Activities of Andrey KOVATCHEV
Institutional motions (6)
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
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
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
Written questions (1)
Scrutiny of EU funding for a university that promotes antisemitism
Amendments (1738)
Amendment 38 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2023 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation (2022/2075(INI)),
Amendment 42 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
Citation 26 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2024 on the misinterpretation of UN resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan,
Amendment 282 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of the European Peace Facility (EPF), which has been instrumental in supporting the provision of military capabilities and training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while providing coordination for all stakeholders through the clearing house mechanism hosted by the EU Military Staff ; welcomes the setting up of the dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund under the EPF and calls for financial resources for military assistance to Ukraine to be increased through this instrument; urges Hungary to lift its veto on EPF military support to Ukraine, including the agreed reimbursements to Member States that delivered military aid to Ukraine; commends the decision to provide assistance to Armenia through the EPF instrument;
Amendment 618 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Welcomes the sustained presence of EUFOR’s Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina and KFOR in Kosovo, recognizing their crucial role in supporting security and stability; calls for strengthening these missions with additional personnel, greater response capabilities, increased resources, and stronger strategic communication efforts;
Amendment 621 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Welcomes the activities of the civilian European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the CSDP, which continues to help to increase security in the region by substantially decreasing the number of incidents in conflict-affected and border areas, reducing the level of risks for the population living in such areas; welcomes Armenia’s assistance to the activities of the EUMA on its territory; commends the Council for the decision to increase the number of deployed observers as well as the Mission’s capacity, extend its deployment timeframe and calls for further expansion and presence in the region; urges Azerbaijan to allow EU observers on its side of the border as well; condemns Azerbaijani threats and Russian negative narrative against the EUMA;
Amendment 667 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses serious concern over the growing security challenges posed by cyber and hybrid attacks, and foreign information manipulation and interference, particularly from Russia and China, which are aimed, inter alia, at undermining the stability of democratic societies, especially in the run-up to elections; calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to strengthen their capabilities to address these challenges and increase resilience against disinformation; reiterates the need for regulation of social media services and calls for further steps aimed at preventing these services being used by malicious state and non-state actors for political interference;
Amendment 679 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Urges the Commission and the EEAS to intensify their efforts in addressing foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI); supports the pledged establishment of a “European Democracy Shield” to detect, track and delete deceitful online content, hereby strengthening the EU’s ability to counter FIMI and enhancing its support for protecting democracies in third countries, especially within the EU neighbourhood; calls on the EEAS and EU Delegations in third countries to strengthen further their respective capacities in fighting and countering disinformation and propaganda linked to the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 831 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Underlines that the EU’s security is closely interlinked with the security of its immediate neighbours in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhood, and in the Western Balkans; stresses, in this regard, the importance of alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including adherence to sanctions and the EU's visa policy, for all candidate and potential candidate countries as a fundamental part of the EU accession process;
Amendment 846 #
Amendment 847 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Considers it’s essential to strengthen the EU’s presence and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region as a means for promoting peace and security in the region, which lies at the core of the EU’s interests, with particular caution regarding China’s threats in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea; is also aware of Taiwan’s leading role in high- tech development, and its abundant experience defending Chinese hybrid attacks, disinformation, and FIMI, which should be a foremost consideration when assessing the possibilities of strengthening multilateral exchange and cooperation, with the aim of achieving an enhanced and mutually beneficial partnership;
Amendment 46 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 29 a (new)
Citation 29 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief of 24 June 2013,
Amendment 398 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recognises the potential for stronger alignment in approaches to human rights protection and promotion between Member States’ embassies and EU delegations in non-EU countries; emphasises the opportunity for Member States’ embassies to take an increasingly active role in advancing and safeguarding human rights, while also supporting civil society in these countries; highlights the importance of shared responsibility between Member States and EU delegations in these efforts; calls for the EU and its Member States to intensify their collective efforts to promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights and to support democracy worldwide; encourages careful monitoring and assessment of the capacity of EU delegations to ensure that every EU delegation has a designated point of contact for cases of human rights violations and that such mandate is allocated sufficient resources to respond in an effective and timely manner; recommends that EU Delegations are regularly trained on the existing EU Guidelines related to specific issues of human rights;
Amendment 503 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Denounces the erosion of the human rights and the safety of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons; reaffirms their inalienable human rights and fundamental right to seek asylum; recalls the obligation of states to protect them in accordance with international law; underlines the importance of registration as a key tool for protecting refugees and ensuring the integrity of refugee protection systems, preventing the detour of humanitarian aid, human trafficking and the recruitment of children into armed militias; calls for the EU and its Member States to effectively uphold their rights in the EU’s asylum and migration policy and in the EU’s cooperation with partner countries in this regard; stresses that the EU should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue and, where possible, step up their support for countries hosting the most refugees, as well as for transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with non-EU countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses, in this regard, that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling are crucial; calls for EU- funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the EU and welcomes, in this regard, the Commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the EU10 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; _________________ 10 Commission communication of 27 April 2022 on attracting skills and talent to the EU (COM(2022)0657).
Amendment 578 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Reiterates its concern regarding violations of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief; deplores the instrumentalisation of religious or belief identities for political purposes and the exclusion of persons belonging to religious and belief minorities and religious communities in certain non- EU countries; stresses that the freedom to choose one’s religion, to believe or not to believe at all is a fundamental human right that cannot be punished by death or any degrading treatment; condemns, therefore, the existence and implementation of so-called apostasy laws that criminalize and punish one’s active choice of religion, belief or non-belief recommends that the Special Envoy for the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU be granted more resources so that he can comfortably carry out his mandate; highlights the necessity for the Special Envoy to continue to work closely and in a complementary manner with the EUSR for Human Rights and the Council Working Party on Human Rights; calls for the EU and its Member States to step up their efforts to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, to raise these issues at UN human rights forums and to continue working with the relevant UN mechanisms and committees;
Amendment 602 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Notes with concern the existence of blasphemy laws that carry the possibility of harsh penalties, including death sentence ; acknowledges that such laws are often subject to misuse, false accusations and misinterpretations; calls for abolition of blasphemy laws or, as minimum , revision of such laws to raise the bar of evidence and ensure accountability for perpetrators of false accusations;
Amendment 610 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34b. Recognizes the importance of ensuring political representation of religious belief, ethnic minorities in national, regional and local legislative bodies; acknowledges the existence of systems whereby religious, belief or ethnic minorities are allocated reserved parliamentary seats; deplores the fact that in certain non-EU countries such mechanisms often exist in law but no observed in practice and are used to advance individual political interests rather than effective representation of communities; recommends that Member States and EU Delegations lead efforts in ensuring that religious, belief and ethnic communities are given a true political voice and transparent election process;
Amendment 88 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that is still necessary to increase the financial support of the EU to UNRWA in 2025, due to the agency’s critical financial situthe Southern neighbourhood in 2025; stresses that no EU funds shall, directly or indirectly, be used to fund terrorism or incitement to violence and martyrdom; highlights that aid to organisations that jeopardizes its ability to fulfil its important role effectivelyare operating in or close to areas affected by the Israel-Hamas war must be further scrutinised, due to the urgent humanitarian situation, and the very serious allegations about misused EU funds;
Amendment 242 #
2023/2129(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 127
Paragraph 127
127. Notes that, followingReaffirms its condemnation, in the strongest possible terms, of the despicable terrorist attacks carried out byommitted by the terrorist group Hamas against Israel on 7 October 2023, the Commission announced on 9 October 2023 its decision to review the Union’s assistance for Palestine; welcomes that the; underlines that the Hamas terrorists who perpetrated the attack on Israel are graduates of the Palestinian education system, which is largely financed by the EU; points out, again, the incitement to violence, glorification of terrorism, and antisemitism taught in Palestinian schools via Palestinian Authority textbooks and additional material developed by the UNRWA, which are taught in both UNRWA schools and Hamas-run schools; expresses extreme worry about the credible reports regarding UNRWA staffers praising, facilitating or even assisting Hamas on 7 October; calls on the Commission to immediately stop EU funding to UNRWA, and demands that the humanitarian aid to Palestine is redirected to other organisations, as EU aid should under no circumstances - directly or indirectly - be financing terrorism; stresses that the EU should help the Palestinian civilian population and should foster peace in the region, hence it should not support any organisation or entity connected to Hamas or any other terror organisation; is ashamed of the Commissions own internal review, finalised on 21 November 2023, which has shown that the Commission has ex- ante and ex-post controls, and a system of safeguards in place that work well and that no evidence has been found to date that money has been diverted for unintended purposes; highlights, furthermore, that according to the Commission’s reply, the current rules in tender procedures and calls for proposals “make the participation of entities, individuals or groups affiliated with terrorist organisations categorically incompatible with any Union funding”;
Amendment 250 #
2023/2126(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) underline the need to deepen the EU-US cooperation in the Middle East while continueing the good bilateral engagements on our respective policies towards the Middle East Peace Process, as well as to continue to coordinate our efforts to encourage positive developments in the wider region, including the Abraham Accords;
Amendment 171 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas the planned 2024 presidential elections in Russia, which are expected to be held in illegally occupied territories of Ukraine, whose citizens were forcibly given Russian citizenship, as well as were forcibly moved to Russia, will render the results of these presidential elections illegitimate;
Amendment 171 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas the planned 2024 presidential elections in Russia, which are expected to be held in illegally occupied territories of Ukraine, whose citizens were forcibly given Russian citizenship, as well as were forcibly moved to Russia, will render the results of these presidential elections illegitimate;
Amendment 318 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. calls for the EU institutions to not recognise the results of the 2024 Russian presidential elections and any future elections organised by the Russian government on the basis that they do not meet the basic standards of a democratic electoral process and would be held in the occupied Ukrainian territories, which is incompatible with the Council Regulation ((EU) No 269/2014) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine;
Amendment 318 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. calls for the EU institutions to not recognise the results of the 2024 Russian presidential elections and any future elections organised by the Russian government on the basis that they do not meet the basic standards of a democratic electoral process and would be held in the occupied Ukrainian territories, which is incompatible with the Council Regulation ((EU) No 269/2014) concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine;
Amendment 324 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Сalls all national governments, parliaments and international organisations to abstain from sending missions to observe or monitor the 2024 presidential elections in Russia;
Amendment 324 #
2023/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Сalls all national governments, parliaments and international organisations to abstain from sending missions to observe or monitor the 2024 presidential elections in Russia;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the People’s Republic of China has for many years promoted an alternative narrative, challenging democratic values, open markets, and the rules-based international order; whereas China’s increasing influence in international organisations has impeded positive progress and further excluded Taiwan from meaningful participation;
Amendment 363 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls for heightened attention to China’s escalating hybrid warfare tactics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly pertaining to Taiwan, which faces five million cyberattacks every day, primarily from China. Acknowledges that the potential repercussions of destabilisation in the region would resonate far beyond the Taiwan Strait and impact the security of the EU; stresses the importance of developing regular dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building with Taiwan, which possesses substantive expertise and employs scientific methods to counter Chinese cyberattacks and FIMI based on its extensive experience, technological advantages, and linguistic proximity to China;
Amendment 391 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the establishment of the civilian European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the common security and defence policy, which aims to help increase security in the region by decreasing the number of incidents in conflict-affected and border areas in Armenia, to reduce the level of risks for the population living in such areas and thereby to contribute to the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the ground, while at the same time increasing the visibility of the EU in the region; calls on the Council to increase the number of experts deployed as part of EUMA, to increase the mission's capacity and to extend its deployment timeframe for five more years and its geographical scope to potentially include the Armenia-Turkey border;
Amendment 457 #
2023/2119(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Expresses deep concern about China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait, including its 1,727 fighter jet incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone in 2022, which is undermining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Encourages Member States to increase the frequency of freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait and deepen security dialogues with Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression against the democratic island. Condemns China’s disruptive activities in the South China Sea, including island- building, harassment, and dangerous manoeuvres conducted by its navy, coast guard, and maritime militia. These actions have raised tensions with neighbouring countries and threatened maritime security in one of the most important global trade routes. Calls for greater Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) and capacity building with the EU’s partners in the region. Stresses the need to cooperate with a broader set of actors in the Indo-Pacific, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Taiwan, in terms of information exchange, burden-sharing, and strategic alignment, in order to optimise the use of the EU’s limited resources;
Amendment 28 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas common historical narratives and common evaluation of key historical events serve as a foundation for shared culture and identity;
Amendment 32 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas there remain gaps of historical awareness of key historical events between different regions within the EU;
Amendment 39 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas history must never be relativised, distorted or falsified for political purposes both from the EU member states and from the candidate countries;
Amendment 43 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas historical narratives in some EU Member States and candidate countries may be misused for political reasons thus opening the door to disinformation and undue Russian influence in the region; whereas disinformation campaigns, anti-European narrative and Russian propaganda are mainly spread through digital channels, thus accentuating the need for digital upskilling and media literacy campaigns in the EU;
Amendment 45 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas dealing with the past requires utmost impartiality, objectivity and dispassion both in historical scholarship and theamongst political realmians;
Amendment 51 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas while there are ‘historical facts’ grounded in professional historical work, there is no single monolithic, indisputable and everlasting ‘historical truth’ that one specific group or nation can monopolise and exclusively claim for itselfwhich can be used to negate another state’s history;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas European historical consciousness is understood as an individual as well as collective ability and skill to understand, (self-)critically assess and learn from history, which facilitates the recognition of the inextricable connection and interdependency between past, present and future which facilitates the recognition of the inextricable connection and interdependency between past, present and future;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that the diverse and often conflicting histories of European nations and states make any effort to deal with history at a supranational political level a difficult and potentially dangerous endeavour, and that attempts to regulate how to commemorate and interpret the past always prove to be challenging;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the potential of the principle of historia magistra vitae and considers especially the dark elementtragic periods of Europe’s history – including communism, totalitarianism, racism, jingoaggressive nationalism and militarism and colonialism – not only to be a vigorous reminder of past mistakes whose repetition is to be avoided, but also as a call to work jointly towards democratic and inclusive societies in the Union and globally;
Amendment 99 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers a responsible, evidence- based and critical dealing with history a sine qua non for any democratic body politicpolitical and non-political State authority and democratic institutions, in order to sensitise current and future generations for achievements and aberrations of the past alike, strengthen a self-reflexive public discourse and foster understanding and reconciliation within and among particular social groups, nations and states, focusing on common European values;
Amendment 116 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses its concern that there continues to be a latent competition and partial incompatibility between different memory frames and remembrance cultures in the Union, especially between Western and Eastern Europnot only between Western and Eastern Europe but also amongst some Eastern European countries due to the continuous Russian influence in the region; emphasises the need to bridge the gap of historical remembrance of key foundational events among European countries and people;
Amendment 120 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Encourages the Union and the Member States to promote historical awareness and remembrance of Soviet and Russian crimes into education curricula, civic remembrance culture and public spaces;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to upscale media and digital literacy campaigns as main instruments against any disinformation campaigns; is worried by the current Russian propaganda, and asked the Member States and the Commission to already strengthen these instruments;
Amendment 123 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that the Union’s concern mainly with narrating a story about itself ex negativo, with the horrors of the past and especially National Socialism and Stalinism serving as a ‘negative foundation myth’communism, provides a strong sense of purpose for the European project, yet bears the risk of nurturing a teleological and simplistic black-and-white scheme of history which potentially hampers a fully informed understanding of Europe’s intricate past and reduces incentives to challenge stereotypes and sacred cows of national histories;
Amendment 128 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Maintains that Europe-wide understanding of Eastern European, Russian, and Soviet history is a crucial element to stopping the ongoing cycle of Russia’s imperial and colonial aggression in the continent; calls on the Union to evaluate and condemn 20th century communist and Soviet crimes; Encourages the Union and the Member States to promote historical awareness and remembrance of Soviet and Russian crimes into education curricula, civic remembrance culture, and public spaces; supports the building of a pan-European memorial to the victims of 20th century totalitarianisms in the EU capital, Brussels;
Amendment 129 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights that the Russian aggression against Ukraine has been prepared and justified with a high level of historical disinformation coming from Russia and its allies; notes that Soviet communism and Stalinism in particular have not received political or legal Europe-wide evaluation and condemnation; highlights that the lack of awareness of Eastern European history and Soviet crimes increases the vulnerability of European societies;
Amendment 132 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Maintains that Europe-wide understanding of Eastern European, Russian, and Soviet history is a crucial element to stopping the ongoing cycle of Russia’s imperial and colonial aggression in the continent; encourages the Union and the Member States to promote historical awareness and remembrance of Soviet and Russian crimes into education curricula, civic remembrance culture, and public spaces; supports the building of a pan-European memorial to the victims of 20th century totalitarianisms in the EU capital, Brussels;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the need for a broader and more holistic understanding of European history for a (self-)critical European historical consciousness to emerge, in particular by widening the focus of current European remembrance initiatives;
Amendment 148 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Acknowledges the crucial importance of approaching Europe’s past on the foundation of European core values such as humanism, tolerance, democracy and the rule of law, and of and on the religious and philosophical traditions that underpin such values, creating an open sphere of discussion that also makes it possible to address difficult elements of national histories and that provides for mutual understanding and reconciliation both within and between European nations;
Amendment 154 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses the need to highlight, in teaching curricula, the various national historical identities of the Member States, allowing learners to understand the complexity of the European cultural and historical heritage and the uniqueness of each Member State’s past;
Amendment 158 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to revisecomplement current curricula and teaching methodologies with a view to shifting focus from national towardselements a related to European and global history and in order to allow for more emphasis on a supranational historical remembrance, in particular by allowing for multiple interpretations of the same historical period and event and by fostering corresponding teaching styles that favour reflection and discussion over knowledge transfer and that are guided by the overall objective of making students learn ‘how to think’ rather than ‘what to think’;enabling European students to critically assess of the same historical period and event
Amendment 169 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to provide tailor-made (history) teacher training that enables teachers to grasp transnational aspects of history, imparts adequate didactics and principles of modern teaching and is primarily concerned with forming self-reflective young peopleadapted guidelines and material that enables teachers to put an adequate focus on transnational aspects of history;
Amendment 191 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Requests that the European institutions, the Member States and candidate countries, educational institutions and civil-society actors step up efforts to abstain from and repudiate any attempt to instrumentalise history for political purposes and fight historical denialism both in the European Union and beyond;
Amendment 195 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. EspousesIs of the idea that the ideal of a ‘culture of remembering’ and historical consciousness based on shared European values and practices in approaching the past, yet at the same time avoiding any undue levelling or simplification of history;
Amendment 196 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Expresses its hope that on the basis of critical self-reflection relating to history and historical responsibility at national level, a truly European reflective discourse on the continent’s past may emerge, with history not being abused for power- political purposes; expresses its hope that a community of fate among European peoples will emerge from a common historical work for the better for the future generations;
Amendment 202 #
2023/2112(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Envisions national collective memories eventually contributing to and merging into a European public sphere, withxpresses its hope that national remembrance cultures will complementing each other rather than being in competition, and will be able to dealings with history becoming an issue of civic rather than political action;
Amendment 5 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that Chinese investments in Europe continued to decline in 2022, reaching a 10-year low of EUR 7.9 billion; recalls a shift in Chinese FDI from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) towards greenfield investments, primarily in battery technology, which is a key sector of the Green Transition1a; _________________ 1a https://rhg.com/research/chinese-fdi-in- europe-2022-update/
Amendment 16 #
2023/2072(INI)
3. Is nevertheless convinced that the trade and investment relationship between the EU and China is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the principle of reciprocity at its core; welcomes a strategy built on the concept of ‘de-risking’, alongside higher degrees of awareness as regard vulnerabilities linked to the possible weaponisation of economic dependencies and the foreign control or influence on critical infrastructure;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that trade and investment are key drivers of sustainable growth, job creation and innovation and that the EU should therefore maintain its economic openness1 ; stresses however that a strategic balance must be found between the open character of the EU Single Market and the related security vulnerabilities, especially concerning economic coercion or threats to the integrity of European critical infrastructure; _________________ 1 Commission communication of 18 February 2021 entitled ‘Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy’ (COM(2021)0066).
Amendment 41 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s proposed European economic security strategy2 , which aims to maximise the benefits of the EU’s economic openness while minimising the risks resulting from economic interdependencies; approves of the fact that the strategy explicitly recognises that risks to the physical and cyber security of critical infrastructure are key security vulnerabilities for European economies; is convinced that the protection of critical infrastructure should be a key element in the implementation of the strategy; _________________ 2 Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020).
Amendment 42 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Underlines that EU responses must be built around an augmented understanding of the relevant strategic picture centred on cross-policy and cross- national threat assessments and vulnerability studies on critical infrastructure; is of the opinion that a decentralised or lacunar perception, lacking clear visibility and scrutiny over projects with strategic significance for Europe’s defence and security can greatly harm the Union’s geopolitical interests1a; recalls vulnerabilities linked to foreign interference, specifically in the information space, and the interplay between FDI projects and information manipulation operations by malign foreign actors; _________________ 1a Security implications of China-owned critical infrastructure in the European Union - DG EXPO in-depth analysis
Amendment 54 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments3 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from outside the EU; notes that critical infrastructure is among the factors that may be taken into consideration by the Member States or the Commission in determining whether an investment is likely to affect security or public order.; reiterates the key added value of the screening mechanism as a pertinent tool giving the Union and its Member States a better strategic overview and situational awareness regarding trends, targets, means and methods deployed by foreign actors to increase their economic and political influence; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 56 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights the role of the EU as a promotor of quality infrastructure projects abroad, through initiatives such as the Global Gateway or through the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment; underlines the EU’s need to deliver on its value-based and sustainability-driven rhetoric of international infrastructure projects, acknowledging the vital geostrategic role such programs can have at the level of diversification, supply chain resilience, standard setting and regulatory alignment;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Argues that a key area of EU critical infrastructure is also its network of research institutes and R&D facilities, which play a pertinent role in the Union’s ability to deliver on its green and digital transitions, alongside key arenas such as space of defence; reminds of security vulnerabilities linked to forced technology transfers, IP-theft and knowledge leaks, both at home and abroad, and calls for increased vigilance in accounting for such threats to the EU’s ability to innovate and foster growth.
Amendment 9 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
– having regard to the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 2533 as adopted on 11 July 2020 and 2504 as adopted on 10 January 2020, both concerning the border crossings of Bab al-Salam and Bab al-Hawa and the provision of humanitarian aid,
Amendment 13 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syrian Arab Republic of 21 January 2021 to the 46th regular session of the Human Rights Council,
Amendment 32 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas since 2011 half a million Syrians have died and 14 million have been displaced due to violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups, but mainly as a result of the fierce repression by the Syrian regime, with the help of its allies, of its own people; whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones; whereas this remains the largest displacement crisis in the world;
Amendment 34 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas since 2011 half a million Syrians have died and 14 million have been forcibly displaced due to violent attacks by armed and terrorist groups, but mainly as a result of the fierce repression by the Syrian regime, with the help of its allies, of its own people; whereas this repression has included the repeated use of chemical weapons, incendiary bombs, barrel bombs, missiles and conventional aerial bombardments on civilians; whereas at least 150 000 Syrians are missing in the regime’s concentration-camp system and families have still not been informed of the fate of their loved ones;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the crisis has left some 15.3 million people in Syria in need of humanitarian aid and protection; whereas an estimated 8.8 million people were further affected by the earthquakes in February 2023, exacerbating the pre- existing humanitarian challenges in Syria and the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 53 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas anti-Semitic propaganda has been a key feature of Bashar Al- Assad's family’s overall messaging;
Amendment 83 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the UN warns that 90% of the Syrian population lives below the poverty line, with many Syrians now eking out an existence in conditions that are even worse than those that existed during the years of conflict; whereas the World Food Programme estimates that 12.4 million Syrians are suffering from food insecurity, representing nearly 60% of the population;
Amendment 84 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas the responsibility for the current dire situation lies mainly with the Assad regime;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Syrian state is not sufficiently addressing the basic needs of the Syrian people, the country’s economic situation is extremely precarious and Syria has turned into a narco-state; whereas humanitarian advocates and practitioners continue to raise concerns about the security and protection of the returnees and displaced individuals in the light of the conditions in many areas of the country and, raise questions about the Syrian Government’s approach to political reconciliation; whereas this hinders Syria's social and economic progress, as well as their way out of the crisis;
Amendment 91 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas public education is under pressure across the region, with around half of Syria’s school-aged population (nearly 2.4 million pupils) not receiving any form of education, resulting in many children suffering from the psycho-social impacts of prolonged conflict and displacement; whereas according to UNESCO only around half of the youth aged 15-24 in Syria meet the minimum expected competency levels in literacy, numeracy and life skills;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)
Recital J c (new)
Jc. whereas according to UNHCR a majority of Syrian refugees would like to return to Syria but have legitimate security concerns; whereas this means that for the current situation resettlement and complementary pathways remain the most viable durable solution for Syrian refugees; whereas the EU and its Member States have to increase their efforts to contribute to establishing decent and safe living standards for Syrians returning home;
Amendment 122 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) stress that the repression, negligence and corruption on the part of the regime are responsible for the economic situation, not the targeted sanctions from the EU against individuals and entities involved in the repression; underline, however, that EU restrictive measures need to be accurate, local and must foresee exemptions for humanitarian aid;
Amendment 124 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) salute the courage of all demonstrators, in particular recently the demonstrators in the towns of Souweïda and Deraa who have once again been rising up peacefully against the Assad regime since August 2023;
Amendment 126 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) commend the efforts for stabilisation and cooperation in the region undertaken through the Abraham Accords and promote the idea that Syria would also benefit from this development one day in the future;
Amendment 127 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q b (new)
(qb) strongly condemn all forms of religious discrimination and insist on respect by all for the rights of ethnic and religious groups and minorities in Syria, including Christians; make sure that education and educational materials are in line with these principles; call for anyone who has been displaced, to continue to live in or return to their historical and traditional homelands in dignity, equality and safety, and to be able to freely practise their religion and beliefs without being subjected to any kind of coercion, violence or discrimination; support interreligious dialogue in order to promote mutual understanding and counter violent extremism or any attempt to supress freedom of speech or of religion;
Amendment 128 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q c (new)
(qc) urge the EU and its Member States to condemn and fight any form of religious hatred, anti-Semitic propaganda, and anti-Zionism in Syria;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) condemn the attacks by Turkish forces and their occupation of Syrian territories in the north; express their deep concern about the persistence of radical Islamist opposition in Idlib province; call on Türkiye to refrain from acting as a silent partner along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the provision of direct and indirect financial assistance to Islamist armed opposition groups; support the continuation of the international coalition against the Islamic State, which remains active in Syria despite significant defeats, in order to prevent the regrouping of this terrorist organisation;
Amendment 140 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(la) condemn the Assad regime’s permissive attitude towards Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, especially with regards to facilitation efforts in the Iraq conflict, as it has fed the growth of Al- Qaeda, ISIS, and affiliated terrorist networks inside Syria;
Amendment 163 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l b (new)
(lb) stress the need for close cooperation with our transatlantic partners and Israel on fighting terrorist groups in Syria and beyond; underline its full support for Israel on fighting terrorist groups in Syria and Iran’s supplies of missiles to Hezbollah and its attempts to establish a military front on Israel’s border;
Amendment 190 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(qa) urge the EU and its Member States to expand the list of those subject to targeted sanctions under the so-called EU Magnitsky Act, including the Syrian and Russian civilian and military commanders who have been credibly implicated in war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations committed in north-west Syria, including those falling within command responsibility;
Amendment 194 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) invite the international community, at the 2024 Brussels Conference, to increase urgently its humanitarian assistance to the 15.3 million Syrians who depend on it on a daily basis; insist on access to clean water, educationincluding drinking water, sanitary water and water for agricultural purposes, formal education, also for girls and women, energy supply, affordable motor fuels and long- term budget support tailored to women’s needs; point out that the EU is the biggest contributor in this regard; welcome the continued efforts of Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye and Iraq to host 6 million refugees while facing difficult economic conditionfocus on directing humanitarian aid especially towards clean water, affordable energy, heating, health care and health products; point out that the EU is the biggest contributor in this regard; take note of the efforts of neighbouring countries who fulfil their responsibility to host refugees;
Amendment 201 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(ra) step up efforts in order to make education for all a priority; in this regard, increase support for the creation of SMEs and local businesses;
Amendment 202 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r b (new)
(rb) recognise the huge cultural heritage of Syria as a major part of cultural world heritage and as a source for resolving some problems of the country;
Amendment 215 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) recall that Syria cannot be regarded, in whole or in part, as a safe country for the return of its nationals living as refugees in Europe, people who have fled the crimes of the regime and risk torture and enforced disappearance if they return to Syria; recall that this huge wave of emigration, especially of young people, cannot be a long-term solution; recall therefore the need of solutions for detained people and prisoners;
Amendment 223 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) demand that restrictive measures against the Syrian regime do not impede the delivery of humanitarian aid and therefore, make sure that they do not penalise the export of food, medicine or medical equipment;
Amendment 224 #
2023/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
(ub) strive for new approaches and solutions that allow for reconciliation of former Daesh fighters, Kurds, Christians and Muslims of different denominations, which would finally allow the return of refugees to their home in Syria; recall that this does not exclude punitive measures for criminals;
Amendment 30 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas released political prisoners face extreme discrimination with the regime prohibiting them free movement, as well as access to the labour market, to their bank accounts and other financial assets;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Belarusian regime to refrain from any kind of harassment also of former political prisoners who have now been released; urges the regime to allow these former prisoners to live their life in freedom and give them full access to the labour market, social life, as well as their bank account and assets;
Amendment 133 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EU institutions and its Member States to explore the possibility of allowing representatives of the Belarusian democratic forces and civil society to take up the empty seats, in bilateral and multilateral formats, in particular within the framework of the Eastern Partnership policy, which were previously occupied by representatives of the Belarusian authorities; regrets that the Belarusian civil society and the Belarusian Freedom Movement is currently not yet able to take part in multilateral formats like the European Political Community (EPC);
Amendment 135 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the leaders of the Member States, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, as well as the political leaders of the remaining participating states of the European Political Community to include the Belarusian Freedom Movement in the European Political Community, for instance by giving them an observer status;
Amendment 137 #
2023/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that the inclusion of representatives of political, civil society and human rights organizations of Democratic Belarus ("Belarusian Freedom Movement") with observer status in the EPC would also strengthen the platform for developing joint strategies against authoritarian regimes and for democracy in Europe;
Amendment 2 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
– having regard to the Startegic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials between Canada, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part,
Amendment 28 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. wheras Canada was the first country with which the EU established a Strategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials;
Amendment 65 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the two most important product categories that the EU and Canada export to each other are machinery, accounting for around 40 % of both exports and imports, and chemical, pharmaceutical and plastic products, making up around 20 % of total exports and imports; notes, however, that the mining and extraction sector is highly significant when it comes to imports from Canada, compared to other trading partners, accounting for nearly 20 % of the EU’s total imports from Canada; underlineHighlights that access to critical raw materials from a reliable trading partners, including Canada, is a key element of the EU's Critical Raw Materials strategy and vital to delivering a sustainable green transition;
Amendment 69 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the signing in July 2021 of the EU-Canada Srategic Partnership on Critical Raw Materials within the framework of CETA; notes that this will help to integrate EU-Canada raw material value chains and foster collaboration in science, technology and innovation;
Amendment 71 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the fact that European and Canadian firms are making increasing and continuous use of preferences granted by CETA, with preference utilisation rates of EU imports from Canada standing at 65 % in 2021 compared to 52 % in 2018; notes that the utilisation rate is still lower, though increasing for EU exports, reaching 58 % in 2021 compared to 40 % in 2018; notes with interest that smaller companies are using the preferences to a larger extent than large companies and that utilisation rates are significantly higher for agri-food industries compared to manufacturing industries; stresses that the low utilisation rates in key sectors for several EU members indicate foregone cost savings and diminished welfare gains from the agreement; encourages both partners to continue to promote actions to raise awareness of CETA among stakeholders in both regions, including through the EU's "Access2Market" platform;
Amendment 83 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the parties to make available all the legal and administrative support and tools SMEs need to engage in trade and investment under CETA, in order to foster an increase in exchanges and to enhance participation so they can reap the benefits of CETA, including through active measures to facilitate the internationalisation of SMEs, simplify procedures, and address technical barriers to trade that disproportionately affect SMEs; welcomes, in this regard, the recommendation on SMEs adopted by the Joint Committee in 2018, and the subsequent action plans, including concrete actions such as the launch of the Access2Markets platform in October 2020, which supports SMEs with practical information on trade agreements and trade barriers;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that CETA provides a framework that fosters both trade and climate action by including commitments to cooperate on trade-related environmental issues of common interest such as climate change, as demonstrated by the recommendation on trade, climate action and the Paris Agreement, notably with the promotion of clean technologies, such as hydrogen; welcomes the growth of the environmental goods trade by 27 % since provisional application started;
Amendment 96 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Welcomes the launch of the EU- Canada Digital Partnership as a key enabler of the green and digital transition; calls on both parties to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of the CETA implementation on issues of strategic mutual interest such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the fight against disinformation;
Amendment 103 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Insists on the effective implementation of the specific commitments related to the trade and sustainable development (TSD) provisions, which are an integral part of CETA and are essential to the accomplishment of the objectives set; takes note that in 2024 the Commission will conduct an ex post evaluation of CETA, including its TSD chapter, involving independent experts; believes that efforts targetting better implementation of the TSD chapter or its review should be preceded by a meaningful consultation of all stakeholders, including business and SME organisations, and shall not entail a re-opening of the agreement;
Amendment 105 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that the UK ceased to be a member of the European Union following the provisional application of CETA; notes that the UK and Canada have agreed a series of bilateral trading arrangements to take account of this, including with regards to TRQ use and cumulation; notes that some of these agreements will cease to apply after 2024, which may present minor disruptions to established supply chains; calls on the Commission to explore the possibility for new agreements where these disruptions may negatively affect Union economic operators;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the parties to reviewmake use of the review clause CETA in order to introduce a suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanism, including the consideration of, among various enforcement methods, sanctions as a deterrent to be used, as a last resort, in the case of serious breaches;
Amendment 116 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that most of the concerns expressed before the provisional application of the agreement, including the overtake of Canadian agricultural products onto the EU market, have not materialised; Urges Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Slovenia to ratify CETA, as this will also be essential in order to update the agreement, and reiterates the importance of full application of CETA, including its investment protection provisions;
Amendment 178 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Union support under the Facility should not replace the bilateral and regional support provided under Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 , focussing on preparing the Beneficiaries for Union membership, but complement it and add to it, while using already existing mechanisms and structures where possible. The approach should build on the existing enlargement methodology, notably the 2020 Revised Methodology5 , and the Economic and Investment Plan6 from the same year. In this regard, it should accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration into the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and foster regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, reconciliation and the settlement of disputes in the Western Balkans. _________________ 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1529/oj). 5 COM (2022) 57 final. 6 COM(2020) 641 final.
Amendment 178 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Union support under the Facility should not replace the bilateral and regional support provided under Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council4 , focussing on preparing the Beneficiaries for Union membership, but complement it and add to it, while using already existing mechanisms and structures where possible. The approach should build on the existing enlargement methodology, notably the 2020 Revised Methodology5 , and the Economic and Investment Plan6 from the same year. In this regard, it should accelerate regional economic integration, progressive integration into the Union single market, socio-economic convergence of Western Balkans economies and foster regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, reconciliation and the settlement of disputes in the Western Balkans. _________________ 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III) (OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1529/oj). 5 COM (2022) 57 final. 6 COM(2020) 641 final.
Amendment 294 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
2. The ‘Enlargement Package’ meanolicy Framework’ includes the annual Communication on EU Enlargement policy and accompanying staff working documents, as well as the revised enlargement methodology, agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries, the negotiating frameworks governing accession negotiations with candidates, where applicable, as well as resolutions of the European Parliament, relevant communications of the Commission and joint communications of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Amendment 294 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
2. The ‘Enlargement Package’ meanolicy Framework’ includes the annual Communication on EU Enlargement policy and accompanying staff working documents, as well as the revised enlargement methodology, agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with the beneficiaries, the negotiating frameworks governing accession negotiations with candidates, where applicable, as well as resolutions of the European Parliament, relevant communications of the Commission and joint communications of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Amendment 302 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) foster regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, reconciliation and the settlement of disputes in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 302 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) foster regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations, reconciliation and the settlement of disputes in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 303 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) promote non-discrimination and tolerance, ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities and/or communities, and persons in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 303 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) promote non-discrimination and tolerance, ensure and strengthen respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities and/or communities, and persons in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 304 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
(cc) promote balanced regional development through strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 304 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c c (new)
(cc) promote balanced regional development through strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 387 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi- party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities and/or communities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 387 #
2023/0397(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Preconditions for the support under the Facility shall be that the Beneficiaries continue to uphold and respect effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi- party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and guarantee respect for all human rights obligations, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities and/or communities. Another pre-condition shall be that Serbia and Kosovo engage constructively in the normalisation of their relations with a view to fully implementing all their respective obligations stemming from the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex as well as all past Dialogue Agreements and engage in negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on normalisation of relations.
Amendment 154 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be empowered tofore the application of this Regulation pursuant to Article 56 adopt implementing acts determining whether or not specific products or categories of products fulfil the criteria set out in paragraph 1 of this Article and therefore can or cannot be considered toys within the meaning of this Regulation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 50(2).
Amendment 168 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14
(14) ‘data carrier’ means a linear bar code symbol, a two-dimensional symbol or other automatic identification data capture medium that can be read by a device;data carrier as defined in Article 2 paragraph 1, point 30 of Regulation (EU) .../...) [PO insert serial number for Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Poducts]
Amendment 169 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15
(15) ‘unique product identifier’ means unique string of characters for the identification of toys that also enables a web link to the product passport;product identifier as defined in Article 2 paragraph 1, point 31 of Regulation (EU) .../...) [PO insert serial number for Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Poducts]
Amendment 170 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16
(16) ‘unique operator identifier’ means a unique string of characters for the identification of actors involved in the value chain of toys;operator identifier as defined in Article 2 paragraph 1, point 32 of Regulation (EU) .../...) [PO insert serial number for Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Poducts]
Amendment 188 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Toys shall not present a risk to the safety or health of users or third parties, including the psychological and mental health, well- being and cognitive development of children, when they are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the behaviour of children.
Amendment 211 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. Manufacturers shall indicate their name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal and electronic address at which they can be contacted on the toy or, where that is not possible, on its packaging or in a document accompanying the toy. Manufacturers shall indicate a single point at which they can be contacted.
Amendment 287 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) be up to date;, while not presenting outdated information older than three months.
Amendment 287 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) be up to date;, while not presenting outdated information older than three months.
Amendment 302 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall prior to the application of this regulation pursuant Article 56 adopt implementing acts determining the specific and technical requirements related to the product passport for toys. Those requirements shall cover in particular the following:
Amendment 302 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall prior to the application of this regulation pursuant Article 56 adopt implementing acts determining the specific and technical requirements related to the product passport for toys. Those requirements shall cover in particular the following:
Amendment 385 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. Toys placed on the market in conformity with Directive 2009/48/EC before … [OP please insert the date = the first day of the month following 30 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] may continue to be made available on the market until … [OP please insert the date = the first day of the month following 542 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation].
Amendment 385 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 1
Article 54 – paragraph 1
1. Toys placed on the market in conformity with Directive 2009/48/EC before … [OP please insert the date = the first day of the month following 30 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] may continue to be made available on the market until … [OP please insert the date = the first day of the month following 542 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation].
Amendment 392 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 3
Article 54 – paragraph 3
3. EC type-examination certificates issued in accordance with Article 20 of Directive 2009/48/EC shall remain valid until … [PO insert date: the first day of the month following 542 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], unless they expire before that date.
Amendment 392 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 54 – paragraph 3
Article 54 – paragraph 3
3. EC type-examination certificates issued in accordance with Article 20 of Directive 2009/48/EC shall remain valid until … [PO insert date: the first day of the month following 542 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], unless they expire before that date.
Amendment 402 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 3
Article 56 – paragraph 3
However, Articles 2(3), 17(10), 24 to 40, and 46 to 52, shall apply from … [OP: please insert the date of entry into force of this Regulation].
Amendment 402 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 56 – paragraph 3
Article 56 – paragraph 3
However, Articles 2(3), 17(10), 24 to 40, and 46 to 52, shall apply from … [OP: please insert the date of entry into force of this Regulation].
Amendment 412 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part II a (new)
Annex I – Part II a (new)
II a Books for children older than 36 months, that are made entirely of paper and/or cardboard, without additional materials or components.
Amendment 412 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – Part II a (new)
Annex I – Part II a (new)
II a Books for children older than 36 months, that are made entirely of paper and/or cardboard, without additional materials or components.
Amendment 418 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Part I – point 9
Annex II – Part I – point 9
9. Toys shallintended to generate sound must be designed and manufactured in such a way, in terms ofwith regard to the maximum values for impulse noise and continuous noise, in such a way that the sound from them is not able tothey emit cannot impair children’'s hearing.
Amendment 418 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Part I – point 9
Annex II – Part I – point 9
9. Toys shallintended to generate sound must be designed and manufactured in such a way, in terms ofwith regard to the maximum values for impulse noise and continuous noise, in such a way that the sound from them is not able tothey emit cannot impair children’'s hearing.
Amendment 453 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part I – point d
Annex VI – Part I – point d
(d) object of the passport (identification of toy allowing traceability, including a colour image of sufficient clarity to enable the identification of the toy);
Amendment 453 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part I – point d
Annex VI – Part I – point d
(d) object of the passport (identification of toy allowing traceability, including a colour image of sufficient clarity to enable the identification of the toy);
Amendment 454 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part I – point k
Annex VI – Part I – point k
Amendment 454 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part I – point k
Annex VI – Part I – point k
Amendment 456 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part II a (new)
Annex VI – Part II a (new)
II a image or drawing of the toy.
Amendment 456 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – Part II a (new)
Annex VI – Part II a (new)
II a image or drawing of the toy.
Amendment 12 #
2023/0264(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Insists that the Commission must guarantee that EU funds are not allocated or linked to any form of terrorism and/or religious and political radicalization while ensuring notably that individuals or groups affiliated, linked to, or supporting terrorist organisations are excluded from Union funding; reiterates its position that salaries of education civil servants responsible for drafting and teaching school textbooks paid by Union funds, must be made conditional on full compliance with UNESCO standards of peace and tolerance; is concerned about antisemitism, hate speech and incitement to violence taught in Palestinian school textbooks, funded by the EU; stresses that conditionality of EU financial assistance in the educational sector needs to be duly considered; underlines the importance of proper training of Palestinian teachers, in line with UNESCO education standards.
Amendment 97 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Since the obligation to repair imposed on producers under this Directive covers defects that are not due to the non- conformity of the goods with a sales contract, producers may provide repair against a price paid by the consumer, against another kind of consideration, or for free. The charging of a price should encourage producers to develop sustainable business models, including the provision of repair services. Such a price may take into account, for instance, labour costs, costs for spare parts, costs for operating the repair facility and a customary margin. The price for and the conditions of repair should be agreed in a contract between the consumer and the producer and the consumer should remain free to decide whether that price and those conditions are acceptable. The need for such a contract and the competitive pressure from other repairers should encourage producers who are obliged to repair to keep the price acceptable for the consumer. The repair obligation may also be performed for free when the defect is covered by a commercial guarantee, for instance, in relation to guaranteed durability of goods. To incentivise consumers to have their product repaired outside of the legal guarantee, a producer may offer a loan of a replacement or refurbished good for the duration of the repair, which is expected to be returned once the consumer receives the repaired good.
Amendment 115 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15a) To ensure consumer protection and trust in repair, repairers should be liable for any repair they carry out, be it within or beyond the liability period.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) The Commission should enable the development of a voluntary European quality standard for repair services, for instance by encouraging and facilitating voluntary cooperation on a standard between businesses, public authorities and other stakeholders or by issuing a standardisation request to the European standardisation organisations and SME Standardisation organisations. A European standard for repair services could boost consumer trust in repair services across the Union. Such standard could include aspects influencing consumer decisions on repair, such as the time to complete repair, the availability of temporary replacement goods, quality assurances such as a commercial guarantee on repair, and the availability of ancillary services such as removal, installation and transportation offered by repairers, and the special conditions and challenges for SMEs.
Amendment 171 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to allow economic operators to adapt, transitional provisions concerning the application of some Articles of this Directive should be introduced. Thus, the obligations to repair and to provide related information on this obligation should apply to contracts for the provision of repair services after [2436 months after the entry into force]. The amendment to Directive (EU) 2019/771 should apply only to sales contracts concluded after [24 months after the entry into force] to ensure legal certainty and to provide sellers with sufficient time to adapt to the amended remedies of repair and replacement.
Amendment 173 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 a (new)
Recital 33 a (new)
(33a) Fostering reparability at EU level requires a smart mix of measures not exclusively rule-based. This Directive should be accompanied by other national initiatives to counter the skills shortage to ensure that reparability services within the European Union can be provided in the future.
Amendment 174 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 b (new)
Recital 33 b (new)
(33b) Additional incentives may be considered necessary, therefore Member States should explore measures such as lower VAT rates or reduced taxes on services and labour in order to further incentive customers to opt for a good being repaired instead of replaced. In addition, Member States should pay particular attention to micro, small and medium sized enterprises as their businesses are a vital part of the repair chain.
Amendment 175 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 c (new)
Recital 33 c (new)
(33c) Consumer behaviour is shaped by a wide variety of aspects. When choosing between repair and new purchase, decision criteria such as economic efficiency, durability, proximity of a repair service, and the time required play an important role. Besides the provisions laid out in this Directive, awareness- raising measures for a culture of repair, improving consumers’ knowledge about proper cleaning and care of products, and improving consumers’ knowledge about the existing rights in terms of legal guarantee should be strengthened to boost the demand for reparability services.
Amendment 176 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 d (new)
Recital 33 d (new)
(33d) This Directive should focus on the business to consumer dimension of the repairs, within the Union legal acts as listed in Annex II.
Amendment 177 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33 e (new)
Recital 33 e (new)
(33e) Where the producer’s business has been terminated, the seller or distributor must not be made subsidiarily responsible for a repair obligation
Amendment 182 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
2. ‘repairer’ means any natural or legal person who, related to that person’s trade, business, craft or profession, provides a repair service, including producers and sellers that provide repair services and repair service providers whether independent repairers, professional repairers or affiliated with such producers or sellers;
Amendment 184 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
4. ‘producer’ means a manufacturer as defined in Article 2, point (42) of Regulation [on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products]ny natural or legal person who manufactures a product or who has a product designed or manufactured, and markets that product under its name or trademark;
Amendment 188 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
10a. ‘professional repairer’ means a natural or legal person who provides repair or maintenance services for a product, irrespective of whether that person acts within the manufacturer’s distribution system or independently;
Amendment 189 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 b (new)
10b. ‘repair’ means restoring a product’s performance, functionality and safety within the intended use, range of performance and maintenance originally conceived at the design stage.
Amendment 196 #
Amendment 235 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that upon the consumer’s request, the producer shall repair, for free or against a price or another kind of consideration, goods for which and to the extent that reparability requirements are provided for by Union legal acts as listed in Annex II. The producer shall not be obliged to repair such goods where repair is impossible. The producer may sub-contract repair in order to fulfil its obligation to repair. In such cases, the producer shall provide the repairer with all relevant information and specifications so that the repairer, at the request of the consumers, can actually provide the repair service.
Amendment 245 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Producers shall be able to provide refurbished goods as an alternative to repair.
Amendment 249 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Where the producer obliged to repair pursuant to paragraph 1 is established outside the Union, its authorised representative in the Union shall perform the obligation of the producer. Where the producer has no authorised representative in the Union, the importer of the good concerned shall perform the obligation of the producer. Where there is no importer, the distributor of the good concerned shall perform the obligation of the producer.
Amendment 254 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Producers shall ensureallow that independent repairers have access to spare parts , notwithstanding any other product specific obligations, and repair-related information and tools in accordance with the Union legal acts listed in Annex II., without prejudice to the protection sensitive information and business secrets foreseen in Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016;
Amendment 266 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Consumers shall be able to seek quality and affordable repair from a repairer of their choice using either original, compatible or second-hand parts that comply with relevant EU standards and regulations.
Amendment 275 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts, following an impact assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders, in accordance with Article 15 to amend Annex II by updating the list of Union legal acts laying down reparability requirements in the light of legislative developments.
Amendment 280 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Producers shall not refuse to service or repair a device that was bought or previously repaired outside of their authorised service or distribution networks.
Amendment 285 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7
Article 7
Amendment 309 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7a Measures to inform about consumers rights Member States shall take measures to ensure that consumers are informed about their consumer rights with regard to this Directive and may take measures that enable consumers to find relevant repairers, which can be done through, for example, the creation of an online platform, a dedicated information campaign, or any other means that the Member State deems appropriate. The creation of an online platform shall not impede the functioning of existing private repair platforms.
Amendment 316 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8a Micro, small and medium sized enterprises Member States shall take appropriate measures to help small and medium sized enterprises within the meaning of the Commission recommendation 2003/361/EC apply the requirements set out in this Directive. Those measures shall at least include: guidelines on how to demonstrate compliance with the requirements set out in this Directive.
Amendment 317 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 b (new)
Article 8 b (new)
Article 8b Micro, small and medium sized enterprises Member States shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken to help micro, small and medium sized enterprises within the meaning of Commission Recommendation 2003/362/EC to apply the requirement set out in this Directive.
Amendment 348 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Directive (EU) 2019/771
Article 13 (2)
Article 13 (2)
Amendment 362 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. Article 5(1) and (2) and Article 6 of this Directive shall not apply to contracts for the provision of repair services concluded before [2436 months after the entry into force].
Amendment 365 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Article 12 of this Directive shall not apply to sales contracts concluded before [2436 months after the entry into force]
Amendment 367 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16a Evaluation By [5 years after the entry into force of this Directive], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Directive and in particular assess its impact, on the proper functioning of the internal market, the level of consumer protection, its impact on businesses, particularly on micro, small and medium enterprises and the improvement of the sustainable consumption of products. The Commission shall draw up a report on its main findings and submit it to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.
Amendment 370 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by [2436 months from the entry into force] at the latest. They shall immediately inform the Commission thereof.
Amendment 373 #
2023/0083(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 3
Member States shall apply those measures from [2436 months from the entry into force].
