Activities of Wouter BEKE
Plenary speeches (10)
Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture (debate)
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)
One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas (debate)
Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024 (debate)
The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe (debate)
Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens (debate)
Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (debate)
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia (debate)
Continued escalation in the Middle East: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA’s essential role in the region, the need to release all hostages and the recent ICC arrest warrants (debate)
Institutional motions (23)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION 11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov
Written explanations (4)
The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine (B10-0007/2024)
Met deze allereerste resolutie geeft het nieuw verkozen Europees Parlement meteen een krachtig signaal: we blijven onversaagd aan de kant van Oekraïne staan in de verdediging tegen de niet‑geprovoceerde en niet‑gerechtvaardigde oorlog die Rusland tegen dit land is begonnen. Onze economische, financiële en militaire steun aan Oekraïne mag niet ter discussie staan. Tegelijk veroordelen we de zogenaamde “vredesmissie” van Viktor Orbán, die de rol van Hongarije als voorzitter van de Raad van de Europese Unie misbruikt om valselijk namens de Europese Unie te spreken in Rusland en China. Wat mij betreft moet dit bezoek – dat een schending is van de Verdragen van de Europese Unie – tot sancties leiden tegen Hongarije, bijvoorbeeld door het stemrecht van het land op te schorten in de Raad op basis van artikel 7 van het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl
Het is goed dat de Europese Commissie voorstelt om de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van onder meer carbendazim in geïmporteerde voeding te verlagen wanneer wetenschappelijk onderzoek aantoont dat er mogelijk negatieve effecten kunnen zijn. Het voorstel van de Commissie dat voorligt is niet perfect, maar is op korte termijn wel een stap in de goede richting. Door de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van verschillende stoffen in heel wat producten te verlagen, beschermen we de volksgezondheid. Tegelijk versterken we het gelijk speelveld van onze landbouwers, die deze producten ook niet mogen gebruiken. Om die redenen stemde ik tegen het bezwaar dat voorlag in het Europees Parlement. Het voorstel van de Commissie is geen totaalverbod, maar wel een eerste belangrijke stap richting een gelijker speelveld voor onze landbouwers. Doordat het bezwaar toch een meerderheid haalde, blijven de hogere waarden momenteel behouden. Hierdoor worden onze landbouwers langer met een ongelijk speelveld geconfronteerd, zonder dat we enige garantie hebben van de Commissie dat ze snel met een nieuw voorstel komt. Hier wint niemand bij, niet de consument en niet de landbouwer.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for cyproconazole
Het is goed dat de Europese Commissie voorstelt om de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van onder meer cyproconazool in geïmporteerde voeding te verlagen wanneer wetenschappelijk onderzoek aantoont dat er mogelijk negatieve effecten kunnen zijn. Het voorstel van de Commissie dat voorligt is niet perfect, maar is op korte termijn wel een stap in de goede richting. Door de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van verschillende stoffen in heel wat producten te verlagen, beschermen we de volksgezondheid. Tegelijk versterken we het gelijk speelveld van onze landbouwers, die deze producten ook niet mogen gebruiken. Om die redenen stemde ik tegen het bezwaar dat voorlag in het Europees Parlement. Het voorstel van de Commissie is geen totaalverbod, maar wel een eerste belangrijke stap richting een gelijker speelveld voor onze landbouwers. Doordat het bezwaar toch een meerderheid haalde, blijven de hogere waarden momenteel behouden. Hierdoor worden onze landbouwers langer met een ongelijk speelveld geconfronteerd, zonder dat we enige garantie hebben van de Commissie dat ze snel met een nieuw voorstel komt. Hier wint niemand bij, niet de consument en niet de landbouwer.
Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
Op 14 november heeft het Europees Parlement gestemd over de EU-ontbossingsverordening (EUDR). Deze wetgeving heeft als doel de wereldwijde ontbossing terug te dringen, een doelstelling waar ik uiteraard volledig achter sta. Concreet moet de wetgeving garanderen dat er op de Europese markt geen producten worden verhandeld die ontbossing veroorzaken, onder meer door de verplichting voor bedrijven om te bewijzen dat hun toeleveringsketens vrij zijn van ontbossing als het gaat over producten als bijvoorbeeld koffie of cacao.De wetgeving werd goedgekeurd in 2023 en bedrijven zijn volop bezig om zich aan te passen aan de nieuwe regels. Doordat de begeleidende richtsnoeren van de Europese Commissie te laat werden gepubliceerd, hebben sommige bedrijven echter meer tijd nodig om te voldoen aan de nieuwe regels. Daarom steunde ik het voorstel om de wetgeving met 1 jaar uit te stellen. Enkel zo kunnen we onze bedrijven en landbouwers de kans geven om zich grondig en tijdig op de nieuwe wetgeving voor te bereiden en hun processen aan te passen. Andere voorstellen om de wetgeving nu reeds inhoudelijk aan te passen, door bijvoorbeeld een “zero risk”-categorie toe te voegen, heb ik niet gesteund. Bedrijven hebben nu nood aan zekerheid, niet aan chaos.
Written questions (6)
The spread of bluetongue virus throughout the EU
Reactivation of the Iron Rhine
Security-related concerns regarding current EU customs scanning equipment and the Customs Control Equipment Instrument funds
EU-NATO high-level task force
The role of TikTok in the Romanian presidential election
Effectiveness of the steel safeguard measure
Amendments (49)
Amendment 146 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the absolute need for the EU to meet the challenges posed by the multiple and constantly evolving threats to its security, and for this purpose, to engage in new policies and actions that enable the EU and its Member States to collectively and coherently strengthen their defence in Europe and their ability to act at the global level, aiming to preserve peace and save lives;
Amendment 149 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls the importance of the European Union achieving greater strategic sovereignty to ensure that its missions and objectives are aligned with the collective interests of the Member States and the broader vision of European security and defence; emphasises that, in light of the evolving geopolitical paradigm, characterised by increasing militarisation, regional rivalries, and hybrid threats, the EU must strengthen its capacity for independent decision-making and operational autonomy; highlights the need for policies that enable the EU to act decisively and effectively, both within its borders and on the global stage, to safeguard its values, interests, and strategic objectives;
Amendment 346 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the need to overcome the fragmentation of the EU’s internal market for defence products, as it leads to unnecessary duplications and the multiplication of inefficiencies in defence spending; calls on the Commission to present proposals to complete the EU internal market for defence, based, in particular, on an assessment of EU rules for defence procurement and transfer of defence-related products, and on the identification and analysis of limitations and loopholes in the current legal framework; emphasizes the importance of using NATO standards for military equipment to enhance interoperability; calls on the Commission to present an action plan to increase the uptake of NATO standards and to consider EU secondary legislation to enforce this among Member States;
Amendment 357 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the importance of ensuring a balanced effort between strengthening existing EU armament industrial capabilities in the short and medium-term, and supporting research and development for new and innovative military equipment and armament tailored to the needs of the armed forces of the Member States; calls on the Member States and the Commission to aim for a further strengthening of joint procurement mechanisms and sufficient coordination in light of the interoperability by the European Defence Agency (EDA);
Amendment 371 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Encourages sustained investment in dual-use technologies, applicable in both civilian and military contexts, as a means to enhance the EU's resilience against hybrid and emerging threats; underlines the importance of ensuring the financial viability of companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that invest in such innovation, ensuring that EU financial support and policies are directed towards creating a true European single defence market; advocates for the promotion of civilian commercialisation of these technologies as a way to expand market opportunities and strengthen the European industrial base, fostering synergies between military and civilian development;
Amendment 376 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Underlines the importance of including all Member States in security and defence strategies, particularly with regard to the development of the defence industry; calls for the creation of centres of excellence in different regions of the EU to promote innovation and the participation of all Member States, ensuring that the capabilities and specialised knowledge of each Member State contribute to a more cohesive and integrated defence industrial base;
Amendment 414 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Suggests that the Council review the institutional settings of its decision- making bodies competent for defence and security, and consider setting up a new permanent decision-making body made up of ministers of defence from Member States; calls on the Council to consider all possibilities to further strengthen and deepen the decision-making process, for example within the framework of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO);
