BETA

98 Amendments of Philip CLAEYS

2014/2021(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m

~~(m) to promote gender equality;~~deleted

2014/03/05
Committee: AFET

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the overall level of the next MFF (960bn EUR in commitments, 908bn EUR in payments at 2011 prices), as decided by the European Council and eventually endorsed by Parliament, represents a cut of 3.5 % in commitments and 3.7 % in payments compared to the 2007-2013 financial framework, despite the growing EU competences following the Lisbon Treaty and the enlargement of the Union to 28 Member States; whereas this level falls short of EU political goals and commitments, in particular in relation to the Europe 2020 strategy;

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Acknowledges that the fiscal consolidation that Member States are currently facing did not facilitate a more ambitious agreement on the MFF 2014- 2020; ~~deeply regrets, however, the fact~~notes that, as a result of these negotiations, the role of the EU budget as an important and common policy instrument for overcoming the current economic and social crisis and coordinating and enhancing national efforts to regain growth and generate employment in the whole EU has been largely disregarded;

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Is deeply concerned at the fact that any budgetary debate in the Council has been for many years poisoned by the logic of ‘fair returns’; stresses that this situation is largely due to the current system of EU financing, whereby some 85 % of revenues stem from national contributions instead of genuine own resources; considers that such a system places disproportionate emphasis on net balances between the Member States and has led to the progressive introduction of complex and opaque rebates and other correction mechanisms for the financing of the EU budget;deleted

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that this logic also prevailed in the way the MFF agreement was struck by the European Council on 8 February 2013; considers it regrettable that this was reflected in the fact that the national allocations, especially from agriculture and cohesion policy, were determined at that moment; deplores, in particular, the list of special allocations and ‘gifts’ granted in the course of negotiations between Heads of State and Government, which are not based on objective and verifiable criteria, but rather reflect the bargaining power of Member States, trying to secure their national interests and maximise their net returns; denounces the lack of transparency in striking this agreement;deleted

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly rejects this purely accounting vision of the EU budget, which disregards the European added value, contradicts the principle of EU solidarity and underestimates the current and potential role of the EU budget in strengthening economic governance; stresses that the EU budget is predominantly an investment budget with a strong leverage effect and a catalyst for growth and jobs across the Union; considers it regrettable, therefore, that some Member States seem to regard national contributions to the EU budget purely as a cost to be minimised;deleted

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is convinced, moreover, that tangible progress can only be achieved following an in-depth reform of the financing of the EU budget that should return to a system of genuine, clear, simple and fair own resources; stresses that this should lead to the introduction of one or several new own resources that will considerably reduce the share of GNI-based contributions to the EU budget and, accordingly, the burden on national treasuries; reiterates its strong commitment to any process leading to the reform of the current unfair, non- transparent and complex system of own resources;deleted

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2014/2005(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Strongly believes that the High Level Group on Own Resources represents a unique opportunity to overcome the deadlock that has arisen over the reform of the current own-resources system; expects that it will contribute significantly to understanding the shortcomings of the current system and the benefits that can derive from an in-depth, comprehensive reform and the introduction of new and genuine own resources which can significantly reduce the share of GNI contributions to the EU budget;deleted

2014/02/24
Committee: BUDG

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9

– having regard to the fact that accession negotiations with Turkey were opened on 3 October 2005 ~~and that the opening of such negotiations is the starting point for a long-lasting and open-ended process based on fair and rigorous conditionality and the commitment to reform~~, in spite of the fact that Turkey is not a European country and for that reason cannot join the EU,

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13

– having regard to the fact that, in its conclusions of 11 December 2012, the Council endorsed the Commission's new approach to place the rule of law at the heart of the enlargement policy and confirmed the centrality in the negotiating process of Chapter 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and Chapter 24 (justice, freedom and security), which should be tackled early in the negotiations to allow clear benchmarks and sufficient time to introduce the necessary changes in legislation, reforms of institutions and thus solid track records of implementation,deleted

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14

– having regard to the fact that, in its 2013 Enlargement Strategy, the Commission concluded that, for its economy, strategic location and important regional role, Turkey is a strategic partner for the European Union and a valuable component of EU economic competitiveness and that important progress on reforms was made in the preceding twelve months; having regard to the fact that the Commission called for further reforms and the promotion of dialogue across the political spectrum in Turkey and in Turkish society at largeshould therefore be offered the status of a privileged partnership,

