Activities of Kathleen FUNCHION
Plenary speeches (7)
The historic CJEU ruling on the Apple state aid case and its consequences (debate)
World Mental Health Day - need for a comprehensive EU strategy on mental health (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 179)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (debate)
Presentation by the Commission President-elect of the College of Commissioners and its programme (debate)
Strengthening children’s rights in the EU - 35th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (debate)
Need to update the European strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities (debate)
Oral questions (1)
ICC arrest warrants issued on 21 November 2024
Written explanations (48)
The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine (B10-0007/2024)
I supported this resolution, as its main aim was to signal the EU’s continued support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion. However, I am concerned that Ukraine is being used as a justification for further militarisation of the EU. The resolution contained several worrying points on military expenditure, which I opposed in the votes on amendments.The European Parliament has no right to tell Ireland to spend 0.25 % of its annual GDP on military support to Ukraine, which is why Sinn Féin requested a separate vote on this line to try to remove it from the text. Sinn Féin will continue to defend Irish neutrality and will not allow the EU to undermine it in any way.It is fitting that one of the new European Parliament’s first acts was to express solidarity with Ukraine through this resolution. However, I am very disappointed that the same sense of urgency was not accorded to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The proposal from Sinn Féin’s group to hold a debate on Palestine was rejected by the majority of MEPs. This perpetuates the double standard that the EU institutions have shown towards the two conflicts.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl
This objection relates to a proposal by the Commission to set new maximum residue levels (MRLs) for certain pesticides. The MRLs refer to the maximum amount of these pesticides that can be present in or on food imported to the EU.The Commission wants to keep some tolerance for imports of foods treated with these pesticides, to keep in line with international tendencies. However, these pesticides are completely banned in the EU due to health concerns (carbdendazim is toxic for reproduction). Allowing their presence in imported foods poses risks to consumers, and to farmers in third countries who use these pesticides on their crops. They also pose risks to biodiversity in countries where they are used.For these reasons, I voted in favour of the objection. The resolution accompanying the objection calls on the Commission to propose new MRLs that would not allow any import tolerance for these pesticides.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for cyproconazole
This objection relates to a proposal by the Commission to set new maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the pesticide cyproconazole. The MRLs refer to the max amount of this pesticide that can be present in or on food imported to the EU.The Commission wants to keep some tolerance for imports of foods treated with cyproconazole, to keep in line with international tendencies. However, these pesticides are completely banned in the EU due to health concerns (cyproconazole is toxic if swallowed, toxic for the liver and toxic for reproduction). Allowing their presence in imported foods poses risks to consumers, and to farmers in third countries who use these pesticides on their crops. They also pose risks to biodiversity in countries where they are used (cyproconazole is highly toxic for aqautic life).For these reasons, I voted in favour of the objection. The resolution accompanying the objection calls on the Commission to propose new MRLs that would not allow any import tolerance for these pesticides.
EU/USA Agreement on launch of Galileo satellites from U.S. territory
I voted in favour of this measure that would approve security arrangements for the launch of EU satellites from US territory. This move became necessary due to the war in Ukraine, which led to the withdrawal of Russian rockets from EU launching sites. In general, I am cautious about the EU’s approach to space policy. The Galileo satellites allow for GPS navigation that can be used by a variety of important sectors, from transport to agriculture to search and rescue. However, they can also be used for law enforcement and border controls. In the wider context of the European Space Programme, we must remain vigilant against the militarisation of space policy. However, this agreement was a purely technical measure, so I did not oppose it. It is however laughable that this vote in the European Parliament took place after several EU satellites had already been launched from US sites. The Parliament’s consent should have been sought earlier and not as a retroactive side note.
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
I absolutely condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and its violation of international law. I extend my full solidarity to the people of Ukraine. However, this resolution represents an escalation of the EU position to the point where Ireland would be paying for NATO weapons to be used directly against Russian territory. For this reason I abstained.
Situation in Venezuela
Devastating floods in Central-Eastern Europe, loss of lives and EU preparedness to act on such disasters
I supported this resolution as it mainly expressed solidarity and offered practical assistance to those affected. I am wary of the language around further centralising in Europe domestic services such as rescue services. Solidarity and cooperation is welcome. Moves towards replacing national competencies should be resisted.
