Activities of Michael KAUCH
Plenary speeches (10)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Implementation report on the EU LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (continuation of debate)
Unitary supplementary protection certificate for plant protection products - Unitary supplementary certificate for medicinal products - Supplementary protection certificate for plant protection products (recast) - Supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products (recast) - Standard essential patents (joint debate - Patents)
Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2023 (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
The immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries
Rising anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence: recent attacks in Thessaloniki (debate)
Order of business
Attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society (debate)
The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive (EU) 2015/637 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries and Directive (EU) 2019/997 establishing an EU Emergency Travel Document
Institutional motions (25)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the threat of famine following the spread of conflict in Sudan
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the threat of famine following the spread of the conflict in Sudan
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Serbia following the elections
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION new wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attack on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the new wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Serbia following the elections
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the increased number of executions in Iran, in particular the case of Mohammad Ghobadlou
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate María Corina Machado
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the repressive environment in Afghanistan, including public executions and violence against women
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on new allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the Union
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel and the urgent need for an EU response
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on new allegations of Russian interference in the European Parliament, in the upcoming EU elections and the impact on the European Union
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Russia’s undemocratic presidential elections and their illegitimate extension to the occupied territories
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia
Written explanations (20)
Amendments to the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) (A9-0040/2023 - Danuta Maria Hübner)
Für die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament ist die Teilnahme von Kleininvestoren am Aktienmarkt ein wichtiges Anliegen zur Stärkung der Aktienkultur – auch zur Altersvorsorge. Der nun vorliegende finale Text zur „Markets in financial instruments regulation“ (MiFIR) legt dieser Teilnahme allerdings einen Stein in den Weg. Das Verbot des „Payment for Order Flow“ (PFOF), welches gerade Kleinanleger heute dazu befähigt, z. B. über Neobroker gleichberechtigt am Aktienmarkt teilzunehmen, wird in der Verordnung verboten. Statt eines pauschalen Verbots wäre der richtige Weg ein Transparenzmodell gewesen, welches Kleinanleger über die Geschäftsmodelle von Neobrokern sowie die Vor- und Nachteile des PFOF-Modells informiert, ihnen aber weiterhin die Wahl einer größtmöglichen Anzahl an Investitionsmöglichkeiten lässt. Eine pauschale Bevormundung der Bürger über das vorgesehene Verbot lehnen wir als FDP-Delegation entschieden ab und haben deshalb in der finalen Abstimmung gegen die Verordnung gestimmt.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation (RC-B9-0068/2024, B9-0068/2024, B9-0069/2024, B9-0071/2024, B9-0073/2024, B9-0075/2024, B9-0077/2024)
Als Freie Demokraten stehen wir für die Sicherheit und das Existenzrecht Israels. Wir verurteilen den heimtückischen Überfall der Terrororganisation Hamas auf Israel auf das Schärfste. Das israelische Volk und seine Armee haben bei der konsequenten Abwehr dieses Terrorangriffs im Rahmen des Völkerrechts unsere volle Unterstützung. Israel nimmt sein Selbstverteidigungsrecht wahr, wenn es die Strukturen der Hamas zerstört. Wir begrüßen, dass die abgestimmte Entschließung die sofortige und bedingungslose Freilassung aller Geiseln sowie die Zerschlagung der Terrororganisation Hamas als Bedingungen für einen dauerhaften Waffenstillstand nennt. Allerdings enthält die Entschließung Passagen, die wir so nicht mittragen können. Dazu gehört unter anderem die Verurteilung israelischer Evakuierungsaufrufe in Gaza – ein Vorgehen, das aus unserer Sicht humanitär ist und nicht zu verurteilen ist. In der Gesamtschau hat sich die Delegation der Freien Demokraten daher in der Schlussabstimmung der Stimme enthalten.
Multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027 (Resolution) (A9-0053/2024 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
Erstmalig hat die Europäische Union ihren Mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen einer Halbzeitüberarbeitung unterzogen. Damit werden wichtige Hilfen für die Ukraine ermöglicht, aber auch neue Investitionen im Bereich Migration, Äußeres und Verteidigung forciert. Als Freie Demokraten können wir den Ergebnissen mit den Nachjustierungen des Rats zustimmen. Denn auch zwei Jahre nach Beginn des grausamen Angriffskriegs Russlands auf die Ukraine unterstützen wir unsere Partner weiter.Wir begrüßen die Umschichtungen im Bereich der Kohäsionsmittel, wo der Mittelabruf weiterhin schwerlich verläuft. Durch mehr Umschichtungen in diesem Bereich hätten schmerzhafte Umschichtungen wie von Horizon Europe vermieden werden können. Das Parlament muss endlich einsehen, dass seine Verweigerungshaltung gegenüber einer wirklichen Priorisierung am Ende immer den sogenannten neuen Prioritäten am meisten schadet. Dabei sind gerade dort die richtigen Investitionen wichtig.Die enorm angestiegenen Zinskosten für die gemeinsame Schuldenaufnahme zeigen, dass eine weitere EU-Schuldenaufnahme der absolut falsche Weg wäre. Auch in Zukunft werden wichtige EU-Programme unter den Kosten von Schuldenaufnahme und -rückzahlung leiden.Bereits jetzt müssen die Vorbereitungen für den nächsten Mehrjährigen Finanzrahmen anlaufen. Als Freie Demokraten setzen wir uns dabei ein für einen Kohäsionsfonds, der nur tatsächlich strukturschwache Regionen unterstützt, und für einen klaren Fokus auf neue Prioritäten mit europäischer Mehrheit, wie Erasmus+, Forschung und Verteidigung.
Transparency and targeting of political advertising (A9-0009/2023 - Sandro Gozi)
Schärfere Transparenzvorschriften bei politischer Werbung sollen gegen Manipulation demokratischer Wahlen helfen, das Ziel teilen wir als Freie Demokraten. Das Trilogergebnis geht mit einem faktischen Verbot zielgerichteter politischer Werbung online jedoch deutlich zu weit. Die Verordnung schadet in dieser Form der Kommunikation politischer Parteien mit Wählern. Deshalb haben wir uns bei der Abstimmung enthalten.Zielgerichtete Ansprache potenzieller Wähler wird bereits jetzt von demokratischen Parteien unter voller Achtung des Datenschutzes durchgeführt – sei es in sozialen Medien oder als Banner auf anderen Webseiten. Sie ist wichtiger Bestandteil des demokratischen Meinungsbildungsprozesses. Die fast völlige Einschränkung der gezielten Werbung schadet dem demokratischen Prozess. Ein Lichtblick ist jedoch, dass wir zumindest Ausnahmen von den restriktiven Regeln erreichen konnten, etwa für den Haustürwahlkampf oder für politische Newsletter.
Standard essential patents (A9-0016/2024 - Marion Walsmann)
Als FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament haben wir für den Vorschlag zu standardessenziellen Patenten (SEPs) gestimmt. Dieser ermöglicht Markttransparenz für Patente, die essenziell für einen Standard sind, und ohne welche man z.B. Produkte, die auf 5G aufbauen, nicht herstellen kann. Der Gesetzesvorschlag verhilft so vor allem KMUs und Start-ups zu mehr Rechtssicherheit und der konsequenten Durchsetzung der bereits bestehenden FRAND-Kriterien: Lizenzierung von standardessenziellen Patenten unter fairen, vernünftigen und diskriminierungsfreien Bedingungen. Als Beitrag zur Wirtschaftswende wollen wir so Innovationen fördern und europäischen Unternehmen im geopolitischen Wettbewerb einen Vorteil verschaffen. Die vorgesehenen Essenzialitätsprüfungen haben darüber hinaus das Potenzial, die Anzahl der heute langwierigen und teuren Gerichtsverfahren zu SEPs deutlich zu reduzieren. Gleichzeitig schützt der Vorschlag das geistige Eigentum der Patenthalter. Nun kommt es darauf an, die Regulierung im Trilog noch rechtssicherer und praxistauglicher auszugestalten.