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the 2013 Progress Report on Turkey and shares the Commission's conclusion that Turkey is a strategic partner for the European Union and ~~that important progress on reforms was made in the preceding twelve months~~should therefore be offered the status of a privileged partnership; underlines the importance and urgent need of further reforms and the promotion of dialogue across the political spectrum and in society more broadly, as well as the respect of fundamental rights in practice;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes the transformative power of negotiations between the Union and Turkey, which have provided Turkey with a clear reference for its reform process; stresses therefore the importance of credible negotiations based on a mutual commitment by Turkey and the Union to effective reforms furthering the democratic foundations of Turkish society, promoting fundamental values and producing positive change in the institutions, in legislation and, in the mentality of society; welcomes, therefore the opening of Chapter 22 in certain areas;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement and the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take steps towards visa liberalisation and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil societRecalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the ~~urgent~~ need for further progress in implementing the 2010 constitutional amendments, in particular the adoption of laws on the protection of personal data and military justice~~, and of laws introducing affirmative-action measures to promote gender equality~~;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Notes that the implementation of the third judicial reform package has led to the release of ~~a significant number of~~ detainees and welcomes the fourth judicial reform package as another important step towards a judiciary in Turkey in line with EU standards and values; notes, in particular, (i) the new, important distinction between freedom of expression and incitement to violence or to committing acts of terrorism, (ii) the limitation of the offence of praising a crime or a criminal to instances where there is a clear and imminent danger to public order and (iii) the narrowing down of the scope of the offence of committing a crime in the name of an organisation, without being a member of it, to armed organisations only;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Reaffirms its support to the Commission’s new approach of opening Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice and home affairs) early in the negotiation process and closing them at the end; stresses that delivering the official benchmarks for the opening of such Chapters to Turkey would provide a clear roadmap for and give a boost to the reform process; calls, therefore, on the Council to make renewed efforts for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24; calls on Turkey to cooperate as much as possible to this effect;deleted

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Strongly supports the Government’s initiative to strive for a settlement of the Kurdish problem on the basis of negotiations with the PKK; encourages the Government to devise the reforms directed at promoting the social, cultural and economic rights of the Kurdish community on the basis of adequate consultation of relevant stakeholders and the opposition; calls on the opposition to actively support the negotiations and the reforms as an important step for the benefit of Turkish society at large; calls on the Turkish authorities to cooperate closely with the European Commission to assess which programs under IPA could be used to promote sustainable development in the South East in the framework of negotiations on Chapter 22;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Notes the continuing efforts by Turkey and Greece to improve their bilateral relations including through bilateral meetings; considers it ~~regret~~unacceptable, however, that the casus belli threat declared by the TGNA against Greece has not been withdrawn;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Reiterates its strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities; asks Turkey to actively support the negotiations aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions; calls on Turkey to begin the full withdraw~~ing~~al of its forces from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta, under EU customs supervision, in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations, and to allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to all; takes note of the proposals by the Government of Cyprus to address the above issues;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Stresses the importance of a coherent and comprehensive security approach in the Eastern Mediterranean, and calls on Turkey to allow political dialogue between the EU and NATO by lifting its veto on EU-NATO cooperation including Cyprus, and calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to lift its veto on Turkey’s participation in the European Defence Agency;Deleted

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Calls on the Turkish Government to recognise as such the genocide perpetrated in 1915 and 1916 against the Armenians, in which according to scholarly studies cost the lives of more than 1.5 million people;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Believes that, in view of Turkey’s strategic role as an energy hub, consideration should be given to the value of opening negotiations on Chapter 15 on energy; underlines that energy and climate efficiency priorities need to be addressed;deleted

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2945(RSP)

Andreas MÖLZER, Philip CLAEYS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Welcomes Turkey’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees; notes that a large number of foreign fighters in Syria gain access to Syria via Turkey and asks Turkey to increase border patrols, restrict the entry of fighters and arm flows to Islamist groups credibly found to be implicated in systematic human rights violations; believes that the EU and Turkey should actively seek to develop a joint strategic vision to promote a political solution in Syria and support political and economic stability in the region, with particular reference to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq;