Amendment 450 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by Member States and the increase, albeit modest, in the EU budget for CSDP in 2024; calls on the Member States that have not yet reached the minimum threshold of 2 % of their GDP devoted to defence expenditure to resolutely commit to gradually increasing their military budgets; recommends that, on the basis of continuous analysis of capability needs, Member States further increase this threshold, in particular for joint procurement of defence capabilities; emphasizes furthermore that public spending should be complemented by increased private funding; calls on the Member States and the Commission to encourage both the European Investment Bank (EIB) and national banks to relax their policies and provide the defence sector with essential access to loans; stresses that EIB loans should act as a catalyst for private investment in the European defence industry;
Amendment 464 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate an open discussion based on the recommendations presented in Mr Draghi’s report on the future of European competiveness, including increasing the resources allocated to security and defence in the next multiannual financial framework and exploring all funding options to this end; underlines furthermore the importance of a adapted legal framework in light of the needs of upscaling the military and armament capabilities and the development, manufacturing and implementing those capabilities within the internal market; further calls on Member States to amend the EPF financing process to ensure adequate and sustainable support for partners and allies, while also aligning with CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 472 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Proposes that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) includes a substantial increase in the budget for defence and security programmes, with an emphasis on technological innovation and dual-use projects; highlights that this support is essential to boost the competitiveness of the European defence industry, promoting advancements that contribute both to security and to sustainable economic growth;
Amendment 659 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing and information exchange among Member States and EU institutions, including Parliament, to improve situational awareness and to be able to better anticipate and counter threats to collective security and define common lines of actions under the CSDP, particularly in the area of crisis management; recommends the inclusion of regular intelligence updates to relevant parliamentary committees; this would enable clear and informed proactive parliamentary oversight in defence of the EU citizens' security interests in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape;
Amendment 678 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Highlights the importance of intensifying efforts to combat disinformation promoted by foreign actors aiming to undermine the credibility of the EU, particularly in regions where civilian and military missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy are underway; recommends that the European Defence Agency and the European External Action Service develop coordinated strategies to identify, counter, and neutralise disinformation campaigns, thereby strengthening the positive perception and legitimacy of EU operations among local populations and international partners;
Amendment 705 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Recalls the importance of the dual- use nature of space and its support for CSDP Missions and Operations; highlights that, beyond satellite communications (SATCOM), sectors such as positioning, navigation, timing, as well as earth observation, are essential for strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and resilience; stresses that the development of these capabilities directly contributes to effective crisis response and the protection of critical infrastructure;
Amendment 707 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Recognises the insufficiency of launch vehicle capabilities and satellite communications (SATCOM) within the EU; underlines the strategic importance of advancing and enhancing these capabilities to enable the EU to effectively support Member States and CSDP Missions and Operations, while maintaining a resilient and autonomous posture; stresses that the development of EU-led solutions in this domain is essential for the protection of critical infrastructure and to ensure a secure and competitive presence in the space sector;
Amendment 709 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Underlines the importance of improving the relations between the European Commission and ESA to avoid redundancies of efforts and ensure more efficient use of resources; also highlights the significance of fostering synergies with NATO to ensure effective coordination in the development of space and defence capabilities;
Amendment 754 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Proposes the creation of a European exchange programme for military personnel from Member States, aimed at providing training opportunities and experiences in different European military environments and structures; this programme should enable military personnel to participate in training and adaptation periods within units of other countries, fostering mutual understanding, cohesion, and interoperability, as well as strengthening professional networks and the sharing of best practices among the EU's armed forces;
