broadcaster and secure editorial independence. Notes that the media landscape has been distorted in recent years, with large- scale investments leading to increased private sector influence over major media outlets; reiterates the need to guarantee media transparency, including on media ownership;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Is deeply concerned about the continuing high level of domestic and gender-based violence in Kosovo; calls for the effective implementation of the national strategy against domestic and gender-based violence; Welcomes the adoption of the National Strategy on protection against domestic violence and violence against women, the draft law on crime victim compensation and the adoption of the revisions on free legal aid, which guarantees free legal aid to victims of domestic violence, victims of gender- based violence and of sexual violence.
Amendment 196 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls for the EU to strengthen its support for and cooperation with Kosovo in addressing disinformation and fighting malign hybrid activities, in particular from Russia and China; condemns in particular the long running disinformation campaigns by Russia’s state-owned Serbian-language outlet Sputnik Serbia, which regularly spreads misinformation to saw ethnic tensions, tries to delegitimise Kosovo’s statehood, to destabilise its governance and to undermine Kosovo’s relations with Europe.
Amendment 204 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes Kosovo’s active participation in the regional cooperation mechanisms, including the Common Regional Market and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans; welcomes the various bilateral cooperation agreements between Kosovo and North Macedonia and Albania; Encourages Kosovo to be also invited and to participate in regional cooperation forums like the Open Balkan Initiative.
Amendment 214 #
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 concluding with mutual recognition, 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 of Serb-Majority Municipalities, which should not undermine the functioning of Kosovo’s institutions;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Regrets the decision of the Government of Kosovo to reject a proposal by international mediators enabling the collection of the ballots of eligible voters to allow them to vote in the territory of Kosovo in the 3 April 2022 Serbian elections, as had been the case previously;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the introducstart of the implementation of a roaming-free zone in the entire Western Balkans, involving Kosovo, as of 1 July 2021, improving connectivity and bringing benefits to citizens and businesses in the region;
Amendment 258 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. RegretsWelcomes the steps undertaken by the government aiming at reducing the informal economy; Regrets, however, the fact that Kosovo’s large informal economy continues to hinder the development of its private sector; notes the existence of a strategy and a corresponding action plan to address the underlying causes of informality, but regrets the lack of effective implementation;and welcomes the creation of 25.000 new jobs through the recovery package.
Amendment 260 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Welcomes the disbursement of a COVID-19 Macro-Financial Assistance package aimed at mitigating economic impacts of the pandemic and keeping macroeconomic stability as well as mobilising €14.2 billion from IPA III to support the Western Balkans partners in meeting the requirements for European membership;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Commends Kosovo for its successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccination process; welcomes that Kosovo has purchased only COVID-19 vaccines produced and certified by the EU/UK/US and that work is progressing for Kosovo to qualify for the European Digital COVID Certificate;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Underlines that the implementation of both fundamental and structural reforms remains essential for economic recovery and social development;
Amendment 275 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges the authorities to continue their efforts to reform the education system so that it provides students with the skills and knowledge required by the labour market; welcomes the increased scholarships for female students and calls for increased efforts to integrate women into the labour market;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Encourages the extension of the scholarship program of the College of Europe besides the European Neighbourhood countries also to the students from the Western Balkans countries.
Amendment 290 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls on the government to speed up its work on theWelcomes the new draft Energy Strategy 2022- 2030, with a particular focus on a sustainable and affordable energy supply, increased energy efficiency and the further diversification of energy sources;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the 2019 Poznan Declaration on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
Citation 26 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 17 February 2022 on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2021(2021/2182(INI))
Amendment 27 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas BiH citizens aspire towards Euro-Atlantic integration for sustainable peace, democracy and prosperity; whereas the European Parliament has continuously supported BiH path into the EU;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas BiH’s progress on its EU accession path depends on the implementation of the 14 key priorities in the Commission’s opinion on BiH’s EU membership application, and; whereas EU assistance should address the persistent lack of progress in that regard with BiH counterparts;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and EUFOR Althea are integral in preserving peace, security and stability, in BiH and the Western Balkans region;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas all BiH citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout BiH territory regardless of their ethnic background; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law and has so far failed to do so;
Amendment 70 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges BiH todecision-makers to show commitment to the European project by advanceing on the 14 key priorities, notably by restoring the independence of the judiciary, strengthening the rule of law, intensifying the fight against corruption and organised crime, securing media freedom and an enabling environment for civil society, and protecting vulnerable groups;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its clear support for BiH’s democratic transformconsolidation through European integration, based on unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, grounded in the principles of equality and non- discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitutionpeople living in BiH following the ECHR decisions in the Seidic-Fince group of cases;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on all UNSC Members to ensure the renewal and continuity of the mandate of the OHR, as a crucial anchor of BiH stability;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in BiH and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balancnegotiate in good will and promptly reach a democratic human rights based agreement, to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2245(INI)
6. Strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations, all hate rhetoric and disruptive action, including withdrawal from institutions, particularly by the leadership of the Republika Srpska entity, which destabilises the country, undermines its statehood in violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; reject which are essential to advance towards EU integration; condemns all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions, which undermine state institutions, constitutional and legal order, judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full, non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU and the international community to use all available tools, including targeted sanctions, against destabilising actors in the country, notably Milorad Dodik in the country; welcomes the set of sanctions already adopted in this respect; calls on all EU Member States to ensure similar targeted sanctions can be adopted by the Council;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that the EU future of BiH depends on sustainable peace and genuine dealing with the past and reconciliation, warranting its democratic, inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges BiH to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (RECOM);
Amendment 140 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages authorities to intensify cooperation and data sharing on missing persons and to ensure redress for the families of civilian victims, and the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced people, the full respect of their rights and the return of their property, as well as reconstruction assistance, job creation and social measures and education rights on the regional and national level;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the amendments to the BiH Criminal Code outlawing the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; deplores any attempt not to implement this decision; strongly condemns all forms of historical revisionism, denial, or minimisation or glorification of war crimes including non- compliance with decisions of international and domestic tribunals; calls for implementation of the amendments and effective investigations and prosecution of genocide denial;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges BiH’s political actors to make progress on reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the EU; calls for an inclusion of civil society organisations in the process, during the transition and beyond; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms, thus endangering access to EU funding under IPA III, which must be based on strictboth incentives and strict rule of law conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. SRecalls on respecting the democratic principle of holding regular elections, in accordance with the Electoral Law; stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned;
Amendment 200 #
Amendment 207 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls the need for laws on gas and electricity, renewables, energy efficiency and climate, and to step up environmental and nature protection and ambition towards a green transition; calls on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans to fully support BiH in this respect;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Urges BiH authorities to opt out from new coal generation facilities financed by China that are contrary to the EU directives on state aid and the country's commitments resulting from the Green Agenda;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice, state capture, nepotism, cronyism, high-level corruption and criminal infiltration; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across BiH to improve the professionalism and integrity of the judiciary; notably calls for strengthening of the monitoring of performances of judiciary actors and the improvement of corruption monitoring mechanisms;
Amendment 227 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Reiterates the need to investigate political and administrative links to organised crime and to effectively prosecute high-profile corruption cases;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the need to update laws and align with the EU on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, and to establish an asset recovery office; financing of political parties, and protection of whistleblowers;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the poor cooperation of BiH’s law enforcement agencies and their failure to effectively collaborate with Europol, Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; welcomes bilateral efforts supported by Europol and Eurojust aimed at dismantling people smuggltrafficking networks;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-upthe safety of journalists with systematic and efficient prosecution; calls on the authorities to take immediate and effective investigative steps in a timely manner; calls on the authorities to assign a special layer of protection to journalists in the criminal codes;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deplores threats from the authorities against civil society; condemns growing restrictions on freedom of expression in theand freedom of assembly in BiH, notably in Republika Srpska entity;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Stresses the need to ensure the participation of citizens in the democratic life of the country through effective, meaningful and inclusive involvement of civil society organisations in the EU integration process; calls on authorities to ensure an enabling environment for civil society upholding international standards; calls on the authorities to develop and implement a strategic framework of cooperation with civil society and to guarantee an inclusive policy dialogue;
Amendment 260 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Commission to refocus IPA III support to in-country democratic forces, institutions and procedures and to civil society organisations;
Amendment 262 #
Amendment 265 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the need to safeguard the rights of minorities and inclusion of vulnerable populations; calls for stronger country-wide human rights and anti- discrimination strategies and the implementation of an independent body to deal with human rights violations and issues; urges the prevention and proactive prosecution of hate crimes, hate speech and disinformation as well as gender-based and sexual violence;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2245(INI)
24 a. Calls for the amendment of the criminal codes in the Federation of BiH and Brčko District to expand provisions on incitement to hatred and violence so that they include sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics as protected grounds;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Is concerned by the level of gender-based violence, for which the institutional response needs to be improved and at abuses against women rights defenders; expects Bosnia and Herzegovina to accelerate the prosecution of crimes of sexual violence and provide reparation to women victims of war crimes; underlines the importance to provide reparation, access to specialised support services, legal aid and safe accommodation to women survivors of war crimes;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Recalls the need for specific earmarked funding on gender equality in all EU external financial instruments, and for reduced administrative constraints to allow access to funding for local and small civil society organisations (CSOs) and especially women civil society organisations (WCSOs);
Amendment 275 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Calls for the need to introduce legislation to protect LGBTI+ and for the prosecution of violence and hate crimes against them, as well as for promotimg their social inclusion and adopt a relevant action plan;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 e (new)
Paragraph 24 e (new)
24 e. Calls for the adoption of the Action Plan for Equality of LGBTI Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021- 2023, which has been stalled since 2020;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 f (new)
Paragraph 24 f (new)
24 f. Welcomes the conclusion of the Intersectoral Working Group on same-sex rights and partnership, which officially recommended a law on same-sex partnership to be drafted; calls on the government to bring this to the government session without delay;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 g (new)
Paragraph 24 g (new)
24 g. Welcomes the fact that the Government of the Canton of Sarajevo covered the security costs of the 2021Sarajevo Pride; calls for the amendment and harmonization of laws regulating freedom of assembly to come in line with international and EU standards;
Amendment 287 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 h (new)
Paragraph 24 h (new)
24 h. Stresses the need to duly prevent discrimination of Roma and other ethnic minorities, to improve access to healthcare, education, labour market and to develop and implement strategies on social inclusion;
Amendment 290 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 i (new)
Paragraph 24 i (new)
24 i. Demands BiH to develop and adopt a new action plan on child protection;
Amendment 292 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 j (new)
Paragraph 24 j (new)
24 j. Stresses that the strengthening of the welfare state in BiH is an important condition for social cohesion;
Amendment 298 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its call to urgently end segregation and discrimination in education, including by implementing court rulings to end the discriminatory illegal practice of ‘two schools under one roof’; stresses the need to invest more in the education sector – from pre-school to higher education in order to achieve better and equal opportunities for all including vulnerable groups;
Amendment 300 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Welcomes the continued participation of BiH thanks to IPA support to the Erasmus+, Creative Europe and Europe for Citizens Programmes; stresses that educational and cultural exchanges and joint projects are an essential part of bringing the citizens of BiH and of the EU closer;
Amendment 303 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Urges BiH authorities to address the increasing youth unemployment rate, and to concentrate resources and leverage to ensure a future for BiH young people in their country:
Amendment 304 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Calls on the authorities to foster the social dialogue among social partners on all socio-economic matters and to strengthen the role of trade unions bargaining for collective agreements;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Deplores the failure of authorities to address the severe migration-related humanitarian crisis at the border of Croatia and BiH; recalls the need for solidarityhuman rights-based solutions on migration and asylum, ensuring adequate humanitarian assistance and appropriate reception capacities across the country; welcomes the opening of the EU-funded centre in Lipa, especially also medical assistance and vaccination strategies, and appropriate reception capacities across the country; recalls the need for the establishment of accessible and efficient asylum system in the country as well as a full range of integration services for asylum seekers; reiterates its serious concerns over the rights of people in transit in BiH; expresses deep concerns about pushbacks of refugees to Serbia and Montenegro, as well as the limitation of their movement and limitation of public transport inside the country; underlines that the “externalisation” of EU border management and migration control to BiH authorities is of concern in light of violations of human rights standards; states that it is the EU’s duty to conduct a humane and migration approach, that aims at protecting the fundamental rights of persons in need of international protection in countries of transit such as BiH;
Amendment 312 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Condemns the eviction of squats by the police by force on 28 April which happened when people were sleeping; condemns that people were moved to Lipa camp;
Amendment 330 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the EU to take concrete steps to integrate the Western Balkans and BiH within a broader strategic and security context, also in view of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, disinformation and malign interference destabilising the country and region; stresses the need for the EU to boost its proactive strategic communication to counter attempts at diminishing the EU’s credibility and actions in the region and jeopardizing the country’s unity;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Underlines the need for EU to boost assistance and technical expertise to BiH for the protection and securitization of its cyber domain;
Amendment 335 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28 b. Urges the EU to assist BiH in increasing its green energy security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the precariousness of the energy prices;
Amendment 338 #
2021/2245(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes EU-funded efforts to boost demining and the disposal of weapons, ammunition and explosives; underlines that BiH officially aligns itself with the criteria and principles of the Common Position on Arms Export and is a State Party to most disarmament, non- proliferation and arms control treaties;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU remains fully committed to supporting Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration, based on good neighbourly relations, and continues being by far the biggest trade and investment partner and the largest provider of financial assistance to the country;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas Albania remains a trustworthy foreign policy partner with its full CFSP alignment;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas Albania joined the EU efforts in supporting Ukraine by sanctioning Russia, aligning with the votes in the UNGA and working in its capacity as a member of the UNSC;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Albania has fulfilled all the conditions for the scheduling of the first Intergovernmental Conference, as already affirmed in the report of the European Parliament on the 2019-2020 Commission report on Albania, and is advancing in its accession process;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its clear support for Albania’s democratic transformation, underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to European integration, along with good neighbourly relations and inclusive regional cooperation;
Amendment 108 #
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; urges political figures to stop verbal attacks, smear campaigns and acts of intimidation against journalists, such as lawsuits targeting them; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reporters; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising;
Amendment 110 #
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 reporters; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership, funding and public advertising; recalls the importance of publicly disclosing the media organizations sources of financing;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Albania’s long-standing proven commitment to hosting refugees; recalls the authorities’ obligation to ensure due asylum process and to address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants; calls on the EU to boost its support for humanitarian assistance in the region, to be conducted in full respect of the fundamental rights; notes the continued reduction of unfounded asylum claims by Albanian nationals and the fulfilment of visa liberalisation benchmarks;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Underlines that the rule of law and judicial reforms are the backbone of a democratic transformation, ensuring legal certainty, transparency, access to justice and non-discrimination;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Welcomes EU support to reconstruction, including the rebuilding of schools and kindergartens and cultural heritage sites in the aftermath of the Together4Albania Donors’ Conference following the devastating earthquake of November 2019;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 c (new)
Paragraph 35 c (new)
35c. Welcomes the launch of 3.2 billion Euros investment package, as part of the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) for the Western Balkans and highlights the transformative role of these investments; notes with satisfaction that one of the financed projects will be the first floating solar power plant in Albania in Vau i Dejës reservoir;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Welcomes Albania’s strong reaction against the Russian aggression in Ukraine and continued complete alignment with EU decisions and sanctions;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes China’s increased interest in investing in the Moldovan economy, inter alia in the energy, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical sectors; recalls China’s intention to construct substantial transportation infrastructure in Moldova as a component of its wider Belt and Road Initiative; reiterates that the Belt and Road Initiative is at the centre of China’s foreign policy, including on the European continent; commends the pro-democratic reforms already enacted by the government of the Republic of Moldova; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide and stimulate enhanced EU investment in Moldova on the basis of the ‘more-for-more’ principle and to also actively encourage Moldova to approach the EU and European financial institutions;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’),
Amendment 15 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the reports of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, notably the 2016 country monitoring report on Azerbaijan,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on- azerbaijan/16808b5581
Amendment 16 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ('PACE’) titled ‘Alleged violations of the rights of LGBTI people in the Southern Caucasus’,1a _________________ 1a https://pace.coe.int/en/files/29711/html
Amendment 18 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- azerbaijan-from-8-to-12-july-2019-by- dunja-mija/168098e108
Amendment 88 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the EU and Azerbaijan have jointly agreed, through the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, on the general principle of respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights; whereas the parties foresaw to cooperate on the respect and promotion of human rights particularly to those belonging to minorities;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Azerbaijan are at best discarded and at worst actively fought against by government and state institutions; whereas ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Index shows Azerbaijan as having the worst deficit in legislation and policy aiming to protect LGBTIQ people, ranking it in the worst place among all Council of Europe countries;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas hate speech and hate crime against LGBTIQ persons in Azerbaijan persist, often perpetrated by religious or political actors, leading to continued violation of their human rights; whereas in February 2022, Avaz Hafizli, a journalist and LGBTIQ human rights activist, was murdered by a family member, which spurred indignation on social media vis-à-vis the government’s poor track record of fighting against hate crime;1a whereas this is only one of the many examples of hate crimes, which due to lack of trust in law enforcement and their inaction, usually go unreported and unsanctioned; _________________ 1a https://globalvoices.org/2022/02/24/azerba ijani-journalist-and-queer-activist- murdered/
Amendment 98 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas PACE adopted in 2022 a resolution on violations of the rights of LGBTI persons in the Southern Caucasus and has made a number of requests to authorities to reform legislation in order to address such violations; whereas the PACE recommendations reflect the 2016 ECRI findings, which had noted an inexistence of data on LGBTI persons and their living conditions and that hate speech against them was widespread; whereas ECRI encouraged the government to develop an LGBTI Action Plan in order to raise awareness and promote understanding for equal treatment;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. CRecalls that the 1996 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is predicated on respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights, and that the former have not been systematically upheld in Azerbaijan; calls on EU institutions to ensure that any deepening of relations between the EU and Azerbaijan remains conditional on the country making substantial progress on respect for the core values and principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 278 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deeply regrets the current state of press freedom in Azerbaijan; expresses its concern at the new law on media adopted in December 2021; calls for a swift review of that law in accordance with the recommendations included in the opinion of the Venice Commission of 17-18 June 2022; urges Azerbaijan to stop persecuting bloggers and, journalists and rights defenders;
Amendment 309 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls that the European Parliament’s position has been clear on non-discrimination with regard to LGBTIQ people, their protection against discrimination in law and practice, and the prosecution of all acts of abuse, hate speech and physical violence perpetrated against them;1a _________________ 1a Texts adopted: P9_TA(2020)0167
Amendment 312 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Urges Azerbaijani authorities to adopt anti-discrimination legislation adding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics as prohibited grounds, alongside the adoption of civil, administrative and/or criminal proceedings to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes; calls on authorities to reform criminal legislation by adding the previous grounds as aggravating circumstances and to combat LGBTIQ-phobic violence;
Amendment 318 #
2021/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Reiterates the call by PACE on the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate cases of wrongful arrest of LGBTIQ people and prevent and combat police violence against these people;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’),