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France further to natural disasters occurred in 2023
I voted in favour of this resolution in solidarity with regions that have experienced serious natural disasters. The EU Solidarity Fund is a pre-existing fund specifically designed to mitigate the damage caused by natural disasters, in this case severe flooding brought on by exceptional weather events. The resolution mobilises the fund to mitigate the costs associated with the damages caused.I also welcome that this resolution recognises that, as climate change intensifies, there will be more extreme weather events, that there is special recognition of the vulnerable position of islands and coastal areas, and that it calls for easier access for such areas.
Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of presidential elections, EU integration referendum
In recent years, Sinn Féin have supported a number of resolutions on Moldova, mostly focused on trade concessions and macro-financial assistance.This resolution seeks to integrate Moldova into EU security and defence policies. The calls for 'stronger cooperation on security and defence policy', 'security and defence partnership with the EU' and to 'progressively include the Republic of Moldova in upcoming legislative initiatives and programmes relating to European security and defence' made it difficult for me to support. I am very concerned about the escalating focus on militarisation and defence within the EU. The current militarisation approach overshadows the positions of neutral states within the EU, including Ireland. It is a very worrying precedent to see alignment with EU security and defence policy presented as a compulsory part of Moldova's potential accession to the EU.There are valid criticisms of Russian interference. However, there is no equivalent criticism of EU interference in the referendum, which is encouraged by this resolution. It is imprudent for Parliament to take such a clear position in advance of the constitutional referendum in Moldova, as this amounts to an attempt to influence a vote in a sovereign third country. Therefore, I abstained.
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
While incredibly concerned about democratic backsliding in Georgia, I abstained on this resolution as there were a number of significant issues with the text proposed to Parliament.Firstly, the resolution pre-empts the decisions the people of Georgia will have to make for themselves in their own upcoming election.Secondly, the references to the country's Euro-Atlantic integration and orientation at multiple points and alignment with EU foreign policy would suggest that there is only one electoral and policy outcome acceptable to the Parliament.As a representative of a neutral country, I am further concerned that enlargement policy is moving away from focusing on the fundamental values required for EU membership towards requiring alignment with the foreign policy of certain European countries.
Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine
We voted in favour of this mechanism, as it will provide revenues from immobilised Russian sovereign assets, so that Ukraine can service and repay loans from the EU and other G7 lenders.We have had previous concerns around the use of MFA packages more broadly in the context where countries have adverse conditionalities (such as privatisation requirements) attached. The specific conditionalities within the mechanism were around upholding democratic standards and fraud prevention (as contained within the Ukraine Facility) and in this context we were happy to support the vote.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/001 BE/Match-Smatch
Discharge 2022: EU general budget – European Council and Council
I voted in favour of Parliament's decision not to grant discharge to the Council as the Council does not cooperate in the process. Should we add justification of voting for the PfE amendments on RCV? If so, could add that I supported amendments that proposed the removal of articles that supported abolition of unanimous voting at the Council.
General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections
Although the budget was progressive in many aspects, I voted against it on several grounds that are red lines for Sinn Féin. This proposal was a poor deal for farmers and fishers, threatened Irish neutrality by calling for increased military funding, and called for more own resources funding for the EU. There were also amendments, which I could not support that threaten funding for UNWRA and calls for funding for walls at Europe’s borders. The proposal is not in line with Sinn Féin values.
Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation
I voted in favour of this resolution. The Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), implemented in 2017, requires medical device producers to certify their devices under the new safety schemes. Existing products need to be recertified under the new schemes, but there was a transition period to do so. The transition period has been repeatedly pushed back. But many manufacturers still do have not had their products recertified, citing a lack of capacity of certifying bodies.From a patient safety point of view, the sooner manufacturers comply with the new safety guidelines, the better. However, at this stage there have been so many delays and problems that not addressing these issues could limit patient access to important medical devices. The European Commission has already started work on an impact assessment with a view to revising the MDR, which this resolution supports. We need some practical revisions to the MDR which will allow it to be implemented properly and thereby improve patient safety. I did not agree with aspects of the resolution which tried to put a time limit on the Commission's impact assessment – the priority should be for a thorough assessment that prioritises patients, not necessarily speed.
Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
This resolution comes in the context of the COP29 which will be held in Azerbaijan in November. It focuses on human rights abuses in Azerbaijan, which in the past have increased when the country has hosted international events. A number of ECHR rulings have found Azerbaijan to be in abuse of human rights, with over 320 ECHR judgements pending. The resolution calls for better media freedoms, the release of political prisoners, electoral transparency, and protections for civil society in Azerbaijan. It calls on the EU to suspend its gas trade with Azerbaijan and place sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses. Given its overall message in support of protections for human rights and civil space, I supported this resolution. However, I do not agree with the paragraph that called for greater cooperation between Armenia and EU in security and defence, calling on Member States to consider supplying military support for Armenia.
Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
I voted against all amendments to water down the Deforestation Regulation, and the overall proposal to delay its application by 12 months. The delay is a politically motivated move designed to close the deal on the Mercosur Agreement - which will exacerbate the deforestation that the Deforestation Regulation seeks to prevent. At the first opportunity, the new Commission took an axe to our environmental legislation, and the EPP was quick to jump on board, siding with the far right yet again. The Amazon is reaching tipping point: we cannot afford to wait another year without taking action on deforestation.I have heard the concerns of Irish farmers about the Deforestation Regulation. Ireland should be classed as a low-risk country, meaning farmers will have minimal obligations: they will have to provide information that they already provide to avail of CAP payments, and coordinates that can be found on any online map. Any increase in feed prices can be compensated by the EU’s urgency funding for agriculture - there is good precedent for this. But the answer is not to dismantle the Deforestation Regulation, particularly not in order to pass the Mercosur deal, which will be very detrimental to Irish farmers.
Faster and Safer Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes
Sinn Féin abstained again on this report because we find the balance between tackling fraud and encouraging investment is not maintained and that the measures will not be sufficient to tackle fraud. Additionally, the measures approach an imposition on tax sovereignty that we are not comfortable with.
Amendment of the EIB's Statute
The EIB has been a source of funding for many companies and has a role to play into the future to allow the EU to reach targets such as climate targets.However, banking deregulation to allow greater fearing rations and recent policy changes to allow the EIB to lend to weapon manufacturers mean that I decided to abstain on this motion.
UN Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29)
I voted in favour of this resolution, which lays out the EU’s position on the COP29 global climate negotiations. It was important for the European Parliament to send a strong signal at the start of COP, clearly calling for ambitious agreement on climate finance. The resolution also stressed the work needed in the EU, by all sectors, to reduce carbon emissions.There was some language in the resolution that sought to place responsibility on emerging economies rather than the EU, but it is important to remember that Europe also has an historic responsibility to be a leader in climate mitigation and in providing international climate finance.Some attempts by the EPP to weaken the language here were unfortunately successful, but thankfully none of the many climate-denying amendments received a majority.As a result, I was happy to support the resolution.
EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia
I am disappointed that there is no reference to the social and economic impact of sanctions (particularly in the context of the cost of living crisis across the EU), nor any suggestion of possible mitigation measures to ease the burden on ordinary people. I am also keenly aware of the double standards of the EU and the failure introduce any sanctions on Israel.However, the resolution does place an important spotlight on maritime and environmental standards and the risks caused by Russian circumvention of sanctions. For this reason I voted in favour.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603
I supported this and seven other similar objections related to the authorisation and re-authorisation of several GMO maize and cotton varieties. The Commission has (re-)authorised the sale of these varieties imported into the EU. In the past few years, the European Parliament has regularly objected to these authorisation decisions by the Commission, given the associated environmental risk. These GMO plants are resistant to pesticides like glyphosate, which encourage more liberal spraying of pesticides. This is harmful to biodiversity but also to the health of farm workers in other countries. In addition, the plants produce B-toxins, a type of built-in insecticide, which has damaging biodiversity impacts and may also be dangerous for human health. Some of the GMOs also have features that contribute to anti-microbial resistance. For these reasons, I voted to object to the authorisation decisions.
Election of the Commission
I was proud to reject the appointment of this Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. Her statements and actions in failing to oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza are grounds not to support her.Additionally, she has committed to a further militarisation and centralisation of the EU which is not in the interests of the Irish people.
Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): Measures to reduce incidental catches of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and other small cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay
This objection concerned measures to reduce the number of dolphins and other cetaceans killed when they are caught in fishing nets in the Bay of Biscay. Thousands of dolphins are killed every year. Existing legislation requires EU Member States to take measures to reduce accidental catches of dolphins, and France and Spain have already faced infringement proceedings and legal challenges for failing to do so. In response, the Governments of France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium reached an agreement to implement one-month fishing closures in the Bay for boats larger than 8 metres, as recommended by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.This delegated act is based on that intergovernmental agreement. As the delegated act does not impact Irish fishers, aims to assist Member States in reaching their existing obligations under EU law and will improve protections for marine wildlife, I did not support the objection against it.
2025 budgetary procedure: Joint text
I voted against this budget deal. Although it is not a significantly larger budget and I welcome some of the increases in funding for instance in Horizon, there are other areas of reprioritisation that I do not support, in particular, a large cut to farm sustainability funding, and increased funding for border management and militarisation. Furthermore, the 50-50 repayment split for the Next Generation EU is vague and calls for the Parliament to re‑programme spending to repay the borrowing. For these reasons, I could not support the joint text.
Georgia's worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud
I abstained on this resolution because the content regarding electoral fraud does not match the OSCE's report from election monitors on the ground in Georgia for the election. The resolution also contains worrying provisions around Euro-Atlantic foreign policy integration and as a representative of a neutral country, I am further concerned that enlargement policy is moving away from focusing on fundamental values required for EU membership towards requiring alignment with the foreign policy of certain European countries.
Reinforcing EU’s unwavering support to Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression and the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia
Recommendation on smoke- and aerosol-free environments
I welcome the proposal for a Council recommendation on extending national smoking bans to cover e-cigarettes. I do note that the scope of these bans, including what public spaces to include, remains a national prerogative.The initial text of this resolution was largely positive. It confirmed the Parliament’s support for decisive measures to tackle smoking and the huge health risks it poses, to both smokers and non-smokers.However, a number of amendments were tabled by the far-right groups in Parliament and, with the support of the EPP group, they were passed. These amendments questioned established scientific advice around smoking by calling for further impact assessments and parroted industry arguments that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking. However, the WHO states that there is no proven benefit of e-cigarettes for those who want to quit smoking, and that there is even evidence they could lead to increased smoking levels, particularly among younger people.With these amendments approved, the resolution became toothless and unscientific and so I could no longer support it. I am absolutely in favour of action to reduce smoking and improve people's health and I believe that our laws around tobacco need to cover e-cigarettes as well.
Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application
I voted against this delay to the application of the Deforestation Regulation. This is a classic case of environmental policy falling victim to other priorities, namely trade and corporate interests. These attacks against our environmental and social justice policies are only set to increase under this new Commission. I understand that the delay of the Deforestation Regulation was a prerequisite for signing the Mercosur deal, and the Mercosur text actually undermines the Deforestation Regulation even further. But the Amazon is reaching tipping point: we cannot afford to wait another year without taking real action on deforestation.I have heard and understand the concerns raised by Irish farmers about the Deforestation Regulation. Ireland should be classed as a low-risk country and so farmers will have minimal obligations under the Regulation: they will have to provide information that they already provide to avail of CAP payments, and coordinates that can be found on any online map. Any increase in feed prices can be compensated by the EU’s urgency funding for agriculture - there is good precedent for this. But the answer is not to dismantle the Deforestation Regulation, particularly not in exchange for the Mercosur deal, which will be very detrimental to Irish farmers.
Regional Emergency Support: RESTORE
I am not happy with the proposal that will allow re-cycling of unspent cohesion money to help reconstruct after natural disasters. This is a dangerous precedent as it opens the door for hijacking of structural funds for emergency response when the Solidarity Fund already exists for this purpose. However given the current crises I supported this proposal as an emergency measure. The EU must however prepare better for future climate and natural disasters,
Specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for Member States affected by natural disasters
I disagree with the redirecting of existing funding for emergency response and believe this sets a dangerous precedent that poses a threat to long term cohesion. However, in this case the report recognises this issue and calls for a more appropriate response in the future. Also, I believe it is important to show solidarity with the farming and rural communities that have been negatively affected by severe weather events that threaten their livelihoods. As such, I voted in favour of this report.
