Activities of Paulo RANGEL related to 2022/2200(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
2022 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Reports (1)
REPORT on the 2022 Commission Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amendments (61)
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the Sofia Summit of 10 November 2020, including the Declaration on the Common Regional Market and the Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans,
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to Council Decision (EU) 2022/2353 of 1 November 2022 on an Assistance Measure under the European Peace Facility to strengthen the capacities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Madrid 29 June 2022 and the NATO Madrid Summit Declaration;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
— having regard to the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence on 14-15 February 2023,
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas enlargement is the EU’s most effective foreign policy instrument, one of the Union’s most successful policies and represents a geostrategic investment in lasting peace, stability and security of the whole continent;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas BiH has been granted EU candidate country status; whereas its progress towards EU accession depends on implementfulfilling the 14 key priorities identified in the Commission opinion on its application for EU membership;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas BiH’s advancement towards EU accession requires genuine reconciliation in BiH is needed, based on itsthe multicultural character and equal rightsof the country and its entities, and the respect for its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, equal rights and non-discrimination;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EU is BiH’s biggest trade and investment partner and its largest provider of financial assistance, nameotably through the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance (IPA III);
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas malign foreign interference aims to destabilise BiH and the whole Western Balkans region, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the European Council's decision to grant candidate status to BiH, on the understanding that a number of steps are taken to strengthen the country’s readiness for accession negotiations; reiterates its clear support for BiH’s EU integration, grounded in unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomeCommends the swift implementation of results of the general elections held in October 2022, the appointment of a new state-level government, the signing of a coalition programme, and the resumption of political decision-making and; welcomes the appointment of the President and two Vice- Presidents of the Federation of BiH; calls for the Federation of BiH’s and cantonal governments' formation to be swiftly completed;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages all authorities to seize the momentum to meaningfully advance on the 14 key priorities and avoid slipping back into obstructive policies, to show commitment, prioritise and make significant progress on necessary EU- related reforms, by advancing on the eight steps in the Commission recommendation in the context of fulfilling the 14 key priorities and the Brussels political agreement of 12 June 2022 on principles for ensuring a functional Bosnia and Herzegovina that advances on the European path; underscores that BiH’s path towards EU accession needs to be anchored in functioning democratic institutions, rule of law, good governance, the fight against corruption and organised crime, respect for fundamental rights, equality and non-discrimination for all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; calls for consistent countrywide coordination, harmonisation and alignment across policy fields in line with EU standards, as well as improved planning and monitoring of reforms through political and technical coordination, including by adopting a national programme for the adoption of the EU acquis without further delay;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to continue supporting BiH’s EU integration based on strict conditionality; calls for their coordinated cooperation in BiH with the authorities and relevant partners;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms its support for the mandates of the Office of the High Representative and EUFOR Operation Althea in overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement; s the civilian executive and EUFOR Operation Althea as the military executive in overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement until the country has fulfilled the ‘5+2 agenda’ and its international supervision ends; welcomes the extension of EUFOR Althea’s mandate until November 2023; recalls that this mission still plays a fundamental role for the security and stability of BiH and calls on the EU and its international partners to ensure its continued presence, strengthened capacities, and future mandate renewal; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to positively engage with and rely on the OHR and EUFOR Althea to preserve stability in BiH, thereby facilitating the EU accession efforts;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomeCommends BiH’s increased alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP), and urges for the effective implementation of sanctions stemming from CFSP alignmentnotably in the context of the Russian war on Ukraine, and urges for continual improvement in this regard; strongly calls on all actors to unequivocally condemn Russia’s full- scale invasion of Ukraine and ensure the effective implementation of sanctions stemming from CFSP alignment; welcomes BiH’s vote in favour of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council; deplores, however, the RS leadership’s pro-Russian stance and the awarding of a distinction to Vladimir Putin; condemns meetings with high-level Iranian political actors amidst serious