Amendment 762 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Underlines the need for the EU to strengthen its efforts to ensure that countries which were once strategic partners, and with which some Member States maintain strong cultural ties, are not drawn into the sphere of influence of systemic rivals; recalls that economic diplomacy plays a crucial role in this endeavour, serving as an essential tool to reinforce cooperative ties, promote mutual prosperity, and consolidate the Union's presence and influence, contributing to the resilience of these regions against external pressures;
Amendment 852 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses that the strengthening of the CSDP as a political priority under the tenth legislative term and the increase in spending on defence policies and programmes at EU level and among the Member States requires full parliamentary scrutiny and accountability; highlights the importance of other Committees within the European Parliament to uphold a holistic approach towards the implementation of the CSDP;
Amendment 439 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on Ukraine to continue its progress towards EU membership using all the resources made available to it under the Ukraine Facility and to ensure the meaningful involvement of its civil society in the implementation and monitoring phases thereof; recalls that EU accession is a strictly merit-based process that requires the fulfilment of the criteria for EU membership, including those concerning democracy, the rule of law, fundamental values and the fight against corruption;
Amendment 820 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Urges the VP/HR and the Member States to focus on bilateral relations with like-minded partners in Africa, among others Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships; emphasizes the importance of a continues focus on Africa, which is already a strategic continent and will become an increasingly important player in the future; believes that the ‘more for more’ principle should be integrated fully into relations with non-EU countries, whereby the EU develops stronger partnerships with those countries that uphold the principles of the CFSP and the common security and defence policy (CSDP), and the fundamental values of the EU; calls for the EU to respond to partner countries’ expectations and to deliver quickly on political agreements with them in order to show that the EU is a key and strategic partner and demonstrate that the international rules-based system can meet contemporary challenges;
Amendment 62 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Foreign investments that create or maintain lasting and direct links between investors from third countries (including state bodies) and Union targets carrying out an economic activity in a Member State should fall within the scope of this Regulation. This should apply where those investments are directly carried out from third countries or by a Union entity with foreign control. However, the framework should not cover the acquisition of company securities intended purely for financial investment without any intention to influence the management and control of the undertaking (portfolio investments)that does not confer the possibility of exercising decisive influence on an Union target. Restructuring operations within a group of companies or a merger of more than onultiple legal entities into a single legal entity do not constitute a foreign investment, provided that there isuch operations ndo increase in the shares held by foreign investors,not result in the possibility to use all or part orf the transaction does not result in additional rights that may lead to a change in the effective participation of one or more foreign investors in the management or controlassets of the Union target or the possibility to exercise decisive influence on the composition or decisions of the organs of athe Union target.
Amendment 64 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) To ensure consistent and predictable screening processes, it is appropriate to lay down the essential features of the screening mechanisms to be implemented by Member States. Those features should at least include the scope of the transactions to be subject to an authorisation requirement, deadlines for the screening and the possibility for undertakings concerned by the screening decision to seek recourse against such decisions. Rules and procedures relating to screening mechanisms should be transparentAppropriate tools together with sufficient resources should be provided to the screening authority to effectively implement such screening processes. Rules and procedures relating to screening mechanisms should be transparent, causing minimal administrative burden, avoiding undue delays for the applicants and should not discriminate between third countries.
Amendment 81 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooperation mechanism, it is necessary to aligncoordinate deadlines and procedures when several foreign investments linked to the same broader transaction are screened in several Member States. In such multi-country transactions, the applicant should file the different requests for authorisation in the Member States concerned simultaneouslywithin a reasonable time frame. In addition, those Member States should notify the requests simultaneously to the cooperation mechanism. To ensure an efficient handling of these multi-country transactions, the Member States concerned should coordinate and agree on whether the foreign investments are notifiable and when they should be notified. Furthermore, the Member States concerned should also coordinate on the final decision. If the Member States concerned intend to authorise the foreign investment with conditions, they should ensure that these conditions are compatible with one another and address cross-border risks adequately. Before prohibiting a foreign investment, the Member States concerned should consider whether a conditional authorisation with coordinated measures and their coordinated enforcement is not sufficient to address the likely effect on security or public order. The Commission should be able to participate in such coordination.