Amendment 6 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the reports of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, notably the 2016 country monitoring report on Armenia1a and its adopted 2019 conclusions on the adoption of the recommendations,1b _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on- armenia/16808b5539 1b https://rm.coe.int/conclusions-5th- cycle-on-armenia/1680972faa
Amendment 8 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe following her visit to Armenia from 16 to 20 September 2018,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- armenia-from-16-to-20-september-2018- by-dunja-m/168091f9d5
Amendment 58 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through the respect of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights, is a crucial tenet of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the EU and Armenia ('CEPA');
Amendment 60 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Amendment 63 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Armenia are at best discarded and at worst actively fought against by government and state institutions; whereas ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Index shows Armenia as having one of the largest deficits in legislation and policy aiming to protect LGBTIQ people, ranking it in the 3rd worst place among all Council of Europe countries, tied with the Russian Federation;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas PACE adopted in 2022 a resolution on violations of the rights of LGBTI persons in the Southern Caucasus and made several calls to authorities to reform legislation in order to address them; whereas the recommendations reflect the 2016 ECRI findings; whereas already in 2019 ECRI had concluded that its recommendations had not been addressed sufficiently, including that none of the relevant provisions of the new Criminal Code had been adopted; whereas the lack of response of the government to international bodies’ recommendations is alarming;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Ee. whereas the European Court of Human Rights recognized in its judgement on Cases 1367/12 and 72961/12 (Ogazenova v Armenia) that criminal law measures are required with respect to hate speech, notably on grounds of sexual orientation and sexual life; whereas domestic law currently prohibits hate speech, yet sexual orientation and gender identity continue not to be included in the characteristics of victims of the offence despite the recommendations of the relevant international bodies in that respect;1a _________________ 1a ECtHR, Cases 1367/12 and 72961/12 (Ogazenova v Armenia), ¶121-122
Amendment 219 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. UHighlights that Article 1 of CEPA includes as an objective to enhance cooperation in the area of freedom, security and justice with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; underlines the importance of media freedom, anti-discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly for preserving a vibrant democracy; is concerned by the pervasive presence of discrimination, disinformation and harsh rhetoric; , as well as hate speech towards certain social groups; urges authorities to categorically uphold all human rights enshrined in the ECHR, notably when they concern vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ persons1a; _________________ 1a Referring to Commissioner’s for Human Rights country reporting on Armenia: https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/ -/report-on-armenia-recommends- measures-to-improve-women-s-rights- protection-of-disadvantaged-or- vulnerable-groups-and-establishing- accountability-for-p
Amendment 226 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recalls that the fight against discrimination is a cornerstone of democratic systems; considers that the democratic transition in Armenia is an opportunity to strengthen the human rights system; recalls that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe encouraged the government to take a prompt stance and adopt several legal reforms1a; considers that the authorities have all recommendations at their disposal to make progress on human rights and calls for their implementation; _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- armenia-from-16-to-20-september-2018- by-dunja-m/168091f9d5, ¶106-107
Amendment 232 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Considers that LGBTIQ persons are in dire need of protection; calls for the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation adding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics as prohibited grounds, alongside the adoption of civil, administrative and/or criminal proceedings to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes; calls on authorities to reform criminal legislation by adding the previous grounds as aggravating circumstances; urges Armenia to stop considering homosexuality as a mental illness1a; _________________ 1ahttps://pace.coe.int/en/files/29711/html ¶10-11
Amendment 238 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Calls on the Armenian government, including the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, to raise public awareness around the issue of LGBTIQ- phobia and the need to change prevailing patriarchal structures to counter gender stereotypes; calls on the Armenian government to adopt and implement action plans with the aim of strengthening the rights of LGBTIQ persons and their living conditions, and preventing and combating social exclusion, stigmatisation and all forms of discrimination against them;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EaP is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to securitneighbourhood policy, specifically designed to bolster relationships with the six EaP countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, to help promote peace and stabil, stability, resilience, shared prosperity, sustainable development and reforms and human security oin the EU’s eastern flankneighbours, in a spirit of shared ownership and responsibility;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the EaP has been facing serious violations of international law, security threats and conflicts in the recent years;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas the destabilisation of the EaP region poses a significant threat to the EU peace, stability and security;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas between 2021-2027, the EU aims also to invest in a range of security stabilisation initiativesthe EU and EaP partners jointly decided to deepen their cooperation in the area of security such as enhancing the ability of EaP countries to meet hybrid and cyber threats;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas President Putin’s Russia has engaged in continuous hybrid warfare against some EaP countries, backed by the ever- present threat of force across the region, to keep states politically off- balance and tied to Moscow’s self-declared sphere of influence, effectively removing the right of; whereas EaP countries are sovereign to choose their own foreign policy choices and alliances;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the latest Normandy Format and Minsk I & II Agreements have failed to end hostilities between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in Donetsk and LuhanskSummit in Paris on 9 December 2019 agreed several measures, notably concerning a renewed cease fire and disengagement of forces, that not only remain to be implemented, but are also obstructed and evidently contradicted by the latest actions of the Russian Federation; whereas the implementation of the Minsk I & II Agreements has suffered serious setbacks, in particular due to unilateral measures taken by the Russian Federation in contradiction with its commitments under the agreements; whereas the conflict in the Donbas region has killed more than 14 000 people and displaced around 1.5 million people;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas Russia has demanded a revision of the European security order, involving the commitment not to further enlarge NATO and the withdrawal of NATO troops from some EU Member States, thereby disrespecting core principles of European security as agreed among European countries, including Russia;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas the EU has expressed its preparedness to counter any military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine with the strongest possible sanctions;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas following the electoral unrest, Belarus has largely abandoned its aim of fostering better relations with the EU, having reversed trends towards democratisation and taken to weaponising refugeesmass demonstrations against massive electoral fraud, the Belarusian regime has further increased domestic and violent repressions, in an attempt to uproot domestic aspirations towards liberalisation and destabilise; whereas Belarus has been using hybrid methods of warfare against EU Member States;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the success of any CSDP mission depends on the robustness of its mandate and on the level of political will and cohesion, as well as the willingness of Member States to invest their expertise, assets, personnel and resources;
Amendment 187 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital V a (new)
Recital V a (new)
V a. whereas the Council is currently discussing options to increase the CSDP presence in Ukraine;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the conclusions of the 2021 EaP Summit, promoting security as an important field of cooperation und underlining the EU’s readiness to enhance security dialogue with EaP partners; considers that such dialogue could further promote alignment and gradual convergence of the EU and the EaP countries foreign and security policy, in line with partners’ commitments with the EU.
Amendment 252 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Underlines that sustainable peace and human security in the EaP region is essential for the EU; stresses that the peaceful resolution of ongoing or frozen conflicts in the region, based on international law, and good neighbourly relations are key to building and strengthening resilient and sustainable democracies in the EaP, with strong ties to the EU;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1 a. Reminds that peace and security require strong and publicly accountable institutions, good governance and respect for the rule of law; strongly encourages EaP partners to further engage in the relevant reforms as only internal resilience based on strong and democratic institutions will allow to achieve the necessary resilience towards external threats;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1 b. Condemns the threatening large- scale military build-up by the Russian Federation along the border with Ukraine, related actions in the non- government-controlled areas of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in illegally annexed Crimea and in Belarus; calls on the Russian Federation to immediately and fully withdraw its military forces, cease its threat against the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and contribute tod e- escalating tensions in the region by fully abiding to its commitments as an OSCE participating state;
Amendment 378 #
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; recalls that the European security order cannot be discussed without the European countries; underlines that the stability of the EaP region is essential to the security of the whole European continent;
Amendment 435 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to increase the visibility of CSDP missions in the EaP by strengthening its strategic communication, by proactive countering disinformation against them, by including them in their political messaging, publicly accessible documents and engagements with the international press;
Amendment 438 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Underlines the crucial need to boost cooperation between the EU and EaP partners in the fields of strategic communication, fighting disinformation and information manipulation, as well as any malign foreign interferences; welcomes the work of the EEAS East Stratcom Task Force in this respect;
Amendment 443 #
2021/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Underlines the importance for the EU to promote the role of women and young people in peace building in the EaP region and to advance the Women, Peace and Security and the Youth, Peace and Security Agendas in the EaP region;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective meansuse fully and effectively the means at its disposal to fulfil this role;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and multidimensional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, and the still unfolding humanitarian emergency, have accelerntuated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSPthe need for the EU to be able to autonomously set its own strategic objectives and develop capabilities to pursue them;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a number of multidimensional challenges exacerbated in the recent years, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the questioning of arms control agreements, climate change, pandemics, financial crimes, the aggravation of regional conflicts that have generated population displacements, competition for natural resources, the energy and water scarcity, failed states, terrorism, organized transnational crime, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, among others;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the world has entered in a new era of "unpeace", a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty with multiplying regional conflicts and great power competition that have significant implications for the EU security;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU needs to act on the global stage with one coherent voice rooted in a common strategic culture to develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values, social fairnessjustice, fundamental rights including gender equality and its vision for a sustainable future;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
- taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities, and in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the world,
Amendment 61 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers, including the complete development of its own instruments,
Amendment 62 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft power instruments,
Amendment 68 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
- achieving European sovereignty by intercoherently linking the EU’s external actionnd internal policies, such as trade, JHA, aid, development cooperation, and security to its overall foreign policy goals,
Amendment 72 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
- further developing regional strategies, including ondiplomatic and economic engagement and security cooperation,
Amendment 77 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
- strengthening democratic oversight, accountability and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities and in the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the world
Amendment 91 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations; calls on Member States and governments worldwide to attribute more competences, resources and capacity of intervention to UN bodies;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations improving their effectiveness;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between like-minded democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisations; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of- society approach to, but also anti-democratic actors within the democratic societies; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should effectively counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls on the EU to develop its toolbox for countering foreign interference and influence operations, including new instruments that allow imposing costs on perpetrators, as well as strengthening the EEAS strategic communication activities and taskforces; welcomes the ongoing revision process of the Code of Practice on disinformation as a tool for countering disinformation in the context of the coronavirus crisis, vaccination and foreign interference;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is deeply concerned by the continuous democratic backsliding and human rights setbacks in an increasing number of third countries; deplores current attacks on human rights, particularly with regard to political rights and electoral integrity, such as the excessive use of violence performed by public authorities, the misuse of administrative resources by governing parties, clampdowns on political opponents, censorship and threats to independent media, or the misuse of surveillance technology, among others; urges the EU to enhance its promotion of “democratic resilience” and to take concrete and effective actions on promoting human rights, democratic values and free and fair elections worldwide;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Condemns the continuous breakaway of authoritarian and illiberal regimes from the path of mature democracies, creating a false impression of legitimacy through fake electoral processes; reaffirms the importance of the EU’s continuous support to electoral processes in the world by means of election observations missions, among others, and recalls the fundamental role of the Parliament in this regard; stresses that it is of utmost importance to provide domestic electoral observers with the highest level of protection; calls the EU to further strengthen its cooperation on election observation with all relevant partners such as the OSCE, the CoE and the endorsing organisations of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Highlights the need for the EU to defend and promote democracy globally by leading by example, including by ensuring strict compliance with the principles of democracy, human rights and rule of law in all EU Member States, at a time when democracy is being increasingly challenged by authoritarian actors both inside and outside the EU;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti- corruption sanctions regime, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded; recalls the political nature of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which is part of an integrated and comprehensive policy approach of the Union; stresses that the application of the EU’s toolbox on foreign affairs and human rights issues can be combined and complementary, thus the application of one tool does not prevent or exclude the adoption of others;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights, in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti- corruption sanctions regime, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls the EU's Gender Action Plan III, which reflects that women and girls with disabilities, of minority groups, migrant women and girls and LGBTIQ persons are among those most particularly at risk; urges to further strengthen efforts in particular on gender equality and the rights of LGBTIQ persons in its human rights policies, in order to fully implement the external dimension of the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy and the Council's LGBTI Guidelines;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the need to consolidate the European Union as an influential global actor that invests in conflict prevention and mediation, and a leading actor in the promotion and implementation of peace at the international level;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for the EU to develop a robust global health strategy, including global and EU efforts to ensure preparedness and an effective response to upcoming crises and to secure fair and equitable access to vaccines around the world; welcomes the EU - US partnership on to the COVID-19 global vaccination campaign;
Amendment 168 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU to develop global partnerships for the establishment of norms and standards on a rules-based, ethical use of technologies, in particular as regards artificial intelligence; ensuring the respect for international and humanitarian law addressing conflicts with fundamental rights;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers, including the complete development of its own instruments
Amendment 198 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; thereforestresses the urgency for the EU to set up a mechanism of automatic exchange of information and intelligence between Member States and the EU on foreign affairs and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls the EU to establish an own “EU intelligence service” with information collection powers and which can provide the Union with its own, reliable and direct information in order to be able to autonomously make decisions on the forenamed challenge and to better protect its interest abroad; welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and independently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoingdevelopment of the Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence towards achieving strategic autonomy; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 215 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sancttatements on international human rights issues, introduction and implementation of sanctions and all decisions regarding civilian CSDP missions; stresses that the use of Article 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act on a broad range of foreign policy issues;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sanctions; stresses that the use of Articles 31 and 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council, in view of an integrated approach to conflicts and crisis; recalls that the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe provides a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals in this respect;
Amendment 231 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Stresses that the Union's own instruments as prior mentioned should include the creation of an European Diplomatic Academy, where EU diplomats are prepared as such from the very beginning and converge on common EU values and interests, moving towards a true esprit de corps determined by a common diplomatic culture from an European perspective: calls for the full implementation of the Pilot Project “Towards the creation of an European Diplomatic Academy”, which can pave the way for setting up the forenamed Academy as explained above and which should include establishing a selection process for entry into the EEAS and EU Delegations;
Amendment 233 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Highlights that culture has become a useful diplomatic tool and a fundamental part of the EU’s soft power; underlines that culture has a major potential to promote EU values and to fulfil its objectives worldwide, and that European culture should be an integral part of the EU’s external action; calls for the EU to include the New European Bauhaus as a new instrument in the EU’s external action toolbox by creating all- inclusive European Bauhaus’ ateliers in third countries, which can perform as focal points between the EU and third countries’ civil society, contributing to the promotion of EU values and interests; calls for a closer coordination between Member States’ cultural diplomacy institutes and EUNIC;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Regrets thatCalls on the EEAS and the Council have not yet taken anyto take steps to review the scope and mandates for the EU Special Representatives and Special Envoys and to ensure greater transparency and visibility of their work, as requested by Parliament in its recommendation of 13 March 20191 ; _________________ 1European Parliament recommendation of 13 March 2019 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the scope and mandate for EU Special Representatives, OJ C 23, 21.1.2021, p. 146.
Amendment 248 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Achieving European sovereignty by interlinking the EU’s external actions and internal policies
Amendment 257 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the EU to ensuredevelop its strategic sovereigntautonomy in specific areas that are fundamental to the Union’s existcontinued pre-eminence on the global scene, such as economics, security and technology,promotion of EU values, fundamental rights, equitable trade, security and technology, social justice, green and digital transition and to establish a European Defence Union;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Highlights the importance of reinforcing and guaranteeing cooperation in intelligence matters in the EU, given that terrorism continues to be a threat to our European values and security and requires a multidimensional approach that involves border, police and judicial authorities, and intelligence of all Member States, as well as third states, as well as inclusive long-term policies that address the root causes of terrorism; calls for starting the necessary works to develop full and autonomous intelligence capacities for the EU;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labour between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presentIs concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; takes note of the recent resumption of dialogue between the EU and Turkey on different areas of common interests and amidst lower tensions in our relations; deplores, however, the lack of progress in the long- deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey which continues to be the main obstacle to advance on any positive agenda that could be offered to the country; insists in its call on Turkish authorities to prove the sincerity of their commitment to closer relations and alignment with the European Union through specific actions and reforms concerning fundamental freedoms and rule of law, including by abiding with ECtHR rulings on the cases of Osman Kavala and Selahattin Demirtaş; recalls, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, keeping the country as closely anchored byto the VP/HREU as possible;
Amendment 329 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process, with a focusand for opening of the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia without further delay; calls to refrain from jeopardizing the integrity and credibility of the process; emphasizing that the enlargement process should be based on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity;
Amendment 347 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s and other external actors’ direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms, human rights and rule of law are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Expresses deep concern about the situation in Belarus; calls for continued EU efforts to maximize pressure through the strictest and broadest possible sanctions and continued international coordination aimed at the enhanced isolation of the Belarusian dictator and his regime;
Amendment 366 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the EU and its Member States to play a more pro-active role in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, notably by pressing Azerbaijan and Armenia to address post-war issues, including the demarcation of borders and release of all remaining prisoners of war; reminds that the OSCE Minsk Group remains the only internationally recognized format for the resolution of this conflict, on the basis of the principles of territorial integrity, self-determination and equal rights, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, and calls for its swift return to its mediating role;
Amendment 379 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Supports the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the state of Israel and the state of Palestine living side-by-side together in peace, security, and mutual recognition along the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as capital of both states; calls, in this spirit, for the resumption of genuine peace efforts aimed at achieving tangible results between both sides with the support of the international community; calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence and incitement to hatred, and for full respect for international law by all actors involved in the conflict; calls for an end to unilateral actions which undermine the viability of the two-state solution on the ground, in particular the building of Israeli settlements and the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem; emphasises the importance of Palestinian elections for restoring the democratic legitimacy of and popular support for political institutions in Palestine; commends UNRWA for the essential services it provides to Palestine refugees across the Middle East and calls for continued international and EU support for the Agency; calls for a political solution for ending the blockade of and easing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, along the necessary security guarantees to prevent violence against Israel;
Amendment 393 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; deplores the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recalls, however, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible mannerreas of common interests, keeping the country as closely anchored to the EU as possible;
Amendment 410 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepared to reflect on how to adapt todevelop capabilities to act autonomously in pursuit of its foreign policy goals, given the changing role of the US on the global stage;
Amendment 425 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises that the EU’s relations with Africa are of utmost importance and that this relationship with our ‘sister continent’ should reflect a common destiny and focus on creating a credible perspective in particular for the newest generations; welcomes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’3 ; calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to deepen discussions with the EU’s African partners in order to prepare for a successful EU- African Union Summit; _________________ 3 JOIN(2020)0004.