human rights violations in Iran, and its delivery of drones to Russia in its war against Ukraine;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Supports BiH’s sustained aspirations towards Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership; welcomes in this regard the BiH Defence Minister’s participation in the 2022 NATO Madrid Summit, NATO’s commitment to boost tailored support to BiH to build integrity and resilience, develop capabilities, and uphold political independence, and NATO’s approval of an aid package to BiH; further welcomes the Council’s adoption of an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility worth EUR 10 million to the benefit of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) and the signing of a Cooperation and Training Contract for the Year 2023 between the AFBiH and EUFOR;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Denounces the recurring inflammatory rhetoric and secessionist policies by the leadership of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity, including the celebration of the so-called RS Day; underlines that such actions destabilise BiH, undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, contradict BiH’s EU perspective and endanger access to EU funding, proclaimed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court of BiH, as well as the re-adoption of the Law on Immovable Property of RS, previously rejected by the Constitutional Court and twice annulled by the High Representative; underlines that such actions destabilise BiH, undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement, contradict BiH’s EU perspective and endanger access to EU funding; deplores, in this context, the decision by the RS government of cutting diplomatic contacts with official representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates its call for targeted sanctions against destabilising actors in BiH, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik, as well as other high-ranking RS officials and third- country officials providing political and material support for secessionist policies; calls on all Member States to ensure that such sanctions can be adopted by the Council; recalls that the EU’s framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in BiH is in place until 31 March 2024;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Condemns malign foreign interference, disinformation campaigns and destabilisation efforts by third actors in BiH, notably Russia’s continuing destabilisation of the Western Balkans; remains strongly concerned about prominent ties and visits between the RS entity leadership and high-level political figures in Russia;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Reiterates its call on the Commission and EEAS for a more active, visible and effective communication strategy about the benefits of EU enlargement; welcomes, in this regard, the launch of a campaign by the EU Office in BiH to encourage progress on EU integration, entitled “Progress is within reach”;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Calls on the EU to increase cooperation with Western Balkan partners to strengthen democratic resilience and counter hybrid threats, including cyber security, protecting critical infrastructure and food and energy security;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the rule of law, good governance, pluralism and fundamental rights need to be mainstreamed in IPA III funding, which must be based on strict conditionality, and reiterates its call on the Commission to develop guidelines on its application; urges BiH to put in place efficient country-wide financial management, control and audit systems for EU funds; recalls that EU funding for projects in the RS entity should remain frozen until the reversal of democratic backsliding by the RS entity and until full alignment with the CFSP;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. UrgentWelcomes the establishment of the working bodies of the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly; calls onfor BiH to’s renewed commitment to the EU policy dialogue, by swiftly engageing in regular inter-parliamentary cooperation through the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Welcomes BiH’s participation in the European Political Community, but stresses that this positive engagement should not be an alternative to EU integration;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates the central role of the rule of law and institutional integrity; recalls the need for harmonised, merit- based civil service standards across BiH administrative levels, enabling a professional, streamlined, depoliticised and accountable public administration that can deliver services to BiH citizens; calls on BiH political actors to support and establish a functioning coordination structure to steer public administration reform; welcomes progress on appointing heads of important state agencies;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Regrets the failure of political actors to bring the constitution and the electoral framework in line with the European Convention on Human Rights; calls on all decision makers to reach an agreement in line with the verdicts of international and domestic courts, as well as the Brussels political agreement of 12 June 2022; supports limited, transparent and inclusive reforms that would enable a sustainable transformation of the Dayton Peace Agreement;