Forest reproductive material of the ‘tested’ category
I voted against this proposal, which concerns the legislation around the labelling and sale of Forest Reproductive Material. Currently, there is work ongoing in the normal legislative process regarding this topic in a broader legislative sense and the introduction of this proposal interferes with the normal legislative procedure for no good reason.
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2024/002 BE/Limburg machinery and paper - Belgium
Activities of the European Ombudsman – annual report 2023
I voted in favour of this own initiative report on the work of the European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly.Among other things, this report welcomed the Ombudsman’s publication of a guide for citizens on how to accessing EU documents and underlined that public access to documents is a fundamental right of EU citizens and a cornerstone of European democracy.
Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees
I voted against the establishment of the Health (SANT) and Security and Defence (SEDE) sub-committees as stand-alone committees.Until now, the SANT sub-committee has been part of the Environment and Public Health committee. I believe that this is the most appropriate place for discussions on health policy to take place. A lot of the health problems we are facing have an environmental component, for example air pollution, toxic chemicals and anti-microbial resistance. Splitting the committees will create silos and prevent us from finding holistic solutions. I am very worried that the SANT committee will become focused on pharmaceutical policies and so very subject to lobbying from the pharma industry. I of course believe that the European Parliament should continue to discuss health policies, particularly cross-border measures, but I regret the way in which it will now be done.As for the SEDE committee, its creation represents a huge shift towards defence and militarisation in the European Parliament. One of its stated roles is to promote a Common Defence Union, to which Sinn Féin is resolutely opposed. I find it outrageous that the Parliament will have a Commission with a specific goal of promoting increased militarisation of the EU.
Setting up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office
I voted in favour of this resolution and the establishment of this committee which will uphold human rights, freedom, equality, solidarity and democracy by addressing how foreign state actors and malicious non-state actors use information manipulation and other tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the EU.Crucially the Committee will deal with rights of minorities and other discriminated groups.
Setting up a special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office
I supported the establishment of this Committee. Housing is, and must remain a Member State competence but given the mandate to analyse and map out data this committee can aid countries like Ireland in providing data, expertise and ideas for policy initiatives. We are clear however that the housing crisis is a result of FF and FG failure and will only be solved by a Sinn Féin led government with radically different policies.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tonga
I voted against this report, as I am opposed to expanding the highly unfair and unsustainable EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. The EPA requires small-island states highly vulnerable to the climate crisis to liberalise their markets and gradually open them up to EU competition. This creates a highly asymmetric trading relationship where these countries are forced to compete with the EU market. Furthermore, there has be no sustainability impact assessment on these agreements for the past 20 years. For these reasons, I could not support the report.
Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the United Nations Convention on transparency in treaty-based investor-State arbitration
I voted in favour of this report because, while not going as far as I would like in terms of dismantling investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), it is a welcome first step. It is especially welcome given that in fighting against ISDS one of the key arguments is the lack of transparency and opaqueness around the process. I will continue to work to build on these first steps to bring an end to ISDS.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Niue
I voted against this report, as I am opposed to expanding the highly unfair and unsustainable EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. The EPA requires small-island states highly vulnerable to the climate crisis to liberalise their markets and gradually open them up to EU competition. This creates a highly asymmetric trading relationship where these countries are forced to compete with the EU market. Furthermore, there has be no sustainability impact assessment on these agreements for the past 20 years. For these reasons, I could not support the report.
EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tuvalu
I voted against this report, as I am opposed to expanding the highly unfair and unsustainable EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement. The EPA requires small-island states highly vulnerable to the climate crisis to liberalise their markets and gradually open them up to EU competition. This creates a highly asymmetric trading relationship where these countries are forced to compete with the EU market. Furthermore, there has be no sustainability impact assessment on these agreements for the past 20 years. For these reasons, I could not support the report.
Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
I voted in favour of this report. The report is progressive, advocating for feminist politics that embrace an intersectional approach to addressing women’s issues. It covers a range of topics which includes a critique of anti-gender movements, highlights the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) both online and offline, and draws attention to unpaid care work.