Amendment 430 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Welcomes the conclusion of Post- Cotonou Agreement, in April 2021, and strengthening our links with OACPS countries and cooperation in multilateral forums on sustainable development agenda and climate action;
Amendment 442 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressingincluding through electoral interference, disinformation campaigns and support for the far right parties, and raise the cost for the Russian authorities of the repression of its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society;
Amendment 463 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates, as underlined in its resolution of 16 September 2021 on a new EU-China strategy4 , its call for the EU to develop a more assertive, comprehensive, and consistent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EU as a whole; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EU values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible, competing where needed, and confronting where necessary; strongly advocates for Taiwan’s full participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international organisations; deplores the deterioration of among others civil and democratic freedoms and free press in Hong Kong and Macau; reinforces its commitment to the targeted sanctions under the EU Human Rights Global Sanction Regime against the Chinese officials involved in human rights violations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; reiterates its strong condemnation of the baseless and arbitrary sanctions imposed by the Chinese authorities on several European individuals and entities, including five MEPs; repeats its call on the Chinese government to lift these wholly unjustified restrictive measures; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0382.
Amendment 475 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf region; calls for the EU to present a coherent strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation as a key strategic objective; reiteranotes that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of security for Europe and thesuch engagement should strive to build synergies with the efforts of the regional players, such as the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, including through an increased EU support for Track II dialogue initiatives involving academics, civil society, religionus leaders and othe only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activitier actors; is encouraged by the de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia and calls on both countries to swiftly conclude the process of re- establishing full diplomatic relations;
Amendment 482 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Reiterates that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as a matter of regional security and non-proliferation and the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities; insists that the path towards the revival of the JCPOA lies through the lifting of all JCPOA-related U.S. sanctions which should go hand in hand with Iran’s full return to its obligations under the JCPOA; commends the role of the HR/VP for Foreign and Security Policy and EEAS in mediating between the U.S. and Iran in efforts to revive the JCPOA;
Amendment 489 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deployreassess its external actions and means and its approach to nation-building abroad; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistan to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, professions linked with Afghan civil society, human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, academics, artists and other groups at risk, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability; emphasizes the need for the EU to conduct a thorough scrutiny of its engagement in Afghanistan since 2002, with a view of applying the lessons learned to present and future missions;
Amendment 506 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Highlights India’s rising regional and geopolitical influence; underlines that increased political engagement is required to reinforce the EU-India partnership and unleash the full potential of the bilateral relations; reiterates the need for a deeper partnership which should be based on shared values and full respect for human rights;
Amendment 512 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for special attention to be paid totepping up and enhancing cooperation with our partners in Latin America; believes that a strengthened relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is central to the EU’s geopolitical strategy in the world; stresses the need for the Union to strengthen the ties that unite the EU with LAC countries, particularly in defending the rules-based multilateral order; calls for the EU to use all available tools to deepen its cooperation with LAC partners, ensure the swift ratification of the EU-Mexico agreement, deliver on the sustainable and environmental protocol with Mercosur so that the EU association agreement with Mercosur can be ratified, and conclude the negotiations for updating the EU association agreement with Chile; urges the EU to recover its position as the preferred partner of Latin American countries in view of other geopolitical actors occupying increasing space in the region, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine diplomacy;
Amendment 519 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. WelcomesCalls for a full use of the increased involvement of the European Parliament in the programming of Global Europe and IPA III as well as the introduction of a biannual High-Level Geopolitical Dialogue as a critical tool to not only scrutinize, but also actively shape the EU foreign policy priorities;
Amendment 525 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Reminds the Council to keepof the right of the Parliament to be informed about all the stages of the procedures connected to negotiations and conclusions of the international agreements and its prerogative to grant or to withhold consent to such agreements; is determined to use these powers, as defined in the Treaties, in order to ensure transparency and democratic oversight over the international agreements negotiated on behalf of the EU, as well as the implementation of the European Peace Facility, as pointed out in its recommendation of 28 March 20195 , including as regards its complementarity with other EU instruments in the field of external action; _________________ 5European Parliament recommendation of 28 March 2019 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the Proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility, OJ C 108, 26.3.2021, p. 141.
Amendment 526 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Is concerned by the growing number of actors at EU level with regard to the implementation of EU foreign policy and external action as, if not correctly managed and coordinated, it can bring confusion among our partners, harm the necessary unity of action and severely deteriorate our effectiveness and image in the world; believes that all EU actors dealing with EU foreign policy should be subject to the control of the Parliament in order to ensure democratic accountability of their actions;
Amendment 527 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Underlines the importance of the Parliamentary Assemblies as spaces for cooperation and institutional dialogue and their valuable contribution to European foreign action also in matters of security, as well as the need to promote their activity and guarantee their correct functioning and development;
Amendment 528 #
2021/2182(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 b (new)
Paragraph 42 b (new)
42 b. Calls to strengthen the European Parliament’s oversight of EU Delegation’s work in representing EU values and principles abroad and seeking the fulfilment of EU interests without disregarding the human rights approach; highlights the need for EU Delegations to have all the necessary and appropriate resources and capabilities to act effectively in these tasks;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the judgments of the CJEU on 16 February 2022 in cases C-156/21 Hungary v Parliament and Council and C-157/21 Poland v Parliament and Council on the measures for the protection of the Union budget,
Amendment 22 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 13 November 2020 on the impact of COVID-19 measures on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights,
Amendment 89 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, in certain Member States, journalists are increasingly subject to threats and attacks, in particular when investigating crime and corruption; whereas independence of media from political interference continues to be under threat in several Member States, including through the use of spyware tools by certain Member States to target journalists, opposition politicians and activists; whereas these unacceptable developments may have a chilling effect on the freedom of speech and freedom of the press and may not be allowed to set precedent both within the EU and towards EU candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s second annual rule of law report; notes that the European Parliament is making regular use of this annual report as a source of information and input when discussing the rule of law situation in a specific Member State; 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 139 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes with satisfaction that the report contains country-specific chapters; commends the Commission’s efforts to engage with national governments and national parliaments, as well as civil society and other national actors; encourages the Commission to devote greater efforts to deepening the analysis, and invites the Commission to ensure proper resources for that; believes that more time should be devoted to the Commission’s country visits, including on site; takes note of the country-specific discussions under the framework of the Commission’s annual rule of law report during each Council Presidency; suggests to focus these discussions on the Member States with the most pressing rule of law issues to be discussed in the first place, instead of in alphabetical order; emphasises that increased transparency would enhance the rule of law dialogue within the EU and therefore invites the Council to make these country-specific discussions public, including detailed public conclusions;
Amendment 186 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that in some circumstances, Member States deliberately resorted to measures which question the principle of the rule of law, such as legislation adopted 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; recalls the Member States have a responsibility towards citizens in condition of vulnerability and should provide them with safety and protection from discrimination;
Amendment 191 #
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; stresses that internal rule of law deficiencies may have a detrimental effect on the credibility of the EU’s foreign policy, in particular towards its immediate neighbourhood and candidates and potential candidates for EU membership;
Amendment 192 #
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; highlights that 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.
Amendment 196 #
2021/2180(INI)
8. Commends the effort of the 2021 report to compare the situation with that of the 2020 report; believes that it is necessary to identify clearly positive and negative trends as regards the rule of law situation and provide an analysis of the underlying reasons for that; invites the Commission to include an assessment of all rule of law measures implemented in the previous year, accompanied by an analysis of their effectiveness and possible avenues for improvement;
Amendment 200 #
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; emphasises that the annual Commission report should not merely be a description of previous events, but instead an analytical and prescriptive instrument in order to fulfil its preventive and mitigative purposes;
Amendment 207 #
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 binding 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; and, in addition, to submit a mid-year evaluation report on the progress made in this regard to the Parliament;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recommends that the Commission indicate next to each of its recommendations the appropriate tools for the EU institutions to use if the shortcomings are not remedied; calls on the Commission not to hesitate in using those tools, especially when there is no trust in a quick implementation of the recommendations or a risk of further deterioration;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets the fact that both the 2020 and the 2021 reports fails to fully encompass the Article 2 TEU values of democracy and fundamental rights, which are immediately affected when countries start backsliding on the rule of law; reiterates the intrinsic link between the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights;
Amendment 228 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Reaffirms the fact that EU law has primacy over national law, regardless of the way in which national justice systems are organised; deplores the serious and structural problems regarding judicial independence in certain Member States; invites the Commission to include strong binding recommendations in its 2022 report in order to ensure the independence of the judiciary in any EU Member State;
Amendment 232 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Recalls that media freedom and plurality are essential to democracy; is alarmed by the increasingly hostile environment in which media are operating inside many EU Member States, characterised by a high amount of violent incidents and threats against journalists, oppressive strategies by EU governments such as the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and smear campaigns, and increasing state control over public media; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated challenges already faced by media operators; regrets that the 2021 report does not reflect the gravity of these trends, especially related to state control, strategic lawsuits and smear campaigns by certain EU Member States; urges the Commission to improve the media related chapters in this regard, to introduce EU legislation against the use of SLAPPs establishing minimum standards and to present an ambitious legal framework to counter the growing politicisation of the media in certain Member States in the upcoming Media Freedom Act; calls on the Commission to explore possibilities for additional and more flexible funding for independent, investigative journalism in the EU;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Stresses that media freedom is closely related to artistic and academic freedom; underlines that the independence of education systems is under threat when the autonomous organisational structure of its institutions is not secured; calls, therefore, on the Commission to include all aspects of freedom of expression in its rule of law report;
Amendment 236 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Welcomes the fact that many EU Member States are among the world’s best performers in the fight against corruption according to the 2020 Corruption Perception Index, as mentioned by the Commission report; is, however, deeply worried by the fact that there is significant difference among the individual Member States with the best performing ones placed at first place and the worst performing ones ranked at 78th place; regrets the strong deterioration observed in some other Member States and the continued emergence of corruption cases involving high level officials; reiterates that the existence of national anti-corruption strategies can only be considered successful once their implementation has been effectively carried out; recalls the need to establish a regulatory framework that allows for a definition of the crime of corruption that is uniform and shared at European level; urges the Commission to update and enhance the EU anticorruption policy and instruments and ensure the proper implementation and enforcement, in order to provide for commons standards and benchmarks as a precondition for strengthening the mutual trust and sincere cooperation; reminds the importance for EU Member States to engage with EPPO and support actively its tasks;
Amendment 237 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 e (new)
Paragraph 12 e (new)
12e. Underlines that fair and free elections are among the absolute minimum standards for a functioning democracy and that every election process in the EU should be without any irregularities; urges the Commission to take all measures necessary once the risk of manipulation of elections in an EU Member State is identified; stresses that in case of the observation by the OSCE that elections have not taken place in a fair and free manner, strong consequences must be attached to this under the Article 7 Procedure;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines its concern at the fact that women and people in vulnerable situations, including persons with disabilities, children, religious minorities, particularly at a time of rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe, Romani people and other persons belonging to ethnic and linguistic minorities, migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, LGBTI+Q persons and elderly people, continue to see their rights not being fully respected across the Union; emphasises the obvious link between deteriorating rule of law standards and violations of fundamental rights and minority rights; recalls its recommendation from 2020 for future reports to assess the effect that hate crime and hate speech have on discrimination;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Expresses particular concern about continued and systematic attacks on the fundamental rights of LGBTI+ persons, reinforced by the deterioration of the rule of law in several EU Member States; regrets that this development is not consistently reflected in the Commission’s rule of law report; calls on the Commission to systematically address this issue in all relevant country reports and the synthesis report;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. 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;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Recalls the strong impact of measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU’s rule of law environment and fundamental rights, in particular in the area of justice, corruption and media freedom; stresses that monitoring of the use and proportionality of these measures should be continued until all measures are lifted without any exceptions; notes in this regard the risk of misuse of funds out of the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility; reiterates that these funds can only be distributed once these concerns have been fully addressed;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regular, inclusive and structured dialogue with governments and national parliaments, NGOs, national human rights institutions, ombudspersons, equality bodies, professional associations and other stakeholders; calls on the Commission to organise the consultation of stakeholders through a transparent process, based on clear criteria; considers that civil society organisations should be closely involved in all phases of the review cycle; highlights that thematically structured consultations would make the process more efficient and increase the amount of valuable feedback; stresses that the consultation questionnaire should allow stakeholders to report aspects beyond the scope envisaged by the Commission;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls that the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including the right to be critical in public, is an element of a free and democratic society; notes that strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) require a legislative European response that ensures the respect for democracy and fundamental rights and, inconsequence, also the rule of law; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to propose a directive against abusive litigation targeting journalists and rights defenders, emphasising that the scope must be comprehensive enough to encompass all those who are rights defenders, including individual activists;
Amendment 274 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that the time limits for consultation with civil society is often too short and should be suitably adapted and flexible in order to allow for complete and comprehensive input; points out that this has made it more difficult for stakeholders to prepare and plan their contributions and awareness-raising activities, in particular if the consultation coincides with winter holidays; invites the Commission to introduce the opportunity of year-round consultation for civil society instead of focusing mainly on time-limited calls for input; calls on the Commission to allow multilingual submissions; notes that consultation can be improved by ensuring follow-up with civil society actors on the input they provide;
Amendment 307 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Strongly condemns EU Member States refusing to engage in the annual Rule of Law dialogue; considers this refusal to be enough for the Commission to accelerate and refine further the situation in these countries concerned;
Amendment 321 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls its position regarding the involvement of a panel of independent experts to advise the three institutions, in close cooperation with the FRA; asks its Bureau, in light of the reluctancecalls ofn the Commission and the Council, to organise a public procurement procedure in order to create such a panel under the auspices of Parliament as a first step, in order to advise Parliament on compliance with Article 2 TEU values in different Member Statesto add their input as an annex to the report and include a justification of how these inputs were included in the annual report;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates that the annual report should serve as a basis for deciding whether to activate one or several relevant tools such as Article 7 TEU, the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation, the Rule of Law Framework or infringement procedures, including expedited procedures, applications for interim measures before the CJEU and actions regarding non-implementation of CJEU judgments; calls on the Commission to explicitly link these instruments to identified or possible rule of law issues in the report; calls on the institutions to activate such tools without delay;
Amendment 356 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation where breaches of the principles of the rule of law affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the Union; considers that the annual report is the most appropriate place to have a dedicated section and conduct a relevant analysis; urges the Commission to launch the procedure enshrined in Article 6(1) of that regulation at least in the cases of Poland and Hungary; recalls that the applicability, purpose and scope of the Regulation are clearly defined and do not need to be supported by further explanations; condemns the Commission’s intention to still draft guidelines even after the CJEU ruling confirming the legality and validity of the Regulation; calls on the Commission to explore the full potential of the Common Provisions Regulation and the Financial Regulation to protect the rule law;
Amendment 357 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation where breaches of the principles of the rule of law affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the Union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the Union; considers that the annual report is the most appropriate place to have a dedicated section and conduct a relevant analysis; urges the Commission to launch the procedure enshrined in Article 6(1) of that regulation at least in the cases of Poland and Hungary; calls on the Commission to explore the full potential of the Common Provisions Regulation and the Financial Regulation to protect the rule lawdemocracy, fundamental rights and the rule law, thereby ensuring that EU funds are not used for initiatives which are not in compliance with EU values;
Amendment 361 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Is concerned about the Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law report’s findings that, in some countries, the state- sponsored harassment and intimidation of the LGBTIQ organisations affects their ability to access funding; calls on the Commission to assess the issue more closely and to ensure through the necessary means that the non- discrimination principle governing access to EU funds is fully complied with everywhere in the EU; considers that these findings reinforce the long-standing position of the Parliament that the scope of the Rule of Law report should be broadened to include all Article 2 TEU values;
Amendment 365 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Is concerned by the persistent failure by some Members States to implement CJEU judgements, which contribute to the erosion of the rule of law; calls on the Commission to report on the respective country chapters about the implementation of judgements by Member States in cases of partial or lack of implementation; encourages the Commission to engage with authorities in order to find suitable solutions for complete implementation and to update the information on an annual basis; recalls that the failure by Romania to implement the Coman & Hamilton judgement1a resulted in the plaintiffs having to resort to the ECtHR for redress; _________________ 1a Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) of 5 June 2018 (C-673/16), Relu Adrian Coman and Others v Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări and Ministerul Afacerilor Interne.