European Digital Identity framework (A9-0038/2023 - Romana Jerković)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament begrüßt den Kommissionsvorschlag zur eIDAS-Novelle. Eine moderne und praxistaugliche europäische digitale Identität ist ein wichtiger Baustein auf dem Weg der digitalen Transformation, gerade auch im öffentlichen Bereich. Es ist für uns allerdings unverzichtbar, dass eine solche elektronische ID einen hohen Schutz für Bürgerrechte und private Daten gewährleistet – und hier überzeugt der Gesetzestext zur eIDAS leider nicht an allen Stellen. Die Neufassung von Artikel 45 verpflichtet Webbrowser dazu, von Regierungen ausgestellte Website-Authentifizierungszertifikate (QWACs) anzuerkennen, was die Möglichkeit für signifikante Eingriffe in Bürgerrechte und Datenschutz eröffnet. Die elektronische ID bietet darüber hinaus keine effektive Abhilfemöglichkeit bei Missbrauch dieser Zertifikate, weshalb wir uns in der Abstimmung über das Trilog-Ergebnis enthalten haben.
Energy performance of buildings (recast) (A9-0033/2023 - Ciarán Cuffe)
Wir Freie Demokraten unterstützen das Ziel des Grünen Deals, Europa bis 2050 zum ersten klimaneutralen Kontinent zu machen. Dafür ist die schrittweise Dekarbonisierung des Gebäudebestands zentral. Aus diesem Grund wurde erst kürzlich die Ausweitung des europäischen Emissionshandelssystems ETS auf den Gebäudebereich beschlossen. In anderen Sektoren konnten so bereits beachtliche CO2-Einsparungen marktwirtschaftlich und kosteneffizient erreicht werden.Die europäische Richtlinie über die Gesamtenergieeffizienz von Gebäuden (EPBD) hat die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament hingegen als ordnungsrechtliche Detailregulierung abgelehnt. Zwar konnten einige extreme Vorschläge, wie zum Beispiel individuelle Sanierungspflichten für Wohngebäude, gestrichen werden. Dennoch stellt die EPBD neben dem ETS eine teure Doppelregulierung dar. Mitgliedstaaten, die bereits viel in Energieeffizienz von Gebäuden investiert haben werden bestraft, da nun für alle Länder die gleichen prozentualen Energieeinsparziele vorgeschrieben werden. Dabei sollte nicht das Einsparen von Energie im Vordergrund stehen, sondern die Reduktion von CO2-Emissonen. Auch Elemente wie Brandschutz, Raumklima, Fahrradparkplätze und sogar Cargobike-Stellplätze haben nichts mit Gebäudeeffizienz zu tun und sollten aufgrund der großen regionalen Unterschiede nicht von der EU geregelt werden.
Substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive) (A9-0056/2024 - Cyrus Engerer, Andrus Ansip)
Als Freie Demokraten setzen wir uns dafür ein, dass Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher bewusste Kaufentscheidungen treffen können. Daher sind EU-weite Standards für freiwillige Umweltlabel bei Produkten zur Stärkung der Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher grundsätzlich zu begrüßen.Doch der Vorschlag der EU-Kommission für die Richtlinie über Umweltaussagen (Green Claims Directive ) hätte in seiner jetzigen Form gravierenden Mehraufwand für Unternehmen sowie die nationalen Haushalte der Mitgliedstaaten und ihrer Behörden zur Folge. Der Text des Europäischen Parlaments verbessert diese Probleme zwar teilweise, aber nicht in ausreichendem Maße. Dies könnte am Ende zu weniger Labeln und damit weniger Informationen für Verbraucherinnen und Verbrauchern führen. Dies halten wir für nicht zielführend für informierte Verbraucherentscheidungen, weshalb wir uns bei der Abstimmung über den Parlamentstext enthalten haben.Wir begrüßen das Ziel der Richtlinie, irreführende Unweltaussagen zu verhindern, indem Umweltlabel bestimmten Anforderungen entsprechen müssen. Allerdings hätte der Kommissionsvorschlag zur Folge, dass Unternehmen sich durch die Vielzahl an Anforderungen für die Verwendung von Umweltlabeln mit weiteren bürokratischen Anforderungen konfrontiert sehen. Dazu gehört insbesondere, aber nicht nur, die verpflichtende Drittstellenüberprüfung. Im Sinne von Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Verbraucherschutz muss hier im Trilog nachgebessert werden.
European Media Freedom Act (A9-0264/2023 - Sabine Verheyen)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament erkennt sowohl die Notwendigkeit als auch den Nutzen eines Medienfreiheitsgesetzes auf EU-Ebene und begrüßt die Initiative, den freien und unabhängigen Journalismus in den Mitgliedstaaten zu stärken. Jedoch sind für uns im verhandelten Trilogergebnis die Hürden für den Einsatz von Spyware zu niedrig und der Schutz von Journalisten und ihrer Arbeit vor staatlicher Überwachung ist unzureichend. Deshalb haben wir uns bei der Abstimmung enthalten.
Safety of toys and repealing Directive 2009/48/EC (A9-0044/2024 - Marion Walsmann)
Für uns als FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament sind sichere Spielzeuge im europäischen Binnenmarkt ein wichtiges Anliegen, um Kinder EU-weit vor schädlichen Substanzen zu schützen. Deshalb unterstützen wir, dass Spielzeuge mit der Überarbeitung der EU-Spielzeugrichtlinie noch sicherer gemacht werden sollen und deshalb haben wir auch für den Parlamentstext in seiner Gesamtheit gestimmt.Allerdings haben wir die Anträge des ENVI-Ausschusses abgelehnt, mit denen zahlreiche Substanzen komplett verboten werden sollen. Die Grenzwerte des von uns unterstützten IMCO-Berichts für diese Substanzen sind sehr niedrig. Die vom ENVI-Ausschuss geforderten Komplettverbote würden jedoch in der Praxis zu erheblichen Problemen und de facto zum Verbot zahlreicher sicherer Produkte führen. So könnten wasserbasierte Schreibwaren, vom Buntstift bis zum Textmarker, für Kinder nicht mehr angeboten werden. Etliche Produkte würden verboten, weil die in ihnen verwendeten Grundmaterialien verschwindend geringe, in der Natur vorkommende Mengen der betreffenden Substanzen enthalten, die weit unter den Grenzwerten anderer Regulierung, etwa im Lebensmittelbereich, liegen. Viele sichere Waren, wie Luftballons oder Fingerfarbe, könnten vom Markt verschwinden und es steht zu befürchten, dass sie durch nicht-konforme Produkte aus Drittstaaten kompensiert werden, die in ihrer Masse die Marktaufsicht überfordern. Diese Totalverbote müssen im Trilog korrigiert und durch niedrige Grenzwerte ersetzt werden, die Kinder auch weiterhin effektiv schützen.