Written questions (17)
Infringement procedures
Human rights violations by EU-funded forces in Tunisia
Support from the Horizon Europe programme for Israeli companies involved in the ongoing genocide in Palestine
Threat to UN Peacekeepers
Lyme disease
Conditional loans to the Palestinian Authority
Situation of Can Atalay, imprisoned MP in Türkiye
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and fair pay
Water treatment
Proposal for a revision of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
EU fishing quotas
Regulation (EU) 2021/2117
Humanitarian and infrastructural crisis in Cuba
Demolition of EU- and Member State-funded structures in the occupied Palestinian territories
Remedial action
Insurance market in Ireland
Amendments (49)
Amendment 102 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. wWhereas the crisis in generational renewal and poor access to public services, due to a lack of long-term and sustainable planning in the areas of housing, infrastructure and community development, have led to an increased risk of poverty and social exclusion, particularly affecting children and, elderly people and persons from marginalised backgrounds;
Amendment 107 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas social progress in the EU must advance in a manner consistent with the stability objectives of the Maastricht criteria, ensuringensure that economic integration does not exacerbate inequalities between generations and regions;
Amendment 112 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the risk of poverty or social exclusion is greater for women, young adults, people with a low level of educational attainment and the unemployed; whereas there remains many gaps in access to unemployment benefits, with 66% of unemployed people reporting that they do not receive benefits or assistance.1a _________________ 1a Social protection 2.0: Unemployment and minimum income benefits
Amendment 115 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. Whereas according to the OECD, on average across OECD countries, occupations at highest risk of automation account for about 28% of employment;2a whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are crucial in such context to ensure a participatory approach to managing change due to technological developments, addressing potential concerns, while fostering workers’ adaptation (including via skills provision); whereas digitalisation, robotisation, automation and artificial intelligence must benefit workers and society by improving working conditions and quality of life, ensuring a good work- life balance, creating better employment opportunities, and contributing to socioeconomic convergence; whereas workers and their trade unions will play a critical role in anticipating and tackling risks emerging from those challenges; _________________ 2a OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers No. 282
Amendment 119 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
G c. whereas there were still over 3.300 fatal accidents and almost 3 million nonfatal accidents in the EU-27 in 2021; whereas over 200.000 workers die each year from work-related illnesses; whereas these data do not include all accidents caused by undeclared work, making it plausible to assume that the true numbers greatly exceed the official statistics; whereas in 2017, according to Eurofound, 20% of jobs in Europe were of “poor quality” and put workers at increased risk regarding their physical or mental health; whereas 14% of workers have been exposed to a high level of psychosocial risks; whereas 23% of European workers believe that their safety or their health is at risk because of their work;
Amendment 148 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the importance of supporting the development of skills in the workforce to improve competitiveness and ensure quality employment; urges the Member States to strengthen vocational and digital training while promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities and persons from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds in the workforce to address labour shortages and support equal opportunities in the labour market, considering that, although there is an improvement, persons with disabilities still face significant obstacles in the labour market;
Amendment 165 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to include specific recommendations on housing affordability in the European Semester and to promote housing investment, including through European Investment Bank financial instruments; considers that the revision of the EU regulatory framework for the housing sector should facilitate the construction of accessible, affordable and energy- efficient housing that meets the needs of young people, people with reduced mobility and families at risk, as well as to protect those seeking access to home ownership from further diminishing supply; Calls on Member States and the Commission to recognise adequate housing as a right.
Amendment 168 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 3 – point 1 (new)
(1) Regrets that certain EU rules and directives, such as the Non-Performing Loans Directive the EU Fiscal and State Aid Rules have played a role in increasing house prices and homelessness across the Union, as they can often prevent Member States from investing comprehensively in tackling the rising costs of housing and rising homelessness.
Amendment 184 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the European Semester to address the socio-economic impact of childhood, adolescent and young adult mental-health issues on their longterm wellbeing and living standards.