Amendment 370 #
2021/2180(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Strongly regrets the inability of the Council to make meaningful progress in ongoing Article 7(1) TEU procedures; urges the Council to ensure that hearings take place on a regular basisat minimum once per Presidency and also address new developments; reiterates its call on the Council affecting rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights; emphasises that there is no need for unanimity in the Council in order to identify a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values under Art. 7(1), neither to address concrete recommendations to the Member States in question, and to provide deadlines for the implementation of those recommendations; reiterates its call on the Council to do so; insists that Parliament’s role and competences be respected;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Regrets that the Commission committed1a not to propose any measures under the regulation until it develops guidelines, whose finalisation is subject to the delivery of the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the action for annulment brought by Hungary and Poland; reminds that actions brought before the CJEU shall not have suspensory effect in accordance with the Treaties. _________________ 1aEuropean Council conclusions of 11 December 2020, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/4 7296/1011-12-20-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
Amendment 4 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that the application ofcalls that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation , as adopted by the co-legislators, does not foresee the development of any guidelines therefore its application cannot be subject to their adoption of guidelines, and urges the Commission to avoid any further delay in its application; reminds that guidelines cannot alter, expand or narrow a regulation and that they must respect the intention of the co-legislators;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Commission has begun toTakes note of the draft guidelines of the Commission on the application of the Regulation; requests that, if the Commission deems such guidelines necessary, Parliament be consulted prior to their adopis of the opinion that the guidelines simply repeat the provisions of the regulation, have little or no added value and merely delay the application of the regulation;.
Amendment 15 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recallminds that any guidelines must not undermine the adopted regulationin accordance with the regulation, the Commission shall take into account relevant information when assessing the possibly breaches of the rule of law by a Member State from available sources and recognised institutions, including judgments orf the intention of the co-legislators; asks the Commission to avoid Court of Justice of the European Union, reports of the Court of Auditors, the Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report and EU Justrict or exhaustive definitions of the concepts, as this would be in contradiction with the Regulation; considers that interprete Scoreboard, reports of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the EuropeanPublic Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) as relevant, and conclusions and recommendations of abstract concepts is a dynamic process which cannot be predefined in one document; believes that the guidelines should fully respect the interpretation of relevant concepts by the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Venice Commission.relevant international organisations and networks, including Council of Europe bodies such as the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) and the Venice Commission, in particular its rule- of-law checklist, and the European networks of supreme courts and councils for the judiciary;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is of the view that the Commission already has reasonable grounds to consider the triggering of the procedure in accordance with Article 6(1) of the regulation; and urges the Commission to act promptly and to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. 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 28 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU and the US share a fundamental interest in shaping the international environmenta rules- based international environment that strengthens multilateralism and democratic values, defends human rights, upholds international law, and promotes peaceful conflict resolution and sustainable development around the world;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas President Biden proposed to organise a Summit for Democracy which will seek joint commitments with the EU and other democracies in strengthening our democracies and fostering enhanced cooperation between democratic states while fighting authoritarianism and human rights violations around the world;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas constructive dialogue is needed to address the transatlantic divergences, including in such areas as relations with China, trade, defence commitments and capabilities, conflicts in the Middle East, and to identify common approaches where possible;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the rules-based international order and democratic values are challenged by the rise of the assertive authoritarianism and the decline of democracy in third countries, as well as from within the EU and US through the rise of anti-democratic populist and far- right movements;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the departure of the UK from the EU might lead to a further fragmentation of the strategic landscape not only in terms of EU-US relations, but also in the UN Security Council, G-7,G- 20 and other multilateral formats;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas a renewed impetus in the transatlantic relationship would create a favourable political context to tackle in a constructive manner both the common challenges and to address the issues where our positions diverge;
Amendment 379 #
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, 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 architecture, including the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, as well as climate diplomacy and the revival of the JCPOA and stabilization of Afghanistan;
Amendment 390 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 25 – point 1 (new)
(1) emphasizes the need to revitalize the arms control talks between the key global players, such as U.S. and Russia, that have direct impact on the European security, as well as to include China in future arms control negotiations; stress the need for urgent rebuilding of the conventional arms control architecture, to limit the arms race and the scope for unforeseen incidents;
Amendment 406 #
2021/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 26 – point 1 (new)
(1) Highlights the need to maintain and, where applicable, deepen structural strategic relations between the European Union, the United States and the United kingdom, capitalising on our shared values, interests and challenges, including in regard to security matters, while ensuring the autonomy of EU decision- making;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5 “Gender Equality”,
Amendment 41 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
– having regard to the EU LGBTIQ Strategy 2020-2025,
Amendment 45 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
– having regard to the EU Strategy on victims' rights 2020-2025,
Amendment 49 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 c (new)
Citation 15 c (new)
– having regard to the EU strategy on the rights of the child,
Amendment 61 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) defines gender- based violence ias violence directed against womea person because they are women and it affects women disproportionatelyof their gender; whereas both women and men experience gender- based violence, at the same time highlighting that the overwhelming majority of victims are women and girls; whereas LGBTI persons are also victims of gender-based violence because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics; whereas gender- based violence is rooted in gender stereotypes, patriarchal structures and power asymmetries;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) defines gender- based violence against women as any form of violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas gender-based violence includes many types of violence, including domestic violence; whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), similarly to the Istanbul convention, defines domestic violence as all acts of physical, sexual, psychological or economic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit, irrespective of biological or legal family ties, or between former or current spouses or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same residence as the victim: recognises that domestic violence affects women disproportionately, and that men may also be victims of domestic violence;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas no real progress can be made on gender equality without an intersectional approach;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the expression ‘in all their diversity’ in this report states the position that women, men and non-binary people fall into heterogeneous categories, including but not limited to in relation to their sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinions, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics, migratory status or socio-economic status; whereas it affirms the commitment to leave no one behind and achieve a gender-equal Europe for everyone;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Condemns all forms of violence against women and girls in all their diversity and other forms of gender-based violence, such as violence against LGBTI persons, and deplores the fact that women and girls continue to be exposed to psychological, physical, sexual and economic violence, including sexual exploitation and trafficking in human beings, both online and offline;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2035(INL)
1d. Underlines that men’s violence against women starts with boy’s violence against girl’s, considers therefore that preventive measures must start at an early age;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Insists that the definition of “women” when addressing violence against women must include girls under the age of 18;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that violence against women and other forms of gender-based violence are the result of the unequal distribution of power, resources, patriarchal structures, and gender stereotypes, that have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men; underlines that this situation is aggravated by social and economic inequalities;
Amendment 164 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that rigid gender and masculinity norms based on patriarchal stereotypes contributes to discrimination and subjugation of women, as well as adversely affect men’s and boy’s health and lives, contributes to the invisibility of violence suffered by men as well as hinders rehabilitation of male perpetrators;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines that rigid gender norms lead to increased exposure to gender-based violence for anyone who does not conform to them; deplores the high instances of violence targeting trans women, trans men, trans feminine, intersex and non-binary people;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Recognises that progress toward equality has occurred thanks to the hard fought feminist struggle against the global oppression of women and girls;
Amendment 200 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Denounces the fact that the combat against gender-based violence is negatively affected by the attack on women’s and girl´s rights and gender equality; condemns the actions of anti-gender and anti-women movements in Europe and worldwide that aim to overturn existing laws on women’s rights and LGBTI+ rights;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Regrets the lack of research and knowledge on boy’s violence against girl’s, as knowledge forms the foundation for effective policy and law-making, therefore calls on the establishment of a knowledge hub on violence against girls in the EU by relevant EU institutions such as Eurostat, EIGE;
Amendment 225 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls for effective prevention of gender inequality and gender-based violence, including educational measures directed towards, and implemented with, young people, as well as ensuring that all young people benefit from comprehensive sexual, reproductive, health, rights and relationship education;
Amendment 247 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Emphasises the necessity of using an intersectional approach in policy and law making, and adding specific and measurable undertakings, including relating to groups protected from discrimination by EU law and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Insists that all legislation on sexual offences must be based on consent; insists that only voluntary sexual acts should be considered legal;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Concerned about the sexualisation of children, especially sexualisation of girls by adult men; considers it imperative to enhance the protection provided under criminal law concerning sexual offences against children; calls on Member States and the commission to adopt the view to criminalise sexual offences where the perpetrator displays negligence with regard to the child's age;
Amendment 269 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Stresses that consent cannot be bought, therefore considers all forms of sex purchase to be sexual exploitation;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10d. Calls on Member States to recognise sex purchase as a form of violence against women; calls on Member States to criminalise sex purchase in line with the Swedish Equality Model introduced in 1999;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
10e. Emphasises that women engaged in the sex industry, including in prostitution, due to poverty, discrimination or other types of distress, experience sexualised violence and abuse on a daily basis;
Amendment 280 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers that domestic violence is not only a crime against the victim of violence but should also be considered a crime against any child who witness it, especially due to the long lasting negative effects on the child’s wellbeing and development;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure information to victims and perpetrators of gender-based violence is available in all EU languages, with the aim to ensure rights of victims are upheld when exercising their fundamental right to freedom movement within the EU;
Amendment 302 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Considers the widespread impunity for sexual offences to be a serious impairment to gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence;
Amendment 310 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to improve the resources and training of practitioners, law enforcement officers, judicial staff and all other professionals dealing with victims of gender-based violence; calls on Members States to ensure that victims have the right to state- funded legal aid before and during legal proceedings;
Amendment 337 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers minimum standards on gender-based violence a precondition for the free movement of people within the EU; considers lack of access to adequate protection from gender-based violence a violation of human rights, specifically affecting women and girls;
Amendment 346 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the special need to combat violence against women and girls and other forms of gender-based violence on a common basis also results from the need to establish minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions, including a common definition of gender-based violence;
Amendment 353 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Considers that the cross-border dimensions of cyber violence against women and girls needs a common Union response;
Amendment 368 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on gender-based violence that implements the standards of the Istanbul Convention and includes the following elements: prevention, including through gender-sensitive education programming directed at both girls and boys, and empowerment of women and girls; ensuring information provided in all relevant languages; support services and protection measures for survivors; combating all forms of gender-based violence, including violations of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights; and minimum standards for law enforcement;
Amendment 383 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 5
Annex I – Recital 5
(5) Gender-based violence is violence directed against womea person because they are women and it affects women disproportionatelyof their gender; gender-based violence against women is any type of violence directed against women because they are women or affects women disproportionately. Both women and men experience gender-based violence, however the vast majority of victims are women and girls. LGBTI persons are also victims of gender-based violence because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. Gender- based violence is rooted in gender stereotypes, patriarchal structures and power asymmetries.
Amendment 396 #
2021/2035(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – Recital 9 a (new)
Annex I – Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Considers minimum standards on gender-based violence a precondition for the free movement of people within the EU; considers lack of access to adequate protection from gender-based violence a violation of human rights, specifically affecting women and girls.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions on the UN-EU strategic partnership on peace operations and crisis management - priorities for 2022-2024
Amendment 36 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the present multilateral order stems from a post-1945 global order, not necessarily fully reflecting today’s World, given that not all of the current global actors are properly accounted in the design of the multilateral architecture,
Amendment 38 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas there is a gap between the current global challenges and the capacity of the current multilateral system to deliver effective and inclusive solutions
Amendment 51 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas multilateralism is in need of swift revitalisation to tackle this multidimensional crisis; whereas peace and security, climate change and environmental degradation, disaster risk management, global public health and the deepening of poverty and inequalities at the global level are some of the pressing challenges that the world is facing right now; whereas only through a reinforced multilateral order will the international community be able to find lasting and sustainable answers to these challenges;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the UN Secretary- General’s report entitled ‘Our Common Agenda’, which was presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 and drafted through a wide-ranging consultation process including UN member states, thought leaders, young people, civil society, relevant stakeholders and citizens, as well as the UN system and its many partners, attests to the need for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism for the future; whereas this will be essential for the UN system and other multilateral fora in order to continue being an effective venue for global consultation and decision-making; whereas, in this context, the EU is uniquely positioned to support the UN and other relevant international organisations in pursuing a process of reform and in revitalising their delivery capacity and their ability to connect to relevant stakeholders, such as young people or the communities most impacted by climate change; whereas in doing so the EU should seize the opportunity to engage constructively and effectively with rival powers, while maintaining a firm stance on fundamental rights and pursuing closer cooperation with like-minded countries to reinforce the primacy of universal values and fundamental rights and to advance effective solutions to global challenges; whereas parliamentary diplomacy will be a key component of reinforcing rules-based, inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism; whereas the EU and the UN continue to work closely in over 170 countries to improve the protection of human rights for all, reduce hunger and malnutrition, prevent and overcome crises, build democratic and inclusive societies, deliver essential services, promote green growth and decent jobs, and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the UN Secretary- General’s report entitled ‘Our Common Agenda’, which was presented to the UN General Assembly in September 2021 and welcomed by the General Assembly in November 2021, and drafted through a wide-ranging consultation process including UN member states, thought leaders, young people, civil society, relevant stakeholders and citizens, as well as the UN system and its many partners, attests to the need for a more effective, inclusive and networked multilateralism for the future; whereas this will be essential for the UN system and other multilateral fora in order to continue being an effective venue for global consultation and decision- making; whereas, in this context, the EU is uniquely positioned to support the UN and other relevant international organisations in pursuing a process of reform and in revitalising their delivery capacity and their ability to connect to relevant stakeholders, such as young people or the communities most impacted by climate change; whereas in doing so the EU should seize the opportunity to engage constructively and effectively with rival powers, while maintaining a firm stance on fundamental rights and pursuing closer cooperation with like-minded countries to reinforce the primacy of universal values and fundamental rights and to advance effective solutions to global challenges; whereas parliamentary diplomacy will be a key component of reinforcing rules-based, inclusive, networked and effective multilateralism;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the new ‘Global Europe – Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument’ (Global Europe financial instrument), combined with the ‘Team Europe’ approach confers on the EU and its Member States an ability to pull resources together in a synergic way and to better coordinate assistance and create positive impact in the external action of the EU, including with a continued and strengthened cooperation with the UN on the ground; whereas the new Global Europe financial instrument provides for high-level political dialogue between the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and Parliament on programming priorities with the opportunity for Parliament to reconnect this policy and programming dialogue to its political outreach and consultations with third countries, thus reinforcing, through its parliamentary diplomacy activities and outreach, the ability of the EU to assist and positively impact relevant third countries;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 (new)
Subheading 1 (new)
Rebuilding a multilateralism enshrined in the core of the EU values
Amendment 97 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Recalls that the best strategy to defend multilateralism is to rebuild it by making it more inclusive and representative of today’s global order
Amendment 106 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Strengthening the United Nations and the participation of the European Union in its system
Amendment 109 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts; highlights the need to improve the political functioning of the UN, calling for a stronger interface between UN and regional organisations as underlined by United Nations Secretary-General Guterres; highlights the need to strengthen the coordination of UN Agencies with International Financial Institutions through the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); supports UN Secretary- General Guterres’ proposals to give young people and civil society stronger voices within the UN system;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the Commission and the EEAS as well as EU Delegations in third countries to actively reach out and consult the UN regarding EU policy and programmatic activities for 2021-2027 and beyond, and the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 113 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; reaffirms that the EU and the UN should work closely at HQ level and in the regions and countries to exchange analysis, and align policy and programmatic planning to maximise impact on the wellbeing of people and planet; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU- UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary-General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its strongest support for the programme of reforms introduced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres; stresses the importance of a UN system that can continue to deliver effectively; points to the value of the ‘One UN’ vision of the UN Secretary-General for the UN system, where the various agencies and components of the UN can truly be interlinked and function together on the basis of a single budgetary and managerial structure and can reinforce the attainment of the UN’s objectives; points, in particular, to the enhanced role of the UN Resident Coordinators, currently operating in more than 130 countries, provided for by the reform of the UN development system and considers that these UN Resident Coordinators should not only take the lead in coordinating the implementation of UN programmes on the ground to reinforce the unity of UN action, but should also liaise and consult closely with EU delegations in the relevant UN member state to pursue synergies and mutual reinforcement with the EU’s thematic and geographic programmes for that country; recalls that the EU can greatly reinforce the outreach and impact of UN programmes in third countries and can define its programming and assistance in synergic and reinforcing fashion in conjunction with the objectives of the UN; stresses, therefore, the value of close EU-UN consultation and cooperation and invites the UN to regularly consult with the EU at UN headquarters, but also on the ground in third countries; takes the view that the EU and the UN should hold annual summits with the possibility for the UN Secretary- General to confer with Council, Commission, EEAS and Parliament; calls on the UN to ensure a steady presence of high-level UN interlocutors at the European Parliament to further policy dialogue and give enhanced visibility to UN efforts;
Amendment 151 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the new Global Europe financial instrument and the ‘Team Europe’ approach to geographic and thematic assistance and programming provide a unique opportunity to define a common inter-institutional agenda that duly reflects and values the contributions of the EU Member States and reinforces the leveraging ability of the EU and its Member States; warns that the quest by some illiberal countries to attain and consolidate leverage through financing international organisations raises the issue of financial antagonism in multilateral fora and prompts the need for a reflection at EU level on how to secure the independence and effectiveness of relevant international organisations and multilateral fora through adequate EU funding; recalls that EU humanitarian aid and development assistance to third countries is very often channelled through the UN system; supports this partnership between the EU and the UN, but calls on the EU to ensure that the UN gives more visibility to the EU’s specific role and contributions; underlines, in this regard, the importance of carrying out, at EU level, an in-depth evaluation of both existing and envisaged EU-UN partnerships to assess whether there is adequate visibility for the EU’s contribution and whether the leadership roles conferred on the EU and its Member States are commensurate with the EU’s strong commitment and dedication to the UN system; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to carry out this review and to confer with Parliament on their findings and on the way forward to ensure that adequate value is given to the EU’s contributions, financial apportionment, commitment and dedication to the UN system;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Commands the work of the “Alliance for Multilateralism” as an informal network of countries united in their conviction that a rules-based multilateral order is the only reliable guarantee for international stability and peace, and that our common challenges can only be solved through cooperation;