Type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7) (A9-0298/2023 - Alexandr Vondra)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament hat das Verhandlungsergebnis zwischen Mitgliedstaaten und Parlament zur neuen Abgasnorm Euro-7 abgelehnt. Der Text stellt zwar in Bezug auf Grenzwerte und Testbedingungen eine deutliche Verbesserung im Vergleich zum Vorschlag der Kommission dar, ein entscheidender Punkt fehlt allerdings: die gesetzliche Verankerung von erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen (z. B. E-Fuels). Für uns Freie Demokraten war aufgrund des gerade stattfindenden Transformationsprozesses in der Automobilbranche von Anfang an klar, dass Euro-7 zu keinen exzessiven Kosten führen darf. Ebenso klar war, dass eine Verankerung von erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen in Euro-7 erfolgen muss.Aufgrund des Tailpipe Approach der CO2-Flottengrenzwerte für Pkw und Lkw, das lediglich die CO2-Emissionen am Auspuff misst, ist deren Verwendung aktuell stark eingeschränkt und ab 2035 in neuen Pkw verboten. Dabei sind erneuerbare Kraftstoffe über ihren Lebenszyklus betrachtet CO2-neutral. Somit lässt sich also auch ein Verbrennungsmotor klimafreundlich betreiben. Die fehlende Technologieoffenheit der von der Leyen-Kommission beraubt uns also einer zentralen Technologie für die schnelle Dekarbonisierung des Transportsektors. Euro-7 war eine gute Möglichkeit, die Tür für erneuerbare Kraftstoffe wieder aufzustoßen. Dies wurde leider verpasst. Wir Freie Demokraten im Europäischen Parlament werden uns auch weiterhin für Technologieoffenheit einsetzen, denn nur Technologieoffenheit bringt die besten und günstigsten Lösungen.
Temporary trade-liberalisation measures supplementing trade concessions applicable to Ukrainian products under the EU/Euratom/Ukraine Association Agreement (A9-0077/2024 - Sandra Kalniete)
Die Ukraine kämpft seit über zwei Jahren gegen die russische Invasion und verdient unsere volle Unterstützung, auch im Bereich Wirtschaft und Handel. Vereinfachter Export in die EU und über die EU in Drittländer unterstützt die ukrainischen Erzeuger und die ukrainische Wirtschaft.Es ist wichtig, dass diese Verordnung zum 6. Juni 2024 in Kraft tritt, um eine Fortsetzung der Handelsliberalisierungsmaßnahmen für die Ukraine nach Auslaufen der Verordnung (EU) 2023/1077 am 5. Juni sicherzustellen. Wir Freien Demokraten sind daher der Fraktionslinie zu diesem Vorschlag gefolgt, alle Änderungsanträge abzulehnen, um die Notwendigkeit interinstitutioneller Verhandlungen zu vermeiden, welche den Prozess verlangsamen würden.Wir sind uns der Sorgen der Landwirte über eine zunehmende Marktverzerrung sehr wohl bewusst. Auch wenn der Vorschlag Schutzvorkehrungen enthält, um unsere Landwirte vor einem plötzlichen Anstieg der Importe zu schützen, und obwohl die Kommission im Falle einer Marktstörung wieder Zölle einführen oder andere notwendige Maßnahmen ergreifen kann, sind viele Erzeuger der Meinung, dass nicht das richtige Gleichgewicht zwischen der fortgesetzten Unterstützung für die Ukraine und dem notwendigen Schutz unserer Märkte gefunden wird. Wir müssen mehr tun, um unsere Landwirte zu unterstützen, insbesondere durch den Abbau von Bürokratie und die Schaffung gleicher Wettbewerbsbedingungen, allerdings nicht auf Kosten unserer Unterstützung für die Ukraine.
Protocol amending the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership (A9-0081/2024 - Danilo Oscar Lancini)
Creation of a European initiative for an annual designation of European capitals for children (B9-0174/2024)
Wir Freie Demokraten begrüßen die Initiative, die Beteiligung und Rechte von Kindern durch die Ernennung von Europäischen Kinderhauptstädten zu stärken, und haben daher insgesamt für die Entschließung gestimmt. Die Forderung nach einer Aufstockung der Mittel für die Europäische Garantie für Kinder mit einer eigenen Haushaltslinie von mindestens 20 Milliarden Euro unterstützen wir ohne Klärung der Finanzierung jedoch nicht. Wir haben daher die Streichung dieser Forderung aus dem Text befürwortet, was leider keine Mehrheit fand.
Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (A9-0313/2023 - Bas Eickhout)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament hat das Trilogergebnis zu den CO2-Flottengrenzwerten für LKW abgelehnt. Mit einem CO2-Reduktionsziel von 90 %, gemessen lediglich am Auspuff, wird der Einsatz von CO2-neutralen erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen (z. B. eFuels) stark eingeschränkt. Dabei ist der Verbrennungsmotor weder gut noch schlecht. Es kommt darauf an, was darin verbrannt wird. Mit CO2-neutralen eFuels kann auch ein LKW mit Verbrennungsmotor klimaneutral betrieben werden.Gerade im Schwerlast- und Langstreckenverkehr bringt die Elektrifizierung große Probleme und hohe Kosten mit sich. Von uns eingebrachte Änderungsanträge, die für Technologieoffenheit gesorgt hätten, wurden knapp abgelehnt. Die heutige Abstimmung ist also eine vertane Chance, das Potential aller verfügbaren Technologien auszuschöpfen, um den Schwerlastverkehr zügig zu dekarbonisieren.Auf Drängen der FDP hat die Kommission jedoch vor der Abstimmung eine Erklärung verlesen und zugesagt, innerhalb von einem Jahr einen Vorschlag vorzulegen, um die Zulassung von LKWs zu ermöglichen, die ausschließlich mit erneuerbaren Kraftstoffen betrieben werden. Wir nehmen die Kommission beim Wort und werden sie im neuen Mandat an dieses Versprechen erinnern.
Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt pursuant to Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions on all the tariff rate quotas included in the EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (A9-0078/2024 - Marco Campomenosi)
Combating late payment in commercial transactions (A9-0156/2024 - Róża Thun und Hohenstein)
Zahlungsverzug ist ein Problem gerade für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen. Das löst man aber nicht durch politisch festgesetzte Zahlungsziele, die einen massiven Eingriff in die Vertragsfreiheit von Unternehmen bedeuten und ihr Geschäft gefährden. Deshalb hat die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament den Parlamentstext abgelehnt.Leider hat sich eine Mehrheit der Europaabgeordneten für die Kommissionslinie für starre Zahlungsfristen und gegen Vertragsfreiheit im Geschäftsverkehr ausgesprochen. Dieser staatliche Übergriff ist inakzeptabel und unverhältnismäßig. Gerade kleine und mittelgroße Unternehmen würden die negativen Folgen einer solchen EU-Verordnung zu spüren bekommen. In der aktuell schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Situation würde dies den europäischen Unternehmen Fesseln anlegen und ganze Sektoren und etliche Arbeitsplätze bedrohen. Für viele Branchen ist eine starre Zahlungsfrist nicht sinnvoll und schlicht nicht umsetzbar, würde gar ihr Geschäftsmodell gefährden. In vielen Ländern würden zudem die geplanten neuen Durchsetzungsbehörden in Konkurrenz zu den Gerichten treten und massive rechtliche Unsicherheiten und neue Bürokratie schaffen.Zumindest gab es eine Mehrheit dafür, den Buchsektor aus dem Anwendungsbereich der Verordnung auszunehmen. Das ist ein gutes Zeichen für die Branche, die nicht mit kurzfristigen festen Zahlungsfristen funktionieren kann. Zahlreiche andere Branchen sind aber ebenfalls zwingend auf flexible und frei verhandelte Verträge angewiesen. Ihnen hat die Mehrheit des Parlaments leider einen Bärendienst erwiesen.