Amendment 84 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34 a (new)
Recital 34 a (new)
(34 a) To ensure transparency and efficiency in the cooperation mechanism, it is essential for Member States to provide complete additional information requested by the Commission or other Member States within a reasonable timeframe. Member States should comply with such requests without undue delay and no later than 180 days from the date of the request, using the secure and encrypted system established under this Regulation. Furthermore, when providing additional information to another Member State, the notifying Member State should simultaneously share the same information with the Commission to maintain consistency and facilitate effective coordination.
Amendment 87 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Where the Member State where the foreign investment is planned or completed considers that a foreign investment is likely to negatively affect security or public order in the Union, it is appropriate to require that Member State to take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks, where such measures are available, and it considers them adequate, taking into utmostreasonably considerationing the comments issued by other Member States and the opinion issued by the Commission, if applicable. Foreign investments should be prohibited only on an exceptional basis, and where mitigating measures or measures available under Union or national law other than the screening mechanism are not sufficient to mitigate the effect on security or public order or that compliance with mitigating is insufficient.
Amendment 94 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) The Commission should revaluateiew the functioning and effectiveness of this Regulation 5 years after the date of application of this Regulation and every 5 years after that and present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council. The report should also focus on the adequacy of the list of projects, programmes and the list of technologies in the Annexes of this Regulation. That report should include an assessment of whether or not this Regulation should be amended. Where the report proposes amending this Regulation, it may be accompanied by a legislative proposal.
Amendment 98 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 49
Recital 49
(49) In order to take into account developments relating to projects or programmes of Union interest and to adapt the list of technologies, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments to the Annexes tof this Regulation. The list of projects and programmes of Union interest set out in Annex I should cover projects or programmes covered by EU law which provide for the development, maintenance or acquisition of critical infrastructure, critical technologies or critical inputs which are essential for security or public order. The list of technologies, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union set out in Annex II should include areas where a foreign investment may affect security or public order in more than one Member State or in the Union as a whole through an Union target, which does not participate in or receive funds from a project or programme of Union interest. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making16 . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. _________________ 16 OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1 should be reviewed every two years. If amendments to the annexes are necessary, the European Commission may introduce a legislative proposal in that regard.
Amendment 102 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘foreign investment’ means a foreign direct investment or an investment within the Union with foreign control, which enables effective participation in the management or control of a Union tthe possibility to exercise decisive influence on a Union target from the investor's side; pursuant to Article 3(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings and Article 20(5) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal margket;
Amendment 110 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall establish or maintain a screening mechanism in accordance withthat fulfils at least the requirements set out in this Regulation.
Amendment 112 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) adequate procedures together with adequate administrative means shall be provided for the screening authority to effectively determine whether it has jurisdiction over a foreign investment filed for authorisation and to carry out an initial review followed by, where necessary, an in-depth investigation to determine whether that foreign investment is likely to negatively affect security or public order. The purpose of the in-depth investigation shall be, in particular, to determine whether a screening decision as referred to in Article 14(1) is appropriate and to determine its content.
Amendment 115 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) Member States shall require mandatory notification of foreign investments which enable the possibility for the investor to exercise decisive influence on a Union target pursuant to Article 3(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings and Article 20(5) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2560 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market. Screening mechanisms shall not allow Member States to require mandatory notification of minority or short-term investments, or restructuring operations within a group of companies or a merger of more than one legal entities into a single legal entity;
Amendment 119 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the screening authority shall be empowered to start screening foreign investments by its own initiative for at least 15 months after the completion of a foreign investment that is not subject to an authorisation requirement where the screening authority has grounds to consider that the foreign investment may affect security or public order; This does not cover already screened foreign investments unless it is demonstrated that the foreign investor has provided false, misleading or incomplete information.