Amendment 158 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 (new)
Subheading 1 (new)
Rebuilding multilateralism through enhanced global partnerships to pursue common goals
Amendment 159 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to work towards an effective, results-oriented and inclusive multilateralism, where governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and other relevant stakeholders can effectively work together to serve and achieve global goals, values and interests; acknowledges the importance of reconciling the two critical EU goals of enhancing the EU’s visibility as a global actor and supporting the role of multilateral fora; recalls the need to address and manage these tensions and to articulate a balanced position between these two goals, in line with the EU’s core values, ideas and interests; points out that despite the apparent tensions between these two critical European goals, they also provide new opportunities, as an enhanced EU strategic autonomy can allow the EU to make alliances with its bilateral partners within multilateral negotiations, and also promote and defend multilateral commitments when enduring bilateral negotiations;
Amendment 160 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need to work towards an effective, results-oriented and inclusive multilateralism, where governments, civil society, the private sector, academia and other relevant stakeholders can effectively work together to serve and achieve global goals, values and interests; acknowledges the importance of reconciling the two critical EU goals of enhancing the EU’s visibility as a global actor and supporting the role of multilateral fora; recalls the need to address and manage these tensions and to articulate a balanced position between these two goals, in line with the EU’s core values, ideas and interests; calls on the EU and Member States to consistently and actively defend multilateralism and relevant multilateral institutions, each time they are undermined in any way or form;
Amendment 171 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of continuing to reach out to allies and like- minded partners in international organisations and multilateral fora to consolidate a coalition of like-minded countries committed to common values and objectives and to policy dialogue and effective cooperation globally; points, in this regard, to the particular relevance, not only of traditional transatlantic partners such as the US and Canada, as well as the UK, but also to countries in Latin America; recalls that the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and the countries of Latin America can create, in partnership together, a broader transatlantic area of common values and standards and a commitment to advancing global responses to global challenges; underlines, in this regard, that this broad transatlantic coalition could expand dialogue and cooperation to African countries and support the latter in their quest for political and economic stability; notes that cooperation between the EU and its northern and southern Atlantic partners would empower the political voices that want to build a future for Africa premised on democracy, inclusion and prosperity, while being mindful of the need to protect the African continent from the ravages and security threats stemming from climate change; highlights that the EU relations with the African Union and with Latin America and the Caribbean have an intrinsic value in themselves and are of crucial importance under the optics of a renewed multilateralism; supports, in this regard, efforts by the VP/HR, the Council and the Commission to further strengthen the EU’s partnership with the African Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States; points to the importance of furthering a convergence of positions at the UN and other multilateral fora between the EU and both accession and partner countries; calls on the EU to expand its ability to assist partner and like-minded countries, including through capacity building, knowledge-sharing, training and twinning, so that they can engage more effectively in the multilateral system; reiterates the importance of reinforcing the existing multilateral fora with like-minded partners, especially the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States summits;
Amendment 186 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports the EU’s tireless advocacy for and defence of universal human rights, its staunch support for the universalisation of international human rights law, its active support to and use of UN human rights fora to address pressing human rights issues, its steadfast support for strengthening accountability and international justice mechanisms and its fight against impunity; supports the VP/HR and the Commission in their quest to ensure that the UN Human Rights Council acts more efficiently, addresses all human rights issues and country situations effectively, credibly and without bias and ensures synergies with other multilateral human rights fora; pays tribute to the work of the current UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and takes the view that her tenure provides a unique opportunity to engage on effective dialogue and cooperation on how to streamline and reinforce the delivery capacity of the UN human rights system, including through increased public scrutiny of Human Rights Council membership, responsibilities and mandatory pledging events at the UN General Assembly with candidates to the Human Rights Council, as proposed by the VP/HR and the Commission in their joint communication; notes that the financial resources allocated to the work of the UN Human Rights Commissioner is notably insufficient, with many countries seeking to reduce them, while it has been a longstanding demand of the EU to increase its financing; welcomes the launch on 12 October 2021 of an annual strategic dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; welcomes the EU’s initiatives and activities pertaining to human rights in the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee and the UN Security Council, as well as the cooperation between the EU and the UN on multiple thematic and country-based human rights issues;
Amendment 200 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
An improved involvement of the European Parliament
Amendment 214 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls Parliament’s important role as a democratic, convening institution that can provide a unique public forum to promote multilateralism; considers that Parliament should regularly invite high- level leaders from relevant international organisations to discuss shared interests and priorities; believes that to reinforce the parliamentary dimension of multilateral fora, Parliament should host on its premises, on an annual basis, a conference of speakers from G7 and G20 countries; calls for the reinforcement of structured dialogue between Parliament and the UN system; stresses, in this regard, the importance of holding regular meetings to exchange views between the Committee on Foreign Affairs and other relevant committees and the heads of the EU delegations to the UN in New York and Geneva and between the committee and the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States that are either permanent or rotating members of the UN Security Council; highlights the positive contributions of the annual delegations from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and its sub-committees to the UN headquarters in New York; calls for the formalisation of some of the informal sessions between the EU and the UN Security Council; encourages the setting up of a formal association between Parliament and the UN General Assembly;
Amendment 219 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 b (new)
Subheading 1 b (new)
Multilateralism as a driver to address urgent global challenges
Amendment 221 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the crucial contribution of the multilateral system in addressing the climate emergency; calls for the further enhancement, reinforcement and institutionalisation of the existing multilateral frameworks that seek to combat climate change, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences and the Paris Agreement, which have almost universal membership, through the establishment of accountability mechanisms and concrete principles to ensure the effectiveness of their mandates; stresses the need to reinforce global action against climate change, as only through collective, immediate and ambitious global action may the world be able to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels; believes that in the fight against global warming industrialised countries should support developing countries in the shift from fossil fuels to green energy, by transferring not only funding but also expertise and technology; recalls the importance of focusing on the implementation at the national level by adopting and implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while at the same time ensuring that the international community is collectively on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement at the multilateral level; recalls the importance of working closely with major emitters, climate-vulnerable countries and transatlantic partners to deliver progress on the 2030 target at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference;
Amendment 222 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the crucial contribution of the multilateral system in addressing the climate emergency; calls for the further enhancement, reinforcement and institutionalisation of the existing multilateral frameworks that seek to combat climate change, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences and the Paris Agreement, which have almost universal membership, through the establishment of accountability mechanisms and concrete principles to ensure the effectiveness of their mandates; stresses the need to reinforce global action against climate change, as only through collective, immediate and ambitious global action may the world be able to limit the temperature increase to 1,5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels; recalls the importance of focusing on the implementation at the national level by adopting and implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs), while at the same time ensuring that the international community is collectively on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement at the multilateral level; recalls the importance of working closely with major emitters, climate-vulnerable countries and transatlantic partners to deliver progress on the 2030 target at the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference; calls for continuing multilateral efforts to mobilise finance for the SDGs and climate, including dedicating 50% of climate finance to adaptation;
Amendment 236 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the key role of multilateral fora in addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights this as an example of their importance in promoting and protecting global public health; celebrates the development of the Covax initiative, which constitutes an unprecedented exercise of international solidarity, and thanks its donors and contributors, while stressing the need to continue donating and increasing resources in order to make vaccines and treatments available for free to all countries; commends the work of the World Health Organization in combating the pandemic through its decisions based on scientific knowledge and evidence and stresses the need to enhance its mandate and executive capacity, especially with regard to data sharing and resource mobilisation, as well as reform the decision-making process of its Emergency Committee and establish enforcement mechanisms for its decisions and precepts; Welcomes the start of the works on a new international Treaty on pandemics, following the adoption of a decision on May 31st 2021 by the totality of the 194 WHO members;
Amendment 245 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses the need for further multilateral action in economic governance, especially in regards to taxation; celebrates the direction set up by the G20/Inclusive Framework in their latest proposal for establishing a minimum corporate tax rate of 15 %; encourages the international community to further integration in this area in order to avoid disloyal practices and abuses; calls for the enlargement of international standards and norms in this policy area% and the future Pillar allowing for a fairer reallocation of taxation rights; supports the Commission’s intention to propose an own resource equivalent to 15% of the share of the residual profits of the largest and most profitable multinational enterprises that are reallocated to EU Member States under this agreement; encourages the international community to further integration in this area in order to avoid disloyal practices and abuses; calls for the enlargement of international standards and norms in this policy area; welcomes the fact that more than 130 countries are members of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, whose work is managed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development; reminds, however, that the UN would be a more inclusive forum for discussions and negotiations on international taxation; recalls the key importance of the World Trade Organization in regulating and facilitating world trade;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for extending multilateralism to new challenges and realities such as biodiversity, cybersecurity, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, which need to be developed alongside experts and scientists who should be party to multilateral, multi- stakeholder arrangements; welcomes the efforts of the UN Secretary General to enhance and coordinate the digitalisation of the United Nations, so that the internet serves the pillars of the UN: peace and security, human rights and development;
Amendment 263 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Highlights that a renewed multilateralism can have a positive impact in pushing forward the digital transformation, not only as powerful leverage to implement the SDGs, but also on the urgent need to set basic standards and norms and addressing its risks and challenges. Points out that the digital world should also be addressed as a very important new source of taxation;
Amendment 266 #
2020/2114(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Highlights the two key-strategic ideas of United Nations’ Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ proposal “Our Common Agenda” which are the need of a Global New Deal and of New Social Contract; points that those could be translated into very concrete measures such a stronger Global Green Fund and a mechanism of financial support to highly- indebted countries, provided they implement SDGs and act against poverty;
Amendment 187 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) To this end, a comprehensive approach is required with the objective of reinforcing mutual trust between Member States which should bring together policy in the areas of asylum and migration management and towards relations with relevant third countries, recognising that the effectiveness of such an approach depends on all components being jointly addressed and in an integrated manner.
Amendment 201 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The common framework should bring together the management of the Common European Asylum System and that of migration policy. The objective of migration policy should be to ensure the efficient management of migration flows, the fair and dignified treatment of third- country nationals residing legallyand the respect of their human rights in Member States and the prevention of, and enhanced measures to combat, illegal migration and migrant smuggling. irregular migration, migrant smuggling and trafficking, through the development of legal pathways. The scope of this Regulation should also include beneficiaries of international protection, resettled or admitted persons, as well as persons granted immediate protection.
Amendment 212 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The common framework is needed in order to effectively address the increasing phenomenon of mixed arrivals of persons in need of international protection and those who are not and in recognition that the challenge of irregular arrivals of migrants in the Union should not have to be assumed by individual Member States alone, but by the Union as a whole. To ensure that Member States have the necessary tools to effectively manage this challenge in addition to applicants for international protection, irregular migrants should also fall within the scope of this Regulation. The scope of this Regulation should also include beneficiaries of international protection, resettled or admitted persons as well as persons granted immediate protection.
Amendment 258 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to ensure that the necessary tools are in place to assist Member States in dealing with challenges that may arise due to the presence on their territory of third-country nationals that are vulnerable applicants for international protection, regardless of how they crossed the external borders, the Report should also indicate whether the said Member States are faced with such challenges. Those Member States should alwayso be able to rely on the use of the ‘solidarity pool’ for the relocation of vulnerable personsbinding solidarity contributions foreseen in Article 45 and, if under migratory pressure, on those provided for in Article 51 (3).
Amendment 266 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) In order to effectively manage the Union's external border, an independent border monitoring mechanism should be set up in view of ensuring its compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as the EU and International law.
Amendment 268 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
Amendment 279 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 295 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to ensure a fair sharing of responsibility and a balance of effort between Member States, a binding solidarity mechanism should be established which is effective and ensures that applicants have swift acces, upon arrival and disembarkation, including following search and rescue activities and operations, should be established in order to ensure effective and swift access of applicants to the procedures for granting international protection. Such a mechanism should provide for different types of solidarity measures and should be flexible and able to adapt to the evolving nature of the migratory challenges facing a Member Statetrue solidarity as enshrined in Article 80 of the TFEU, among Member States, with third countries, and towards those seeking asylum according to the procedure foreseen in Article 14 and 45 of this Regulation.
Amendment 322 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Given the specific characteristics of disembarkations arising in the context of search and rescue operations conducted by Member States or private organisations whether under instruction from Member States or autonomously in the context of migration, this Regulation should provide for a specificn effective processdure applicable to people disembarked following those operations irrespective of whether there is a situation of migratory pressure.
Amendment 330 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Given the recurring nature of disembarkations from search and rescue operations on the different migratory routes, the annual Migration Management Report should set out the short-term projections of disembarkations anticipated for such operations and the solidarity response that would be required to contribute to the needs of the Member States of disembarkation. The Commission should adopt an implementing act establishing a pool of solidarity measures (‘the solidarity pool’) with the aim of assisting the Member State of disembarkation to address the challenges of such disembarkations. Such measures should comprise applicants for international protection that are not in the border procedure or measures in the field of strengthening of capacity in the field of asylum, reception and return, or operational support, or measures in the external dimension.
Amendment 335 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) In view of coordinating and optimising all relocation efforts, an EU Relocation Coordinator, to be appointed by the Commission, should assist and supervise the relocation coordination of applicants and beneficiaries found eligible for relocation. The EU Relocation Coordinator should endeavour to prioritise vulnerable persons, in particular unaccompanied minors in the relocation and transfers. The EU Relocation Coordinator should, in cooperation with the Commission and the Asylum Agency, also promote coherent working methods, for the verification of any meaningful links that the persons eligible for relocation might have with Member States of relocation.
Amendment 342 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In order to provide a timely response to the specific situation following disembarkations from search and rescue operations, the Commission, and the EU Relocation Coordinator, with the assistance of Union Agencies, should facilitate the swift relocation and transfer of eligible applicants for international protection who are not in the border procedure. Under the , accoordination of the Commission, the European Union Asylum Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency should draw up the list of eligible persons to be relocated indicating the distribution of those persons among the contributing Member Statesg to Article 14.
Amendment 358 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
Amendment 365 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) Where no meaningful links can be established, the share of solidarity contribution for each Member State shall follow the size of the population, the total GDP and its unemployment rate, according to the latest available Eurostat data.
Amendment 369 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
Amendment 381 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) TheA specific solidarity mechanism should also address the situations of migratory pressure in particular for those Member States which due to their geographical location are exposed to or likely to be exposed towhere one or more Member States, in particular, due to their geographical location and a constant level of arrivals, including after disembarkation and search and rescue activities and operations are under migratory pressure. For this purpose, the Commission should adopt a report identifying whether a Member State is under migratory pressure and setting out the measures that could support that Member State in addressing the situation of migratory pressure.
Amendment 392 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) When assessing whether a Member State is under migratory pressure the Commission, based on a broad qualitative and quantitative assessment, should take account of a broad range of factors, including the number of asylum applicants, irregular border crossings, return decisions issued and enforced, and relations with relevant third countriesvulnerabilities of asylum applicants and migrants, irregular border crossings, the capacity of a Member State in managing its asylum and reception caseload. The solidarity response should be designed on a case-by-case basis in order to be tailor- made to the needs of the Member State in question.
Amendment 404 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
Amendment 410 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
Amendment 424 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
Amendment 436 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
Amendment 454 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to ensure a comprehensive and effective solidarity response and in order to give clarity to Member States receiving support, the Commission should adopt an implementing act specifying the contributions to be made by each Member State. Such contributions should always be based on the type of contributions indicated by the Member State concerned in the solidarity response plan, except where that Member State failed to submit one. In such cases, the measures set out in the implementing act for the Member State concerned should be determined by the Commission.
Amendment 460 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
Amendment 465 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
Amendment 477 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) has been built progressively as a common area of protection based on the full and inclusive application of the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, as supplemented by the New York Protocol of 31 January 1967 (‘the Geneva Convention’), thus ensuring that no person is sent back to persecution, in compliance with the principle of non- refoulement. In this respect, and without the responsibility criteria laid down in this Regulation being affected, Member States, all respectings long as they respect human rights and the principle of non- refoulement, are considered as safe countries for third- country nationals.
Amendment 484 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) It is appropriate that a clear and workable method for determining the Member State responsible for the examination of an application for international protection should be included in the Common European Asylum System40 . That method should be based on objective, fair criteria both for the Member States and for the persons concerned. It should, in particular, make it possible to determine rapidly the Member State responsible, so as to guarantee effective access to the procedures for granting international protection and not to compromise the objective of the rapid processing of applications for international protection, namely meaningful links. _________________ 40As set out by the European Council at its special meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999.
Amendment 497 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) This Regulation should be based on the principles underlying Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council41 while developingand the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility as part of the common framework, in line with Article 80 of TFEU. To that end, athe new solidarity mechanism should enable a strengthened preparedness of Member States to manage migration, to address situations where Member States are faced with migratory pressure and to facilitate regular solidarity support among Member States. _________________ 41Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person, OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31.
Amendment 503 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
Amendment 510 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
Amendment 537 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) In accordance with the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration of Member States when applying this Regulation. In assessing the best interests of the child, Member States should, in particular, take due account of the minor’s well-being and social development, safety and security considerations and the views of the minor in accordance with his or her age and maturity, including his or her background and should follow an independent evaluation of his or her best interest by the relevant child protection authorities. In addition, specific procedural guarantees for unaccompanied minors should be laid down on account of their particular vulnerability.
Amendment 554 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) In order to prevent that persons who represent a security risk are transferred among the Member States, it is necessary to ensure that the Member State where an application is first registered does not apply the responsibilty criteria or the benefitting Member State does not apply the relocation procedure where there are reasonable grounds to consider the person concerned a danger to national security or public order.
Amendment 569 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) The definition of a family member in this Regulation should include the sibling or siblings of the applicant, grandparent or grandparents of the applicant. Reuniting siblingsfamily is of particular importance for improving the chances of integration of applicants and hence reducing unauthorised movements. The scope of the definition of family member should also reflect the reality of current migratory trends, according to which applicants often arrive to the territory of the Member States after a prolonged period of time in transit. The definition should therefore include families formed outside the country of origin, but before their arrival on the territory of the Member State. This limited and targeted enlargement of the scope of the definition is expected to reduce the incentive for some unauthorised movements of asylum seekers within the EU.