Amendment 186 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls for Member States and the Commission to consider an action plan on tackling rural isolation and loneliness
Amendment 188 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Calls on Member States and the Commission to recognise work induced stress and mental health illnesses
Amendment 198 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the implementation of policies that promote work-life balance, with the aim of improving the quality of life for all families; calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal for the creation ofconsider a European card for large families and a European action plan for single parents, offering taxeconomic, educational and social advantages;
Amendment 200 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
Paragraph 5 – point a (new)
(a) Recognises that 44 million Europeans are frequent informal long- term care-givers. the majority of whom are women.3a _________________ 3a 2021 Long-term care in the EU
Amendment 202 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recognises the unique role of carers in society, whilst the definition of care workers is not harmonised across the EU, the long term care sector employs 6.4 million people across the EU.4a _________________ 4a 2021 Long-term care in the EU
Amendment 206 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for demographic challenges to beregional imbalance to be addressed and prioritised in the EU’s cohesion policy and for its importance to be equated with the Green Deal and the Digital Strategy; calls on the Commission to declare a ‘European Year of DemographyRegions and the Islands’ and to step up funding for regions with a high rate of depopulation and economic stagnation, supporting local development projects and basic infrastructure that favour the ‘right to stay’ of the population;
Amendment 215 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Council to prioritise the reduction of bureaucratic and fiscal barriers affecting entrepreneurship, especially for small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, which are essential for the EU’s economic growth and competitiveness, and thus for the financing of social policies; believes that better support for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially for and SMEs and start-ups, will improve the EU’s competitivenesssocial economy, boost innovation and create quality jobs; calls urgently for the implementation of specific recommendations to complete the single market and to facilitate access to finance through public-private partnership platforms and the social economy to foster a dynamic business environment;
Amendment 223 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 234 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the Member States, in this year of transition, with the implementation of revised economic governance rules, to be offered an opportunity to align fiscal responsibility withto be offered an opportunity to work towards sustainable growth, and notes that medium-term fiscal plans should prioritise debt sustainability while investing strategically in education, healthcare and housing; stresses that collaboration between public and private entities is key to optimising resources and ensuring the judicious use of public funds; considers that country-specific recommendations to promote sustainable public pension systems and healthcare should be effectively implemented and foster competitiveness with the aim of fostering social cohesion and long-term prosperity for all citizens;
Amendment 238 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 9 – point 1 (new)
(1) Recognises the destructive impacts that austerity policies have had, and continue to have on society as a whole.
Amendment 241 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Recognises the importance of public oversight of public-private partnerships, particularly in tackling waste of public money and corruption,
Amendment 243 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Underlines that public-private partnerships often come with widespread shortcomings and limited benefits, as underlined by a 2018 European Court of Auditors' report5a; highlights that such partnerships are subject to considerable inefficiencies in the form of delays and major cost increases, and that risk allocation between public and private partners is often inappropriate, incoherent and ineffective, while high remuneration rates on the private partner’s risk capital seldom reflect the risks borne; at the very least stresses the need for public oversight of public-private partnerships, particularly in tackling waste of public money and corruption; _________________ 5a https://www.eca.europa.eu/lists/ecadocum ents/sr18_09/sr_ppp_en.pdf
Amendment 246 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Recognises the cost of living crisis, which has increased the burden on households, and the rising cost of housing, contributing to high levels of energy poverty across the EU. Emphasises this is a historic crisis, exacerbated in part by austerity policies implemented by the EU and many Member States. Therefore, calls on the Commission and Member States to comprehensively address the root causes of this crisis by prioritising policies that promote economic resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Amendment 252 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the Commission’s revisions to the Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure Scoreboard, particularly the reduction in employment and social indicators, which are crucial for assessing the social situation in the Member States; Stresses that living standards should be equated with traditional economic indicators in the decision making process.
Amendment 262 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Stresses the negative impacts that the cost of living crisis has had on persons with disabilities
Amendment 263 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Calls on Member States and the Commission to be more active in combating poverty
Amendment 264 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Calls on the Member States to address the issues faced by the working poor, Recognises that a significant portion of the workforce in the EU is living in poverty despite being employed.
Amendment 265 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11 d. Urges Member States to consider robust policies that ensure fair wages and improve working conditions, particularly for low-income and precarious workers.
Amendment 266 #
2024/2084(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11 e. Calls on Member States to strengthen social safety nets to provide adequate support to those whose income from employment is insufficient to meet basic living costs.