Packaging and packaging waste (A9-0319/2023 - Frédérique Ries)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament hat das Verhandlungsergebnis zwischen Mitgliedstaaten und Parlament zur Verpackungsverordnung abgelehnt. Während einige Aspekte des Textes, zum Beispiel Harmonisierung im Bereich des Verpackungslabelings, zu begrüßen sind, bleiben viele Probleme bestehen. So werden einige Verpackungsformate pauschal verboten (z. B. Obst- und Gemüseverpackungen im Supermarkt) und für viele Bereiche strenge Mehrwegquoten vorgegeben. Für beide Maßnahmen fehlt in der Folgenabschätzung der Kommission der Nachweis, dass diese in der Bilanz positiv für die Umwelt sind. Für uns Freie Demokraten ist klar, dass für solch einschneidende Maßnahmen ein Nachweis über Ökobilanzen erbracht werden muss, damit auch Aspekte wie Lebensmittelverschwendung sowie Wasser- und Energieverbrauch berücksichtigt werden.Als Reaktion auf von der FDP eingebrachte Änderungsanträge hat die Kommission zumindest zugesagt, Ausnahmen für Verpackungsformate zu schaffen für die es keine Mehrwegalternativen gibt. Dies gilt zum Beispiel für Folien zur Transportsicherung von Paletten. Während das eine Verbesserung darstellt, wird das zugrundeliegende Problem nicht gelöst. Wir werden auch in der Zukunft daran arbeiten, die Umsetzung der Verpackungsverordnung praxisnah und realistisch zu gestalten, damit am Schluss das Klima, die Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher und die Wirtschaft gewinnen.
Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (A9-0233/2023 - Javi López)
Die FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament hat das Verhandlungsergebnis zwischen Mitgliedstaaten und Parlament zur Luftqualitätsrichtlinie abgelehnt. Vor dem Hintergrund einer konstanten, maßgeblichen Verbesserung der Luftqualität in Deutschland und Europa, ist die teilweise drastische Verschärfung der Grenzwerte überzogen. Im deutschen Kontext hätte diese Grenzwertverschärfung drastische Auswirkungen. Maßnahmen wie Fahrverbote, Fabrikschließungen sowie das Einstellen von großen Infrastrukturprojekten sind notwendig, um die Einhaltung der Grenzwerte bis 2030 sicherzustellen.Aufgabe der Politik ist es, die Schutzgüter abzuwägen und alle Interessen angemessen zu berücksichtigen. Deshalb kann auch der Schutz von Umwelt und Gesundheit nicht die alleinige Grundlage der Überarbeitung der Luftqualitätsrichtlinie sein. Wie so oft gibt es Konflikte mit anderen Zielen, wie zum Beispiel dem Klimaschutz (carbon leakage), dem Recht auf individuelle Mobilität, der Wettbewerbsfähigkeit sowie der Erhaltung und Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen. Wir Freie Demokraten setzen uns für eine balancierte Überarbeitung der europäischen Luftqualitätsrichtlinie ein – für eine bessere Luft in Europa und weltweit.
Improving working conditions in platform work (A9-0301/2022 - Elisabetta Gualmini)
Wir als Freie Demokraten unterstützen faire Arbeitsbedingungen für Plattformarbeiter und sind deutlich gegen jede Art von Ausbeutung. Der heute abgestimmte Gesetzestext geht jedoch deutlich zu weit und würde Solo-Selbstständige massiv gefährden, da alle Personen, die über digitale Arbeitsplattformen arbeiten, durch die nur kompliziert widerlegbare Vermutungsregelung in ein Angestelltenverhältnis gezwungen werden. Zudem wird die Problematik der Beweislastumkehr nun auch noch auf die nationale Ebene verschoben, da die Mitgliedstaaten selbst die Kriterien für die Vermutungsregelung festlegen sollen. Dies bedeutet eine enorme Rechtsunsicherheit für Plattformen und Personen, die über Plattformen arbeiten wollen. Das schafft aus unserer Sicht völlig unverhältnismäßige Bürokratie und Gerichtsverfahren, anstatt gezielt den tatsächlich falsch klassifizierten Arbeitnehmern zu helfen. Aus diesen Gründen haben wir gegen den Gesetzestext gestimmt.
Written questions (5)
Markus Pieper’s appointment to newly created position of EU SME Envoy
The growing marginalisation of LGBTIQ people in Uganda
Foreign relations and development cooperation with Burundi against the backdrop of the President of Burundi’s agitation against homosexuals
Dortmund Airport’s aid application
The way forward towards appointing a new EU small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) Envoy
Amendments (119)
Amendment 52 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) To support Union citizens in need, it is important to provide them with reliable and easily accessible information on how to avail themselves of consular assistance in third countries, including digital contact options. The Commission services and the EEAS should contribute to that objective by disseminating relevant information, including information to be provided by Member States on their consular networks and third countries where they have concluded practical arrangements on sharing responsibilities for providing consular protection to unrepresented citizens. To facilitate the processing of such information, it should be provided in machine-readable format.
Amendment 52 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) To support Union citizens in need, it is important to provide them with reliable and easily accessible information on how to avail themselves of consular assistance in third countries, including digital contact options. The Commission services and the EEAS should contribute to that objective by disseminating relevant information, including information to be provided by Member States on their consular networks and third countries where they have concluded practical arrangements on sharing responsibilities for providing consular protection to unrepresented citizens. To facilitate the processing of such information, it should be provided in machine-readable format.
Amendment 56 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) The financial provisions of Directive (EU) 2015/637 should be adapted to simplify reimbursements and continue ensuring financial burden-sharing. In particular, it should be possible for unrepresented citizens to directly reimburse costs, under the same conditions as nationals of the assisting Member State, for the service provided by that Member State to avoid the administrative burden resulting from seeking reimbursements from the citizen’s Member State of nationality. In addition, Member States should also be allowed to waive the charging of such costs. As, in certain situations, unrepresented citizens may not be able to pay when making the request for assistance, notably when their cash and means to access funds have been stolen, it is necessary to provide that they may be required by the consular authorities of the assisting Member State to sign an undertaking to repay. On the basis of such an undertaking, the authorities of the assisting Member State may ask for the reimbursement of the costs once four weekthree months have passed since the assistance was provided.
Amendment 56 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) The financial provisions of Directive (EU) 2015/637 should be adapted to simplify reimbursements and continue ensuring financial burden-sharing. In particular, it should be possible for unrepresented citizens to directly reimburse costs, under the same conditions as nationals of the assisting Member State, for the service provided by that Member State to avoid the administrative burden resulting from seeking reimbursements from the citizen’s Member State of nationality. In addition, Member States should also be allowed to waive the charging of such costs. As, in certain situations, unrepresented citizens may not be able to pay when making the request for assistance, notably when their cash and means to access funds have been stolen, it is necessary to provide that they may be required by the consular authorities of the assisting Member State to sign an undertaking to repay. On the basis of such an undertaking, the authorities of the assisting Member State may ask for the reimbursement of the costs once four weekthree months have passed since the assistance was provided.
Amendment 63 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) When processing such special categories of personal data, the competent authorities of the Member States and Union institutions and bodies should ensure suitable and specific measures to safeguard data subjects’ interests. This should include, where possible, encrypting such personal data and specific attribution of access rights for personnel who have access to the specified types of special categories of personal data. Access to such special categories of personal data shall be limited to personnel holding an EU Member State passport.
Amendment 63 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) When processing such special categories of personal data, the competent authorities of the Member States and Union institutions and bodies should ensure suitable and specific measures to safeguard data subjects’ interests. This should include, where possible, encrypting such personal data and specific attribution of access rights for personnel who have access to the specified types of special categories of personal data. Access to such special categories of personal data shall be limited to personnel holding an EU Member State passport.