Amendment 574 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) In order to ensure full respect for the principle of family unity and for the best interests of the child, the existence of a relationship of dependency between an applicant and his or her child, sibling or parent on account of the applicant’s pregnancy or maternity, state of health or old age, should be a binding responsibility criterion. When the applicant is an unaccompanied minor, the presence of a family member or relative on the territory of another Member State who can take care of him or her should also become a binding responsibility criterion. In order to discourage unauthorisedonwards movements of unaccompanied minors, which are not in their best interests, in the absence of a family member or a relative, the Member State responsible should be that where the unaccompanied minor’s application for international protection was first registered, unless it is demonstrated that this would notminor is present, unless it is assessed not to be in the best interests of the child. Before transferring an unaccompanied minor to another Member State, the transferring Member State should make sure that that Member State will take all necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the adequate protection of the child, and. For unaccompanied minors, in particular, the prompt appointment of a representative or representativesguardian tasked with safeguarding respect for all the rights to which they are entitled, as well as prompt access for free legal assistance. When considering or implementing the transfer of a minor, Member States should promote and facilitate the continuity and stability of the support and assistance provided to a minor. Member states should promote and facilitate transnational cooperation between these actors, including sharing of information about the minor, with the informed consent of the minor. Any decision to transfer an unaccompanied minor should be preceded by an individual assessment of his or her best interests by staff with the necessary qualifications and expertise.
Amendment 600 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Considering that a Member State should remain responsible for a person who has irregularly entered its territory, it is also necessary to include the situation when the person enters the territory following a search and rescue operation. A derogation from this responsibility criterion should be laid down for the situation where a Member State has relocated persons having crossed the external border of another Member State irregularly or, until the responsibility of another Member state has been determined, for a person who has irregularly entered its territory by land, air and sea, including after disembarkation and following a search and rescue operation. In such a situation, the Member State of relocation should be responsibile if the person applies for international protections and activities.
Amendment 605 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) Any Member State should be able to derogate from the responsibility criteria in particular on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, in order to bring together family members, relatives or any other family relations and examine an application for international protection registered with it or with another Member State, even if such examination is not its responsibility under the binding criteria laid down in this Regulation.
Amendment 611 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) In order to ensure that the procedures set out in this Regulation are respected and to prevent obstacles to the efficient application of this Regulation, in particular in order to avoid absconding and unauthorised movements betweenthe Member State and the competent authorities of the Member Sstates, it is necessary to establish clear obligations to be complied with by the applicant in the context of the procedure, of which he or she should be duly informed in a timely manner. Violation of those legal obassisted by the Asylum Agency, shall ensure as soon as possible that the third country national or stateless person who intends to make an appligcations should lead to appropriate and propor to internationatel procedural consequences for the applicant and to appropriate and proportionate consequences in terms of his or her reception conditions. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Member State where such an applicant is present should in any case ensure that the immediate material needs of that person are coveredtection fully cooperates in matters covered by this Regulation, informing him or her of his or her rights and obligations.
Amendment 622 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) In order to limit the possibility for applicants’ behaviour to lead to the cessation or shift of responsibility to another Member State, rules allowing for cessation or shift of responsibility where the person leaves the territory of the Member States for at least three months during examination of the application or absconds to evade a transfer to the Member State responsible for more than 18 months should be deleted. The shift of responsibility when the time limit for sending a take back notification has not been respected by the notifying Member State should also be removed in order to discourage circumventing the rules and obstruction of procedure. In situations where a person has entered a Member State irregularly without applying for asylum, the period after which the responsibility of that Member State ceases and another Member State where that person subsequently applies becomes responsible should be extended, to further incentivise persons to comply with the rules and apply in the first Member State of entry and hence limit unauthorisedonwards movements and increase the overall efficiency of the CEAS.
Amendment 634 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) In order to guarantee effective protection of the rights of the persons concerned, legal safeguards and the right to an effective remedy in respect of decisions regarding transfers to the Member State responsible should be established, in accordance, in particular, with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In order to ensure that international law is respected, an effective remedy against such decisions should cover both the examination of the application of this Regulation and of the legal and factual situation in the Member State to which the applicant is transferred. The scope of the effective remedy should be limited to an assessment of whether applicants' fundamental rights to respect of family life, the rights of the child, or the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment risk to be infringed upon.
Amendment 640 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 58
Recital 58
Amendment 656 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) Minors and unaccompanied minors shall never be detained. The detention of applicants should be applied in accordance with the underlying principle that a person should not be held in detention for the sole reason that he or she is seeking international protection. Detention should be for as short a period as possible and subject to the principles of necessity and proportionality thereby only being allowed as a measure of last resort. In particular, the detention of applicants must be in accordance with Article 31 of the Geneva Convention. The procedures provided for under this Regulation in respect of a detained person should be applied as a matter of priority, within the shortest possible deadlines. As regards the general guarantees governing detention, as well as detention conditions, where appropriate, Member States should apply the provisions of Directive XXX/XXX/EU [Reception Conditions Directive] also to persons detained on the basis of this Regulation.
Amendment 745 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) establishes a sustainable mechanism for solidarity as enshrined in Article 80 of the TFEU;
Amendment 766 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ‘applicant’ means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a decision has not been taken, or has been taken and is either subject to or can still be subject to a remedy in the Member State concerned, irrespective of whether the applicant has a right to remain or is allowed to remain in accordance with Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation], including a person who has been granted immediate protection pursuant to Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Regulation addressing situations of crisis and force majeure in the field of asylum and migration], and individuals awaiting an appeal decision;
Amendment 780 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – introductory part
(g) ‘family members’ means, insofar as the family already existed before the applicant or the family member arrived on the territory of the Member States, the following members of the applicant’s or beneficiaries' family who are present on the territory of the Member States:
Amendment 784 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point i
(i) the spousepartner of the applicant or his or her unmarried partner in a stable relationship, where the law or practice of the Member State concerned treats unmarried couples in a way comparable to married couples under its law relating to third-country nationals,beneficiary;
Amendment 791 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
(ii) the minor children of couplepartners referred to in the first indent or of the applicant, on condition that they are unmarriedr beneficiary, and regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law,
Amendment 797 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point iii
(iii) where the applicant is a minor and unmarried, the father, mother or another adult responsible for the applicant, whether by law or by the practice of the Member State where the adult is present,
Amendment 801 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point iv
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point iv
(iv) where the beneficiary of international protection is a minor and unmarried, the father, mother or another adult responsible for him or her whether by law or by the practice of the Member State where the adult or beneficiary of international protection is present,
Amendment 810 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point v
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g – point v
(v) the sibling or siblings, and the grandparent or grandparents of the applicant or beneficiary;
Amendment 815 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ‘relative’ means the applicant’s adult aunt or uncle, or grandparentcousin who is present in the territory of a Member State, regardless of whether the applicant was born in or out of wedlock or adopted as defined under national law;
Amendment 827 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) ‘representativeguardian’ means a person or an organisation appointed by the competent bodies in order to assist and represent an unaccompanied minor in procedures provided for in this Regulation with a view to ensuring the best interests of the child and exercising legal capacity for the minor where necessary;
Amendment 831 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point m a (new)
(ma) “Meaningful links” means any of the following: the possession of a diploma or qualification, the lawful presence of relatives, being beneficiary of a sponsorship, strong linguistic and cultural ties, previous legal stays or residence;
Amendment 847 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point q
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point q
(q) ‘risk of absconding’ means the existence of specific reasons and circumstances in an individual case, which are based on objective criteria clearly defined by national law to believe that an applicant who is subject to a transfer procedure may absconlaw in the light of specific circumstances of the persons involved;
Amendment 853 #
2020/0279(COD)
(r) ‘benefitting Member State’ means the Member State benefitting from the solidarity measures in situations of migratory pressure or for, including following disembarkations following and search and rescue activities and operations as set out in Chapters I-III of Part IV of this Regulation;
Amendment 861 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point t
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point t
Amendment 869 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u
(u) ‘relocation’ means the transfer of a third-country national or a stateless person, or a beneficiary of international protection from the territory of a benefitting Member State to the territory of a contributing Member State;
Amendment 870 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) the EU Relocation Coordinator is the person appointed by the Commission and defined in Article 13a of this Regulation and Article 2 (f) of the Crisis Regulation
Amendment 874 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point v
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point v
(v) ‘search and rescue operations’ means operations of search and rescue activities as referred to in the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue adopted in Hamburg, Germany on 27 April 1979; , and operations as referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 656/20141a; _________________ 1aRegulation (EU) No 656/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders in the context of operational cooperation coordinated by the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union.
Amendment 892 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point z
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point z
(z) ‘return decision’ means an administrative or judicial decision or act stating or declaring the stay of a third- country national to be illegalrregular and imposing or stating an obligation to return that respectspursuant to Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council54 ; _________________ 54 Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 98.
Amendment 894 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point aa
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point aa
(aa) ‘illegalrregularly staying third-country national’ means a third-country national who does not fulfil or no longer fulfils the conditions of entry as set out in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 or other conditions for entry, stay or residence in a Member State.
Amendment 913 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 927 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 933 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 945 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) effective management of the Union’s external borders, based on the European integrated border managthrough the creation and development of an adequately resourced independent monitoring mechanism in line with Article 18 and 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the principle of non-refoulement;
Amendment 965 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) determination of the Member State responsible for the examination of an application for international protection, based on shared responsibility and rules and mechanisms for solidarity, as enshrined in Article 80 the TFEU;
Amendment 976 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point j
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point j
Amendment 985 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point l
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point l
Amendment 991 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point m
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point m
Amendment 1023 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In implementing their obligations, the Member States shall observe the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, as enshrined in Article 80 of the TFEU, and shall take into account the shared interest in the effective functioning of the Union’s asylum and migration management policies. Member States shall:
Amendment 1047 #
2020/0279(COD)
(b) take all measures necessary and proportionate to reduce and prevent irregular migration to the territories of the Member States, in close cooperation and partnership with relevant third countries, including as regards the prevention and fight against migrant smugglingto ensure genuine and effective access to means of legal entry in cooperation with relevant third countries;
Amendment 1056 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) provide and invest in adequate reception conditions, including measures to protect those with special needs;
Amendment 1061 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) apply correctly and expeditiously the rules on the determination of the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection and, where necessary, carry out the transfer to the Member State responsible pursuant to Chapters I-VI of Part III, Chapter I of Part IV;
Amendment 1071 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Amendment 1106 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) relevant reports and analyses from Union agencies, including the Fundamental Rights Agency;
Amendment 1108 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Amendment 1111 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Amendment 1135 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission shall monitor and provide information on the migratory situation through regular situational reports based on good quality data and information provided by Member States, the External Action Service, the Asylum Agency, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Europol and the Fundamental Rights Agency and notably the information gathered within the framework of the Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint and its Network, and reports provided by the organizations in Article 6 (2) (da).
Amendment 1140 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 1185 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Where no Member State responsible can be designated on the basis of the criteria listed in this Regulation, the first Member State in whichresponsible for examining the application for international protection was registered shall be responsible for examining itshall be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 45.
Amendment 1200 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Where a Member State cannot carry out the transfer pursuant to the first subparagraph to any Member State designated on the basis of the criteria set out in Chapter II of Part III or of the procedure laid down in Chapter I of Part IV, or to the first Member State with which the application was registered, that Member State shall become the Member State responsible.
Amendment 1204 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1216 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Member State in which the applicant or a beneficiary of international protection is present shall, however, ensure that the designation of the Member State responsible does not worsen a situation where the fundamental rights of that applicant have been infringed by using a procedure for determining the Member State responsible which takes an unreasonable length of time. If necessary, that Member State must itself examine the application in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article25.
Amendment 1219 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Amendment 1223 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9
Article 9
Amendment 1254 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 1272 #
Amendment 1273 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. As soon as possible the Member State and the competent authorities of the Member State, assisted by the Asylum Agency, shall ensure that the third country national or stateless person, who intends to make an application to international protection, fully cooperates in matters covered by this Regulation, by informing him or her:
Amendment 1274 #
Amendment 1285 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 1292 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) of the objectives of this Regulation, the criteria and the procedures for determining the Member State responsible, the hierarchy of such criteria in the different steps of the procedure and their duration, including the specific criteria applied by Member states requested or notified in the individual case;
Amendment 1299 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) of the aim of the personal interview pursuant to Article 12 and the obligation to submit and substantiate orally or through the provision of documents information as soon as possible in the procedure any relevant information that could help to establish the presence of family members, relatives or any other family relations in the Member States, including the means by which the applicant can submit such information, as well as any assistance that the Member State can offer with regard to the tracing of family members or relatives;
Amendment 1300 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) the applicant shall be informed that his or her absconding may prejudice the conduct of the interview and that, in any case, he or she has the right to ask for the interview to be conducted;
Amendment 1302 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) of the obligation for the applicant to disclose, as soon as possible in the procedure any relevant information that could help to establish any prior residence permits, visas or educational diplomas;. The competent authorities shall take into account the elements and information relevant for determining the Member state responsible submitted at any stage of the procedure, provided they have been submitted before the final decision determining the Member State responsible. In the period between the final decision and the actual transfer to a designated Member State, other relevant elements provided by the applicant shall be taken into consideration if the delay in submitting them is due to justified reasons.
Amendment 1311 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) of the possibility to challenge a transfer decision within the time limit set out in Article 33(2) and of the fact that the scope of that challenge is limited as laid down in Article 33(1)existence of the rights to have an effective remedy with automatic suspensive effect before a Court or a Tribunal in accordance with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, including in a situation where no transfer decision is taken;
Amendment 1319 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) of the right to be granted, on request, legal and linguistic assistance free of charge at all stages of the procedure, where the person concerned cannot afford the costs involved;
Amendment 1323 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) of the possibility under Article 25 to request the discretionary clause to be applied by any Member State from the Member State where they are present, as well as of the specific arrangements relating to the procedure;
Amendment 1328 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) in the case of an unaccompanied minor, of the role and responsibilities of the representativeguardian and of the procedure to file complaints against a representativeguardian in confidence and safety and in full respect of the child's right to be heard in this respect;
Amendment 1332 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point l
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point l
Amendment 1336 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be provided in writingthe mother tongue of the applicant or, if not possible, in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand. Member States shall use the common information material drawn up in clear and plain language pursuant to paragraph 3 for that purpose. . In both cases the information shall be provided in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language. Member States shall use the common information material drawn up in clear and plain language pursuant to paragraph 3 for that purpose. The information shall be provided in writing and orally, where appropriate with the support of multimedia equipment. Oral information may be given either in individual or group sessions and applicants shall have the possibility to ask questions about the procedural steps they are expected to follow with regard to the process of determining a Member State responsible in accordance with this Regulation. When the applicant is a minor, information shall be provided in a child-friendly manner, including in both written and oral forms by appropriately trained staff and with the involvement of the guardian, notably about the process to identify family members or relatives in accordance with Article 15 of this Regulation.
Amendment 1343 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1350 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. The Asylum Agency shall, in close cooperation with the responsible national agencies, draw up common information material, as well as a specific leaflet for unaccompanied minors, containing at least the information referred to in paragraph 1. That common information material shall also include information regarding the application of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation] and, in particular, the purpose for which the data of an applicant may be processed within Eurodac. The common information material shall be drawn up in such a manner as to enable Member States to complete it with additional Member State-specific information. The European Union Agency for Asylum shall create specific information material intended particularly for the following target groups: (a) adult applicants; (b) unaccompanied minors; (c) accompanied minors.
Amendment 1354 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The competent authorities of the Member States shall keep the applicants informed of the progress of the procedures carried out under this Regulation with regard to their application. The information shall be provided in writing at regular intervals, at least every two weeks. In the case of minors, the competent authorities shall, in accordance with the same arrangements, inform both the minor and the parent or guardian. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts to establish the arrangements for the provision of such information.
Amendment 1357 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Amendment 1358 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. In order to facilitate the process of determining the Member State responsible, the determining Member Statecompetent authorities of the determining Member State, assisted by the Asylum Agency, shall conduct a personal interview with the applicant. The interview shall also allow the proper understanding of the information supplied to the applicant in accordance with Article 11specific individual situation of the applicant and of the information he or she supplied in accordance with Article 11. The determining Member State shall proactively ask questions on all aspects of the claim that would allow for the determination of the Member States responsible. In any case, the presence of the legal representative of the applicant or of a representative of an institution for the protection and assistance of asylum seekers registered in the Member State shall be allowed at the interview.
Amendment 1364 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1373 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The personal interview shall take place in a timely manner and, in any event, before any take charge request is made pursuant to Article 29 or take back request pursuant to Article 31.
Amendment 1379 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The personal interview shall be conducted in the mother tongue of the applicant or in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand and in which he or she is able to communicate. Interviews of unaccompanied minors shall be conducted in a child- friendly manner, by staff who are appropriately trained and qualified under national law, in the presence of the representativeguardian and, where applicable, the minor’s legal advisor. Where necessary, Member States shall have recourse to an interpreter, and where appropriate a cultural mediator, who is able to ensure appropriate communication between the applicant and the person conducting the personal interview. The applicant may request to be interviewed and assisted by staff of the same sex.
Amendment 1390 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. The Member State shall ensure that there are appropriate standard operating procedures in place in order to ensure that appropriate protection measures are taken with respect to applicants at risk of being exploited for the purposes of trafficking in human beings or other organised crime activities.