Amendment 41 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the Armenian genocide's 100th anniversary,
Amendment 252 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Türkiye in the interest of reconciliation, regional stability and security as well as socio- economic development and welcomes the progress achieved so far; calls for the speedy implementation of agreements reached by the special representatives, such as opening the airspace and the border between two countries, thus ending the economic blockade of Armenia; Calls on both sides to engage in the process in good faith and without preconditions; expresses the hope that this may give impetus to the normalization of relations in the South Caucasus region; encourages Türkiye once again to recognize the Armenian Genocide to pave the way for genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples, and to fully respect its obligations to protect Armenian cultural heritage;
Amendment 352 #
2022/2205(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recognises that Türkiye is a long- standing important geopolitical partner for both the EU and NATO and calls for the strenghtening of the EU-Türkiye relations;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 c (new)
Citation 37 c (new)
— having regard to the Zagreb Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 May 2020
Amendment 3 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 b (new)
Citation 37 b (new)
— having regard to the 8th Berlin Process Summit of 5 July 2021,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 37 a (new)
Citation 37 a (new)
— having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2019 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto,
Amendment 43 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Serbia as a candidate country should be judged on its own merits; whereas Serbia's path towards EU membership depends on the normalisation of relations with its neighbor Kosovo;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that EU membership continues to be Serbia’s strategic goal; underlines the fact that progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights, the normalisation of relations with Kosovo and alignment with the CFSP, especially with regards to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, will determine the dynamics of the accession process;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2204(INI)
2. Regrets Serbia’s continued low level of alignment with the CFSP, in particular in the context of the Russian war on's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine; underlines the fact that, as a candidate country, Serbia must adhere to the EU’s principles and policies, and alignment with a warmongering autocratic regime is unacceptable; stresses that Serbia is one of the only European countries not aligning with EU sanctions against Russia; expresses great concern over Serbia's behaviour, most notably Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, towards the Russian aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes Serbia’s alignment with the EU in voting in favour of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council; regrets, however, the fact that Serbia has consistently failed to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia; deplores Serbia’s close relationship and partnership with Russia;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that key components of Serbian foreign policy run directly counter to EU positions, including the signature of agreements setting out joint foreign policy priorities between Serbia and Russia for 2023-2024 and meetings with senior officials from Russia who are on the EU sanctions list; is concerned by the appointment of the Director of the Security Intelligence Agency, who is known for his anti-EU and pro-Kremlin rhetoric; calls on Serbia to credibly distance itself from anti- democratic ideologies;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Deplores the fact that Serbia has still not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls on the authorities to show real commitment to EU values as soon as possible and to align with the EU’s decisions and positions in foreign and security policy, including sanctions against Russia;
Amendment 124 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses concern about the decreasing public support for EU membership in Serbia, as well as growing support for the Russian regime;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 138 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. NCondemns the fact that Serbia has previously used migration as a weapon against EU; notes the initial steps taken by Serbia to align with the EU’s list of non- EU countries whose nationals require visas for the EU and calls for further alignment; calls on Serbia to fully align with EU visa policy and refrain in the future from using migration as a weapon; calls on Serbia to continue to contribute to the management of the mixed migration flows towards the EU by cooperating effectively with its neighbours and EU Member States; regrets in this regard that Serbia continues its attempts to isolate its neighbouring country Kosovo from the international scene by using its visa regime as a campaign against Kosovo's recognition;
Amendment 148 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates calls on the Serbian authorities to provide more transparency on the role and activities of the so called Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center in Niš;
Amendment 204 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Urges the government to continue to focus on addressing structural shortcomings in the rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom of expression, the fight against corruption and disinformation, and the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration;
Amendment 257 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Is deeply concerned about the spread of disinformation about Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the Serbian authorities to take an active stand against the disinformation and to fight back the most circulated fake news; calls on the Serbian authorities and the Commission to bolster infrastructure to fight disinformation and other hybrid threats;
Amendment 294 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the significant representation of national minorities in the new parliament, but is concerned with the practice of pro forma representation of national minorities who are under government control, and calls on all newly elected members of parliament to ensure national minority rights are protected and legislation is implemented in practice;
Amendment 304 #
2022/2204(INI)
16 a. Calls on the Serbian authorities to step up efforts to ensure the non- discriminatory treatment of national minorities and to actively pursue investigations and convictions for hate- motivated crimes; moreover, regrets the fact that national minorities are protected only on paper; more has to be done to actively implement the anti-discrimination legislation;
Amendment 313 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Notes with concern that despite the the finalisation of the long-delayed translation of primary school textbooks into Bulgarian, which will enable the Bulgarian national minority to be educated in its mother tongue, not all textbooks for the secondary level education have been translated; encourages the Serbian authorities to ensure the sustainability of the process by providing sufficient number of teachers, textbooks and additional materials (school diaries, student grade books, etc. ) to adequately address the needs of the pupils from the minority;
Amendment 345 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes Serbia’s engagement in regional cooperation initiatives if they include the region in its entirety; encourages it to step up its reconciliation efforts and seek solutions to past disputes; underlines that there is no place for genocide denial or the glorification of war criminals in a candidate country; underlines that such behaviour is deeply concerning and can be crucial in assessing Serbia to advance on their European path;
Amendment 360 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Regrets that Serbia continues its attempts to isolate its neighbouring country Kosovo from the international scene by campaigning against its recognition or by excluding the country from international organisations; calls on Serbia to stop its blockade regarding Kosovo's application to become a Member of the Council of Europe, which would otherwise contradict the 2013 Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia on the normalisation of relations; notes that Kosovo Serbs would benefit from Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, as it would allow Serb citizens to bring human rights complaints against Kosovo before the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 363 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls for historical reconciliation and the overcoming of discrimination and prejudices from the communist past, especially in the educational, media, academic and social spheres, as a prerequisite to eradicate the language of hate against national minorities and neighbouring nations;
Amendment 365 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Reiterates its call on the authorities to continue their efforts to eliminate the legacy of the former Communist secret services by making its files open to the public, as a step towards the democratisation of Serbia; calls on Serbia to intensify the process of succession and implementation of obligations relating to the division of the common archive of the former Yugoslavia; reiterates, in this connection, that full access to all archival materials, especially those of the former Yugoslav Secret Services (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS) is of vital significance; reiterates its call to the authorities to facilitate access to those archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia and to return them to their respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 377 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates its full support for the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; calls on Serbia and Kosovo to engage in this dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations based on mutual recognition in accordance with international law; notes that this achievement is crucial for both countries to advance on their respective European paths; calls for the full implementation of all the relevant agreements in good faith and in a timely manner, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb- Majority Municipalities;
Amendment 385 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that the normalisation of relations based on mutual recognition between Serbia and Kosovo is a priority and a precondition for EU accession of both countries; acknowledges the increased engagement from both sides in having a constructive dialogue; calls for further active and constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated dialogue led by the EU Special Representative seeking a comprehensive and legally binding agreement, in accordance with international law; urges the governments of Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from any action that could undermine trust between the parties and put the constructive continuation of the dialogue at risk;
Amendment 399 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Condemns all actions that endanger stability and jeopardise the reconciliation process; is deeply concerned about the tensions in Norththe northern municipalities of Kosovo and the unacceptable shooting on Orthodox Christmas Eve; recalls the shared responsibility for peace and the rule of law for all people in Kosovo;
Amendment 415 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs; in this respect calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets 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 420 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Serbian authorities to take measures to counter depopulation, notes with concern that additional efforts need to be invested in the socio-economic development of the border regions in order to prevent them from depopulation; reminds that to use IPA III Cross-border Co-operation Programmes could be utilised for this purpose;
Amendment 437 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is deeply concerned about the investments in Serbia by Russia and China and their growing influence on the political and economic processes in the region;
Amendment 476 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Expresses concern about the environmental impact of new infrastructure constructions in Serbia by Chinese companies; calls on the Serbian authorities to address the legitimate concerns expressed in the environmental protests; urges the Serbian authorities to improve the transparency and environmental impact assessment of Chinese and Russian investments;
Amendment 488 #
2022/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Reiterates its regret over the lack of action on the pollution of the River Dragovishtitsa by mines operating in the region and the detrimental effect on the health of the local people and the environment;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 18 June 2019, 25 March 2020, 14 December 2021, 18 July 2022 and 13 December 2022 on enlargement and the stabilisation and association process,
Amendment 41 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas each country should be judged on its own merits and whereas the accession process should not be misused to settle bilateral disputes;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Expresses concern about the unjustified delays in the accession process; stresses the need to strengthen the process’s transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, including its parliamentary dimension;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes North Macedonia’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and fundamental rights; welcomes its progresefforts towards eliminating allcertain types of discrimination and ensuring equality;
Amendment 182 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the authorities to step up protection of vulnerable groups and the prosecution of hate crimes, domestic and online abuse and to improve services for the victims of violence; welcomes changes to the Criminal Code of North Macedonia, covering crimes related to violence against women and the safety of journalists and insists on the need to strengthen North Macedonia’s anti-discrimination commission and Ombudsman’s office;
Amendment 186 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Regrets the continuous lack of progress in implementing the previous European Parliament recommendations regarding discrimination, hate speech, threats and intimidation against citizens openly expressing their Bulgarian identity and/or ethnic background;
Amendment 190 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech, hate crimes, threats and intimidation, to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets, such as journalists, people belonging to ethnic communities and other vulnerable groups; strongly urges the media outlets and the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to deter from utilizing and publicizing hate speech against EU Member States and its closest neighbours; calls for the government and the judiciary to improve institutional capacity in this area and ensure the increasing hate speech is addressed in accordance with international standards;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Republic of North Macedonia to fully guarantee equal rights for all ethnic communities in the country, including through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments and in all relevant legislation, and ensure that no disadvantage shall result for citizens from the exercise of their right to identify themselves as belonging to any ethnic group;
Amendment 211 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Reiterates that guaranteeing the right of the citizens of North Macedonia who identify as Bulgarians, and their inclusion in the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia and all relevant legislation, is a pre-condition for the start of the negotiation process for RNM’s EU membership;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Deplores the increasing discrimination against citizens of North Macedonia who identify as Bulgarian, which includes, among others, the arson of the independent Bulgarian cultural club “Ivan Mihaylov” in Bitola in June 2022, the shooting against the independent Bulgarian cultural club “Tsar Boris III” in Ohrid in November 2022, the attack against the Bulgarian State Cultural and Information Center in Skopje, which was broken into in March 2023, and most of all, the severe beating of Christian Pendikov in January 2023 who was attacked because of his Bulgarian self-identification as noted by the Prosecutor’s Office in Ohrid, North Macedonia;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes the Government of North Macedonia’s improving engagement with civil society, whileand underlines the importance of ensuring inclusive consultations and transparency; however notes with concern the lack of engagement with civil society representing and defending the rights of the various ethnic communities in the country;
Amendment 221 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Condemns the discriminatory changes in legislation adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia in October 2022, which restricts the naming of NGOs, which has been implemented retroactively for existing organisations, and which has been used specifically against two independent Bulgarian cultural centres in the country, out of over 17,000 NGOs in RNM;
Amendment 247 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs; in this respect calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets 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 267 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Invites policymakers and the societies of Bulgaria and North Macedonia to assume joint responsibility and to restore the positive agenda between the two countriesSupports the restoration of a positive agenda between Bulgaria and North Macedonia in the spirit the of the Treaty of Friendship; expresses support for continued diplomatic and societal dialogue to resolve bilateral grievances in good faith;
Amendment 269 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Regrets the fact that apart from a few sporadic instances the two countries have failed to jointly commemorate and/or celebrate shared historical figures/dates in the past years in a consistent manner; the relations between RNM and Bulgaria should be based on deep, mutual respect and appreciation for each other, including consideration and preservation of the common historical heritage;
Amendment 271 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Condemns any attempt to replace historical monuments and/or artefacts, including the destruction of authentic cultural heritage and highlights the importance of a fact-based reading of history; such incidents raise serious concerns, including in the context of the lack of implementation of the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation;
Amendment 272 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Recalls the need to open up Yugoslav secret service archives, kept both in Skopje and in Belgrade, in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past is a step towards further democratization, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 273 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)
Paragraph 25 d (new)
25d. Condemns the closure of the border on 4 February, 2023 by authorities of North Macedonia, which prevented the participation of Bulgarians at the commemoration of a common national hero of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, which constitutes a breach of the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation;
Amendment 274 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 e (new)
Paragraph 25 e (new)
25e. Strongly encourages the authorities and civil society to take appropriate measures for historical reconciliation in order to overcome the divide between and within different ethnic and national groups, including by listing citizens of Bulgarian identity among the others in the Constitution;
Amendment 280 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports efforts to reach an agreement on constitutional and legislative changes that would include additional communities in the preamble of the North Macedonia’s constitution and all relevant legislation;
Amendment 282 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Strongly urges the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, established as a result of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation, to resume its work; furthermore urges all texts, already agreed by the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission, to be published in the respective languages of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, and in English;
Amendment 285 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Reiterates the need for the work on school history textbooks in Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia to resume as per the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation; the texts should reflect the interpretation of historical facts and figures from the common history of both peoples based on authentic historical documents/sources; this is the foundation on which the two countries should build their relations; the relationship between the future generations of RNM and Bulgaria will be a reflection of the education processes in the two countries;
Amendment 287 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Calls on the Republic of North Macedonia to amend its Constitution to include the ethnic communities with Bulgarian, Croatian and Montenegrin identity;
Amendment 313 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes the need to fill in transport connectivity gaps by improving planning and administrative and operational capacity and by making progress on new and unfinished core infrastructure projects, including rail and road corridor VIII;
Amendment 316 #
2022/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Reiterates the importance of improving the public infrastructure within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States; recalls the potential of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to enhance regional connectivity through Rail and Highway Corridor VIII to Bulgaria, and gas interconnectors to Greece, Kosovo and Serbia; recalls the importance of developing air connections within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2019 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto,
Amendment 7 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to the Zagreb Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 May 2020,
Amendment 8 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
— having regard to the 8th Berlin Process Summit of 5 July 2021,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to the Sofia Summit of 10 November 2020, including the Declaration on Common Regional Market and the Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the EU made a promise 20 years ago in Thessaloniki, but also more recently in the Tirana Summit the EU gave full commitment to EU membership for WB6 and called for an accelerated accession process;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the EU is Kosovo’s biggest donor, trading partner and investor;
Amendment 44 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 53 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes Kosovo’s application for EU membership, which reflects continued the pro- European orientation of its citizens and a clear geopolitical strategic choice, as well as overwhelming public support for European integration and identity; welcomes the population's pro-western spirit and the rate of progress with regards to EU-related reforms calls on the Commission to take the necessary further steps to launch the application process without further delay; calls on the Member States to invite the European Commission to present the questionnaire without further delay in order to assess Kosovo’s readiness for EU candidate status;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the declarations of support for Kosovo’s application for EU membership received by governmental representatives from Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands and Sweden;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes that by the end of the third quarter of 2022 Kosovo has implemented 40% of reforms, or 135 out of 341; notes that an additional 22% of reforms, or 77, were under implementation;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the long-awaited agreement on granting visa liberalisation to the citizens of Kosovo, at the latest on 1 January 2024;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the long-awaited agreement on granting visa liberalisation to the citizens of Kosovo, and urges the smooth and fast implementation of the agreement;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the five Member States that have not yet recognised Kosovo as a sovereign state to do so without further delay; welcomes the fact that Israel has recognized Kosovo on 4 September 2020; regrets that despite the fact that the Republic of Korea has recognized Kosovo as an independent state, it has not yet established diplomatic relations with Kosovo;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note of theWelcomes the longest period of political stability following the 2021 elections and encourages Kosovo to make further efforts to address the challenges on its European path; underlines the fact that the pace of the accession process will depend on progress on the rule of law and fundamental rights and the normalisation of relations with Serbia based on mutual recognition ;
Amendment 88 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. CommendWelcomes Kosovo’s ongoing alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, in particular its strong condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implementation of the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus; notes that this alignment reflects continued and strong commitment towards EU integration;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Welcomes Kosovo's readiness to host Ukrainian refugees and the adoption of measures to support them; welcomes the implementation of the "Journalists in Residence" programme that enables Ukrainian journalists to live and work in Kosovo;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its support for Kosovo’s application for membership of the Council of Europe and the country’s plan to join the NATO Partnership for Peace programme; calls on Serbia to lift its blocking vote that prohibits Kosovo from being a member in the Council of Europe and other international organisations;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Amendment 103 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the progress made by Kosovo in the implementation of the priorities of the European Reform Agenda II; commends the efforts in strengthening the institutional capacities for implementation, monitoring and reporting of EU related reforms;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes Kosovo’s increased ranking second time in a row in the 2022 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index; notes that compared to other countries in the region, Kosovo is the most democratic country recognized so by international acknowledged indexes;1a _________________ 1a https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of- law-index/ https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 /index/ksv
Amendment 111 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Amendment 112 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Notes that Kosovo is in the final stages of completing the new National Development Strategy (NDS) 2030, together with the implementation plan (NDSP) covering 2023-2025; NDSP will be the work plan for the entire government; welcomes that NDS is developed through a very inclusive process involving a broad range of stakeholders from civil society, business community and development partners;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 e (new)
Paragraph 7 e (new)
7 e. Notes that key progress in the area of home affairs was made by the adoption of the Migration Strategy and of the Concept Document on Foreigners;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. NotWelcomes the adoption of significant anti-corruption legislation and calls for the rigorous implementation thereof; underlines that a strong political will is necessary to effectively address high-level corruption;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the positive steps taken towards reforming Kosovo’s public administration and encourages the government to intensify its efforts to create a professional, depoliticised and citizen- oriented civil service; welcomes that within this year Kosovo will put in force two framework laws (on public officials and on salaries in the public sector), as well as legislative changes for two rounds of the rationalization of independent agencies; notes that the government has also adopted a new, integrated Public Administration Reform Strategy 2022- 2027 and Action Plan (covering 2022- 2024), as well as the Public Financial Management Strategy 2022-2026 and Action Plan 2022-2024;
Amendment 134 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the fact that legislative work has been negatively affected by a polarised political atmosphere and difficulties in achieving a quorum; calls on the relevant stakeholders to improve the management of the legislative agenda and urges the members of the opposition to cease the practice of absnot taking part in the sessions and not takiningg part in the votes;
Amendment 139 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the fact that there haves been somean increased number of successful operations targeting organised crime, but notes with regret that limited progress has been made in investigating and prosecuting such cases; is concerned about the challenging situation regarding the fight against organised crime in the north of Kosovo;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deplores the many cases of femicide and gender-based and sexual violence; calls on the police, courts and government to step up its efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence and improve the protective and preventive measures in place;
Amendment 177 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Acknowledges that Kosovo’s constitution is very progressive in terms of minority rights; in that respect, notes with regret that the petition signed by nearly 500 people who have historically self- identified as Bulgarian, which was registered at the Assembly of Kosovo in May 2018, has still not been considered and recommends that those rights be enshrined in law and ensured in practice;
Amendment 206 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Regrets the fact that the initiatives to involve the Serb community in Kosovo’s political, social and economic structures remain very limited; welcomes, however, the government’s increased dialogue with Kosovo Serbian citizens over the last year; calls on the Government of Kosovo and the representatives of Kosovo Serbs to further commit to genuine dialogue in order to increase mutual trust;
Amendment 216 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Reiterates its full support for the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue; calls on Kosovo and Serbia to engage in this dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations, based on mutual recognition, in accordance with international law; calls for the full implementation of all the relevant agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb- Majority Municipalities; welcomes the firm commitment of Kosovo’s government to constructively contribute in creating necessary conditions for productive dialogue that will effectively lead to reach a Comprehensive Agreement on the normalisation of Relations with Serbia centred on mutual recognition;
Amendment 234 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Condemns all actions that endanger stability and jeopardise the reconciliation process, including the tensions in Norththe northern municipalities of Kosovo, and recalls the shared responsibility for peace and the rule of law for all people in Kosovo; regrets that in order to mobilize reluctant Kosovo Serbs into active disobedience, Belgrade resorted to burning their cars to dissuade Kosovo Serbs from taking RKS plates;
Amendment 238 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Expresses its concern about the emergence of hybrid threats, such as by the presence of the Russian Wagner Group in Serbia; expresses its concern about the recently appeared “Wagner” sign on the wall of a school in a majority- Albanian village in the northern part of Kosovo and other Wagner signs in Kosovska Mitrovica and Zvecan;
Amendment 239 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Urges Kosovan authorities to investigate the alleged presence of the Russian Wagner Group mercenaries on the border with Serbia; in that respect expresses serious concern about the Russian Wagner Group graffiti, that appeared in public spaces in the northern regions Kosovska Mitrovica and Zvecan;
Amendment 240 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Expresses its concern about Serbia’s consistent propaganda that Serbs in Kosovo are threatened, who will no longer tolerate Kosovo’s “terror” and that given that KFOR & EULEX “are doing nothing”, Serbia must return its troops to come to their defence;
Amendment 242 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Calls for the opening and the publication of all wartime archives; reiterates its call, therefore, for the former Yugoslav archives to be opened and, in particular, for access to be granted to the files of the former Yugoslav Secret Service (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS), and for the files to be returned to the respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 243 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Calls for the opening and the publication of all wartime archives; reiterates its call, therefore, for the former Yugoslav archives to be opened and, in particular, for access to be granted to the files of the former Yugoslav Secret Service (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS), and for the files to be returned to the respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 255 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Welcomes the fact that in 2022 the Kosovan economy has grown again, GDP grew by 4.51% in the first quarter of the year and 2.14% in the second, a cumulative growth of 3.32% in the first half of the year;
Amendment 256 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Welcomes Kosovo’s efforts to boost competitiveness, business environment, SMEs and internal market, by implementing reforms including the law on inspections, amended law on protection of competition, Consumer Protection Programme 2021-2025, Programme for Removing Obstacles to Trade under Articles 34-36 TFEU (2021- 2025), Concept Documents on Copyright and Related Rights, on Industrial Property, on Occupational Safety and Health, Action Plan to implement the 2022-2027 Programme on Occupational Safety and Health;
Amendment 259 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Reiterates its calls on the Commission to develop a regional strategy to address the persistent youth unemployment and brain drain by tackling the skills mismatch between the education system and the labour market, improving the quality of teaching, and ensuring adequate funding for active labour market measures and vocational training schemes, along with adequate childcare and pre-school education facilities; regrets the lack of progress in improving the quality of education; calls on the relevant actors to include persons belonging to minority groups in the design and implementation of employment measures;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Highlights Kosovo’s potential in the area of digitalisation and ICT skills, including its remarkable development of the ICT sector since 1999; notes, in this regard, Kosovo’s young population, which has advanced knowledge in ICT and could therefore become Europe’s next Silicon Valley;
Amendment 263 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Emphasises the need for investing in digitalisation as a way of minimising the digital divide and ensuring equal access to the internet, including for the most vulnerable groups and people living in rural areas and outermost-regions; notes the great potential of Kosovo's young population for world class talent and in this regard the potential of digitalisation for the development of Kosovo's economy;
Amendment 266 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the progress made in digitalising the economy, in particular by increased number of quality services provided by online government platform E-Kosovo;
Amendment 274 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs; in this respect calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets 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 288 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Stresses the importance of taking action to address the climate and environment emergency by reducing fossil fuel dependency; urges the government to implement the climate change strategy and the associated action plan; welcomes the fact that Kosovo has finalized the Climate Change Law and will approve this law in 2023, opening the road for the National Energy and Climate Plan and the revision of the Climate Change Strategy to a Strategy on Climate Change Adaptation;
Amendment 296 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. RWelcomes the objectives of the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Kosovo 2022-2031, which was approved by the government in December 2022; regrets the fact that Kosovo has failed to adopt the long-announced energy strategy for 2022-2030, and calls for the immediate adoption and implementation of both this strategy and the law on renewable energy sources; welcomes the adoption of a roadmap for the implementation of the 2013 and 2015 energy agreements regarding the supply of electricity in four Serb-majority municipalities in the north of Kosovo;
Amendment 301 #
2022/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls for urgent action to tackle air pollution and soil and water contamination; urges Kosovo to comply with emission ceilings and increase environmental mainstreaming in different sectoral policies; welcomes efforts made by Kosovo in this regard, most notably by adoption and implementation of the Law No. 08/L- 025 on protection of air from pollution;
Amendment 238 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Recalls the need to open up Yugoslav secret service (UDBA) and Yugoslav People’s Army secret service (KOS) archives in order to thoroughly research and address communist-era crimes and criminal organisations;
Amendment 350 #
2022/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs; in this respect calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets 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 3 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
— having regard to the final report of 26 July 2021 by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co- operation in Europe (OSCE) Election Observation Mission on the Republic of Albania’s parliamentary elections of 25 April 2021,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 14 April 2021 on the EU strategy to tackle organised crime 2021-2025 (COM(2021)0170),
Amendment 5 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 b (new)
Citation 27 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 24 July 2020 entitled ‘2020-2025 EU action plan on firearms trafficking’ (COM(2020)0608),
Amendment 28 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas European integration represents the aspirations of Albanian citizens towards democracy and prosperity;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas democratic transformation, the rule of law and reconciliation play a central rois indispensable in the EU accession process;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas protection of minorities is crucial for aspiring EU member states; whereas the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages remains to be adopted in Albania;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU remains the main political and economic partner of the Western Balkan countries; whereas the EU continues to be by far Albania’s biggest trade and investment partner and its largest provider of financial assistance;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the start of negotiations with Albania; in that respects reiterates that during the accession process each country should be assessed and stimulated based on its own progress and merit, without this being interlinked with developments in any other country;
Amendment 73 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes that the government maintained a focus on reforms related to the country’s EU path and reinforced its coordination structure for EU integration; stresses that the government, in cooperation with the opposition and all segments of society, needs to further advance the EU reform agenda;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls the importance of reaching a consensus between all political actors and the importance of building a constructive parliamentary tradition and culture;
Amendment 110 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 112 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime, notably human trafficking, must continue to be a priority;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Condemns malign foreign interference and hybrid attacks, including disinformation, espionage, incitement to all forms of radicalisation and cyberattacks against Albanian citizens and critical infrastructure; invites the authorities to prevent data leaks by considerably strengthening cybersecurity; encourages the EU European External Action Service and Commission to further help boost Albania’s resilience against hybrid threats, in the area of cyber security, information manipulation and protection of critical infrastructures; stresses the need to improve coordination and address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to people in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes the legal steps taken to eliminate discrimination against minorities, and calls for practical steps in order to ensure their inclusion, namely the inclusion of LGBTI+, Roma and Egyptian minorities; recalls the need to combat gender-based violence, step up child protection, adopt and implement legislation on minority rights, strengthen property rights and conduct a population census; the census should be carried out in an atmosphere of trust and transparency, so that all national minorities can be counted accurately, without fear of intimidation; underlines the importance of removing barriers to the socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on Albania to swiftly adopt the remaining pending legislation ensuring the full protection of national minorities, particularly the implementing legislation on free self-identification of national minorities and the use of minority languages;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its call on the government to implement the remaining legislation, including in regards to self- identification and use of minority languages, as per the by-law on minority education adopted in December 2020;
Amendment 160 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes that Albania submitted its first report on the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; reiterates the conclusions of the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention, stating the urgency of increasing resources to put legal provisions into practice; stresses that efforts are needed to increase women’s awareness of their rights and available services relating to domestic violence and protection;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Reiterates the importance of improving the public infrastructure within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States; recalls the potential of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to enhance regional connectivity through Rail and Highway; in that respect urges the authorities in all countries to complete Corridor VIII connecting Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria; recalls the importance of developing air connections within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States;
Amendment 228 #
2022/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Welcomes the agreement at the Tirana Summit on reduced roaming costs; in this respect calls on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate reaching the agreed targets 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 117 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) recognise that the EU’s prosperity and security rests on its ability to defend democracy, rule of law, historical reconciliation, human rights and the rules- based multilateral order;
Amendment 176 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
Amendment 187 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) recognise the exceptional opportunity bought about by the proposal of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU, which was adopted by a significant majority in the Bulgarian Parliament and could effectively bring closer the start of accession negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia;
Amendment 260 #
2022/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) recognise Western Balkan countries’ achievements by opening long over-duethat the sole responsibility for opening accession talks with AlbTirania and Skopje is currently with the government of North Macedonia and granting; visa liberalisation tofor Kosovo should be granted without delay;
Amendment 61 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
Amendment 81 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) It is normally not possible to sufficiently assess the endocrine disrupting properties for human health and the environment and the persistent, bioaccumulative and mobile properties of a mixture or of a multi-constituent substance on the basis of data on that mixture or substance. The data for the individual substances of the mixture or for the individual constituents of the multi- constituent substance should therefore normally be used as the basis for hazard identification of those multi-constituent substances or mixtures. However, in certain cases, data on those multi- constituent substances themselves may also be relevant. This is the case in particular where that data demonstrates endocrine disrupting properties for human health and the environment, as well as persistent, bioaccumulative and mobile properties, or where it supports data on the individual constituents. Therefore, it is appropriate that data on multi-constituent substances are used in those casixtures.
Amendment 138 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Article 2 – paragraph 7a
Article 2 – paragraph 7a
Amendment 145 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Amendment 186 #
2022/0432(COD)
In Article 5, the following paragraph 3a is added: 'Paragraph 3 shall not apply to UVCB substances of biological origin.'
Amendment 187 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
In Article 5, the following paragraph 3a is added: 'Paragraph 3 shall not apply to UVCB substances of biological origin.'
Amendment 188 #
2022/0432(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Regulation (EC) 1272/2008
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
In Article 5, the following paragraph 3a is added: 'Paragraph 3 shall not apply to UVCB substances of biological origin.'
Amendment 39 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) To avoid risks of diversion while limiting the administrative burden, it is necessary to investigate suspicious situations in which Member States should request confirmation of receipt by the authorities of the third country of destination. If that confirmation of receipt cannot be obtained for any reason, that information should be recorded in the electronic licensing system for future reference.
Amendment 45 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) The overall enforcement of this Regulation will be facilitated by the interconnection between the electronic licensing system established by this Regulation and the EU Single Window Environment for Customs established by [insert corresponding title and all the information in the footnote as soon as it is adopted]. The electronic licencing system will provide for a number of features, including registration of economic operators and natural persons, who are authorised according to the Firearms Directive to manufacture, acquire, possess or trade firearms, their essential components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons. They will need to register in the electronic licencing system before they request import or export authorisations. Consequently, firearms owners benefitting from administrative simplifications will not be required to register in the system. Where national systems with the same or similar functionalities already exist, an interconnection between them and the electronic licencing system can be established, so that all granted import and export authorisations are available in one central database.
Amendment 46 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) In order to set out the technical characteristics of semi-finished firearms and essential components, to amend Annex II and III to this Regulation and to maintain the list of firearms, their essential components , ammunition and alarm and signal weapons for which an authorisation is required under this Regulation, and to specify the conditions for the import and export of goods regulated by this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in respect of aligning Annex I to this Regulation to Annex I to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/8743 and to Annex I to Directive (EU) 2021/555 and of setting out the technical characteristics of semi-finished firearms and essential components and of adapting Annex II and III to this Regulation to the digitalisation and changes in customs procedures and the laying down of the conditions for the import and export of firearms, their essential components and ammunition should be delegated to the Commission. 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-Making44 . 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. _________________ 43 Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff (OJ L 256, 7.9.1987, p. 1). 44 OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.
Amendment 52 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – paragraph 2 – point а a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – paragraph 2 – point а a (new)
(aa) ‘personal data’ means personal data as defined in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 80 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. With respect to single authorisations for simplified procedures still valid pursuant to Article 345 (4) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 paragraph 1, points (a) and (b) of this Article shall not apply to firearms, their essential components and ammunition listed in Annex I to this Regulation subject to the conditions set out in Article 6 of this Regulation.
Amendment 113 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. In case of diverging national practices, the Commission shall adopt implementing acts establishing an open list of non-convertible alarm and signal weapons. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the committee procedure referred to in Article 37.
Amendment 116 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Import authorisation shall be necessary for the import of a firearm, an essential component, ammunition and alarm and signal weapons into the customs territory of the Union. Such import authorisation shall be established in accordance with the form set out in Annex II, part I. Such authorisation shall be granted by the competent authorities of the Member State where the importer is established and shall be issued by electronic means, through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 122 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. Competent authorities shall annul, suspend, modify or revoke an import authorisation if the conditions for granting it are not met or are no longer met. Where competent authorities take these decisions, they shall make this information available to the customs authorities through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28 immediately after those decisions are taken and no later than two working days thereafter.
Amendment 126 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 8
Article 9 – paragraph 8
8. The Commission shall adopt an implementing act to establish an Union general import authorisation and setting out the conditions for the import of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013.Those. That implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37(2).
Amendment 131 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 9
Article 9 – paragraph 9
9. The importer shall not be required to pay a fee or charge for the application for an import authorisation, except for fees for escorting feesthe consignment.
Amendment 148 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 6
Article 15 – paragraph 6
Amendment 149 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 7
Article 15 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall adopt an implementing act to establish an Union general export authorisation and setting out the conditions for the export of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013. Thoseat implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37.
Amendment 152 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 8
Article 15 – paragraph 8
8. The exporter shall not be required to pay a fee or charge for the application for an export or intra-EU transit authorisation, except for fees for escorting feesthe consignment.
Amendment 160 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Where competent authorities refuse, annul, suspend, modify or revoke an export authorisation, they shall make this information available to the customs authorities through the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28. That obligation to make information available shall be without prejudice to any appeals procedure which may be applicable under national law.
Amendment 162 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. Where the competent authorities have suspended an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be communicated to the other Member States at the end of the period of suspension, through the electronic licensing system as referred to in Article 28., immediately after that final assessment is made and no later than two working days thereafter.
Amendment 164 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. Where the competent authorities have refused to grant an export authorisation, their final assessment shall be registered in the system referred to in Article 29, immediately after that final assessment is made and no later than two working days thereafter.
Amendment 168 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The competent authority shall upload the proof of receipt referred in in paragraph 1 of this Article into the electronic licensing system referred to in Article 28. Where the competent authority does not obtain a proof of receipt from the exporter, it shall record that information in that electronic licencing system.
Amendment 169 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Where the competent authority is unable to obtain a confirmation of receipt by the importing third country as set out in paragraph 2 of this Article, it shall record that information in the electronic licencing system referred to in Article 28.
Amendment 179 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, competent authorities and customs authorities shall cooperate closely and regularly exchange information.
Amendment 183 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. Where in relation to firearms, their essential components, ammunition and alarm and signal weapons listed in Annex I that are either in temporary storage or placed under any customs procedure, customs authorities have reason to believe that those products are not compliant, they shall in addition to taking the necessary measures as described in Article 22 transmit all relevant information to the competent authorities without delay.
Amendment 188 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Customs authorities may suspend the import of the goods for the customs procedure concerned, if they have certain reasonable doubts and in such a case, they shall inform immediately, through electronic means the competent national authority, which shall take the decision on the treatment of the goods. If the national competent authority does not reply to the customs authority within 10 working days, then the customs authority shall release the goods without delay.
Amendment 191 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Where customs authorities discovers an illicit shipment of firearms, their components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons, they shall without delay and no later than two working days from that discovery inform the competent authority in the country of the customs authority thereof. That competent authority shall:
Amendment 196 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The customs authorities, which discovered the illicit shipment of firearms, their components and ammunition, shall seize the firearms, their essential components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons until the competent authority of destination in the customs territory of the Union has decided otherwise and has communicated that decision in writing to the competent authority in the country of the customs authority in which the illegal shipment of firearms, their components, ammunition or alarm and signal weapons is detained. Where the competent authority of destination in the customs territory of the Union has taken such a decision, it shall communicate it to the customs authorities which discovered the illicit shipment, in writing no later than two working days from taking that decision.
Amendment 201 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Seizure data shall include, ifwhere available, the following information:
Amendment 205 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point ж
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point ж
(g) the means of transport and the nationality of the transportation company or person, including as the case may be ‘container’, ‘lorry or van’, ‘personal vehicle’, ‘bus or coach’, ‘train’, ‘commercial aviation’, ‘general aviation’ or ‘postal freight and parcels’, along with, where applicable, the registration number of the means of transport used;
Amendment 207 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall confidentially submit via email to the Commission each year by 31 July, their national annual data for the preceding year on:
Amendment 219 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, establish rules for the functioning of the electronic licensing system, including rules relating to processing of personal data and exchange of data with other IT systems of Union bodies and Member State authorities competent for implementing this Regulation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 37.
Amendment 224 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 28 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The processing of personal data within the electronic licencing system shall be carried out in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, as applicable.
Amendment 227 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The processing of personal data within the electronic licencing system shall be carried out in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, as applicable.
Amendment 229 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – point б
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – point б
(b) establish that the import and export control measures are being properly applied, which may, in particular, include the power to enter the premises of persons with an interest in an export transaction, without prejudice to Member State laws requiring a court order to exercise such power.
Amendment 231 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
By six months after the entry into force of this Regulation at the latest, each Member State shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of
Amendment 232 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point а
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point а
(aа) the national authority in every Member State responsible ofor the integral control of firearms and the coordination of the different authorities with competences in the fight against firearms trafficking (national firearms focal points);
Amendment 233 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Based on that information, the Commission shall publish and update on its website a list of those authorities on a yearly basis,as and when changes occur.
Amendment 237 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point а a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point а a (new)
(aa) set out the conditions for the import of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013;
Amendment 240 #
2022/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point б a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – point б a (new)
(ba) and set out the conditions for the export of firearms, their essential components and ammunitions by authorised economic operators for security and safety pursuant to Article 38(2), point (b), of Regulation (EU) 952/2013.
Amendment 81 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Any person, whether it is a natural or legal person, or any association not having legal personality,affected stakeholder should be allowed to submit information to the competent authorities when it considers that products made with forced labour are placed and made available on the Union market and to be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their submission.
Amendment 90 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Since forced labour is a global problem and given the interlinkages of the global value chains, it is necessary to promote international cooperation against forced labour, which would also improve the efficiency of applying and enforcing the prohibition. The Commission should as appropriately cooperate with and exchange information with authorities of third countries and international organisations to create enabling policy environments to promote and protect human rights, including time-bound frameworks for action covering legislative measures, capacity building and public funding to support workers, human rights defenders, SMEs, smallholders and local communities in their efforts to root out forced labour from global supply chains and to enhance the effective implementation of the prohibition. International cooperation with authorities of non-EU countries should take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures, for example Human Rights Dialogues with third countries, or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis.
Amendment 109 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u a (new)
(ua) ‘remediation’ means both the process of providing remedy for a negative human rights impact and the substantive outcomes that can counteract, or make good, the negative impact. These outcomes may take a range of forms such as apologies, restitution, rehabilitation, financial or non-financial compensation, as well as the prevention of harm through, for example, injunctions or guarantees of non-repetition. Remediation shall be provided according to the context and needs of each victim of forced labour;
Amendment 113 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point u b (new)
(ub) ‘affected stakeholders’ means the company’s employees, the employees of its subsidiaries, employees within its supply chain and other relevant individuals, groups, communities or entities whose rights or vested interests are or could be directly affected by the potential and actual impacts connected to the use of forced labour in the supply chain for the company’s products;
Amendment 121 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Where requested to do so by competent authorities, economic operators under investigation shall submit to those competent authorities any information that is relevant and necessary for the investigation, including information identifying the products under investigation, the manufacturer or producer of those products and the product suppliers. In order to protect all affected stakeholders and due to the sensitive nature of some of the information disclosed, the content of the investigation shall be treated as confidential where appropriate. In requesting such information, competent authorities shall to the extent possible:
Amendment 128 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) As a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Union is committed to promoting a rules-based, open, multilateral trading system under the WTO. Any measures introduced by the Union that affect trade must be WTO compliant. Further, all measures introduced by the Union that affect trade must take into account the possible response of the Union’s trade partners and ensure that the enforcement of the measure is not perceived as a unilateral protectionist measure.
Amendment 130 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
6. Competent authorities may carry out all necessary checks and inspections including investigations in third countries, provided that thand where appropriate economic operators concerned givesultations with affected stakeholders in theird consent anuntries, provided that the government of the Member State or third country in which the inspections are to take place has been officially notified and raises no objection.
Amendment 145 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Submissions of information by any natural or legal person or any association not having legal personality,affected stakeholder to competent authorities on alleged violations of Article 3 shall contain information on the economic operators or products concerned and provide the reasons substantiating the allegation. Confidentiality shall be applied automatically to victims of, or associated with, instances of forced labour who make submissions under Article 4(1)(a).
Amendment 148 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Taking into account that this Regulation breaches the European Parliament's and Commission's interinstitutional agreement on Better Law-Making by excluding an impact assessment, and thus lacks significant estimates needed to evaluate cost-benefit, the one-in, one-out principle, and WTO compatibility amongst other things, the Commission should create an impact assessment six months after the Regulation's entry into force. The Commission should also submit a comprehensive report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the impact of the Regulation, three years after its applicability. The report shall evaluate the effectiveness of this Regulation in reaching its objectives, in particular, its impact on the eradication of forced labour.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The competent authority shall, as soon as possible, inform the person or associationaffected stakeholder referred to in paragraph 1 of the outcome of the assessment of their submission.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 b (new)
Recital 18 b (new)
(18b) Given that this Regulation will impose additional compliance costs on economic operators, action needs to be taken to prevent the total level of regulatory and financial burden from increasing. Therefore, in line with the Commission's Better Regulation agenda, and the 'one in, one out' principle, the Commission should present, before the application of this Regulation, proposals offsetting the regulatory and financial burdens introduced by this Regulation, through the revision or abolishment of provisions in other Union legislative acts that generate compliance costs for economic operators.
Amendment 154 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council39 shall apply to the reporting of all breaches of this Regulation and the protection of personaffected stakeholders reporting such breaches. __________________ 39 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17.
Amendment 158 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall call upon external expertise to provide an indicative, non-exhaustive, verifiable and regularly updated database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas or with respect to specific products including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. The database shall be based on verifiable information and the guidelines referred to in Article 23, points (a), (b) and (c), and relevant external sources of information from, amongst others, internationaffected stakeholders, international organisations such as the United Nations and regional multilateral organisations and third country authorities.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 170 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Before initiating an investigation, competent authorities should request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to mitigate, prevent or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and valuesupply chains with respect to the products under assessment. Carrying out such due diligence in relation to forced labour should help the economic operator to be at a lower risk of having forced labour in its operations and valuesupply chains. Appropriate due diligence means that forced labour issues in the valuesupply chain have been identified and addressed in accordance with relevant Union legislation and international standards. That implies that where the competent authority considers that there is no substantiated concern of a violation of the prohibition, for instance due to, but not limited to the applicable legislation, guidelines, recommendations or any other due diligence in relation to forced labour being applied in a way that mitigates, prevents and brings to an end the risk of forced labour, no investigation should be initiated.
Amendment 173 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure cooperation among competent authorities designated under this and other relevant legislation and in order to ensure consistency in their actions and decisions, competent authorities designated under this Regulation should request information from other relevant authorities, where necessary, on whether economic operators under assessment are subject to and carry out due diligence in relation to forced labour in accordance with applicable Union legislation or Member States legislation setting out due diligence and transparency requirements with respect to forced labour. When requesting information from economic operators, competent authorities should follow the Commission’s Once-Only principle, through increased cooperation and dialogue between authorities who are engaged in overseeing product regulation. An economic operator should not have to submit the same information more than once.
Amendment 178 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) guidance for the practical implementation of Article 16 and, where appropriate, any other provision laid down in Chapter III of this Regulation. The guidance shall include provisions on the identification and evaluation of risks of forced labour in commodities sourced by economic operators through a mass balance approach in order to avoid negative impacts on economic actors not involved in forced labour whose products are part of mass balance sourcing.
Amendment 185 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) During the preliminary phase of investigation, competent authorities should focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain where there is a higher risk of forced labour with respect to the products under investigation, also taking into account their size and economic resources, the quantity of products concerned and the scale of the suspected forced labour.
Amendment 188 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Competent authorities, when requesting information during the investigation, should prioritise to the extent possible and consistent with the effective conduct of the investigation the economic operators under investigation that are involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
Amendment 189 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The guidelines shall be consistent with relevant Union legislation, including the Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and the Regulation on Deforestation-free products.
Amendment 204 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this Regulation, the Commission mayshall as appropriate cooperate, engage and exchange information with, amongst others, authorities of third countries, international organisations, civil society representatives and business organisations. International cooperation with authorities of third countries shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. to exert leverage and support them in enabling environments to protect and promote human rights.
Amendment 204 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Competent authorities that establish that economic operators violated the prohibition, should without delay prohibit the placing and making available of such products on the Union market and their export from the Union, and require the economic operators that have been investigated to withdraw the relevant products already made available from the Union market and have them recycled, or should this not be possible destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management. Agricultural products that cannot be recycled, should be donated, or, should this not be possible, destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management.
Amendment 219 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) If the economic operators fail to comply with the decision of the competent authorities by the end of the established timeframe, the competent authorities should ensure that the relevant products are prohibited from being placed or made available on the Union market, exported or withdrawn from the Union market and that any such products remaining with the relevant economic operators are recycled, or should this not be possible destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management at the expense of the economic operators. Agricultural products that cannot be recycled, should be donated, or, should this not be possible, destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management.
Amendment 238 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The Commission should issue guidelines in order to facilitate the implementation of the prohibition by economic operators and competent authorities. Such guidelines should include guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour and complementary information for the competent authorities to implement the prohibition. The guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour should build on the Guidance on due diligence for Union businesses to address the risk of forced labour in their operations and supply chains published by the Commission and the European External Action Service in July 2021. The guidelines should be consistent with other Commission guidelines in this regard and relevant international organisations’ guidelines. The guidelines should include sectoral guidance such as the garment and textile sector, agri-sector and automotive sector, as well as type of supplier such as wholesale, manufacture or smallholder farm. The reports from international organisations, in particular the ILO, as well as other independent and verifiable sources of information should be considered for the identification of risk indicators.
Amendment 256 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Where the competent authorities conclude that a product corresponds to a decision establishing a violation of the prohibition, they should immediately inform customs authorities which should refuse its release for free circulation or export. The product should be recycled, or should this not be possible destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including legislation on waste management, which excludes re-export in case of non-Union goods. . Agricultural products that cannot be recycled, should be donated, or, should this not be possible, destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including legislation on waste management.
Amendment 263 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37a) The Commission should take into due consideration the risk of disengagement by economic operators who are either related to products, regions or production sites in the data base, or who have had their product removed from the Union market, as well as the consequences on affected workers. The Commission should therefore, where appropriate, support economic operators in adopting and carrying out measures suitable and effective for bringing forced labour to an end.
Amendment 272 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 42 a (new)
Recital 42 a (new)
(42a) With acknowledgment of current developments in traceability technology and the use of blockhain to facilitate monitoring of supply chains, the Commission should support economic operators in the uptake of such technology, including through financial and technical assistance.
Amendment 282 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Since forced labour is a global problem and given the interlinkages of the global value chains, it is necessary to promote international cooperation against forced labour, which would also improve the efficiency of applying and enforcing the prohibition. The Commission should as appropriately cooperate with and exchange information with authorities of third countries and international organisations to create enabling environments to promote and protect human rights, including capacity building to support workers and local communities in their efforts to root out forced labour from global supply chains and enhance the effective implementation of the prohibition. International cooperation with authorities of non-EU countries should take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures, for example Human Rights Dialogues with third countries, or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis. The Commission should further integrate this Regulation with existing trade measures such as free trade agreements and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, to enhance the cumulative effect of EU trade measures in eradicating forced labour. This means that in the case where a product has been found to have forced labour, it cannot qualify for GSP tariff reduction. Furthermore, if third country authorities are found to be non-cooperative, or not taking measures to end forced labour within their national borders, the Commission should evaluate whether they should benefit from existing GSP trade facilitation. The Commission should ensure coherence and synergies between relevant external policies, in particular development cooperation and projects focusing on the eradication of forced labour.
Amendment 291 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down rules prohibiting economic operators from placing and making available on the Union market or exporting from the Union market products made with forced labour. This Regulation contributes to the fight against forced labour and promotes corporate sustainability due diligence standards.
Amendment 298 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. This Regulation shall not cover the withdrawal of products which have reached the end-users in the Union market, or been transformed or integrated into another product and constitute minor component of the final product.
Amendment 334 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) ‘economic operator’ means any natural or legal person or association of personsbusiness with more than 1000 employees on average and a worldwide net turnover exceeding EUR 150 million in the financial year preceding the last financial year who is placing or making available products on the Union market or exporting products;
Amendment 352 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point n
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) ‘substantiated concern’ means a well-founded reason, based on objective, factual and verifiable information, for the competent authorities to suspect that products were likely made with forced labour;
Amendment 355 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point r – point 1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point r – point 1 (new)
1) 'supply chain' means the network of organizations that cooperate to transform raw materials into finished goods (including the extraction, harvest, production or manufacturing)
Amendment 373 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Competent authorities shall follow a risk-based approach in assessing the likelihood that economic operators violated Article 3. That assessment shall be based on all relevant, factual and verifiable information available to them, including the following information:
Amendment 385 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. In their assessment of the likelihood that economic operators violated Article 3, competent authorities shall focus on the economic operators involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the risk of forced labour is likely to occur and take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, the complexity of the supply chain as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
Amendment 393 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Before initiating an investigation in accordance with Article 5(1), the competent authority shall request from the economic operators under assessment information on actions taken to identify, prevent, mitigate or bring to an end risks of forced labour in their operations and valuesupply chains with respect to the products under assessment, including on the basis of any of the following:
Amendment 394 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point a a (new)
(aa) any industry scheme, third-party audit or certification from the economic operators' suppliers that guarantees the absence of forced labour;
Amendment 399 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Economic operators shall respond to the request of the competent authority referred to in paragraph 3 within 1530 working days from the day they received such request or make a justified request for an extension of that time limit. Economic operators may provide to competent authorities any other information they may deem useful for the purposes of this Article.
Amendment 424 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. The competent authority shall duly take into account where the economic operator demonstrates that it carries out due diligence on the basis of identified forced labour impact in its supply chain, adopts and carries out measures suitable and effective for bringing to an end forced labour in a short period of timetheir supply chain.
Amendment 458 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) prioritise the economic operators under investigation involved in the steps of the valuesupply chain as close as possible to where the likely risk of forced labour occurs and
Amendment 462 #
2022/0269(COD)
(b) take into account the size and economic resources of the economic operators, the quantity of products concerned, the complexity of the supply chain as well as the scale of suspected forced labour.
Amendment 476 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. When deciding on the time limits referred to in this Article, competent authorities shall consider the size and economic resources of the economic operators concerned as well as the complexity of the supply chain.
Amendment 488 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall assess all information and evidence gathered pursuant to Articles 4 and 5 and, on that basis, establish and duly motivate whether Article 3 has been violated, within a reasonable period of time from the date they initiated the investigation pursuant to Article 5(1).
Amendment 492 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Amendment 505 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) a prohibition to place or make the products or product component concerned available on the Union market and to export them;
Amendment 508 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) an order for the economic operators that have been subject to the investigation to withdraw from the Union market the relevant products or product component that have already been placed or made available on the market;
Amendment 512 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) an order for the economic operators that have been subject to the investigation to dispose of the respective products in accordance with national law consistent with Union law or to remove or replace the component of the product that was made with forced labour.
Amendment 542 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. Where competent authorities establish that economic operators have provided evidence to the competent authorities that they have complied with the decision referred to in paragraph 4, and that they have eliminatedadopted appropriate measures to address the risk of forced labour fromin their operations or supply chain or remediated forced labour cases in compliance with the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 with respect to the products concerned, the competent authorities shall withdraw their decision for the futurelift the market prohibition immediately and inform the economic operators of this decision.
Amendment 553 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the findings of the investigation and the information underpinning the findings;evidence that justifies the decision.
Amendment 579 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
5. Economic operators that have been affected by a decision of a competent authority pursuant to this Regulation shall have access to a court to review the procedural and substantive legality of the decision. Economic operators shall be entitled to compensation or damages for the prohibition, withdrawal or destruction of products arising from a wrongful decision by a competent authority.
Amendment 594 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) any court decision to annul competent authority decision referred to in Article 8(5);
Amendment 598 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall make available the decisions, and the withdrawals referred to in the paragraph 1, points (c), (d), (e), (g) and (ga) on a dedicated website.
Amendment 613 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The competent authority shall, as soon as possible, diligently and impartially assess the information, including whether the claims are well-founded and, inform the person or association referred to in paragraph 1 of the outcome of the assessment of their submission.
Amendment 642 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall ensure that the database is made publicly available by the external expertise at the latest 124 months after the entry into forcebefore the application of this Regulation.
Amendment 645 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Economic operators placing or making available on the Union market or exporting products which are not mentioned in the database referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, or which come from areas that are not mentioned in that database, shall also be required to comply with Article 3in line with Article 4, risk-based approach shall not be considered to have a high risk of violating Article 3, unless serious proof of the contrary is available.
Amendment 661 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Member States shall confer on their competent authorities the necessary powers to issue an order requiring the providers of online marketplaces to remove products made with forced labour from their online interface, to disable access to it or to display an explicit warning. Such orders shall be issued in accordance with the minimum conditions set out in Article 9(2) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.
Amendment 692 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) within 4 working days of the suspension, if the competent authorities have not requested the customs authorities to maintain the suspension. In case of perishable products, animals and plants that time limit shall be 2 working days;
Amendment 706 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Where the release for free circulation or export of a product has been refused in accordance with Article 19, customs authorities shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the product concerned is disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union lawrecycled, or should this not be possible destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management. Agricultural products that cannot be recycled, should be donated, or, should this not be possible destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law accordance. Articles 197 and 198 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 shall apply accordingly.
Amendment 734 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) guidance to the economic operator on due diligence in relation to forced labour, which shall take into account applicable Union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour, guidelines and recommendations from international organisations, as well as the size and economic resources of economic operators; , different types of suppliers along the supply chain, different sectors and the particular risks associated with forced labour imposed by state authorities. The guidance shall also include advice on how to identify indicators of forced labour in different areas of the supply chain;
Amendment 740 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) guidance to the economic operators on measures which are suitable and effective for bringing to an end different types of forced labour;
Amendment 741 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) information on risk indicators of forced labour, including a clear distinction for evaluation between forced labour risks in the private sector and risk of state-imposed forced labour, which shall be based on independent and verifiable information, including reports from international organisations, in particular the International Labour Organization, civil society, business organisations, and experience from implementing Union legislation setting out due diligence requirements with respect to forced labour;
Amendment 747 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) further information to facilitate the competent authorities’ implementation of this Regulation; which includes guidelines regarding the assessment of a notification and identification of indicators of forced labour in the pre-investigation phase and investigation phase. This includes benchmarks for the quantification of 'size of economic operator', 'resources of economic operators', 'quantity of products' and 'scale of forced labour' that will be assessed in order to establish substantiated concern for initiating an investigation. These guidelines should be clearly interpretable to ensure that implementation and enforcement of the measure is horizontal across Member States. Where relevant, the Commission should offer capacity building and training for staff of Member States' competent authorities;
Amendment 750 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) the guidelines should be consistent with guidance provided in accordance with relevant Union legislation;
Amendment 751 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) guidance for the practical implementation of Article 16 and, where appropriate, any other provision laid down in Chapter III of this Regulation, including with regard to the identification and evaluation of risks of forced labour linked to commodities sourced by economic operators through a mass balance approach.
Amendment 757 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Article23a Specific provisions for SMEs 1. SMEs shall be given special support and guidance in adapting to this Regulation. 2. This support and guidance shall include: a) SME-specific guidelines with due diligence checklist and toolkit on preventing forced labour b) capacity-building, training programme and administrative and technical support on the assessment and the prevention of forced labour; c) support in their outreach to relevant suppliers and other actors;
Amendment 759 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. A Union Network Against Forced Labour Products (‘the Network’) is established. The Network shall serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and the Commission, and to streamline the practices of enforcement of this Regulation as well as other relevant due diligence legislation within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent.
Amendment 774 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) to promote the cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices between competent authorities and customs authorities; as well as international organisations such as the World Customs Organisation and National Contact Points for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The Network shall also maintain regular contact with the Commission's relevant services to receive relevant information from other EU initiatives that support the eradication of forced labour.
Amendment 779 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(fa) identify discrepancies between enforcement at the level of different EU Member States;
Amendment 781 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f b (new)
Amendment 784 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall organise and chair regular meetings of the Network and shall support and encourage cooperation between enforcement authorities through the Network and participate in the meetings of the Network.
Amendment 789 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 a (new)
Article 24 a (new)
Article24a Support The Network shall support economic operators under investigation to undertake corrective action in line with Article 4(6) and Article 6(6) where the risk of forced labour has been identified to: a) correct the potential risk of forced labour before launching an investigation and b) avoid the last resort of disengagement if the economic operator is deemed violating Article 3. This shall include having dialogue with authorities operating in the region where forced labour has been identified as well as on national level. In the case where disengagement must take effect and economic operators become victim to a third country punitive measure, the Commission shall provide political, administrative or financial support.
Amendment 796 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. In order to facilitate effective implementation and enforcement of this Regulation, the Commission mayshall, as appropriate cooperate, engage and exchange information with, amongst others, authorities of third countries, international organisations, civil society representatives and business organisations. The Commission shall have regular contact and cooperation with countries that have similar legislation in place, to share information of risk products or regions as well as best practices for bringing to an end forced labour. International cooperation with authorities of third countries shall take place in a structured way as part of the existing dialogue structures with third countries or, if necessary, specific ones that will be created on an ad hoc basis.
Amendment 806 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Cooperation with third countries shall be integrated with other EU policies and instruments that include measures to eradicate forced labour, including free trade agreements, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, and development cooperation projects led by the Commission.
Amendment 811 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27 a (new)
Article27a Regulatory monitoring and adjustment The Commission shall present, before the application of this Regulation, in line with the 'one in, one out' principle, proposals offsetting the regulatory and financial burdens introduced by this Regulation through the revision or abolishment of provisions in other Union legislative acts that generate compliance costs for economic operators.
Amendment 821 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 3
3. The Member States shall, by [OP enter DATE = 2430 months from its entry into force of this Regulation], notify those provisions to the Commission, where they have not previously been notified, and shall notify it, without delay, of any subsequent amendment affecting them.
Amendment 827 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Amendment 831 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 a (new)
Article 31 a (new)
Amendment 36 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Furthermore, the common procurement procedures and contracts shall also include a requirement for the defence product to not be subject to control or restriction by a non-assoa use restriction by a non-associated third country or a non-associated third country entity. In urgent cases, this requirement should not apply if the procured products were in use prior to 24 February 2022 within the armed forces of at least one of the member states participating in the common procurement. Where the derogation applies, countries participated third country or a non-associated third country entitying in the common procurement should study the feasibility of replacing the components causing the restriction by restriction-free components from the Union or associated third countries and submit their findings to the Commission. The Commission should provide a non-confidential summary of all such findings in the report referred to in article 12 to help identify technological gaps in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base .
Amendment 47 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Member States should appoint a procurement agent to conduct a common procurement on their behalf. The procurement agent should be a contracting authority established in a Member State or an associated third country, including Union bodies or international organisations, such as the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'ARmement (OCCAR) or the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
Amendment 52 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the actions shall involve cooperation between eligible entities as referred to in Article 9 for common procurement of the most urgent and critical defence products between eligible entities implementing the objectives referred to in Article 3;
Amendment 61 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Third countries that are candidates for accession to the European Union may also be associated to the eligible actions under paragraph 1 of this article, provided that the Member States participating in the common procurement unanimously agree to it.
Amendment 67 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States or associated third countries shall appoint a procurement agent to act on their behalf for the purpose of the common procurement. The procurement agent shall carry out the procurement procedures and conclude the resulting agreements with contractors on behalf of the countries participating Member Statesin the common procurement.
Amendment 70 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The procurement procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on an agreement to be signed by the participating Member States with the procurement agent under the conditions set out in the work programme referred to in Article 11. The member states participating in the agreement may unanimously authorise the procurement agent to invite and enter into an agreement with third countries that are candidates for accession to the European Union to procure additional quantities of the procured product.
Amendment 75 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. Contractors and subcontractors involved in the common procurement shall be established and have their executive management structures in the Union. They shall not be subject to control by a non- associated third country or by a non- associated third country entity or have undergone a screening within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 and where necessary, have taken mitigation measures.
Amendment 82 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
5. By way of derogation from paragraph 4, a legal entity established in the Union or in an associated third country and controlled by a non-associated third country or a non-associated third country entity may participate as contractor and subcontractor involved in the common procurement only if it provides guarantees verified and approved by the Member State or associated third country in which the contractor or subcontractor is established.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 7 – introductory part
7. The guarantees shall be based on a standardised template adopted by the Commission by means of an implementing act in accordance with Article 14 by [1 month after entry into force of this regulation]. The guarantees and the template shall be part of the tender specification. The guarantees shall in particular substantiate that, for the purposes of the common procurement, measures are in place to ensure that:
Amendment 91 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 9
Article 8 – paragraph 9
9. Common procurement procedures and contracts shall also include a requirement for the defence product to not be subject to a restriction by a non- associated third country or a non- associated third country entity. that limits member states' ability to use the defence product. By way of derogation from the previous sentence, in urgent cases, the requirement shall not apply if the procured products were already in use prior to 24 February 2022 within the armed forces of at least one member state participating in the common procurement. Where the derogation applies, countries participating in the common procurement shall study the feasibility of replacing the components causing the restriction by restriction-free components from the Union or associated third countries, and submit their findings to the Commission. The Commission shall provide a non- confidential summary of all such findings in the report referred to in article 12.
Amendment 103 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point a
Amendment 105 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point b
(b) other subcontractorentities to which at least 10 % of the work sharper cent of the contract value is allocated;
Amendment 109 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 10 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. The cost of components originating in non-associated third countries shall not exceed 30 per cent of the value of the procured end product.
Amendment 117 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) procurement agents referred to in Article 2(5)
Amendment 129 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 4
4. the number of Member States or associated countries or third countries that are candidates for accession to the European Union participating in the common procurement;
Amendment 138 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
7 a. the participation of SMEs as contractors or subcontractors;
Amendment 308 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation, it should cover providers of services that have the potential to be misused for the purpose of online child sexual abuse. As they are increasingly misused for that purpose, those services should include publicly available interpersonal communications services, such as messaging services and web-based e-mail services, in so far as those service as publicly available. As services which enable direct interpersonal and interactive exchange of information merely as a minor ancillary feature that is intrinsically linked to another service, such as chat and similar functions as part of gaming, image-sharing and video-hosting are equally at risk of misuse, they should also be covered by this Regulation. Online search engines and other artificial intelligence services should also be covered. However, given the inherent differences between the various relevant information society services covered by this Regulation and the related varying risks that those services are misused for the purpose of online child sexual abuse and varying ability of the providers concerned to prevent and combat such abuse, the obligations imposed on the providers of those services should be differentiated in an appropriate mannerand targeted manner. Considering the fundamental importance of the right to respect for private life and the right to protection of personal data, as guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights, nothing in this regulation should be interpreted as prohibiting or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of end-to-end encrypted content and communications.
Amendment 333 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to prevent and combat online child sexual abuse effectively, providers of hosting services and providers of publicly available interpersonal communications services should take effective and reasonable measures to mitigate the risk of their services being misused for such abuse, as identified through the risk assessment. Providers subject to an obligation to adopt mitigation measures pursuant to Regulation (EU) …/… [on a Single Market For Digital Services (Digital Services Act) and amending Directive 2000/31/EC] may consider to which extent mitigation measures2022/2065 may consider to which extent mitigation measures adopted to comply with that obligation. Mitigation measures necessary for the fulfilment of the obligations in this regulation may include the design of online interfaces or parts thereof with the highest level of privacy, safety and security for children by default, the adoapted to comply with that obligation, which may includeation of standards for protection of children, participation in codes of conduct for protecting children, targeted measures to protect the rights of the child, including age verification and-appropriate parental control tools, may also. Enabling flagging and/or notifying mechanisms and self-reporting functionalities, where possible with the use of AI, shall serve to address the risk identified in the specific risk assessment pursuant to this Regulation, and to which extent further targeted mitigation measures may be required to comply with this Regulation.
Amendment 353 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) With a view to ensuring effective prevention and fight against online child sexual abuse, when mitigating measures are deemed insufficientthe provider refuses to cooperate by putting in place the mitigating measures aimed to limit the risk of misuse of a certain service for the purpose of online child sexual abuse, the Coordinating Authorities designated by Member States under this Regulation should be empowered to request, as a measure of last resort, the issuance of detection orders. In order to avoid any undue interference with fundamental rights and to ensure proportionality, that power should be subject to a carefully balanced set of limits and safeguards. For instance, considering that child sexual abuse material tends to be disseminated through hosting services and publicly available interpersonal communications services, and that solicitation of children mostly takes place in publicly available interpersonal communications services, it should only be possible to address detection orders to providers of such services. Such detection orders shall be issued with regards to the technical capacity of the provider, and shall in no way be intrepreted as prohibiting, or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of, end-to-end encrypted content and communications.
Amendment 373 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In addition, to avoid undue interference with fundamental rights and ensure proportionality, when it is established that those requirements have been met and a detection order is to be issued, it should still be ensured that the detection order is targeted and specifiedjustified, proportionate and related only to an identifiable part of the specific service, user or group of users, as well as targeted and limited in time so as to ensure that any such negative consequences for affected parties do not go beyond what is strictly necessary to effectively address the significant risk identified. This should concern, in particular, a limitation to an identifiable part or component of the service where possible without prejudice to the effectiveness of the measure, such as specific types of channels of a publicly available interpersonal communications service, or to specific users or specific groups of users, to the extent that they can be taken in isolation for the purpose of detection, as well as the specification of the safeguards additional to the ones already expressly specified in this Regulation, such as independent auditing, the provision of additional information or access to data, or reinforced human oversight and review, and the further limitation of the duration of application of the detection order that the Coordinating Authority deems necessary. To avoid unreasonable or disproportionate outcomes, such requirements should be set after an objective and diligent assessment conducted on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment 383 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The measures taken by providers of hosting services and providers of publicly available interpersonal communications services to execute detection orders addressed to them should remain strictly limited to what is specified in this Regulation and in the detection orders issued in accordance with this Regulation. In order to ensure the effectiveness of those measures, allow for tailored solutions, remain technologically neutral, and avoid circumvention of the detection obligations, those measures should be taken regardless of the technologies used by the providers concerned in connection to the provision of their services. Therefore, this Regulation leaves to the provider concerned the choice of the technologies to be operated to comply effectively with detection orders and should not be understood as incentivising or disincentivising the use of any given technology, provided that the technologies and accompanying measures meet the requirements of this Regulation. That includes the use ofIn accordance with Article 6a, nothing in this regulation shall be interpreted as prohibiting, or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of, end-to-end encryptied con technology, which is an important tool to guarantee the security and confidentiality of the communications of users, including those of childrennt or communications through client-side scanning with side- channel leaks or other measures by which the provider of a hosting service or a provider of interpersonal communication services provides third party actors with access to the end-to-end encrypted content and communications. When executing the detection order, providers should take all available safeguard measures to ensure that the technologies employed by them cannot be used by them or their employees for purposes other than compliance with this Regulation, nor by third parties, and thus to avoid undermining the security and confidentiality of the communications of users.