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on BiH to harmonise party registration rules and to ensure the transparency of political party financing in line with international standards and recommendations of relevant international bodies; acknowledges the steps taken by the Central Election Commission and calls for its capacities to be strengthened; welcomes the intervention by the OHR to improve the integrity of the electoral process and strengthen the role of the Central Election Commission after the failure of the inter- agency working group on electoral reform (IAWG) and the BiH Parliament to do so;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Strongly encourages initiatives that improve the democratic process in the country, such as the EU pilot project for the introduction of an electronic system of voter identification and faster transmission of election results;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for urgent measures to strengthen the judiciary’s integrity and independence to be strengthened, namely by bringing the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Law on Courts in line with EU standards, and by eliminating selective justice, the case backlog, corruption, a lack of transparency and poor oversightbased on the 14 key priorities and the Priebe report recommendations, including via additional safeguards and consistent application of objective rules and criteria on the case allocation, appointment, disciplinary responsibility, career advancement, conflict of interest, and asset verification of judges and prosecutors to restore public trust; calls for eliminating selective justice, the case backlog, corruption, a lack of transparency and poor oversight, which undermine the full enjoyment of citizens’ rights; reaffirms its call on BiH authorities to adopt amendments to the Law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and the Law on Courts in line with European standards; strongly opposes any attempt to establish a separate HJPC on entity level, which undercuts the constitutional order;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expresses its concern about the lack of progress on preventing widespread corruption and the increasing signs of state capture, political interference and obstruction, pressure and intimidation; urges BiH to adopt conflict of interest laws and to strengthenenforce conflict of interest and lobbying rules across all administrative levels together with stronger protection for whistleblowers, in line with EU standards;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for increased resources for anti-corruption structures, including their active involvement in addressing GRECO recommendations; points to the added value of effective country-wide and European cooperation among law enforcement agencies and with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; in the fight against corruption and organised crime; reiterates its call on BiH to cooperate with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; welcomes the appointment of a national coordinator for the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) and expects BiH’s fully functional cooperation with Europol and Eurojust; welcomes, in this regard, the signature of the Rulebook on the operation of the National/Joint Contact Point for cooperation with Europol; calls for safeguards against political interference into police work;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Urges BiH to align its legislation and take action on anti-money laundering and counterterrorism finance;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes the steps taken to increase the alignment of public procurement laws with the EU acquis; expresses it, as well as the adoption of a plan for integrity and fight against corruption by the Public Procurement Agency; reiterates the need for transparency, competition and equal treatment in the public procurement process, as well as to reduce the abuse of public resources; remains concerned about the sector’s vulnerabilities to corruption and irregularities and calls for stronger capacities for monitoring, management and support;
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reaffirms the significance of reconciliation in BiH and calls on all authorities to actively promote and ensure access to truth, justice and non-selective reparations; welcomes local level initiatives commemorating civilian war victims, the completion of the monument to civilian victims in the Brcko District, and the decision by the OHR to amend the Law on the Center for the Srebrenica- Potočari Memorial and Cemetery for the Victims of the 1995 Genocide, in order to facilitate the work of the Memorial Center;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its solidarity with all survivors of war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, genocide, displacement, disappearances, killings, torture, and sexual assault, and their families; deplores all historical revisionism, including genocide denial, the glorification of war crimes and war criminals, and the contestation of established facts and tribunals, notably by political leaders, as well as vandalism of memorial sites; underlines that such acts and rhetoric are fully unacceptable and contrary to the values of the European project; calls for effective prosecution of such cases;
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes the ongoing reduction in the backlog of war crimes cases, but regrets that the pace remains slow; notes persisting limitations in regional judicial cooperation in this regard; calls on the BiH Prosecutor’s office to strengthen efforts to process the most complex cases and improve the quality of investigations and indictments; urges authorities to provide adequate protection and support services to survivors participating in judicial proceedings;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for further efforts on the issue of missing persons and encourages authorities across the region to intensify cooperation and information sharing;
Amendment 249 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes BiH’s continued active participation in regional cooperation; welcomes the recent agreements in the context of the Berlin Procesunderlines the importance of inclusive initiatives like the Common Regional Market; welcomes the recent agreements in the context of the Berlin Process on the Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards, on the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, and on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Doctors of Medicine, Dentists and Architects;