Amendment 87 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) an analysis of the consular situation in the country, including an overview of Member State embassies or consulates, an estimate of the number and location of Union citizens, and a risk assessment of the most plausible scenarios affecting Union citizens, such as, but not limited to, military, political, criminal, natural disaster and health risks;
Amendment 87 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) an analysis of the consular situation in the country, including an overview of Member State embassies or consulates, an estimate of the number and location of Union citizens, and a risk assessment of the most plausible scenarios affecting Union citizens, such as, but not limited to, military, political, criminal, natural disaster and health risks;
Amendment 90 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) joint consular crisis preparedness arrangements, including communication channels and contacts within local consular cooperation and with local authorities and relevant third countries as well as prompt and reliable bi-directional means of communication with registered Union citizens according to paragraph 4;
Amendment 90 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) joint consular crisis preparedness arrangements, including communication channels and contacts within local consular cooperation and with local authorities and relevant third countries as well as prompt and reliable bi-directional means of communication with registered Union citizens according to paragraph 4;
Amendment 105 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 a – paragraph 2
Article 13 a – paragraph 2
2. Where necessary, Member States may be supported by joint consular teams composed of experts from Member States, in particular from Member States not represented in the third country affected by the crisis, the EEAS and the Commission services. Joint consular teams shall be available for rapid deployment to third countries affected by a consular crisis. Participation in joint consular teams shall be volmandatory for Member States not represented in the third countary affected by the crisis.
Amendment 105 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 13 a – paragraph 2
Article 13 a – paragraph 2
2. Where necessary, Member States may be supported by joint consular teams composed of experts from Member States, in particular from Member States not represented in the third country affected by the crisis, the EEAS and the Commission services. Joint consular teams shall be available for rapid deployment to third countries affected by a consular crisis. Participation in joint consular teams shall be volmandatory for Member States not represented in the third countary affected by the crisis.
Amendment 125 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
If an unrepresented citizen is unable to pay the costs referred to in paragraph 1 to the assisting Member State when making a request for assistance, the assisting Member State may require the unrepresented citizen to sign an undertaking to repay. On that basis, the assisting Member State may ask the unrepresented citizen concerned to pay such costs once four weekthree months have passed since the assistance was provided.
Amendment 125 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
If an unrepresented citizen is unable to pay the costs referred to in paragraph 1 to the assisting Member State when making a request for assistance, the assisting Member State may require the unrepresented citizen to sign an undertaking to repay. On that basis, the assisting Member State may ask the unrepresented citizen concerned to pay such costs once four weekthree months have passed since the assistance was provided.
Amendment 126 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 14 – paragraph 6
Article 14 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing standard forms, available in all Member State languages in all consulates, to be used for the undertaking to repay referred to in paragraph 2 and for the repayment of the costs from the Member State of nationality referred to in paragraph 3. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15a(2).
Amendment 126 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 14 – paragraph 6
Article 14 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing standard forms, available in all Member State languages in all consulates, to be used for the undertaking to repay referred to in paragraph 2 and for the repayment of the costs from the Member State of nationality referred to in paragraph 3. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15a(2).
Amendment 129 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 16 a – paragraph 6
Article 16 a – paragraph 6
6. When processing the personal data referred to in paragraph 5, the competent authorities of the Member States and Union institutions and bodies shall ensure suitable and specific measures to safeguard data subjects’ interests. They shall also introduce internal policies and undertake necessary technical and organisational measures to prevent unauthorised access and transmission of such personal data. Access rights to the personal data referred to in paragraph 5 shall only be granted to personnel holding an EU Member State passport.
Amendment 129 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 16 a – paragraph 6
Article 16 a – paragraph 6
6. When processing the personal data referred to in paragraph 5, the competent authorities of the Member States and Union institutions and bodies shall ensure suitable and specific measures to safeguard data subjects’ interests. They shall also introduce internal policies and undertake necessary technical and organisational measures to prevent unauthorised access and transmission of such personal data. Access rights to the personal data referred to in paragraph 5 shall only be granted to personnel holding an EU Member State passport.
Amendment 131 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 16 a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
For the purposes of this Directive, the competent authorities of the Member States shall transfer personal data to a third country or international organisation only to carry out the tasks referred to in Article 9, Article 10 and Article 13a and in accordance with Chapter V of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Personal data referred to in paragraph 5 shall be excluded from such transfer, unless the explicit prior consent of the Union citizen concerned has been obtained.
Amendment 131 #
2023/0441(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Directive (EU) 2015/637
Article 16 a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 a – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1
For the purposes of this Directive, the competent authorities of the Member States shall transfer personal data to a third country or international organisation only to carry out the tasks referred to in Article 9, Article 10 and Article 13a and in accordance with Chapter V of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Personal data referred to in paragraph 5 shall be excluded from such transfer, unless the explicit prior consent of the Union citizen concerned has been obtained.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To achieve these goals, special emphasis with respect to investment areas should be placed on sectors that are likely to function as key multipliers for social and economic development and in order to reduce strategic dependencies: connectivity, including transport, energy, green and digital transitions, research and innovation, education and skills development, with particular attention to youth.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) To achieve these goals, special emphasis with respect to investment areas should be placed on sectors that are likely to function as key multipliers for social and economic development and in order to reduce strategic dependencies: connectivity, including transport, energy, green and digital transitions, research and innovation, education and skills development, with particular attention to youth.
Amendment 185 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The support under the Facility should be provided to meet general and specific objectives, based on established criteria and with clear payment conditions. The general objectives of the Facility should be to accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration with the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to future Union membership. The Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to fundamentals of the enlargement process, including rule of law, justice and Fundamental Rights, public procurement and State aid control, public finance management and fight against corruption. These objectives should be pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner.
Amendment 185 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The support under the Facility should be provided to meet general and specific objectives, based on established criteria and with clear payment conditions. The general objectives of the Facility should be to accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration with the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to future Union membership. The Facility should also help accelerate reforms related to fundamentals of the enlargement process, including rule of law, justice and Fundamental Rights, public procurement and State aid control, public finance management and fight against corruption. These objectives should be pursued in a mutually reinforcing manner.
Amendment 195 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Facility should ensure consistency with, and support to the general objectives of Union external action as laid down in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, including the respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will notably ensure the protection and promotion of human rights including but not limited to the rights of minorities such as LGBTQ communities, and the rule of law.
Amendment 195 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Facility should ensure consistency with, and support to the general objectives of Union external action as laid down in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, including the respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It will notably ensure the protection and promotion of human rights including but not limited to the rights of minorities such as LGBTQ communities, and the rule of law.
Amendment 200 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) Activities under the Facility should not question the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia-and- Herzegovina.
Amendment 200 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) Activities under the Facility should not question the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia-and- Herzegovina.
Amendment 207 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The implementation of this Regulation should be guided by the principles of equality and non- discrimination, as elaborated in the Union of Equality strategies. It should promote and advance gender equality and mainstreaming, the empowerment of women and girls, and seek to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights, as well as prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, in line with the EU Gender Action Plans and relevant Council conclusions and international conventions. The implementation of the Facility should be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in its investments and technical assistance.
Amendment 207 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The implementation of this Regulation should be guided by the principles of equality and non- discrimination, as elaborated in the Union of Equality strategies. It should promote and advance gender equality and mainstreaming, the empowerment of women and girls, and seek to protect and promote women’s and girls’ rights, as well as prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, in line with the EU Gender Action Plans and relevant Council conclusions and international conventions. The implementation of the Facility should be in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensure accessibility in its investments and technical assistance.