2014/01/13
Committee: AFET

2013/2185(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital N

N. whereas the inclusion of national parliaments in a European parliamentary system needs to be properly regulated with a view to building a Union that is ever more ~~integrated,~~ democratic, transparent and close to the people;

2014/03/04
Committee: AFCO

2013/2185(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital O

O. whereas interparliamentary cooperation can play an essential role in driving the European integration process forward by allowing exchanges of information, a joint examination of issues, mutually beneficial dialogue and smoother transposition of EU legislation into national law;deleted

2014/03/04
Committee: AFCO

2013/2185(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P

P. whereas, what is more, at the current stage in the integration process, although they do not have a direct legislative role at Union level, the national parliaments have their own special role to play in bolstering ‘European awareness’ in the Member States and bringing citizens closer to the EU;deleted

2014/03/04
Committee: AFCO

2013/2185(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Views interparliamentary meetings as places where EU policies and national policies come together and feed off each other, to the benefit of both; believes that a key function of such meetings is to allow national parliaments to take account of the European perspective in national debates, and the European Parliament to take account of the national perspective in European debates; reiterates that the aim of such cooperation is not to form a new joint parliamentary body for inclusion in the Union’s current decision-making set- up, as this would be both ineffective and undemocratic and unconstitutional;

2014/03/04
Committee: AFCO

2013/2185(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

~~29. Believes that COSAC should serve primarily as a forum for in-depth discussion of the state of the Union, with a view to the gradual integration of the peoples and states of Europe;~~deleted

2014/03/04
Committee: AFCO

2013/2020(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas Tuareg resentments in northern Mali were exploited by Islamic extremist groups who in early 2012 allied with, and subsequently displaced, the secular National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) in their rebellion; whereas these groups, in particular Ansar Dine, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), further benefited from the instability arising from the subsequent coup in Bamako; whereas the systematic violations of human rights in the north, combined with the impending existential threat to the Malian state itself, precipitated the international interventions to help shore up democracy, restore the rule of law and improve the situation of human rights;

2013/07/04
Committee: AFET

2013/2020(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Attaches particular urgency to the human rights situation in Mali, with reports of serious human rights violations in northern Mali by armed Islamic extremist groups; notes that alleged crimes include mass rape, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture, ethnic-based violence, summary executions, illegal arrests and passing of sentences without due process, forced disappearances, the use of child soldiers, forced marriages, intentionally directing attacks against protected objects, and destruction and looting of property; notes that, since January 2013, there have also been reports of human rights violations by elements of the Malian security forces and vigilante groups against the Tuareg and Arab communities, and other groups perceived to have cooperated or been associated with rebel groups; urges the Malian authorities and their international partners to pay close attention to the new patterns of human rights violations, including reprisals based on ethnicity, that have emerged since the recovery of certain parts of northern Mali, and could constitute an obstacle to peace-building and reconciliation if not properly addressed; calls upon the Malian Government to facilitate the reporting of abuses in any future offensives, and to respect due process when interrogating suspected militants; reiterates its condemnation of the atrocities committed against the civilian population; recalls the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s determination of a reasonable basis to believe that atrocities committed in the Mali conflict constitute war crimes; believes moreover that some atrocities could constitute crimes against humanity;

2013/07/04
Committee: AFET

2013/2020(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Deplores the attempted obliteration of northern Mali’s precious cultural heritage, with armed Islamic extremist groups destroying ancient Sufi shrines and other cherished monuments in Timbuktu and Gao, along with approximately 3 000 ancient manuscripts; considers that the cultural desecration witnessed in northern Mali constitutes a war crime; welcomes and calls for EU support to the UNESCO Action Plan for the Rehabilitation of Cultural Heritage and the Safeguarding of Ancient Manuscripts in Mali;

2013/07/04
Committee: AFET

2013/2020(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Observes that many of the crimes committed in Mali had their origin in the Islamic extremist view that freedom of religion is not permissible; considers that the EU should therefore fundamentally emphasise that everyone has the right to abandon a religion, choose a different one or espouse none;