Amendment 389 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) End-to-end encryption is an essential tool to guarantee the security, privacy and confidentiality of the communications between users, including those of children. Any weakening of the end-to-end encryption's effect could potentially be abused by malicious third parties. Nothing in this Regulation should therefore be interpreted as prohibiting or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of end-to-end encrypted content and communications. As compromising the integrity of end-to-end encrypted content and communications shall be understood the processing of any data, that would compromise or put at risk the integrity and confidentiality of the aforementioned end-to-end encrypted content. Nothing in this regulation shall thus be interpreted as justifying client-side scanning with side-channel leaks or other measures by which the provider of a hosting service or a provider of interpersonal communication services provide third party actors access to the end-to-end encrypted content and communications.
Amendment 651 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
- functionalities enabling age- appropriate parental controls, including with the use of AI;
Amendment 653 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
- functionalities enabling self- reporting, including with the use of AI;
Amendment 695 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The provider, where applicable, shall assess, in a separate section of its risk assessment, the voluntary use of specific technologies for the processing of personal and other data to the extent strictly necessary to detect, to report and to remove online child sexual abuse material from its services. Such voluntary use of specific technologies shall under no circumstances undermine the integrity and confidentiality of end-to-end encrypted content and communcations.
Amendment 862 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) take reasonable measures to prevent child users from accessing the software applications in relation to which they have identified a significant risk of use of the service concerned for the purpose of the solicitation of children; or where:
Amendment 864 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i (new)
i) the developer of the software application has decided and informed the software application store that its terms and conditions of use do not permit child users,
Amendment 865 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii (new)
ii) the software application has an appropriate age rating model in place, or
Amendment 866 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii (new)
iii) the developer of the software application has requested the software application store not to allow child users to download its software applications.
Amendment 875 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Article6a End-to-end encrypted services Nothing in this Regulation shall be interpreted as prohibiting or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of end-to-end encrypted content and communications. As compromising the integrity of end-to-end encrypted content and communcations shall be understood the processing of any data that would compromise or put at risk the integrity and confidentiality of the content and communications in the end- to-end encryption. Nothing in this regulation shall thus be interpreted as justifying client-side scanning with side- channel leaks or other measures by which the provider of a hosting service or a provider of interpersonal communications services provides third party actors access to the end-to-end encrypted content.
Amendment 1017 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1
The Coordinating Authority of establishment when requesting the issuance of detection orders, and the competent judicial or independent administrative authority when issuing the detection order, shall, in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, target and specify it in such a manner that the negative consequences referred to in paragraph 4, first subparagraph, point (b),2 remain limited to what is strictly necessary, justifiable and proportionate to effectively address the significant risk referred to in point (a) thereof, and limit the detection order to an identifiable part or component of a service, such as a specific channel of communication or a specific group of users identified with particularity for which the significant risk has been identified. In accordance with Article 6a, no such detection order shall be interpreted as prohibiting, or compromising the integrity and confidentiality of, end-to-end encrypted content and communications.
Amendment 92 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RegDeplorets the fact that Serbia has still not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls on the newly elected authorities to show real commitment to EU values as soon as possible and to align with the EU’s decisions and positions in foreign and security policy, including sanctions against Russia;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Regrets the existence of the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center; calls on the Serbian authorities to provide more transparency on the role and activities of the so called humanitarian center;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates its call on Serbia and EU Member States to pursue more active and effective communication about the benefits of EU enlargement; regrets the fact that the Serbian government has put stronger emphasis on its ties with China and Russia, than with the EU;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates its call on the authorities to continue their efforts to eliminate the legacy of the former Communist secret services by making its files open to the public, as a step towards the democratisation of Serbia; calls on Serbia to intensify the process of succession and implementation of obligations relating to the division of the common archive of the former Yugoslavia; reiterates, in this connection, that full access to all archival materials, especially those of the former Yugoslav Secret Services (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS) is of vital significance; reiterates its call to the authorities to facilitate access to those archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia and to return them to their respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 262 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Serbian authorities to step up efforts to ensure the non- discriminatory treatment of national minorities and to actively pursue investigations and convictions for hate- motivated crimes; moreover, regrets the fact that national minorities are protected only on paper; more has to be done to actively implement the anti-discrimination legislation;
Amendment 291 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is deeply concerned about the spread of disinformation about Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the Serbian authorities to take an active stand against the disinformation and to fight back the most circulated fake news; calls on the Serbian authorities and the Commission to bolster infrastructure to fight disinformation and other hybrid threats;
Amendment 360 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the introduction of a roaming-free zone in the entire Western Balkans as of 1 July 2021; urges the Council and the Commission to work with the Serbian authorities and the other five Western Balkan states for the introduction of roaming-free zone between the Western Balkans and the European Union;
Amendment 381 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Is deeply concerned by the depopulation and brain drain of Serbia’s human capital; welcomes the Serbian Government’s initiatives to counter these trends by working with international organisations; notes with concern that additional efforts need to be invested in the socio-economic development of the border regions in order to prevent them from depopulation; reminds that to use IPA III Cross-border Co-operation Programmes could be utilised for this purpose;
Amendment 425 #
2021/2249(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Reiterates its regret over the lack of action on the pollution of the River Dragovishtitsa by mines operating in the region and the detrimental effect on the health of the local people and the environment;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18
Citation 18
— having regard to the EU-Western Balkans summit, held in Sofia, Zagreb and Brdo pri Kranju oin 6 October2018, 2020 and 2021, and its declarations,
Amendment 62 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of European integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible, given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; expects that negotiations with the Republic of North Macedonia will start only after the country delivers convincing guarantees on the implementation of the Good Neighbourly Relations Treaty;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Commends North Macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards EU membership, its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony, and its continued positive bilateral engagement;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges North Macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence, counter corruption, the protection of human rights, reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomNotes with interest the implementation of the 2021 population census, while expecting the publication of its results soon;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Welcomes the establishment of the Commission for Prevention of and Protection against Discrimination and its work; urges the government to ensure sufficient funding to enable it to achieve its full potential;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls the need to strengthen independent investigative journalism, non- biased fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech, disinformation and foreign interference campaigns;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Denounces the ongoing smear campaign against the one Bulgarian TV channel broadcasted in the country; Urges both countries to allow more TV channels, other media outlets and cultural institutions in their respective markets to foster cultural awareness and exchange, to improve people-to-people understanding;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations, including those representing the defending the rights of the various ethinc communities in the country;;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society by fully guaranteeing the rights of all ethnic communities in the country, including through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments, while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and effectively tackling all instances of discrimination;
Amendment 170 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Calls the Republic of North Macedonia to fully guarantee equal rights for all ethnic communities in the country, including through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments, and ensure that no disadvantage shall result for citizens from the exercise of their right to identify themselves as belonging to any ethnic group;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23 b. Regrets the continuous lack of progress in implementing the previous European Parliament recommendations regarding discrimination against citizens openly expressing their Bulgarian identity and/ or ethnic background;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23 c. Strongly encourages the authorities and civil society to take appropriate measures for historical reconciliation in order to overcome the divide between and within different ethnic and national groups, including by listing citizens of Bulgarian identity among the others in the Constitution;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23 d. Calls on the Republic of North Macedonia to amend its Constitution to include the ethnic communities with Montenegrin, Croatian and Bulgarian identity;
Amendment 174 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 e (new)
Paragraph 23 e (new)
Amendment 176 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation, to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets, such as journalists, people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups, strongly urges the media outlets and the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to deter from utilizing and publicizing hate speech against EU Member States and its closest neighbours;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation, to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets, such as journalists, people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; calls for the government and the judiciary to improve institutional capacity in this area and ensure increasing hate speech is addressed in accordance with international standards;
Amendment 190 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Welcomes North Macedonia’s membership of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance; recalls the need to open up Yugoslav secret service archives, kept both in Skopje and in Belgrade, in order to vigorously address communist- era crimes across the region; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratization, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. EncouragesCalls for the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively;
Amendment 319 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between Bulgaria and North Macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise, thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the EUsustainable results in the implementation in good faith of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation, thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the EU; Encourages Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia to reach a compromise over a roadmap of concrete measures, which will be included in the negotiations framework, its implementation will be regularly assessed by the Commission during the negotiations process;
Amendment 328 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47 a. Strongly urges the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, established as a result of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation, to resume its work;
Amendment 331 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47 b. Strongly urges all texts, already agreed by the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission, to be published in the respective languages of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, and in English;
Amendment 332 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 c (new)
Paragraph 47 c (new)
Amendment 333 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 d (new)
Paragraph 47 d (new)
47 d. Condemns the fact that apart from few sporadic instances the two countries have failed to jointly commemorate and/or celebrate shared historical figures/dates in the past years in a consistent manner; strongly condemns the vandalistic attack against the tricolour ribbons and the wreaths laid by a Bulgarian delegation in Skopje on Gotse Delchev’s grave in the recent celebration of the 150thanniversary of the birth of the prominent revolutionary; the relations between RNM and Bulgaria should be based on deep, mutual respect and appreciation for each other, consideration and preservation of the common historical heritage;
Amendment 334 #
2021/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 e (new)
Paragraph 47 e (new)
47 e. Condemns any attempt to replace historical monuments and/or artefacts, including the destruction of authentic cultural heritage or any attempts to rewrite history; such incidents raise serious concerns, including in the context of the lack of implementation of the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Welcomes the removed roaming charges between the six Western Balkan states; urges all relevant parties to negotiate a plan that would lead to the speedy elimination of roaming charges between Montenegro and EU Member States;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2247(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Recalls the need to open up Yugoslav secret service archives, kept both in Podgorica and in Belgrade, in order to vigorously address communist- era crimes across the region; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratization, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its call for greater inclusion of persons belonging to minorities, including the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities, as well as persons with disabilities and displaced persons, by providing them with access to adequate healthcare and social protection; in this regard recommends that the rights of people with Bulgarian ethnicity in the Gora and Zhupa regions to be enshrined in law and ensured in practice
Amendment 177 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. In that respect notes with regret that the petition of nearly 500 people, who have historically self-identified as Bulgarian, which was registered at the Assembly of Kosovo in May 2018, has still not been considered and recommends that those rights are enshrined in law and ensured in practice;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Encourages the authorities to retrieve the relevant Yugoslav secret service archives from Serbia; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratisation, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2246(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the introduction of a roaming-free zone in the entire Western Balkans as of 1 July 2021, improving connectivity and bringing benefits to citizens and businesses in the region; urges the Council and the Commission to work with the Serbian authorities and the other five Western Balkan states for the introduction of roaming-free zone between the Western Balkans and the European Union;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to the Council of Europe’s report ‘Beyond Definitions: a call for action against hate speech in Albania – a comprehensive study’, published in November 2021;1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/beyond-definitions- eng/1680a464b2
Amendment 11 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas enlargement is one of the EU’s most effective foreign policy instruments, as it contributes to extending the reach of the Union’s fundamental values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, peace building and respect for human rights;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU is Albania’s biggest trading partner and largest donor and whereas the country has benefited from EUR 1,24 billion in EU pre- accession funding under IPA I and IPA II since 2007;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU remains fully committed to support Albania’s strategic choice for EU integration; whereas Albania remains an important geopolitical ally and a trustworthy foreign policy partner, thanks to its efforts to advance regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Albanian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen area since December 2010;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas Albanian citizens have been able to participate in student, academic and youth exchanges under the Erasmus+ programme since 2015;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of European integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, as continuously recommended by the Commission, given that bothe countriesy haves fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for the immediate start of negotiations with Albania, as prescribed by the European Commission; the country should be assessed and stimulated based on its own progress and merit, without this being interlinked with developments in any other country;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms the joint responsibility of Albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation, enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance, transparency and pluralism and by enabling the active participation of civil society; expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process; encourages the use of the Jean Monnet Dialogue (JMD) to build the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture and trust and to develop true inter-party dialogue;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reaffirms the joint responsibility of Albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation, enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance, transparency and pluralism and by enabling the participation of civil society; recalls the importance of reaching a consensus between all political actors on the importance of building a constructive parliamentary tradition and culture;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections preventing misuse of public administration/resources and vote- buying, including through digitalisation, data protection, equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Proposes an EU Election Observation Mission to Albania ahead of the next parliamentary election; calls on the Albanian government to ensure the full implementation of the ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations regarding the electoral shortcomings in due time before the upcoming general elections;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Expresses concern about the pervasive allegations of vote buying, and recalls that initiation of proceedings against those accused of vote buying is among the conditions set by the Council; notes with regret that convictions in cases involving high-level officials remain limited and investigations have so far not resulted in a substantial number of final convictions of high-ranking officials;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate EU integration matters; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination, evaluation and monitoring of EU-related reforms, to advance decentralisation, country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census; the census should be carried out in an atmosphere of trust and transparency, so that all national minorities can be counted accurately, without fear of intimidation;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission to improve coordination and to address disinformation and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the EU perspective by more strategically underscoring the EU’s relevance to citizens in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 137 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality, property rights, data protection, rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; welcomes the adoption of the by-law on minority education from December 2020; calls on the government to adopt the remaining implementing legislation, including on self-identification and use of minority languages;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls for further efforts to ensure and protect the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; notes that persons with disabilities were among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; deplores that during the April 2021 elections, persons with disabilities encountered barriers and difficulties to vote; calls for further efforts to address violence against persons with disabilities, improve overall accessibility (including services and information), and to promote employment; points out that the quality of education for disabled children, especially deaf children, remains a cause for concern;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Considers that reports of numbers of HIV infections doubling since last year are highly concerning; recalls that the National Strategy for People Living with HIV expired in 2020 and has not been renewed; recalls that access to PEP and PrEP for those most at risk can significantly contribute to decreasing new infections, and recalls that these are still unavailable to LGBTI persons; calls on the government to take appropriate measures, in liaison with civil society, to address the rising numbers of HIV infections and ensure access to healthcare of those most vulnerable;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Calls on Albania to swiftly adopt the remaining pending secondary legislation ensuring the full protection of national minorities;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation, prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; stresses the need of further alignment of its legislation with the EU acquis is this regard:
Amendment 213 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling organised crime, including the trafficking of humans, drugs, firearms and goods, along with cybercrime, violent crime, extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing regional, bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks, including with the EU Justice and Home Affairs Agencies, such as Europol and Eurojust; highlights that Albania is the only country from the region that has signed cooperation agreements with all justice and home affairs agencies of the EU and that the first fully fledged joint operation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) outside the European Union was deployed at the Greek-Albanian border in May 2019; commends that Albania has allowed air monitoring by EU Member State law enforcement services to detect production of narcotics;
Amendment 220 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Expresses concern over the large numbers of firearms available in Albania; stresses the need to improve standard procedures and mechanisms to counter the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, and to step up the investigation and prosecution of firearms trafficking;
Amendment 221 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29c. Underlines that the contribution of Albania to the protection of the European Union’s external border is of crucial importance; Stresses that border protection and the prevention of cross- border crime must continue to be a priority, and must be conducted in full respect for the fundamental rights enshrined in applicable international and regional laws and principles;
Amendment 227 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Highlights EU funding of sustainable post-earthquake and post- pandemic recovery and supports the ongoing efforts towards Albania’s democratic, green and digital transformation; underlines the need to step up EU assistance and funding for the rule of law, improvements, and encouraging sustainable green growth, biodiversity, innovation, competitiveness, property rights and reversal of the demographic decline;
Amendment 244 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Stresses the need to improve the visibility of and communication concerning EU aid and Union financing in Albania; recalls, in this regard, the performance reward under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to North Macedonia and Albania and notably the substantial support the EU has provided to the Western Balkans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and to limit the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Welcomes the removed roaming charges between the six Western Balkan states; urges all relevant parties to negotiate a plan that would lead to the eventual elimination of roaming charges between Albania and the EU Member States;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Amendment 3 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to the ECtHR judgement of 26 May 2020, final as of 12 October 2020 on the case of Makuchyan and Minasyan v. Azerbaijan and Hungary,
Amendment 4 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (‘ECHR’),
Amendment 6 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the reports of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe, notably the 2016 country monitoring report on Armenia1a and its adopted 2019 conclusions on the adoption of the recommendations,1b _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/fourth-report-on- armenia/16808b5539 1b https://rm.coe.int/conclusions-5th- cycle-on-armenia/1680972faa
Amendment 8 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
— having regard to the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe following her visit to Armenia from 16 to 20 September 2018,1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- armenia-from-16-to-20-september-2018- by-dunja-m/168091f9d5
Amendment 10 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the 13 September 2012 resolution on Azerbaijan: the case of Ramil Safarov,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide,
Amendment 19 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas it is estimated that there are still around 4,500 Azerbaijani and Armenian missing persons and hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people from the first Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the 1990s;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas periodical deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continue; whereas the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agreement, introduced after the 44-day war triggerstarted by Azerbaijan in 2020, has been violated several times resulting in more casualties; whereas in his several statements, including in the most recent speech delivered at «an event organized on the occasion of Victory Day» on November 8 2022, President Aliyev admitted that Azerbaijan had started the war in 2020, stated that ''on the whole, the international attitude towards the 44-day war was positive” and once again threatened to use force against Armenia;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas periodical deadly military confrontations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continue; whereas the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agrestatement, introduced after the 44-day war triggered by Azerbaijan in 2020, has been violated several times resulting in more casualties;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas according to the 9 November 2020 ceasefire statement the parties have committed to remain in their positions of that day, exchange prisoners of war and other detainees, and unblock all economic and transport connections in the region;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin Corridor following the 2020 war for a 5-year period but have failed to act on several occasions to stop the break-out of hostilities;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas in September 2022 Azerbaijan attacked three provinces of Armenia: Gegharkunik, Syunik, and Vayots Dzor; whereas Armenian authorities estimate that the shelling on civilian objects and infrastructure impacted 36 communities and settlements, 192 houses, two schools, one medical center, three guesthouses as well as power supply lines and pipelines; whereas this constitutes a clear violation of the territorial integrity of Armenia and norms of international law prohibiting the targeting of civilian infrastructure;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decided on 16 September 2022 that its 29 September 2020 interim measure calling on parties to comply with their engagements under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe, including with respect to the prisoners of war is still in force and spreads its legal force on the events at issue;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas there are credible reports about Armenian POWs and other detainees being subjected to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and desecration of the dead, including video footage; whereas the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 7 December 2021 ordered and on 12 October 2022 reaffirmed the obligation of Azerbaijan “to protect from violence and bodily harm all persons captured in relation to the 2020 conflict who remain in detention, and ensure their security and equality before the law”; whereas videos depicting alleged war crimes against Azerbaijanis during the 2020 war have also appeared;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU is committed to promoting a South Caucasus region that is secure, stable, peaceful and prosperous for the benefit of all people living in the region and is ready to play an active role as an honest broker and a reliable partner;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 46 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas Armenia and Azerbaijan made proposals on the conditions for a peace treaty governing their inter-state relations; whereas the countries’ political leaders recently agreed to step up substantive work to advance on the draft text;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a sustainable normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan requires that all violence cease and, that all the root causes of conflict be addressed and that all agreements reached between them are fully implemented;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through the respect of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights, is a crucial tenet of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the EU and Armenia ('CEPA');
Amendment 59 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas Armenia scored a 14- point improvement over the past five years in Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2021;
Amendment 60 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Amendment 62 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas Armenia has the leading position in its neighbourhood in the 2021 Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit and the World Press Freedom Index 2022;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas Armenia has improved its positions in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and Law 2022” report, the Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report 2022, and the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2021;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas PACE adopted in 2022 a resolution on violations of the rights of LGBTI persons in the Southern Caucasus and made several calls to authorities to reform legislation in order to address them; whereas the recommendations reflect the 2016 ECRI findings; whereas already in 2019 ECRI had concluded that its recommendations had not been addressed sufficiently, including that none of the relevant provisions of the new Criminal Code had been adopted; whereas the lack of response of the government to international bodies’ recommendations is alarming;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas Armenia's ranking in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum 2020-2021 Index improved and it attained the top position in terms of Democracy and Good Governance; whereas Armenia received positive assessment in Freedom House's Nations in Transit 2022 report;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Ee. whereas the European Court of Human Rights recognized in its judgement on Cases 1367/12 and 72961/12 (Ogazenova v Armenia) that criminal law measures are required with respect to hate speech, notably on grounds of sexual orientation and sexual life; whereas domestic law currently prohibits hate speech, yet sexual orientation and gender identity continue not to be included in the characteristics of victims of the offence despite the recommendations of the relevant international bodies in that respect;1a _________________ 1a ECtHR, Cases 1367/12 and 72961/12 (Ogazenova v Armenia), ¶121-122
Amendment 80 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the armed Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, which over the years has caused immense suffering and destruction, has significantly hampered the socio-economic development and stability of the whole South Caucasus region; is convinced that a durable and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be achieved through military means but requires a comprehensive political settlement in accordance with international law, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the 1975 OSCE Helsinki Final Act and, the OSCE Minsk Group’s 2009 Basic Principles (Non-Use of Force, Territorial Integrity, and the Equal Rights and Self-Determination of Peoples) and all the agreements reached between the two parties, including the Alma Ata 1991 Declaration;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to set up a transitional justice mechanism as a confidence-building step to acknowledge the suffering on both sides and work towards reconciliation based on a factual assessment of events during the armed conflict, which started in 1988; proposes the inclusion of members of academia, independent journalists and civil society activists from both sides in this body; recommends that the EU support and help facilitate this work in conjunction with other bodies such as the UN, the Council of Europe and other relevant international organisations;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the EU’s perceived passive stance during and immediately after the 2020 war gave other regional actors, such as Russia and Turkey, the opportunity to gain influence; strongly supports, therefore, the initiative taken by the President of the European Council Charles Michel to convene and mediate bilateral meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels and encourages the work on the ground of the EU’s special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; highlights the importance of continued close engagement by the EU and the EU- led mediation format in order to prevent further attacks and bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict; urges the governments of both countries to fully engage in the drafting of a peace treaty and welcomes in this regard the meetings of the foreign affairs ministers of both countries;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of the initial discussions on the process of border delimitation; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission to build trust and contribute to the border commissionmeeting of delimitation commissions on 3November 2022 in Brussels; calls on both sides to finalise the border delimitation process and sign a peace treaty as soon as possible, as well as to work together to complete the process of demining; welcomes the agreement to deploy a civilian EU mission along the Armenian side of the border with Azerbaijan to build trust and contribute to the border commissions; calls to consider extending the mandate of the EU monitoring capacity and increasing significantly the number of monitors so that it can effectively perform its monitoring, confidence-building, and stabilisation functions along the border between the two countries;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates the need to establish a peaceful means of connectivity between the territory of Azerbaijan and the exclave of Nakhchivan, which does not infringe on the territorial integrity of Armenia; insists that the modalities of goods transport on this route need to be agreed bilaterally between Armenia and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Suggests the establishment of a temporary international guarantee for the safety and security of the Armenian population and all returnees in Nagorno- Karabakh;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2230(INI)
7. Continues to be seriously concerned about the fate of Armenian prisoners of war, both military and civilian, detained during and after the conflict and still illegally held by Azerbaijan and; welcomes the release of some of them; demandscondemns the sentencing and continued detention of the confirmed 33 POWs and civilian captives; underlines that their captivity is contrary to all the calls of the international community, including the European Parliament, to release all the remaining POWs and civilian captives; demands once again the immediate and unconditional release of all the remaining detainees, including those captured during the recent military confrontations, and that they be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Condemns in the footage that has appeared depictingstrongest possible terms the torture, mutilation and killing of an Armenian servicewomaen and eight unarmed Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijani armed forces; calls for a full and impartial investigation of the videos to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions; deplores the fact the perpetrators filmed these heinous acts and posted them on social media themselves; takes note of reports by human rights groups, particularly a Human Rights Watch report classifying this act as a war crime; calls for a full and impartial investigation of the videos to identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions; demands that Azerbaijani authorities ensure that the investigation opened on October 2 by their prosecutor’s office is transparent and effective and leads to accountability for the soldiers and commanders responsible; notes in this context that so far no information is available to this end; at the same time calls on Armenian investigative authorities to continue the investigation and discover and hold accountable the perpetrators of the alleged 2020 footage of Azerbaijani soldiers being subject to war crimes;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly insists that Azerbaijan and Armenia refrain from destroying or altering the origins of cultural, religious or historical heritage; calls for the restoration of damaged sites in accordance with UNESCO standards and indications; deplores the fact that two years since the signing of the ceasefire statement of 9 November 2020 the UNESCO mission has not been able to visit the affected areas; calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to fully cooperate with UNESCO to quickly allow a UNESCOits mission to visit both countries without preconditions;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Supports the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey and welcomes the progress achieved so far; calls for the speedy implementation of agreements reached by the special representatives; calls on both sides to engage in the process in good faith and without preconditions; recalls that the previous attempt of normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkey through the signing of 2009 protocols failed because of Turkey's unilateral support for Azerbaijan and conditioning the opening of border and establishment of diplomatic relations with Armenia on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; deplores the signals coming from the Turkish authorities that the current process is closely coordinated with Azerbaijan and emphasizes its calls on Turkey not to repeat the mistake of the past and to take concrete steps in the ongoing process with Armenia;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on Armenia to prevent any circumvention of the sanctions imposed on Russia through its territory;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the full entry into force of CEPA on 1 March 2021 and Armenia’s commitment to its implementation; welcomes the fact that the government recognises CEPA as a strategic blueprint for key reforms in Armeniaunderlines that the agreement is a framework for the EU and Armenia to work together in a wide range of areas, such as strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights, contributing to economic growth and fostering sectoral cooperation; welcomes the fact that the government recognises CEPA as a strategic blueprint for key reforms in Armenia; acknowledges the fact that Armenia has been recognised as a fully-fledged democracy in the 2022 Partnership Implementation Report on Armenia by the European Commission and the High Representative;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Welcomes the progress Armenia has made on the implementation of the CEPA Roadmap; notes that as of September 2022, all the measures within 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 deadlines for the CEPA Roadmap have been implemented, either fully or partially;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the early parliamentary elections of 2021 which confirmed the strength of democracy in Armenia and the support of its people for the reform agenda; encourages the government to continue implementing reforms, despite the difficult international context and the challenges Armenia is facing; reiterates that the EU is the largest donor supporting Armenia’s reform process and that it follows an incentive-based approach of “more for more” and “less for less” in its assistance;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Welcomes the progress made by Armenia in justice, anti-corruption, and police reforms and comprehensive constitutional reforms; welcomes the ongoing implementation of Armenia’s national strategy for judicial and legal reforms and its national anti-corruption strategy;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Notes the ambitious police reforms undertaken by the Government of Armenia with the extensive support of the European Union, which aim to create a safer environment and increased trust of the relations between the public and police, and in particular the establishment of Armenia’s new Patrol service and the planned establishment of a Ministry of Interior;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Amendment 219 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. UHighlights that Article 1 of CEPA includes as an objective to enhance cooperation in the area of freedom, security and justice with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; underlines the importance of media freedom, anti-discrimination, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly for preserving a vibrant democracy; is concerned by the pervasive presence of discrimination, disinformation and harsh rhetoric; , as well as hate speech towards certain social groups; urges authorities to categorically uphold all human rights enshrined in the ECHR, notably when they concern vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ persons1a; _________________ 1a Referring to Commissioner’s for Human Rights country reporting on Armenia: https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/ -/report-on-armenia-recommends- measures-to-improve-women-s-rights- protection-of-disadvantaged-or- vulnerable-groups-and-establishing- accountability-for-p
Amendment 222 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the importance of media freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly for preserving a vibrant democracy; is concerned by the presence of disinformation and harsh rhetoric; stresses that while media environment in the country is diverse, it is also characterised by polarisation and influence of media owners on editorial policies; is concerned by cases of hate speech and physical violence targeting journalists;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recalls that the fight against discrimination is a cornerstone of democratic systems; considers that the democratic transition in Armenia is an opportunity to strengthen the human rights system; recalls that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe encouraged the government to take a prompt stance and adopt several legal reforms1a; considers that the authorities have all recommendations at their disposal to make progress on human rights and calls for their implementation; _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/report-on-the-visit-to- armenia-from-16-to-20-september-2018- by-dunja-m/168091f9d5, ¶106-107
Amendment 228 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses the need to improve the situation regarding gender equality and combating violence against women and domestic violence; highlights the particularly vulnerable situation of the women displaced from the conflict- affected areas; underlines the need to safeguard LGBTIQ rights; regrets the fact that political participation of women remains low despite the introduction of a gender quota for the candidate lists;
Amendment 232 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Considers that LGBTIQ persons are in dire need of protection; calls for the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation adding sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics as prohibited grounds, alongside the adoption of civil, administrative and/or criminal proceedings to protect people from hate speech and hate crimes; calls on authorities to reform criminal legislation by adding the previous grounds as aggravating circumstances; urges Armenia to stop considering homosexuality as a mental illness1a; _________________ 1ahttps://pace.coe.int/en/files/29711/html ¶10-11
Amendment 247 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the signing of the Common Aviation Area Agreement on 15 November 2021 and calls on EU Member States to ensure its swift ratification;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Welcomes the signing of the Agreement of strategic cooperation with Europol in September 2021 and the substantial progress made in the negotiations for signing an agreement with Eurojust;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Welcomes Armenia's joining the European Migration Network as an observer in October 2022;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Welcomes Armenia’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme for 2021-2027, enabling Armenian researchers, innovators and research entities to strengthen partnerships with their counterparts in the EU, and Armenia’s successful cooperation on Erasmus+ Programme;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20d. Welcomes Armenia’s joining to the Creative Europe programme 2021- 2027 which will strengthen Armenia's cultural and creative sectors and will boost their efforts to become more inclusive, digital, and sustainable;
Amendment 253 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20e. Calls on the EU and Member States to acknowledge the progress made by Armenia during the recent years in the implementation of the Agreements on Visa Facilitation and Readmission, and to open a visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia to support people-to-people contacts, closer bilateral ties and reform progress;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2230(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates its concerns regarding the ongoing operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant; calls for the swift adoption of a road map or action plan for the closure and safe decommissioning of the plant, taking into consideration the need for its replacement with new capacity, including renewable energy sources, to ensure Armenia’s energy security and conditions for sustainable development, in line with CEPA provisions; encourages Armenia to make full use of the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for ensuring that the country's nuclear programme is safe and secure;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the statement of the UN Economic Commission for Africa indicating that it believes the economic partnership agreements between EU and African countries could have negative consequences for intra-African trade; is concerned about the negative effects that the new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the members of Stresses the key role of Economic Partnership Agreements in promoting long-term, sustainable development, reducing poverty and boosting regional integration; regrets, therefore, the recent lack of progress in their finalisation; acknowledges the diverging views on EPAs and calls on the Commission to address them by building trust and mutual understanding on the development benefits of EPAs; insists on the need to accompany any trade arrangements withe Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS – Post-Cotonou Agreement) might have on intra-African tradeACPS countries with capacity-building and technical assistance to effectively support their implementation;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that the agreement’s trade and investment provisions must be tailored to benefit all parties; is concerned about a misbalance benefiting the EU over the OACPS countries; calls on the Commission to guarantee that the OACPS countries benefit from trade relations; calls on the Commission to improve EUbelieves that the renewed partnership is a unique opportunity to revive trade relations between the EU and each OACPS region based on mutual advantages; regrets that while the Cotonou Agreement considerably improved access to EU markets for OACPS countries, it did not prove effective in increasing market accesshares for OACPS producers; callsEuropean businesses in OACPS countries; calls therefore on the Commission to promote sustainable investment opportunities to advancenotably in digital and green infrastructure in the OACPS countrie; to this end, stresses the need for a strong involvement of the European and OACPS countries' private sector in the implementation of partnerships;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 39 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that the suspension clauses may not be legally valid;Recognizes the strong human rights component in the EPAs and for this reason welcomes the inclusion of suspension clauses in case of violations of human rights clauses; stresses the importance of political dialogue and consultation procedures to ensure effectiveness of these clauses and calls on the Commission to guarantee that the suspension clauses will be correctly applied in the event of violations of essential elements; emphasises that suspension of clauses should not harm the population, but should target those responsible for violations;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Strongly stresses the important link between trade, the eradication of poverty and support for sustainable development; underlines the role of women in the economies and societies of the OACPS countriesrecognizes how the agreement’s trade and investment provisions take appropriate steps to provide decent jobs for all and to socioeconomically empower marginalized groups, women and youth; calls on the Commission to increase and to guarantee the participation of womenthese categories in EU- OACPS trade and investment relations.
Amendment 2 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 a (new)
Citation 24 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 3 October 2017 on EU political relations with ASEAN,
Amendment 3 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 b (new)
Citation 24 b (new)
— having regard to the 29th EU- ASEAN Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting held on 11 February 2022,
Amendment 4 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24 c (new)
Citation 24 c (new)
— having regard to the inaugural European Parliament-ASEAN Inter- Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Inter- Regional Dialogue held on 22 June 2021,
Amendment 18 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. Whereas the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened a new chapter in their longstanding relations by entering in a Strategic Partnership in December 2020;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. Whereas enhanced inter- parliamentary relations and parliamentary diplomacy between the European Parliament and the parliaments of Southeast Asia – through the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) – should reflect the future agenda of broader and deeper EU-ASEAN relations;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. Whereas the European Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) are natural partners with a significant potential to contribute towards strengthening EU-ASEAN relations;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
C d. Whereas EU-ASEAN relations are based on the shared values and principles of a rules-based international order, effective and sustainable multilateralism, and free and fair trade;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
C e. Whereas EU-based entities are the largest provider of foreign direct investment to the ASEAN region; whereas the EU is ASEAN's third largest trading partner and ASEAN as a whole represents the EU's third largest trading partner outside Europe;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
C f. Whereas negotiations on an EU- ASEAN Free Trade Agreement have been suspended by mutual agreement since 2009;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Recalls the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in accelerating FTA negotiations between the EU and ASEAN Member States;
Amendment 161 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for further engagement with ASEAN and its member states and for the development and promotion of the EU- ASEAN strategic partnership; calls on both sides to use the momentum of the planned EU-ASEAN Summit in 2022, on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the EU- ASEAN bilateral relationship, to present a new EU-ASEAN action plan for the upcoming period to promote increased multifaceted cooperation in key areas and explore the possibility of resuming negotiations of a region-to-region trade agreement once the conditions in terms of human rights and democracy are to the EU’s standardsmet; calls for a parliamentary dimension to the 45th anniversary summit and reiterates its intention to create an EU-ASEAN parliamentary assembly to strengthen the democratic dimension of the partnership;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Secretary-General of the ASEAN Inter- Parliamentary Assembly and the respective countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Amendment 16 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 a (new)
Citation 35 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 23 March 2022 entitled Safeguarding food security and reinforcing the resilience of food system (COM(2022)133),
Amendment 18 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 b (new)
Citation 35 b (new)
— having regard the European Council Conclusions of 16 December 2021,
Amendment 22 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the 6th Summit of the EU and the AU in 2022 led to an agreement on ‘A Joint Vision for 2030’, to drive our common priorities, shared values and international law, by preserving together our interests and common public goods, the security and prosperity of our citizens, the protection of human rights for all, gender equala new mutually- beneficial joint strategy which reflects the interests of both sides and strengthens the ties between the two continents and will allow for closer cooperation on issues of mutual convergences in the area of trade, development, security, and women’s empowerment good governance, while creating all spheres of life partnership of equals; whereas both Unions recognised the importance of food security and nutrition;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the geopolitical global context has been subject to considerable change, as Russian Federation launched an unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 with geopolitical effects, including on the relations between the EU and Africa, in particular on access to food and to raw materials;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas achieving the SDGs by 2030 must become the benchmark of success of EU-Africa cooperation, including the contribution of trade and investment relations to combat poverty in the long term;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas migration is part of the (SDG 10.7) to facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU Trade Policy Review acknowledges the strategic importance of deepening active and fair engagementtrade relations with the African continent and African states by proposing several strands of action to strengthen trade and economic links between the two continents;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the EU should pursue a "Team Europe" approach in its cooperation with Africa, including more coordination between different Commission directorates general, European development financing institutions, European export credit agencies, commercial banks and Member States;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU is one of the most important trading partners for Africaand its Member States constitute Africa’s biggest partner on all counts in terms of trade, investment, Official Development Assistance (ODA), humanitarian assistance and security; whereas, the positive effects of the EU trade tools towards Africa, such as the GSP and Aid for Trade, are significant; whereas in 2020, over 61 % of goods imported to the EU from Africa were primary goods and almost 70 % of goods exported from the EU to Africa were manufactured goods;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas strengthening the intra- continental trade in Africa is essential for its economic development; whereas the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)African and European private sector have a shared interest in its successful and effective implementation , notably with regards to the economic growth and job opportunities it is expected to create; whereas the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as the flagship project of the First-Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2014-2023) under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, gives new momentum to pan-African trade and investment opportunities and will increase Euro-African connectivity;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas AfCFTA will become the world’s largest free-trade area in terms of participating countries – a market of 1.2 billion people, including a fast-growing middle class, with a combined GDP of USD 3 trillion, which is expected to more than double by 2050 and to eliminate tariffs on 90 percent of product lines on the continent; in this context, Africa´s GDP could increase by one percent, total employment by1.2 percent per year and intra-African trade by 33 percent; whereas the creation of the AfCFTA represents a major opportunity for the UE but will also depend in large part on its ability to mobilize investments and to foster trade exchanges and corporate presence in the Africa;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas African states are not homogeneous; whereas the African continent is particularly vulnerable to the external “shocks” given its high rate dependency not only from external financial resources and revenues such as foreign remittances, foreign direct investment, tourism or external aid, but also from imports of manufactured goods;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Africa is a continent of hope and opportunity and perceived as such by a growing number of its young population; whereas Africa is the youngest continent in the world with a median age of 19.8 years and 60 percent of the population under age 25; whereas by 2050, the population of Africa will have doubled, from some 1.2billion people to some 2.4 billion and that, by the same year, 50% of the global population less than 25 years old will be in Africa;
Amendment 67 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats to Africa, the EU and the entire world, and require joint responsiveness and substantive investments in sustainable and inclusive economic development and; whereas the EU-Africa trade relations play a crucial role to address the climate transition and foster common efforts towards achieving long term sustainable growth and development, notably through the provismotion of access to public goodssustainable supply chains and trade diversification in the transition to a low- carbon economy;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas respecting fair conditions on the EU-Africa trade in agricultural products needs to be revisedshould be the baseline for European exports and imports of food and other agricultural products, as well as the need to ensure that agricultural exports do no contradict the goal to establish a more resilient food sector in Africa;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas the AU’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020- 2030) envisions a secured digital single market for Africa by 2030; and the digital economy in Africa offers prospects for increased job creation, particularly for SMEs, which account for an estimated 80 percent of jobs across the continent and are the backbone of the African economy;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P a (new)
Recital P a (new)
P a. whereas our African partners are also actively seeking EU´s assistance in enhancing Africa´s digital infrastructure and ensuring proper connectivity and Internet access across the continent;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that EU-Africa trade and investment relations form part of our joint endeavour to achieve thebring enormous benefits in terms of stimulating economic growth, regional integration, poverty reduction and job creation; underlines that geographical proximity and long historical and cultural ties are increasingly reinforced by growing trade exchanges; in this respect, the EU should invest more efforts in taking the partnership beyond the traditional "donor-recipient" relationship; additionally, the EU and Africa should continue to work together in favour of common objectives and shared interests, including the realisation of UN SDGs by 2030 and the objectives of the Paris Agreement; stresses that the modernisation of EU-AU trade and investment relations must adhere to the principle of policy coherence for development and contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by means of the green and digital transformation of the economies in both the EU and the AU, as well as among our global trading partners;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that efforts towards supply chain diversification create opportunities for both continents and believes that the EU and the UA should work together to create the conditions and incentives to support the diversification of investments and production of EU and African companies;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Underlines the fundamental role of functioning state institutions, authorities and infrastructures, and considers that their absence can be a major obstacle to trade; in this regard, stresses that all African countries must improve legal certainty as it is vital for any kind of trade to develop; calls on the Commission to work closely with its African counterparts to guarantee a business environment that is conducive to investment;
Amendment 127 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Stresses the need to adapt the economic and trade proposals of the New Agenda for the Mediterranean, adopted by the European Commission on the 9 February 2021, to the current emergency situation; and, calls to smoothly implement the trade-related projects of the Economic and Investment Plan as soon as possible;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. UnderlinBelieves that the EU needs an entirely new foundation for itsSummit set the path for a renewed economic partnership with Africa, on equal grounds and based on mutual respect and understanding, and is a unique opportunity to revive trade relations between both continents;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the objectives of AfCFTA notably the aim to create a single market for goods, services, facilitated by movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent; stresses that indicators in measuring economic success should be improved and diversified beyond GDP growth;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Regrets that despite the fact that the EU is already the most open market for African exports and the UE is by far Africa´s largest export market and its main customer, accounting that the total trade in goods between the 27 EU Members States and Africa was worth 225 billion euros in 2020, compared to 115 billion euros for China and 38 billion euros for the United States, non-tariff barriers to EU-Africa trade remain significant and quality standards still diverge widely in certain cases;
Amendment 147 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Regrets that the activity of foreign investors as well as the take-off of African businesses is hampered by fragmented markets, inefficient transit regimes and border crossings procedures for goods, services and people, as well as poor implementation of regional integration commitments; highlights, in this context, that the timely, effective and comprehensive implementation of the AfCFTA is of utmost importance;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Stresses that the UE is still the largest source of foreign direct investment in Africa and still maintains an important level of competitiveness, but upward trends of activity from other international actors challenge the EU’s economic leadership on the African continent given that competitiveness of an individual firm is driven not only by internal factors, but also external factors such as the number of competitors and types of competition; in this sense, European companies are facing growing pressure from foreign competition;
Amendment 150 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in Africa; specially, points out the need to significantly invest in the transport infrastructure, connectivity and digitalisation to facilitate intra-African trade; in this sense, notes that removing barriers to intra-African trade can facilitate the growth of regional value chains, which can facilitate means for African companies, and in particular SMEs, to internationalise;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Underlines the need to establish a constructive public-private dialogue and to make cultures evolve with a view to an intelligent network of ecosystems, up to the hybridization between the public sphere and the private sector; with this backdrop the EU must continue to work with African countries on facilitating and promoting private investment on the continent, as the public investment is not enough on its own; calls to further increase public and private trilateral partnerships to develop new trade relations in sectors of common interest such as energy, industry, transport;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Asks to the European Commission to put special emphasis on digitalisation under the "Global Gateway Initiative" with regard to Africa;
Amendment 157 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Considers that trade relations should be given further momentum, not only on the negotiations of the DCFTAs with Morocco and Tunisia, but with our trade agreements in the whole of the Mediterranean; notes that there is still a lack of presence of the EU companies in region; considers trade relations to be essential to reduce the influence of other powers such as China or Russia;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to assist and create conditions for African countries to integrate into the world economy, not only as the source countries of primary commodities, but as exporters of intermediate and final products, while maintaining policy space for the safeguarding of infant industries; highlights, in this context, the opportunity it represents for both continents developing and investing on emerging markets, in particular in the manufacturing sector; further stresses the importance of strengthening linkages between European and African operators in this regard to help creating value and raising standards and therefore improve competitiveness;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that the future of the international trading system depends on the revitalising of the WTO and finalising the Doha Round, on which African countries have placed their hopes; emphasises that the reform and modernisation of the WTO and the WTO rulebook is an important area for cooperation between EU and African Union, since both are strongly committed to a rules-based multilateral trading system, and that a stronger cooperation on the multilateral trade agenda will greatly contribute to addressing the current global threats and challenges, including growing protectionism worldwide and the “weaponisation” of trade;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Highlights that the WTO-led Aid- for-Trade initiative aims to help Least developed countries, in particular, to build the supply-side capacity and trade-related infrastructure they need to implement and benefit from WTO agreements and more broadly expand their trade; in this sense, this initiative is a key component in trade relations with Africa, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 173 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 176 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that the Union should favour a constructive engagement on all aspects of migration, forced displacement and mobility, working to ensure that migration takes place in a safe and well- regulated manner. It is essential to build a long- term shared strategy to link trade, development and migration policies, as has been established by several European Council Conclusions, in particular the ones adopted on 16 December 2021, as it could play a key role to fight human smuggling and illegal migration routes from African countries to the EU;
Amendment 178 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a greener and more sustainable post-pandemic world to be built back, which necessitatesNotes the impact of the COVID-19 on supply chains; insists on the importance of building more resilient supply chains in the post-pandemic world by reinforcing strategic autonomy, identifying dependencies, better addressing vulnerabilities and supply disruptions, diversifying production and investing more in game-changing enterprises that have integrated social, environmental and health objectives into their business models;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Regrets the major impact caused of the unprovoked and unjustified Russian Federation invasion of Ukraine on the increased price of energy, fuels, raw materials and agricultural products causing a severe increase in production costs which is jeopardising production continuity and might lead to supply chain disruptions; calls for reinforced action at international level to ensure that policy decision-making has food security at its core, in order to avoid scarcity and ensure nutritional security in the most vulnerable countries, particularly in the African continent, addressing it by trade means and preventing obstacles to the international trade in food and raw materials;
Amendment 193 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to foster investment in the African continent through innovative financial instruments to increase capital flows and reduce risk, reduce risks and helping to strengthen competitiveness for EU exports investments; to achieve those objectives, cooperation between the European InvestmentBank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), together with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in a "Team Europe"approach is essential, with an adequate policy steer from the Commission, in order to boost the investment opportunities in Africa particularly by providing more risk capital and guarantees aimed to facilitate large scale investments while maintaining EU support for smaller scale local projects; in this sense,welcomes the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) which allows DFIs to take more risk in their investment programs;
Amendment 197 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Commission to prepare an effective and easily accessible microcredit scheme; in this sense, also urges the European Investment Bank (EIB), as the lending arm of the European Union, to strengthen its capacities to support private sector development in Africa and, in this regard, calls on the EIB to dedicate more funds to African Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the EFSD+ blended budget; also underlines, in this context, the high potential of Public-Private Partnership and microfinancing to further empower SMEs and local farmers;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Amendment 203 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Stresses that implementation, widening and deepening of current trade agreements between the EU and African countries, as well as the conclusion of sustainable investment facilitation deals with selected countries in Africa opens up new opportunities for fruitful partnerships between the EU and African SMEs building on predictable legal frameworks for trade and investment; notes that these agreements can help businesses to diversify exports from Africa to the EU and move up the value chains; underlines that promoting an open, non- discriminatory and stable business environment favourable to private sector investment, as well as access to relevant digital platforms, is crucial for both EU and African SMEs; welcomes, in that regards, the IP Helpdesk for SMEs in Africa, which provides European SMEs with first-line support on how to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights (IP), as well as the new rules of origin self-assessment tool (ROSA); calls for a more innovative financing mechanisms for the private sector, that would improve market access for SMEs and mitigate risks, facilitate access to finance while reducing regulatory and administrative burden to a minimum; stresses that all these issues should be better integrated in trade agreements with Africa, with the systematic inclusion of an SME chapter;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the EU to reinforce its support to the African countries and the AU on combating illicit financial flows and tax evasion by multinational companies;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that least developed countries (LDCs) have an interest in and are strong supporters of rules-based multilateral trading systems and their integration into the international trading system should also be improved; is aware of the fact that special and differentiated treatment is a founding principle of the WTO;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Appreciates the initiative by the Council and the Commission to organise the first Africa-Europe Week, which was held in February 2022 in Brussels and underscores the importance of promoting ahead of coming initiatives greater cooperation between all stakeholders, including business organisations;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that transport networks are critical enablers of trade and prosperous economies; stresses the need to better connect African rural and urban areas; notes, in particular, that a crucial challenge in the context of food insecurity is the lack of proper transportation networks and due to that, farmers are frequently restrained from delivering agricultural products over certain distances; encourages further EU engagement to facilitate market access for farmers;
Amendment 271 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Stresses that education and professional training that provide people with the skills required by the labour market are key factors for development; in this context, cooperation between universities, research institutions and vocational education and training (VET) programmes from both continents need to be strengthened; in that regards, private sector-driven initiatives on VET as well as entrepreneurship in Africa should be supported and better coordinated, as the pandemic has emphasised the importance of both digital skills and digital learning methods;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the EU’s Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative and the EU’s continued support to the African Single Electricity Market; stresses that access to energy must be guaranteed at an affordable price to everyone as a common good and a basic rightand the future energy demand are key issues that the EU and Africa should address together; notes the need to leverage the new renewable energy potential in Africa and invest in sectors with higher added value such as green steel and green hydrogen, notably by improving technology cooperation and increasing clean energy exports; points out, that technical assistance regarding energy market legislation is needed and should be provided through EU-African cooperation, as well as the development of common standards; points out that sustainable energy cooperation should be one the main features of the "Global Gateway Initiative" with regard to Africa;
Amendment 288 #
2021/2178(INI)
25. Calls for reinforced cooperation on EU-AU digital agendas based on the principles of democratic governance, effective regulatory mechanisms across the digital domain and global-to-local governance mechanisms for data and digital infrastructures that place people- centred development at the coreenable European companies, particularly SMEs to take full advantage of trade opportunities; in that regards, also recommends that a digital transition goes in line with the principles of data protection;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) works closely with the Member States to upgrade EU-Taiwan political relations and to elevate them to a comprehensive and enhanced partnership with the official signing of a respective agreement as soon as possible;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) continues to adopt initiatives to enhance bilateral economic relations and people-to-people contacts, including in academia and civil society, especially youth initiatives focused on sports, culture and education;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) supports initiatives allowing the EU to engage in partnerships with Taiwan in the fields of ICT, biotech, health and connectivity; strongly supports a more intense partnership in semiconductors;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) encourages the EU and Member States to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in confronting disinformation from malign third countries, including the sharing of best-practices; raising citizens’ awareness and improving overall digital literacy among the population;
Amendment 216 #
2021/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Reiterates its calls and insistences on the need for a single monitoring mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as proposed by Parliament, to cover the full scope of Article 2 TEU valuespplying equally, objectively and fairly to all Member States, while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, as proposed by Parliament, to cover the full scope of Article 2 TEU values; Underlines that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments to avoid duplication, in particular the Commission's annual rule of law report, the Commission's Rule of Law Framework, the Commission's annual reporting on the application of the Charter, the Council's Rule of Law Dialogue and the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM);
Amendment 78 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Condemns the apparent lack of the Serbian authorities to open the former Yugoslav archives and, in particular, to grant access to the files of the former Yugoslav Secret Service (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS), and for the files to be returned to the respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation on the ‘Mafia’ case where the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Macedonia has been accused of issuing 215 fake passports to foreign nationals, accused of extremism, drug and human trafficking;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Observes with serious concern the unravelling of the case of the Deputy Head of the North Macedonian mission to OSCE - Mr Mile Milenkovski, who was arrested by the Serbian authorities on 23 August, under international warrant by Armenia for assisting the escape of a culprit, investigated in Yerevan for embezzling a large sum of money; calls for a transparent investigation on all details in regard to this case;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Expresses concern over reports of recurrent presence of weapons, originating from the Western Balkans, in Western Europe; calling on the six Balkan states to invest in programmes to support disarmaments; cooperation with regional organisations like SEESAC to be increased;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Expresses deep concern over allegedly unjustified use of the Serbian Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism against over 50 prominent NGOs, media organisations and individuals, which have been intimidated by obtaining their banking information by the government and by limiting their freedoms of expression and association; Notes with regret that many of these entities and individuals were openly advocating for EU values in Serbia; calls on the Serbian authorities to ensure the highest standards of just legal processes;
Amendment 73 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The objectives of this Regulation, in particular counteracting third countries’ economic coercion of the Union or a Member State, cannot be sufficiently achieved by Member States acting on their own. This is because Member States as distinct actors under international law may not be entitled under international law to respond to economic coercion directed against the Union. Additionally, because of the exclusive competence conferred on the Union by Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are prevented from taking common commercial policy measures as a response to economic coercion. Therefore, those objectives can be achieved with greater effectiveness atit is necessary that the means for achieving those objectives are created at the Union level.
Amendment 76 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In accordance with the principle of proportionality, it is necessary and appropriate, for creating an effective and comprehensive framework for Union action against economic coercion, to lay down rules on the examination, determination and counteraction with regard to third countries’ measures of economic coercion. In particular, the Union’s response measures should be preceded by an examination of the facts, a determination of the existence of economic coercion, and, wherever possible, efforts to find a solution in cooperation with the third country concerned. Any measures imposed by the Union should be commensurate with the injury caused by the third countries’ measures of economic coercion. The criteria for defining the Union response measures should take into account in particular the need to avoid or minimise collateral effects, administrative burdens and costs imposed on Union economic operators as well as the Union’s interest. Any Union response measures should primarily take into account their likelihood and ability to induce the third country to cease the coercive measures. Therefore, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued, in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment 82 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Commission should examine whether third-country measures are coercive, on its own initiative or following information received from any source, including legal and natural persons, the European Parliament or a Member State. Following this examination, the Commission should determine in a decision whether the third-country measure is coercive. The Commission should publicly communicate any affirmative determinationthe result of this examination. In the case of an affirmative determination, the Commission should communicate to the third country concerned, together with a request that the economic coercion cease and a request, where appropriate, that any injury be repaired.
Amendment 92 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Union response measures adopted in accordance with this Regulation should be selected and designed on the basis of objective criteria, including: first and foremost, the effectiveness of the measures in inducing the cessation of coercion by the third country; their potential to provide relief to economic operators within the Union affected by the third-country measures of economic coercion; the aim of avoiding or minimising negative economic and other effects on the Union; and the avoidance of disproportionate administrative complexity and costs. It is also essential that the selection and design of Union response measures take account of the Union’s interest. Union response measures should be selected from a wide array of options in order to allow the adoption of the most suitable measures in any given case.
Amendment 100 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) It is important to ensure an effective and regular communication and exchange of views and information between the Commission on the one hand and the European Parliament and the Council on the other, in particular on efforts to engage with the third country concerned to explore options with a view to obtaining the cessation of the economic coercion and on matters that may lead to the adoption of Union response measures under this Regulation.
Amendment 104 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The Commission should evaluate measures adopted under this Regulation as to their effectiveness and operation and as to possible conclusions for future measures. The Commission should also review this Regulation after gaining sufficient experience with the existence or application of this Regulation., as well as to take account of the review of the Blocking Statute.1a This review should cover the scope, functioning, efficiency and effectiveness of this Regulation. The Commission should report on its assessment to the European Parliament and the Council, _________________ 1a Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996 protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom, OJ L 309,29.11.1996, p. 1–6
Amendment 113 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a Definitions For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: (a) "threat of coercion" means a substantiated threat of a third country action or measure that is credible, significant, and could be quickly and easily deployed; b) “failure to act” means failure by a third country to take measures or actions to implement existing agreements that are fully ratified with the European Union or a Member State affecting trade or investment; (c) “Union interest” means ensuring the social, political, and economic cohesion of the union, upholding its strategic and economic interests, and ensuring the integrity of the single market;
Amendment 120 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
— by applying or threatening to apply measures affecting trade or investment. or failing to implement existing agreements that are fully ratified with the European Union or a Member State affecting trade or investment;
Amendment 133 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) whether the third country is applying the measures as part of a broader pattern of behaviour against the interests or policy decisions of the Union or a Member State.
Amendment 139 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall carry out the examination referred to in paragraph 1 in the event of a substantiated request of a Member State or the European Parliament.
Amendment 143 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union or through other suitable public communication means withof the launch of an examination procedure and may include an invitation to submit information within a specified time limit. In that event, the Commission shall notify the third country concerned of the initiation of the examination.
Amendment 154 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall be open toproactively engage on behalf of the Union with the third country concerned, to explore options with a view to obtaining the cessation of the economic coercion. Such options may include:
Amendment 164 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
The Commission shall keep the European Parliament and the Council informed of relevregularly informed and provide notice of anty developments.
Amendment 174 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) action pursuant to the Articles 4 and 5 has not resulted in the cessation of the economic coercion and, where appropriate, reparation of the injury it has caused to the Union or a Member State within a reasonable period of time;
Amendment 183 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Where the conditions referred to in points (a), (b), and (c) are met in response to an affirmative determination of economic coercion by means of extra- territorial sanctions, the Commission shall only adopt an implementing act after it has exhausted the recourse to action provided by Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996.
Amendment 186 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. The Union response measures shall apply from a specified date after the adoption of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission shall set this date of application, taking into account the circumstances, to allow for the notification of the third country concerned pursuant to paragraph 3 and for it to cease the economic coercion, as well as to allow sufficient time for business to adequately prepare for any anticipated effects.
Amendment 190 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, upon adoption of the implementing act, notify the third country concerned of the Union response measures adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. In the notification, the Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, call on the third country concerned to promptly cease the economic coercion, offer to negotiate a solution including, where appropriate, the reparation of the injury caused by it to the Union and its Members States, and inform the third country concerned that the Union response measure will apply, unless the economic coercion ceases.
Amendment 194 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall state that the application of the Union response measures shall be deferred for a period specified in that implementing act, where the Commission has credible information that the third country haswill ceased the economic coercion before the start of application of the adopted Union response measures. In that event, the Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union indicating that there is such information and the date from which the deferral shall apply. If the third country ceases the economic coercion before the Union response measures start to apply, the Commission shall terminate the Union response measures in accordance with Article 10.
Amendment 197 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Amendment 210 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Amendment 214 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Any Union response measure shall not exceed the level that is commensurate with the injury suffered by the Union or a Member State due to the third country’s measures of economic coercion, taking into account the gravity of the third country’s measures and the rights in question. economic impact that the measures are having on the Union or a Member State.
Amendment 220 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the avoidance or minimisation of negative impacts on affected actors by Union response measures, including the availability and cost differentiation of alternatives for affected actors, for example alternative sources of supply for goods or services;
Amendment 230 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall keep under review the measures of economic coercion deployed by a third country that have triggered the Union response measures, the effectiveness of the Union response measures adopted and their effects on the Union’s interests and shall regularly keep the European Parliament and the Council informed thereof.