Amendment 122 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) foreign investments subject to an authorisation requirement as referred to in paragraph 4 shall be filed by the applicant requesting authorisation with the screening authority and shall be screened before the foreign investment is completed;. The screening authority shall limit administrative burdens and undue delays for the applicant requesting authorisation.
Amendment 128 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b
Amendment 131 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Member States may ensure that their screening mechanisms impose an authorisation requirement for foreign investments where the Union target established in their territory is economically active in one of the areas listed in Annex II.
Amendment 134 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Member States may notify any foreign investment that do not meet the conditions set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 if the Member State where the Union target is established considers that a foreign investment could be of interest to the other Member States and the Commission from a security or public order perspective, including where the Union target has significant operations in other Member States, or belongs to a corporate group that has several companies in different Member States which are economically active in one of the areas listed in Annex II.
Amendment 137 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) applicants requesting an authorisation shall file their requests for authorisation in all relevant Member States on the same day, and each request for authorisation shall make reference to the other requestswithin 15 days’ timeframe; the first request shall not be required to reference other requests, while all subsequent requests shall make reference to the first request. The 15-day time frame shall begin from the date the first request is submitted;
Amendment 156 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Following the receipt of comments pursuant to paragraph 1 or an opinion pursuant to paragraph 2 or 3, the Member State where the foreign investment is planned or completed shall:
Amendment 159 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point a
(a) notify its screening decision toinform the respective Member States and to the Commission on the results of screening via the secure and encrypted system referred to in Article 12(4) no later than 3 calendar days after it was sent to the respective parties to the foreign investment;the screening decision entered into legal force
Amendment 162 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – introductory part
(b) upon request of the respective Member State or the Commission, invite the respective Member State and the Commission to a meeting or provide a written explanation to the respective Member States and the Commission via the secure and encrypted system referred to in Article 12(4) no later than 7 calendar days aftfollowing such a request. Where the screening decision was notified pursuant to paragraph (a) on:concerns a multi- country notification, the other Member States who notified the foreign investment to the cooperation mechanism shall also be invited to the meeting or receive the written explanation.
Amendment 166 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – point i
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – point i
Amendment 169 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – point ii
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – point b – point ii
Amendment 175 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 9
Article 7 – paragraph 9
Amendment 189 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
5. The notifying Member State shall provide the complete additional information requested by the Commission or other Member States pursuant to paragraph 2 without undue delay, and no later than 180 days from the request, via the secure and encrypted system referred to in Article 12(4). Where the notifying Member State provides additional information to a Member State, such additional information shall be sent to the Commission simultaneously.
Amendment 232 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18
Article 18
Amendment 233 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 a (new)
Article 18 a (new)
Article18a Review Clause 1. 5 years after ... [ date of application of this Regulation] and every 5 years thereafter, the Commission shall review the list of projects or programmes of Union interest set out in Annex I to take account of the adoption and amendment of Union law relating to projects or programmes of Union interest relevant to security or public order. 2. As part of this regular review, the Commission shall also review the list of technologies, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union set out in Annex II to take account of changes in the circumstances relevant to the security or public order interests of the Union. In particular, these considerations shall include the following: (a) the resilience of supply chains of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union; (b) the resilience of infrastructures of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union; (c) the advancement of technologies of particular importance for security or public order of the Union; (d) the emergence of vulnerabilities in relation to access to or other forms of processing of sensitive information, including personal data to the extent they are likely to negatively affect the security or public order interests of the Union; (e) the emergence of a geopolitical situation of particular importance for security or public order of the Union. 3. Where the reviews referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 of this Article conclude that an amendment to Annex I or Annex II is necessary, the Commission may submit a legislative proposal to that regard.
Amendment 234 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19
Article 19
Amendment 239 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20
Article 20
Amendment 245 #
2024/0017(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – subheading 1
Annex II – subheading 1
List of technologies, assets, facilities, equipment, networks, systems, services and economic activitems and entities of particular importance for the security or public order interests of the Union