Amendment 5 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 46(d), 149, 153(2)(a), 164, 174, 175 and 349 thereof,
Amendment 37 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas every year, resources from the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund are invested in projects linked to the provision of housing infrastructure and services and that investments linked to affordable and sustainable housing are expected to be one of the upcoming strategic priorities of EU cohesion funds under the next Multiannual Financial Framework
Amendment 43 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas the principle of partnership is a key feature in the implementation of ESF+, building on the multi-level governance approach and ensuring complete involvement of regional, local, urban and other public authorities, civil society, economic and social partners and, where appropriate, research organisations and universities;
Amendment 48 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas particular attention is to be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as the outermost regions, the northern sparsely populated regions, islands, mountainous areas and cross-border regions;
Amendment 50 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1 a (new)
Subheading 1 a (new)
Recalls the unique position of Northern Ireland and calls for an open attitude towards inclusion, especially on a cross- border case, of residents there in accessing the ESF +.
Amendment 54 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Insists that the ESF+ must continue to be the key and primary instrument for supporting the Member States, people and all regions in strengthening the social dimension of the Union;
Amendment 57 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Expresses concern at the linking of EU funding such as the ESF+ to other agendas through political conditionality.
Amendment 65 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for a strong, reinforced, stand- alone ESF+ with significantly increased public support for existing instruments aimed at providing for the poorest in our societies; insists, therefore, on doublinga large increase in the funding for the ESF+ post- 2027; alongside a commensurate increase in regional funding programmes.
Amendment 72 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls the unique position of Northern Ireland and calls for an open attitude towards inclusion, especially on a cross-border case, of residents there in accessing the ESF +;
Amendment 86 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, in cooperation with local and regional authorities, to ensure the participation of social partners, civil society organisations (CSOs) and representatives of the target groups in all design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages of the ESF+, to allocate adequate funding for this purpose and to prevent the exclusion of smaller actors;
Amendment 117 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Insists that the ESF+ should target the most disadvantaged people in our societies, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, or racial or ethnic origin – in particular marginalised communities such as Roma people, the Travelling Community, people with disabilities or chronic diseases, homeless people, children and elderly people; underlines that the ESF+ must be inclusive, with special attention given to all kinds of families, including single-parent families, families with more than two parents and rainbow families;
Amendment 131 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Foresees specific programmes and models for aiding communities with limited resources dealing with the integration of a large number of new arrivals
Amendment 141 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Urges the Commission to raise the earmarking for social inclusion beyond the current 25 % and the earmarking for food aid and basic material assistance for the most deprived persons to 5 %, in response to rising living and food costs; based on regional needs
Amendment 147 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 16 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Believes there is a role for the ESF + in tackling the housing crisis through funding ‘apprenticeship guarantee schemes’ at local level, in order to help them rebuild house building capacity
Amendment 168 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Foresees specific programmes and models for aiding communities with limited resources dealing with the integration of a large number of new arrivals;
Amendment 174 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that the implementation of the EPSR and the reforms needed to comply with the country-specific recommendations in the European Semester are alsois dependant on the strong support of the ESF+ for certain policy measures, especially those related to strengthening social welfare systems, ensuring inclusive and high-quality public education, reducing child poverty and eradicating homelessness;
Amendment 185 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Encourages the financing of specific measures for regions with severe and permanent economic and demographic difficulties, aiming notably at improving the provision of services, fostering economic diversification and job creation, and helping them respond to challenges such as rural desertification, population ageing, depopulation, loneliness and isolation, as well as insufficient healthcare and education opportunities ;
Amendment 191 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States to ensure that regional and local authorities and organisations hare involved a say int all appropriate stages of projects financed from national budgets; and to respect the partnership principleas well as the principle of subsidiarity.
Amendment 205 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Believes there is a role for the ESF + in tackling the housing crisis through funding ‘apprenticeship guarantee schemes’ at local level, in order to help them rebuild house building capacity;
Amendment 208 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for the reduction of the administrative burden, notably by simplifying the application processes including by, among other things, examining how at the initial stage personal data requests can be minimised and by the removal of unjustified goldplating, for accessing funds and the reporting procedures for organisations, in particular for those of a smaller size; warns that simplification must not compromise the fundamental principles of shared management, transparency and accountability, ensuring the proper administration of public funds;
Amendment 219 #
2024/2077(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Warns that not all people are prepared for digitalisation and that some regions lag behind in terms of digital connectivity, and that certain groups of people, especially the most vulnerable, could miss out on funding opportunities as a result;