Amendment 241 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. A Member State or the European Parliament may request the Commission to amend, suspend, or terminate a Union response measure after 18 months of its application. The Commission shall respond to requests within six months and provide a justification for its decision.
Amendment 242 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. A Member State that has been subject to economic coercion shall have the right to request the Commission to review measures, if the Member State considers that the measures are no longer sufficient to counteract coercion or commensurate to the economic coercion imposed by the third country.
Amendment 65 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Since 2009, efforts have been deployed at Union level to limit the fragmentation of the charging interfaces for mobile phones and similar items of radio equipment. Recentgrettably, voluntary initiatives do not fully, although having decreased the number of charger types available on the market, did not meet Union policy objectives to reduce electronic waste (e- waste), ensure consumer convenience and avoid fragmentation of the market for charging devices, therefore a legislative measure in this respect is necessary.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Such harmonisation would be however incomplete, if it is not combined with requirements regarding the combined sale of radio equipment and their chargers and information to be provided to end- users. A fragmentation of approaches among the Member States with respect to the marketing of the categories or classes of radio equipment concerned and their charging devices would hamper the cross- border trade in those products, for example by obliging economic operators to repackage their products depending on the Member State, in which the products are to be supplied. This would in turn result in increased inconvenience for consumers and would generate unnecessary e-waste thus offsetting the benefits derived from the harmonisation of the charging interface and charging communication protocol. It is therefore necessary to impose requirements to ensure that end-users are not obliged to purchase a new charging deviceer, containing power supply and cable, with each purchase of a new mobile phone or similar item of radio equipment. To ensure the effectiveness of such requirements, end- users should receive the necessary information regarding the charging characteristics when purchasing a mobile phone or similar item of radio equipment.
Amendment 94 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The proposal for a common charger for radio equipment has been long awaited, but it should not be a one- off initiative. The Commission should assess the internal market for opportunities to harmonise the charging solutions for other appliances, for instance for small and medium-sized household appliances such as robot hoovers and hair dryers, by 31.12.2024 and every five years thereafter. By 1 January 2024, the Commission should assess how best to introduce harmonised standards for a common charger applicable no later than 1 January 2026 for, respectively, rechargeable batteries designed for electric vehicles, for light means of transport, as well as for rechargeable batteries incorporated into specific categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered by Directive 2012/19/EU. When undertaking that assessment, the Commission should take into account the size of the market, the reduction of waste, the availability and reduction of costs for consumers and other end-users. To that end, the Commission should submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council and consider taking the appropriate measures, including the adoption of legislative proposals. Thе assessment of the Commission should be without prejudice to the adoption of any legislation providing for the introduction of such common chargers at an earlier date.
Amendment 95 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) USB Type-C is a technology that is already common to many categories or classes of radio equipment as it provides high-quality charging and data transfer. The USB Type-C charging receptacle, when combined with the USB Power Delivery charging communication protocol, is capable of providing up to 100W of power and therefore leaves ample room for further development of fast charging solutions, while allowing the market to cater for low-end phones that do not need fast charging. Mobile phones and similar radio equipment that support fast charging can incorporate the USB Power Delivery features as described in standard EN IEC 62680-1-2:20201 ‘Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1- 2: Common components - USB Power Delivery specification’ or the latest EN edition.
Amendment 104 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) With respect to charging by means other than wired charging, divergent solutions may be developed in the future, which may have negative impacts on interoperability, consumer convenience and the environment. Whilst it is premature to impose specific requirements on such solutions at this stage, the Commission should be able to take action towards harmonising them in the future, if fragmentation on the internal market is observed.
Amendment 117 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) In order to facilitate the development of a level playing field for charger devices, the Member States should ensure substantial funds and resources for their competent authorities tasked with carrying out market surveillance. The potential increase in the market share of substandard chargers could have a detrimental effect on the life- span of devices, on consumer satisfaction and safety, and on the overall environmental impact of this Directive.
Amendment 120 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)
Directive 2014/53/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
(aa) paragraph 3, second subparagraph, is replaced by the following: The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 44 specifying which categories or classes of radio equipment are concerned by each of the requirements set out in points (a) to (i) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph. Every two years, the Commission shall assess whether there is technical possibility and need to adapt the technical requirements listed in this Article to enlarge the scope of this Directive.
Amendment 145 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2014/53/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
In this regard, the Commission shall carry out an assessment on wireless charging technologies, their market development and the potential need for harmonisation of the market by 31 December 2025. Should the Commission conclude that no initiative is needed to ensure minimum common interoperability standards for wireless charging technologies, it shall carry out such assessment every two years thereafter.
Amendment 154 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2014/53/EU
Article 3 a – paragraph 1
Article 3 a – paragraph 1
Where an economic operator offers to consumers or other end- users the possibility to acquire radio equipment falling within the scope of Article 3(4) together with a charging device, the consumers and other end-users shall also be offered the possibility to acquire the radio equipment without any charging devicer.;
Amendment 179 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
By way of derogation, Articles 3 (4) and 3a shall apply from [18 months after the end of the transposition period indicated in the preceding paragraph] to products that are equal to models that have been placed on the market before the date mentioned in paragraph 2.
Amendment 181 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Hand-held mobile phones, tablets, laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, screens, printers, digital photo cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers,earbuds, e-readers, portable navigations, wearable and health trackers, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, personal care devices and portable speakers or radio equipment falling under the scope of this Directive and operating with power delivery of up to or less than 100 Watt in so far as they are capable of being recharged via wired charging, shall:
Amendment 186 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) be equipped with the USB Type-C receptacle, as described in the standard EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021 ‘Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1-3: Common components - USB Type-CTM Cable and Connector Specification’, or the latest EN edition which should remain accessible and operational at all times;
Amendment 188 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – point b
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) be capable, in the case of charging power lower than 6100 watts, of being charged with cables which comply with the standard EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021 ‘Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1-3: Common components - USB Type-CTM Cable and Connector Specification’ or the latest EN edition .
Amendment 191 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Hand-held mobile phones, tabletlaptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, screens, printers, digital photo cameras, earbuds, e-readers, portable navigations, wearable and health trackers, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, personal care devices and portable speakers, or radio equipment falling under the scope of this Directive and operating with power delivery of up to or less than 100 watts, in so far as they are capable of being recharged via wired charging at voltages higher than 5 volts or currents higher than 3 amperes or powers higher than 15 watts, shall:
Amendment 195 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 2 – point a
Annex I a – Part I – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) incorporate the USB Power Delivery, as described in the standard EN IEC 62680-1-2:2021 ‘Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power - Part 1-2: Common components - USB Power Delivery specification’ or the latest EN edition;
Amendment 201 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part II – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex I a – Part II – paragraph 1 – introductory part
In the case of radio equipment falling within the scope of Article 3 (4), first subparagraph, the following information shall be indicated either in printed form on the packaging or in electronic form via QR code, in the absence of packaging, on a label accompanying the radio equipment with the condition that the label can be visible:
Amendment 203 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part II – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex I a – Part II – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) a description of the power requirements of the wired charging devices that can be used with that radio equipment, including the maximum power required to charge the radio equipment expressed in watts by displaying the text: “the minimum power delivered by the charger shall be equal to or higher thbetween [xx] Watts and [xx] Watts”. The number of watts should expressrespectively express the minimum power required by the radio equipment and the maximum power required by the radio equipment to achieve the maximum charging speed;
Amendment 207 #
2021/0291(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I
Annex I
Directive 2014/53/EU
Annex I a – Part II – point 1a
Annex I a – Part II – point 1a
A pictogram indicating whether or not a charging device is offered together with the radio equipment. The pictogram has to be consisting only of image(s) and no words.
Amendment 83 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The initiative for a carbon border adjustment mechanism (‘CBAM’) is a part of the ‘Fit for 55 Package’. That mechanism is to serve as an essential element of the EU toolbox to meet the objective of a climate-neutral Union by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement by addressing risks of carbon leakage resulting from the increased Union climate ambition. The CBAM is also consistent with the EU's objective of Open Strategic Autonomy.
Amendment 88 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Existing mechanisms to address the risk of carbon leakage in sectors or sub- sectors at risk of carbon leakage are the transitional free allocation of EU ETS allowances and financial measures to compensate for indirect emission costs incurred from GHG emission costs passed on in electricity prices respectively laid down in Articles 10a(6) and 10b of Directive 2003/87/EC. However, free allocatExisting carbon leakage measures are based on strict benchmarks established by the best- performing installations. These measures also represents an incentive to reduce emissions under the EU ETS weakens the price signal that the system provideshile also providing a carbon price signal for emissions above the benchmark level; they have proven so foar the installations receiving it compared to full auctioning and thus affects the incentives for investment into further abatement of emissionso be effective in reducing the risk of carbon leakage, although in the context of lower carbon prices than those experienced recently and those forecasted by 2030.
Amendment 96 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The CBAM seeks to replacestrengthen carbon leakage protection in view of higher EU climate ambitions by 2030 and thereafter replace progressively these existing mechanisms by addressing the risk of carbon leakage in a different way, namely by ensuring equivalent carbon pricing for imports and domestic products. To ensure a gradual transition from the current system of free allowances to the CBAM, the CBAM should be progressively phased in while free allowances in sectors covered by the CBAM are phased out and by ensuring that EU products exported in the global market are not replaced by more carbon intensive products, which would undermine the objective of reducing global emissions. To ensure a gradual transition from the current system of free allowances to the CBAM, free allowances should only be phased out once the CBAM regulation has proven its effectiveness in terms of protection from the risk of carbon leakage both for imports and exports, not before 2030 and only following a three years test phase running from 2026 to 2028 during which the effectiveness of the mesure will be throughly assessed by the Commission. The combined and transitional application of EU ETS allowances allocated free of charge and of the CBAM should in no case result in more favourable treatment for Union goods compared to goods imported into the customs territory of the Union.
Amendment 114 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) While the surrenderingof CBAM certificates for EU importers addresses the risk of carbon leakage on the EU market, it is essential that the CBAM would also seek to reduce the possibility of European low-carbon exports being replaced by carbon-intensive items on third country markets or by goods that are not subject to equivalent climate policy and carbon costs, undermining the goal of lowering global emissions. It is therefore necessary to continue addressing the risk of carbon leakageassociated with European exports to third countries that have not yet limited or priced GHG emissions at the same levels as the EU.
Amendment 116 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12 b) This Regulation does not apply to goods exported from the EU and therefore does not address carbon leakage associated with exports. Consequently, the Commission should monitor and evaluate the mechanism’s impact on export markets and, if the assessment of the effectiveness of the CBAM in tackling carbon leakage on the EU market is positive, after the three year test period, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and Council accompanied with a legislative proposal to address the carbon leakage risk on export markets while starting the free allocation phase out as set out in the ETS directive.
Amendment 119 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 c (new)
Recital 12 c (new)
(12 c) If European industries producing goods subject to the CBAM face significant difficulties as a result of its implementation, the Commission develops an in-depth assessment in close collaboration with the industrial secotrs. This assessment should be completed as soon as possible to determine whether the mechanism is effective and practible.
Amendment 121 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) As an instrument to prevent carbon leakage and reduce GHG emissions the CBAM should ensure that imported products are subject to a regulatory system that applies carbon costs equivalent to the ones that otherwise would have been borne under the EU ETS. The CBAM is a climate measure which should prevent the risk of carbon leakage and support the Union’s increased ambition on climate mitigation, while ensuring WTO compatibility. However, the CBAM should be combined with rules addressing the exports component, such as the implementation of full or partial export duty exemptions, in order to fully eliminate concerns of carbon leakage and protect the competitiveness of European exported goods. Such a mechanism would be in line with the rules provided by the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM).
Amendment 132 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to exclude from the CBAM third countries or territories fully integrated into, or linked, to the EU ETS and where the carbon cost burden is equivalent to that under the EU ETS, in the event of future agreements, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amending the list of countries in Annex II. Conversely, those third countries or territories should be excluded from the list in Annex II and be subject to CBAM whereby they do not effectively charge the ETS price on goods exported to the Union.
Amendment 135 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) The implementing act pursuant to Article 7(6) shall include all input materials that contribute significantly to GHG emissions. In the case of stainless steel (CN codes 7218-7223), ferro-alloys shall be included in the list of input materials as they fulfil this criterion.
Amendment 147 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) The CBAM system has some specific features compared with the EU ETS, including on the calculation of the price of CBAM certificates, on the possibilities to trade certificates and on their validity over time. These are due to the need to preserve the effectiveness of the CBAM as a measure preventing carbon leakage over time and to ensure that the management of the system idoes not add excessively burdensome administrative burden to EU companies in terms of obligations imposed on the operators and of resources for the administration, while at the same time preserving an equivalent level of flexibility available to operators under the EU ETS.
Amendment 156 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23 a) Given the unique nature of the CBAM and the need forclose EU coordination, a CBAM authority at the EU level should be established to properly implement and monitor the provisions contained in this regulation.
Amendment 157 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) In terms of sanctions, Member Statesthe EU Central Authority should apply penalties to infringements of this Regulation and ensure that they are implemented. The amount of those penalties should be identical to penalties currently applied within the Union in case of infringement of EU ETS according to Article 16(3) and (4) of Directive 2003/87/EC. However, in case of circumvention or absorption practices or in case of repeated infringements of the provisions of the present Regulation, stronger penalties should apply to avoid undermining the effectiveness of the CBAM regime.
Amendment 202 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) The Commission should evaluate the application of this Regulation before the end of the transitional period and report to the European Parliament and the Council. The report of the Commission should in particular focus on possibilities to enhance climate actions towards the objective of a climate neutral Union by 2050. The Commission should, as part of that evaluation, initiate collection of information necessary to prevent distortion of competition in the EU and in global markets and possibly extend the scope to indirect emissions, as well as to other goods and services at risk of carbon leakage, and to develop methods of calculating embedded emissions based on the environmental footprint methods47 . With regard to indirect emissions, the evaluation shall take into account the exposure of EU producers to carbon costs passed on in electricity prices due to the functioning of the EU energy market. _________________ 47 Commission Recommendation 2013/179/EU of 9 April 2013 on the use of common methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations (OJ L 124, 4.5.2013, p. 1).
Amendment 216 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) The Commission should strive to engage in an even handed manner and in line with the international obligations of the EU, with the third countries whose trade to the EU is affected by this Regulation, to explore possibilities for dialogue and cooperation with regard to the implementation of specific elements of the Mechanism set out this Regulation and related implementing acts. It should also explore possibilities for concluding agreements to take into account their carbon pricing mechanism, provided that they deliver equivalent GHG emissions reductions and carbon costs constraints.
Amendment 232 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes a carbon border adjustment mechanism (the ‘CBAM’) for addressing greenhouse gas emissions embedded in the goods referred to in Annex I, upon their importation into the customs territory of the Union, in order to prevent the risk of carbon leakage from the EU and contribute to the reduction of global carbon emissions.
Amendment 235 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. The mechanism willshould progressively become an alternative to the mechanisms established under Directive 2003/87/EC to prevent the risk of carbon leakage, notably the allocation of allowances free of charge in accordance with Article 10a of that Directive, if it has been proven to be effective in preventing carbon leakage both for imports into and exports from the Union’s custom territory, and without prejudice to maintaining EU ETS allowances free of charge at benchmark level until a test period with actual surrendering obligation by declarants running until 2030 has proven such effectiveness.
Amendment 262 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 12
Article 2 – paragraph 12
12. The Union, may conclude agreements with third countries with a view to take account of carbon pricing mechanisms in these countries in the application of Article 9. These agreements shall not lead to undue preferential treatment of imports from third countries as regards the CBAM certificates to be surrendered and they must not take into account any carbon pricing mechanisms that are considered to be circumvention practices under Article 27.
Amendment 290 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts concerning detailed rules regarding the elements of the calculation methods set out in Annex III, including determining system boundaries of production processes, emission factors, installation-specific values of actual emissions and default values and their respective application to individual goods as well as laying down methods to ensure the reliability of data on the basis of which the default values shall be determined, including the level of detail and the verification of the data. Where necessary, those acts shall provide that the default values can be adapted to particular areas, regions or countries to take into account specific objective factors such as geography, natural resources, market conditions, prevailing energy sources, or industrial processes. The implementing acts shall build upon existing legislation for the verification of emissions and activity data for installations covered by Directive 2003/87/EC, in particular Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/2067.
Amendment 298 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission is empowered to adopt implementing acts concerning the principles of verification referred to in paragraph 1 as regards the possibility to waive the obligation for the verifier to visit the installation where relevant goods are produced and the obligation to set thresholds for deciding whether misstatements or non-conformities are material and concerning the supporting documentation needed for the verification report. Provisions laid down in such implementing acts shall be equivalent to the provisions set in Regulation 2018/2067.
Amendment 304 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The authorised declarant shall keep records of the documentation, certified by an independent person, verifier accredited pursuant to art. 18 and in line with the competences established in art. 8(1) concerning the verification of embedded emissions. The accredited verifier is required to demonstrate that the declared embedded emissions were subject to a carbon price in the country of origin of the goods and keep evidence of the proof of the actual payment for that carbon price which should not have been subject to an export rebate or any other form of compensation on exportation.
Amendment 313 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, upon request by a register the information on operators of an installations located in a third country, register the information on that operator and on itsies and on those installations in a central database referred to in Article 14(4).
Amendment 317 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. The records referred to in paragraph 5, point (c), shall be sufficiently detailed to enable the verification in accordance with paragraph 5, point (b), and to enable any competent authority to verify and to review, in accordance with Article 19(1), the CBAM declaration made by an authorised declarant to whom the relevant information was disclosed in accordance with paragraph 8.
Amendment 322 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Article 10 – paragraph 8
8. The operator may, at any timefter 5 years and with previous notification, ask to be deregistered from the database.
Amendment 325 #
Amendment 327 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. A central CBAM authority at the EU level is established for the purpose of implementing and managing this Regulation.Its composition and tasks shall be established by way of separate Regulation. Each Member State shall designate the national competent authority to carry out the obligations and cooperate with the EU CBAM authority under this Regulation and inform the CommissionEU CBAM authority thereof.
Amendment 331 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall make available to the Member States a list of all competent national authorities and publish this information in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 332 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall require that national competent authorities exchange any information that is essential or relevant to the exercise of their functions and duties through a network established under the responsibility of the EU CBAM authority.
Amendment 337 #
Amendment 339 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
The CommissionEU CBAM authority shall be assisted by the competent national authorities in carrying out their obligations under this Regulation and coordinate their activities.
Amendment 342 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
All information acquired by the central and national competent authorityies in the course of performing itstheir dutyies which is by its nature confidential or which is provided on a confidential basis shall be covered by an obligation of professional secrecy. Such information shall not be disclosed by the competent authority without the express permission of the person or authority that provided it. It may be shared with customs authorities, the Commission and the European Public Prosecutors Office and shall be treated in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97.
Amendment 349 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The information in the database referred to in paragraph 2 shall be confidentialmade available to the public, unless it is proven that it is business confidential according to the relevant EU legislation. Non- confidential summaries must be included with confidential information. Information equivalent to the one made publicly available for EU producers under the EU ETS central database shall be made public.
Amendment 351 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. The CommissionEU CBAM authority shall establish a central database accessible to the public containing the names, addresses and contact details of the operators and the location of installations in third countries in accordance with Article 10(2). An operator may choose not to have its name, address and contact details accessible to the public.The central database should insofar as possible, mirror the ETS database
Amendment 352 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. The CommissionEU CBAM authority shall act as central administrator to maintain an independent transaction log recording the purchase of CBAM certificates, their holding, surrender, re-purchase and cancellation and ensure coordination of national registries.
Amendment 355 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. If irregularities are identified as a result of the controls carried out under paragraph 2, the Commission shall inform the Member State or Member States concerned for further investigation in order to correct the identified irregularities. Identified irregularities shall be corrected as soon as possible from their identification and, where appropriate, penalties pursuant to article 27 shall apply.
Amendment 358 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The national competent authority shall assign to each authorised declarant a unique CBAM account number which will be registered with the EU CBAM Authority.
Amendment 359 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The national competent authority shall authorise a declarant who submits an application for authorisation in accordance with Article 5(1), if the following conditions are fulfilled:
Amendment 366 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. Where the national competent authority finds that the conditions listed in paragraph 1 are not fulfilled, or where the applicant has failed to provide the information listed in Article 5(3), the authorisation of the declarant shall be refused.
Amendment 367 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 3
3. If the national competent authority refuses to authorise a declarant, the declarant requesting the authorisation may, prior to an appeal, object to the relevant authority under national law, who shall either instruct the national administrator to open the account or uphold the refusal in a reasoned decision, subject to requirements of national law that pursue a legitimate objective compatible with this Regulation and are proportionate.
Amendment 368 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. A decision of the competent national authority authorising a declarant shall contain the following information
Amendment 370 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. The competent national authority shall require the provision of a guarantee in order to authorise a declarant in accordance with paragraph 1, if the declarant was not established throughout the two financial years that precede the year when the application in accordance with Article 5(1) was submitted.
Amendment 371 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
The competent national authority shall fix the amount of such guarantee at the maximum amount, as estimated by the competent authority, of the value of the CBAM certificates that the authorised declarant have to surrender, in accordance with Article 22.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 7
Article 17 – paragraph 7
7. The guarantee shall be provided as a bank guarantee, payable at first demand, by a financial institution operating in the Union or by another form of guarantee which provides equivalent assurance. Where the competent national authority establishes that the guarantee provided does not ensure, or is no longer certain or sufficient to ensure the amount of CBAM obligations, it shall require the authorised declarant either to provide an additional guarantee or to replace the initial guarantee with a new guarantee, according to its choice.
Amendment 373 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 8
Article 17 – paragraph 8
8. The competent national authority shall release the guarantee immediately after 31 May of the second year in which the authorised declarant has surrendered CBAM certificates in accordance with Article 22.
Amendment 375 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 9
Article 17 – paragraph 9
9. The competent national authority shall revoke the authorisation for a declarant who no longer meets the conditions laid down in paragraph 1, or who fails to cooperate with that authority.
Amendment 376 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Amendment 378 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Amendment 380 #
2021/0214(COD)
1. The competententral and national authorityies may review the CBAM declaration within the period ending with the fourth year after the year in which the declaration should have been submitted. The review may consist in verifying the information provided in the CBAM declaration on the basis of the information communicated by the customs authorities in accordance with Article 25(2) and any other relevant evidence, and on the basis of any audit deemed necessary, including at the premises of the authorised declarant.
Amendment 382 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) The national competent authority shall inform the EU CBAM authority of the quantity and installation source of the exports. The EU CBAM authority shall inform the Commission of the data received so as to allow the Commissionto to make adjustments to the allowances to be surrendered for the intallation source of the exports.
Amendment 387 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. Where a CBAM declaration in accordance with Article 6 has not been submitted, the competent authority of the Member State of establishment of the authorised declarant shall assess the CBAM obligations of that declarant on the basis of the information at its disposal and calculate the total number of CBAM certificates due at the latest by the 31 December of the fourth year following that when the CBAM declaration should have been submitted.
Amendment 408 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. In case of repeated failure to surrender a number of CBAM certificates corresponding to the emissions embedded in goods imported during the previous year, or in case of submission of false information in the CBAM declaration, an authorized declarant, and any of its related parties, maybe automatically excluded from the register for a given period from the date of exclusion. The respective verifier – and any of its related parties - who has certified the accuracy of the information in the CBAM declaration should have its certification withdrawn by the central CBAM authority.
Amendment 412 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 5
Article 26 – paragraph 5
5. Member StatesThe central CBAM authority may apply administrative or criminal sanctions for failure to comply with the CBAM legislation in accordance with their national rules in addition to penalties referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4a. Such sanctions shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 417 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. Practices of circumvention include situations where a change in the pattern of trade in relation to goods included in the scope of this Regulation whether slightly modified or not, stems from a practice, process or work, has insufficient due cause or economic justification other than avoiding obligations as laid down in this Regulation and consist in replacing those goods with slightly modified products, which are not included in the list of goods in Annex I but belong to a sector included in the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 419 #
2021/0214(COD)
2 a. The practice, process or work referred to in the first subparagraph include, inter alia: (a) the slight modification of the product concerned to make it fall under customs codes which are normally not subject to the obligations of this Regulation, provided that the modification does not alter its essential characteristics; (b) false declarations as to the identity of the producer of the product concerned or of the nature of the product concerned or the production process involved in making it; (c) the consignement of the product concerned via third countries to which no or more favourable obligations apply; (d) the reorganisation by exporters or producers of their patterns and channels of sales in order to eventually avoid obligations as laid down in this Regulation,or undermine their effects, including on overall GHG emissions and on prices of the like products, for instance via practices of resource shuffling;For thepurpose of this point, resource shuffling shall be defined as any practice, process or work that have insufficient due cause or economic justification other than avoiding obligations as laid down in this Regulation, or undermining their effects, without delivering environmental benefits on global GHGemissions; (e) any other measure to eventually avoid or evade obligations as laid down in this Regulation, or undermine their effects, including onoverall GHG;
Amendment 429 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Amendment 434 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Following a notification from a Member State, an interested party or on its own initiative, the Commission may decide, following an investigation, to extend obligations laid down in this regulation, in whatever way is necessary to prevent future circumvention of the mechanism, when circumvention of the measures in force is taking place.
Amendment 437 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5
Article 27 – paragraph 5
Amendment 445 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Decisions referred to in the third paragraph shall be subject to theappeal procedure as set out in Article 30.
Amendment 446 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 b (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. The Commission shall always investigate possible circumvention when notified by a Member State or an interested party. Initiations shall be made by means of a Commission regulation which shall also instruct customs authorities of Member States to subject imports to registration. The Commission shall provide information to the Member States once a party or a Member State has submitted a request to initiate an investigation and the Commission has completed its analysis thereof, or where the Commission has itself determined that there is a need to initiate an investigation.
Amendment 449 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 c (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Investigations shall be carried out by the Commission. The Commission may be assisted by customs authorities and the investigation shall be concluded in due time.
Amendment 451 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 d (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. The Commission Decision finding circumvention shall impose a penalty pursuant to article 26 on an Authorised Declarant involved in the circumvention and, if appropriate, the operator of the installation located in the third country that is linked to the Authorised Declarant. Where appropriate, the penalty shall also entail the withdrawal of import authorisation and be extended to the operator.
Amendment 453 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27 a Absorption 1. If any party submits sufficient evidence that, following the entry into force of this Regulation, an Authorised Declarant has been absorbing the cost of the CBAM Certificates, resulting in no or insufficient movement in the resale prices or subsequent selling prices of the imported product in the Union, and that such a situation has insufficient due cause or economic justification other than undermining the effects of the obligations as laid down in this Regulation, the Commission shall open an investigation. Once a party has presented sufficient evidence justifying the opening of an inquiry and the Commission hasfinished its study, the Commission will inform the Member States. 2. The investigation may also be opened, under the conditions set out in the first subparagraph, on the initiative of the Commission or at the request of a Member State. 3. During an investigation pursuant to this Article, any interested party shall be provided with an opportunity to clarify the situation with regard to resale prices and subsequent selling prices. 4. Investigations shall be carried out by the Commission. The Commission may be assisted by customs authorities and the investigation shall be concluded within in due time. 5. If it is concluded that the obligations as laid down in this Regulation should have led to movements in such prices, the Commission shall take appropriate measures to re-establish the effectiveness of the obligations as set out in this Regulation. Such measures imposed pursuant to this Article shall not exceed the amount of the penalties as set out in Article 26.
Amendment 473 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. Before the end of the transitional period, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Regulation. The report shall contain, in particular, an in-depthe assessment ofdeveloped in cooperation with the sectors at risk of carbon leakage covered by this regulation of the rules to be applied in the testing period established pursuant art. 30bis and the possibilities to further extend the scope of embedded emissions to indirect emissions and to other goods at risk of carbon leakage than those already covered by this Regulation, as well as an assessment of the governance system as well as an assessment of the impact on competitiveness of the EU downstream industry. It shall also contain the assessment of the possibility to further extend the scope to embedded emissions of transportation services as well as to goods further down the value chain and services that may be subject to the risk of carbon leakage in the future. Such an extension should be considered only if a clear calculation methodology has been established by the Commission and once the mechanism has proven fully effective in terms of achieving its objective of carbon leakage protection.
Amendment 494 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a Before phasing out free allocation to sectors at risk of carbon leakage covered by this rule, the Commission will monitor and assess the mechanism's efficacy in terms of the risk of carbon leakage. To this purpose, the Commission shall publish a report to the European Parliament and the Council, following consultation with the sectors subject by this Regulation,evaluating: a. the first three years (2026-2028) of thesurrendering obligation pursuant to article 22; b. the risk of carbon leakage on export markets. If the assessment is positive, the report shall be accompanied by a legislativeproposal to phase out free allocation to sectors subject to this regulation and to adopt a solution to mitigate the risk of carbon leakage on the export market.
Amendment 542 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Annex III – point 3 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Where AttrEmg are the attributed emissions of goods g, and ALg the activity level of the goods, the latter being the amount of goods produced in the reporting period in that installation, and EEInpMat are the embedded emissions of the input materials (precursors) consumed in the production process. Only input materials listed as relevant to the system boundaries of the production process as specified in the implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 7(6) are to be considered. The implementing act pursuant to Article 7 (6) shall include all input materials that contribute significantly to GHG emissions. In the case of stainless steel (CN codes 7218-7223), ferro-alloys shall be included in the list of input materials as they fulfil this criterion. The relevant EEInpMat are calculated as follows:
Amendment 547 #
2021/0214(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 6
Annex III – point 6
Amendment 12 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I (new)
Recital I (new)
I. whereas the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of global value chains, has created major challenges for international production, especially in combination with rapid technological change and digitization acceleration, and has highlighted the need for enhanced resilience and diversification at a global, regional, and local level;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J (new)
Recital J (new)
J. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has further increased inequalities and has added to the already growing concern among citizens about job loss in certain sectors, the changing nature of work and the pressure on workers’ wages and rights, and these problems must be addressed in order to retain public support for global trade;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K (new)
Recital K (new)
K. whereas the divisions within the WTO and the urgent need for its reform, complicated the coordinated response to keep global supply chains open, and the priority now must be to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions being able to deliver global answers, by rapidly moving forward on the discussions on the WTO Trade and Health Initiative;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L (new)
Recital L (new)
L. whereas COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic, giving rise to an unprecedented global health, economic, social, and humanitarian crisis, which created bottlenecks and disruptions of an unseen scale to international trade, causing it to plunge as the virus spread and slashing global production and employment, decreasing the level of Foreign Direct Investment, and increasing geopolitical tensions;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M (new)
Recital M (new)
M. whereas the Trade Policy Review needs to be complemented with a realistic strategy to increase EU resilience and strategic autonomy, including tailored policy measures and instruments in the area of domestic production, nearshoring, diversification of suppliers, and stockpiling;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O (new)
Recital O (new)
O. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak risks creating a set-back in the worldwide fight against climate change, yet, we need global action and cooperation to develop policies and streamline climate action in internal and external policy, as the vaccine alone will not be sufficient to address the social, environmental and economic crisis COVID-19 has caused;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P (new)
Recital P (new)
P. whereas the pandemic has demonstrated strategic vulnerabilities in the EU and global supply chains, including for critical raw materials, essential medical goods such as personal protective equipment and active pharmaceutical ingredients;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q (new)
Recital Q (new)
Q. whereas the Communication on the Trade Policy Review needs to be complemented with continued dialogue and transparency with the European Parliament, which will play a key role in its implementation;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the mainstreaming of the European Green Deal into the cCommunication on the Trade Policy Review (TPR) and calls for a concrete action plan to make this ambition a reafor an assertive trade policy geared towards multilateralism, resilience, and sustainability;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the incorporationat the EU will propose the respect of the Paris Agreement to be considered as an essential element in allfuture trade, and investment and partnership agreements; stresses that ratification of the International Labour Organizgreements; reminds the Commission that the respect and implementation (of ILO) core conventions and respect for human rights are requirements for concluding FTAcommitments of its recent trade agreements; asks for ambitious chapters on digital trade, gender, and on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be included in allnew trade agreements;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the post-COVID-19 recovery is a unique opportunity to set the agenda forpromote sustainable growth; calls on the Commission, therefore, to present its review of the 15-point action plan on TSD chapters without delay;in 2021 and expects the review to address the enforceability of TSD commitments as a matter of urgency, as it is not currently includedconsider the effective implementation and enforcement in trade agreements; recalls, in this regard, the non-paper from the Netherlands and France on trade, social economic effects and sustainable development11 ; suggests that, as a minimum, recent advances in enforceability should be applied to EU trade policy, namely the ability to tackle any non-compliance by partners through unilateral sanctions, including the introduction of tariffs or quotas on certain products or the cross- suspension of other parts of an agreement; __________________ 11 Non-paper from the Netherlands and France on trade, social economic effects and sustainable development, accessed at ‘the Netherlands at International Organisations (permanentrepresentations.nl)’.
Amendment 55 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to move away from a “brown/green” product distinction, which dictated “good” and “bad” goods and services, and instead promote life cycle analysis and impact assessments to achieve fair and accurate sustainable trade;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that high up-front costs, which will only repay themselves over time, and a lack of know-how and equipment are currently preventslowing developing countries from ‘going green’in their green and digital transitions; demands that the Commission use allits trade instruments at its disposal to increase financial support, technical assistance, technology transferscapacity building and digital penetration in order to empower developing countries and enable them toto support the achievement of sustainable and digital resilience;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU to take a leading role at awithin the multilateral level to end harmful subsidies by advocating transparency and strict regulation and disciplines framework to engage with like-minded countries and trade partners to pursue a strong environmental agenda, including trade agreements and at the World Trade Organization (WTO)he progressive development of disciplines against market distorting subsidies; stresses the importance of drawing up sustainability impact assessments on an ex- ante, intermediate and ex-post basis; stresses the need to develop a comprehensive framework with concrete targetsprovide guidance to advance the SDGs, the Green Deal and the ILO Decent Work Agenda in trade and investment agreements; emphasises that new agreements should only be concluded once these targets have been fulfilled and that existing agreements should be revised accordingly;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. EWelcomes the Access2Market gateway and the Commission’s efforts in promoting this tool across the Europe; emphasiszes that transparency and dialogue with stakeholders and citizens are key to creating support for trade policy; insists that the role and responsibilities of and to harness its benefits; insists that the EU must deepen its engagement with Member States, the private sector, civil society, and domestic advisory groups must be clearly defined in the EU’s international agreementsall other relevant actors, as well as with trade partner and developing partner countries, and that financial assistance must be duly accompanied by capacity- building measures to enable itin order for them to function effectively and with particular attention paid to SMEs taking better advantage of trade agreements and to trade facilitation measures;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of fairresilient and sustainable value chains that respect human rights, labour rights and environmental standards; recalls that mandatory due diligence throughout the entire supply chain is a necessaryis an instrument to achieve this; stresses that more attention should be paid to the vulnerabile positiones of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially in developing countries, wheremarkets and in their manufacturing capacities as large companies are more likely to overcome a sudden drop in demandexogenous shocks;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that global value chains often involve an uneven distribution of risks, particularly in the garment sector; deplores the fact that during the pandemic this uneven distribution has led to European businesses offloading the costs of lower demand onto producers in developing countries by cancelling orders that were already produced and in some cases even shippedsymmetrical effects and distribution of risks; deplores that least developed countries (LDCs), low-income and middle-income (LICs and MICs) countries were hit the hardest in numerous sectors by trade disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic; calls the Commission to act as a global player and to tailor its support towards LDCs, LICs and MICs, while taking into consideration the particular circumstances of COVID-19; calls on the Commission to engage with Member States, local governments, the private sector and civil society to achieve a fairer distribution of risksnegative impacts and across the supply chains;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance ofNotes that Member State investments are often drastically cut during crises and assets in strategic sectors, such as healthcare, are exposed to a risk of undervaluation and sale to foreign investors; stresses that, while openness to trade is part of the economy’s resilience and competitiveness, effective rules ensuring fair competition and a level playing field for European businesses in, both in the internal market and in third- country markets; stresses, in this regard, the importance of trade defence instruments and calls on the Commission to swiftly, are necessary to guarantee mutually beneficial trade relations with international partners and protect the single market from aggressive investment strategies from non-EU actors trying to take advantage of the current crisis; stresses that increased investments of state-owned enterprises from third countries may be even more likely to cause distortions in case of leveraging of their privileged position within a closed and non-transparent domestic market; calls on the Commission to swiftly fill the gaps of the EU’s regulatory framework and complete the EU’s trade defence toolbox througwith legislative proposals in 2021, giving priority to an to strengthen our strategic autonomy, where priority should be given to instruments tohat deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries and that tackle distortions caused by foreign subsidies and state- owned enterprises and to the conclusion ofding the negotiations on the International Procurement Instrument12 ; __________________ 12Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 January 2016 on the access of third- country goods and services to the Union’s internal market in public procurement and procedures supporting negotiations on access of Union goods and services to the public procurement markets of third countries (COM(2016)0034).
Amendment 123 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that openness should go hand in hand with safeguarding our strategic sectors and should be closely connected with an ambitious, forward- looking industrial policy in line with the Green Deal and digital strategy, which can increase the EU’s capabilities to withstand future shocks in strategic sectors and ensure the competitiveness of EU businesses, creating quality jobs and ensuring that Europe plays a crucial role in the production of innovative goods and future services;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is convinced that the EU is too dependent on a limited number of suppliers for critical raw materials, goods, and services, and that this undermines its strategic autonomy and geopolitical objectives; insists that the EU should overcome these undesirable dependencies via a horizontal mix of policies tohat incentivises companies to stockpile, increase manufacturing, diversify sourcing strategies and promotes nearshoring, where necessary, which could create new trading opportunities for partners in the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods; stresses that related policies need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of the sectors and global value chains(GVCs) under consideration, as no general policy approach exists, and that GVC configuration is a business choice;
Amendment 140 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that fooagri-food markets and supply chains remained operational during the pandemic, but deplores that export restrictions and trade barriers have disrupted it; notes that the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), which brings together the principal trading countries of agricultural commodities with the aim of enhancing food market transparency and the policy response for food security, can be regarded as an example of good practice; calls on the Commission to explore whether this model could be used in other value chains as well; supports trade facilitating actions taken to promote food safety standards and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) in response to COVID-19; calls on the Commission to identify the most appropriate measures to ensure that this pandemic does not translate into a food crisis in the developing world;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to come up with a digital trade strategy to, which increases the market access of European businesses, strengthens digital infrastructure, harmonizes regulatory frameworks, modernises trade and customs tools, and protects EU citizens’ rights under the GDPR13 ; underlines the acceleration of the digital revolution due to COVID-19 and stresses the importance of the EU taking the lead in setting standards for a sustainable, digital-driven global economy and keeping international data flows open to rapidly overcome a range of trade barriers and bottlenecks; calls on the EU to facilitate the building and readiness of digital infrastructures, particularly in the e-commerce sector and its supply capacities with the aim of reducing face to face processes and allowing for efficient logistics and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Commission to support skills training to enable more businesses and consumers to use online services and digital platforms; stresses the importance of engaging with the United States and like-minded partners on setting a joint regulatory framework and standards at the WTO level; __________________ 13Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 169 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that international trade governance has an important role to play in the rapid development of medical treatments and vaccines, the rapid scaling up of production, the development of resilient global value chains and equitable market access for the whole world; stresses, in this context, that the COVID-19 pandemic must be used to provide impetus for more concerted international cooperation and to boost global preparedness for health emergencies;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises, in this connection, the detrimental effects of unilateral measures such as export restrictions and prohibitions and the lack of transparency on global stocks and the subsequent price speculation on scarce essential goods, not least for low and middle-income countries; calls, therefore, forthe EU to encourage the adoption of the WTO trade and health initiative by the end of 2021 and for greater transparency on the supply and production of essentialto encourage stronger global cooperation, including increased transparency, production of medical products, resilience of global healthcare system, and accessible and affordable medical products and services;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the recent rise in export restrictions on vaccines by the main manufacturing countries such as the US, the UK, China and, India and by the EU and emphasises that this might endangers the rapid global scaling up of vaccine production capacity; urges the Commission to engage with producing countries to swiftly eliminate export barriers and to replace the export authorisation mechanism with an export and import notification requirement; insists on having timely and comprehensive access to such data; ; reaffirms that the EU export authorisation mechanism is a temporary measure, only to be used as a very last resort, that should evolve in the long-term into a transparency mechanism; stresses, however, that for the time being a targeted export authorisation mechanism with criteria of proportionality and reciprocity works towards ensuring the safety and well-being of European citizens; emphasises that the increased transparency provided by the EU export authorisation mechanism has increased European citizens trust in the EU’s vaccine rollout and management of the COVID-19 pandemic while demonstrating the EU's cooperative approach as a vaccine export champion;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises that international trade policy must play a proactive role in this endeavour by facilitating trade in raw materials, alleviating shortages of qualified and experienced personnel, solving supply chain problems and revisit; insists, ing the global framework for intellectual property riis regard, that no concrete evidence has been broughts for future pandemics; insists, in this regard, on a constructive dialogue abouward showing that IP rights constitute a barrier to combatting COVID-19; considers that a temporary waiver of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in order to ensure that countries do not face retaliation over COVID-19 related patent infringements during the pandemicwill not enhance vaccine production and technology/know how transfer and that destabilising the multilateral IP legal framework, which currently provides protection and incentives, will undermine EU preparedness against mutations and future pandemics; notes that LDCs already are exempt from a bulk of substantial TRIPS obligations;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes with concern that geopolitical competition and tensions have accelerated following the COVID-19 outbreak; stresses that the European Union still has to position itself in this new geopolitical environment and believes that the global pandemic has confirmed the need for a stronger and more effective international trade and development policy;
Amendment 210 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Invites the Commission to set out concrete and specific actions and a roadmap to implement the concept of open strategic autonomy and to ensure that all soft and hard options are on the table, even calibrated threats; stresses that the EU’s market strength, values and adherence to cooperation, fairness, reciprocity, and rule-based trade should be the basis of such openness; strongly recommends that the EU seeks out partnerships with like-minded partners; stresses, however, that where cooperation is not possible, the EU should pursue its interests through autonomous measures to protect its values and fight unfair trading practices;
Amendment 215 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Urges the Commission to proceed with putting in place the Multilateral Investment Court, building on the EU’s approach to its bilateral FTAs, to fully exercise its prerogative at EU level concerning investments agreements, and to support Member States in implementing effective foreign direct investment screening mechanism;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Urges the Commission to pursue an effective “vaccine & medical supplies diplomacy” for countries with limited access to them and to work effectively towards increasing the EU’s global standing and diplomatic visibility in this area as the acknowledgement of the EU’s leading role will strengthen its international credibility;
Amendment 218 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 c (new)
Paragraph 21 c (new)
21c. Believes that tackling international issues arising from, but not limited to, the COVID-19 pandemic, should be handled at the multilateral lever and require further engagement by the European Union and its Member States, acting together as ‘Team Europe’;
Amendment 220 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the TPR’s affirmation of multilateralism and extensive proposals for the necessary in-depth reform of the WTO across all its functions; shares the Commission’s emphasis on economic recovery, digital trade, unfair state subsidies, and sustainable development in its vision for WTO reform and urges the Commission to bring to bear all efforts to implement a sustainable developmentits agenda; stresses the importance of taking forward the WTO initiative on trade and climate;
Amendment 231 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Emphasises that reviving the WTO negotiating function will play a key role in any substantial reform of the organisation; highlights, in particular, the need to address competitive distortions caused by industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprises, particularly from China; calls for the Commission to actively pursue a solution to the mismatch between the level of development and the number of commitments undertaken within the international trading system; is convinced that EU leadership isand transatlantic cooperation are crucial for any meaningful WTO reform to succeed;
Amendment 237 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Shares the suggestion made in the TPR that the G20 should cooperate and take a leading role in achieving carbon neutrality worldwidestrengthen cooperation on carbon neutrality and other aspects of the Green Deal; stresses, however, that in order for this approach to be effective, some G20 members will need to raise their emission reduction commitments;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Supports the new, forward-looking transatlantic agenda based on common interests and shared values; urges the Commission and the US administration to cooperate closely in order to secure a level playing field and to agree on ambitious social and environmental standards and build on each other’s experience to enforce these more efficiently; calls for joint efforts to overcome the pandemic, speed up the economic recovery and facilitate trade in essential medical goods; reiterates that we should work together to achieve meaningful WTO reform and find common solutions to common problems; supports the Commission’s Communication on ‘A new EU-US agenda for global change’ and calls for the swift establishment of a new EU-US Trade and Technology Council;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Calls on the EU to learn from its experience of the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand what it means to be a geopolitical actor in an increasingly tense global environment and stresses the importance of using strategic foresight in order to increase preparedness and resilience for the world emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and for any future shocks and health crises, including the emergence of new disease mutations and future pandemics, aiming to develop future-proof strategies and responses;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that the EU depends on a narrow set of countries for a large proportion of its imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients and chemical raw materials; stresses that this over- reliance can pose a risk when limitations in production capacity, excess demand or protectionist measures such as export restrictions threaten the proper functioning of global supply chains and potentially undermine the availability of medicines in the EU; calls on the Commission to present a long-term strategy focused on ensuring the EU’s open strategic autonomy in health; notes that such protectionist measures are likely to backfire and undermine global productive capacity as a whole; underlines that maintaining a stable and predictable trade and investment environment is the best way to leverage global manufacturing capacity when there is a surge in the demand for medicines; calls on the Commission to present a long-term strategy focused on ensuring the EU’s open strategic autonomy in health including through concrete measures that support diversification, security of supply and domestic manufacturing of critical products;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Urges the Commission and Member States to conduct an in-depth mapping and analysis of the global supply chains for medicines; demands that, if such a mapping reveals substantial vulnerabilities and risks of supply disruption, remedial action be taken;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the EU is a leading global exporter of pharmaceutical products; notes that the protection and enforcement of IP rights in free trade agreements (FTAs) and at the WTO is crucial to the development of new medicines and treatments and for maintaining EU's global competitive advantage in innovation; underlines that the flexibilities provided in the TRIPS agreement can be used to address potential supply shortages in exceptional circumstances;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that a broad network of FTAs together with a functioning multilateral trading system constitute the best way of guaranteeing that multiple sources of manufacturing for essential medicines are available and regulatory standards converge globally; recalls that difference in regulatory frameworks and standards for medicinal products can create an obstacle to trade; encourages the adoption of international standards to ensure the quality and safety of imported final or intermediate medicinal products and the inclusion of strong regulatory cooperation provisions in EU bilateral trade agreements to ensure that all medicinal products destined for the European market fulfill the applicable quality standards;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2071(INI)
5. Strongly encourages all countries to join the WTO’s Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement; calls for its scope to be extended to all pharmaceutical and medicinal products; stresses that medical products and medicines, including in their intermediate forms, should be exempted from retaliation in trade disputes;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the swift and full implementation - and if needed a revision - of the regulation on FDI screening, in which health care should be included as a strategic sector;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is convinced that a purpose-built trade policy can be an important driver in steering economies towards decarbonisation in order to achieve the climate objectives set in the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal; emphasises that, as a result of the EU’s increased ambition on climate change, risk of carbon leakage increased consequently; urges the Commission to ensure full carbon-leakage protection in all its policies accordingly; stresses that EU climate policy must be aligned to economic growth and competitiveness for the European industry and SMEs;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) Is convinced that the main objective of a carbon border adjustment mechanism should be to reduce global emissions, while avoiding carbon leakage and upholding competitiveness of European industries.
Amendment 24 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Supports, in the absence of a global carbon price and a multilateral solution, a market-based EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), with regard to imports from all countries not covered by a strict carbon trading system with similar goals and costs for lowering CO2 emissions, on condition that it is compatible with EU free trade agreements (FTAs) and WTO rules (by being non- discriminatory and not constituting a disguised restriction on international trade), and that it is proportionate, based on the polluter pays principle and fit for purpose in delivering the climate objectives;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for thorough impact assessments andExpresses concern that a mechanism centred solely on basic materials could lead to a shift in imports towards intermediate and final products not covered by the mechanism, thereby affecting the EU industry; calls for thorough, proper and comprehensive impact assessments prior to its implementation also aimed to identify measures for sectors where the risk of carbon leakage is highest while taking into consideration the sector’s competitiveness and calls on the Commission for the utmost transparency of the process leading to the CBAM, as well as engagement with the EU’s trading partners to build coalitions and avoid any possible retaliations; calls on the Commission not to replace existing carbon leakage measures with an untested mechanism, in order to avoid major uncertainties and risks for European industry;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that many carbon- and trade- intensive industrial sectors could potentially be impacted by the CBAM, either directly or indirectly, and that it could influence supply chains; emphasises therefore, that any CBAM design should be an additional and complementary measure to existing carbon leakage measures, at least in an initial phase, in order to better monitor the cost effect and to safeguard the global level of competitiveness of the EU industrial sectors vis a vis competition from third countries with non-equivalent CO2 reduction and cost reduction goals; stresses that any CBAM should be easy to administer and not place an undue burden on enterprises, especially small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs); notes that from a bureaucratic and implementation cost point of view, the CBAM should not be a complicated alternative to the instruments already in use.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce a harmonised approach addressing obligations imposed onfor online intermediaries, in order to avoid fragmentation of the internal market while guaranteeing users fundamental rights; stresses that any measure related to fundamental rights should be carefully balanced and take into account the possible impact on the functioning of the internal market, and calls on the Commission to avoid the ‘export’ of national regulations and instead to propose the most efficient and effective solutions for the internal market as a whole without creating new administrative burdens and keeping the digital single market open and competitive;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. States that limited liability provisions as set out in the e-Commerce Directive1 must be maintained and strengthenwhere needed, updated in the Digital Services Act to better protect users and consumers, particularly in order to protect freedom of expression and the freedom to provide services; underlines the importance of these protections to the growth of European SMEscompanies, SMEs and microbusinesses in particular; _________________ 1 Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (‘Directive on electronic commerce’), OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1.
Amendment 31 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that online intermediaries, including microcompanies, SMEs and large players have differing capabilities with regard to the moderation of content; warns that overburdening businesses with disproportionate new obligations could further hinder the growth of SMEs and require recourse to automatic filtering tools, which may often lead to the removal of legal content;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the fact that mdisinformativeon and harmful content is not always illegal in every Member State; calls, therefore, for the establishment of a well-defined notice- and-takedown process; supports an intensive dialogue between authorities and relevant stakeholders with the aim of deepening the soft law approach based on good practices such as the EU-wide Code of Practice on Disinformation,action mechanism; Believes that such a process adding requirements for platforms to take any measures regarding the content they host must take note of the significant differences between digital services and be proportionate to their scale of reach and operational capacities so as to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens for the platforms and any restrictions of fundamental rights as a result, such as any restriction on the freedom of expression; Supports greater cooperation between Member States, competent authorities and platforms with the aim of developing and improving soft law approaches in order to further tackle mdisinformation;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the introduction of appropriate safeguards, due process obligations and counter- notice toolprocedures to allow content owners to defend their rights adequately and in a timely manner when notified of any takedown; underlines its view that delegating the responsibility to set boundaries on freedom of speech to private companies is unacceptable and creates risks for both citizens and businesses, neither of which are qualified to take such decisions.; Believes that the removal of content should be followed up by law enforcement where needed;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in its communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 19 February 2020 “Shaping Europe’s digital future”, the Commission committed itself to adopting, as part of the Digital Services Act package, new and revised rules for online platforms and information service provider; to reinforcing the oversight over platforms’ content policies in the EU; and, to looking into ex ante rules to ensure that large platforms with significant network effects, acting as gatekeepers, remain fair and contestable for innovators, businesses, and new market entrants; including SMEs, start-ups, entrepreneurs and new market entrants; believes that the Digital Services Act should complement the existing legal framework together with other relevant legislation, such as rules on consumer protection, enforcement, product safety, market surveillance, competition, geo-blocking, audio-visual media services, copyright and the General Data Protection Regulation;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to submit a proposal for a Digital Services Act package, consisting of a directive amending the E-Commerce Directive and a proposal for a Regulation on ex-ante rules on large platforms with a gatekeeper role, and, on the basis of Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), calls on the Commission to submit such a package on the basis of the relevant Articles of the Treaties, following the recommendations set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
(a) Stresses the importance to address the remaining unjustified obstacles to the Digital Single Market and avoid protectionist measures, which are sometimes used by Member States to boost national competition. For example, settling the costs of cross-border disputes, suppliers’ restrictions to selling cross- border, delivery-related matters, taxation rules, limited cross-border access to goods and services due to differences in intellectual property rights law, access to information on the relevant regulatory requirements, complex administrative procedures, as well as ensuring that no new barriers are created;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the main principles of the E-Commerce Directive, such as the internal market clause, freedom of establishment and the prohibition on imposing a general monitoring obligation should be maintained; underlines that the principle of “what is illegal offline is also illegal online”, as well as the principles of consumer protection and user safety, should also become guiding principles of the future regulatory framework; highlights that all platforms must have the same duty to protect consumers whereby asymmetrical legislation which targets only certain market actors can be introduced solely as a means to tackle market-related problems;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that a future-proof, comprehensive EU-level framework and fair competition are crucial in order to promote the growth of European small- scale platforms, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro companies, entrepreneurs and start-ups, prevent market fragmentation and provide European businesses with a level playing field that enables them to better profit from the digital services market and be more competitive on the world stage;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that a level playing field in the internal market between the platform economy and the "traditional" offline economy, based on the same rights and obligations for all interested parties - consumers and businesses - is needed; considers that social protection and social rights of workers, especially of platform or collaborative economy workers should be properly addressed in a specific instrument, accompanying the future regulatory framework;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that the Digital Services Act should be based on public values of the Union protecting citizens’ rights should aim to foster the creation of a rich and diverse online ecosystem with a wide range of online services, favourable digital environment and legal certainty to unlock the full potential of the Digital Single Market; believes that the EU should focus on removing existing obstacles in the Digital Single Market and on ensuring consumer and fundamental rights protection as one of the main objectives of the reform of the E-Commerce Directive; considers in this context that the Single Market objective can only be achieved if consumer trust is ensured; believes that the updated E-Commerce rules must clearly establish that consumer law and product safety requirements fall within their scope of application in order to ensure legal certainty;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that information society services providers, and in particular online platforms andincluding social networking sites - because of their wide-reaching ability to reach and influence broader audiences, behaviour, opinions, and practices - bear significant social responsibility in terms of protecting users and society at large and preventing their services from being exploited abusively.
Amendment 182 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that recent scandals regarding data harvesting and selling, Cambridge Analytica, fake news, political advertising and manipulation and a host of other online harms (from hate speech to the broadcast of terrorism) have shown the need to revisit the existing rules and reinforce protection of fundamental rights online;
Amendment 198 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable EU consumers are to misleading trading practices by dishonest traders selling fake or illegal products online that are not compliant with Union safety rules or imposing unjustified and abusive price increases or other unfair conditions on consumers and therefore stresses the urgent need to set up clear rules in order to enhance consumer protection;
Amendment 207 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that this problem is aggravated by the fact that often the identity of these companies cannot be establishfraudulent companies and individuals cannot be established; and therefore, consumers cannot seek compensation for the damages and losses experienced;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ConsidersIs convinced that the current transparency and information requirements set out in the E-Commerce Directive on information society services providers and their business customers, and the minimum information requirements on commercial communications, should be substantially strengthened;
Amendment 230 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to require service providers to verify the information and the identity of the business partners with whom they have a contractual commercial relationship,; business partners should be the ones in charge of notifying the service provider about any change in their business activity (for example, cessation of business activity) and to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and up-to-date;
Amendment 249 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 260 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that existing obligations, set out in the E-Commerce Directive and the Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘Unfair Commercial Practices Directiveʼ)3 on transparency of commercial communications and digital advertising should be strengthened; points out that pressing consumer protection concerns about profiling, targeting and personalised pricing cannotshould be addressed by, among others, by clear transparency obligations and left to consumer choice aloneinformation requirements; __________________ 3 Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to- consumer commercial practices in the internal market and amending Council Directive 84/450/EEC, Directives 97/7/EC, 98/27/EC and 2002/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22).
Amendment 267 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the European Commission's White Paper on Artificial Intelligence; calls on the Commission to ensure that the Digital Services Act preserves the human centric approach to AI, while ensuring respect of the EU’s fundamental values and rights as enshrined in the Treaties;
Amendment 285 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that consumers should be properly informed and their rights should be effectively guaranteed when they interact with automated decision-making systems and other innovative digital services or applications; considers it essential that automatic decision-making systems do not generate unfairly biased outputs for consumers in the single market; believes that it should be always possible for consumers to be properly informed about interacting with automated decision-making, and about how to reach a human with decision- making powers to request checks and corrections of possible mistakes resulting from automated decisions, as well as to seek redress for any damage related to the use of automated decision-making systems;
Amendment 296 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Underlines the importance of the use of data by digital platforms and that the accumulation of vast amounts of data by large technological enterprises creates imbalances in bargaining power and, thus, leads to the distortion of competition in the Single Market;
Amendment 298 #
Amendment 304 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that the existence and spread of illegal and harmful content online is a severe threat that undermines citizens' trust and confidence in the digital environment, and which also harms the economic development of healthy platform ecosystems in the Digital Single Market and severely hampers the development of legitimate markets for digital services;
Amendment 321 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Notes that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to all types of illegal and harmful content and, including cases of mdisinformation online; believes, however, that a more aligned approach at Union level, taking into account the different types of content, will make the fight against illegal and harmful content more effective;
Amendment 338 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that voluntary actions and self-regulation by online platforms across Europe have brought some benefits, but additionaleen proven unsatisfactory and much stronger measures are needed in order to ensure the swift detection and removal of illegal and harmful content online;
Amendment 361 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to address the increasing differences and fragmentations of national rules in the Member States and to propose concrete legislative measures including a notice- and-action mechanism, that can empower users to notify online intermediaries of the existence of potentially illegal or harmful online content or behaviour; is of the opinion that such measures would guarantee a high level of users' and consumers' protection while promoting consumer trust in the online economy;
Amendment 373 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that maintaining safeguards from the legal liability regime for hosting intermediaries with regard to user-uploaded content and the general monitoring prohibition set out in Article 15 of the E-Commerce Directive are still relevant and need to be preserved; stresses however, that the liability regime necessitates further clarification regarding active and passive hosting in the situation when intermediaries have control over data by selecting, using and modifying it in order to optimise or promote it;
Amendment 392 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that while online platforms, such as online market places, have benefited both retailers and consumers by improving choice and lowering prices, at the same time, they have allowed sellers, in particular from third countries, to offer products which often do not comply with Union rules on product safety and do not sufficiently guarantee consumer rights; stresses, in this context, the need for a possibility to always identify manufacturers and sellers of products from third countries; underlines that if one of the services provided by a platform can be considered a marketplace ("hybrid platforms"), the rules should fully apply to that part of the business; and asks the online marketplaces to enhance their cooperation by exchanging information on the seller of these products with the market surveillance and the custom authorities;
Amendment 398 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes that while online platforms, such as online market places, have benefited both retailers and consuustomers by improving choice and lowering prices, at the same time, they have allowed sellers, in particular from third countries, to offer products which often do not comply with Union rules on product safety and do not sufficiently guarantee consumer rights;
Amendment 405 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that it is unacceptable that Union consumers are exposed to illegal and unsafe products, containing dangerous chemicals, as well as other safety hazards and, therefore. asks the Commission to increase the responsibility of online marketplaces selling non-food consumer products as outlined in the annex;
Amendment 411 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that it is unacceptable that Union consuustomers are exposed to illegal and unsafe products, containing dangerous chemicals, as well as other safety hazards;
Amendment 440 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Notes that, today, some markets are characterised by large platforms with significant network effects which are able to act as de facto “online gatekeepers” of the digital economy and asks the Commission to analyse the consequences this has for consumers, SMEs and the Single Market;
Amendment 447 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that by reducing barriers to market entry and by regulating large platforms, an internal market instrument imposing ex-ante regulatory remedies on these large platforms, by ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory access to large platforms, including a prohibition of preferential treatment of their own services, has the potential to open up markets to new entrants, including SMEs and start-ups, thereby promoting consumer choice and driving innovation beyond what can be achieved by competition law enforcement alone;.