2013/07/04
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14

– having regard to the fact that in its 2012 Enlargement Strategy the Commission concluded that, for its economy, strategic location and important regional role, Turkey is a key country for the European Union ~~and that the accession process remains the most suitable framework for promoting EU-related reforms in Turkey~~; having regard to the fact that the Commission expressed concern regarding Turkey's lack of progress on the fulfilment of the political criteria,

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Commends the Commission and Turkey for the implementation of the positive agenda, which proves how, in a context of mutual engagement and clear objectives, Turkey and the EU could advance their dialogue, achieve common understanding and produce positive change; bBelieves that a renewed mutual engagement in the context of the negotiation process is needed to maintain a constructive relationship; stresses the importance of creating the conditions for a constructive dialogue and the foundations for a common understanding;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses that it would be more realistic and desirable to seek a privileged partnership between the European Union and Turkey than to work towards membership of the EU for Turkey;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Welcomes the Council decision to invite the Commission to take steps towards visa liberalisation as a gradual and long term perspective, in parallel with the signature of the readmission agreement; u~~Urges Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay and to ensure that, until this agreement enters into force, existing bilateral agreements are fully implemented; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for illegal migration to the EU and underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls; stresses once again the importance of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society from Turkey; supports the efforts of the Commission and the Member States to implement the visa code, harmonise and simplify visa requirements and create visa facilitating centres in Turkey; Reminds the Member States of their commitments under the association agreement in line with the Soysal Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Expresses its astonishment at the ‘progress report’ published by the Turkish Government, in which it assesses itself;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Recalls that freedom of expression and media pluralism are core European values and that a truly democratic society requires true freedom of expression, including the right of dissent; underlines once again the importance of abolishing legislation providing for disproportionately high fines on the media, leading in some cases to their closure or to self-censorship, and the urgent need to reform the internet law;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Fully s~~Supports the Commission’s new approach to open the chapters on the judiciary and fundamental rights and on justice and home affairs early on in the negotiation process and to close them as the very last ones; stresses that official benchmarks would provide a clear roadmap and would give a boost to the reform process; calls therefore on the Council for renewed efforts for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Encourages Turkey to continue the process of civilian oversight over security forces; calls for an amendment of the Law on Provincial Administrations to give civilian authorities broader oversight of military operations and the Gendarmerie’s law enforcement activities; stresses the importance of setting up an independent law enforcement complaints Agency to investigate complaints of human rights abuses, ill-treatment and possible wrongdoing by Turkish law enforcement agencies; takes the view that the legal provisions on the composition and powers of the Supreme Military Council need to be reformed;deleted

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses the urgent need for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and the establishment of an anti- discrimination and equality board to protect individuals against discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or sexual identity; calls on Turkey to adopt an action plan to promote ~~the full~~ equality of rights and full acceptance of LGBT persons;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Expresses once again its ~~strong~~ support to the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities; underlines the urgency of an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with the substantive settlement negotiations, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum; calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Expresses once again its ~~strong~~ support to the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities; underlines the urgency of an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with the substantive settlement negotiations, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum; calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Attaches great importance to acknowledgement of the Armenian genocide by the Turkish Government;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Stresses the importance of a coherent and comprehensive security approach in the Eastern Mediterranean and calls on Turkey to allow political dialogue between the EU and NATO by lifting its veto on EU-NATO cooperation including Cyprus~~, and consequently calls on the Republic of Cyprus to lift its veto on Turkey’s participation in the European Defence Agency~~;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Deplores Turkey’s refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member States; ~~recall~~urges that this refusal ~~continues to~~should deeply affect the process of negotiations;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. ~~Supports Turkey’s commitment to democratic forces in Syria and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrians who fled the country; a~~Asks the Commission, the Member States and the international community to support Turkey’s efforts to cope with the growing humanitarian dimension of the Syrian crisis; underlines the importance of a common understanding between the EU and Turkey on how to deliver the available humanitarian assistance to the displaced Syrians currently on Turkish territory or waiting at its borders;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. Welcomes the decision to enhance cooperation between the EU and Turkey on a number of important energy issues and calls on Turkey to commit to this cooperation; believes that, in view of Turkey's strategic role, initial consideration should be given to the value of opening negotiations on Chapter 15 on energy with a view to furthering the EU- Turkey strategic dialogue on energy;