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Emphasises the vital role of independent media for conveying accurate, timely and transparent information; condemns attacks on and threats and intimidation against journalists and media workers, including by politicians and public figures; insists on appropriate judicial follow-up and the protection of journalists; , notably the recent attacks on journalists Aleksandar Trifunović and Nikola Morača, as well as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP); insists on appropriate judicial follow-up and the protection of journalists; is deeply concerned by the introduction of amendments to the Republika Srpska criminal code reintroducing criminal penalties for defamation; urges the Republika Srpska entity to withdraw the amendments and to ensure full protection of freedom of expression and of the media;
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Deplores discrimination, segregation, violence and hate speech against women, minorities, including ethnic minorities, LGBTI persons, people with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons and urges effective prosecution of such cases without delay; calls on BiH to safeguard and promote the countrywide rights of all minorities; recalls the need to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the Human Rights Ombudsman; calls for the effective application of anti-discrimination and human rights policies; strongly condemns the attack on two returnees in Visegrad and calls on the authorities to effectively prosecute those responsible; condemns the incidents in Banja Luka during the marking of the International Women’s Day;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Welcomes the adoption of the LGBTI Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2021-2024; denounces the banning of a public gathering in Banja Luka in solidarity to activists, journalists, and LGBTI people; strongly condemns the subsequent violent attacks and pressure on journalists and activists in Banja Luka; further condemns the RS leadership’s plans to introduce a new law banning LGBTI persons from education institutions;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Strongly condemns increasing femicide and urges institutions at all levels to enhance efforts in preventing violence against women and improve the responses to gender-based violence, including support services for victims; reiterates that BiH should accelerate the prosecution of sexual violence crimes, providing reparation to women victims of war crimes, and securing witness protection; notes the underrepresentation of women in politics, public life and high ranks of security services;
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underscores the importance of non-discriminatory, inclusive and quality education for all; reiterates its call for an urgent end to the ongoing discriminatory practice of ‘two schools under one roof’, in line with court rulings; strongly recommends embedding reconciliation into the education process;
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recognises the key role of civil society in improving the resilience of democratic societies; calls on the authorities to foster a conducive environment for their work; calls for the protection and promotion of the freedom of assembly and of expression to be enhanced and to systematically condemn and prosecute all threats, harassment and attacks against human rights defenders; calls for the protection and promotion of the freedom of assembly and of expression to be enhanced; expresses concern over the decision of the RS government to adopt a Draft Law on NGOs, limiting the space and activity of civil society, as well as the work of its organizations;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates the need for solidarity- based migration and asylum management and a fair distribution of reception capacities across the country; recognises continued efforts to improve coordination on the local and international level; welcomes the opening of negotiations on BiH’s upgraded status agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency; regrets persisting shortcomings in migration and border management; calls on BiH to fully align with the EU’s visa policy (Frontex) and calls for their timely conclusion, in order to facilitate better protection and management of its borders; regrets persisting shortcomings in migration and border management despite significant EU financial support to BiH since 2007; calls on BiH to fully align with the EU’s visa policy, to ensure a well- managed migration and security environment;
Amendment 342 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Welcomes the adoption of the Migration and Asylum Strategy for the period 2021-2025 and calls on BiH to swiftly adopt the related action plan; underscores the need to improve training and capacities of the Border Police and takes note of a EUR 5 million IPA III fund allocation in 2022 for this purpose by the European Commission;
Amendment 343 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the adoption of a strategy for public financial management reform strategy and calls for its thorough implementationby all levels of government and calls for its thorough implementation; urges authorities to establish effective internal control systems, as well as budget transparency and sustainable budgetary measures for state institutions; welcomes the improvement in BiH’s sovereign credit outlook, following the timely formation of a new state-level government and the granting of candidate status;
Amendment 345 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Welcomes the adoption of the Draft Law on Budget, the Framework Budget Document for the period 2023- 2025 and the adoption of the Program of Economic Reforms for 2023-2025; recognises the positive resumption of state-level decision-making;