Amendment 454 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers that by reducing barriers to market entry and by regulating large platforms, an internal market instrument imposing ex-ante regulatory remedies on these large platforms has the potential to open up markets to new entrants, including SMEs, entrepreneurs and start-ups, thereby promoting consumer choice and driving innovation beyond what can be achieved by competition law enforcement alone;
Amendment 459 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Commission to propose asymmetrical ex-ante rules on large platforms with significant network effects, acting as gatekeepers, which would ensure a level-playing field for all digital operators, fair and non- discriminatory access, including a prohibition of preferential treatment of their own services;
Amendment 471 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
(a) Believes that the root cause of the remaining unjustified obstacles in the digital single market stem from different regulatory choices at Union and at national level, imperfect or inadequate transposition, implementation and enforcement of Union legislation, insufficient administrative capacity and practices in Member States, as well as from protectionist measures carried out by Member States; calls on the Commission to address those causes in close cooperation with Member States;
Amendment 480 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Considers that a central regulatory authority should be established which should be responsible for the oversight and compliance with the Digital Services Act and have supplementary powers to tackle cross-border issues; it should be entrusted with strong investigation and enforcement powers; stresses that cooperation between national as well as other Member States’ authorities, civil society and consumer organisations is of utmost importance for achieving effective enforcement;
Amendment 507 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 1
Annex I – part I – paragraph 1
The Digital Services Act should contribute to the strengthening of the internal market by ensuring the free movement of digital services, while at the same time guaranteeing a high level of consumer protection, includingand the improvement of users’ safety online;
Amendment 509 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – part I – paragraph 1 a (new)
The Digital Services Act should contribute to the removal of the existing unjustified obstacles to the digital single market, which many times arise from protectionist measures by Member States, as well as ensuring that no new barriers are created;
Amendment 510 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 2
Annex I – part I – paragraph 2
The Digital Services Act should guarantee that online and offline economic activities are treated equally and on a level playing field which fully reflects the principle that “what is illegal offline is also illegal online”; this principle does not however exclude that due to specific nature of online environment and easiness to manipulate with users on mass scale, certain activities allowed offline might not be allowed online;
Amendment 516 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 3
Annex I – part I – paragraph 3
The Digital Services Act should provide consuustomers and economic operators, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with legal certainty and transparency;
Amendment 524 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 1 – introductory part
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 1 – introductory part
- a comprehensive revision of the E- Commerce Directive, in the form of a Directive, based on Articles 53(1), 62 and 114 TFEU, consisting of:;
Amendment 534 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 1 – subi. 2
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 1 – subi. 2
- clear and detailed procedures and measures related to the removal of illegal and harmful content online, including a harmonised legally-binding European notice-and action mechanism;
Amendment 543 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 2
Annex I – part I – paragraph 6 – indent 2
- an internal market legal instrument in the form of a Regulation, based on Article 114 TFEU, imposing ex-ante obligations on large platforms with a gatekeeper role in the digital ecosystem, complemented by an effective institutional enforcement mechanism.
Amendment 550 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1
Annex I – part II – paragraph 1
In the interest of legal certainty, the Digital Services Act should clarify which digital services fall within its scope. The new legal act should follow the horizontal nature of the E-Commerce Directive and apply not only to online platforms but to all digital services, which are not covered by specific legislation;
Amendment 572 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- clarify to what extent “"new digital services”", such as social media networks, collaborative economy services, search engines, wifi hotspots, online advertising, comparison tools, cloud services, content delivery networks, and domain name services fall within the scope of the Digital Services Act;
Amendment 579 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Amendment 583 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 4
- clarify of what falls within the remit of the "illegal content”", definition making it clear that a violation of EU rules on consumer protection, product safety or the offer or sale of food or tobacco products and counterfeit medicines, also falls within the definition of illegal content; it is also necessary to clarify what falls under "harmful content" and "disinformation";
Amendment 590 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 5
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 5
- define “"systemic operator”" by establishing a set of clear economic indicators that allow regulatory authorities to identify platforms which enjoy a significant market position with a “"gatekeeper”" role playing a systemic role in the online economy; such indicators could include considerations such as whether the undertaking is active to a significant extent on multi-sided markets, or has predominant influence over its users, the size of its network (number of users), its financial strength, access to data, accumulation of data, vertical integration, the importance of its activity for third parties’ access to supply and markets, etc.
Amendment 594 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 5
Annex I – part III – paragraph 1 – indent 5
- define “systemic operator” by establishing a set of clear economic indicators that allow regulatory authorities to identify platforms with a “gatekeeper” role playing a systemic role in the online economy; such indicators could include considerations such as whether the undertaking is active to a significant extent on multi-sided markets, or has predominant influence over its users, the size of its network (number of users), its financial strength, access to data, vertical integration, the importance of its activity for third parties’ access to supply and markets, etc.
Amendment 618 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – indent 2
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – indent 2
- that measure should apply only to business-to-business relationships, and should be without prejudice to the rights of users under the GDPR, as well as the right to internet anonymo the possibility orf being an unidentified useronymous on the internet; the new general information requirements should review and further enhance Articles 5 and 10 of the E- Commerce Directive in order to align those measures with the information requirements established in recently adopted legislation, in particular the Unfair Contract Terms Directive5 , the Consumer Rights Directive and the Platform to Business Regulation. __________________ 5 Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, most recently amended by Directive (EU) 2019/2161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directives 98/6/EC, 2005/29/EC and 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the better enforcement and modernisation of Union consumer protection rules (OJ L 328, 18.12.2019, p. 7).
Amendment 619 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
- Measures to address the problem of fake profiles of users and service providers should be explored by the Commission. Information society service providers and users should be identifiable by authorities if needed; this would be the case if they commit an illegal activity online. The Commission should come up with measures that allow judiciary authorities to identify and catch in a very agile way those users that carry out illegal activities (to protect both, users and platforms), while preserving the data protection rights of each user. The creation of a digital identity could be a solution to this challenge.
Amendment 641 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3
3. Transparency rRequirements on commercial communications
Amendment 645 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3
- The transparency requirements should include the obligation to disclose who is paying for the advertising, including both direct and indirect payments or any other contributions received by service providers; those requirements should apply also to platforms, even if they are established in third countries; consumers and public authorities should be able to identify who should be held accountable in case of, for example, false or misleading advertisement; these transparency requirements should also empower advertisers vis-a-vis advertising services, when it comes to where and when ads are placed; more efforts are needed to make sure that illegal activities cannot be funded via advertising services;
Amendment 649 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3 a (new)
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3 a (new)
- The transparency requirements should also apply to targeted adverts; criteria for profiling targeted groups and optimisation of advertising campaigns must be made clear to verify any abuse. Users should be aware and have previously given their consent if they are going to receive targeted adverts;
Amendment 651 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3 b (new)
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subheading 3 – indent 3 b (new)
- Specific requirements in regard to behavioural advertising, including micro targeting, should be introduced in order to protect public interest; behavioural advertising based on certain characters, i.e. exposing mental or physical vulnerabilities, should not be allowed at all, while some other characteristics should be allowed only under the opt-in condition by the users;
Amendment 686 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
Annex I – part IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 4
The compliance of the due diligence provisions should be reinforced with effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties, including the imposition of fines.;
Amendment 688 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – title
Annex I – part V – title
V. MEASURES RELATED TO TACKLING ILLEGAL AND HARMFUL CONTENT ONLINE
Amendment 690 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Digital Services Act should provide clarity and guidance regarding how online intermediaries should tackle illegal and harmful content online. The revised rules of the E- Commerce Directive should:
Amendment 694 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- clarify that any removal or disabling access to illegal or harmful content should not affect the fundamental rights and the legitimate interests of users and consumers;
Amendment 697 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 2 a (new)
- information society service providers shall be liable unless they made best efforts to prevent future uploads of notified works to which access has been disabled or removed from their websites;
Amendment 711 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Annex I – part V – paragraph 1 – indent 4
- introduce new transparency and independent oversight of the content moderation procedures and tools related to the removal of illegal and harmful content online; such systems and procedures should be available for auditing and testing by independent authorities.
Amendment 723 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 1
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 1
- apply to illegal online content or behaviour as well as to harmful content including disinformation;
Amendment 727 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 2
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 2
- rank different types of providers, sectors and/or illegal and harmful content;
Amendment 732 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 4
- allow users to easily notify by electronic means potentially illegal or harmful online content or behaviour to online intermediaries;
Amendment 738 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 7
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 7
- specify the requirements necessary to ensure that notices are of a good quality, thereby enabling a swift removal of illegal content; such requirement should include the name and contact details of the notice provider, the link (URL) to the allegedly illegal or harmful content in question, the stated reason for the claim including an explanation of the reasons why the notice provider considers the content to be illegal, and if necessary, depending on the type of content, additional evidence for the claim;
Amendment 741 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 8
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 8
Amendment 745 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 9
Annex I – part V – paragraph 2 – indent 9
Amendment 762 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 1
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 1
- The decision taken by the online intermediary on whether or not to act upon content flagged as illegal or harmful should contain a clear justification on the actions undertaken regarding that specific content. The notice provider, where identifiable, should receive a confirmation of receipt and a communication indicating the follow-up given to the notification.
Amendment 763 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 1
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 1
- The decision taken by the online intermediary on whether or not to act upon content flagged as illegal should contain a clear justification on the actions undertaken regarding that specific content. The notice provider, where identifiable, should receive a confirmation of receipt and a communication indicating the follow-up given to the notification.
Amendment 765 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 2
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 2
- The providers of the content that is being flagged as illegal or harmful should be immediately informed of the notice and, that being the case, of the reasons and decisions taken to remove or disable access to the content; all parties should be duly informed of all existing available legal options and mechanisms to challenge this decision;
Amendment 770 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part V – subheading 2 – indent 4
- If the redress and counter-notice have established that the notified activity or information is not illegal nor harmful, the online intermediary should restore the content that was removed without undue delay or allow for the re-upload by the user, without prejudice to the platform's terms of service.
Amendment 808 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 1
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 1
The Digital Services Act should propose specific rules for online market places for the online sale of products and provision of services to consumers.
Amendment 811 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 3
- ensure that online marketplaces make it clear into which country the products are sold or services are being provided, regardless whether they are provided by that marketplace, a third party or a seller established inside or outside the Union;
Amendment 814 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4
- ensure that online marketplaces remove any misleading information given by the supplier or by customers, including misleading guarantees and statements made by the supplier;
Amendment 816 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4
- ensure that online marketplaces remove quickly any misleading information given by the supplier or by customers, including misleading guarantees and statements made by the supplier;
Amendment 818 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4 a (new)
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 4 a (new)
- ensure that online marketplaces foresee an easy to find specific contact point for consumers and national authorities for the notice of unsafe goods on their website;
Amendment 827 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
- oblige online marketplaces to exchange information on repeat offenders and to take measures to avoid that goods taken down from one website reappear on other online marketplaces;
Amendment 829 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 6
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 6
- oblige online marketplaces to inform consumers of any safety issues and ofto enhance cooperation with national authorities and consumer associations on recalls and take any action required to ensure that recalls are carried out effectively;
Amendment 831 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 6
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 6
- once the product has been removed, oblige online marketplaces to inform consumers of any safety issues and of any action required to ensure that recalls are carried out effectively;
Amendment 839 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 8
Annex I – part VI – paragraph 2 – indent 8
- address the liability for online marketplaces if the online marketplace has not informed the consumer that a third party is the actual supplier of the goods or services, thus making the marketplace contractually liable vis-à-vis the consumer; liability should also be considered in case the marketplace provides misleading information, guarantees, or statements;
Amendment 849 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 1
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 1
The Digital Services Act should put forward a proposal to ensure that the systemic role of specific online platforms will not endanger the internal market by unfairly excluding innovative new entrants, including SMEs., entrepreneurs and start- ups, creating market failures;
Amendment 856 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 1
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 1
- set up an asymmetric ex-ante mechanism to prevent (instead of merely remedy) unfair market behaviour by “"systemic platforms”" in the digital world, building on the Platform to Business Regulation; such mechanism should allow regulatory authorities to impose remedies on these companies with a significant market position in order to address market failures, without the establishment of a breach of regulatory rules;
Amendment 857 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 1
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 1
- set up an ex-ante mechanism to prevent (instead of merely remedy) unfair market behaviour by “systemic platforms” in the digital world, building on the Platform to Business Regulation; such mechanism should allow regulatory authorities to impose remediesanctions on these companies in order to address market failures, without the establishment of a breach of regulatory rules;
Amendment 862 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 2
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 2
- empower regulatory authorities to issue orders prohibiting undertakings, which have been identified as “"systemic platforms”", from the following practices, inter alia: discrimination in intermediary services; making the use of data for making market entry by third parties more difficult; data envelopment used to expand dominant position in adjacent markets, incurring in self-preferencing of their own products and services and engaging in practices aimed at locking- in consumers; undertakings should be given the possibility to demonstrate that the behaviour in question is justified, yet they should bear the burden of proof for this;
Amendment 866 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a (new)
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 2 a (new)
- explore other ex-ante remedies that prevent the creation of new systemic platforms. In addition to reactive ex-ante mechanism, the Digital Services Act should envisage preventive mechanisms that prevent the creation of digital gatekeepers;
Amendment 873 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 3
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 3
- clarify that some regulatory remedimeasures should be impoaddressed ton all ”"systemic platforms”" without the need for a decision by a regulatory authority, such as prohibition for “"systemic platforms”" to engage in self- preferencing or in any practices aimed at making it more difficult for consumers to switch suppliers, or other forms of discrimination that exclude or disadvantage other businesses;
Amendment 875 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 4
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 4
- empower regulatory authorities to adopt interim measures and to impose finpenalties on “"systemic platforms”" that fail to respect the different regulatory obligations imposed on them;
Amendment 878 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 5 a (new)
- ensure that users of "systemic platforms" will be able to effectively control results of algorithms suggesting them specific content; users should be properly informed of all the reasons why specific content is suggested to them;
Amendment 883 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 6
Annex I – part VII – paragraph 2 – indent 6
- imposensure high levels of interoperability measures requiring “"systemic platforms”" to share appropriate tools, non-rivalrous data, data, expertise, and resources deployed in order to limit the risks of users and consumers’ lock-in and the artificially binding users to one systemic platform with no possibility or incentives for switching between digital platforms or internet ecosystems and to empower users in deciding what kind of content they want to see. As part of those measures, the Commission should explore different technologies and open standards and protocols, including the possibility of a mechanical interface (Application Programming Interface) that allows users of competing platforms to dock on to the systemic platform and exchange information with it.
Amendment 892 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VIII – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – part VIII – paragraph 1 a (new)
However, additional efforts with clear actions are necessary in order to address remaining obstacles in the digital single market and protectionist practices, such as: settling the costs of cross-border disputes, suppliers’ restrictions to selling cross-border, delivery-related matters, taxation rules, limited cross-border access to goods and services due to differences in intellectual property rights law, access to information on the relevant regulatory requirements, complex administrative procedures.
Amendment 908 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – part VIII – paragraph 4
Annex I – part VIII – paragraph 4
The central regulator should coordinate the work of the different authorities dealing with illegal and harmful content online, enforce compliance, fines, and be able to carry out auditing of intermediaries and platforms.
Amendment 26 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. StressesPoints out the need to assess to what extent thedapt the Union's existing liability framework, and in particular the Council Directive 85/374/EEC1 (the Product Liability Directive), needs to be updated in order to guarantee effective consumer protection and - PLD), to the digital world; calls on the Commission to revise the PLD, by addressing the challenges posed by emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of things (IoT) or robotics, thereby ensuring effective citizen and consumer protection from harm as well as legal clariertainty for businesses, while avoiding high costs and risks especially for small and medium enterprises and start- ups; __________________ 1 Council Directive 85/374/EEC of 25 July 1985 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning liability for defective products (OJ L 210, 7.8.1985, p. 29).
Amendment 35 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that any revision of the existing liability framework should aim to further harmonise liability rules in order to avoid fragmentation of the single market; asks the Commission to assess whether a Regulation on general product liability could contribute to this aim; stresses, however, the importance of ensuring that Union regulation remains limited to clearly identified problems for which feasible solutions exist and leaves room for further technological developments;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to assess whether definitions and concepts in the product liability framework need to be updated due to the specific characteristics of AI apprevise the product liability framework by taking into account the specific challenges of digitalicsations for liability law such as complexity, autonomy and opacconnectivity, openness, autonomy, opacity (un)predictability, data- drivenness and vulnerability;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to scrutinise whether it is necessary to include software inclarify the definition of ‘products’ under the Product Liability Directive and to update concepts such, by determining whether digital content and digital services fall under its scope and to consider adapting such concepts as ‘producer’, ‘damage’ and ‘defect’, and if so, to what extent; asks the Commission to also examine whether the product liability framework needs to be revised in order to protect injured parties efficiently as regards products that are purchased as a bundle with related services;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to consider, in close coordination with corresponding possible adjustments to the Union safety framework, whether the notion of 'time when the product was put into circulation' currently used by the Product Liability Directive, is fit for purpose for emerging digital technologies, taking into account that they may be changed or altered under the producer's control after they have been placed on the market;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Asks the Commission to consider holding a producer of specific emerging digital technologies liable for unforeseeable defects, in cases where it was predictable that unforeseen developments might occur;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the importance of ensuring a fair liability system thatand efficient allocation of loss in order to attribute liability in the most appropriate way; underlines the relevance of makesing it possible for consumervictims to prove that a defect in a product caused damage, even if third party software is involved or the cause of a defect is hard to trace, for example when products are part of a complex interconnected Internet of Things environment;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Asks the Commission to assess the introduction of a duty on producers of emerging digital technologies to equip their products with means of recording information about the operation of the technology, in accordance with applicable data protection provisions and the rules concerning the protection of trade secrets, taking into account, amongst others, the likelihood that a risk of the technology materialises, whether such a duty is appropriate and proportionate and the technical feasibility and costs of it; failing to comply with this duty or refusing to give the victim reasonable access to this information would trigger a rebuttable liability presumption of the producer;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Asks the Commission to carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of introducing a strict liability model for products containing AI applicationintroduction of a separate yet complementary strict liability regime for AI systems presenting a high risk to cause harm or damage to one or more persons in a manner that is rand consider it only in specific high risk areas; underlines the need to strictly respect the proportionality principle if this approach is retainedom and impossible to predict in advance, taking into account its likely impact on the protection of citizens and consumers from harm, the capacity of businesses - particularly SMEs - to innovate, the coherence of the Union's safety and liability framework and on the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Amendment 6 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the importance of an EU regulatory framework of ethical aspects of artificial intelligence , robotics and related technologies being applicable where consumers within the Union are users of or subject to an algorithmic system, irrespective of the place of establishment of the entities that develop, sell or employ the system in order to bring legal certainty to business and citizens alike;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that any future regulation should follow a differentiated risk-based approach, with clear criteria and indicators, followed by an impartial and regulated assessment based on the potential harm for the individual as well as for society at large, taking into account the specific use context of the algorithmic system; legal obligations should gradually increase with the identified risk level; in the lowest risk category there should be no additional legal obligations; algorithmic systems that may harm an individual, impact an individual’s access to resources, or concern their participation in society shall not be deemed to be in the lowest risk category; this risk-based approach should follow by clear and transparent rules;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of an ethical and regulatory framework including in particular provisions on the quality of data sets used in algorithmic systems, especially regarding the representativeness of training data used, on the de-biasing of data sets, as well as on the algorithms themselves, and on data and aggregation standardshigh-quality and, where possible, unbiased data sets in order to improve the output of algorithmic systems and boost consumer trust and acceptance;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls the importance of ensuring the availability of effective remedies for consumers and calls on the Member States and national market surveillance authorities to ensure that accessible, affordable, independent and effective procedures and review structures are available to guarantee an impartial human review of all claims of violations of consumer rights through the use of algorithmic systems, whether stemming from public or private sector actors;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that where public money contributes to the development or implementation of an algorithmic system, the code, the generated data -as far as it is non-personal- and the trained model should be public by defaultaccessible, to enable transparency and reuse, among other goals, to maximise the achievement of the Single Market, and to avoid market fragmentation;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that an examination of the current EU legal framework, including the consumer law acquis, data protection legislation, product liability legislation, product safety and market surveillance legislation, is needed to check that it is able to respond to the emergence of AI and automated decision-making and that it is able to provide a high level of consumer protection;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the importance of training highly skilled professionals in this area and ensuring, the need of having diverse teams of developers and engineers working alongside with key actors to prevent gender and cultural bias of being inadvertently included in AI algorithms, systems and applications and ensure the mutual recognition of such qualifications across the Union;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the Union to establish a European market surveillance structure for algorithmic systemcomposed of national market surveillance authorities issuing guidance, opinions and expertise to Member States’ authorities;
Amendment 220 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Because of their position, gatekeepers might in certain cases restrict the ability of business users of their online intermediation services to offer their goods or services to end users under more favourable conditions, including price, through other online intermediation services or their own distribution channels or other websites. Such restrictions have a significant deterrent effect on the business users of gatekeepers in terms of their use of alternative online intermediation servicedistribution channels, limiting inter- platform contestability, which in turn limits choice of alternative online intermediation channels for end users. To ensure that business users of online intermediation services of gatekeepers can freely choose alternative online intermediation services and differentiate the conditions under which they offer their products or services to their end users, it should not be accepted that gatekeepers limit business users from choosing to differentiate commercial conditions, including price. Such a restriction should apply to any measure with equivalent effect, such as for example increased commission rates or de-listing or less favourable ranking of the offers of business users.
Amendment 225 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37 a) Gatekeepers often put organic search results beneath search advertisements or other features promoting own services or products, or increase the prominence of own services and products or paid for or sponsored results by other means, e.g. by offering them more space, more pictures or other features not available to organic search results. As a result of this prevalence and prominence of paid-for or sponsored results and the gatekeeper’s own services and products, end users are deprived of the most relevant organic results they intend to find. The gatekeeper should, therefore, ensure that organic search results are given the same prominence and prevalence as paid-for or sponsored results and as the own products and services of the gatekeeper.
Amendment 404 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 6
Article 1 – paragraph 6
6. This Regulation is without prejudice to the application of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. It is also without prejudice to the application of: national rules prohibiting anticompetitive agreements, decisions by associations of undertakings, concerted practices and abuses of dominant positions; national competition rules prohibiting other forms of unilateral conduct insofar as they are applied to undertakings other than gatekeepersse rules are unrelated to the relevant undertakings having a status of gatekeeper within the meaning of this Regulation or amount to imposing additional obligations on gatekeepers; Council Regulation (EC) No 139/200438 and national rules concerning merger control; Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 and Regulation (EU) …./.. of the European Parliament and of the Council39 . _________________ 38Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings (the EC Merger Regulation) (OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1). 39Regulation (EU) …/.. of the European Parliament and of the Council – proposal on a Single Market For Digital Services (Digital Services Act) and amending Directive 2000/31/EC.
Amendment 427 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point h
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point h
(h) advertising services, including any advertising networks, advertising exchanges and any other advertising intermediation services, provided by a provider where the undertaking to which it belongs is also a provider of any of the core platform services listed in points (a) to (g);
Amendment 434 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point h a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point h a (new)
(h a) web browsers;
Amendment 454 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
(10 a) ‘Web browser’ is application software used by users of PCs, smart mobile devices and other devices to access and interact with web content hosted on servers that are connected to the Internet, including standalone web browsers as well as embedded web browsers;
Amendment 481 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
(18 a) ‘Search result’ is any information, including texts, graphics, voice or other output, returned in response and related to a written or oral search query; organic results, paid results, direct answers or any product, service or information offered in connection with, or displayed along with, or partly or entirely embedded in, the organic results are all types of search results;
Amendment 484 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 18 b (new)
(18 b) ‘Organic result’ is ‘search result’ based solely on the relevance of the information to the end user; it allows the end user to access the corresponding information directly;
Amendment 514 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – paragraph 1
for the purpose of the first subparagraph, monthly active end users shall refer to the average number of monthly active end users throughout the largest partat least six months (not necessarily consecutive) of the last financial year;
Amendment 605 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) refrain from combining personal data sourced from these core platform services with personal data from any other services offered by the gatekeeper or with personal data from third-party services, and from signing in end users to other services of the gatekeeper in order to combine personal data, unless the end user has been presented with the specific choice and provided consent in the sense of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. ;
Amendment 687 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) Refrain from disclosing any commercially sensitive information obtained in connection with one of its advertising services to any third party belonging to the same undertaking and from using such commercially sensitive information for any purposes other than the provision of the specific advertising service, unless this is necessary for carrying out a business transaction.
Amendment 727 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) allow end users to un-install any pre-installed software applicationrefrain from pre-installing own services on its core platform service without prejudice to the possibility for a gatekeeper to restrict such un-installation in relation to software applications that are essential for the functioning of the operating system or of the device and which cannot technically be offered on a standalone basis by third- parties;
Amendment 736 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) allow and technically enable the installation and effective use and interoperability of third party software applications or software application stores using, or interoperating with, operating systems of that gatekeeper and allow, allow and enable these software applications or, software application stores or services to be accessed by means other than the core platform services of that gatekeeper. The gatekeeper shall not be prevented from taking proportionate measures to ensure that third party software applications or software application stores do not endanger the integrity of the hardware or operating system provided by the gatekeeper;
Amendment 754 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) refrain from displaying - in its online search engine, online social networking service or online intermediation service - in response to an end user query, advertising (including paid-for search results) or own services of the gatekeeper, if the space occupied by such advertising or own services exceeds 25% in total of the initial result screen visible on the end user’s terminal (mobile, tablet, desktop or other);
Amendment 777 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) allow business users and providers of ancillary services access to and interoperability with the same operating system, hardware or software features that are available or used in the provision by the gatekeeper of any core platform or ancillary services;
Amendment 783 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) provide advertisers and publishers, upon their request and free of charge, with access to the performance measuring tools of the gatekeeper and, the information necessary for advertisers and publishers to carry out their own independent verification of the ad inventory and continuous and real-time access via high- quality application programming interfaces to the data necessary for advertisers and publishers to run their own or third-party verification and measurement tools to measure the performance of the gatekeeper’s intermediation services and the performance of an ad;
Amendment 816 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) apply fair and non-discriminatory general conditions of access and treatment for business users to its software application storcore platform service, in particular to its software application store, its online search engine and to its online social networking service designated pursuant to Article 3 of this Regulation.
Amendment 942 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Where consent for collecting and processing of personal data is required to ensure compliance with this Regulation, a gatekeeper shall take the necessary steps to either enable business users to directly obtain the required consent to their processing, where required under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC, or, if the consent is not obtained, to comply with Union data protection and privacy rules and principles in other ways including by providing business users with duly anonymised data where appropriate. The gatekeeper shall not make the obtaining of this consent by the business user more burdensome than for its own services.
Amendment 186 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Moreover, complex national regulatory requirements, fragmented implementation and insufficient enforcement of legislation such as Directive 2000/31/EC have contributed to high administrative costs and legal uncertainty for intermediary services operating on the internal market, especially micro, small and medium sized companies.
Amendment 213 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) This Regulation should complement, yet not affect the application of rules resulting from other acts of Union law regulating certain aspects of the provisionfully harmonises the rules applicable to intermediary services in the internal market with the objective to ensure a safe and trusted online environment, effective protection of fundamental rights and a favourable business climate. Accordingly, Member States should not adopt or maintain additional national requirements on those matters falling within the scope of this Regulation. This does not preclude the possibility to apply other national legislation applicable to providers of intermediary services, in particular Directive 2000/31/ECaccordance with Union law, including Directive 2000/31/EC, in particular its Article 3, with the exception of those changes introduced by this Regulation, Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended,28 and Regulation (EU) …/.. of the European Parliament and of the Council29 – proposed Terrorist Content Online Regulation. Therefore, this Regulation leaves those other acts, which are to be considered lex specialis in relation to the generally applicable framework set out in this Regulation, unaffected. However, the rules of this Regulation apply in respect of issues that are not or not fully addressed by those other acts as well as issues on which those other acts leave Member States the possibility of adopting certain measures at national level. . __________________ 28 Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 95, 15.4.2010, p. 1 . 29Regulation (EU) …/.. of the European Parliament and of the Council – proposed Terrorist Content Online Regulation
Amendment 278 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order to benefit from the exemption from liability for hosting services, the provider should, upon obtaining actual knowledge or awareness of illegal content, act expedwitihouslt undue delay to remove or to disable access to that content. The removal or disabling of access should be undertaken in the observance of the principle of freedom of expression. The provider can obtain such actual knowledge or awareness through, in particular, its own-initiative investigations or notices submitted to it by individuals or entities in accordance with this Regulation in so far as those notices are sufficiently precise and adequately substantiated to allow a diligent economic operator to reasonably identify, assess and where appropriate act against the allegedly illegal content.
Amendment 282 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure the effective protection of consumers when engaging in intermediated commercial transactions online, certain providers of hosting services, namely, online platforms that allow consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders as a functionality of their service, should not be able to benefit from the exemption from liability for hosting service providers established in this Regulation, in so far as those online platforms present the relevant information relating to the transactions at issue in such a way that it leads consumers to believe that the information was provided by those online platforms themselves or by recipients of the service acting under their authority or control, and that those online platforms thus have knowledge of or control over the information, even if that may in reality not be the case. This is the case where the online platform operator fails to clearly display the identity of the trader following this Regulation. In that regard, is should be determined objectively, on the basis of all relevant circumstances, whether the presentation could lead to such a belief on the side of an average and reasonably well-informed consumer. In particular, it is relevant whether the online platform operator withholds such identity or contract details until after the conclusion of the trader- consumer contract, or is marketing the product or service in its own name rather than using the name of the trader who will supply it.
Amendment 291 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) Consumers should be able to safely purchase products and services online, irrespective of whether a product or service has been produced in the Union. For that reason, traders from third countries should establish a legal representative in the Union to whom claims regarding product safety could be addressed. Providers of intermediary services from inside the Union as well as from third countries should ensure compliance with product requirements set out in Union law.
Amendment 315 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Providers of intermediary services should not be subject to a monitoring obligation with respect to obligations of a general nature. This does not concern specific and properly identified monitoring obligations in a specific case and, in particular, does not affect orders by national authorities in accordance with national legislation, in accordance with the conditions established in this Regulation. Nothing in this Regulation should be construed as an imposition of a general monitoring obligation or active fact-finding obligation, or as a general obligation for providers to take proactive measures to relation to illegal content.
Amendment 358 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36a) Providers of intermediary services should also establish a single point of contact for recipients of services, allowing rapid, direct and efficient communication.
Amendment 362 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Whilst the freedom of contract of providers of intermediary services should in principle be respected, it is appropriate to set certain rules on the content, application and enforcement of the terms and conditions of those providers in the interests of transparency, the protection of recipients of the service and the avoidance of unfair or arbitrary outcomes. Obligations related to terms and conditions should not oblige a provider of an intermediary service to disclose information that will lead to significant vulnerabilities for the security of its service or the protection of confidential information, in particular trade secrets or intellectual property rights.
Amendment 385 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) The rules on such notice and action mechanisms should be harmonised at Union level, so as to provide for the timely, diligent and objective processing of notices on the basis of rules that are uniform, transparent and clear and that provide for robust safeguards to protect the right and legitimate interests of all affected parties, in particular their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Charter, irrespective of the Member State in which those parties are established or reside and of the field of law at issue. The fundamental rights include, as the case may be, the right to freedom of expression and information, the right to respect for private and family life, the right to protection of personal data, the right to non-discrimination and the right to an effective remedy of the recipients of the service; the freedom to conduct a business, including the freedom of contract, of service providers; as well as the right to human dignity, the rights of the child, the right to protection of property, including intellectual property, and the right to non- discrimination of parties affected by illegal content. Providers of hosting services should act upon notices without undue delay, taking into account the type of illegal content that is being notified and the urgency of taking action. The provider of hosting services should inform the individual or entity notifying the specific content of its decision without undue delay after taking a decision whether to act upon the notice or not.
Amendment 418 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) The misuse of services of online platforms by frequently providing manifestly illegal content or by frequently submitting manifestly unfounded notices or complaints under the mechanisms and systems, respectively, established under this Regulation undermines trust and harms the rights and legitimate interests of the parties concerned. Therefore, there is a need to put in place appropriate and proportionate safeguards against such misuse. Information should be considered to be manifestly illegal content and notices or complaints should be considered manifestly unfounded where it is evident to a layperson, without any substantive analysis, that the content is illegal respectively that the notices or complaints are unfounded. Under certain conditions, online platforms should temporarily suspend their relevant activities in respect of the person engaged in abusive behaviour. This is without prejudice to the freedom by online platforms to determine their terms and conditions and establish stricter measures in the case of manifestly illegal content related to serious crimes, with due regard to the rights and legitimate interests of all parties involved, including the applicable fundamental rights of the recipients of the service as enshrined in the Charter. Providers of hosting services could, as a voluntary measure, introduce own-investigation measures to prevent accounts which have previously been identified as illegal from reappearing once removed. The obligations related to notice and action should by no means impose general monitoring obligations. For reasons of transparency, this possibility should be set out, clearly and in sufficiently detail, in the terms and conditions of the online platforms. Redress should always be open to the decisions taken in this regard by online platforms and they should be subject to oversight by the competent Digital Services Coordinator. The rules of this Regulation on misuse should not prevent online platforms from taking other measures to address the provision of illegal content by recipients of their service or other misuse of their services, in accordance with the applicable Union and national law. Those rules are without prejudice to any possibility to hold the persons engaged in misuse liable, including for damages, provided for in Union or national law.
Amendment 455 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 52
Recital 52
(52) Online advertisement plays an important role in the online environment, including in relation to the provision of the services of online platforms. However,Online advertising is a significant source of financing for many digital business models and an effective tool to reach new customers, not least for small- and medium sized companies. However, there are some instances when online advertisement can contribute to significant risks, ranging from advertisement that is itself illegal content, to contributing to financial incentives for the publication or amplification of illegal or otherwise harmful content and activities online, or the discriminatory display of advertising with an impact on the equal treatment and opportunities of citizens. To ensure consumer protection online advertisement should be subject to proportionate and meaningful transparency obligations. In addition to the requirements resulting from Article 6 of Directive 2000/31/EC, online platforms should therefore be required to ensure that the recipients of the service have certain individualised information necessary for them to understand when and on whose behalf the advertisement is displayed. In addition, recipients of the service should have information on the main parameters used for determining that specific advertising is to be displayed to them, providing meaningful explanations of the logic used to that end, including when this is based on profiling. The requirements of this Regulation on the provision of information relating to advertisement is without prejudice to the application of the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular those regarding the right to object, automated individual decision-making, including profiling and specifically the need to obtain consent of the data subject prior to the processing of personal data for targeted advertising. Similarly, it is without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Directive 2002/58/EC in particular those regarding the storage of information in terminal equipment and the access to information stored therein.
Amendment 761 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) upon obtaining such knowledge or awareness, acts expedwitihouslt undue delay to remove or to disable access to the illegal content.
Amendment 790 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Providers of intermediary services shall ensure that such measures are accompanied with appropriate safeguards, such as oversight, documentation and traceability or additional measures to ensure that own- initiative investigations are accurate, legally justified and do not lead to over- removal of content.
Amendment 925 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. Providers of intermediary services shall include information on any restrictions that they impose in relation to the use of their service in respect of information provided by the recipients of the service, in their terms and conditions. That information shall include information on any policies, procedures, measures and tools used for the purpose of content moderation, including information about algorithmic decision-making and human review. ItProviders of intermediary services shall also include information on the right to terminate the use of the service. The possibility to terminate must be easily accessible for the user. Information on remedies and redress mechanisms shall also be included in the terms and conditions. The terms and conditions shall be set out in clear and unambiguous language and shall be publicly available in an easily accessible format.
Amendment 1027 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Providers of hosting services shall put mechanisms in place to allow any individual or entity to notify them of the presence on their service of specific items of information that the individual or entity considers to be illegal content or information that is incompatible with the terms and conditions of the provider. Those mechanisms shall be easy to access, user- friendly, and allow for the submission of notices exclusively by electronic means.
Amendment 1035 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The mechanisms referred to in paragraph 1 shall be such as to facilitate the submission of sufficiently precise and adequately substantiated notices, on the basis of which a diligent economic operator can identify the illegality or incompatibility of the content in question. To that end, the providers shall take the necessary measures to enable and facilitate the submission of notices containing all of the following elements:
Amendment 1039 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) an explanation of the reasons why the individual or entity considers the information in question to be illegal content or incompatible with the provider’s terms and conditions;
Amendment 1046 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) a clear indication of the electronic location of that information, in particular the exact URL or URLs, and, where necessary, additional information enabling the identification of the illegal or incompatible content;
Amendment 1060 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. Notices that include the elements referred to in paragraph 2 on the basis of which a diligent provider of hosting services is able to assess the illegality of the content in question, shall be considered to give rise to actual knowledge or awareness for the purposes of Article 5 in respect of the specific item of information concerned.
Amendment 1064 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. Where the notice contains the name and an electronic mail address of the individual or entity that submitted it, the provider of hosting services shall promptly, without undue delay, send a confirmation of receipt of the notice to that individual or entity.
Amendment 1081 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Providers of hosting services could, as a voluntary measure in line with provisions Article 6, conduct own- investigation measures to prevent illegal content which has previously been identified as illegal from being disseminated again once removed. The obligations related to paragraph 1 to 6 shall by no means impose general monitoring obligations on hosting services.
Amendment 1120 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 4
Article 15 – paragraph 4
4. Providers of hosting services shall publishupon request share the decisions and the statements of reasons, referred to in paragraph 1 in a publicly accessible database managed by the Commissionwith the Digital Service Coordinator of establishment. That information shall not contain personal data.
Amendment 1144 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Online platforms shall provide recipients of the service, and individuals or entities that have submitted a notice, for a period of at least six months following the decision referred to in this paragraph, the access to an effective internal complaint-handling system, which enables the complaints to be lodged electronically and free of charge, against the decision taken by the provider of the online platform not to act upon the receipt of a notice or against the following decisions taken by the online platform on the ground that the information provided by the recipients is illegal content or incompatible with its terms and conditions:
Amendment 1151 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) decisions whether or not to remove or disable access to or restrict visibility of the information;
Amendment 1157 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) decisions to remove or not to remove or disable access to the information;
Amendment 1158 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) decisions to suspend or terminate or not to suspend or terminate the provision of the service, in whole or in part, to the recipients;
Amendment 1160 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) decisions whether or not to suspend or terminate the provision of the service, in whole or in part, to the recipients;
Amendment 1161 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) decisions to suspend or terminate or not to suspend or terminate the recipients’ account.
Amendment 1162 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) decisions whether or not to suspend or terminate the recipients’ account.
Amendment 1165 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) decisions whether or not to restrict the ability to monetise content provided by the recipients;
Amendment 1166 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) decisions to radically restrict the visibility of content provided by the recipients,
Amendment 1171 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) decisions to restrict the ability to monetise content provided by the recipients,
Amendment 1172 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c b (new)
(cb) decisions whether or not to apply labels or additional information on content.
Amendment 1236 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) the dispute settlement takes place in accordance with clear and fair rules of procedure that are clearly visible and easily accessible to all parties concerned and in full compliance with all applicable law.
Amendment 1269 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) it has particular expertise and competence for the purposes of detecting, identifying and notifying illegal content or an incompatibility of the content with the platform’s terms and conditions;;
Amendment 1321 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Online platforms shall suspend, for a reasonable period of time and after having issued a prior warning, the provision of their services to recipients of the service that frequently provide manifestly illegal content or that is incompatible with their terms and conditions.
Amendment 1349 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Providers of hosting services could, as a voluntary measure in line with provisions Article 6, conduct own- investigation measures to prevent suspended accounts from reappearing before the suspension is lifted. The obligations related to paragraph 1 to 4 shall by no means impose general monitoring obligations on hosting services.
Amendment 1376 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Where an online platform allows consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders, itan online platform shall ensure that traders can only use its services to promote messages on or to offer products or services to consumers located in the Union if, prior to the use of its services, the online platform has obtained the following information:
Amendment 1377 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 1379 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a) the first and last name of the trader that is an individual and legal name of the trader that is an entity; (b) the primary address of the trader; (c) the telephone number and electronic mail address of the trader;
Amendment 1383 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the bank account details of the trader, where the trader is a natural personas defined by Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation, the Financial Account Identifier to which the Consideration is paid or credited, insofar as it is available to the online platform;
Amendment 1387 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 1392 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) a self-certification by the trader committing to only offer products or services that comply with the applicable rules of Union law; where such commitment is included in the Terms and Conditions of the platform, the trader is exempt from the self-certification.
Amendment 1409 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
2. The online platform shall, upon receiving that information, make reasonable efforts to assess whether the information provided by the trader, as referred to in points (a), (d), (c) and (e) of paragraph 1 is reliable through the use of any freely accessible official online databastrustworthy independent source or online interface made available by a Member States or the Union or through requests to the trader to provide supporting documents from reliable sources.
Amendment 1414 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Where the online platform obtains indications that any item ofa trader does not provide the information referquired to inunder paragraph 1 obtained from the trader concerned is inaccurate or incomplete, that platform shalafter two reminders following the initial request by the trader to correct the information in so far as necessary to ensure that all information is accurate and complete, without delay or within the time period set by Union and national law.online platform, but not prior to the expiration of 60 days, the latter shall
Amendment 1420 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 1434 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. The online platform shall store the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 1 and 2 in a secure manner for the duration of their contractual relationship with the trader concerned. They shall subsequently delete the information in accordance with relevant national and/or Union laws.
Amendment 1446 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Parts of the information may not be disclosed for privacy reasons. In these cases, the platform shall disclose the information in a way that is not detrimental to the trader’s business operations. The online platform shall also provide effective means for the recipients of the service to enter in direct contact with the trader, through any electronic means, including those made available by the online platform.
Amendment 1459 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22a Obligation to inform consumers and authorities about illegal products and services 1. Where an online platform allows consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders, it shall be subject to additional information obligations for consumers. Where the online platform becomes aware of the illegal nature of a product or services offered by a trader on its interface it shall: (a) immediately remove the illegal product from its interface and inform relevant authorities about it; (b) maintain an internal database of content removed and/or recipients suspended pursuant to Article 20 to be used by internal content moderation systems tackling the identified risks; (c) where the online platform has the contact details of the recipients of its services, inform such recipients of the service that have purchased said product or service during the past twelve months about the illegality, the identity of the trader and options for seeking redress; (d) compile and make publicly available through application programming interfaces a repository containing information about illegal products and services removed from its platform in the past six months along with information about the concerned trader and options for seeking redress.
Amendment 1490 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the natural or legal person on whose behalf the advertisement is displayed and the natural or legal person who finances the advertisement;
Amendment 1510 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
2. Online platforms shall provide information mentioned in paragraph 1 to public authorities, upon their request, in order to determine accountability in case of false or misleading advertisement.
Amendment 1512 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 b (new)
3. Providers of intermediary services shall obtain consent from the recipients of their service, in order to provide them with micro targeted and behavioural advertisement. Providers of intermediary services shall ensure that recipients of services can easily make an informed choice when expressing their consent by providing them with meaningful information.
Amendment 1552 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Very large online platforms shall identify, analyse and assess, from the date of application referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 25(4), at least once a year thereafter, any significant systemic risks stemming from the functioning and use madedissemination of illegal content ofn their services in the Union. This risk assessment shall be specific to their services and shall include the following systemic risks:
Amendment 1636 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) identification and assessment of the most prominent and recurrenteach of the systemic risks reported by very large online platforms or identified through other information sources, in particular those provided in compliance with Article 31 and 33;
Amendment 1713 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. Very large online platforms that display advertising on their online interfaces shall compile and make publicly available through application programming interfaces a searchable, easy to access and functional repository containing the information referred to in paragraph 2, until onthree years after the advertisement was displayed for the last time on their online interfaces. They shall ensure multi- criterion queries can be performed per advertiser and per all data points present in the advertisement. They shall ensure that the repository does not contain any personal data of the recipients of the service to whom the advertisement was or could have been displayed. They shall make sure that if advertisements have been labelled, moderated, or disabled, these labels shall be clearly visible and identifiable for users and researchers.
Amendment 1758 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3
Article 31 – paragraph 3
3. Very large online platforms shall provide access to data pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 through online databases or application programming interfaces, as appropriate, and with an easily accessible and user-friendly mechanism to search for multiple criteria, such as those reported in accordance with the obligations set out in Articles 13, 23 and 33.
Amendment 1763 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4
Article 31 – paragraph 4
4. In order to be vetted, researchers shall be affiliated with academic institutions, journalists, civil society organisations or international organisations representing the public interest, shall be independent from commercial interests, have proven records of expertise in the fields related to the risks investigated or related research methodologies, and shall commit and be in a capacity to preserve the specific data security and confidentiality requirements corresponding to each request.
Amendment 1770 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 5
Article 31 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall, after consulting the Board, and no later than one year after entry into force of this legislation, adopt delegated acts laying down the technical conditions under which very large online platforms are to share data pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 and the purposes for which the data may be used. Those delegated acts shall lay down the specific conditions under which such sharing of data with vetted researchers can take place in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, taking into account the rights and interests of the very large online platforms and the recipients of the service concerned, including the protection of confidential information, in particular trade secrets, and maintaining the security of their service.
Amendment 1796 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. Very large online platforms shall publish the reports referred to in Article 13 within six months from the date of application referred to in Article 25(4), and thereafter every six months. The reports shall include information disaggregated by Member State and clearly stating the human and technical resources allocated for the purpose of content moderation for each official EU language.
Amendment 1864 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
3. When giving effect to paragraphs 1 and 2, the Commission and the Board shall aim to ensure that the codes of conduct clearly set out their objectives, contain key performance indicators to measure the achievement of those objectives and take due account of the needs and interests of all interested parties, including citizens, at Union level. The Commission and the Board shall also aim to ensure that participants report regularly to the Commission and their respective Digital Service Coordinators of establishment on any measures taken and their outcomes, as measured against the key performance indicators that they contain. Key performance indicators and reporting commitments should take into account differences in size and capacity between different participants.
Amendment 1945 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
Article 41 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e
(e) the power to adopt proportionate interim measures to avoid the risk of serious harm, without prejudice to fundamental rights.
Amendment 2089 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) support and promote the development and implementation of European standards, guidelines, reports, templates and code of conducts in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders as provided for in this Regulation, as well as the identification of emerging issues, with regard to matters covered by this Regulation.
Amendment 2182 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 57 – paragraph 1
Article 57 – paragraph 1
1. For the purposes of carrying out the tasks assigned to it under this Section, the Commission may take the necessary actions to monitor the effective implementation and compliance with this Regulation by the very large online platform concerned. The Commission may also order that platform to provide access to, and explanations relating to, and where necessary access to, its databases and algorithms.
Amendment 129 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
Recital 26 a (new)
(26 a) Interoperability of chargers within specific categories of products could reduce unnecessary waste and costs for the benefit of consumers and other end- users. It should be possible therefore to recharge batteries for products such as electric vehicles, light means of transport, IT,telecommunications and consumer equipment, such as mobile phones and tablets, printers and laptops, as well as electric or electronic tools such as gardening tools or power drills, by making use of common chargers that allow interoperability within each category of products. A common charger specifically for small and medium sized electronic devices, like mobile phones and tablets, should be introduced at an earlier stage as per revision of the Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment.
Amendment 283 #
2020/0353(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a Common chargers From 1 January 2026, rechargeable batteries designed for electric vehicles and light means of transport, as well as rechargeable batteries incorporated into specific categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered by Directive 2012/19/EU, shall be charged by making use of common chargers. The Commission is empowered to adopt, no later than by 31 December 2024, a delegated act in accordance with Article 73 determining the categories of products and equipment to which this Article shall apply. When adopting the delegated act referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission shall take into account the size of the market, the reduction of waste, and the reduction of costs for consumers and other end- users.
Amendment 161 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) It is necessary to improve the conditions for data sharing in the internal market, by creating a harmonised framework for data exchanges. Sector- specific legislation can develop, adapt and propose new and complementary elements, depending on the specificities of the sector, such as the envisaged legislation on the European health data space25 and on access to vehicle data. Moreover, certain sectors of the economy are already regulated by sector-specific Union law that include rules relating to cross-border or Union wide sharing or access to data26 . This Regulation is therefore without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (27 ), and in particular the implementation of this Regulation shall not prevent cross border transfers of data in accordance with Chapter V of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 from taking place, Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council (28 ), Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council (29 ), Regulation (EU) 2018/1807 of the European Parliament and of the Council (30 ), Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (31 ), Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (32 ), Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (33 ), Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council (34 ), Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (35 ), Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council (36 ), as well as Regulation 2018/858/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (37 ), Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (38 ) and Delegated Regulations adopted on its basis, and any other sector-specific Union legislation that organises the access to and re-use of data. This Regulation should be without prejudice to the access and use of data for the purpose of international cooperation in the context of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties. A horizontal regime for the re-use of certain categories of protected data held by public sector bodies, the provision of data sharing services and of services based on data altruism in the Union should be established. Specific characteristics of different sectors may require the design of sectoral data-based systems, while building on the requirements of this Regulation. Where a sector-specific Union legal act requires public sector bodies, providers of data sharing services or registered entities providing data altruism services to comply with specific additional technical, administrative or organisational requirements, including through an authorisation or certification regime, those provisions of that sector-specific Union legal act should also apply. Тhis Regulation does not create a new legal basis for the processing of personal data. When personal data is referred to in this Regulation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) prevails. __________________ 25 See: Annexes to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Commission Work Programme 2021 (COM(2020) 690 final). 26For example, Directive 2011/24/EU in the context of the European Health Data Space, and relevant transport legislation such as Directive 2010/40/EU, Regulation 2019/1239 and Regulation (EU) 2020/1056, in the context of the European Mobility Data Space. 27Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p.1) 28 Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Council Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA. (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p.89) 29Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure. (OJ L 157, 15.6.2016, p.1) 30 Regulation (EU) 2018/1807 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on a framework for the free flow of non-personal data in the European Union. (OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 59) 31Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and repealing Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1101/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transmission of data subject to statistical confidentiality to the Statistical Office of the European Communities, Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 on Community Statistics, and Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom establishing a Committee on the Statistical Programmes of the European Communities. (OJ L 87, 31.03.2009, p. 164) 32Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000, on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (Directive on electronic commerce). (OJ L 178, 17.07.2000, p. 1) 33 Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society. (OJ L 167, 22.6.2001, p. 10) 34 Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC. (OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 92) 35Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights. (OJ L 157, 30.4.2004). 36Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information. (OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 56). 37 Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018). 38 Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport. (OJ L 207, 6.8.2010, p. 1)
Amendment 168 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The categories of data held by public sector bodies which should be subject to re-use under this Regulation fall outside the scope of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 that excludes data which is not accessible due to commercial and statistical confidentiality and data for which third parties have intellectual property rights. Commercially confidential data includes data protected by trade secrets, confidential obligations and any other information the unauthorised disclosure of which would harm legitimate commercial interests in the business. Personal data fall outside the scope of Directive (EU) 2019/1024 insofar as the access regime excludes or restricts access to such data for reasons of data protection, privacy and the integrity of the individual, in particular in accordance with data protection rules. The re-use of data, which may contain trade secrets, should take place without prejudice to Directive (EU) 2016/94340 , which sets the framework for the lawful acquisition, use or disclosure of trade secrets. This Regulation is without prejudice and complementary to more specific obligations on public sector bodies to allow re-use of data laid down in sector- specific Union or national law. It does not create an obligation to allow re-use of public sector data. __________________ 40 OJ L 157, 15.6.2016, p. 1–18
Amendment 174 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Public sector bodies should comply with competition law when establishing the principles for re-use of data they hold, avoiding as far as possible the conclusion of agreements, which might have as their objective or effect the creation of exclusive rights for the re-use of certain data. Such agreement should be only possible when justified and necessary for the provision of a service of general interest. This may be the case when exclusive use of the data is the only way to maximise the societal benefits of the data in question, for example where there is only one entity (which has specialised in the processing of a specific dataset) capable of delivering the service or the product which allows the public sector body to provide an advanced digital service in the general interest. Such arrangements should, however, be concluded in compliance with public procurement rules and be subject to regular review based on a market analysis in order to ascertain whether such exclusivity continues to be necessary. In addition, such arrangements should comply with the relevant State aid rules, as appropriate, and should be concluded for a limited period, which should not exceed three years. In order to ensure transparency, such exclusive agreements should be published online at least two months before their entry into force, regardless of a possible publication of an award of a public procurement contract. This Regulation should not be read as preventing data licensors to public sector bodies from concluding agreements, which limit the re-use of such licenced data, where a data license addresses the manner of delivery, maintenance and control of the data, as well as data security policies, practices and protocols, in particular where the data comprises personal or sensitive financial, technical or commercial information.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Conditions for re-use of protected data that apply to public sector bodies competent under national law to allow re- use, and which should be without prejudice to rights or obligations concerning access to such data, should be laid down. Those conditions should be non-discriminatory, proportionate and objectively justified, while not restricting competition. In particular, public sector bodies allowing re- use should have in place the technical means necessary to ensure the protection of rights and interests of third parties. Conditions attached to the re-use of data should be limited to what is necessary to preserve the rights and interests of others in the data and the integrity of the information technology and communication systems of the public sector bodies. Safeguards against the de-anonymization and identification of natural persons should be provided for. Public sector bodies should apply conditions which best serve the interests of the re-user without leading to a disproportionate effort for the public sector. Depending on the case at hand, before its transmission, personal data should be fully anonymised, so as to definitively not allow the identification of the data subjects, or data containing commercially confidential information modified in such a way that no confidential information is disclosed. Where provision of anonymised or modified data would not respond to the needs of the re-user, on- premise or remote re-use of the data within a secure processing environment could be permitted. Data analyses in such secure processing environments should be supervised by the public sector body, so as to protect the rights and interests of others. In particular, personal data should only be transmitted for re-use to a third party where a legal basis allows such transmission. The public sector body could make the use of such secure processing environment conditional on the signature by the re-user of a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the disclosure of any information that jeopardises the rights and interests of third parties that the re-user may have acquired despite the safeguards put in place. The public sector bodies, where relevant, should facilitate the re-use of data on the basis of consent of data subjects or permissions of legal persons on the re-use of data pertaining to them through adequate technical means. In this respect, the public sector body should support potential re-users in seeking such consent by establishing technical mechanisms that permit transmitting requests for consent from re-users, where practically feasible. No contact information should be given that allows re-users to contact data subjects or companies directly. Commercially confidential data, which is not capable of protection by these measures, should not be made available for re-use.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The intellectual property rights of third parties should not be affected by this Regulation. This Regulation should neither affect the existence or ownership of intellectual property rights of public sector bodies, nor should it limit the exercise of these rights in any way beyond the boundaries set by this Regulation. The obligations imposed in accordance with this Regulation should apply only insofar as they are compatible with international agreements on the protection of intellectual property rights, in particular the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Berne Convention), the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) and the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), and Union intellectual property rules. Public sector bodies should, however, exercise their copyright in a way that facilitates re-use.
Amendment 186 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Furthermore, it is important to protect commercially sensitive data of non- personal nature, notably trade secrets, but also non-personal data representing content protected by intellectual property rights from unlawful access that may lead to IP theft or industrial espionage. In order to ensure the protection of fundamental rights or interests of data holders, non-personal data which is to be protected from unlawful or unauthorised access under Union or national law, and which is held by public sector bodies, should be transferred only to third-countries where appropriate safeguards for the use of data are provided. Such appropriate safeguards should be considered to exist when in that third- country there are equivalent measures in place which ensure that non-personal data benefits from a level of protection similar to that applicable by means of Union or national law in particular as regards the protection of trade secrets and the protection of intellectual property rights. To that end, the Commission may adopt implementing acts that declare that a third country provides a level of protection that is essentially equivalent to those provided by Union or national law. In addition to that, should there be any worrying cases concerning the re-use of non-personalised data in third countries, the Commission should take them into account when considering the adoption of implementing acts. The assessment of the level of protection afforded in such third-country should, in particular, take into consideration the relevant legislation, both general and sectoral, including concerning public security, defence, national security and criminal law concerning the access to and protection of non-personal data, any access by the public authorities of that third country to the data transferred, the existence and effective functioning of one or more independent supervisory authorities in the third country with responsibility for ensuring and enforcing compliance with the legal regime ensuring access to such data, or the third countries’ international commitments regarding the protection of data the third country concerned has entered into, or other obligations arising from legally binding conventions or instruments as well as from its participation in multilateral or regional systems. The existence of effective legal remedies for data holders, public sector bodies or data sharing providers in the third country concerned is of particular importance in the context of the transfer of non-personal data to that third country. Such safeguards should therefore include the availability of enforceable rights and of effective legal remedies.