Amendment 1394 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Article 12 – paragraph 6
Amendment 1405 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Each Member State where an unaccompanied minor is presents shall ensure that he or she isminors are represented and assisted by a representativeguardian with respect to the relevant procedures provided for in this Regulation. The representativeguardian shall have the resources, qualifications, training and, expertise and independence to ensure that the best interests of the minor are taken into consideration during the procedures carried out under this Regulation. Such representative shall have access to the content of the relevant documents in the applicant’s file including the specific information material for unaccompanied minors.minors, and shall inform the child accordingly about the procedure. The guardian shall be appointed as soon as possible but, at the latest, within two days after the arrival, and in any event prior to the collection of biometric data pursuant to Articles 10, 13 and 14a of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX (Eurodac Regulation)
Amendment 1411 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Where an organisation is appointed as a representativeguardian, it shall designate a person responsible for carrying out its duties in respect of the minor. The first subparagraph shall apply to that person.
Amendment 1414 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The representativeguardian provided for in the first subparagraph may be the same person or organisation as provided for in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation].
Amendment 1416 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. The representative of an unaccompanied minor shall bguardian shall represent the minvolvedor in the process of establishing the Member State responsible under this Regulation. T and any other representativeight recognized to the minor. The guardian shall assist the unaccompanied minor to provide information relevant to the assessment of his or her best interests in accordance with paragraph 4, including the exercise of the right to be heard, and shall support his or her engagement with other actors, such as family tracing organisations, where appropriate for that purpose. , and with due regard to confidentiality obligations to the minor. The guardian shall ensure the minor has access to information, legal advice and representation concerning the procedures under this Regulation and shall keep the minor informed on the progress in the procedures under this Regulation concerning him or her. The guardian shall have access to the content of the relevant documents in the minor's file including the specific information material for unaccompanied minors and the forms provided for in Article 6. Guardians shall receive regular training and support to undertake their tasks.
Amendment 1424 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. In assessing the best interests of the child, Member States shall closely cooperate with each other and shall, in particular, take due account of the following factorsnon-exhaustive list of factors and rights of the child:
Amendment 1436 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) the minor’s well-being and social development, taking into particular consideration the minor’s backgroundethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic background and further having regard to the need for stability and continuity in care and custodial arrangements and access to health and education services;
Amendment 1449 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) safety and security considerations, in particular where there is a risk of the minor being a victim of any form of violence and exploitation, including trafficking in human beings or violence within the family;
Amendment 1451 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(ca) situations of vulnerability, including psycho-physical trauma, specific health needs and disability;
Amendment 1458 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
(da) the need for decisions concerning minors to be treated with priority;
Amendment 1459 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point d b (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point d b (new)
(db) In assessing the best interests of the minor, the minor's right to be heard must be guaranteed to every child capable of forming his or her own views.
Amendment 1461 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point e
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point e
(e) where the applicant is an unaccompanied minor, the information provided by the representativeguardian in the Member State where the unaccompanied minor is present.
Amendment 1467 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 5
Article 13 – paragraph 5
5. Before transferring an unaccompanied minor to the Member State responsible or, where applicable, to the Member State of relocation, the transferring Member State shall make surobtain guarantees assessed on the individual case that the Member State responsible or the Member State of relocation takes the measures referred to in Articles 14 and 23 of Directive XXX/XXX/EU [Reception Conditions Directive] and Article 22 of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Procedure Regulation] without delay. Any decision to transfer an unaccompaniedor not transfer a minor shall be preceded by an individual and multidisciplinary assessment of his/her best interests. The assessment shall be based on the factors listed in paragraph 4 and the conclusions of the assessment on these factors shall be clearly stated in the transfer decision. The assessment shall be done swiftly by multidisciplinary staff with the qualifications and expertise to ensure that the best interests of the minor are taken into consideration. The multidisciplinary assessment shall involve competent staff with expertise in child protection and child psychology and development and shall also include, as a minimum, the minor’s guardian and legal advisor. Before the transfer of a minor, the receiving Member State shall appoint a guardian as soon as possible, but in any event within five working days of the confirmation of the transfer decision. The competent authorities shall communicate the information regarding the guardian appointed by the receiving Member State to the current guardian together with the arrangements for the transfer.
Amendment 1480 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
To that end, that Member State may call for the assistance of international or other relevant organisations, and may facilitate the minor’s access to the tracing services of such organisations., as soon as possible after an application for international protection is made, whilst protecting his or her best interest. In cases where there may be a threat to the life or integrity of the minor or his or her close relatives, particularly if they have remained in the country of origin, care must be taken to ensure that the collection, processing and circulation of information concerning those persons is undertaken on a confidential basis, so as to avoid jeopardising their safety
Amendment 1484 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
The staff of the competent authorities referred to in Article 41 who deal with requests concerning unaccompanied minors shall have received, and shall continue to receive, appropriate training concerning the specific needs of minors, including training on rights of the child and child psychology and development. Such training shall also include modules on risk assessment to target care and protection depending on the individual needs of the minor, with a specific focus on early identification of victims of trafficking in human beings and of abuse, as well as training on good practices to prevent disappearance.
Amendment 1491 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 7
Article 13 – paragraph 7
7. With a view to facilitating the appropriate action to identify the family members or relatives of the unaccompanied minor living in the territory of another Member State pursuant to paragraph 6, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts including a standard form for the exchange of relevant information between Member States. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 67(2).
Amendment 1492 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Amendment 1494 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – title
Article 14 – title
Hierarchy of criteria upon arrival and disembarkation, including following search and rescue operations
Amendment 1497 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 1500 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. That Member State, assisted by the Asylum Agency, shall arrange, upon arrival or after disembarkation, including following search and rescue operations and activities, for an interview with the applicant in order to identify his or her meaningful links with one or more member States including that of arrival. The applicant has the right to be informed and cooperate in line with article 11 of this Regulation.
Amendment 1501 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 c (new)
Amendment 1502 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 d (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. The Member State of entry, in cooperation with the Asylum Agency, shall inform the applicant of the determination and of the arrangements of the transfer to the Member State responsible for the examination, in accordance to Article 32 of this Regulation.
Amendment 1503 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 e (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. If no meaningful links with a Member State are established or no criteria listed in this Chapter are applicable, the procedure established in Article 45 of this Regulation shall apply.
Amendment 1505 #
Amendment 1506 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 15 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Where a minor is accompanied by one parent, adult sibling or other adult who holds parental responsibility for the minor, whether by law or by the practice of that Member State, and one parent or other adult who holds parental responsibility for the minor, whether by law or by the practice of that Member State, is legally present in a Member State, the determination of the Member State responsible shall be based on the objective of prioritising family unity, taking into account the best interest of the child.
Amendment 1509 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The Member State responsible shall be that where a family member of the unaccompanied minor is legally present, unlessif it is demonstrated that it is not in the best interests of the minor. Where the applicant is a married minor whose spouse is not legally present on the territory of the Member Statesin the best minor's best interest. Where the applicant is a minor, the Member State responsible shall be the Member State where the father, mother, grandparents or other adult responsible for the minor, whether by law or by the practice of that Member State, or sibling is legally present.
Amendment 1518 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 5
Article 15 – paragraph 5
5. In the absence of a family member or a relative as referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, the Member State responsible shall be that where the unaccompanied minor’s application for international protection was first registered is present, unless it is demonstrated that this is not in the best interests of the minor.
Amendment 1529 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, establish uniform conditions for the consultation and the exchange of information between Member States. The implementing acts shall promote the ability of the guardian and legal assistance provider to seek assistance in another State so as to gain information about the circumstances of reception and care arrangements in the other country or family reunion possibilities. This may involve contact with guardianship authority, information on access to legal assistance in the event of need to appeal. The implementing acts shall also promote and facilitate cooperation between guardians and legal assistance providers between States in the event a transfer of a minor is being contemplated or implemented, including providing for sharing of information about the minor, with the informed consent of the minor. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 67(2).
Amendment 1534 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – title
Article 16 – title
Family members who are beneficiaries of international protectionlegally reside in a Member state
Amendment 1536 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Where the applicant has a family member who has been allowed to reside as a beneficiary of international protection, regardless of whether the family was previously formed in the country of origin, who is legally residing in a Member State, that Member State shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection, provided that the persons concerned expressed their desire in writing.
Amendment 1541 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Where the applicant has a family member in a Member State whose application for international protection in that Member State has not yet been the subject of a first decision regarding the substance, that Member State shall be responsible for examining the application for international protection, provided that the persons concerned expressed their desire in writing.
Amendment 1554 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. Where the applicant is in possession of one or more residence documents or one or more visas which expired less than three years before the application was registered, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall apply.
Amendment 1556 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 a (new)
Article 19 a (new)
Article 19a Previous stays If the applicant has resided legally for at least two years in a Member state with a valid residence permit, the Member state shall be responsible for examining his or her application for international protection.
Amendment 1567 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21
Article 21
Amendment 1582 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22
Article 22
Amendment 1589 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23
Article 23
Application in an international transit Where the application for international protection is made in the international transit area of an airport of a Member State by a third-country national or a stateless person, that Member State shall be responsible for examining the application.rticle 23 deleted area of an airport
Amendment 1597 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Where, on account of pregnancy, having a new-born child, serious illness, severe disability, severe trauma or old age,trauma, old age, or other relevant psychological and/or physical vulnerabilities an applicant is dependentin need onf the assistance of his or her child or , sibling, parent, or grandparent legally resident in one of the Member States, or his or her child or , sibling, parent or grandparent legally resident in one of the Member States is dependentn need onf the assistance of the applicant, Member States shall normally keep or bring together the applicant with that child or , sibling, parent, or grandparent, provided that family ties existed before the applicant arrived on the territory of the Member States, that the child or the child, sibling, parent or grandparent or the applicant is able to take care of the dependent person and that the persons concerned expressed their desire in writing.
Amendment 1600 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Where there are indications that a child or , sibling, parent or grandparent is legally resident on the territory of the Member State where the dependent person is present, that Member State shall verify whether the child or , sibling, parent or grandparent can take care of the dependent person, before making a take charge request pursuant to Article 29.
Amendment 1607 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. Where the child or , sibling, parent or grandparent referred to in paragraph 1 is legally resident in a Member State other than the one where the applicant is present, the Member State responsible shall be the one where the child or parent is legally resident unless the applicant’s health prevents him or her from travelling to that Member State for a significant period of time, sibling, parent or grandparent is legally resident . In such a case, the Member State responsible shall be the one where the applicant is present. Such Member State shall not be subject to the obligation to bring the child or , sibling, parent or grandparent of the applicant to its territory.
Amendment 1613 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 a (new)
Article 24 a (new)
Article 24 a Sponsorship 1. A Member State may provide the possibility that recognised organisations working in that Member State in the field of refugee protection programmes and prevention of trafficking in human beings become the sponsor of an applicant who has applied for international protection in the Union. The sponsoring organization shall arrange for the applicant's relocation and stay in the Member State until a final decision is taken on his or her application for international protection. 2. If the Member State in which the organization is established agrees to take charge of the applicant, it becomes the Member State responsible for examining the application for international protection.
Amendment 1615 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. By way of derogation from Article 8(1), each Member State may decide to examine an application for international protection by a third-country national or a stateless person registerlodged with it, even if such examination is not its responsibility under the criteria laid down in this Regulation.
Amendment 1618 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Member State in which an application for international protection is registered and which is carrying out the process of determining the Member State responsible, or the Member State responsible, may, at any time before a first decision regarding the substance is taken, request another Member State to take charge of an applicant in order to bring together any family relations, on humanitarian grounds based in particular on family or, cultural considerations or social ties, language skills or other meaningful links which would facilitate his or her integration into that other Member state, even where that other Member State is not responsible under the criteria laid down in Articles 15 to 18 and 24. The persons concerned shall express their consent in writing.
Amendment 1620 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The requested Member State shall carry out any necessary checks to examine the humanitarian grounds cited, and shall reply to the requesting Member State within twoone months of receipt of the request using the electronic communication network set up under Article 18 of Regulation (EC) No 1560/2003. A reply refusing the request shall state the reasons on which the refusal is based. Where the requested Member State accepts the request, responsibility for examining the application shall be transferred to it.
Amendment 1629 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a Light Family procedure 1. The determining Member State shall be responsible for conducting a special family reunification procedure for the applicant in order to ensure swift family reunification and access to the asylum procedures for applicants where there are, prima facie, sufficient indicators showing that they are likely to have the right to family reunification in accordance with Article 13, 15, 16, 24a. 2. If it is determined pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 that an applicant has, prima facie, the right to family reunification in accordance with Article 13, 15, 16 24a, the determining Member State shall notify the Member State of allocation thereof and the applicant shall be transferred to that Member State. 3. In accordance with the procedure referred to in paragraph 2, the Member State of allocation shall make the determination of whether the conditions for family reunification in accordance with Article 18 are met. If this is the case the Member state of allocation shall become the Member State responsible.
Amendment 1640 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 1649 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 1659 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The first subparagraph shall not apply if the person has already been granted international protection by the responsible Member State, provided that the beneficiary does not claim before a judge that in the Member State primarily designated as responsible there are substantial grounds for believing that he or she would be in danger of being subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatments and punishments, in contrast with Article 4 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, pursuant to Article 8 (3).
Amendment 1667 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The obligations specified in Article 26 shall cease where the Member State responsible can establish, when requested to take charge of or take back an applicant or another person as referred in Article 26, that the person concerned has left the territory of the Member States for at least three months, unless the person concerned is in possession of a valid residence document issued by the Member State responsible. An application registered after the period of absence referred to in the first subparagraph shall be regarded as a new application giving rise to a new procedure for determining the Member State responsible.
Amendment 1700 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Notwithstanding the first subparagraph, in the case of a Eurodac hit with data recorded pursuant to Articles 13 and 14a of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation] or of a VIS hit with data recorded pursuant to Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 767/2008, the request to take charge shall be sent within onetwo months of receiving that hit.
Amendment 1704 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Where the applicant is an unaccompanied minor, or the determining Member State may, where it considers that it is in the best interest of the minorrequest is based on Article 16 or 17, the determining Member State may, continue the procedure for determining the Member State responsible and request another Member State to take charge of the applicant despite the expiry of the time limits laid down in the first and second subparagraphs. With regard to minors, for the purpose of calculating the deadlines referred to in the first and second subparagraphs of this paragraph, time shall start to run when a guardian has been appointed and when the best interests assessment pursuant to Article 13, 15, 16, 17, 25a has been concluded.
Amendment 1739 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – title
Article 31 – title
Submitting a take back notificationrequest
Amendment 1745 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. In a situation referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) or (d) the Member State where the person is present shall make a take back notificationrequest without delay and in any event within two weeks after receiving the Eurodac hit. Where the take back request is not made within the established time limit, the responsibility for examining the application for international protection shall lie with the Member State where the applicant is present.
Amendment 1763 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3
Article 31 – paragraph 3
3. The notifirequested Member State shall aconfirm receipt of the notification torequest of the Member State which made the notificationrequest within onefour weeks, unless the notifirequested Member State can demonstrate within that time limit that its is not responsibility has ceasedle pursuant to Article 27.
Amendment 1768 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4
Article 31 – paragraph 4
4. Failure to act within the onefour-weeks period set out in paragraph 3 shall be tantamount to confirming the receipt of the notificationrequest.
Amendment 1774 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 5
Article 31 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt uniform conditions for the preparation and submission of take back notificationrequests. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 67(2).
Amendment 1781 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. The determining Member State whose take charge request as regards the applicant referred to in Article 26(1), point (a) was accepted or who made a take back notification as regards persons referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) and (d) shall take a transfer decision at the latest within one week of the acceptance or notification.
Amendment 1788 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2
Article 32 – paragraph 2
2. Where the requested Member State accepts to take charge of an applicant or to take back a person referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) or (d), the requesting or the notifying Member State shall notify the person concerned in writing without delayin one week of the decision to transfer him or her to the Member State responsible and, where applicable, of the fact that it will not examine his or her application for international protection.
Amendment 1793 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 32 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. The decision referred to in paragraph 1 shall be written in a language understandable to the applicant and contain information on the legal remedies available, including on the right to apply for suspensive effect, and on the time limits applicable for seeking such remedies and for carrying out the transfer, and shall, if necessary, contain information on the place where, and the date on which, the person concerned is required to appear, if that person is travelling to the Member State responsible by his or her own means.
Amendment 1808 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The applicant or another person as referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) and (d) shall have the right to an effective remedy with automatic suspensive effect, in the form of an appeal or a review, in fact and in law, against a transfer decision, before a court or tribunal.
Amendment 1811 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1823 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The person concerned shall have the right to request, within a reasonable period of Member States shall ensure that an effectimve from the notificationremedy shall confer ofn the transfer decision, a court or tribunal to suspend the implementation of the transfer decisionperson concerned the right to remain in the Member state concerned pending the outcome of his or ther appeal or review. Member States shall ensure that an effective remedy is in place by suspending the transfer, the transfer shall be automatically suspended until the decision on the first suspension request is taken. Any decision on whether to suspend the implementation of the transfer decision shall be taken within one month of the date when that request reached the competent court or tribunal.
Amendment 1826 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1834 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Member States shall ensure that legal assistance is granted on request free of charge, at all stages of the procedure, where the person concerned cannot afford the costs involved, according to Article 11a of this Regulation. Member States may provide that, as regards fees and other costs, the treatment of persons subject to this Regulation shall not be more favourable than the treatment generally accorded to their nationals in matters pertaining to legal assistance.
Amendment 1838 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1844 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 1845 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 1848 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 4
Legal assistance shall include at least the preparation of the required procedural documents and representation before a court or tribunal and may be restricted to legal advisors or counsellors specifically designated by national law to provide assistance and representationbe in line with Article 11a.
Amendment 1850 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 5
Article 33 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 5
Amendment 1853 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall not hold a person in detention for the sole reason that he or she is subject to the procedure established by this Regulation. Detention shall, in any case, be a measure of last resort when alternatives are not available.
Amendment 1858 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Minors, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, and vulnerable people according to Directive 2013/33 shall not be detained. In accordance with the principle of family unity, parents or legal or customary primary caregivers shall not be detained. Unaccompanied minors shall be placed in appropriate alternative care settings in the national child protection system in line with their best interest and taking into consideration their views and needs. Families with minor children shall be accommodated together in non- custodial, community-based placements while their immigration status is being resolved.