Amendment 346 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Urges BiH to prioritise measures aimed at improving competitiveness and the business environment, boosting economic diversification and tax harmonisationbringing legislation in the area of VAT and excise duties in line with those of the EU, promoting the digital and green transitions, addressing the large informal economy and tackling unemployment, particularly of young people, women and people in vulnerable situations; calls for putting in place an adequate institutional and regulatory framework, including supervisory institutions, for a better and de-politicised governance in the public sector;
Amendment 357 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34 a. Welcomes BiH’s association to Horizon Europe and adoption of the Creative Europe 2021-2027 programme;
Amendment 358 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34 b. Welcomes the EU Support to Health Sector Reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, worth EUR 10 million, and the European Union’s support for strengthening the health sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina via the “EU4Health” project;
Amendment 359 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 c (new)
Paragraph 34 c (new)
34 c. Welcomes BiH’s full membership of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM); commends BiH’s authorities and citizens for their prompt support to the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake of 6 February 2023;
Amendment 362 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the Commission’s energy support package of EUR 1 billion for the Western Balkans; recommends strengthening BiH’s integration into the European energy market, out of which BiH will receive EUR 70 million in immediate budgetary support, providing assistance to its most vulnerable households to mitigate the effects of rising prices and support the energy transition; recommends strengthening BiH’s integration into the European energy market, notably in light of the need to reduce energy dependency on Russia, following the launch of its full- scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes the Global Gateway initiative for a Trans-Balkan Electricity corridor and calls for its swift implementation;
Amendment 364 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Urges BiH to finalise and adopt the national energy and climate plan; calls on for 2021- 2030; reiterates the need for it to adopt the necessary legislation on gas, electricity, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and to ensure the full harmonisation of laws for a functional energy marketin line with the Energy Community Treaty and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as to ensure the full harmonisation of laws for a functional energy market; stresses the importance of swiftly enhancing diversification of energy sources and redirecting from heavy dependence on coal to renewables, in line with the country’s commitments to decarbonisation;
Amendment 370 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Welcomes the choice of Sarajevo to participate in the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, which will receive EUR 360 million of Horizon Europe funding covering the period 2022-2023, to incentivise research and innovation actions that address clean mobility, energy efficiency and green urban planning;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Urges authorities to consistently prepare and align the provisions of environmental impact assessments and strategic environmental assessments in legislation at all levels and improve the public consultation processes;
Amendment 375 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36 c. Welcomes the Joint EU-Western Balkans Declaration on Roaming and steps taken to reduce roaming prices between the Western Balkans and the EU, with a view to achieve a substantial reduction of roaming charges for data on 1 October 2023 and further reductions leading to prices close to the domestic prices by 2027;
Amendment 377 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls on BiH authorities to accelerate itsthe implementation of projects under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the Green Agenda to unlock the full potential towards the green and digital transition; underlines that the green and digital transitions and sustainable connectivity represent a driving factor for regional economic integration and integration with the EU;
Amendment 382 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 b (new)
Paragraph 37 b (new)
37 b. Notes that additional efforts by BiH are needed to further align with and effectively implement the EU acquis in all areas in transport; recalls the need for connectivity reform measures and alignment with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and Trans- European Networks for Energy (TEN-E); welcomes the opening of Tunnel Ivan and the Tarčin – Ivan subsection of the Corridor 5c motorway, the largest and most significant infrastructure project in the country that will improve economic exchange and connectivity in the Western Balkans region country;
Amendment 387 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 c (new)
Paragraph 37 c (new)
37 c. Expresses concern over plastic, metal and other waste material pollution in rivers; is strongly alarmed by the pollution and floating waste dump in the Drina river; notes that waste is one of the country’s main environmental challenges and urges BiH authorities to considerably improve waste management, including by adopting a countrywide strategy with a particular attention to resource efficiency and circular economy measures; underlines the importance of developing a sustainable waste policy;
Amendment 388 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 d (new)
Paragraph 37 d (new)
37 d. Expresses concern at the alarming levels of air pollution in Sarajevo and other heavily polluted cities, and calls on the authorities to urgently implement targeted measures for air quality monitoring and improvement; emphasises the need to swiftly step up efforts in aligning with the EU acquis on air quality and enhancing environmental standards; welcomes, in this context, the Council of Ministers’ adoption of an initiative aiming to reduce the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gases in the heating sectors of residential buildings and traffic;