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2870(RSP)

Philip CLAEYS, Andreas MÖLZER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission to continue its support to civil society organisations and people-to-people activities through an adequate funding of the Civil Society Dialogue, the EIDHR and Life Long Learning programmes, including culture- and media-related activities;deleted

2013/02/12
Committee: AFET

2012/2308(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)

Qa. whereas it is necessary to consider the impact which a change to the existing arrangement would have on the quality of life in the city of Brussels, particularly the affordability of housing for the residents of Brussels itself;

2013/07/05
Committee: AFCO

2012/2308(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Acknowledges that the European Parliament must, in consultation with the various authorities in Belgium which have powers relating to Brussels, devise measures to keep the city of Brussels, particularly the districts around the European Parliament, safe, accessible for traffic, a source of amenity and quality of life and affordable, including for the city’s original residents;

2013/07/05
Committee: AFCO

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the right to ~~international protection is a fundamental right enshrin~~asylum is a fundamental right subject to specific procedures laid down in the international Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees concluded in Geneva, that this right to asylum can be complemented but under no circumstances expanded inby international and Union law ~~which is complemented~~or by a series of additional rights and principles, such as the principle of non-refoulement, the right to dignity, the prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to an effective remedy and the right to private and family life; that this right does not affect the right of each Member State to decide on a soveraign basis what immigration policy it is going to pursue on its territory;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Regrets the rise of xenophobia and racism and of negative and misinformed assumptions about asylum seekers and refugees accompanying ~~socio-economic insecurity in the EU; recommends that Member States~~the failure of the immigration and asylum policy in the EU and the socio-economic insecurity in the EU; recommends that Member States proceed to the implementation of a proper immigration and asylum policy, including the actual removal of illegal immigrants from their territory, and undertake awareness- raising campaigns on the actual situation of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Takes note of the recommendation of the Commission and Council regarding inter-agency cooperation between EASO and Frontex, and stresses that the full and swift implementation of Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Strategy is a sine qua non for any such cooperation in the context of international protection; emphasises that any cooperation must be viewed any cooperation must be viewed in the context of the implementation of an effective asylum and immigration policy, including the ~~context of increasing protection standards for asylum seekers~~actual removal of illegal immigrants from the EU Member States’ territory;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Considers that the Dublin Regulation, which governs the allocation of responsibility for asylum applications, while placing ~~a disproportion~~, quite rightly, the greatest burden on Member States constituting entry points into the EU~~, does not provide the means for~~; urges all Member States and them EU to respond adequately to the administrative and financial demands involved; notes that the Dublin system as it has been applied so far has led to the unequal treatment of asylum seekers across the EU while also having an adverse impact on family reunification and integration; stresses, moreover, its shortcomings in terms of efficiency andhelp those Member States in the effective surveillance of the Union’s external borders; regrets that these countries are failing to take measures to ensure adequate control of the Union’s external borders; expresses therefore its full support for initiatives aimed at implementing such control, including the const~~effectiveness, since more than half of agreed transfers never take place and multiple applications are still the rule~~ruction of a closed wall or fence on the Greek-Turkish border;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Stresses that the relev~~Condemns the Utopiant case-law ~~suspending~~which makes transfers under the Dublin Regulation, while providing an answer to individual cases, fails to overcome the structural shortcomings of the Dublin system as a whole; welcomes, therefore, the efforts to include additional criteria in Dublin II in order to mitigate the system’s unwanted adverse effects impossible, thus making impossible the asylum and immigration policy with a ‘Gouvernement des juges’ desired by the EU Member States; urges the European Court in Strasbourg in particular to respect the democratic will of the people expressed through elections and in the policy of national Member States; demands that asylum seekers be effectively returned to their first country of arrival in the EU;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37