Amendment 194 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Some third countries adopt laws, regulations and other legal acts which aim at directly transferring or providing access to non-personal data in the Union under the control of natural and legal persons under the jurisdiction of the Member States. The public sector bodies, natural and legal entities, data intermediation service providers and data altruism organisations which have granted or have been granted the right to share or re-use data, should ensure that whenever entering contractual relations with third-parties, non-personal data held in the Union can only be accessed by or transferred to third countries if Union data protection law, security rules and consumer protection law or the data protection law, security rules and consumer protection law of the relevant Member State are respected. They should also comply with, whenever possible, the highest level of technical standards, codes of conduct and certifications at Union level. Judgments of courts or tribunals or decisions of administrative authorities in third countries requiring such transfer or access to non- personal data should be enforceable when based on an international agreement, such as a mutual legal assistance treaty, in force between the requesting third country and the Union or a Member State. In some cases, situations may arise where the obligation to transfer or provide access to non-personal data arising from a third country law conflicts with a competing obligation to protect such data under Union or national law, in particular as regards the protection of commercially sensitive data and the protection of intellectual property rights, and including its contractual undertakings regarding confidentiality in accordance with such law. In the absence of international agreements regulating such matters, transfer or access should only be allowed under certain conditions, in particular that the third-country system requires the reasons and proportionality of the decision to be set out, that the court order or the decision is specific in character, and the reasoned objection of the addressee is subject to a review by a competent court in the third country, which is empowered to take duly into account the relevant legal interests of the provider of such data.
Amendment 196 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In order to build trust in re-use mechanisms, it may be necessary to attach stricter conditions for certain types of non- personal data that have been identified as highly sensitive, as regards the transfer to third countries, if such transfer could jeopardise public policy objectives, in line with international commitments. For example, in the health domain, certain datasets held by actors in the public health system, such as public hospitals, could be identified as highly sensitive health data. In order to ensure harmonised practices across the Union, such types of highly sensitive non-personal public data should be defined by Union law, for example in the context of the European Health Data Space or other sectoral legislation. Other sectors in which similar developments could be fostered through European Data Spaces are industry, agriculture, finance, mobility, environment and energy, public administration, professional skills. The conditions attached to the transfer of such data to third countries should be laid down in delegated acts. Conditions should be proportionate, non-discriminatory and necessary to protect legitimate public policy objectives identified, such as the protection of public health, public order, safety, the environment, public morals, consumer protection, privacy and personal data protection. The conditions should correspond to the risks identified in relation to the sensitivity of such data, including in terms of the risk of the re- identification of individuals. These conditions could include terms applicable for the transfer or technical arrangements, such as the requirement of using a secure processing environment, limitations as regards the re-use of data in third-countries or categories of persons which are entitled to transfer such data to third countries or who can access the data in the third country. In exceptional cases they could also include restrictions on transfer of the data to third countries to protect the public interest.
Amendment 206 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Legal entities that seek to support purposes of general interest by making available relevant data based on data altruism at scale and meet certain requirements, should be able to register as ‘Data Altruism Organisations recognised in the Union’. This could lead to the establishment of data repositories. As registration in a Member State would be valid across the Union, and this should facilitate cross-border data use within the Union and the emergence of data pools covering several Member States. Data subjects in this respect would consent to specific purposes of data processing, but could also consent to data processing in certain areas of research or parts of research projects as it is often not possible to fully identify the purpose of personal data processing for scientific research purposes at the time of data collection. Legal persons could give permission to the processing of their non-personal data for a range of purposes not defined at the moment of giving the permission. The voluntary compliance of such registered entities with a set of requirements should bring trust that the data made available on altruistic purposes is serving a general interest purpose. Such trust should result in particular from a place of establishment within the Union, as well as from the requirement that registered entities have a not-for-profit character, from transparency requirements and from specific safeguards in place to protect rights and interests of data subjects and companies. Further safeguards should include making it possible to process relevant data within a secure processing environment operated by the registered entity, oversight mechanisms such as ethics councils or boards to ensure that the data controller maintains high standards of scientific ethics, effective technical means to withdraw or modify consent at any moment, based on the information obligations of data processors under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 as well as means for data subjects to stay informed about the use of data they made available. Registration as a recognised data altruism organisation should be a precondition for exercising data altruism activities. Additionally, the Commission should encourage and facilitate the development of self-regulatory codes of conduct at Union level, involving relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 215 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
(2) This Regulation is without prejudice to specific provisions in other Union legal acts or national law regarding access to or re- use of certain categories of data, or requirements related to processing of personal or non-personal data. Where a sector-specific Union legal act requires public sector bodies, providers of data sharing services or registered entities providing data altruism services to comply with specific additional technical, administrative or organisational requirements, including through an authorisation or certification regime, those provisions of that sector-specific Union legal act shall also apply.
Amendment 231 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
(1) Agreements or other practices pertaining to the re-use of data held by public sector bodies containing categories of data referred to in Article 3 (1) which grant exclusive rights or which have as their object or effect to grant such exclusive rights or to restrict the availability of data for re-use by entities other than the parties to such agreements or other practices shall be prohibited. Agreements or other practices, which restrict the re-use of data which has been licensed or otherwise provided to a public sector body by a commercial data holder, are not subject to this Article.
Amendment 246 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
(4) Public sector bodies mayshall impose obligations
Amendment 248 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
(4) Public sector bodies may impose obligations in duly justified cases
Amendment 249 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) to access and re-use the data remotely within a secure processing environment provided and controlled by the public sector ;
Amendment 251 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
(5) The public sector bodies shall impose conditions that preserve the integrity of the functioning of the technical systems of the secure processing environment used in line with the latest technical cybersecurity standards. The public sector body shall be able to verify any results of processing of data undertaken by the re- user and reserve the right to prohibit the use of results that contain information jeopardising the rights and interests of third parties. A public sector body shall not make commercially confidential data available for re-use unless it is able to do so in a manner, which protects the legitimate commercial interests of third parties related to commercially confidential data. Public sector bodies shall be equipped with the necessary human and financial resources for monitoring and law enforcement.
Amendment 260 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 9 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 9 – introductory part
(9) TWhen duly justified by a substantial number of cases across the Union concerning the re-use of non- personal data in specific third countries, the Commission may adopt implementing acts declaring that the legal, supervisory and enforcement arrangements of a third country:
Amendment 278 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
(4) The competent body or bodies shall have adequate legal and technical capacities and expertise to be able to comply with relevant Union or national law concerning the access regimes for the categories of data referred to in Article 3 (1). The competent body or bodies should be equipped with the necessary human and financial resources to carry out their duties in effective and efficient way.
Amendment 303 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
(4a) Data intermediaries should take reasonable measures to guarantee interoperability within the sector but also across sectors to facilitate data sharing.
Amendment 308 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) the providerdata intermediary shall take measures to ensure a high level of security, including state-of-the-art cybersecurity standards for the storage and transmission of non-personal data;
Amendment 323 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
(1a) Registration as a recognised data altruism organisation should be a precondition for exercising data altruism activities. The Commission should encourage and facilitate the development of self-regulatory codes of conduct at Union level, involving relevant stakeholders. The European Data Innovation Board shall advise and assist in developing and preserving a consistent practice throughout the Union in this regard.
Amendment 339 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point d
(d) the entity’s main sources of income;
Amendment 355 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
(2) The entity shall also ensure that the data is not be used for other purposes than those of general interest for which it permits the processing. Safeguards shall be provided to ensure that misleading marketing practices are not used to solicit donations of data. Sanctions shall be provided when acting against the general public interest.
Amendment 376 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) to advise and assist the Commission in developing consistent guidelines for cybersecurity requirements for the exchange and storage of data; in this regard to aim to consistently keep the latest technical standards in cybersecurity;
Amendment 377 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to advise the Commission on the prioritisation of cross-sector standards to be used and developed for data use and cross-sector data sharing, cross-sectoral comparison and exchange of best practices with regards to sectoral requirements for security, access procedures, while taking into account sector-specific standardisations activities; it should also assist the Commission in setting technical guidelines for anonymization;
Amendment 378 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to advise and assist the Commission in enhancing the interoperability of data as well as data sharing services between different sectors and domains, building on existing European, international or national standards; to do its utmost to guarantee interoperability within the sector but also across sectors to facilitate data sharing.
Amendment 379 #
2020/0340(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) to facilitate the cooperation between national competent authorities under this Regulation through capacity- building and the exchange of information, in particular by establishing methods for the efficient exchange of information relating to the notification procedure for data sharing service providers and the registration and monitoring of recognised data altruism organisations; to advise and assist in developing and preserving a consistent practice in relation to the code of conduct of data altruism organisations throughout the Union.
Amendment 145 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
Amendment 167 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) to recognise the negative effects of the European Council’s failure to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in 2019 and, which could lead to diminished credibility of the EU and, thus, to open space for third countries to influence the Western Balkan states; which has also had a detrimental effect on the pro-EU accession public opinion; to acknowledge that opening accession talks would restore credibility to the accession process, as recommended by the European Parliament;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) to foster electoral reforms that ensure free, fair and transparent elections, in line with international standards - free from intimidation and disinformation campaigns; with transparent party funding; to contribute to the European Parliament’s democracy support programmes in the region;
Amendment 250 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) to increase EU engagement in solving outstanding bilateral issues and; to note with concern and urge for the suspension of anti- good neighbourly relations or anti- EU rhetoric when used in national campaigns by political parties and party affiliated media; to urge the Western Balkan countries to commit to reconciliation and peaceful solutions to longstanding disputes; to ensure that there is no further deterioration of bilateral relations;
Amendment 321 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a h
Paragraph 1 – point a h
(ah) to embed the Western Balkan countries in the TEN-T network, providing quality and safe transport services and improving connectivityassist the countries from the region in improving their overall connectivity within the region and with the rest of the EU; to embed the Western Balkan countries in the TEN-T network; to assist in ensuring quality and frequency of safe air and road transport services within the region, as well as between the region and the EU;
Amendment 326 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a i
Paragraph 1 – point a i
(ai) to continuaccelerate the implementation of the digital agenda for the Western Balkans in order to bring the benefits of the digital transformation to citizens; to assist the countries from the region in improving funding and development opportunities for start-ups and SMEs;
Amendment 327 #
2019/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a j
Paragraph 1 – point a j
(aj) to establish a foreseeable timetable for the implementation of a regional roaming-free zone and further decrease tariffs for communications with the EU;
Amendment 92 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas support and diplomatic efforts are essential for a peaceful and sustainable settlement of ongoing and protracted conflicts in EaP and for the respect of human rights and territorial integrity, non-use of force, and equal rights and self-determination of the peoples on the ground as enshrined in the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act;
Amendment 416 #
2019/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point v a (new)
(va) reaffirm support to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ efforts to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and to their 2009 Basic Principles which reflect a compromise based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples; call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue negotiations in good faith with a view to implementing these principles to solve the conflict, which cannot be solved using military force; call on the Governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue high-level talks and commit to genuine confidence-building measures and dialogue between Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide1a; _________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0094
Amendment 396 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Strongly condemns the Turkish decision to convert such an emblematic World Cultural Heritage Monument, as Hagia Sophia Museum, to a mosque and calls on the Turkish authorities to urgently reverse their decision;
Amendment 477 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls the laudable role played by TurkeyTurkey played and still plays in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; notes that the challenges in addressing this crisis have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic; takes the view that the EU should continue to give the necessary support to Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey; supports an objective assessment of the EU- - Turkey Statementcooperation on refugees and migration matters and underlines the importance of both parties’sides to compliancey with their respective commitments;
Amendment 514 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States;
Amendment 518 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Stresses that a modernisation of the Customs Union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep Turkey economically and normatively anchored to the EU; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the Customs Union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current Customs Union will not achieve its full potential until Turkey fully implements the Additional Protocol in relation to all Member States and existing trade irritants are resolved;
Amendment 543 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the Eastern Mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation;s; strongly condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in Greek and Cypriot waters, which violate both the sovereign rights of EU Member States and international law; expresses its full solidarity with Greece and the Republic of Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat, as that could have a negative impact on good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 663 #
2019/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that it is high time to review the EU’s relations with Turkey and to define a comprehensive, unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term, among all EU institutions and Member States; invites Turkey to engage in a dialogue
Amendment 116 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes note of the conclusions of the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR special election assessment mission that the 21 June 2020 parliamentary elections were administered efficiently but that the dominance of the ruling party, including in the media, was of concern; welcomes the creation of the Working Group for the implementation of ODHIR recommendations; calls on the authorities to address fully all ODIHR recommendations well ahead of the next elections;
Amendment 215 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that the legal and institutional framework for upholding human rights is broadly in place and calls for its more effective implementation, with particular regard to the most vulnerable groups in society, including national minorities, in the areas of education, use of minority languages, adequate representation in public administration and the judiciary. In this regard, access to education in national minority languages from pre- school level, along with translation and reprinting of textbooks in the minority languages, where the circulation has been exhausted, should be provided; appropriate school content for all grades and all subjects up to the end of secondary education in the national minority languages has to be ensured;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the finalisation of the long-delayed translation of primary school textbooks into Bulgarian, which will enable the Bulgarian national minority to be educated in its mother tongue; notes with concern that still not all textbooks for the secondary level education have been translated; encourages the Serbian authorities to ensure the sustainability of the process by providing sufficient number of teachers, textbooks and additional materials (school diaries, student grade books, etc. ) to adequately address the needs of the pupils from the minority;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes Serbia’s engagement in regional cooperation initiatives; encourages Serbia to sustain its efforts at all levels aimed at reconciliation and strengthening good neighbourly relations; notes that additional efforts need to be invested in the socio-economic development of the border regions in order to prevent them from depopulation;
Amendment 368 #
2019/2175(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Reiterates its call on the authorities to continue their efforts to eliminate the legacy of the former Communist secret services by making its files open to the public, as a step towards the democratisation of Serbia; calls on Serbia to intensify the process of succession and implementation of obligations relating to the division of the common archive of the former Yugoslavia; reiterates, in this connection, that full access to all archival materials, especially those of the former Yugoslav Secret Services (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People’s Army Secret Service (KOS) is of vital significance; reiterates its call to the authorities to facilitate access to those archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia and to return them to their respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto;
Amendment 121 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Encourages the authorities to retrieve the relevant Yugoslav secret service archives from Serbia; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratization, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 199 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Strongly urges the media outlets and the authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to deter from utilizing and publicizing hate speech against EU Member States and its closest neighbours;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Reiterates the importance of improving the public infrastructure within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States; recalls the potential of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans to enhance regional connectivity through Rail and Highway Corridor VIII to Bulgaria, and gas interconnectors to Greece, Kosovo and Serbia; recalls the importance of developing air connections within the Western Balkans countries and with the EU Member States;
Amendment 235 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Reiterates its full support to the enhanced regional cooperation in the region, and appeals to all parties to ensure the full and continuous implementation of the Prespa agreement with Greece and the Treaty on Good Neighbourly Relations with Bulgaria;
Amendment 246 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 257 #
2019/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Amendment 8 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto,
Amendment 90 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WStrongly welcomes the decision of the Kosovo Government to lift the tariffs on imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which allowed for the resumption of the EU-facilitated dialogue;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the signature of the agreement for economic normalisation between Kosovo and Serbia on 4 September in Washington; underlines that transatlantic cooperation is a crucial factor for stability in the region; reminds that the EU is the main fair mediator to broker a sustainable solution to the Belgrade- Pristina dialogue;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for greater protection and inclusion of persons belonging to minorities, including Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, as well as persons with disabilities, by providing them with adequate health and social protection and care; urges more efforts to fight discrimination and antigypsyism; in this regard recommends that the rights of people with Bulgarian ethnicity in the Gora and Zhupa regions to be enshrined in law and ensured in practice;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2172(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Notes with regret that the petition of nearly 500 people, who have historically self-identified as Bulgarian, which was registered at the Assembly of Kosovo in May 2018, has still not been considered by the Parliament of the country; underlines the necessity for a ‘Bulgarian’ graph to be added in the second national census in Kosovo, set to be held in 2021;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 2 April 2009 on European conscience and totalitarianism,
Amendment 33 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 19 September 2019 on the importance of European remembrance for the future of Europe,
Amendment 71 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas BiH is a migrant transit route, and reception capacities remain insufficient for hostingintegrated border management as well as reception capacities for migrants and asylum seekers present in the country remain insufficient;
Amendment 152 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Commends the adoption of the amendments to the BiH Election Law that allowed Mostar citizens to vote in the 2020 local elections; welcomes the Parliamentary Assembly’s vote of 22 July 2020 on the Rules of Procedure governing the meetings of Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC), paving the way for their formal adoption by the 2nd EU-BiH SAPC as soon as possible;
Amendment 264 #
2019/2171(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Insists that the EU must enhance its communication strategy, including by diversifying its funding to projects that entail local and regional media outlets, in order to effectively counter disinformation campaigns aimed at diminishing the EU’s credibility in the regionand its actions in the region, as well as the enlargement process as a whole;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation -1 a (new)
Citation -1 a (new)
- having regard to the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement,
Amendment 2 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the European Council conclusions of 19-20 June 2003 and the Thessaloniki Agenda for the Western Balkans,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the Sofia declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit of 17 May 2018 and the Sofia Declaration, annexed thereto,
Amendment 15 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 c (new)
Citation 12 c (new)
- having regard to its recommendation of 19 June 2020 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the Western Balkans, following the 2020 summit (2019/2210(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas enlargement is one of the EU’s most effective foreign policy instruments contributing to extending the reach of the Union’s fundamental values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, fostering peace and respect for human rights;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises the importance of the integration process as a catalyst for reforms, and welcomes the support which this process enjoys among the Albanian people;
Amendment 53 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses the need to improve the visibility and communication concerning EU aid and Union financing in Albania; in this regard, reminds of the performance reward under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to North Macedonia and Albania and notably the substantial support the EU has provided to the Western Balkans to fight the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the general elections of 25 April 2021 will be key for the country’s democratic consolidation; reminds that free and fair elections are a fundamental prerequisite for EU integration;
Amendment 92 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for the most pressing recommendations of the Venice Commission to be adopted and implemented in due time before the upcoming general elections;
Amendment 121 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Is concerned about the current practice that the State Police may receive private donations and sponsorship; calls for adequate evaluation and strict regulations to limit the risks of corruption or conflicts of interest;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for concrete integrity plans to be swiftly adopted and implemented within all ministries, as foreseen in the Inter-Sectorial Strategy against corruption and the Action Plan for its implementation;
Amendment 160 #
2019/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the planned census, which is to be carried out in the autumn of 2021; expects that all recognized minority groups will be represented in the census forms;
Amendment 49 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. WStrongly welcomes the long overdue ratification of the August 2015 Border Demarcation Agreement with Montenegro in March 2018, which marks a step forward in the spirit of good neighbourly relations; underlines the significance of this step towards visa liberalisation;
Amendment 150 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes that further efforts are needed to protect the rights of all minorities in Kosovo, through the full implementation of the relevant legislation; recommends that the rights of people with historical Bulgarian ethnicity in the Gora and Zhupa regions be enshrined in law and ensured in practice; urges the Kosovan authorities to protect the historical Bulgarian minority from political oppression;
Amendment 174 #
2018/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes the pluralistic media environment of Kosovo; welcomes the approved Draft Law on Protection of Whistleblowers by the Government of Kosovo and expresses hope that it will further strengthen the freedom of speech and media freedom in the country;
Amendment 50 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets that no compromise has been reached with regard to changes to the electoral legislation required to implement the Constitutional Court decision in the Ljubić case on the election of the members of the Federation House of Peoples; reminds that the 2010 Constitutional Court decision concerning the democratic right of the citizens of Mostar to vote in local elections has not been implemented yet; urges all political leaders to show responsibility and amend swiftly the electoral framework in order to ensure smooth implementation of the results of the elections; stresses that holding credible elections and implementing the results is an essential feature of a well-functioning democracy, as well as a requirement for any country aspiring to join the EU;
Amendment 57 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Regrets that the issue of the legitimate representation of three constituent communities raised in Parliaments resolution is still an open issue, which should be addressed as soon as possible by the new legislators, including through the operationalization of the Sejdić Finci decision;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. reaffirms the statement made by Mogherini and Hahn about election campaign concerns, and especially the need to form the Federation House of People's along the lines decided by the Constitutional Court in the Ljubić case;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for more effective measures to combat all forms of discrimination, in particular by adopting country-wide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies; regrets that there was no progress in addressing the ‘two schools under one roof’ issue; urges that decisive action be taken at all levels in order to find systemic solutions that will ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory education for all children; calls for more effective implementation of the legal provisions regarding equality between men and women; notes that more needs to be done in the effective implementation of legislation on the prevention of and protection from gender-based violence; urges that progress be made towards ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected, in particular by swiftly addressing the relevant UN recommendations; acknowledges the steps taken towards the legal protection of LGBTI persons but stresses that more needs to be done in order to prosecute violence and hate crimes against them, as well as to promote their social inclusion; is concerned that lack of coordination between different levels of authority and lack of funding continue to hamper effective protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, in particular Roma people;
Amendment 131 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the lack of progress with regard to the reform of public administration; acknowledges the steps taken towards the development of the new country-wide public administration reform strategy and calls for its swift adoption; draws attention again to the fragmentation and politisation of the policy-making system in BiH and stresses the need to improve the quality, coherence and financial affordability of public policies throughout the country; calls for the adoption of a country-wide strategy on public financial management and for increased budget transparency in BiH, as well as for stronger mechanisms to prevent inefficiency and waste of public resources, including in the area of public procurement; calls in particular for action to be taken to reduce the risk of politicisation of civil service, through an effective human resources management system at all administrative levels;
Amendment 163 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the adoption of the 2017-2020 Strategy for Combatting Organised Crime and the progress in implementing the action plans on anti- money laundering measures and on the financing of terrorism; calls for a stepping- up of efforts to establish a track record of investigations, prosecutions, final convictions and confiscation of proceeds of organised crime; believes that adopting the necessary amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Law on the Intelligence Security Agency, in order to align the provisions on special investigative measures and witness immunity with the BiH Constitutional Court decision and European and international standards, should be the highest priority for the authorities; appreciates the fact that BiH has been removed from the FATF list of ‘high-risk third countries with structural deficiencies in anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing’; reminds of the need for stronger cooperation on border management issues with neighbouring countries;
Amendment 175 #
2018/2148(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Acknowledges that some progress has been made by BiH regarding economic development and competitiveness, but notes that the country is still at an early stage of establishing a functioning market economy; strongly believes that advancing socio-economic reforms should be a high priority up to the elections and beyond; urges more efforts to be spared in tackling the informal economy;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the official recognition of the Bulgarian minority in Albania, along with the additional steps taken to reinforce the protection of human rights, minority rights and anti- discrimination policies; insists that measures be taken to further improve the education, employment rates and living conditions for Roma, Egyptians and other ethnic minorities;
Amendment 133 #
2018/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Reiterates the importance of improving the public infrastructure within the Western Balkan countries and with the EU Member States; recommends the authorities to speed up the construction of major infrastructure projects such as the rail link and modern highway between Tirana and Skopje as part of Corridor VIII;
Amendment 119 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the Serbian parliament still does not exercise effective oversight of the executive, and that the transparency, inclusiveness and quality of the legislative process need to be enhanced; welcomes the declining use of urgent procedures to adopt legislation; stresses, however, that the still- frequent use of urgent procedures undermines parliamentary and public scrutiny; stresses that actions that limit the ability of the Serbian parliament to conduct an effective debate on, and scrutiny of, legislation should be avoided; welcomes the Serbian parliament’s continued efforts to improve transparency through debates on Serbia’s negotiating positions on EU accession chapters, and through exchanges with the core negotiating team and with the National Convention on the European Union; stresses that the role of independent regulatory bodies, including the country’s Ombudsman, needs to be fully acknowledged andthe Anti-Corruption Agency, the National Audit Authority, the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection, in ensuring oversight and accountability of the executive need to be fully acknowledged and politically and administratively supported;
Amendment 191 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the finalisation of the long delayed process of school textbooks translation into Bulgarian to make possible the education for the Bulgarian national minority in mother tongue; encourages the Serbian authorities to ensure the sustainability of this process by providing sufficient number of textbooks to adequately address the needs of pupils from the minority; is concerned by the lack of progress on the translation of internal school documentation (school diaries, student grade books, school registers, etc.) for the Bulgarian minority which is enshrined in law, but not followed in practice;
Amendment 216 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Reiterates its call on the authorities to continue their efforts to eliminate the legacy of the former Communist secret services by making its files open to the public, as a step towards the democratisation of Serbia; calls on Serbia to intensify the process of succession and implementation of obligations relating to the division of the common archive of the former Yugoslavia; reiterates, in this connection, that full access to all archival materials, especially those of the former Yugoslav Secret Services (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People's Army Security Service (KOS) is of vital significance; reiterates its call to the authorities to facilitate access to those archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia and to return them to their respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 234 #
2018/2146(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Commends the Serbian authorities for completing their part of the highway section between Nis and Sofia; notes that more efforts need to be put in the economic and social development of the border regions in order to prevent them from depopulation;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the positive diplomacy and active trust-building efforts leading to compromise and to the settlement of open bilateral issues; strongly welcomes the entry into force on 14 February 2018 of the friendship treaty with Bulgaria, and the beneficial effect it has had on the relations between the two countries;
Amendment 57 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Encourages the authorities to retrieve the relevant Yugoslav secret service archives from Serbia; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratisation, accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the Western Balkan region as a whole;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the 27 April 2017 attack on the Parliament of the country, during which several MPs sustained severe injuries, and; welcomes the started investigation and trial on the case; calls for the organisers and perpetrators to be brought to justice; further condemns any form of obstruction and abuse of procedures of the Parliament;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the steps taken towards reinstating checks and balances and increasing inclusion of communities through measures improving the environment in which independent oversight institutions, the media and civil society organisations operate; welcomes the constructive dialogue between the government and civil society organisations and the role the latter have played in ensuring greater checks and balances;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages the authorities to undertake again the interrupted census which would provide accurate statistics on population data to serve as basis for government development programmes and adequate budget planning, along with organising elections and calculating election results;
Amendment 116 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. WNotes the legislative and institutional changes, which have been put in place in regard to fight against corruption; however, notes the remaining operational difficulties in applying these; welcomes the judicial reform strategy aimed at restoring judicial independence and ending political interference and selective justice, and stresses the need to complete legislative alignment in line with the recommendations of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 129 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls upon the authorities to intensify the fight against money laundering and conflicts of interest by establishing and strengthening the capacities of anti-corruption, counter-crime and financial investigation cells, and through freezing, confiscation and recovery of assets; urges the authorities to establish a track record on investigations and prosecutions and to improve the number of convictions in high-level money laundering and financial crimes cases; welcomes the adoption of the law on the protection of whistle-blowers and calls for an urgent review of laws on anti- corruption, financial control and public procurement;
Amendment 140 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. CNotes the sustained effort in bettering the status quo of the asylum system and migration management and calls for further improvements in the asylum system and migration management; encourages the country to step up regional cooperation and partnership with Frontex under a new status agreement with a view to dismantling human trafficking networks;
Amendment 171 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Notes with concerns that citizens of Bulgarian ethnicity have never been represented in legislature, state documentation, official forms or census entries, while at the same time more than 100 000 citizens of the Republic of Macedonia are holders of a Bulgarian passport;
Amendment 213 #
2018/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Commends the Macedonian Parliament for the adoption of a new energy law transposing the Third Energy Package in May 2018;
Amendment 24 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Stresses the need for the government to work inclusively - with opposition parties and civil society representatives, to address shortcomings in the electoral process; calls on the Anti- Corruption Agency to provide transparency on political party financing;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Raises its concern with the Montenegrin parliament´s decision to dismiss Vanja Ćalović Marković from the Council of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption; urges full transparency in the handling of the case;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes the progress made in strengthening the capacity of the Anti- Corruption Agency (ACA) when it comes to investigating campaign funding; stresses the need for improving the trust in and reputation of the ACA, which could be achieved by further distancing its work from any political influence;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the efforts made to improve the transparency of public administration and information sharing but would encourage steps towards establishing a more citizen-friendly, professional and de-politicised public administration; calls for improved regulatory impact assessments and inclusive public consultations; urges further depoliticisation of the public administration; recommends the optimisation of resources and human capital in the public administration;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Commends high-level corruption cases being investigated, prosecuted and convicted; however acknowledges that this track record has to be further strengthened; stresses the need for all institutions to take the initiative when tackling such cases;
Amendment 44 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for progress in preventing conflicts of interest and the illicit enrichment of public officials, including at municipal level; calls on the authorities to intensify the confiscation of criminal assets, to advance inquiries into unjustified wealth and to take other steps leading to the dismantlement of criminal gangs, severing the links between organised crime, business and politics; meanwhile denounces the practice of issuing sanctions below the statutory minimum as is has a counterproductive effect on preventing corruption offences;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is increasingly concerned about the state of freedom of expression and media freedom, in which three successive Commission reports have noted ‘no progress’; recalls that the related Chapter 23 was opened in December 2013 and that progress in this chapter and in Chapter 24 determine the overall pace of negotiations; condemns in the strongest terms intimidation, smear campaigns and verbal and physical attacks against journalists; notes that there were seven reported cases of attacks against journalists in 2017; urges the government to ensure in practice the protection of journalists; condemns the lack of development in handling old cases of violence against journalists and calls for timely and effective investigations into these cases;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deplores the ongoing financial and editorial pressure placed on Montenegro’s public broadcaster (RTCG) and the Agency for Electronic Media; urges that safeguards against undue political and business influences be put in place, and that full transparency in matters of state advertising in the media be ensured; reiterates the need for the RTCG and all other media outlets to be protected from undue political influence; urges the state authorities to provide both the media regulators and the public broadcaster with sufficient funds to sustain their independent work; regrets the change in composition of the RTCG council and the dismissal of the Director-General of RTCG, Ms Andrijana Kadija;
Amendment 77 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the ongoing legislative alignment on fundamental rights; urges that the institutional framework enabling effective rights protection be strengthened, including in the event of ill-treatment by law enforcement, intimidation and physical attack; calls for updates to the law on freedom of religious beliefs; commends the more effective work of the Ombudsman; notes that a better implementation of the existing legislation is still needed; urges more efforts to be put in place for the protection of vulnerable groups, namely the Roma minority;
Amendment 97 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Welcomes the ongoing development of online electronic company registration; stresses the importance of strengthening the SME sector and providing support through better legislation, financing, implementation of industrial policy as well as speeding up electronic registration of companies nation-wide;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Reminds that private ownership of property is a fundamental right, which should be guarded and championed; notes that the process of restitution of properties expropriated in the past has been burdensome and slow; urges Montenegro to ensure a timely and fair process when implementing its existing legislation on property rights and restitution of property;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes regulatory changes in the field of education; notes with concern the persistent low participation in the labour market and the high unemployment rates; calls for active labour market measures to increase employment; urges the authorities to address the high long-term unemployment rate among youth and women;
Amendment 116 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that the development of additional hydropower and tourism capacities must meet EU environmental standards; urges the further exploitation of potential renewables and energy-efficiency measures and the improvement of water and waste management; welcomes the achieved alignment between Montenegro´s 2016 law on cross-border exchange of electricity and natural gas and the Third Energy Package; commends on the improved legislative alignment Montenegro has reached on energy efficiency and renewable energy;
Amendment 121 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. RWelcomes the positive developments in further aligning the national environmental and climate change legislation of Montenegro with the acquis; repeats its call for the Ulcinj Salina site to be given protected status in line with the EU’s Natura 2000 network;
Amendment 136 #
2018/2144(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Commends Montenegro on another year of full alignment with all EU positions and declarations made in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy; calls on Montenegro to align itself with the EU common position on the integrity of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court or with the related EU guiding principles on bilateral immunity agreements;
Amendment 11 #
2018/2119(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers it important to use the European Semester to accelerate the transition towards a resource-efficient circular economy; reiterates the importance of EU financial support for coal- and carbonintensive regions to enable a just energy transition to clean technologies and energy-efficiency solutions, while creating sustainable jobs;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2119(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the proposed allocation of EU funding in the next programming period to support Member States in the implementation of recommendations and structural reforms, but stresses that this linkage should not take the form of a conditionality insofar as it proves difficult to measure the implementation progress; calls for the adoption of a more longer- term perspective in the monitoring and assessment of reform progress;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2119(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes that in the area of healthcare the European Semester process shifted the focus from cost-saving to health system performance, recognising the importance of health outcomes and access to high-quality healthcare; calls for the development of common indicators and methodologies to assess the performance of healthcare systems with the aim of reducing health inequalities;support the efforts to develop common indicators and methodologies to enable the assessment of national healthcare systems' performance, including inequalities and gaps in access to healthcare;
Amendment 22 #
2018/2119(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of structured and systematic dialogue with civil society at national level with a view to increasing ownership. Believes that the Commission should gather input from a broad range of stakeholders and ensure more publicity around the CSRs and country reports, including through more discussions at higher political level.
Amendment 23 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the result of the implementation of the current Directive shows that in 2015 not all the Member States implemented completely or correctly the Directive;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas there is still a considerable number of Member States where obstacles placed in the way of patients by health systems are significant and it only deepens the fragmentation of the access to services;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
N a. whereas in terms of data, not all the Member States were able to supply data or information regarding the patient travelling abroad; whereas data collection is not always comparable from one Member State to another;
Amendment 81 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that digitalization could bring an added value to the implementation of the Directive, and e- health interoperability should be a priority to improve global patient records and continuity of care;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Highlights the importance to collect and have available the data for patients travelling abroad for treatment, and calls upon the Commission to address this matter through a European Record for patients;
Amendment 105 #
2018/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to put in place a mechanism where patients should be able to address complaints in cases where their rights have been not respected or even violated;
Amendment 284 #
2018/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 e (new)
Paragraph 17 e (new)
17e. Emphasises that strengthening regional security in the Indo-Pacific is of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its Member States; stresses that all disputes should be settled through peaceful means based on international laws; takes note that official dialogue between China and Taiwan has been frozen over the past two years; encourages a quick resumption of bilateral talks to de-escalate tensions between the two sides and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations, mechanisms and activities;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU and its Member States remain collectively the single largest financial contributor to the UN; whereas EU contributions to the UN should be more visible;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
E b. whereas peace and security, human rights and development are inseparable and mutually reinforcing;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
E c. whereas to respond successfully to global crises, threats and challenges requires an efficient multilateral system, founded on universal rules and values;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas the promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of multilateralism and a central pillar of the UN system; whereas the EU has a strong position that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and inter-related;
Amendment 49 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to actively support the UN Secretary-General’s (UNSG) three pillar reform agenda with the aim of making the UN system truly coordinated, efficient, effective, integrated, transparent and accountable; to support the streamlining of the peace and security structure, which needs to become more efficient, focused and operational;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to support the UNSG’s efforts in making a substantial change in order to align the UN development system with the priorities of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make it fit for the purpose of better supporting their implementation;
Amendment 65 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) to underline the importance EU Member States attach to coordination of their action in the organs and bodies of the United Nations system;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) to advocate the establishment of a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) within the UN system in order to increase the democratic character, the democratic accountability and the transparency of global governance and to allow for better citizen participation in the activities of the UN and in particular to contribute to the successful implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) to increase Member State support for UN peacekeeping and peace building operations, in particular by contributing personnel and equipment, and to enhance the EU’s facilitating role in this respect; to ensure better visibility for this support and contribution;
Amendment 105 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g c (new)
(gc) to deepen the cooperation with the UN in the Strategic Partnership on Peacekeeping and Crisis management; to encourage the EU-UN cooperation in the Security Sector Reform (SSR); to enhance the effectiveness of peace keeping operations in the wider context of the UN reform process;
Amendment 117 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) to continue to support the efforts to further operationalise R2P and to support the UN in continuing to play a critical role in assisting countries in the implementation of R2P; to further strengthen the role of R2P as an important principle in UN Member States' work on conflict resolution, human rights and development;
Amendment 124 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i e (new)
(ie) to reiterate its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and its full support for actions aimed at the defeat and eradication of terrorist organisations, in particular ISIL/Daesh, which poses a clear threat to regional and international security;
Amendment 125 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i f (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i f (new)
(if) to support the UNICRI in the implementation and operationalization of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), building on the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime; to strengthen joint EU-UN efforts in combating the root causes of terrorism, particularly in countering hybrid threats and developing research and capacity building in cyber defence; to rely on the existing initiatives setup by local partners to design, implement, and develop approaches countering radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism;
Amendment 126 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i g (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i g (new)
(ig) to step up efforts to clamp down on recruitment and fight terrorist propaganda, through social media platforms but also through networks of radicalised hate preachers; to support actions strengthening resilience of communities vulnerable to radicalisation; to support counter-radicalisation and de- radicalisation policies in line with the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism; to support an enhanced EU contribution to UN capacity building initiatives concerning the fight against foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism;
Amendment 128 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i i (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i i (new)
(ii) to work with the UN General Assembly to combat the financing of terrorism and to build mechanisms to designate terrorist individuals and organizations and strengthen asset- freezing mechanisms worldwide;
Amendment 133 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i k (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i k (new)
(i k) to insist that a Syrian-led political process which will lead to free and fair elections, facilitated and monitored by the United Nations and held on the basis of a new constitution, is the only way to pacify the country; to stress that a nationwide inclusive ceasefire and peaceful mutually acceptable solution to the Syrian crisis can be achieved under UN auspices and, as provided for in the 2012 Geneva Communiqué and UNSC resolution 2254 (2015), with the support of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria;
Amendment 135 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i m (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i m (new)
(i m) to ensure that the UN General Assembly provides, in cooperation with the EU, all instruments to ensure that a two-state solution, on the basis of the1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of both states, and a secure State of Israel with secure and recognised borders, and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, is sustainable and effective;
Amendment 138 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i p (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i p (new)
(i p) to keep addressing the major security threats in the Sahel, Sahara, Lake Chad and Horn of Africa regions in view of eradicating the terrorist threat caused by ISIL/Daesh and al-Qaeda affiliates and by Boko Haram or any other affiliated terrorist groups;
Amendment 141 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i s (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i s (new)
(i s) to continue to call for the full respect of internationally-recognised borders and the territorial integrity of Eastern European and South Caucasus countries, including Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, in light of the violations of international law in these areas; to support and reinvigorate diplomatic efforts for a peaceful settlement of these on-going and frozen conflicts; to urge the international community to implement fully the policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea; to actively increase pressure on Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in order to resolve the conflict in Ukraine;
Amendment 195 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(qa) to support UN efforts to prevent non-state actors and terrorist groups from developing, manufacturing, acquiring or transferring weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems; to insist on full compliance with the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention;
Amendment 210 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) to recall that human rights are indivisible, interdependent and interrelated; to call on the EU and the UN to condemn the disturbing global trend towards a marginalisation of human rights, particularly with regard to the closing space for civil society around the worldtinue protecting the human rights and democracy all over the world in order to counter any negative trends, particularly with regard to the civil society space;
Amendment 215 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point s c (new)
(sc) to continue to advocate for freedom of religion or belief; to urge greater efforts to protect the rights of religious and other minorities; to call for greater protection of religious minorities against persecution and violence; to call for the repeal of laws criminalising blasphemy or apostasy that serve as a pretext for the persecution of religious minorities and non-believers; to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; to actively work for a UN recognition of the genocide against religious and other minorities committed by ISIL/Daesh, and for referral to the ICC of cases of suspected crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide;
Amendment 231 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point t b (new)
(tb) to strengthen the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the international criminal justice system in order to promote accountability and to end impunity;
Amendment 238 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point u
Paragraph 1 – point u
(u) to maintain a strong commitment to promoting an end to the death penalty worldwide; to continue to advocate for zero tolerance for the death penalty; to call for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and to further work towards its universal abolition;
Amendment 276 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point x a (new)
(xa) to demand that greater efforts be made to prevent irregular migration and to fight people smuggling and human trafficking, in particular by combating criminal networks through timely and effective exchange of relevant intelligence; to improve methods to identify and protect victims and to reinforce cooperation with third countries with a view to tracking, seizing and recovering the proceeds of criminal activities in this sector; to insist at the UN level on the importance of the ratification and full implementation of the UN Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and the protocols thereto against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air and to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children;
Amendment 291 #
Amendment 295 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point -z c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point -z c (new)
(-zc) to pursue its efforts of achieving policy coherence for development across all EU policies, which is crucial for achieving the SDGs, and to push also at the UN level for greater policy coherence in accordance with Goal 17;
Amendment 296 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point -z d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point -z d (new)
(-zd) to underline the leading role of the EU in the process that led to the adoption of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda; to take concrete steps to ensure the efficient implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 and the Addis Ababa Agenda as important instruments for development;
Amendment 297 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point -z e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point -z e (new)
(-ze) to reiterate that the EU remains the world's leading donor of development assistance, providing 75.7 billion EUR and to encourage the continued growth of the EU collective aid underpinning the Member States' sustained efforts to promote peace, prosperity and sustainable development worldwide;
Amendment 317 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point aa a (new)
(aaa) to ensure that the EU remains at the forefront of the fight against climate change and cooperates further with the UN in this area; to call upon all UN Members to uphold the Paris Agreement and to ensure swift implementation of the decisions taken at the 2016 UN Climate Change Conference;
Amendment 321 #
2018/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Paragraph 1 – point ab
Amendment 35 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The integration of the Programme for the Union's action in the field of health with the ESF+ will also create synergies between the developments and testing of initiatives and policies to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, resilience and sustainability of health systems developed by the Health strand of the ESF+ Programme and their implementation in the Member States by the tools provided by the other strands of the ESF+ Regulation.
Amendment 68 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Current health challenges can only be effectively addressed through collaboration at EU level and continued EU action in the field of health. The Health strand of the ESF+ should contribute to disease prevention throughout the lifetime of the Union's citizens and to health promotion by addressing health risk factors such as tobacco use and passive smoking, harmful use of alcohol, consumption of illicit drugs and reduction of drugs-related health damage, unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles in order to complement Member States action in line with the relevant strategies. The Health strand of the ESF+ should mainstream effective prevention models, innovative technologies and new business models and solutions to contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems of the Member States and facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for European citizens.
Amendment 164 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) Support the development of a sustainable, transparent and accessible Union health information system
Amendment 182 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d – point ii
(ii) Support the development of cooperation on and capacity-building in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in preparation of new harmonised rules
Amendment 185 #
2018/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d – point iii a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point d – point iii a (new)
(iiia) support European-level civil society organisations
Amendment 43 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The aim of this Regulation is to ensure that manufacturers established in the Union are able to compete effectively in those third country markets where supplementary protection does not exist or has expired. It is intended to complement the efforts of the Union’s trade policy to ensure open markets for Union-based manufacturers of medicinal products. Indirectly, it is also intended to put those manufacturers in a better position to enter the Union market immediately after expiry of the relevant supplementary protection certificate. It would also help to serve the aim of fostering access to medicines in the Union by helping to ensure a swifter entry of generic and biosimilar medicines onto the market after expiry of the relevant certificate.
Amendment 53 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In those specific and limited circumstances, and in order to create a level playing field between Union-based manufacturers and third country manufacturers, it is appropriate to restrict the protection conferred by a supplementary protection certificate so as to allow making for the exclusive purpose of export to third countries and entry onto the Union market immediately after expiry of the relevant supplementary protection certificate, as well as any related acts strictly necessary for making or for the actual export itself.
Amendment 64 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) That exception should cover the making of the product, including the product which corresponds to the medicinal product protected by a supplementary protection certificate in the territory of a Member State, for the exclusive purpose of export to third countries or day-1 entry, as well as any upstream or downstream acts by the maker or by third parties in a contractual relationship with the maker, where such acts would otherwise require the consent of the certificate-holder, and are strictly necessary for making for the purpose of export or, for the actual export itself or for day-1 entry. For instance, such acts may include the supply and import of active ingredients for the purpose of making the medicinal product to which the product covered by the certificate corresponds, or temporary storage of the product or advertising for the exclusive purpose of export to third country destinations or day-1 entry.
Amendment 68 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The exception should not cover placing the product made for the exclusive purposes of export or day-1 entry on the market in the Member State where a supplementary protection certificate is in force, either directly or indirectly after export, nor should it cover re-importation of the product to the market of a Member State in which a certificate is in force. Moreover, it should not cover any act or activity for the purpose of import of medicinal products, or parts of medicinal products, into the Union merely for the purposes of repackaging and re-exporting.
Amendment 74 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) By limiting the scope of the exception to making for the purposes of export outside the Union or day-1 entry and acts strictly necessary for such making or for the actual export itself, the exception introduced by this Regulation will not unreasonably conflict with normal exploitation of the product in the Member State where the certificate is in force, nor unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the certificate-holder, taking account of the legitimate interests of third parties.
Amendment 84 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Safeguards should accompany the exception in order to increase transparency, to help the holder of a supplementary protection certificate to enforce its protection in the Union and to reduce the risk of illicit diversion onto the Union market during the term of the certificate. At the same time the safeguards should also ensure the necessary confidentiality and protection of commercially sensitive information of the applicant.
Amendment 96 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) To this end, this Regulation should impose a once-off duty on the person making the product for the exclusive purpose of export, requiring that person to provide certain information to the authority which granted the supplementary protection certificate in the Member State where the making is to take place and the holder of the certificate. The information should be provided in a uniform format before the making is intended to start for the first time in that Member State. The making and related acts, including those performed in Member States other than the one of making in cases where the product is protected by a certificate in those other Member States too, should only fall within the scope of the exception where the maker has sent this notification to the competent industrial property authority (or other designated authority) of the Member State of making. The once-off duty to provide information to the authority should apply in each Member State where making is to take place, both as regards the making in that Member State, and as regards related acts, whether performed in that or another Member State, related to that making. The authority should be required to publish that information, in the interests of transparency and for the purpose of informing the holder of the certificate of the maker’s intention.
Amendment 108 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In addition, this Regulation should impose certain due diligence requirements on the maker as a condition for the exception to operate. The maker should be required to inform persons within its supply chain, through appropriate means, in particular contractual means, that the product is covered by the exception introduced by this Regulation and is intended for the exclusive purposes of export and day-1 entry. A maker who failed to comply with these due diligence requirements would not benefit from the exception, nor would any third party performing a related act in the same or a different Member State where a certificate conferring protection for the product was in force, and the holder of the relevant certificate would therefore be entitled to enforce its rights under the certificate.
Amendment 125 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In order to ensure that holders of supplementary protection certificates already in force are not deprived of their acquired rights, tThe exception provided for in this Regulation should only apply to all certificates that are granted on or after a specified datefollowing a specified transition period after entry into force, irrespective of when the application for the certificate was first lodged. The date specified should allow a reasonable time for applicants and other relevant market players to adjust to the changed legal context and to make appropriate investment and manufacturing location decisions in a timely way. The date should also allow sufficient time for public authorities to put in place appropriate arrangements to receive and publish the uniform notifications of the intention to make, and should take due account of pending applications for certificates.
Amendment 155 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) making for the exclusive purposes of export to third countries or entry onto the Union market immediately after expiry of the certificate; or
Amendment 174 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the authority referred to in Article 9(1) of the Member State where that making is to take place (‘the relevant Member State’) isand the certificate holder are notified by the person doing the making (‘the maker’) of the information listed in paragraph 3 no later than 28 days before the intended start date of making in that Member State;
Amendment 202 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f
Amendment 220 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. Paragraph 2 shall apply in the case only of certificates granted on orfollowing a period of 5 years after [OP: please insert the date of the first day of the third month that follows the month in which this amending Regulation is published in the Official Journal)].;
Amendment 224 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 469/2009
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Amendment 182 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) HTA covers both clinical and non- clinical aspects of a health technology. The EU co-funded joint actions on HTA (EUnetHTA Joint Actions) have identified nine domains by reference to which health technologies are assessed. Of these nine domains, four are clinical and five are non- clinical. The four clinical domains of assessment concern the identification of a health problem and current technology, the examination of the technical characteristics of the technology under assessment, its relative safety, and its relative clinical effectiveness. The five non-clinical assessment domains concern cost and economic evaluation of a technology, its ethical, organisational, social, and legal aspects. The scientific aspects of the clinical domains are therefore more suited to joint assessment at EU-level on their scientific evidence base, while the assessment of non-clinical domains tends to be more closely related to national and regional contexts and approaches.
Amendment 190 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The carrying out of parallel assessments by multiple Member States and divergences between national laws, regulations and administrative provisions on the processes and methodologies of assessment can result in health technology developers being confronted with multiple and divergent requests for data. It can also lead to both duplications and variations in outcomes that increase the financial and administrative burdens that act as a barrier to the free movement of the health technologies concerned and the smooth functioning of the internal market. In some justified cases where specificities of the national (and regional) healthcare system and priorities need to be taken into account a complementary assessment on certain aspects might be necessary.
Amendment 198 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to ensure a better functioning of the internal market and contribute to a high level of human health protection it is appropriate to approximate the rules on carrying out clinical assessments at national level and clinical assessments of certain health technologies at Union level, and which also support the continuation of voluntary cooperation between Member States on certain aspects of HTA. This approximation should guarantee the highest quality standards and be aligned to best available practice. It should not stimulate a convergence towards the lowest common denominator and force HTA bodies with more expertise and higher standards to accept lower requirements. It should rather lead to an improvement of the HTA capacity and quality at the national (and regional) level.
Amendment 201 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In accordance with Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Member States remain responsible for the organisation and delivery of their healthcare. As such, it is appropriate to limit the scope of Union rules to those aspects of HTA that relate to the scientific aspects of the clinical assessment of a health technology, and in particular, to ensure that the assessment conclusions are confined to findings relating to the comparative effectiveness of a health technologyis confined to the descriptive analysis and the degree of certainty on the relative effects with no ranking or qualification of the level of effects of a health technology. The summary assessment of the scientific analysis contains value judgements and is therefore reserved for the appraisal at national level. The outcome of such assessments should not therefore affect the discretion of Member States in relation to subsequent decisions on pricing and reimbursement of health technologies, including the fixing of criteria for such pricing and reimbursement which may depend on both clinical and non-clinical considerations, and which remain solely a matter of national competence.
Amendment 210 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure a Member-State led approach to joint clinical assessments and scientific consultations, Member States should designate national HTA authorities and bodies which inform decision-making as members of the Coordination Group. The designated authorities and bodies should ensure an appropriately high level of representation in the Coordination Group and technical expertise in its sub- groups, taking into account the need to provide expertise on the HTA of medicinal products and medical devices. The organisational structure should respect the distinctive mandates of the sub-groups conducting the joint clinical assessments and the joint scientific consultations with separate member of the sub-groups performing these functions to avoid any conflict of interest.
Amendment 219 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) The joint scientific consultation, when addressing Orphan medicines, has to ensure that any new approach should not result in unnecessary delays for Orphan Medicinal Products assessment compared to the current situation and taken into account the pragmatic approach undergone through the EUnetHTA.
Amendment 238 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25a) The Commission, together with Member States, should adapt the framework of joint clinical assessment to vaccines to take into account their preventive nature that brings benefits to individuals and populations over a long time horizon. They should involve the appropriate national bodies in the joint clinical assessment of vaccines.
Amendment 239 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27 a (new)
Recital 27 a (new)
(27a) The availability of sufficient capacity at the national (and regional) level is of paramount importance in order to ensure contribution from all Member States to the joint work. The Union will therefore provide funding for training and capacity building to stimulate exchange of experience between national authorities and experts and ensure alignment of quality standards together with a balanced distribution of the workload.
Amendment 246 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In order to ensure that the support framework continues to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible, the Commission should report on the implementation of the provisions on the scope of the joint clinical assessments and on the functioning of the support framework no later than two years after the end of the transitional period. The report may in particular consider whether there is a need to move this support framework to a Union agency and introduce a fee-paying mechanism through which health technology developers would also contribute to the financing of the joint work.
Amendment 253 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. This Regulation shall not affect the rights and obligations of Member States with regard to the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care and the allocation of resources assigned to them. Furthermore, this Regulation shall not interfere with the exclusive national competence of Member States for national pricing and reimbursement decisions.
Amendment 256 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) ‘joint clinical assessment’ means a compilation and evaluationdescriptive analysis of the available scientific evidence on a health technology in comparison with one or more other health technologies based on the scientific aspects of the following clinical domains of health technology assessment: the description of the health problem addressed by the health technology and the current use of other health technologies addressing that health problem, the description and technical characterisation of the health technology, an descriptive analysis of the relative clinical effectiveness, and the relative safety of the health technology;
Amendment 267 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The Coordination Group shall act by consensus, or, where necessary, vote by simple majority. There shall be one vote per Member States far as possible act by consensus. Abstentions shall not prevent the adoption of decisions by consensus. Where no consensus is reached, the Coordination Group shall act by a majority of two thirds. There shall be one vote per Member State. An absent member’s vote shall count in the vote if a written mandate is given to another member of the group.
Amendment 283 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 6
Article 3 – paragraph 6
6. Members of the Coordination Group, and their appointed representatives shall respect the principles of independence, impartiality, transparency and confidentiality. Members of the Coordination group, their appointed representatives and other experts shall not have financial or other interests in the health technology industry which could affect their independence and impartiality. They shall undertake to act in the public interest and in an independent manner, and shall make an annual declaration of their financial interests. This annual declaration of interest shall be published on the IT platform. Members of the Coordination Group, their appointed representatives and other experts shall declare, at each meeting, any potential conflict of interest with respect to the items on the agenda. In the event of such a conflict of interest, the concerned member of the coordination group, appointed representative or expert shall withdraw from the meeting whilst the relevant items of the agenda are being dealt with.
Amendment 287 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 7
Article 3 – paragraph 7
7. The Commission shall publish a list of the designated members of the Coordination Group and its sub-groups on the IT platform referred to in Article 27and other experts, together with their annual declaration of interests, on the IT platform referred to in Article 27. This list shall be regularly updated and accessible to the general public.
Amendment 309 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) medicinal products subject to the authorisation procedure provided for in Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, including where an amendment has been made to the Commission Decision to grant a marketing authorisation based on a change in the therapeutic indication or indications for which the original authorisation was granted, with the exception of medicinal products authorised under Articles 10 and 10a of Directive 2001/83/EC; with the exception of medicinal products authorised under Articles 10c and under Article 10 of Directive 2001/83/EC, unless it concerns a new therapeutic indication compared to the reference medicinal product.
Amendment 311 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) applications for new therapeutic indications for medicinal products authorised in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 726/2004.
Amendment 312 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 315 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall, by means of Delegated Acts, include in Article 5 paragraph 1 of this Regulation a specific product category of medical devices if at least five Member States are systematically performing health technology assessments on the same specific product category of medical devices.
Amendment 317 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 320 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall, by means of Delegated acts, include in Article 5 paragraph 1 of this Regulation a specific product category of in vitro diagnostic medical devices if at least five Member States are systematically performing health technology assessments on the same specific product category of in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Amendment 329 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Coordination Group shall initiate joint clinical assessments of health technologies on the basis of its annual work programme by designating a sub-group to oversee the preparation of the joint clinical assessment report on behalf of the Coordination Group. Member States may propose additional comparator, which from their point of view represents the relevant evidence-based standard of care in their Member State. In case this proposal has not been taken into account, the relevant Member State may use the mechanism referred to in Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new).
Amendment 330 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Coordination Group shall initiate joint clinical assessments of health technologies on the basis of its annual work programme by designating a sub-group to oversee the preparation of the joint clinical assessment report on behalf of the Coordination Group. For medicinal products referred to in Article 5(1)(a), the joint clinical assessment report shall be adopted by the Coordination Group within 90 days in order to ensure compliance with timelines for pricing and reimbursement set out in Council Directive 89/105/EEC.
Amendment 335 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The joint clinical assessment report shall be accompanied by a summary report and they shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements in this Article and the requirements established pursuant to Articles 11, 22, and 23. The summary report shall be made publicly available in a lay-friendly format in all official languages of the European Union.
Amendment 340 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The designated sub-group shall request relevant health technology developers to submit documentation containing the information, data and evidence necessary for the joint clinical assessment. The submitted documentation must include all available evidence and data for the joint clinical assessment.
Amendment 355 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The conclusions of the joint clinical assessment report shall be limited to the following:
Amendment 356 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) an analysis of the relative effects of the health technology being assessed on the patient-relevant health outcomes chosen for the assessment compared to one or more comparator treatments to be determined by the Coordination Group;
Amendment 359 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) an descriptive scientific analysis of the relative effects of the health technology being assessed on the patient-relevantclinical health outcomes chosen for the assessment;
Amendment 362 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) the degree of certainty on the relative effects based on the available evidence. The assessment shall be based on the clinical endpoints established according to international standards of evidence-based medicine, in particular with regard to improving the state of health, shortening the duration of the disease, prolonging survival, reducing side effects or improving the quality of life. Reference should also be made to subgroup-specific differences.
Amendment 394 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 12
Article 6 – paragraph 12
12. The Coordination Group shall approve the final joint clinical assessment report and summary report, wherever possible by consensus or, where necessary, by a simple majority of Member States. Diverging positions and the grounds on which they are based should be recorded in the final report.
Amendment 407 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Where the Commission considers that there are no legal obstacles to the inclusion of the approved joint clinical assessment report and summary report comply with the substantiin a list of technologies that have aund procedural requirements laid down in this Regulation,ergone a joint clinical assessment (hereafter referred to as ‘the list of assessed technologies’ or ‘list’) it shall include the name of the health technology which has been the subject of the approved report and summary report, in a list of technologies having undergone joint clinical assessment (the "the ‘List of Assessed Health Technologies" or the "List")’ at the latest 30 days after receipt of the approved report and summary report from the Coordination Group.
Amendment 413 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Where, within 30 days of receipt of the approved joint clinical assessment report and the summary report, the Commission concludes that the approved joint clinical assessment report and summary report do not comply with the substantive and procedurlegal requirements laid down in this Regulation, it shall inform the Coordination Group of the reasons for its conclusions and request it to review the report and summary report.
Amendment 420 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. Following the submission of the modified approved joint clinical assessment report and summary report, and where the Commission considers that the modified approved joint clinical assessment report and summary report comply with the substantive and procedurlegal requirements laid down in this Regulation, it shall include the name of the health technology which has been the subject of the report and summary report, in the List of Assessed Health Technologies.
Amendment 424 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. If the Commission concludes that the modified approved joint clinical assessment report and summary report do not comply with the substantive and procedurlegal requirements laid down in this Regulation, it shall decline to include the name of the health technology in the List. The Commission shall inform the Coordination Group thereof, setting out the reasons for the non- inclusion. The obligations laid down in Article 8 shall not apply with respect to the health technology concerned. The Coordination Group shall inform the submitting health technology developer accordingly and include summary information on those reports in its annual report.
Amendment 436 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. This shall not prevent the Member States from complementing the joint clinical assessment with clinical assessments comparing the technology against a comparator which represents the best available evidence based standard of care in this Member State which, despite the Member States request during the scoping face, will not form part of the joint clinical assessment and which is necessary to complete the health technology assessment in that Member State. Any such measure should be justified, necessary and proportionate to achieving this aim. Any national assessment complementing the joint clinical assessment should follow the methodology established in accordance with Article 22. Member States shall notify the Commission and the Coordination Group of their intention to complement the joint clinical assessment together with a justification for doing so no later than 2 weeks after the Coordination Group has laid down the specific requirements for the joint assessment of the specific technology.