Amendment 216 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respect and improves, upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi-party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for all human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligat including but not limited to LGBTQ communities. Another pre-condition should be full alignment with the Union's stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relationcommon foreign and security policy, including adoption of restrictive measures against Russia as well as with EU visa requirements for third countries.
Amendment 216 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States and the Beneficiaries, should contribute to increased transparency and accountability in the delivery of assistance, including by implementing appropriate internal control systems and anti-fraud policies. The support under the Facility should be made available under the preconditions that each of the Beneficiaries continues to respect and improves, upholds effective democratic mechanisms and institutions, including a functioning multi-party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and to guarantees respect for all human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligat including but not limited to LGBTQ communities. Another pre-condition should be full alignment with the Union's stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relationcommon foreign and security policy, including adoption of restrictive measures against Russia as well as with EU visa requirements for third countries.
Amendment 228 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations
Amendment 228 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) Another pre-condition should be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations
Amendment 232 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The financial liability from loans under this Facility should not be supported by the External Action Guarantee, by way of derogation from Article 31(3), second sentence of Regulation (EU) 2021/947. Loans type of support under this Facility should constitute financial assistance within the meaning of Article 220(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. An indicative amount of financing for each Beneficiary should be calculated based on the formula laid down in Annex I, combining the population share of a Beneficiary over the overall population of the Western Balkans region and the average GDP per capita for the Western Balkans region over the GDP per capita of the respective Beneficiary, weighing the two factors with 60% and 40% respectively. If the payment conditions for the release of funds are not met, the Commission may redistribute part of or the entire amount to other Beneficiaries, and if not used then the amount shall be returned to the European budget.
Amendment 232 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The financial liability from loans under this Facility should not be supported by the External Action Guarantee, by way of derogation from Article 31(3), second sentence of Regulation (EU) 2021/947. Loans type of support under this Facility should constitute financial assistance within the meaning of Article 220(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. An indicative amount of financing for each Beneficiary should be calculated based on the formula laid down in Annex I, combining the population share of a Beneficiary over the overall population of the Western Balkans region and the average GDP per capita for the Western Balkans region over the GDP per capita of the respective Beneficiary, weighing the two factors with 60% and 40% respectively. If the payment conditions for the release of funds are not met, the Commission may redistribute part of or the entire amount to other Beneficiaries, and if not used then the amount shall be returned to the European budget.
Amendment 244 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Disbursement of Union support should be conditional on compliance with the payment conditions and on measurable progress in the implementation of reforms set out in the Reform Agendas assessed and formally approved by the Commission. The release of funds should be structured accordingly, reflecting the objectives of the Facility. The Commission should develop internal guidance for assessing the satisfactory fulfilment of the payment conditions defined in the Reform Agendas, as well as arrangements for partial release of funds. It should also clarify how any potential reversal of the conditions previously fulfilled should be assessed. The Commission should keep the Parliament informed on these proceedings.
Amendment 244 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Disbursement of Union support should be conditional on compliance with the payment conditions and on measurable progress in the implementation of reforms set out in the Reform Agendas assessed and formally approved by the Commission. The release of funds should be structured accordingly, reflecting the objectives of the Facility. The Commission should develop internal guidance for assessing the satisfactory fulfilment of the payment conditions defined in the Reform Agendas, as well as arrangements for partial release of funds. It should also clarify how any potential reversal of the conditions previously fulfilled should be assessed. The Commission should keep the Parliament informed on these proceedings.
Amendment 270 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) In order to maximise the leverage of Union financial support to attract additional investment, and to ensure EU control over the expenditure, the infrastructure investments supporting the Reform Agendas should be implemented through the WBIF. Individual projects or programmes should be submitted to the WBIF Operational Board for its opinion only upon completion of relevant payment conditions defined in the Reform Agendas. In case of non-fulfilment of relevant payment conditions for investments within one year, the Commission may redistribute the investment funding under the WBIF among the remaining Beneficiaries and if not used then the amount shall be reinvested in the European budget.
Amendment 270 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) In order to maximise the leverage of Union financial support to attract additional investment, and to ensure EU control over the expenditure, the infrastructure investments supporting the Reform Agendas should be implemented through the WBIF. Individual projects or programmes should be submitted to the WBIF Operational Board for its opinion only upon completion of relevant payment conditions defined in the Reform Agendas. In case of non-fulfilment of relevant payment conditions for investments within one year, the Commission may redistribute the investment funding under the WBIF among the remaining Beneficiaries and if not used then the amount shall be reinvested in the European budget.
Amendment 292 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. The Facility shall provide assistance to the Western Balkans for the delivery of socio-economic reforms aligned with EU values and investments to implement their respective Reform Agendas, as set out in Chapter III.
Amendment 292 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. The Facility shall provide assistance to the Western Balkans for the delivery of socio-economic reforms aligned with EU values and investments to implement their respective Reform Agendas, as set out in Chapter III.
Amendment 295 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
5. ‘Reform Agendas’ means a comprehensive package of a coherent and prioritised set of targeted reforms aligned with EU values and priority investment areas in each Beneficiary, including payment conditions that indicate satisfactory progress or completion of those measures, and an indicative timetable for the implementation of those measures.
Amendment 295 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
5. ‘Reform Agendas’ means a comprehensive package of a coherent and prioritised set of targeted reforms aligned with EU values and priority investment areas in each Beneficiary, including payment conditions that indicate satisfactory progress or completion of those measures, and an indicative timetable for the implementation of those measures.
Amendment 300 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) accelerate alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to future Union membership
Amendment 300 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) accelerate alignment with Union values, laws, rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to future Union membership
Amendment 306 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries to sustainable, and inclusive economies, capable of withstanding competitive market pressures of the Union single market, and to a stable investment environment and reduce strategic dependencies;
Amendment 306 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries to sustainable, and inclusive economies, capable of withstanding competitive market pressures of the Union single market, and to a stable investment environment and reduce strategic dependencies;
Amendment 330 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling, and employment policies, with particular emphasis on youth;
Amendment 330 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point h
(h) boost quality education, training, reskilling and upskilling, and employment policies, with particular emphasis on youth;
Amendment 335 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security,strengthening democratic institutions, in particular national parliaments, as well as regional and municipal representative bodies, and their powers of oversight and inquiry over the distribution of and access to public funds, promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, including cybersecurity and resilience against disinformation, strengthening the fight against fraud, corruption, including high level corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax avoidance, tax evasion and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom and independence of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality, the overall empowerment of women and girls, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to all minorities such as ethnic, religious, LGBTQ communities;
Amendment 335 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point i
(i) further strengthen the fundamentals of the enlargement process, including the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, through promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security,strengthening democratic institutions, in particular national parliaments, as well as regional and municipal representative bodies, and their powers of oversight and inquiry over the distribution of and access to public funds, promoting an independent judiciary, reinforced security, including cybersecurity and resilience against disinformation, strengthening the fight against fraud, corruption, including high level corruption, organised crime and money laundering and terrorism financing, tax avoidance, tax evasion and tax fraud; compliance with international law; strengthen freedom and independence of media and academic freedom and an enabling environment for civil society; foster social dialogue; promote gender equality, the overall empowerment of women and girls, non- discrimination and tolerance, to ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to all minorities such as ethnic, religious, LGBTQ communities;
Amendment 346 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
(j) reinforce the effectiveness of public administration, ensure access to information and the participation of civil society in decision making processes and public scrutiny, and support transparency, structural reforms and good governance at all levels, including in the areas of public financial management and public procurement and State aid control; support initiatives and bodies involved in supporting and enforcing democracy, international justice and anti-corruption efforts in the Western Balkans Beneficiaries.