37. Underlines that asylum and migration management can increase mutual trust and solidarity measures only if coupled with ~~a protection-sensitive approach under which border measures are carried out without prejudice to the rights of refugees and persons requesting international protection~~firm respect for the Geneva Convention on Refugees and the criteria laid down therein, as well as the effective control of the external borders and the actual return of rejected asylum seekers and other illegal immigrants;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2012/2032(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Notes that restrictive visa regimes and enhanced border controls ~~can have adverse effects on access to international protection in preventing persons in need from reaching the EU and reiterates the need to apply measures in a protection- sensitive manner~~are the only way to prevent EU citizens from becoming less supportive towards real asylum seekers; that the surveillance of the external borders should be expanded and intensified considerably, that candidate asylum seekers should be accommodated in closed centres in the first country of arrival pending a quick decision on their application; that rejected asylum seekers should be effectively sent back straight away; that if the country of origin refuses to accept such persons back the EU should discontinue any form of support to that country;

2012/06/07
Committee: LIBE

2011/2246(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls for the devising of procedures and mechanisms for the selection and appointment of media heads, management boards, media councils and regulatory bodies that are transparent, based on merit and indisputable experience and that ensure professionalism, integrity, independence, maximum consensus across the political and social spectrum and continuity, instead of ~~political or partisan criteria in the framework of a spoil system linked to the results of elections or~~being subject to the will of those in power;

2012/11/28
Committee: LIBE

2011/2246(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Stresses that the official protection which must be given to the media and journalists is not a licence to infringe democratically adopted legislation or deny fundamental rights such as the right to privacy, the right to respect for private life, the right to respect for reputation and honour or the ban on the unauthorised interception of telephone calls or other communications or on stalking people in the street for photographs; notes that the need for journalists and the media to protect confidential sources and whistleblowers must be balanced against the right of the national authorities and judiciaries, independently of political or other influences, to curb wrongdoing by the media and journalists through procedures established under the rule of law;

2012/11/28
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Deplores the unacceptabl~~Notes the delays and blockages in the EU’s accession to the ECHR, which are mainly due to ~~specific Member States, and urges the Commissio~~the legal concerns of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg and of specific Member States, and urges the Commission to provide appropriate guarantees to address these concerns and only then to conclude the procedure;

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Regrets the weak reaction of the Commission to specific violations of fundamental rights in Member States and calls on the Commission to ensure that infringement proceedings secure the effective protection of human rights, rather than aiming for negotiated settlements with Member States; stresses at the same time that not every polarised political conflict within a Member State can be raised to European level on the grounds of an alleged ‘human rights violation’; calls on the Commission to preserve the greatest possible neutrality and objectivity not only in requesting information and in speed of transmission but also as regards the content of the information transmitted;

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – indent 2

– that police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, which has become standard EU policy, as well as social and economic rights, which are essential elements of the Charter, are still excluded from the mandate of the FRA; asks the Council to include the above matters in the next multi-annual framework of the FRA;deleted

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Freedom of expression Is concerned about the increasing pressure on freedom of expression exerted by extremist tendencies within Islam, particularly Salafism; stresses that freedom of expression must apply throughout the EU, including for those who wish to express a critical opinion of Islam; condemns, therefore, the situation whereby politicians and artists are the victims of murder plots and attacks and have to be constantly guarded; condemns the disturbance of readings, the destruction of works of art, and the threats to writers and artists; stresses that criticism of any religion and its doctrines, thus including those of Islam, does not show a lack of respect but forms an essential part of the common European legal order which holds that religion, religious texts, religious doctrines, institutions and ministers are also legitimate subjects for debate;

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)

14b. Is concerned about the increasing pressure placed on the freedom of expression in the context of the debate on immigration, asylum and illegal residence; stresses that the important difference must be respected between unacceptable incitement to hatred or violence on the one hand and acceptable political criticism of real problems in society that relate to immigration, asylum and illegal residence on the other; recalls the consistent case law of the European Court of Human Rights whereby freedom of expression also applies to disturbing, shocking or offensive opinions;

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Stresses that the principles of human dignity and equality before the law are foundations of democratic society; deems incomprehensible the current blockage of Council negotiations on the Commission’s proposal for a horizontal directive extending comprehensive protection against discrimination on all grounds, including religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and urges efforts to ensure adoption as soon as possible;

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/2069(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on Member States to establish complaints procedures that ensure that a victim of multiple discrimination can lodge a single complaint addressing more than one ground of discrimination; ~~considers appropriate to support the activities of human rights defenders and the development of collective actions by marginalised people and communities;~~