Amendment 443 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The Coordination Group may carry out updates of joint clinical assessments where requested by one or more of its members. Updates are requested when new information has been published or made available which was not available at the time of the initial joint report. When an update of the joint report is decided, the member who proposed it can update the report and propose it for adoption by other Member States through mutual recognition. When updating the report, the Member State will apply the methods and standards as defined by the Coordination Group. In case Member States disagree with the update and it cannot be adopted by consensus, the case will be referred to the Coordination Group that will decide whether to carry out an update based on this new information. When an update is approved by mutual recognition or after the Coordination Group has carried out an update, the joint report is considered updated.
Amendment 450 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) determining the detailed procedural steps and their timing, and the overall duration of joint clinical assessments;
Amendment 492 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The Coordination Group shall include anonymised summary information onpublish the joint scientific consultations in its annual reports andin the IT platform referred to in Article 27.
Amendment 522 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The common procedural rules and methodology established in accordance with Article 22 and the requirements established in accordance with Article 23 shall apply to: the joint clinical assessments carried out in accordance with Chapter II. Where relevant and appropriate Member States can apply these common procedural rules, methodology and requirements for clinical assessments of medicinal products and medical devices carried at national (and regional) level.
Amendment 526 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 527 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 547 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Procedural rules and methodologies referred to in paragraph 1 shall follow the output of the EUnetHTA Joint Actions, be developed and agreed between all stakeholders in a transparent manner, updated periodically and publicly available.
Amendment 548 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The methodology mentioned in paragraph 1(b) shall also take into account : – the lifelong effect of a vaccine through appropriate time horizon of the analyses; – indirect effects such as herd immunity; – elements independent from the vaccine as such, for example coverage rates linked to programmes.
Amendment 550 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) the contentformat and templates of:
Amendment 552 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. The funding referred to in paragraph 1 shall include funding for the participation of Member States' designated health technology authorities and bodies in support of the work on joint clinical assessments and joint scientific consultations, as well as projects for training and capacity building to support exchange of experience and sharing of good practices between national authorities and experts. Assessor and co- assessors shall be entitled to a special allowance compensating them for their work on joint clinical assessments and joint scientific consultations in accordance with internal Commission provisions.
Amendment 566 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall establish a stakeholder network through an open call for applications and a selection of suitable stakeholder organisations based on selection criteria established in the open call for applicationssuch as legitimacy, representation, transparency and accountability.
Amendment 572 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 26 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission shall organise ad- hocregular meetings between the stakeholder network and the Coordination Group in order to:
Amendment 573 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) seek input into the annual work programme and the annual study prepared by the Coordination Group;
Amendment 580 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(da) list of members of the Coordination Group, its sub-groups and other experts, together with their declaration of financial interests;
Amendment 581 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d b (new)
(db) final joint clinical assessment reports and summary reports in a lay- friendly format in all official languages of the European Union;
Amendment 582 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point d c (new)
(dc) list of organisations included in the stakeholder network;
Amendment 585 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall ensure appropriate levels ofpublic access to the information contained in the IT platform for Member State bodies, members of the stakeholder network, and the general public.
Amendment 588 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
No later than two years after the end of the transitional period referred to in Article 33(1), the Commission shall report on the implementationpresent an evaluation report focusing among other things on the impact of the provisRegulations on the scope of the joint clinical assessments and on the functioning of the support framework referred to in this Chapteraccessibility of new technologies for patients, health systems sustainability, HTA quality and capacity at the national (and regional) level, as well as the progress with regard to research and development of innovative medicinal products in areas of unmet need.
Amendment 592 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2
Article 32 – paragraph 2
2. When preparing those implementing and delegated acts, the Commission shall take into account the distinctive characteristics of the medicinal product and medical device sectors and shall consider the work already undertaken in the EUnetHTA Joint Actions.
Amendment 596 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may carry out a clinical assessment using means other than the rules provided for in Chapter III of this Regulation, on grounds related to the need to protect public health or other overriding reasons of public interest in the Member State concerned and provided the measure is justified, necessary and proportionate as regards achieving that aim.
Amendment 597 #
2018/0018(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, within threone months of the date of receiving the notification provided for in paragraph 2, approve or reject the planned assessment after having verified whether or not it complies with the requirements referred to in paragraph 1 and whether or not it is a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between Member States. In the absence of a decision by the Commission by the end of the threone month period, the planned clinical assessment shall be deemed to be approved.
Amendment 37 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the non-fulfilment of the political conditions related to democratic standards in Moldova, in particular the recent changes in national electoral legislation as well as the removalsuspension of Dorin Chirtoacă from the Chișinău mayor’s office and the invalidation of the election of Andrei Năstase, has led to the suspension of the disbursement of Macro Financial Assistance (MFA) and of outstanding payments of EU budget support;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Moldovan authorities to swiftly adopt and fully implement the new audiovisual code in line with European standards of media freedom and pluralism as recommended by the European Commission and the Venice Commission; emphasises the importance of genuine consultations with civil society and the independent media before the final adoption of the new audiovisual code,; expresses concern that important changes were introduced into the text of the Code shortly before its adoption on 26 July, which were not part of consultations with the media community and civil society; stresses the high importance of the Code being in line with the European standards of media freedom and pluralism as recommended by the European Commission and the Venice Commission; emphasises the need of assisting independent media, especially local outlets, to comply with the Code’s requirements regarding obligatory local content; stresses the importance of ensuring the genuine independence of the media regulatory agency and the need to discard all aspects that may undermine media pluralism; notes with concern the increased cartelisation of the media market;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes the need for the adoption of the new law on advertising, following a genuine consultation with civil society and independent media in order to promote the opening up of the advertising market, which is currently concentrated in the hands of few major actors;
Amendment 100 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. UNotes with concern the slow rate of reforms which could jeopardize the process as a whole; urges the Parliament to adopt the Constitutional amendments in line with the Venice Commission recommendations aimed at strengthening judicial independence; urges the authorities to ensure the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary and specialised anti-corruption institutions, including the Superior Council of Prosecutors, the National Integrity Authority and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency, notably through maintaining the allocation of adequate resources and guaranteeing transparent selection procedures with the participation of independent expert recruiters;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its calls, based on the findings and recommendations of the first and second Kroll reports, for a swift prosecution of all those responsible for the USD 1 billion bank fraud unveiled in 2014, as well as the recovery of stolen assets; stresses the need for the courts to promptly examine the pending case of Ilan Shor in open hearings and for the prosecution to swiftly bring to court any other pending investigations on the bank fraud;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11g. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to repeal the so-called tax amnesty legislation, which risks to encourage money laundering and corrupt behaviour, compromising the efforts to fight corruption in Moldova, and could also have a detrimental effect on the business climate in the country;
Amendment 134 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to respect international principles and uphold best practices that guarantee an enabling environment for civil society; expects, in particular, that no future legislation will curb funding forboth national and foreign funding for Moldovan NGOs or will unduly increase the administrative and reporting burden on Moldovan NGOs;
Amendment 142 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses concern about signs of a further shrinking of space for the country’s civil society, and calls on the authorities to immediately halt undue or disproportionate criminal proceedings and selective justice against political opponents, their lawyers and/or their families; expresses specific concerns about proceedings that target human rights defenders, independent judges such as Domnica Manole and Gheorghe Balan, journalists and critics of the government or of the President of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vladimir Plahotniuc;
Amendment 158 #
2017/2281(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the authorities to significantly step up efforts to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably for vulnerable groups, by fighting hate speech and discrimination against LGBTQI people, persons with disabilities and minorities such as the Roma population, as well as gender based or political affiliation-based hate speech and discrimination based;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Supports the Commission communication of 31 May 2017 entitled ‘Europe on the Move’ (COM(2017)0283), particularly as regards the need to shift rapidly towards low and zero-emissions road mobility, intermodality, shared mobility and the development of connected and automated vehicles through the integration of infrastructure, energy and digital networks;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the EU commitments on the fight against climate change under the Paris Agreement, the UN 2030 Agenda and the EUN 2030 AgendaClimate and Energy framework;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that for this purpose it will be necessary to increase the use of electro-mobility and alternative fuels, as road transport is responsible for one fifth of EU emissions, and this figure is increasing; underlines the need to reduce the gap between stated decarbonisation targets and real on-road emissions; stresses that a cross-sectoral effort is required to accelerate investment in alternative fuel infrastructure, which is a precondition for the wider uptake and deployment of alternatively powered vehicles;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the increased use of digital technologies in the implementation of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, such as the electronic toll based on environmental performances of heavy-duty vehicles;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that, according to WHO figures, road transport contributes to air and noise pollution, with a negative impact on citizens’ health, especially in urban areas; encourages the implementation of an effective strategy to reduce the level of pollutants such as NOx, NO2 and particulate matter and reiterates the need to support investments in innovative, low– emission and shared mobility in urban areas;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present, by 30 April on 2 May 2018, an ambitious legislative proposal for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption standards for heavy-duty vehicles.
Amendment 73 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes that cabotage transport represents only a small percentage of total road freight transport and underlines that limitations on cabotage operations should not lead to an increase of empty runs, which reduce efficiency and have negative effects on the environment.
Amendment 75 #
2017/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Notes that the decarbonisation of transport has the potential to reduce dependence on imports replacing them with cleaner, domestically-produced energy sources.
Amendment 3 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC,
Amendment 5 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing and amending Directive 2009/101/EC of 5 July 2016,
Amendment 48 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas there is a need for a preventive strategy based on the exchange of basic information among intelligence agencies involved in combating the financing of terrorism and for improved cooperation among financial intelligence units, among law-enforcement agencies and between intelligence services and law- enforcement agencies;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point а
Paragraph 1 – point а
(а) takes the view that a preventive strategy based on the exchange of basic information among intelligence agencies is vital in combating the financing of terrorism; calls on Europe’s intelligence agencies to improve coordination by setting up a European counter-terrorism intelligence platform with an in-depth focus on the exchange of basic information; that platform will create a joint database for data on physical and legal persons and suspicious transactions; emphasises that the information concerned must include, inter alia, a directory of banks, financial institutions and commercial entities both within and outside Europe, as well as high-risk third countries which have shortcomings when it comes to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism; calls on the Commission to draw up such a directory as quickly as possible, on the basis of its own criteria and analysis in accordance with Directive 2015/849; reiterates that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorist acts must be held to account for their actions;
Amendment 127 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) calls on the Commission to provide funding for programmes fostering the sharing of best practice among Europe’s intelligence agencies; welcomes the financial resources earmarked for the exchange of best practices in the investigation and analysis of the methods used by terrorists and terrorist organisations to collect and transfer funds for terrorist purposes;
Amendment 133 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) maintains, as reiterated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), that it is extremely important that information- sharing should be improved, and speeded up, among financial intelligence units, andbetween financial intelligence units and the security forces, between law enforcement and intelligence agencies within jurisdictions, among different jurisdictions, as well as in the private sector, especially the banking sector;
Amendment 142 #
2017/2203(INI)
(d) calls on the Member States to make better use of the informal network of European Financial Information Units (FIU.net), on the basis of the work done by Europol for the purpose of sharing the information concerned with the European counter- terrorism intelligence platform;
Amendment 160 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) welcomes the Commission’s proposal to facilitate cross-border access for law enforcement agencies to bank account registers, spefor the establishment of bank account registers and for facilitating access to them by financial intelligence units and other competent authorities engaged ing up the process of identifying the assets of terrorists in other Member States so that, once terrorists are identifi combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism; notes that the Commission is shortly to propose an initiative to give law-enforcement agencies wider access to the registers; underscores the need, twhe transactions they have made prior to attacks can be investigated, and any contacts they have had with other possible suspects can be identifiedn exchanging bank account information, to observe the rules on police cooperation and judicial cooperation, particularly in the context of criminal proceedings; calls, in that regard, on the Member States which have not yet transposed Directive 2014/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014, regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters, to do so as soon as possible;
Amendment 211 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) calls on the EU Member States to establish a monitoring system to ensure thatsystem for supervision of the financing, especially from abroad, of mosques, Islamic cultural associations and similar entities provide details of how the funds they receive are distributed, both within and outside the EU, and, as well as the distribution of their funds; calls for all the transactions made by those sending funds to be recorded in a centralised database, set up with all the appropriate guarantees; calls for the introduction of mandatory ex ante monitoring, by charities themselves, of the source of money and its destination where charities are concerned, so as to prevent money being distributed maliciously or negligently for terrorist purposes;
Amendment 247 #
2017/2203(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
Amendment 240 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region is of substantial interest to the EU and its member states; calls for all parties concerned in the region to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral actions to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, in order to safeguard regional security; acknowledges the continued good will and flexibility shown by the government of Taiwan in maintaining cross-Strait relations and encourages the resumption of bilateral dialogues, which will be conducive to regional peace and stability; reiterates its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and activities;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to structure the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) in a manner that clearly reflects the EU’s priorities for the coming years, particularly with respect to the resources needed to make a success of the transition to a low-carbon circular economy based on the UN's sustainable development goals and to sustain the EU’s leading role in tackling climate change and its internal and external biodiversity commitments and goals;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to structure the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) in a manner that clearly reflects the EU’s priorities for the coming years, particularly with respect to the resources needed to sustain the EU’s leading role in tackling climate change and its internal and external biodiversity commitments and goals, and its responsibility for tackling public health treats;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the next Multiannual Financial Framework accords with the United Nations SDGs, in order to increase the coherence of Union expenditure and to improve the balance between the economic, social and environmental dimensions;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Draws attention to the first recommendations of the High Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance1a, which relate inter alia to the Multiannual Financial Framework and stress that the sustainable development goals must be supported by a financial system that can promote growth in a way that is sustainable over the longer term; calls on the Commission to consider those recommendations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework carefully and act on them, inter alia with reference to the development of a sustainable financial system; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/17 0713-sustainable-finance-report_en.pdf
Amendment 26 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the next MFF must be compatible with the commitments made by the Union externallyand actively contribute to the fulfilment of the commitments made by the Union externally such as the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations, and with its own long- term goals in the field of climate- relevant spending; believes that this can only be achieved by a thorough climate mainstreaming of EU spending, including on mitigation and adaptation; calls on the Commission therefore to develop a transparent and reliable method of calculation that can provide evidence of expected impacts for climate-relevant spending, as well as their weighting for ex post assessment in reporting obligations;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon circular economy is the only way to ensure a healthy living environment and the long-term wellbeing of Union citizens and the European economy; considers that the EU should be the global frontrunner in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon circular economy and a sustainable production-consumption system;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the next MFF should help the Union achieve its environmental objectives and the 2030 climate and energy framework objectives; underlinstresses that the EU should not finance projects and investments thatwhich stand in the way of these objectives, make it more difficult to implement them or are contrary to their achievement of these goals;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the next MFF should help the Union achieve its 2030 climate and energy framework objectives; underlines that the EU should not financprioritize projects and investments that are contrary tosistent with the achievement of these goals;
Amendment 77 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recognises the European added value of collaboration in tackling common public health threats; considers that, on the basis of the first positive outcomes of the ongoing health programme, the next MFF should include a robust health programme that tackles health issues on a cross-border basis and delivers support to Member States in the form of expertise, exchange of data, evidence and good practices.
Amendment 84 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that no single Member State can tackle cross-border health challenges alone and calls for the next MFF to reflect the EU’s responsibility to support Member States in tackling health inequalities that undermine social cohesion and hinder European integration.
Amendment 89 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls that good health is a prerequisite for achieving other goals set by the EU and that policies such as agriculture, environment, social policy, inclusion, employment have an impact on health; therefore calls for the strengthening of health impact assessment and cross-sectoral cooperation in the next MFF;
Amendment 91 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls for an increase of the share of the total EU budget allocated to cohesion policy measures post-2020, recognizing the major contribution of the European Structural and Investment Funds to improving environmental and healthcare infrastructure and closing socio-economic gaps between regions. Stresses that the effectiveness of financial instruments does not replace the absolute need for grants in some areas, particularly for innovative and risky projects.
Amendment 93 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for the conclusion of the legislative process to adopt the next MFF before the 2019 European elections in order to allow sufficient time for the negotiation of sectorial EU legislation and to avoid delays in the implementation of new programmes.
Amendment 94 #
2017/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Stresses the need to provide EU financial assistance for nuclear decommissioning beyond 2020 in the context of the next MFF in order to ensure effective protection of the environment and public health against the dangers arising from radiation. Underlines the unique nature of the long- term and complex process of decommissioning and waste disposal which requires the availability of specific technical equipment, high-skilled personnel as well as adequate financial resources;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building a United Nations that can contribute effectively to global solutions, peace and security, development, human rights, democracy and a rule-of- law-based international order; whereas EU Member States need to make every effort to coordinate their action in the organs and bodies of the United Nations system in accordance with the mandate contained in Article 34(1) TEU;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph b a (new)
Paragraph b a (new)
(ba) to support the Intra-Syrian Talks that are guided by the Security Council resolution 2254; to stress that the sides should aim at a framework agreement containing a political package so that a negotiated transitional political process can be implemented in accordance with the clear sequencing and target timelines set out in resolution 2254; to underline that to achieve this goal, a clear agenda has emerged consisting of four baskets; to express its concern that the continuous fighting in Syria is undermining the ceasefire regime that came into effect on 30 December 2016, with significant negative consequences for the safety of Syrian civilians, humanitarian access and the momentum of the political process; to support the call of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria on the guarantor-States of the ceasefire in Syria to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the ceasefire regime;
Amendment 69 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph b b (new)
Paragraph b b (new)
(bb) to make certain the UN General Assembly provides, in cooperation with the EU and the USA, all instruments to ensure that a two-state solution, on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of both States and with the secure State of Israel, with secure and recognised borders, and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, is sustainable and effective;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph k
Paragraph k
(k) to continue to support the efforts to further operationalise R2P and to support the UN in continuing to play a critical role in assisting countries in the implementation of R2P; to further strengthen the role of R2P as an important principle in UN Member States' work on conflict resolution, human rights and development;
Amendment 199 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph aa
Paragraph aa
(aa) to underline the leading role of the EU in the process that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the General Assembly in September 2015; to take concrete steps to ensure the efficient implementation of Agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs as important instruments for prevention and development; to work towards improving the lives of future generations and to encourage and support countries to take ownership and establish national frameworks for the achievement of the 17 goals; to encourage UN member states to meet their commitments on development aid spending and to call for the adoption of a solid framework of indicators and the use of statistical data to monitor progress and ensure the accountability of all; to insist that the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development should become the main decision-making body competent for ensuring the follow-up and review of the implementation of the SDGs and to present a common EU position on the implementation of Agenda 2030;
Amendment 210 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph aa a (new)
Paragraph aa a (new)
(aaa) to recall that development is not possible without peace, nor peace without development, stressing the importance of the SDG 16 on peace, justice and governance, which should be one of the priorities in development cooperation financing; to call on the UN to systematically integrate capacity-building and good governance into long-term development strategies;
Amendment 229 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph ac
Paragraph ac
(ac) to underline the importance that EU Member States attach to coordinating their action in the organs and bodies of the United Nations system; to strengthen the communication and to ensure that Member States' positions at the EU level are ever more coordinated; to strive for alignment of positions with candidate countries, partner countries and other likeminded states;
Amendment 246 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph ad a (new)
Paragraph ad a (new)
(ada) to strongly support the newly elected UN Secretary General's reform agenda; to encourage the impetus for a reform of the UN peace and security architecture, the functioning and architecture of the Secretariat through simplification, decentralization and flexibility and the support to Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the objectives of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 247 #
2017/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph ad a (new)
Paragraph ad a (new)
(ada) to foster a debate on the topic of the role of parliaments and regional assemblies in the UN system and on the topic of establishing a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) in order to increase the democratic profile and internal democratic process of the organisation and allow world civil society to be directly associated in the decision- making process;
Amendment 273 #
2017/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes that equitable access to high quality healthcare is the key to sustainable health systems as it has the potential to reduce inequalities. Stresses that more efforts are needed to address the multi-dimensional barriers to access - at the individual, provider and health system level;
Amendment 279 #
2017/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Notes that most EU countries have achieved universal (or near-universal) health coverage, but some still need to address coverage gaps for some segments of their population and increasing rates of co-payment;
Amendment 44 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) To ensure a coherent legislation framework ofor the inter-urban carriage of passengers by regular coach and bus services throughout the Union, Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009 should apply to all inter- urban carriage by regular services. The scope of that Regulation should therefore be extendedEuropean Union is paramount in order to prevent legal ambiguity. The scope of that Regulation should therefore be consistent with the provisions of a Regulation (EC) No1370/2007.
Amendment 49 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) An independent and impartial regulatory body should be designated in each Member StateEach Member State shall designate a national competent authority to ensure the proper functioning of the road passenger transport market. That body may also be responsible for other regulated sectors such as rail, energy or telecommunications.
Amendment 57 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Commercial regular service operations should not compromise the economic equilibrium of existing public service contracts. For this reason, the regulatory bodnational competent authority should be able to carry out an objective economic analysis to ensure that this is the case.
Amendment 66 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to ensure fair competition in the market, operators of regular services should be provided with access rights to terminals in the Union on fair, equitable, non-discriminatory and transparent terms. Appeals against decisions rejecting or limiting access should be lodged with the regulatory body.national competent authority
Amendment 72 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Authorisation for both national and international regular services should be subject to an authorisation procedure. Authorisation should be granted, unless there are specific grounds for refusal attributable to the applicant, or the service would compromise the economic equilibrium of a public service contract. A distance threshold should be introduced to ensure that commercial regular service operations do not compromise the economic equilibrium of existing public service contracts. In the case of routes already served by more than one public service contract, it should be possible to increase that threshold.
Amendment 77 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Non-resident carriers should be able to operate national regular services under the same conditions as resident carriers by attending a competitive tendering procedure, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70.
Amendment 80 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Administrative formalities should be reduced as much as possible without abandoning the controls and penalties that guarantee the correct application and effective enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009. The journey form constitutes an unnecessary administrative burden and should therefore be abolished.
Amendment 104 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 2 – paragraph 7
Article 2 – paragraph 7
7. ‘cabotage operation’ means a national road passenger transport service operated for hire or reward on a temporary basis in a host Member State;;
Amendment 107 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c – introductory part
(c) the following points 9 to 11 a are added:
Amendment 115 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 2 – paragraph 9
Article 2 – paragraph 9
9. ‘terminal’ means any staffed facility with a minimumhere according to the specified route a rea of 600m2, which provides a parking place that is used by coaches and buses for the setgular service is scheduled to stop for passengers to board or alight, equipped with facilities such as a check-in counter, waiting downroom or pticking up of passengerset office;
Amendment 130 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 2 – paragraph 11 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. ‘public service contract’ means one or more legally binding acts confirming the agreement between a competent authority and a public service operator to entrust to that public service operator the management and operation of public passenger transport services subject to public service obligations; depending on the law of the Member State, the contract may also consist of a decision adopted by the competent authority: – taking the form of an individual legislative or regulatory act, or – containing conditions under which the competent authority itself provides the services or entrusts the provision of such services to an internal operator;
Amendment 136 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Amendment 140 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 1
Article 3 a – paragraph 1
Each Member State shall designate a single national regulatory bodcompetent authority for the road passenger transport sector. That body shall be an impartial authority which is, in organisational, functional, hierarchical and decision making terms, legally distinct and independent from any other public or private entity. It shall be independent from any competent authority involved in the award of a public service contracte national competent authority may be responsible for other regulated sectors.
Amendment 144 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 146 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 2
Article 3 a – paragraph 2
Amendment 152 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 3
Article 3 a – paragraph 3
3. The regulatory bodnational competent authority shall perform the following tasks::
Amendment 163 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 4
Article 3 a – paragraph 4
The regulatory bodnational competent authority may, in exercising its tasks, request relevant information from the other competent authorities, terminal operators, applicants for authorisation and any third party involved within the territory of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 164 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 4
Article 3 a – paragraph 4
Information requested shall be supplied within a reasonable period set by the regulatory bodnational competent authority and not exceeding one month. In justified cases, the regulatory bodnational competent authority may extend the time limit for submission of information by a maximum of two weeks. The regulatory bodnational competent authority shall be able to enforce requests for information by means of penalties which are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 167 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 5
Article 3 a – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that decisions taken by the regulatory bodnational competent authority are subject to judicial review. That review may have suspensive effect only when the immediate effect of the regulatory bodnational competent authority’s decision may cause irretrievable or manifestly excessive damages for the appellant. This provision is without prejudice to the powers of the court hearing the appeal as conferred by constitutional law of the Member State concerned.
Amendment 170 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 a – paragraph 6
Article 3 a – paragraph 6
6. Decisions taken by the regulatory bodnational competent authority shall be made public.;
Amendment 171 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 b (new)
Article 3 b (new)
(3a) The following Article 3b is inserted before Chapter II: "Article 3b Levy on carriers providing regular coach or bus services 1. Member States which apply the provisions of Chapter III of this Regulation for national regular services may, under the conditions laid down in this Article, authorise the national competent authority to impose a levy on carrier providing passenger services for the operation of routes which fall within the jurisdiction of that authority and which are operated between two terminals in that Member State. 2. The levy is intended to compensate the authority for public service obligations laid down in public service contracts awarded in accordance with Union law. The revenue raised from such a levy and paid as compensation shall not exceed what is necessary to cover all or part of the cost incurred in the relevant public service obligations taking into account the relevant receipts and a reasonable profit for discharging those obligations. 3. The levy shall be imposed in accordance with Union law, and shall respect in particular the principles of fairness, transparency, non- discrimination and proportionality, in particular between the average price of the service to the passenger and the level of the levy. The total levies imposed pursuant to this paragraph shall not endanger the economic viability of the bus and coach passenger transport service on which they are imposed. 4. The relevant authorities shall keep the information necessary to ensure that the origin of the levies and their use can be traced. Member States shall provide the Commission with this information. 5. Based on the experience of regulatory bodies, competent authorities and carriers providing regular coach or bus services the Commission shall adopt measures setting out the details of the procedure and criteria to be followed for the application of this Article."
Amendment 172 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 3 c (new)
Article 3 c (new)
(3b) 3c. Member States shall not apply Article 3b when they apply subsidies for the transportation of passengers on unprofitable lines and routes at the expense of a national and/or local budget.
Amendment 223 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 5 b – paragraph 4
Article 5 b – paragraph 4
4. Applicants may appeal against decisions by terminal operators. Appeals shall be lodged with the regulatory bodnational competent authority.
Amendment 225 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 5 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Where the regulatory bodnational competent authority hears an appeal against a decision by a terminal operator, it shall adopt a reasoned decision within a fixed timeframe and, in any case within three weeks from receipt of all relevant information.
Amendment 228 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
The decision of the regulatory bodnational competent authority on the appeal shall be binding. The regulatory bodnational competent authority shall be able to enforce it by means of penalties which are effective, proportionate and dissuasive
Amendment 238 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In the event that an international regular bus and coach service has compromised the economic equilibrium of a public service contract, due to exceptional reasons which could not have been foreseen at the time of granting the authorisation, the Member State concerned may, with the agreement of the Commission, suspend or withdraw the authorisation to provide the service, after having given three months’ notice to the carrier. The carrier shall have the possibility to appeal such decision.
Amendment 240 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Authorisation procedure for the international carriage of passengers over a distance of less than 100 kilometres as the crow flies
Amendment 246 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Authorisations shall be issued in agreement with the competent authorities of all the Member States in whose territories passengers are picked up or set down and are carried over distances of less than 100 kilometres as the crow flies, over distance defined by each Member State. The authorising authority shall send a copy of the application, together with copies of any other relevant documentation, within two weeks of receipt of the application to such competent authorities with a request for their agreement. At the same time, the authorising authority shall forward those documents to the competent authorities of other Member States whose territories are crossed, for information.
Amendment 261 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 a
Article 8 a
Amendment 264 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 a – title
Article 8 a – title
Amendment 270 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 a – paragraph 1
Article 8 a – paragraph 1
Amendment 275 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 a – paragraph 2
Article 8 a – paragraph 2
Amendment 282 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 a – paragraph 3
Article 8 a – paragraph 3
Amendment 305 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 b – paragraph 2
Article 8 b – paragraph 2
2. Authorisations for national regular services shall be granted unless refusal can be justified on one or more of the grounds listed in points (a) to (cd) of Article 8c(2) and, if the service is carrying passengers over a distance of less than 100 kilometres as the crow flies, Article 8c(2)(d).
Amendment 312 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 b – paragraph 3
Article 8 b – paragraph 3
Amendment 342 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 8 d – paragraph 1
Article 8 d – paragraph 1
1. Member States may limit the right of access to the international and national market for regular services if the proposed regular service carries passengers over distances of less than 100 kilometres as the crow flies and if the service would compromise the economic equilibrium of a public service contract.
Amendment 376 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 15 – point c
Article 15 – point c
(c) regular services, performed in accordance with this Regulation.;by a carrier not resident in the host Member State provided that a stay in that Member State does not exceed 48 hours after the entry into the territory of the Member State, in the course of a regular international service in accordance with this Regulation with the exception of transport services meeting the needs of an urban centre or conurbation, or transport needs between it and the surrounding areas. Cabotage operations shall not be performed independently of such international service.
Amendment 387 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 17
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 17
Article 17
(17) Article 17 is dDeleted;
Amendment 391 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 25 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 1 a (new)
(19a) In Article 25, the following paragraph 1 a is inserted: "Member States shall not apply the provisions of Chapter III of this Regulation for national regular services on territories covered by services of general economic interest, on the condition that public service contracts are awarded following a competitive tendering procedure, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007."
Amendment 398 #
2017/0288(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 21
Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009
Article 28
Article 28
Amendment 26 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) A pre-condition for granting the Union's macro-financial assistance should be that Moldova fully respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights, a strict separation of powers, the clear independence of the government from any influence of oligarchs – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. Furthermore, assistance should be conditional on strong engagement and concrete measures to reduce politicisation in public administration, to ensure the independence of the judiciary, to create the conditions for pluralistic and free media and to stimulate free and fair political competition. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union's macro- financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems, the governance and supervision of the financial sector in Moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service.
Amendment 45 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. A pre-condition for granting the Union's macro-financial assistance shall be that Moldova fully respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights, a strict separation of powers and a clear independence of the government from any influence coming from oligarchs – the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. The assistance shall be conditional upon strong engagement and on the adoption of concrete measures to enhance the fight against corruption, to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, to reduce the politicisation of public administration, to ensure there is an environment which allows for pluralistic and free media and stimulates free and fair political competition.
Amendment 50 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 7(2), shall agree with the Moldovan authorities on clearly defined economic policy and, financial conditions, focusing on structural reforms and sound public finances, to which the Union's macro-financial assistance is to be subject, as well as on conditions relating to democracy and rule of law, such as measures to fight corruption and strengthen the independence of the judiciary, to be laid down in a Memorandum of Understanding ("the Memorandum of Understanding") which shall include a timeframe and clear benchmarks for the fulfilment of those conditions. The economic policy and financial conditions set out in the Memorandum of Understanding shall be consistent with the agreements or understandings referred to in Article 1(3), including the macroeconomic adjustment and structural reform programmes implemented by Moldova with the support of the IMF.
Amendment 53 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The conditions referred to in paragraph 1 shall aim, in particular, at enhancing the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Moldova, including for the use of the Union's macro- financial assistance. Progress in mutual market opening, the development of rules- based and fair trade, and other priorities in the context of the Union's external policy shall also be duly taken into account when designing the policy measures, including the respect for human rights and democratic principles, such as freedom of the media, the depoliticisation of all State institutions and the stimulation of a free and fair environment allowing political competition. Progress in attaining those objectives shall be regularly monitored by the Commission.
Amendment 55 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall verify, at regular intervals, that the conditions referred to in Article 4(3) continue to be met, including whether the economic policies of Moldova are in accordance with the objectives of the Union's macro- financial assistance. In so doing, the Commission shall coordinate closely with the IMF and the World Bank, and, where necessary, with the European Parliament and the Council.
Amendment 140 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Expresses concern that formation of new Sharr (Dragash) municipality by merging Gora and Opolje municipalities has negatively impacted the size of the Gorani minority and has hindered human rights of its members by turning them from a majority into a minority in this new administrative unit; recommends the reestablishment of the Gora municipality with a view of better safeguarding the rights of the endangered Gorani community;
Amendment 221 #
2016/2314(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Notes that further efforts are needed to protect the rights of all minorities in Kosovo, including Roma, Askhali and Egyptian communities, through the full implementation of the relevant legislation; recommends that the rights of the Gorani in the Zhupa and Gora regions be enshrined in law and ensured in practice;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recommends the authorities to speed up the construction of major infrastructure projects such as the rail link and modern highway between Tirana and Skopje as part of Corridor VIII;
Amendment 152 #
2016/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes that further efforts are needed to protect the rights of all minorities in Albania, through the full implementation of the relevant legislation; recommends that the rights of people with Bulgarian ethnicity in the Prespa, Golo brdo and Gora regions be enshrined in law and ensured in practice;
Amendment 30 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Serbia and Russia held joint military exercises on Serbian territory close to the Croatian border in August 2016;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the implementation of the legal framework on the protection of minorities needs to be fully ensured, notably in the areas of education, use of language, access to media and religious services in minority language, and adequate political representation of national minorities at local, regional and national levels;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the opening of negotiations on Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) as the key chapters in the EU approach to enlargement based on the rule of law; welcomes the opening of Chapters 32 (Financial Control) and 35 (Other Issues), the opening of negotiations on Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) and the opening and provisional closure of Chapter 25 (Science and Research); calls on the Council and the reached agreement to open Cchapter 26 (Education and Culture);
Amendment 144 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is concerned by the lack of progress in the fight against corruption and urges Serbia to show clear commitment in tackling this issue; calls on Serbia to step up the implementation of the national anti- corruption strategy and action plan, and calls for the establishment of an initial track record on investigations, prosecutions and convictions for high-level corruption; calls on Serbia to swiftly adopt a new law on the Anti-Corruption Agency in order to improve the planning, coordination and monitoring of the implementation of new legislation and policieswelcomes the progress on the finalization of the Draft Law on the Anti-Corruption Agency and the activities on prevention and fight against corruption that have been envisaged through newly established EU Twinning project; urges Serbia to amend and implement the economic and corruption crimes section of the criminal code with a view to providing a credible and predictable criminal law framework;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that the constitution needs to be revised so as to fully reflect the recommendations of the Venice Commission, notably with regard to the parliament’s role in judicial appointments, the control of political parties over the mandate of Members of Parliament, the independence of key institutions and the protection of fundamental rights;
Amendment 190 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 240 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Welcomes the finalization of the long delayed process of school textbooks translation into Bulgarian to make possible the education for the Bulgarian national minority in mother tongue; encourages the Serbian authorities to ensure the sustainability of this process by providing sufficient number of textbooks to adequately address the needs of pupils from the minority;
Amendment 242 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Is concerned by the lack of progress on the translation of internal school documentation (school diaries, student grade books, school registers, etc.) for the Bulgarian minority which is enshrined in law, but not followed in practice; calls Serbian authorities to approve the opening of the requested number of Bulgarian-taught classes by the respective schools of the minority;
Amendment 270 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the fact that Serbia remains constructively committed to bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States; has taken positive note of the fact that Serbia has shown an increasingly constructive engagement in regional cooperation initiatives such as the South- East Europe Cooperation Process, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Central European Free Trade Agreement, the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative, the Brdo process, the Western Balkan Six initiative and its connectivity agenda and the Berlin process; welcomes the energy and transport infrastructure cooperation meeting of the Bulgarian, Romanian and Serbian Prime Ministers and supports the idea of a permanent format of the 'Craiova Group' meetings; calls on Serbia to implement the connectivity reform measures associated with the connectivity agenda; underlines that outstanding bilateral disputes should not have a detrimental effect on the accession process; welcomes the adoption of a national strategy for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes; notes that the mandate of the former War Crimes Prosecutor expired in December 2015; stresses that the appointment of his successor is a matter of serious concern; calls for the implementation of this strategy and the adoption of an operational prosecutorial strategy; calls for full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); urges the authorities to continue working on the issue of the fate of missing persons;
Amendment 276 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Reiterates its call on the authorities to continue their efforts to eliminate the legacy of the former Communist secret services by making its files open to the public, as a step towards the democratisation of Serbia; calls on Serbia to intensify the process of succession and implementation of obligations relating to the division of the common archive of the former Yugoslavia; reiterates, in this connection, that full access to all archival materials, especially those of the former Yugoslav Secret Services (UDBA) and the Yugoslav People's Army Security Service (KOS) is of vital significance; reiterates its call to the authorities to facilitate access to those archives that concern the former republics of Yugoslavia and to return them to their respective governments if they so request;
Amendment 285 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Calls on Serbia to intensify efforts to sign co-operation and good neighbourliness agreements with neighbouring countries and to step up on implementing the already existing ones; encourages the Serbian government to participate in joint government meetings with Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Bulgaria which will contribute to tackling any outstanding bilateral issues with neighbouring EU states;
Amendment 290 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20 c. Reiterates its call on the Serbian authorities to initiate further measures for crossborder cooperation with the neighbouring EU Member States, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary and Romania, including through the Cross- border and Transnational Cooperation Programmes 2014-2020 and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, in order to facilitate inter alia the economic development of border regions and areas populated by minorities; underlines, in this respect, the importance of opening a terminal for commercial trucks and goods at the border crossing at Ribarci- Oltomantsi and completion of the missing highway section of Corridor X between Nis and Sofia;
Amendment 293 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20 d. Commends the opening of three new border-crossing points between Serbia and Romania as a positive development and recommends the opening of the three delayed border points with Bulgaria at Salash-Novo korito, Bankya-Petachinci and Treklyano- Bosilegrad;
Amendment 324 #
2016/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Welcomes the preparatory work on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria and recommends acceleration of the project in order to diversify Serbia's gas supply and energy independence;
Amendment 5 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to the European Council’s decision of 16 December 2005 to grant the country the status of candidate for EU membership, to the European Council conclusions of June 2008, to the Council conclusions of December 2012, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations,
Amendment 19 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia were held in an ordinary and calm atmosphere, in accordance with international standards and in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and had a very high turnout;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas some of the key issues in the reform process include reform of the judiciary, public administration and media, youth unemployment and a review on the implementation of the OFA;
Amendment 183 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Encourages the authorities to undertake again the interrupted census which would provide accurate statistics on population data to serve as basis for government development programmes and adequate budget planning; notes with concern that citizens of Bulgarian ethnicity were never represented in legislature, state documentation, official forms or census entries, while at the same time more than 100 000 citizens of the Republic of Macedonia are holders of a Bulgarian passport;
Amendment 206 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates that the interethnic situation remains fragile; urges all political parties and CSOs to actively promote an inclusive and tolerant multi-ethnic and multi-religious society and to strengthen coexistence and dialogue; reminds the government and party leaders of their commitment to fully implement the OFA and to complete its review, including policy recommendations a transparent and inclusive manner;
Amendment 213 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Reiterates that the authorities and civil society should take appropriate measures for achieving historical reconciliation in order to overcome the divide between and within different ethnic and national groups, including citizens of Bulgarian identity;
Amendment 214 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Notes with concern the phenomenon of 'antiquisation' and false historical interpretations; is convinced that culture and art should be used to bring people closer together rather than divide them; urges the government to send clear signals to the public and media that discrimination on the basis of national identity is not tolerated in the country, including in relation to the justice system, media, employment and social opportunities; underlines the importance of these actions for the integration of the various ethnic communities and the stability and European integration of the country;
Amendment 215 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Encourages the authorities to retrieve the relevant Yugoslav secret service archives from Serbia; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past, including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services, is a step towards further democratisation, accountability and institutional strength;
Amendment 240 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability and the reduction of the unemployment rate but is concerned that unemployment still remains high with very low labour market participation, especially among youth and women; further urges competent authorities to tackle long-term and structural unemployment, to promote economic policy cooperation, to better align education with labour market demands and to develop a targeted strategy on how to better integrate young people and women into the labour market; is concerned about the outflow of highly educated young professionals; strongly calls on the government to dedicate particular attention to improving the perspectives of youth;
Amendment 245 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Welcomes the progress made in modernising transport, energy and telecommunications networks and, in particular, the efforts to complete Corridor X[1]; in view of the importance of the railway links in the framework of a sustainable system of transport, welcomes the government's intention to upgrade or construct railway links from Skopje to the capitals of the neighbouring countries and calls for greater progress, especially in the finalisation of the railway and road connections within Corridor VIII[2]; [1] Corridor X is one of the pan-European transport corridors and runs from Salzburg (Austria) to Thessaloniki (Greece). [2] Corridor VIII is one of the pan- European transport corridors and runs from Durrës (Albania) to Varna (Bulgaria). It also passes through Skopje.
Amendment 294 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgariatreaty on friendship and good neighbourliness with Bulgaria; notes that open issues still remain, such as the long overdue restoration of the Bulgarian military cemeteries, the need to jointly celebrate common historical figures and events and to establishment cross-border cooperation in the areas of history, culture and education;
Amendment 301 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Expresses its disappointment regarding the lack of progress in joint celebrations of common historic events and figures with neighbouring EU Member States, which would contribute to a better understanding of history and good neighbourly relations; encourages the establishment of joint expert committees on history and education with neighbouring countries, with the aim of contributing to an objective, fact-based interpretation of history, strengthening academic cooperation and promoting positive attitudes in young people towards their neighbours;
Amendment 304 #
2016/2310(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22 b. Urges the authorities to adopt fact- based interpretation of history and to introduce educational materials free of ideological interpretations and hate speech against neighbouring countries deriving from the communist era;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Continues to be deeply concerned about the polarised domestic climate and the boycott of parliamentary activities by members of the opposition; urges again allopposition political forces to re- engage in constructive cooperation within the Montenegrin parliament in order to reduce the backlog of laws pending in the parliament and take advantage of the offer of the Prime Minister to participate in the government in exchange for ending the boycott; calls for further reinforcement of the parliament’s scrutiny of the accession process and capacity for budget oversight; insists repeatedly on the need for a due follow-up on the ‘audio-recording affair’; commends the parliament for continuing to exhibit a high level of transparency and replying to all information requests;
Amendment 80 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the new public administration reform strategy (PAR) 2016-2020, the public financial management reform programme, the entry into force of the new law on salaries and the simplification of administrative procedures; calls on the need for further policy coordination on issues of substance; calls for measures to allocate the appropriate budgetary resources for PAR’s implementation, as well as for consistent political will to rationalise public administration, also in view of accession preparations; encourages the government to further improve the participation of stakeholders in Montenegro's accession process; encourages further depoliticisation of the public administration, and considers it essential to adhere to the principles of merit, accountability and transparency, timely regulatory impact assessment and to ensure the citizens’ right to good administration, free of corruption and their right to information, free of corruption; encourages self-sufficiency of local self- government;
Amendment 87 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes progress in judiciary reform, including improved institutional capacities; remains concerned about undue influence on judicial independence, especially with regard to the appointment of judges; emphasises the need to strengthen the accountability of the judiciary by developing a track record of implementation of codes of ethics and of the new disciplinary systems for judges and prosecutors; stresses the need to rationalise the judicial network, and to further improve capacities to monitor backlogs at courts and to reduce further the number of pending cashighlights the urgent need to tackle the non-implementation of court decisions regarding access to information and to counter the prevalent practice of declaring documents as confidential - while not necessarily warranted - in order to restrict access; stresses the need to rationalise the judicial network, and to further improve capacities to monitor backlogs at courts and to reduce further the number of pending cases; highlights the importance of raising public awareness to the existing complaint mechanisms; while some progress was made in the follow-up of war crimes, expresses regret that the judicial decisions reached so far have contained legal mistakes and shortcomings in the application of international humanitarian law; furthermore, Montenegro needs to ensure unfettered access to justice and compensation for victims of war crimes;
Amendment 92 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. WNotes with concern that corruption remains prevalent in many areas, but welcomes the further strengthening of the anti-corruption framework, inter alia by making the Anti-Corruption Agency fully operational and by appointing special anti- corruption prosecutors as well as addressing the needs for specialised long- term training; considers it essential to ensure their independence in investigations; emphasizes the importance of making the confiscation of assets routine during corruption proceedings; stresses repeatedly the need to establish a track record on successful investigations and convictions, in particular in high-level corruption cases, and on measures to prevent corruption including applying sanctions provided for by law effectively; calls on the new government to make combating corruption one of its priorities by allocating sufficient human and budgetary resources to the task; calls for an effective investigation into potential whistle-blowing cases and their adequate protection; calls attention to the fact that illicit enrichment has not been made a criminal offence in Montenegro and calls on the government to do so;
Amendment 100 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes the adoption of an action plan for fighting money laundering and terrorism financing, and the signing of the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism; stresses the need to continue to develop the track record in organised crime cases, especially as regards trafficking in human beings and money laundering, as well as to improve the identification and protection of victims of trafficking; to ensure stronger inter-agency cooperation and to further intensify regional and international cooperation in the fight against organised crime; highlights the need to launch financial investigations systematically in parallel with regular investigations;
Amendment 108 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the new strategy to combat violent extremism in 2016-2018, which complements the national strategy for preventing and combating terrorism, money laundering and the financing of terrorism; notes the setting up of a new intelligence unit tasked with identifying and monitoring potential members of violent extremist groups; considers it important to identify people in the early stages of radicalisation in order to prevent them from being recruited by violent extremist groups; calls on the importance of raising institutional awareness to monitor possible terrorist threats;
Amendment 133 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Remains concerned about continued gender-based violence, the lack of prosecutions and the inefficient support to, and protection of, victims; calls for measures to establish adequate protection services, enhance relevant inter- institutional coordination, make effective use of the new unified database of cases of domestic violence, and implement the 2016-2020 strategy on combating domestic violence; stresses the importance of encouraging women’s representation in politics, as well as their access to the labour market; notes the continued implementation of the 2013-2017 action plan on gender equality; highlights the fact that challenges remain in coordinating policies concerning children and that violence against children remains a concern;
Amendment 135 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Emphasises the need to work constantly and seriously on the harmonization of the Montenegrin legal system with international legal standards of human rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities, in order to respect principles of rule of law and constitutionality and legality;
Amendment 142 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Remains concerned about the state of media freedom in Montenegro; and notes that while defamation was decriminalised in 2012, the number of defamation cases remains high which points to weak self-regulation; urges again the competent authorities to resolve the long-pending cases of violence against, intimidation of and threats made to journalists, to take measures to protect media professionals and to create a safe environment for free journalism; highlights the importance for the judiciary to align their decisions to the maximum possible extent with the case- law of the European Court of Human Rights; insists on transparent state advertising in private media, on the amendment of the Montenegrin criminal code and on the introduction of new criminal offenses aimed at preventing and punishing attacks on journalists discharging their professional duties; acknowledges the legal measures taken to provide greater financial independence and sustainability for the public service broadcaster RTCG, and calls for further steps to ensure its independence, including editorial independence;
Amendment 155 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. While noting favourable economic developments, urges the new government to launch further structural reforms with a view to improving the business and investment climate as well as move the country towards a competitive export- oriented industry, including measures aimed at reducing the informal sector, and to pursue efforts to diminish state involvement in the economy; calls for the rationalisation of public spending, as well as for intensified efforts to strengthen the rule of law and contract enforcement; calls for the need to tackle high external imbalances as well as the rapidly rising public debt, and calls for the re-evaluation of public infrastructure investment projects which challenge fiscal sustainability; calls for ensuring that further measures of financial and non- financial measures are available to support SMEs; welcomes the fact that the prices for regional roaming services further decreased;
Amendment 163 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Notes the modest decline in unemployment; welcomes the new 2016- 2020 national strategy for employment and human resources development and the accompanying 2016 action plan; continues to be concerned about high youth unemployment and poor labour mobility; calls for proactive labour market measures to increase employment and to support women, the vulnerable populations, people with disabilities and young people through education, career guidance, training and employment;
Amendment 164 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. While some progress was made in developing transport infrastructure including through the South East Europe Transport Observatory, a lack of cross- border roads are hindering trade and tourism; welcomes efforts carried out so far in the interest of liberalizing the railway sector in Montenegro; calls on the need to coordinate with neighbouring countries on the issues of connectivity and allow it to become part of the planning process for infrastructure projects;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses the importance of strengthening the SME sector and providing support through better legislation, financing, implementation of industrial policy and reducing the informal economy as well as speeding up electronic registration of companies nation-wide;
Amendment 168 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the new law on the environment, as well as the national strategy for the transposition and implementation of the EU acquis on the environment and climate change and its 2016-2020 action plan; stresses the need to reinforce implementation efforts, in particular in water, nature protection and waste management, as well as related administrative capacities at all levels; is concerned about the significant delay in establishing protection over the potential Natura 2000 site of Ulcinj Salina; calls for further efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the Salina and the sustainable development of the coastline; calls on Montenegro to introduce legislation implementing the Third Energy Package;
Amendment 174 #
2016/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Acknowledges the good progress made in the area of energy, including in the area of interconnections with partner countries; calls on Montenegro to introduce legislation implementing the Third Energy Package; welcomes the fact that wholesale electricity prices are freely formed and that Montenegro has a favourable environment for energy investments; calls on the country to adopt the implementing legislation for the Renewable Energy Directive; highlights that the planning of new hydropower projects should take into account the relevant EU legislation on the environment, while taking note of incentives for the use of renewable sources;
Amendment 26 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Points out that according to a 2012 study from the European Commission, if all EU waste legislation was fully implemented, Europe would save €72 billion a year, the turnover of the waste management and recycling sector would rise by €42 billion, and it would create 400,000 jobs by 2020. Recalls that reducing the amount of waste and the compliance with the legislation on this matter should be seen as a highest priority.
Amendment 31 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to mainstream the Sustainable Development Goals into the European Semester process.
Amendment 43 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that effective investment in health, including health promotion and disease prevention, is an essential condition for economic prosperity and growth promotion, producing results in terms of productivity, labour supply, human capital and public spending.
Amendment 46 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Stresses the need to create a sustainable system of knowledge sharing in the field of health technology assessment. The aim of the health technology assessment is to address issues related to the properties of health technologies, including their safety, efficacy, efficiency, applicability, indications, costs, cost-effectiveness and social, ethical and economic consequences of their use.
Amendment 47 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that the potential of the European Semester to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare sector, while guaranteeing equitable access to high quality health services, is not sufficiently exploited. Underlines the importance of structured and systematic dialogue at the national level with a view of increasing ownership of the recommendations by all stakeholders of the health system. Believes that the Commission should gather input from a broad range of stakeholders and ensure more publicity around the CSRs and country reports, including through more discussions at higher political level.
Amendment 55 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Supports ongoing efforts to develop capacity for the assessment of health systems performance at the European level. Notes in this context the importance of developing tools to monitor health outcomes and measure access to high-quality healthcare with the aim of reducing divergences and health inequalities between and within Member States.
Amendment 59 #
2016/2306(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Welcomes the new "State of Health in the EU" initiative and believes that potential synergies with the European Semester cycle must be exploited. Encourages Member States to use the gathered evidence in their policy-making and share best practices with a view of reducing health inequalities.
Amendment 1 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a high level of human health protection should be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities,
Amendment 4 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission’s Inception Impact Assessment1a on the strengthening of EU cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), __________________ 1ahttp://ec.europa.eu/smart- regulation/roadmaps/docs/2016_sante_14 4_health_technology_assessments_en.pdf
Amendment 5 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 c (new)
Citation 1 c (new)
Amendment 17 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Council’s conclusions on innovation for the benefit of patients of 1 December 2014 1c, __________________ 1c http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/c ms_data/docs/pressdata/en/lsa/145978.pdf
Amendment 33 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the obligations contained in Article 81 of European Directive 2001/83/EC, for the maintenance of an appropriate and continued supply of medicinal products;
Amendment 51 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas pharmaceuticals are one of the main pillars of healthcare rather than mere objects of trade;
Amendment 65 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in some cases, the prices of new medicines have increased during the past few decades to the point of being unaffordable for many European citizenthreatening the sustainability of national healthcare systems;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the aim of intellectual property is to benefit society, guaranteeing investment returns to and promote innovation, and whereas there is concern about the abuse/misuse thereof; notes the Council Conclusions of 17 June 2016 inviting the Commission to conduct an evidence-based analysis on the overall impact of IP in promoting innovation;
Amendment 94 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas research on rare diseases is more challenging due to their complexity and difficulties in recruitment for clinical trials due to a limited number of patients, therefore requiring incentives for manufacturers to take the risk of investing in this area;
Amendment 105 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
F. whereas the Commission has had to introduced incentives to promote research in areas such as rare diseases, and whereas 25 000 people die each year in the EU owing to lack of access to adequate antimicrobial drugs;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the gap between the growing resistance to antimicrobial agents and the development of new antimicrobial agents is widening, and whereas 25 000 people die each year in the EU owing to lack of access to adequate antimicrobial agents;
Amendment 139 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas under Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Parliament and the Council can, in order to meet common safety concerns, adopt measures setting high standards of quality and safety for medicinal products, and whereas, in accordance with Article 114(3) of the TFEU, legislative proposals in the health sector shall take as a base a high level of protection;
Amendment 162 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the importance of medicines in improving public health enabling patients to live longer and better lives, thereby supporting the productivity of our societies and economic growth.
Amendment 168 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. RegretNotes that the research priorities of the pharmaceutical industry are profit- oriented rather than patient-orientedemployees of pharmaceutical companies are primarily interested in medical progress and the well-being of patients, but that pharmaceutical companies ultimately want to make a profit , which means that the political framework has to create the best possible outcome for patients and the general public;
Amendment 203 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the interests of the pharmaceutical industry favour short trials and fast access to the market, especially in case of unmet needs, the interests of patients favour more efficient trials and fast access to safe and effective medicines;
Amendment 261 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Deplores the large number of litigation cases aiming to delay generic entry;
Amendment 278 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that most national assessment agencies are already using clinical, economic and social benefit criteria to assessevaluate new drugs in termorder to support their decisions ofn pricing and reimbursement;
Amendment 314 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that a fair price should cover the cost of the drug development and production, plus a margin of profitprices of medicines should be adequate to the specific economic situation of the country where they are marketed;
Amendment 323 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. points out that patient access to innovative therapies within the European Union would be better supported through a differential pricing policy, which could take into account the varying levels of affordability, disease prevalence and healthcare priorities between EU Member States; calls on the Council and the Commission to build on the reflection started by the Belgian Presidency of the EU in 2010, with a view to identifying practical ways to implement differential pricing within the existing legal framework of the TFEU.
Amendment 327 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. stresses that the wide use of International Reference Pricing by EU Member States and parallel trade acts as a deterrent to differential pricing and may have a detrimental effect on patient access in low- and middle-income EU countries; calls on the Commission and Member States to explore alternatives to International Reference Pricing or, as a minimum, a more rational use of this mechanism based on reference baskets representing clusters of countries with a similar socio-economic profile.
Amendment 328 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. highlights that International Reference Pricing is one of the main obstacles to the increased transparency of pharmaceutical prices; points out that confidential contractual agreements with pharmaceutical companies have proven to be a useful tool to address affordability concerns and to improve patient access to innovative therapies, mitigating the undesired effects of International Reference Pricing to some extent.