Amendment 1866 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2
Article 34 – paragraph 2
2. Where there is a proven risk of absconding, Member States, as measure of last resort, may detain the person concerned in order to secure a transfer proceduresafter a final transfer decision has been taken and notified in accordance with this Regulation, on the basis of an individual assessment and only in so far as detention is proportional and other less coercive alternative measures cannot be applied effectively, based on an individual assessment of the person’s circumstances.
Amendment 1874 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Detention shall be for as short a period as possible and shall be for no longer than the time reasonably necessary to fulfil the required administrative procedures with due diligence until the transfer under this Regulation is carried out, and in any case shall not exceed three months.
Amendment 1883 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Where an applicant or another person referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) or (d) is detained pursuant to this Article, the period for submitting a take charge request or a take back notificationrequest shall not exceed two weeks from the registration of the application. Where a person is detained at a later stage than the registration of the application, the period for submitting a take charge request or a take back notification shall not exceed one week from the date on which the person was placed in detention. The Member State carrying out the procedure in accordance with this Regulation shall ask for an urgent reply on a take charge request. Such reply shall be given within one week of receipt of the take charge request. Failure to reply within the one-week period shall be tantamount to accepting the take charge request and shall entail the obligation to take charge of the person, including the obligation to provide for proper arrangements for arrival.
Amendment 1895 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 4
Article 34 – paragraph 4
4. Where a person is detained pursuant to this Article, the detention shall be ordered in writing by judicial authorities. The detention order shall state the reasons in fact and in law on which it is based and shall contain a reference to the consideration of the available alternatives and the reasons as to way they could not be applied effectively.
Amendment 1899 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 5
Article 34 – paragraph 5
5. As regards the detention conditions, which shall fully respect the person's fundamental rights and the guarantees applicable to applicants detained, in order to secure the transfer procedures to the Member State responsible, Articles 9, 10 and 11 of Directive XXX/XXX/EU [Reception Conditions Directive] shall apply.
Amendment 1906 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The transfer of an applicant or of another person as referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) and (d), from the requesting or notifying Member State to the Member State responsible shall be carried out in accordance with the national law of the requesting or notifying Member State, after consultation between the Member States concerned, as soon as practically possible, and at the latest within six months of the acceptance of the take charge request or of the confirmation of the take back notificationrequest by another Member State or of the final decision on an appeal or review of a transfer decision where there is a suspensive effect in accordance with Article 33(3). That time limit may be extended up to a maximum of one year if the transfer cannot be carried out due to imprisonment of the person concerned for criminal purposes.
Amendment 1929 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 1934 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 1
Article 36 – paragraph 1
1. In accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum and Migration Fund], a contribution shall be paid to the Member State carrying out the transfer for theThe costs necessary to transfer of an applicant or another person as referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) or (d), pursuant to Article 35to the Member state responsible shall be met by the General Budget of the Union.
Amendment 1939 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 1
Article 37 – paragraph 1
1. The Member State carrying out the transfer of an applicant or of another person as referred to in Article 26(1), point (b), (c) or (d), shall communicate to the Member State responsible such personal data concerning the person to be transferred as is adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the sole purposes of ensuring that the competent authorities, in accordance with national law in the Member State responsible, are in a position to provide that person with adequate assistance, including the provision of immediate health care required in order to protect his or her vital interests, to ensure continuity in the protection and rights afforded by this Regulation and by other applicable asylum legal instruments. Those data shall be communicated to the Member State responsible within a reasonable period of time before a transfer is carried out, in order to ensure that its competent authorities in under national law have sufficient time to take the necessary measures.
Amendment 1994 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 3
Article 42 – paragraph 3
3. Before concluding or amending any arrangement as referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), the Member States concerned shall consult the Commission as to the compatibility of the arrangement with this Regulation and with other relevant provisions of EU Law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Amendment 1995 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 4
Article 42 – paragraph 4
4. If the Commission considers the arrangements referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), to be incompatible with this Regulation, and with any other relevant provisions of EU Law including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, it shall, within a reasonable period, notify the Member States concerned. The Member States shall take all appropriate steps to amend the arrangement concerned within a reasonable time in such a way as to eliminate any incompatibilities observed.
Amendment 2015 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Solidarity contributions for the benefit of a Member State under migratory pressureof first entry or subject to disembarkations following, including after search and rescue operations shall consist of the followand activities shall be established according to the procedure provided ing types:his Article.
Amendment 2020 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 2034 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 2036 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 2045 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 2058 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 45 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where no meaningful links can be established, the Commission, assisted by the Asylum Agency, shall identify the Member State with the lowest number of applicants in relation to its share, calculated on the basis of the distribution key, as the Member State responsible. The European Commission will immediately notify this Member State which will be responsible for examining the application and the Member State of first entry.
Amendment 2061 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 45 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The Member State of first entry, in cooperation with the Asylum Agency, shall immediately inform the applicant about the determination of responsibility as referred to in paragraph2 of this Article, and of the arrangements of the transfer to the Member State responsible for the examination, in accordance to Article 32 of this Regulation.
Amendment 2062 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 45 – paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. The procedure established by this Article shall apply to applicants arrived in a Member State by land, air or sea, including after disembarkation and following search and rescue operations and activities.
Amendment 2063 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 d (new)
Article 45 – paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. The share calculated according to the distribution key may be adjusted when a Member State demonstrates that over the proceeding 10 years it has been responsible for twice the Union average per capita of applicants for international protection.
Amendment 2067 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 2
Article 45 – paragraph 2
Amendment 2086 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46
Article 46
Article 46 deleted Solidarity Forum shall comprise all Member States. The Commission shall convene and preside the Solidarity Forum in order to ensure the smooth functioning of this Part.
Amendment 2105 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – title
Article 47 – title
47 Solidarity for disembarkations following search and rescue activities and operations
Amendment 2107 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 1
Article 47 – paragraph 1
1. This Article and Articles 148 and 495 shall also apply to search and rescue oparrivals, connected to search and rescue activities as referred to in the 1979 Internations that generate recurring arrivalsal Convention Maritime on Search and Rescue adopted in Hamburg, Germany, on 27 April 1979, and operations as referred to in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No656/2014, leading to disembarkation of third- country nationals orand stateless persons on to the territory of a Member State and to vulnerable persons as set out in Article 49(4).
Amendment 2112 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 2
Article 47 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Migration Management Report referred to in Article 6(4) indicates that one or more Member States faced with the situations referred to in paragraph 1, it shall also set out the total number of applicants for international protection referred to in Article 45(1), point (a) that would need to be relocated in order to assist those Member States. The report shall also identify any capacity-building measures referred to in Article 45(1), point (d) which are necessary to assist the Member State concernedIn the context of disembarkations following search and rescue activities and operations, as defined in paragraph 1, the special needs of children, including unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking in human beings, persons in need of urgent medical assistance, disabled persons, persons in need of international protection and other persons in a particularly vulnerable situation, shall be addressed as a matter of urgency and in a spirit of solidarity, pursuant to Articles 14 and 45.
Amendment 2114 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 3
Article 47 – paragraph 3
Amendment 2118 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 4
Article 47 – paragraph 4
Amendment 2132 #
2020/0279(COD)
Amendment 2140 #
Amendment 2177 #
Amendment 2207 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) that Member State has informed the Commission that it considers itself to be under migratory pressure; and
Amendment 2211 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 50 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) on the basis of available information, it considers that aone or more Member States may be under migratory pressure, due to a constant level of arrivals, including after disembarkation, which would undermine the effective functioning of the procedures foreseen in Articles 14 and 45 of this Regulation.
Amendment 2216 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 2
Article 50 – paragraph 2
2. The Asylum Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency shall assist the Commission in drawing up the assessment of migratory pressure, in cooperation with the Member States in question. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament, the Council and the Member States concerned, without delay, that it is undertaking an assessment.
Amendment 2221 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the total number of applications for international protection by third-country nationals and the nationality of the applicants;
Amendment 2223 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 2227 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point c
Amendment 2230 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point d
Amendment 2235 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point f
Amendment 2239 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point g
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point g
Amendment 2242 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point h
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point h
(h) the number of persons apprehendidentified in connection with an irregular crossing of the external land, sea or air border;
Amendment 2245 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point i
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point i
Amendment 2249 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point j
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point j
(j) the number and nationality of third- country nationals disembarked and following search and rescue operations and activities, including the number of applications for international protection;
Amendment 2251 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point k
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point k
(k) the number of vulnerable migrants, in particular unaccompanied minors.
Amendment 2254 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point k a (new)
Article 50 – paragraph 3 – point k a (new)
(ka) the capacity of the Member States under migratory pressure, in particular in its overall needs in managing its asylum and reception caseload.
Amendment 2260 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point b
Amendment 2263 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point f
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point f
Amendment 2267 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point h
Article 50 – paragraph 4 – point h
Amendment 2275 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 51 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall consult the Member States concerned during its assessment undertaken pursuant to Article 50(1).
Amendment 2281 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 2
Article 51 – paragraph 2
2. In the report, the Commission shall state and explain whether the Member States concerned isare under migratory pressure.
Amendment 2285 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Where the Commission concludes that the Member States concerned isare under migratory pressure, the report shall identify:
Amendment 2288 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the capacity of the Member States under migratory pressure in the field of migration management, in particular asylum and return as well as, in particular in its overall needs in managing its asylum and returception caseload;
Amendment 2292 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point i
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point i
(i) measures that the Member States under migratory pressure should take in the field of migration management, and in particular in the field of asylum and returception;
Amendment 2294 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point ii
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point ii
(ii) measures referred to in Article 45(1), points (a), (b) andidentified by the Commission to support the Member States concerned, including: (a) capacity building measures in the field of asylum and reception, corresponding to the needs of the Member States under pressure; (cb) to be taken by other Member States; relocation of beneficiaries of international protection who have been granted protection less than two years prior to the relocation.
Amendment 2299 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iii
Article 51 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iii
Amendment 2314 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 1
Article 52 – paragraph 1
1. Where the report referred to in Article 51 indicates that a Member State is under migratory pressure, the other Member States which are not themselves benefitting Member States shall contribute by means of the solidarity contributions referred to in Article 45(1), points (a), (b) and (c51(3) (b) (ii). Member States shall prioritise the relocation of unaccompanied minors.
Amendment 2329 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 52 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 2332 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 2339 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 4
Article 52 – paragraph 4
4. Where the Commission considers that the solidarity contributions indicated in the Solidarity Response Plans do not correspond to the needs identified in the report on migratory pressure provided for in Article 51, it shall convene the Solidarity Forum. In such cases, the Commission shall invite Member States to adjust the type of contributions in their Solidarity Response Plans in the course of the Solidarity Forum by submitting revised Solidarity Response Plans.
Amendment 2356 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 1
Article 53 – paragraph 1
1. Within two weeks from the submission of the Solidarity Response Plans referred to in Article 52(3) or, where the Solidarity Forum is convened pursuant to Article 52(4), within two weeks from the end of the Solidarity Forum, the Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the solidarity contributions for the benefit of the Member States under migratory pressure to be taken by the other Member States and the timeframe for their implementation.
Amendment 2357 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 2360 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 2363 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 53 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Where the measures proposed would lead to a shortfall greater than 30% of the total number of solidarity measures identified in the report on migratory pressure under Article 51(3)(b)(ii), the contributions set out in the implementing act shall be adjusted so that those Member States indicating such measures would be required to cover 50% of their share calculated according to the distribution key set out in Article 54 through measures set out in Article 51(3)(b)(ii). The CommissionCommission considers the measures proposed are inadequate, it shall adjust measures referred to in Article 51(3)(b)(iii) indicated by those Member States accordingly.
Amendment 2364 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) the total number of persons to be relocated from the requesting Member State pursuant to Article 45(1), points (a) or (c), taking into account the capacity and needs of the requesting Member States in the area of asylum identified in the report referred to inset of measures foreseen in Article 51 (3) (b) (ii) of this Regulation, including the total number of beneficiaries of international protection pursuant to Article 51 (3) (b) (ii) (b), that shall be relocated;
Amendment 2365 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 2366 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point c
Amendment 2367 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – point d
Amendment 2370 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 53 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 2373 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 53 – paragraph 4
Article 53 – paragraph 4
Amendment 2380 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The share of solidarity contributions referred to in Articles 45(1), points (a), (b) and (c) to be provided by each Member State in accordance with Articles 48 and 53 shall be calculated in accordance with the formula set out in Annex III and and 50 to 53 shall be based on the following criteria for each Member State, according to the latest available Eurostat data:
Amendment 2383 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the size of the population (540% weighting);
Amendment 2392 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the total GDP (540% weighting).
Amendment 2398 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 54 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) unemployment rate (20% weighting)
Amendment 2404 #
2020/0279(COD)
Amendment 2430 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – title
Article 56 – title
Amendment 2432 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 1
Article 56 – paragraph 1
Amendment 2436 #
2020/0279(COD)
2. Any Member State may, at any time, in response to a request for solidarity support by a Member State, or onsituations where there its own initiative, including in agreement with another Member State, make contributions by means of the measures referred to in Article 45 for the benefit of the Member State concerned and with its agreement. Contributions referred to in article 45, point (d) shall be in accordance with the objectives of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Asylum Migration Fund]no migratory pressure and where the mechanism established in Article 51 -53 is not applicable, decide to relocate beneficiaries of international protection. In this case it shall inform the Commission without delay.
Amendment 2446 #
2020/0279(COD)
Amendment 2450 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 57 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) persons referred to in Article 45(1), point (b) where the period referred to in Article 55(2) has expired, and Article 45(2), point51(3) (b) (ii) (b).;
Amendment 2456 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 2
Article 57 – paragraph 2
2. Before applying the procedure set out in this Article, the benefitting Member State shall ensure that there are no reasonable grounds to consider the person concerned an individual and specific danger to national security or public order of that Member State, according to the procedure laid down in Article 14 (3). If there are reasonable grounds to consider the person a danger to national security or public order, the benefitting Member State shall not apply the procedure set out in this Article and shall, where applicable, exclude the person from the list referred to in Article 49(2)being relocated.
Amendment 2457 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 3
Article 57 – paragraph 3
Amendment 2466 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 57 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Where relocation is to be applied pursuant to Article 49,, the EU relocation coordinator should support the relocation activities from the benefitting Member Sstate shall use the list drawn up by the Asylum Agency and the European Border and Coast Guard Agencyto the contributing member state implementing their obligations referred to in Article 49(213a (d).
Amendment 2473 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 57 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Each Member State shall create a database of the requests of beneficiaries of international protection, who have been legally residing in its territory for less than two years and who have expressed their willingness to be relocated to another Member State. Each beneficiary of international protection may express up to two preferences for Member States to which he or she may be relocated. Each Member State shall regularly update the database referred to in this paragraph.
Amendment 2474 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 57 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. The Commission shall, by means of implementing act, lay down uniform criteria for the collection, retention and deletion by the Member States of the information referred to in paragraph 1, and the organizational and operational arrangements for the implementation of relocation;
Amendment 2475 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 57 – paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. When implementing the solidarity measures pursuant to Article 53(3), the benefitting Member State shall promptly inform of the activation of the relocation procedure, the beneficiaries of international protection registered in the database referred to in paragraph 1, on the basis of the chronological order of registration. Member States shall take into consideration the preferences expressed by the beneficiary of international protection. Potential beneficiaries of relocation shall express their consent to be relocated within 7 days after they have been informed, otherwise they shall be considered non-eligible for relocation. The benefitting Member State shall identify a number of beneficiaries corresponding to that established, by means of implementing act, by the Commission pursuant to Article 53.
Amendment 2477 #
2020/0279(COD)
Amendment 2483 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 5
Article 57 – paragraph 5
5. The benefitting Member State shall transmit to the Member State of relocation as quickly as possible the relevant information and documents on the person referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3.
Amendment 2484 #
2020/0279(COD)
Amendment 2489 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 7
Article 57 – paragraph 7
Amendment 2512 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 2
Article 58 – paragraph 2
Amendment 2518 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 58 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Member State of relocation shall indicate its responsibility in Eurodac pursuant to Article 11(1) and (3), respectively, of Regulation (EU) XXX/XXX [Eurodac Regulation].
Amendment 2520 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 3
Article 58 – paragraph 3
Amendment 2523 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 4
Article 58 – paragraph 4
4. Where the Member State of relocation has relocated a beneficiary for international protection, tThe Member State of relocation shall automatically grant international protection status respecting the respective status granted by the benefitting Member State.
Amendment 2529 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 58 – paragraph 5
Article 58 – paragraph 5
5. Where the Member State of relocation has relocated a third-country national who is illegalrregularly staying on its territory, of Directive 2008/115/EC shall apply.
Amendment 2531 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 59
Article 59
Amendment 2545 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 61 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 61 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The cost of relocation and transfer will be covered by the EU budget.
Amendment 2546 #
2020/0279(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 61 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 61 – paragraph 1 b (new)
The costs of reception of an applicant met by a determining Member State, from the time when the application for international protection was registered until the transfer of the applicant to the Member State responsible, or until the determining Member State assumes responsibility for the applicant, shall be refunded from the general budget of the Union.
Amendment 277 #
2016/0062R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Reiterates that the denial of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including safe and legal abortion, is a form of gender-based violence and a violation of women’s and girls' fundamental human rights; reiterates that women and girls must have control over their bodies and sexualities; calls on all the Member States to guarantee comprehensive sexuality education and universal access to the full range of reproductive and sexual health services, including ready access to family planning, modern contraceptive methods and free, safe and legal abortion"; Is therefore deeply concerned that in some Member States sexual and reproductive rights of women are under threat, as in Poland the illegitimate Constitutional Tribunal ruled on 22 October 2020 to reverse long- established rights of Polish women entailing a de facto abortion ban, abortion is banned in Malta, medical abortion in early pregnancy is not legal in Slovakia and is not available in Hungary and access to abortion is also being eroded in Italy.