Amendment 346 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point j
(j) reinforce the effectiveness of public administration, ensure access to information and the participation of civil society in decision making processes and public scrutiny, and support transparency, structural reforms and good governance at all levels, including in the areas of public financial management and public procurement and State aid control; support initiatives and bodies involved in supporting and enforcing democracy, international justice and anti-corruption efforts in the Western Balkans Beneficiaries.
Amendment 380 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue toimprove, uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relation including but not limited to LGBTQ communities.
Amendment 380 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue toimprove, uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a functioning multi- party parliamentary system, media freedom and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relation including but not limited to LGBTQ communities.
Amendment 389 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) Another precondition shall be full alignment with the Union's common foreign and security policy, including adoption of restrictive measures against Russia as well as with EU visa requirements for third countries.
Amendment 389 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) Another precondition shall be full alignment with the Union's common foreign and security policy, including adoption of restrictive measures against Russia as well as with EU visa requirements for third countries.
Amendment 390 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 390 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 400 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall monitor the fulfilment of the preconditions set out in paragraph 1 before funds are released to Beneficiaries under the Facility and throughout the period of the support provided under the Facility taking duly into account the latest Enlargement Package. The Commission may adopt a decision concluding that some of these preconditions are not met, and in particular,such cases, shall withhold the release of funds referred to in Article 21, irrespective of the fulfilment of payment conditions referred to in Article 16(3).
Amendment 400 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall monitor the fulfilment of the preconditions set out in paragraph 1 before funds are released to Beneficiaries under the Facility and throughout the period of the support provided under the Facility taking duly into account the latest Enlargement Package. The Commission may adopt a decision concluding that some of these preconditions are not met, and in particular,such cases, shall withhold the release of funds referred to in Article 21, irrespective of the fulfilment of payment conditions referred to in Article 16(3).
Amendment 461 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Facility shall incentivise the implementation of the Reform Agenda of each Beneficiary by putting payment conditions on the release of funds. These payment conditions shall apply to funds under Article 6(2) point (a) and Article 6(3) and shall take the form of qualitative or quantitative steps. Such steps shall reflect progress on specific socio-economic reforms, including on fundamentals of the enlargement process and rule of law, EU values, rule of law, justice and fundamental rights, linked to the achievement of the different objectives of the Facility, set out in Article 3, consistent with the latest Enlargement Package.
Amendment 461 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Facility shall incentivise the implementation of the Reform Agenda of each Beneficiary by putting payment conditions on the release of funds. These payment conditions shall apply to funds under Article 6(2) point (a) and Article 6(3) and shall take the form of qualitative or quantitative steps. Such steps shall reflect progress on specific socio-economic reforms, including on fundamentals of the enlargement process and rule of law, EU values, rule of law, justice and fundamental rights, linked to the achievement of the different objectives of the Facility, set out in Article 3, consistent with the latest Enlargement Package.
Amendment 463 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Funds under the Facility will not support activities or measures which could compromise the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Amendment 463 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Funds under the Facility will not support activities or measures which could compromise the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Amendment 464 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) measures constituting a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the objectives set out in Article 3, including structural reforms, investments, the fight against fraud, corruption and organised crime and measures to ensure compliance with preconditions if appropriate;
Amendment 464 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) measures constituting a coherent, comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the objectives set out in Article 3, including structural reforms, investments, the fight against fraud, corruption and organised crime and measures to ensure compliance with preconditions if appropriate;
Amendment 493 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) whether the Reform Agenda can be expected to accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries towards sustainable, climate- neutral and climate resilient and inclusive economies by improving regional connectivity, making progress on the twin transition of green and digital, including biodiversity, and boostingreducing strategic dependencies and boosting research and innovation, education and skills and the wider labour market, with particular attention on youth;
Amendment 493 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) whether the Reform Agenda can be expected to accelerate the transition of the Beneficiaries towards sustainable, climate- neutral and climate resilient and inclusive economies by improving regional connectivity, making progress on the twin transition of green and digital, including biodiversity, and boostingreducing strategic dependencies and boosting research and innovation, education and skills and the wider labour market, with particular attention on youth;
Amendment 31 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 b) Limiting the additional burden on enterprises should be at the center of this Regulation. The Commission and Member States, in all their actions connected to this Regulation, should focus on the objective of “One in, two out” in regard to reporting obligations and commit to more efficient use of data. The collection of additional data should happen exclusively on a need-to-know basis to achieve the core aims of this Regulation, as opposed to a want-to-know approach, which would have significant impact on the productivity and competitiveness of European SMEs.
Amendment 32 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) To limit the burden on enterprises, in particular on SMEs, the national statistical authorities should first consider administrative and innovative sources, the main aim of which is not the provision of statistics, as a substitute for or a complement to statistical surveys, subject to the quality requirements for official statistics. The latest technological and digital developments can contribute to this objectivother data sources already available to national, regional or local authorities for the provision of labour market statistics, before establishing additional reporting requirements and thereby a burden on Union enterprises. The latest technological and digital developments can contribute to this objective. Member States should conduct efforts to ensure relevant data is adequately shared between authorities to ensure the reporting burden for enterprises is as small as possible.
Amendment 44 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1a (new)
1 a. Member States shall ensure relevant data from national, regional or local records are shared with national statistical authorities in full compliance with applicable data protection laws to achieve the aims laid out in this Regulation and to reduce bureaucratic burden on enterprises. Member States shall only conduct surveys after they have conducted reasonable efforts to achieve the objective laid out in the previous subparagraph.
Amendment 52 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Amendment 53 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Amendment 57 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) by Member States whose annual number of employees represents more than 3% of the EU total, for each of the 3 latest consecutive years; and
Amendment 58 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 59 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Amendment 60 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) they have 10 or more full-time equivalents of employees.
Amendment 61 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) they have 10 or more full-time equivalents employees.
Amendment 62 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) they are part of enterprises with 120 or more employees.
Amendment 64 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 66 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the quality of the data and metadata transmitted. Member States shall ensure that this obligation does not increase administrative burden on enterprises.
Amendment 71 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The results of those studies shall be evaluated by the Commission (Eurostat) in cooperation with Member States and the main stakeholders, including social partners. The Commission (Eurostat) shall prepare reports on the findings of the studies in cooperation with the Member States.
Amendment 74 #
2023/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4
Article 13 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making as well as social partners.
Amendment 220 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 71
Recital 71
(71) The digital euro should therefore be designed so as to minimise the processing of personal data by payment service providers and by the European Central Bank to what is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the digital euro. The digital euro should be available offline, with a level of privacy vis a vis payment service providers which is comparable to withdrawals of banknotes at automatic teller machines. The settlement of digital euro transactions should be designed in such a way that neither the European Central Bank nor national central banks can attribute data to an identified or identifiable digital euro user. Payments with the digital euro should have a level of privacy vis-á-vis the payment service provider that is comparable to that for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Amendment 220 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 71
Recital 71
(71) The digital euro should therefore be designed so as to minimise the processing of personal data by payment service providers and by the European Central Bank to what is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the digital euro. The digital euro should be available offline, with a level of privacy vis a vis payment service providers which is comparable to withdrawals of banknotes at automatic teller machines. The settlement of digital euro transactions should be designed in such a way that neither the European Central Bank nor national central banks can attribute data to an identified or identifiable digital euro user. Payments with the digital euro should have a level of privacy vis-á-vis the payment service provider that is comparable to that for cash withdrawals from ATMs.