2012/08/20
Committee: LIBE

2011/0436(COD)

Recital 3

(3) While in many people’s opinion there is objectively a clear added value of being an Union citizen with established rights, the Union does not always highlight the link between the solution of a broad range of economic and social problems and the Union's policies in an effective way. Hence, the in many people’s opinion impressive achievements in terms of peace and stability in Europe, long-term sustainable growth, stable prices, an efficient protection of consumers and the environment and the promotion of fundamental rights, have not always led to a strong feeling of belonging of citizens to the Union. Many other people, on the other hand, consider that there are also major disadvantages attached to the Union, such as the instability caused by the euro crisis, the elimination of internal borders by Schengen and the resultant rising crime rate and the dislocation of such industries as transport and construction in Western Europe. The programme should ensure that these objections are taken into account in a balanced manner, so as to avoid giving the impression that it is purely a propaganda programme.

2012/09/26
Committee: LIBE

2011/0436(COD)

Recital 10 a (new)

(10a) Special attention should be devoted to the balanced representation of pro-EU views and euro-critical and eurosceptic views in all events, studies and debates.

2012/09/26
Committee: LIBE

2011/0436(COD)

Recital 11

~~(11) The acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates benefiting from a pre-accession strategy on~~ deleted (It is not apparent why a programme concerned with citizenship of the Unione s~~ide, and the EFTA countries party to the EEA Agreement on the other side are recognised as potential participants in EU programmes, in accordance with the agreements concluded with them.~~hould extend to countries, and therefore people, who are not citizens of the Union and who – for example in the case of Turkey – will, one hopes, never be.)

2012/09/26
Committee: LIBE

2011/0436(COD)

Article 3 – paragraph 2 – indent 10

– Studies ~~on issues~~not previously made on issues not previously investigated related to citizenship and civic participation

2012/09/26
Committee: LIBE

2011/0436(COD)

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b

~~(b) acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, in accordance with the general principles an~~deleted (It is not apparent why a programme concerned with citizenship of the Union should gen~~eral terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in Union programmes established in the respective Framework Agreements, Association Council Decisions or similar Agreements;~~tail expenditure in countries and for people who are not citizens of the Union and which – for example in the case of Turkey – will, one hopes, never be.)

2012/09/26
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas, in addition to the rights of the Roma in Europe, the rights of non- Roma people in Europe must also be fully respected by everybody, including the right to own property in the form of land and the right to safety,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas non-discrimination - although indispensable - is not by itself enough to overcome the historic disadvantages of the Roma, and whereas it is therefore necessary to complement equality legislation and policies by addressing the specific needs of the Roma regarding the fulfilment of and access to their human rights to employment, housing, healthcare and education by means of an EU-level strategy; whereas it is also important to stress the responsibility of the Roma themselves to integrate, particularly by respecting the right of all children (including girls) to education,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 a (new)

- stressing the right of all children (boys and girls) to education,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 b (new)

- stressing the right of all young people (boys and girls) to choose a partner freely,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 c (new)

- stressing the advantages of legal activities over illegal activities ‘in the grey area’,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 d (new)

- stressing the importance of respecting the human rights – including the right to own property and the right to safety – of all residents of Europe, including those who are not Roma,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 e (new)

- cooperation between Roma communities and the police of the Member States to combat organised crime and peripatetic groups of criminals,

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point b – indent 21 f (new)

- advising against settling in other Member States without any prospects of housing, employment, education and integration;

2011/01/17
Committee: LIBE

2010/0074(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8

(8) In order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens' initiatives, it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the Commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens; proposals that are abusive ~~or devoid of seriousness should not be registered and the Commission should reject the registration of proposals which would be manifestly against the values of the Union~~should not be registered. The Commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration.

2010/10/13
Committee: LIBE

2010/0074(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4

~~4. The Commission shall reject the registration of proposed citizens' initiatives which are manifestly against the values of the Union.~~deleted

2010/10/13
Committee: LIBE

2010/0074(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – box 3 – point 6

6. Personal identification number*: Type of identification number/identity document*: National identity card: Passport: Social security: Member State, which issued the identification number/identity document*:deleted

2010/10/13
Committee: LIBE

2009/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Notes that accession by the Union to the ECHR constitutes an essential step which should subsequently be complemented by accession by the Union to the European Social Charter, signed in Turin on 18 October 1961 and revised in Strasbourg on 3 May 1996, which would be consistent with the progress already enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and in the social legislation of the Union;Deleted

2010/03/25
Committee: AFCO

2009/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13 a. is of the view that the right to freedom of expression must not be undermined by complaints and petitions aiming to criminalise legitimate political demands;

2010/03/25
Committee: AFCO

2009/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13 b. expresses its concern that the European Union, as a legal person, firstly is being subjected to a review of the conformity of its legal acts in respect of human rights by a higher court to which a Turkish magistrate also belongs, while Turkey itself largely disregards human rights;

2010/03/25
Committee: AFCO

2009/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13 c. expresses its disquiet that magistrates, who are not accountable to the electorate, are increasingly putting themselves in the place of the legislative and executive powers of the Member States by overruling democratically made decisions aimed at a restrictive immigration policy;

2010/03/25
Committee: AFCO

2008/2157(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Asks that special attention be given to the immigration streams flowing through the Canary Islands of Spain; therefore urges the EU to strengthen operational cooperation in border management with the African countries of origin and transit in question;

2008/10/16
Committee: AFET

2008/2157(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Urges the Commission and the Council to give the European Parliament full access to documents relating to the activities of Frontex in order to meet the standards of parliamentary scrutiny;

2008/10/16
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Considers that in certain situations profiling constitutes a legitimate tool for law enforcement and border control; believes, however, that~~, in the absence of~~ adequate legal restrictions and safeguards as regards the use of data on ethnicity, race, religion, nationality and political affiliation~~, there is a considerable risk that profiling may lead to discriminatory practices~~ are required;

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Observers with concern that profiling is widely applied while some questions remain with regard to definition,, legal standards, and safeguards; notes that doubts about the value of ethnic profiling have been raised even from within law- enforcement services;deleted

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that the EU should avoid investigative approaches that could unnecessarily harm diplomatic relations, hamper international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and serious crime~~, or damage its image in the world and its credibility as a promoter of international law; believes that European standards for equal treatment and legal protection~~; believes that European values and fundamental norms should continue to set an example;

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that unjustified travel restrictions and intrusive control practices could negatively affect vital economic, scientific, cultural and social exchanges with third countries; accordingly, underlines the importance of minimising the risk of certain groups, communities or nationalities being subject to discriminatory practices or measures that cannot be objectively justified;deleted

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2007/0229(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 2

(2) The European Council, at its special meeting in Tampere on 15 and 16 October 1999, acknowledged the need for harmonisation of national legislation governing the conditions for admission and residence of third-country nationals. In this context, it stated in particular that the European Union should ensure fair treatment of third-country nationals residing lawfully on the territory of the Member States and that a more vigorous integration policy should aim to ~~grant them rights and~~impose on them obligations comparable to those of citizens of the European Union. The European Council accordingly asked the Council to rapidly adopt the legal instruments on the basis of Commission proposals. The need for achieving the objectives defined at Tampere was reaffirmed by the Hague Programme of 4 and 5 November 2004.

2010/03/24
Committee: LIBE

2007/0229(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 3

(3) In an increasingly global labour market, the EU should enhance its appeal to attract third-country workers. This should be facilitated by administrative simplification and by facilitating access to relevant information. Provisions for a single application procedure leading to one combined title encompassing both residence and work permit within one administrative act should contribute to simplifying and harmonizing the diverging rules currently applicable in Member States. Such procedural simplification has already been introduced by the majority of Member States and has made for a more efficient procedure both for the migrants and for their employers, and allowed easier controls of the lawfulness of their residence and employment.deleted

2010/03/24
Committee: LIBE

2007/0229(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Recital 18

(18) This Directive respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognized by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and has to be implemented accordingly.deleted

2010/03/24
Committee: LIBE

2007/0229(COD)

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h

~~(h) whose expulsion has been suspended for reasons of fact or law.~~deleted

2010/03/24
Committee: LIBE