Amendment 253 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
15. ‘offline digital euro payment transaction’ means a digital euro payment transaction, made in physical proximity, where authorisation and settlement take place exclusively in the local storage devices of both payer and payee;
Amendment 253 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 15
15. ‘offline digital euro payment transaction’ means a digital euro payment transaction, made in physical proximity, where authorisation and settlement take place exclusively in the local storage devices of both payer and payee;
Amendment 293 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
(1) The digital euro - in addition to cash - shall have legal tender status.
Amendment 293 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
(1) The digital euro - in addition to cash - shall have legal tender status.
Amendment 334 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
For the purpose of points (a) and (b), and upon explicit prior approval by the respective individual digital euro users, payment service providers shall link each digital euro payment account to a single non-digital euro payment account designated by the digital euro users. Digital euro users shall be allowed to have that designated non-digital euro payment account with a different payment service provider than the one where a given digital euro payment account is held.
Amendment 334 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
For the purpose of points (a) and (b), and upon explicit prior approval by the respective individual digital euro users, payment service providers shall link each digital euro payment account to a single non-digital euro payment account designated by the digital euro users. Digital euro users shall be allowed to have that designated non-digital euro payment account with a different payment service provider than the one where a given digital euro payment account is held.
Amendment 361 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) provide basic digital payment services and provide digital inclusion support provided face-to-face in physical proximity to persons with disabilities, functional limitations or limited digital skills, and elderly peopl regardless of their age.
Amendment 361 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) provide basic digital payment services and provide digital inclusion support provided face-to-face in physical proximity to persons with disabilities, functional limitations or limited digital skills, and elderly peopl regardless of their age.
Amendment 434 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. For the purpose of Article 15(2), without prejudice to any possible fees charged on other digital euro payment services, payment services providers shall not charge fees to natural persons as referred to in Article 13(1), points (a), (b) and (c), for the provision of the basic digital euro payment services referred to in Annex 2, (a) to (c) and (e) to (g). For the purpose of Annex II, point (d), payment service providers may charge a reasonable fee. For natural persons which also hold a non-digital euro payment account with the same payment service provider, this reasonable fee shall not be higher than the lowest fee charged by PSPs to that natural person for cash deposit/withdrawal services connected to the non-digital euro payment account.
Amendment 434 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. For the purpose of Article 15(2), without prejudice to any possible fees charged on other digital euro payment services, payment services providers shall not charge fees to natural persons as referred to in Article 13(1), points (a), (b) and (c), for the provision of the basic digital euro payment services referred to in Annex 2, (a) to (c) and (e) to (g). For the purpose of Annex II, point (d), payment service providers may charge a reasonable fee. For natural persons which also hold a non-digital euro payment account with the same payment service provider, this reasonable fee shall not be higher than the lowest fee charged by PSPs to that natural person for cash deposit/withdrawal services connected to the non-digital euro payment account.
Amendment 562 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Front-end services provided by the European Central bank referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), shall not provide for customer relationships, that shall solely be provided by payment service providers in their role in the digital euro distribution as laid down in Article 13 and under Directive 2015/2366. The European Central Bank shall not have access to any personal data in relation to the front-end services developed by the European Central Bank and used by the payment services providers. To that extent, the European Central Bank shall ensure that any front- end services it develops are implementable by payment service providers and usable by digital euro users without requiring any transfer of personal data to the European Central Bank or intermediary services provided by the European Central Bank.
Amendment 562 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Front-end services provided by the European Central bank referred to in paragraph 1, point (b), shall not provide for customer relationships, that shall solely be provided by payment service providers in their role in the digital euro distribution as laid down in Article 13 and under Directive 2015/2366. The European Central Bank shall not have access to any personal data in relation to the front-end services developed by the European Central Bank and used by the payment services providers. To that extent, the European Central Bank shall ensure that any front- end services it develops are implementable by payment service providers and usable by digital euro users without requiring any transfer of personal data to the European Central Bank or intermediary services provided by the European Central Bank.
Amendment 578 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. Payment service providers shall enable digital euro users at their request to switch their digital euro payment accounts free of charge to other payment service providers while maintaining the same account identifiers.
Amendment 578 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. Payment service providers shall enable digital euro users at their request to switch their digital euro payment accounts free of charge to other payment service providers while maintaining the same account identifiers.
Amendment 604 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 604 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 612 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Amendment 612 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Amendment 623 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 3
Article 36 – paragraph 3
Amendment 623 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 3
Article 36 – paragraph 3
Amendment 636 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 2
Article 37 – paragraph 2
2. Transaction data shall not be collected or retained by payment service providers or by the European central banks and the national central banks.
Amendment 636 #
2023/0212(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 2
Article 37 – paragraph 2
2. Transaction data shall not be collected or retained by payment service providers or by the European central banks and the national central banks.
Amendment 52 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
Amendment 71 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) where, prior to the payment, the payee has agreed withreceived explicit agreement of the payer on a different means of payment.
Amendment 85 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Article 4 is without prejudice to actions taken by the payer or the payee in order to comply with Union law on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Amendment 91 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Prohibition of unilateral exclusions of payments in cash Payees subject to the obligation to accept euro banknotes and coins shall not use contractual terms that have not been individually negotiated or commercial practices which have the object or the effect of excluding the use of euro banknotes and coins by payers of monetary debts denominated in euro. Such contractual terms or commercial practices shall not be binding on the payer. A contractual term shall be regarded as not having been individually negotiated where it has been drafted in advance and where the payer has therefore not been able to influence the substance of the term, particularly in the context of a pre-formulated standard form contract.
Amendment 95 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6
Article 6
Amendment 164 #
2023/0208(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Member States shall provide natural persons and enterprises with clear information on the channels and effective remedies they have at their disposal to lodge complaints with competent national authorities about cases of unlawful refusal to accept cash and insufficient and ineffective access to cash. To that extent, Member States shall set up a website that provides information and a possibility to lodge complaints. The website shall be accessible by the public free of charge and shall not require the provision of personal information (free-access website).
Amendment 21 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Although Directive 2014/49/EU significantly improves the capacity of national schemes to compensate depositors, more efficient deposit guarantee arrangements are needed at the level of the Banking Union to ensure sufficient financial means to underpin the confidence of all depositors and thereby safeguard financial stability. EDIS would increase the resilience of the Banking Union against future crises by sharing risk more widely and would offer equal protection for insured depositors, supporting the proper functioning of the internal market. In order to limit the risk born by deposit holders, any form of EDIS should be linked to concrete risk-reducing measures such as the introduction of risk-weighted capital requirements to sovereign exposure;
Amendment 33 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The scope of EDIS should not, at any time, cover entities that are members of institutional protection schemes as referred to in Article 113(7) of Regulation 575/2013. Including IPS within the scope of EDIS could lead to conflicts and legal uncertainty as regards contractual obligations of respective entities. Additionally, any new Union legislation should respect the integrity of systems that function without Union intervention.
Amendment 112 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Any institution that falls within the scope of Article 113(7) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 (Capital Requirements Regulation) shall be excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 313 #
2015/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 39 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 806/2014
Article 94 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 94 – paragraph 3 a (new)
39a. in Article 94, the following paragraph is added: ‘3a. By 31 December eight years after entry into force of this amending Regulation the Commission shall review the functioning of EDIS I. The review shall be limited to the following: (a) the adequacy of funding mechanism and target level of EDIS I and the cases of use of the liquidity mechanism; (b) the appropriateness of an extension of EDIS I from providing liquidity support to deposit insurance mechanisms. (c) the appropriateness of introducing a publicly funded backstop mechanism or the DIF. The Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council. Where appropriate the review shall be accompanied with a legislative proposal. The review shall not assess the scope of measures financed by EDIS I under article 41a and the entities referred to in Article 2(2), point (b)';