Amendment 331 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes initiatives such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), but regrets that only a few of them are entirely publicwhich aim to develop new medicines that address the unmet medical needs of patients, e.g. new antimicrobial agents;
Amendment 347 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the European procedure for joint procurement of medicines used for the acquisition of vaccines in accordance with Decision No 1082/2013/EU; encourages the possible use of the procedure in case of shortages of infant vaccines;
Amendment 351 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. recalls the importance of the digital health agenda and the need to prioritise the development and the implementation of eHealth and mHealth related solutions to ensure safe, reliable, accessible, modern and sustainable new health care models to patients, care givers, healthcare professionals and payers;
Amendment 369 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for EU-wide measures to guarantee the right of patients to universal, affordable, effective, safe and timely access to essential and innovative therapies, and to guarantee the sustainability of EU public health care systems, and to ensure future investment in pharmaceutical innovation;
Amendment 370 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for national and, if necessary, EU-wide measures to guarantee the right of patients to universal, affordable, effective, safe and timely access to essential and innovative therapies, and to guarantee the sustainability of EU public health care systems;
Amendment 387 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for EU-wide measures on the pharmaceutical market to reinforce the negotiation capacities of Member States in order to achieve fair prices for medicines, including by strengthening collaborations in health technology assessment (HTA) and evaluating its relative effectiveness at EU level;
Amendment 416 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to analyse the overall impact of IP in promoting innovation with a neutral, fact-based and comprehensive approach, especially the impact of supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), data exclusivity or market exclusivity on competitiveness and quality of innovation, and to set strict limits on these practices;
Amendment 419 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Commission to adopt a targeted SPC manufacturing waiver for export purposes to allow EU-based manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines to compete on equal footing with competitors from non-EU countries, thus avoiding the outsourcing of production and helping to maintain and create additional jobs and growth in the EU;
Amendment 439 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to reviewanalyse the implementation of the regulatory framework for orphan medicines, to define clearly the concept of unmet medical needs, to assess and subsequently decide whether impact of incentives to develop effective, safe and affordable drugs compared to the best available alternativet needs to be revised, and to promote the European register of rare diseases and reference centres;
Amendment 450 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to analyse the adequacy of the legislative framework to the current situation with the parallel export and re-export of medicines, and underlines the need to strike the right balance between public health and economic considerations;
Amendment 453 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to clearly define the concept of unmet medical needs;
Amendment 465 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Commission to guarantee safety and efficacy in any fast- track approval process and to introduce the concept of conditional authorisation based on effectivenessensure that such approvals are made possible only in exceptional circumstances where a clear unmet medical need has been identified;
Amendment 483 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that health technology assessments (HTA) are an important and effective instrument that contributes to the sustainability of national healthcare systems and creates incentives for innovations by rewarding them with high added value;
Amendment 485 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reiterates that European collaboration on HTA allows Member States to pool their expertise and use their resources more effectively, thus helping them to better meet the increasing demand for assessments;
Amendment 495 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to propose legislation on a European system for health technology assessment as soon as possible, and to assess added-value medicines compared with the best available alternative; also calls on the Commission to harmonise pricing and reimbursement criteria to take into account the level of innovation and the social and economic cost-benefit analysis,promote early dialogue with companies that develop new health technologies, introduce compulsory relative effectiveness assessments at EU level as a first step for new medicines, ensure that joint HTA information at national level can be reused to harmonise processes and methods to prevent unnecessary overlaps, and address any financing and organisational issues with regard to this new system; also calls on the Commission to take into account the degree of innovation and to put in place a European classification on the added value level of medicines;
Amendment 525 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Council to increase coopermprove communication between the Member States as regards price-setting procedures, in order to share information about prices, reimbursement, negotiation agreements and good practices and to avoid unnecessary administrative requirements and delays;
Amendment 536 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Stresses that antimicrobial resistance has become a serious problem that needs to be urgently tackled; therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle the key scientific, regulatory and economic challenges facing the development of antimicrobial agents, particularly by creating incentives for investments in research and development as well as new financing models to address the most urgent needs of the public healthcare sector and at the same time safeguard the sustainability of public healthcare systems in order to improve and ensure future access to suitable antimicrobial agents;
Amendment 542 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission and the Council to explore new measures to control prices, such as horizontal scanningdevelop a framework for ensuring "fair access" that maximises patient access and societal benefit whilst avoiding unacceptable impact on healthcare budgets; including exploration of different measures, such as horizon scanning, early dialogue, innovative pricing models, mechanisms for systematic collection of real-world data, and coordinating joint procurements;
Amendment 570 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Calls on the Commission to take note of the scale of the problem with parallel export of pharmaceuticals within the EU, as well as of the margin of discretion of the Member States when justifying measures on public health grounds;
Amendment 582 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission to examine and compare the prices ofaccess to medicines in the EU and to present an annual report to Parliament in this regard;
Amendment 583 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
Amendment 597 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls on the Commission to analyse the causes of shortages, particularly the specific impact of parallel trade of medicines, to establish a list of essential medicines and monitor compliance with Article 81 of Directive 2001/83/EU on shortages of supply, and to promote the supply of generics;
Amendment 614 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36b. Calls on the Commission and Council to establish a mechanism whereby medicine shortages across the EU can be reported upon on an annual basis;
Amendment 615 #
2016/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)
Paragraph 36 c (new)
36c. Calls on the Commission and Council to review the statutory basis of the European Medicines Agency, and give consideration to enhancing its remit to coordinate pan-European activity aiming at tackling medicines shortages in EU Member States;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 2 April 2009 on European conscience and totalitarianism,
Amendment 172 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that Russia has been aggressively employing a wide range of tools and instruments, such as special foundations (Russkiy Mir,) multilingual TV stations (Russia Today, RIA Novosti), news agencies (Sputnik), social and religious groups (including the Orthodox church), social media and internet trolls to, as well as funding parties and charities with the intent of undermining political cohesion, challenge Western values, divide Europe, gather domestic support and create the perception of failing states in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood;
Amendment 203 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is seriously concerned by the rapidly growing Russian activity in Europe seeking to increase Russian influence and hegemony; stresses that a large part of Russian strategic communication is aimed at describing countries in central and eastern Europe as belonging to its traditional sphere of influence, thereby undermining their sovereignty; notes that falsifying history is one of its main strategies; in this respect notes the need to raise awareness of the crimes of communist regimes through public campaigns, educational systems and to support research and documentation activities, especially in the former members of the Soviet bloc to counter the Kremlin narrative;
Amendment 281 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the communication on the Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats and calls for the implementation of its recommendations without delay; calls on countries holding the rotating presidency of the EU to always include strategic communications as part of their programme in order to ensure continuity of work on this topic; welcomes the initiatives and achievements of the Latvian Presidency in this regard; welcomes the intention of the upcoming Slovak Presidency to organize a conference on totalitarianism on the occasion of the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Totalitarian Regimes;
Amendment 303 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recognises the possible impact of hostile propaganda on decision-making processes in the EU; calls therefore for the EU Strategic Communication Task Force to be reinforced by turning it into a fully- fledged unit within the EEAS, responsible for the east and for the south, with proper staffing and adequate budgetary resources; calls for enhanced cooperation among EU member states' intelligence services with a view to assess the influence by third countries seeking to undermine the democratic foundation and values of the EU;
Amendment 45 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph a a (new)
Paragraph a a (new)
(aa) to support the Intra-Syrian Talks that are guided by Security Council resolution 2254; to support the work of the task forces created by the International Syria Support Group that are overseeing the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to thousands of Syrians in besieged and other hard-to-reach areas, as well as a cessation of hostilities that was endorsed by Security Council resolution 2268;
Amendment 48 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph a b (new)
Paragraph a b (new)
(ab) to make certain the UN General Assembly provides, in cooperation with the EU and the USA, all instruments to ensure that a two-state solution, on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as capital of both States and with the secure State of Israel, with secure and recognised borders, and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, is sustainable and effective;
Amendment 116 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph q
Paragraph q
(q) to reiterate clearly and firmly that all human rights agreed under UN conventions are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and that respect for these rights must be enforced; to draw the attention to human rights violations and abuses worldwide; to call for the defence of the freedoms of opinion and expression, and the freedoms of association and assembly;
Amendment 128 #
2016/2020(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph r
Paragraph r
(r) to continue to advocate for freedom of religion or belief; to urge greater efforts to protect the rights of religious minorities; to call for greater protection of religious minorities against persecution and violence; to call for the repeal of blasphemy laws that serve as a pretext for the persecution of religious minorities and non-believers; to support the work of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief;
Amendment 141 #
2016/2019(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 312 #
2015/2343(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Regrets that Member States have not yet developed a common European armaments and capabilities policy (EACP) within the EDA as foreseen by Article 42(3) TEU and calls on the Commission and the EDA to put forward proposals to that end; calls on the VP/HR to inform Parliament of the results achieved by the existing working relationship between the EDA and the Commission and of both with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR);
Amendment 443 #
2015/2343(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Calls for the reform of the Athena mechanism aimed at broadening the range of costs that are always covered by the mechanism in view of ensuring a full burden-sharing between Member States;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes with satisfaction that many of the projects approved for financing by the European Fund for Strategic Investment are oriented towards infrastructure and innovation in the environment and the health sectors; underlines the importance of mobilizing the full potential of the Investment Plan to help implement the structural reforms needed to transform our economy into a green, sustainable and resource efficient one;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Reiterates the need for a fiscal framework that is in accordance with the 'polluter pays' principle, providing the right signals for investment in resource efficiency, the modernisation of production processes and the manufacturing of more reparable and durable products;1 a __________________ 1a See European Parliament resolution of 9 July 2015 on resource efficiency: moving towards a circular economy
Amendment 30 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Stresses that greening the economy and investing in more efficient healthcare systems will enhance Europe's competitiveness, increase security of supply and improve the health and well- being of European citizens; notes in this regard that short-term fiscal implications of structural reforms should be taken into account along with their long-term environmental, economic and social effects;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Welcomes the renewed focus of the European Commission on promoting upward economic and social convergence through the progressive introduction of benchmarks and cross-examination exercises across policy or thematic areas and considers that it could strengthen the resilience of the Europe's economy to future crises;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the strong correlation between disability, which touches about 13 % of the EU’s population, and ill-health, with difficulties and barriers in access leading to the inadequate or unmet provision of healthcare services to people with disabilities; notes that the lack of access to quality health services has a negative effect on the ability of those with disabilities to live independently, inclusively and on an equal basis with others;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the mid-term evaluation of the external financing instruments to assess how effectively these have contributed to the inclusion of persons with disabilities; demands an end to any expenditure in EU programmes that perpetuates the segregation ofcalls for more streamlined use of the EU Structural Funds complemented, where necessary, by EU countries’ national measures as one of the tools to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the recommendations that the EU achieve a human rights-based approach to disability in situations of risk and emergency; strongly urges the mainstreaming of disabled peoples’ human rights in EU migration and refugee policies; reiterates the importance of the Council Conclusions on disability- inclusive disaster management's integration across the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Member States in all relevant actions on emergency management and disaster risk reduction; calls for raising awareness among persons with disabilities, emergency and civil protection actors in Europe regarding disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives and providing psychological support to persons with disabilities in the recovery phase of the disasters;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses concernRecommends that EU delegations and agencies do not display a sufficient understanding of EU disability strategies and thus do not work in an inclusive and accessible way; suggests the creation of a ‘focal point’ for CRPD in the European External Action Service;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Calls for more streamlined use of the EU Structural Funds complemented, where necessary, by national measures as one of the tools to improve the quality of life and promote accessibility of health care, including electronic services, applications and devices, for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. RegretsExpresses its concerns about the absence of sufficient consultation by the EU with disabled people’s organisations in its preparations for the review process by the UN CRPD Committee in 2015 and in drafting its progress report; calls for disabled people’s organisations to be fully involved in future, including participation in official EU delegations for future reviews.
Amendment 29 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Recalls that the EU is the largest donor of Official Development Assistance and one of the most influential stakeholders at international level and its commitment to disability inclusion across all EU External Action is vital for persons with disabilities living in developing countries; encourages further mainstreaming of the needs of persons with disabilities into the humanitarian response provided by the Member States and the European Union and calls for setting mechanisms to share knowledge and good practices between different EU institutions and between the EU and its Member States on disability inclusion;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes that the lack of disaggregated data and statistics at sub-national level and by sub-groups in the population is a barrier to formulating adequate policies to reduce inequalities in access; calls on the Commission to support Member States by harmonising the definition of and collection of waiting time indicators and by setting and enforcing standards for accessibility of health facilities for people with disabilities;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission and the Member States to evaluate the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and its implementation from the perspective of the needs of people with disabilities and their right to know, and effectively avail of on an equal basis with others, the provisions and instruments contained therein, awareness of which is low even among the general population;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls for disabled people's organisations to be fully involved in the development and review of disability policies;
Amendment 113 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reminds that the ageing of the population and demographic change will continue to put a significant pressure on the health care systems of EU Member States; stresses that this challenge should be tackled through ambitious reforms and considers that the European Semester is an important tool to support Member States in ensuring the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of these systems;
Amendment 261 #
2015/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to develop comprehensive tools to assess the performance of health care systems, monitor health outcomes and measure access to high-quality healthcare with the aim of reducing divergences and health inequalities between and within Member States;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on further development of preventive and early warning tools and enhanced mediation capabilities of the UN, and on more precise mandates and clear exit strategies for peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations; bearing in mind the recent atrocities and human rights violations perpetrated by some extremist groups, urges the Security Council to define an ambitious set of tools and means to ensure effective prevention of these atrocities and to prompt UN Member States to combat human trafficking, clamp down on recruitment and funding for terrorist groups by preventing and suppressing recruiting, organizing, transporting, and equipping of terrorist fighters, and the financing of their travel and activities;
Amendment 322 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on this approach and to report on an annual basis to the Parliament on the global role of the EU, ensuring hereby that the European Parliament takes an active role in the definition and the monitoring of the means to achieve EU foreign policy goals; Believes EU Member States should agree upon a common list of recommendations for reform in the UN, if the EU is to undertake a key role in the UN reform process; With a view to that and based on this resolution urges the Council to agree on a joint EU proposal for UN reform package;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas dealing with humanitarian crisis needs to strike a balance between "efficiency gains" and "preserving values";
Amendment 28 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the central role that women play in the survival and resilience of communities in humanitarian crises, including in conflict and post-conflict situations; emphasises the need to address the specific needs and to ensure the rights of women and children, who constitute the majority of those affected, and are more severely affected, by humanitarian crises; calls on the World Humanitarian Summit to makefully reflect the gender perspective a central element in the future design of the humanitarian system that emerges from this consultation process;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for serious attention aimed at effectively ensuring the right to education in protracted humanitarian crises, the lack of which threatens to endanger the future of children; highlights the importance of continuous education in safeguarding shared values such as human dignity, freedom of expression, democracy, equality and the rule of law; in this regard calls for sufficient financial and human resources to be set aside;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Draws attention to the fact that displacement due to conflicts, natural disasters or environmental degradation leaves certain populations particularly vulnerable; stresses that refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other migrants caught in crisis must be afforded the same protection of their human rights as all other affected groups; expresses its deep concern regarding the unprecedentedly high number of refugees in the world today, and calls on the global community to use the World Humanitarian Summit to mobilise the necessary financial and operational resources to meet this challenge; calls on the EU and its Member States to prioritise the global refugee crisis in its policies and positions regarding the Summit by specifically focusing on its root causes; highlights the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogues in tackling massive refugee flows; calls on the EU and its Member States to prioritise the global refugee crisis in its policies and positions regarding the Summit; with this in view, urges the World Humanitarian Summit to call for more efficient ways to combat human trafficking, clamp down on recruitment and funding for terrorist groups by preventing and suppressing recruiting, organizing, transporting, and equipping of terrorist fighters, and the financing of their travel and activities;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the EU to show leadership in the World Humanitarian Summit by calling for more flexible methods for delivering humanitarian aid, as well as for proactivecoherent tools to prevent crises; urges the EU and other donors to stay true to their financial commitments and to develop ways to reduce the time it takes to convert financial commitments into actions on the ground; points out, in addition, the importance of human rights reporting as an early warning mechanism for crises, and encourages the World Humanitarian Summit to take this into account when moving from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention;
Amendment 61 #
2015/2051(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages all the EU institutions, and in particular the Commission’s DG ECHO, as well as the Member States, to study the experience acquired in integrating human rights concerns into the core of humanitarian aid efforts within the UN system, and calls on the EU to take on a stronger role in advancing and improving this process; stresses the importance of ensuring policy coherence and coordination between EU humanitarian aid and development aid, in the new situation in which the EU has adopted a rights-based approach to development cooperation; deeply regrets, in this sense, that the Commission’s toolkit for a rights-based approach to development cooperation explicitly excludes EU humanitarian action; calls on the Commission, therefore, to commit to developing and adopting, as part of its engagement with the World Humanitarian Summit, a rights-based approach to EU humanitarian action.
Amendment 397 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines the importance of facilitating and fulfilling promptly the EU cooperation ambitions with ENP countries that adhere to EU principles and values in terms of human rights and democracy, in all possible areas and taking into consideration their international commitments;
Amendment 506 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the EU to use the diplomatic track to put an end to policies such as the policy of closed borders which run counter to the very principles and objectives of the European Neighbourhood Policy;
Amendment 1063 #
2015/0275(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point e
Amendment 122 #
2015/0274(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point в
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point в
Directive 1999/31/EC
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
6. Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Malta, Romania and SlovakiaMember States that landfilled more than 65% of municipal waste in 2013 may obtain five additional years for the attainment of the target referred to in paragraph 5. The Member State shall notify the Commission of its intention to make use of this provision at the latest 24 months before the deadline laid down in paragraph 5. In the event of an extension, the Member State shall take the necessary measures to reduce by 2030 the amount of municipal waste landfilled to 20% of the total amount of municipal waste generated.
Amendment 84 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The European Council of October 2014 made a commitment to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the Union by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. All sectors of the economy should contribute to achieving these emission reductions and the target will be delivered in the most cost-effective manner through the Union emission trading system (EU ETS) delivering a reduction of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030. This was confirmed in the intended nationally determined reduction commitment of the Union and its Member States submitted to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on 6 March 201516 . The burden of the emission reductions should be fairly shared between sectors covered by the EU ETS, and comparable efforts should be made concerning aviation emissions from intra-Union flights. __________________ 16 http://www4.unfccc.int/submissions/indc/S ubmission%20Pages/submissions.aspx
Amendment 86 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) In accordance with the Agreement adopted in Paris at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 12 December 2015 (the 'Paris Agreement') and in line with the commitment of the co-legislators expressed in Directive 2009/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and Decision No 406/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1b , all sectors of the economy are required to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. To this end, efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged, with the aim of establishing a clear IMO action plan for climate policy measures to reduce CO2 emissions from shipping at a global level. The adoption of clear targets to reduce international maritime emissions through the IMO has become a matter of great urgency and a prerequisite for the Union not to act further on the inclusion of the maritime sector within the EU ETS. __________________ 1aDirective 2009/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme of the Community (OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 63). 1bDecision No 406/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the effort of Member States to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 (OJ L 140, 5.6.2009, p. 136).
Amendment 96 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The European Council confirmed that a well-functioning, reformed EU ETS with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main European instrument to achieve this target, with an annual reduction factor of 2.2% from 2021 onwards, free allocation not expiring but existing measures continuing after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage due to climate policy, as long as no comparable efforts are undertaken in other major economies, without reducing the share of allowances to be auctioned. The auction share should be expressed as a percentage figureclarity on the amount of auctioned allowances in the legislation, to enhance planning certainty as regards investment decisions, to increase transparency and to render the overall system simpler and more easily understandable.
Amendment 104 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) It is a key Union priority to establish a resilient Energy Union to provide secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy to its citizens. Achieving this requires continuation of ambitious climate action with the EU ETS as the cornerstone of Europe’s climate policy, and progress on the other aspects of Energy Union17. Implementing the ambition decided in the 2030 frameworkf the EU ETS is to remain the main Union instrument, its interaction with other Union and national policies that have an impact on the demand for EU ETS allowances needs to be taken into account. Implementing the ambition decided in the 2030 framework and adequately addressing the progress on other aspects of the Energy Union contributes to delivering a meaningful carbon price and continuing to stimulate cost-efficient greenhouse gas emission reductions. __________________ 17 COM(2015)80, establishing a Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy
Amendment 113 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union requires that Union policy is based on the principle that the polluter should pay and, on this basis, Directive 2003/87/EC provides for a transition to full auctioning over time. Avoiding carbon and investment leakage is a justification to postpone fullsuch a transition, and targeted free allocation of allowances to industry is justified in order to address genuine risks of increases in global greenhouse gas emissions inand diversion of investments to third countries where industry is not subject to comparable carbon constraints as long as comparable climate policy measures are not undertaken by other major economies. Additional achievements in sectors not falling under the scope of the EU ETS and not subject to a risk of carbon leakage, in particular in the building sector and sustainable transport, will decrease the amount of effort needed from the Union’s industry.
Amendment 121 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The auctioning of allowances remains the general rule, with free allocation as the exception. Consequently, and as confirmed by the European Council, the share of allowances to be auctioned, which was 572% over the period 2013-2020, should not be reduced. The Commission's Impact Assessment18 provides details on the auction share and specifies that this 57% share is made up of allowances auctioned on behalf of Member States,. Allowances originally covered by the transitional Union-wide rules for harmonised free allocation (which includinge allowances set aside for new entrants but not allocated, and allowances for modernising electricity generation in some Member States and allowances which are to be auctioned at a later point in time because of their placement in the Market Stability Reserve established by Decision (EU) 2015/… of the European Parliament and of the Council19 . __________________ 18 19Decision (EU) 2015/… of the European Parliament and of the Council of … concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union greenhouse gas emission trading scheme and amending Directive 2003/87/EC (OJ L […], […], p. […]).that are unallocated due to closures and partial cessations) should not be considered to be auctioned allowances for the purposes of the calculation of the auction share. __________________ 18 SEC(2015)XX SWD(2015)135
Amendment 135 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to reflect technological progress in the sectors concerned and adjust them to the relevant period of allocation, provisbenchmarks for free allocations to installations, should be made updated before the valuesstart of the benchmarks for free allocations to installations, determined on the basis of data from the years 2007-8, to be updated in line with observed average improvementfourth trading period in order to base free allocations on actual technological progress. That update should be carried out on the basis of robust, objective and verified data from installations. For reasons of predictability, thifurther updates should be done through applying a factor that represents the best assessment of progress across sectors, which should then take into accountalso be based on robust, objective and verified data from installations so that sectors whose rate of improvement differs considerably from this factor have a benchmark value closer to their actual rate of improvement. Where the data shows a substantial difference from that factor reduction of more than 0.5% of the 2007-8 value higher or lower per year over the relevant period, the related benchmark value shall be adjusted by that percentage. To ensure a level playing field for the production of aromatics, hydrogen and syngas in refineries and chemical plants, the benchmark values for aromatics, hydrogen and syngas should continue to be aligned to the refineries benchmarks.
Amendment 139 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Member States should partially compensate, in accordance with state aid rules, certain installations in sectors or sub-sectors which have been determined to be exposed to a significant risk of carbon leakage because of costs related to greenhouse gas emissions passed on in electricity prices. The Protocol and accompanying decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties in Paris need to provide for the dynamic mobilisation of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building for eligible Parties, particularly those with least capabilities. Public sector climate finance will continue to play an important role in mobilising resources after 2020. Therefore, auction revenues should also be used for climate financing actions in vulnerable third countries, including adaptation to the impacts of climate. The amount of climate finance to be mobilised will also depend on the ambition and quality of the proposed Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), subsequent investment plans and national adaptation planning processes. Member States should also address the social aspects of decarbonising their economies and use auction revenues to promote skill formation and reallocation of labour affected by the transition of jobs in a decarbonising economy.
Amendment 152 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The main long-term incentive from this Directive for thecarbon capture and storage of CO2(CCS) and carbon capture and use (CCSU), new renewable energy technologies and breakthrough innovation in low-carbon technologies and processes is the carbon price signal it creates and that allowances will not need to be surrendered for CO2 emissions which are permanently stored or avoided. In addition, to supplement the resources already being used to accelerate demonstration of commercial CCS and CCU facilities and innovative renewable energy technologies, EU ETS allowances should be used to provide guaranteed rewards for deployment of CCS and CCU facilities, new renewable energy technologies and industrial innovation in low-carbon technologies and processes in the Union for CO2 stored or avoided on a sufficient scale, provided an agreement on knowledge sharing is in place. The majority of this support should be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions, while some support may be given when pre-determined milestones are reached taking into account the technology deployed. The maximum percentage of project costs to be supported may vary by category of project.
Amendment 173 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The existing provisions which are in place for small installations to be excluded from the EU ETS allow the installations which are excluded to remain so, and it should be made possible for Member States to update their list of excluded installations and for Member States currently not making use of this option to do so at the beginning of each trading period. Member States should ensure that alternative measures for installations that have opted out do not result in higher compliance costs. For small emitters covered by the EU ETS, monitoring, reporting and verification requirements should be simplified for such installations.
Amendment 183 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point -1 d (new)
Article 1 – point -1 d (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 3 – point u b (new)
Article 3 – point u b (new)
(-1d) In Article 3, the following point is added: '(ub) “small emitter” means an installation with low emissions which meets at least one of the following criteria: – the average annual emissions of that installation reported in the verified emission reports during the trading period immediately preceding the current trading period, with the exclusion of CO2 stemming from biomass and before subtraction of transferred CO2, were less than 50 000 tonnes of CO2(e) per year; – the average annual emissions referred to in the first indent are not available to that installation or are no longer applicable to that installation because of changes in the installation's boundaries or changes to the operating conditions of the installation, but the annual emissions of that installation for the next five years, with the exclusion of CO2 stemming from biomass and before subtraction of transferred CO2, is expected to be, based on a conservative estimation method, less than 50 000 tonnes of CO2(e) per year;'
Amendment 220 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 3
Article 1 – point 3
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 9 – paragraphs 2 and 3
Article 9 – paragraphs 2 and 3
Amendment 242 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – point 4 – point a
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
From 2021 onwards, the share of allowances to be auctioned by Member States shall be 572%.
Amendment 274 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4 – point b f (new)
Article 1 – point 4 – point b f (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point f
(bf) In paragraph 3, point (f) is replaced by the following: '(f) to encourage a shift to low- emission and public forms of transport; and compensate electrified transport modes such as railways for their indirect EU ETS costs unless measures with an equivalent effect on other surface transport modes are taken.'
Amendment 296 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4 – point d c (new)
Article 1 – point 4 – point d c (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
(dc) paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: '5. The Commission shall monitor the functioning of the European carbon market. Each year, it shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the functioning of the carbon market including the implementation of the auctions, liquidity and the volumes traded. In its monitoring report, the Commission shall give particular attention to the risk of carbon and investment leakage. The report shall also address the interaction between the EU ETS, non-ETS and other climate and energy measures at Union and national level, and shall analyse the effects of various policy instruments on the level of demand for Union allowances and its consequences on the supply- demand balance in the carbon market. The Commission shall calculate the equivalent number of allowances for closures that are reported by Member States. If necessary, Member States shall ensure that any relevant information is submitted to the Commission at least two months before the Commission adopts the report.'
Amendment 312 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point a c (new)
Article 1 – point 5 – point a c (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
(ac) In paragraph 2, subparagraph 1 is replaced by the following: 'In defining the principles for setting ex- ante benchmarks infor individual products in each sectors or and sub-sectors, the starting pointbenchmark shall be the average performance of the 10 % most efficient installations for individual products in a sector orand sub-sector in the Community in the years 200713-2008. The Commission shall consult the relevant stakeholders, including the sectors and subsectors concerned17.'
Amendment 319 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – introductory part
The benchmark values for free allocation shall be adjusted in order to avoid windfall profits and reflect technological progress in the period between 2007-8 and each later period for which free allocations are determined in accordance with Article 11(1). This adjustment shall reduce the benchmark values set by the act adopted pursuant to Article 10a by 1% of the value that was set based on 2007-8 data in respect of each year between 2008 and the middle of the relevant period of free allocation, unlesss shall be adjusted two years before the beginning of each trading period, in order to avoid windfall profits and reflect technological progress, taking into consideration the following:
Amendment 334 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
(i) On the basis of information submitted pursuant to Article 11, the Commission shall identify whether the values for each benchmark calculated using the principles in Article 10a differ from the annThe Commission shall carry out a detailed impact assessment, taking into account the economic and technical development of industrial plants and processes for the individual reproduction referred to above by more than 0.5% of the 2007-8 value higher or lower annually. If so, that benchmark value shall be adjusted either 0.5% or 1.5% in respect of each year between 2008 and the middle of the period for which free allocation is to be made;s in the individual sectors and subsectors, and consulting the relevant stakeholders, including the sectors and subsectors concerned.
Amendment 343 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point i a (new)
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point i a (new)
(ia) By way of derogation the total amount of CO2 from waste gases used for electricity production shall be taken into consideration when calculating the benchmarks.
Amendment 344 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point i b (new)
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point i b (new)
'(ib) By way of derogation, products with a share of more than 30% of emissions considered to be unavoidable process emissions, shall be granted 100% free allowances for that type of emissions;'
Amendment 359 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point ii a (new)
Article 10a – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 – point ii a (new)
(iia) By way of derogation, district heating shall be excluded from the adjustment.
Amendment 366 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – point 5 – point b a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 4
Article 10a – paragraph 4
(ba) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: '4. Free allocation shall be given to district heating as well as to high efficiency cogeneration, as defined by Directive 2004/8/EC, for economically justifiable demand, in respect of the production of heating or cooling. In each year subsequent to 2013, the total allocation to such installations in respect of the production of that heat shall be adjusted by the linear factor referred to in Article 9.'
Amendment 434 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point f
Article 1 – point 5 – point f
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 2
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 2
The allowances shall be made available for innovation in low-carbon industrial technologies and processes and support for demonstration projects for the development of a wide range of CCS, CCU and innovative renewable energy technologies that are not yet commercially viable in geographically balanced locations. In order to promote innovative projects, up to 6075% of the relevant costs of projects may be supported, out of which up to 450% may not be dependent on verified avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions provided that pre-determined milestones are attained taking into account the technology deployed.
Amendment 442 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point f
Article 1 – point 5 – point f
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 10a – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
The timetable for monetisation of allowances shall be published no later than 18 months before the start of Phase IV and shall ensure the gradual monetisation of the allowances spread out throughout that Phase.
Amendment 458 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10b – paragraph 1
Article 10b – paragraph 1
1. Sectors and sub-sectors where the product exceeds 0.2 from multiplying their intensity of trade with third countries, defined as the ratio between the total value of exports to third countries plus the value of imports from third countries and the total market size for the European Economic Area (annual turnover plus total imports from third countries), by their emission intensity, measured in kgCO2 divided by their gross value added (in €)EUR), as well as heat supplied from district heating systems, shall be deemed to be at risk of carbon leakage. Such sectors and sub-sectors shall be allocated allowances free of charge for the period up to 2030 at 100% of the quantity determined in accordance with the measures adopted pursuant to Article 10a.
Amendment 480 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10b – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 10b – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) profit margins or the inability to pass on carbon costs as a potential indicator of long-run investment or relocation decisions.
Amendment 485 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10b – paragraph 2 – point c d (new)
Article 10b – paragraph 2 – point c d (new)
(cd) level of potential competition distortion among sectors and sub-sectors
Amendment 516 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – title
Article 10c – title
Option for transitional free allocation for the modernisation of the energy sector
Amendment 525 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 1
Article 10c – paragraph 1
1. By derogation from Article 10a(1) to (5), Member States which had in 2013 a GDP per capita in €EUR at market prices below 60% of the Union average may give a transitional free allocation to installations forelectricity generation (including co-generation of heat and electricity production) for the modernisation of the energy sector.
Amendment 529 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 1
Article 10c – paragraph 1
1. By derogation from Article 10a(1) to (5), Member States which had in 2013 a GDP per capita in €EUR at market prices below 60% of the Union average may give a transitional free allocation to installations for electricity productionelectricity and heat generators, including district heating, for the modernisation of the energy sector.
Amendment 530 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 10c – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall be allowed to choose the most preferable free allowances allocation method in line with the following options and investments shall be selected on the basis of: (a) a competitive bidding process, (b) the National Investment Plans allocation which shall be based on criteria and rules referred to in paragraph 2a (new), or (c) a combination of both methods mentioned in point (a) and (b). Any Member State that is allowed to allocate allowances on the basis of this Article shall, by 31 December 2017, submit to the Commission an application containing the proposed allocation methodology.
Amendment 531 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Member State concerned shall organise a competitive bidding process for projects with a total amount of investment exceeding €10 million to select the investments to be financed with free allocation. This competitive bidding processcompetitive bidding process referred to in point (a) of paragraph 1a shall:
Amendment 537 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) comply with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, equal treatment, technological neutrality and sound financial management;
Amendment 540 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that are eligible to bid only projects which contribute to: - the diversification of their energy mix and sources of supply, - the necessary restructuring, environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure, - clean technologies and, - use of cogeneration and/or - modernisation of the energy production, transmission and distribution sectors are eligible to bid; (including district heating systems);
Amendment 544 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure that only projects which contribute to the diversification of their energy mix and sources of supply, the necessary restructuring, environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure, clean technologies and modernisation of the energy production (electricity and heat), transmission and distribution sectors are eligible to bid;
Amendment 549 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) on the basis of a cost-benefit analysis, ensure a net positive gain in terms of emission reduction and realise a pre- determined significant level of CO2 reductions;
Amendment 552 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1– point c – point ii
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1– point c – point ii
(ii) are additional, clearly respond to replacement and modernisation needs and do not supply a market-driven increase in energy demand;
Amendment 555 #
Amendment 561 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 568 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
Article 10c – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3 a (new)
The eligible Member States intending to make use of optional free allocation via the National Investment Plans (NIPs) referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1a shall select investments fulfilling the following criteria: - the diversification of their energy mix and sources of supply, - the necessary restructuring, environmental upgrading and retrofitting of the infrastructure, - investment in clean technologies, - use of cogeneration and/or - modernisation of the energy production, transmission and distribution sectors (including district heating systems) While selecting investments for the purpose of NIPs, Member States shall take into account technological neutrality and ensure net positive gain in terms of emissions reduction. Only investments that have obtained all relevant corporate decisions after 24 October 2014 may be counted for this purpose. The method of this selection process and the final results shall be published for public consultation. On this basis, the Member State concerned shall establish and submit a list of investments to the Commission by 30 September 2019. The Commission shall assess the list of investments by 31 March 2020. Within 9 months from the receipt of the list of investments, the Commission may request additional information concerning individual projects. The lack of decision by the Commission within the abovementioned period date means approval of the list of investments as submitted. The list of investments selected under the method referred to in this paragraph may be updated in 2023 and 2027, and submitted to the Commission. This paragraph shall be applied in case of any update.
Amendment 573 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 4
Article 10c – paragraph 4
4. Transitional fFree allocations shall be deducted from the quantity of allowances that the Member State would otherwise auction. The total free allocation shall be no more than 40% of the allowances which the Member State concerned receives in the period 2021-30 pursuant to Article 10(2)(a) spread out in equal annual volumes over the period from 2021-30. Free allocation that is not covered by the necessary expenditure in any given year shall be carried over and claimed during following years of the period between 2021 and 2030 when appropriate expenditure is incurred. Other ways of distributing the total number of allowances dedicated for the free allocation over the period between 2021 and 2030 shall be allowed provided that they are duly justified.
Amendment 574 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 5
Article 10c – paragraph 5
5. AFree allocations to operators shall be madeallowed upon demonstration that an investment selected according to the rules of the competitive bidding procesof incurred expenditure, at the level of a capital group. The free allocations to individual electricity generators (including co- generation of heat and electricity) for the period between 2021 and 2030 shall be determined and published by each of the Member States concerned by 30 September 2019. The allocations along with the list of electricity generators shall be updated in 2023 and 2027. The updated list of electricity generators shasll been carried out submitted to the Commission by 1 January 2024 and 2028 respectively.
Amendment 579 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6
Article 1 – point 6
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10c – paragraph 6
Article 10c – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall require benefiting electricity generators and network operators to report by 28 February of each year on the implementation of their selected investments. Member States shall report on this to the Commissionannually by 31 March to the Commission on the balance of free allocation and investment expenditure incurred, and the Commission shall make such reports public.
Amendment 590 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
A fund to support and leverage investments in modernising energy systems, including district heating, and improving energy efficiency in Member States with a GDP per capita below 60% of the Union average in 2013 or 2014 shall be established for the period 2021-30 and financed as set out in Article 10.
Amendment 593 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 10d – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The investments supported shall be consistent with the aims of this Directive and the European Fund for Strategic Investments.
Amendment 602 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 2
Article 10d – paragraph 2
2. The fund shall also finance small- scale investment projects in the modernisation of energy systems (including thermal energy, district heating, high efficiency cogeneration, renewable energy, geothermal heat) and energy efficiency. To this end, the investment boardeligible Member States shall develop guidelines and investment selection criteria specific to such projects. in line with the guidance elaborated by an advisory board referred to in paragraph 4.
Amendment 614 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
The fund shall be governed by an investment board and a management commitindividual allocations of each beneficiary Member State from the Modernisation Fund shall be governed by the eligible beneficiary Member Statee, which shall beassisted by the advisory board composed of representatives ofrom the beneficiary Member States, the Commission, and the EIB and three representatives elected by the other Member States for a period of 5 years. The investment board shall be responsible to determine. Individual decisions on financing particular projects shall be taken by the eligible beneficiary Member State. Day-to- day management of the fund shall be executed by the beneficiary Member States. The advisory board shall be responsible for preparing the framework guidance on investment, including a Union-level investment policy, appropriate financing instruments and investment selection criteria. The management committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.
Amendment 626 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The investmentadvisory board shall elect a representative from the Commission as chairman. The investment board shall strive to take decisionsbe chaired annually by consensus. If the investment board is not able to decide by consensus within a deadline set by the chairman, the investment board shall take a decision by simple majoritye of the beneficiary Member States.
Amendment 632 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 10d – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 640 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Amendment 646 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 10d – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. The beneficiary Member States shall report annually to the management committeeadvisory board on investments financed by the fund. The report shall be made public and include:
Amendment 648 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10d – paragraph 6
Article 10d – paragraph 6
6. Each year, the management commitbeneficiary Member Statees shall report to the Commission on experience with the evaluation and selection of investments. The Commission shall review the basis on which projects are selected by 31 December 2024 and, where appropriate, make proposals to the management commitrelevant beneficiary Member Statees.
Amendment 676 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 11 a (new)
Article 1 – point 11 a (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 702 #
2015/0148(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 22 b (new)
Article 1 – point 22 b (new)
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
(22b) In Article 27, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: '1. Following consultation with the operator and subject to its agreement, Member States may exclude from the Community schemeEU ETS installations which have reported to the competent authority emissions of less than 250 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and, where they carry out combustion activities, have a rated thermal input below 35 MW, excluding emissions from biomass, in each of the three years preceding the notification under point (a), and which are subject to measures that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions, if the Member State concerned complies with the following conditions: (a) it notifies the Commission of each such installation, specifying the equivalent measures applying to that installation that will achieve an equivalent contribution to emission reductions that are in place and specifying how those measures would not result in higher compliance costs for such installations, before the list of installations pursuant to Article 11(1) has to be submitted and at the latest when this list is submitted to the Commission; (b) it confirms that monitoring arrangements are in place to assess whether any installation emits 250 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent, excluding emissions from biomass, in any one calendar year. Member States may allow simplified monitoring, reporting and verification measures for installations with average annual verified emissions between 2008 and 2010 which are below 5 000 tonnes a year, in accordance with Article 14; (c) it confirms that if any installation emits 250 000 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide equivalent, excluding emissions from biomass, in any one calendar year or the measures applying to that installation that will achieveare aimed at making an equivalent contribution to emission reductions are no longer in place, the installation will be reintroduced into the Community schemeEU ETS; (d) it publishes the information referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) for public comment. Hospitals may also be excluded if they undertake equivalent measures.'
Amendment 35 #
2014/2817(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3а. Stresses the need for more resources to be provided for in order to broaden the scope of mother tongue education for national and linguistic minorities, especially in kindergartens and secondary schools; calls for technical and financial support for infrastructure improvements in the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia and the Taraklia district, where there is a concentration of minorities, including Bulgarians, Ukrainians and Russians;
Amendment 83 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas, in the field of the euro and monetary policy, the United Kingdom obtained a permanent derogation from joining (Protocol No 15), Denmark has a constitutional exemption (Protocol No 16), Sweden has ceased to follow the euro convergence criteria and the possibility of Greece leaving the single currency has been openly discussed in the European Council; whereas, all EU Member States, except for the United Kingdom and Denmark, have contractual obligation to join the single currency once they meet all required criteria;
Amendment 243 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas the UK’s decision creates an opportunity to reduce and drastically simplify the ‘variable geometry’ and complexity of the Union; whereas the decision of the United Kingdom opens up an opportunity to promote collaboration in areas with high European added value such as security and defence; whereas it offers at least the opportunity to clarify what membership of the Union really means and what could be a clear structure in the future for the EU’s relationship with non- members in our periphery (the United Kingdom, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine, etc.); whereas the founding fathers of the Union had already envisaged a type of ‘associate status’;
Amendment 254 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital S
Recital S
S. whereas the UK’s decision creates an opportunity to reduce and drastically simplify the ‘variable geometry’ and complexity of the Union; whereas it offers at least the opportunity to clarify what membership of the Union really means and what could be a clear structure in the future for the EU’s relationship with non- members in our periphery (the United Kingdom, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine, etc.); whereas the founding fathers of the Union had already envisaged a type of ‘associate status’;
Amendment 276 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the direction of the Union’s reform should lead towards its modernisation by establishing new effective European capacities and instruments, rather than its renationalisation by means of greater intergovernmentalism; notes further that the proposals for reform of the Lisbon Treaty will no doubt make some Member States and euroesceptic parties raise their demands for returning the powers to the Member States; emphasises, in that connection, the necessity of broad and open public debate as a preparation for convening a Convention in order to achieve political consensus concerning the direction of the necessary reform;
Amendment 306 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Observes with great concern the proliferation of subsets of Member States undermining the unity of the Union by causing a lack of transparency, as well as diminishing the trust of the people; Considers that the suitable format for conducting the discussion regarding the Union’s future is EU-27; Emphasises that the fragmentation of the discussion into various formats or groups of Member States would be counterproductive;
Amendment 406 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recommends that, instead of these multiple derogations, a type of ‘associate status’ could be proposed to those states in the periphery, that only want to participate on the sideline, i.e. in some specific Union policies; this status should be accompanied by obligations corresponding to the associated rights;
Amendment 820 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34а. Emphasises the necessity of expansion of resources intended for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in order to achieve a fairer sharing of the cost for military operations, implemented within the Common Security and Defence Policy or the European Defence Union;
Amendment 910 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
Amendment 925 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41а. Believes that, in order to achieve better transparency and to improve EU citizens’ understanding of the operation of the institutional framework of the EU, the Council should be transformed into an European Senate, consisting of equal number of representatives of each Member State and functioning in accordance with the common European traditions of the two-chamber parliamentarism;
Amendment 960 #
2014/2248(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Believes that, in strengthening the governance of the euro area, due respect should be paid to the interests of Member States that are not yet part of the euro (the ‘pre-ins’); Believes further that, the measures for strengthening the governance should not hamper the transition to the euro area of the Member States that are not yet part of it; Recommends that, the Member States that want to participate in all of EU policies, should approve the roadmap for adoption of the euro on an urgent basis and within a predefined timetable;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the aim of TTIP is above all about regulation10 , about reducing orto reduce and eliminate existing non-tariff barriers11 , an and could as such aboutendanger the level of protection of human health and the environment; __________________ 10See speech by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström of 11 December 2014.http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs /2014/december/tradoc_152942.pdf 11 See 2014 Report on Technical Barriers to Trade by the US Trade Representative, p. 45.
Amendment 13 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. Having regard the results of Eurobarometer from November 2014 on the transatlantic trade and investment agreement;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. Whereas, as according to Eurobarometer of November 2014, in 25 out of 28 Member States a majority of European citizens are in favour of a transatlantic trade and investment agreement;
Amendment 44 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas an ambitious and balanced agreement with the US may support the reindustrialisation of Europe and help achieve the 2020 target for an increase of the EU’s GDP generated by industry from 15 % to 20 %; whereas it has the potential to create opportunities especially for SMEs, which suffer more from non-tariff barriers (NTBs) than larger companies; whereas an agreement between the two biggest economic blocs in the world has the potential to create standards, norms and rules which will be adopted at a global level, which would serve to the advantage of third countries as well;
Amendment 73 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, given the growing interconnectedness of global markets – up to 40 % of European industrial products are manufactured from imported upstream products – it is crucial that policymakers shape the way these markets interact; whereas proper trade rules are fundamental to creating added value in Europe, since industrial production takes place in global value chains;it is crucial that Europe benefits from participation in global supply chains, while maintaining and developing a strong, competitive and diversified industrial base in Europe; (For consistency with the Recital A European added value should not be built only on e.g. costs of marketing, storage and/or distribution of imports. Also resolution should not quote data without reference to sources. TTIP should first and foremost promote trade of goods manufactured in the EU or the US but the imported goods only repacked/relabelled/assembled in the EU or the US.)
Amendment 96 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers it misleadingimportant on the part of the Commission to try to appease public concerns abake into account the TTIP by stating that existing standards will not be lowered, as this disregards the fact that many standards have yet to be set in the implementation of existing (framework) legislation (e.g. REACH) or by the adoption of new laws (e.g. cloning)environmental, health and food safety standards;
Amendment 107 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the transparency initiatives undertaken by Commissioner Cecilia Malmström and agrees that they are supporting the public debate on TTIP;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concernedPoints out that the TTIP negotiations shave already affected Commission proposals and actions relating, for example, to food safety and climate protection (e.g. pathogen meat treatments; implementation of the fuel quality directive)ll not affect proposals and actions of the Commission, existing legislation of the EU in the area of food safety and climate protection and the independent decision taking of the European Parliament;
Amendment 140 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is very concernedconsiders that the objective of regulatory convergence and the cooperation and dialogue between regulatory authorities, including in particular the creation of a Regulatory Cooperation Council, will lead to a lowering of futurshould confirm and strengthen the EU standards in key areas ofor the protection of human health, food safety and the environment in light of the significant differences as compared with the US;with an open, fair, modern and global trade policy system; this is a fundament for setting global standards by the EU and the US, which are representing 50 % of world's GDP and one third of world trade; calls that this instrument shall not influence the independence of the European legislative competences.
Amendment 168 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees with Commissioner Malmström that all areas where the EU and the US have very different rules or approaches should be excluded from the negotiations12 ; __________________ 12See speech by EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström of 11 December 2014.there should not be a trade-off between the economic goals and the people's health, safety and the environment; agrees further with the Commissioner that where Europe and the United States have very different rules, there will be no agreement, such as GMOs, the use of hormone in bovine sector, REACH and Cloning; __________________
Amendment 172 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Asks for an adequate legal protection of European GIs in the US market and the end of misleading use of GIs;
Amendment 176 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Calls for a regulatory framework on pesticides, which puts consumers safety first, enhances cooperation between authorities in the assessment procedures and methodologies for risk evaluation, and establishes a pest management cooperation in order to avoid animal and plant pests, which can cause unproportionate trade barriers;
Amendment 179 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Underlines that the negotiations on the health and pharmaceutical sector shall deliver benefits for citizens by having access to high quality medical products and services through affordable prices, by an increased cross-border scientific knowledge and through the removal of unnecessary and burdensome approval processes and inspections; calls for a speeding up of the approval of new medicines and medical devices and the establishment of a regulatory cooperation, which creates synergies and avoids burdensome approval processes and inspections in the sector while keeping the highest quality of services and products;
Amendment 182 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Calls on the US side to lift the ban on beef imports from the EU;
Amendment 185 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas President Juncker has clearly reiterated in his Political Guidelines that – while the EU and the US can go a significant step further in recognising each other’s product standards and working towards transatlantic standards – the EU will not sacrifice its safety, health, social and data protection standards or our cultural diversity, recalling that the high level of safety of the food we eat and the protection of Europeans’ personal data are non- negotiable;will be maintained; (It is important to stress that we are not talking about lowering standards in negotiations rather than saying that issues of food safety are not-negotiable, as it is not true - issues of food safety or SPS are being negotiated, but we don’t want to decrease level of protection in this negotiations. That is the difference.)
Amendment 186 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 253 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 276 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 350 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii a (new)
(iiia) to ensure that mutually beneficial mobility package is provided for, which includes visa facilitation for providers of services and goods from all Member States and recognises their professional and technical qualifications;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2221(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. recognizes that effective healthcare systems are directly linked to economic growth, contribute to healthy workforce and job opportunities in the Member States, and that weaker healthcare systems result in migration within the EU and slow overall economic growth;
Amendment 39 #
2014/2221(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6 g. Underlines that the European semester should be a tool for achieving commitment from Member States to strengthen their healthcare systems to ensure high quality, accessible and equitable healthcare for all citizens
Amendment 409 #
2014/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 – point a (new)
Paragraph 38 – point a (new)
(a) Stresses that the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region, in the areas of the East and South China Sea in particular, is of strategic importance to the EU; urges all parties concerned in the region to solve differences in a peaceful way, in line with international law, and to cooperate with each other to exploit natural and marine resources; takes the view that the EU has a substantial interest in East Asia's continued growth and prosperity; underlines the need to strengthen the EU's economic partnership with Asia-Pacific countries in an inclusive manner so as to maintain sustainable peace, stability and prosperity; welcomes the encouraging improvements in cross- Strait relations over the past six years and calls upon to take further measures to facilitate their peaceful development; urges the HR/VP and the Council to continue its cooperation with all stakeholders in the region, on a broad range of global issues.
Amendment 86 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Upholds that denials of genocide and other crimes against humanity, as well as acts of racism, xenophobia or religious hatred, constitute a clear violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and as such should be condemned;
Amendment 217 #
2014/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Regrets that the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court has not yet been included in the new GSP Regulation list of conventions required for GSP+ status; notes that a number of GSP+ applicants are not states parties to the Statute or have not ratified it (e.g. Armenia and Pakistan); reiterates its recommendation that the Rome Statute be added to a future list of conventions;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6 j. recalls the overarching values of universality, access to good quality care, equity and solidarity, as recognized by the Council in its 2006 Conclusions on Common values and principles in European Union Health Systems; underlines that health systems in Europe contribute to economic growth and will generate significant job opportunities in the year to come, as identified in the Annual Growth Survey 2014.
Amendment 38 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 l (new)
Paragraph 6 l (new)
6 l. stresses that whilst strengthening the efficiency and financial sustainability of health systems is important, this needs to be accompanied by specific commitments to ensure access to high-quality healthcare for all;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 n (new)
Paragraph 6 n (new)
6 n. calls on the Commission to improve measurement of accessibility of healthcare and performance of health systems so as to help reducing divergences and health inequalities between and within Member States;
Amendment 82 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that Azerbaijan decided to suspend its participation in EURONEST in response to European Parliament's concurrence with conclusions of the ODIHR long-term mission on the latest presidential election in Azerbaijan (EP resolution P7_TA(2013)0446 adopted on 23/10/2013); underscores that this decision of the Azerbaijani delegation goes against the spirit of genuine partnership thus undermining fruitful cooperation;
Amendment 118 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the 2013 allocations under the 'Eastern Partnership integration and cooperation' (EaPIC) programme, which comes from ENPI, distributed among Moldova, Georgia and Armenia as the additional funding to countries in the Eastern Partnership that make progress in reforms for deep democracy and human rights;
Amendment 141 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reminds, that EaP countries should refrain from using force or threats to use force in resolving disputes in the region, underlining that the only possible way to settle conflicts in the region is through negotiations within the internationally accepted formats, based on the principles of international law;
Amendment 209 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Reminds, that in line with their international commitments the EaP countries should refrain from using force or threats to use force in resolving conflicts in the region, underlining that all protracted conflicts in the EaP area - regardless of their unique characteristics - should be resolved exclusively through negotiations within formats accepted by the conflicting parties and based on principles of international law;
Amendment 277 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Notes the importance of achieving equitable and long-lasting peace in ethno- political conflicts in the EaP area; to this end, calls on all parties to create favourable conditions for peace by refraining from hate rhetoric and war mongering and by implementing confidence-building measures to address humanitarian, economic and other issues on all sides of current dividing lines in the EaP area;
Amendment 43 #
2013/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) to insist that the agreement contain solid commitment towards ensuring that all persons and enterprises from all EU member states have equal opportunities for cooperation with Canadian counterparts, particularly with regard to mobility;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the European Council's decision to put the strengthening of Europe's defence on the agenda for its December summit; calls on the European Council to provide the necessary fresh impetus for supporting a truly European defence technological and industrial base, which will be backed by appropriate integrity and trust building measures and which will be capability-driven and will promote synergies, provide for the efficient use of resources, avoid duplication and be integrated and competitive on the global market;
Amendment 63 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Invites the Council and the EEAS to make further steps in including gender aspects in the planning, implementation and lessons learned of CSDP operations and the analysis of the human operational environment
Amendment 303 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. Commends Taiwan's continuous efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Asia- Pacific region, particularly in the East and South China Sea; recogniszes the progress made in cross-Strait relations, especially the flourishing economic links, tourism and cultural cooperation; welcomes Taiwan's achievement of visa waiver status or visa facilitation from more than 130 countries or areas, contributing to an increase in the movement of people; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan's meaningful participation as an observer in relevant international organiszations and activities, including the World Health Organisationsuch as the WHO, UNFCCC and ICAO, in particular the triennial ICAO Assembly and other related meetings, activities, and mechanisms, for furthering EU and global interests; urges the Commission and the Council to facilitate the negotiation of an EU-Taiwan economic cooperation agreement (ECA); encourages closer bilateral cooperation between the EU and Taiwan in areas such as trade, research, culture, education and environmental protection;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that today the Black Sea is of geostrategic importance for the EU, as it represents one of the most important energy routes to Europe and; considers that the main risks it poses to the EU's stability stem from protracted regional conflicts, such as the one between Georgia and the contested territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and the related conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi; stresses that, given Europe's dependence on the Black Sea for the transit of energy supplies, but also EU's overall interest in seeing stability at its Eastern borders, the EU has a strategic interest in deterring regional actors from brinkmanship and, for that purpose, may need to mobilise European naval assets;
Amendment 102 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Recalls that in its resolution of 20 January 20111 on an EU Strategy for the Black Sea, the European Parliament already stressed the need for the EU to play a more active role in shaping the Black Sea security environment and highlighted the need for an enhanced dialogue with strategic partners on conflict prevention and resolution in the Black Sea region; _______________ 1 P7_TA(2011)0025
Amendment 105 #
2012/2318(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Calls on the Member States and EU institutions to take full account of the abovementioned resolution when considering EU's maritime security strategy in the Black Sea region;
Amendment 2 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The imposition of the visa requirement on the nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu is no longer justified. These countries do not present any risk of illegal immigration or a threat to public policy for the Union in accordance with the criteria set out in recital 5 of Regulation (EC) N° 539/2001. Consequently, nationals of those countries should be exempt from the visa requirement for stays of no more than three months in all and references to those countries should be transferred to Annex II.
Amendment 4 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Exemption from the visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu should not come into force until bilateral agreements on visa waiver between the Union and the countries concerned have been concluded in order to ensure full reciprocity.
Amendment 6 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) in point 1, the references to Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu are deleted and a reference to South-Sudan is inserted;
Amendment 7 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
"Tuvalu*", "United Arab Emirates*" and "Vanuatu*"
Amendment 61 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) assist both technically and financially Azerbaijan's parliament to fully develop its constitutional functions, bodies and services including an enhanced interaction with civil society;
Amendment 96 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) emphasise the need to use the Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishing a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus; call on all parties to fully engage in the multilateral cooperation track of the Eastern Partnership without linking it to the conflicts;
Amendment 106 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) insist that the EU should play a stronger role in settlement of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh by supporting the implementation of confidence building measures which will bring together Armenian and the Azerbaijani communities and spread the ideas of peace, reconciliation and trust among all sides; call on all parties for unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions under the modalities and practice of the OSCE Minsk Group; strongly urge Armenia and Azerbaijan for full political commitment to achieving compromise based on the agreed basic principles elaborated by the Minsk Group;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(j a) urge Azerbaijan not to hamper visa issues for third country nationals of Armenian origin wishing to enter Azerbaijan and to lift the ban on international phone calls to Armenia;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas there is a wide public consensus in the Armenian society on the importance of the European commitment of Armenia;
Amendment 79 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) insist that the EU should play a stronger role in settlement of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh by supporting the implementation of confidence building measures which will bring together Armenian and the Azerbaijani communities and spread the ideas of peace, reconciliation and trust among all sides; call on all parties for unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions under the modalities and practice of the OSCE Minsk Group; strongly urge Armenia and Azerbaijan for full political commitment to achieving compromise based on the agreed basic principles elaborated by the Minsk Group;
Amendment 88 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) emphasise the need to use the Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishing a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus; call on all parties to fully engage in the multilateral cooperation track of the Eastern Partnership without linking it to the conflicts;
Amendment 94 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(i a) welcome the decision for opening of the DCFTA negotiations, in this respect emphasise that it is unacceptable to have a continuously closed border between countries which aspire for membership or association with the EU and urge for termination of this situation;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point l a (new)
(l a) welcome the incorporation of EU best practices and EU recommendations in Armenia during the preparation of national work plans in the field of Justice, Liberty and Security, note in particular the tangible results in the migration sector achieved by the signature of the Joint Declaration on Mobility Partnership;
Amendment 117 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(r a) assist both technically and financially Armenia’s parliament to fully develop its constitutional functions, bodies and services including an enhanced interaction with civil society;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) to emphasise the importance of inter- ethnic and religious tolerance;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU favours a stable and democratic Ukraine that respects the principles of a social market economy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities and which guarantees fundamental rights; whereas Ukraine's efforts to build not only domestic political stability andbut also environment of robust political pluralism and democratic freedoms and to augment internal reform are accelerating and facilitating the further development of Ukraine's European integration process,
Amendment 47 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Ukraine's progress on the path of European integration must be based on a policy of systematic and irreversible reforms in a number of important ‘institutional, political, economic and social areas; whereas important reforms have already been carried out or are being carried out; whereas the framework provided by the Association Agreement will constitute a crucial modernisation tool for Ukraine and a roadmap to steer its internal domestic reforms,
Amendment 52 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the currently negotiated Association Agreement with Ukraine will deepen its relations with the EU and continue the European integration agenda, while on the other hand there are serious concerns for democracy and rule of law, particularly considering the politically motivated case against Yulia Tymoshenko and other opposition leaders,
Amendment 60 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the current political reality in Ukraine especially in the field of civil liberties and rule of law differs from the spirit of the negotiated EU-Ukraine Association Agreement;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to make all necessary progress in order to achieve the rapid conclusioninitialling of an EU- Ukraine Association Agreement by no later than the end of 2011, and at the same time ensure that this flagship initiative of Eastern Partnership does not come at the expense of political repressions, instrumentalisation of state institutions for partisan purposes, and downgrading democratic values, in particular in the fields of human rights and rule of law;
Amendment 79 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to set up a mutual exchange programme for civil servants in order to facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreement, and in particular the DCFTA; to undertake similar measures in order to establish training and exchange programs in the field of justice and home affairs and in the security sector in the light of implementing European best practices in the rule of law;
Amendment 87 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) to elaborate clear safeguard measures and a possible temporary suspension mechanism for the whole association agreement in case essential and fundamental principles thereof are ignored or deliberately violated;
Amendment 88 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) to urge the president and government of Ukraine to put the political, legal and administrative reality in the country in line with European democratic practices;
Amendment 97 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) to undertake the necessary steps in order to ensure that European best practices are implemented in the process of elaborating and in the content of Ukrainian electoral code, whereas substantial irregularities have occurred in previous election campaigns;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
(hb) whereas transparency and accountability are inextricable values of the EU in its relations with partners, to ensure that anti-corruption policy , including appropriate legislation on conflict of interests be put forward as a high priority of the Ukrainian authorities;
Amendment 99 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h c (new)
(hc) to ensure that Ukrainian authorities make the archives of former communist secret services available to the public, which is necessary for successful national reconciliation, particularly with regard to atrocities that took place during 20th century;
Amendment 111 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 - point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point k a (new)
(ka) to ensure the acceptance of geographical indicators and European patents;
Amendment 155 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to make all necessary progress in order to achieve the rapid conclusion of an EU- Ukraine Association Agreement by no later thensure that this important initiative within the Eastern Partnership goes along with Ukraine’s commitments to necessary reforms and strengthening of the political pluralism, democratic values, human rights and the end of 2011rule of law;
Amendment 157 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) to make it clear to the Ukrainian authorities that if the conviction of Yulia Tymoshenko is not redressed it will jeopardise the conclusion of the Association Agreement and its ratification while pushing the country further away from the implementation of its European perspective; expresses its concerns about the signs of decline in democratic freedoms, as well as the eventual practice of the instrumentalisation of state institutions for partisan purposes and political revenge,
Amendment 63 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for cohesion and structural policy programmes to place more emphasis on European added value; deems such added value to be achieved where EU projects bring about a lasting and measurable improvement in the economic, infrastructural, social and/or environmental status of a disadvantaged, less-developed regions, and where such improvement would not have been achievable without the European stimulus,
Amendment 80 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Sees the achievement of European objectives in accordance with the principle of multi-level governance as one of the major advantages of cohesion policy and thus as a form of added value in itself; calls for this partnership principle to be further strengthened;(Does not affect English version)
Amendment 150 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Doubts whether specific operational programmes for functional geographical entities such as metropolitan regions or sea or river basins will yield additional benefits; is particularly aware, in relation to such programmes, of the absence of political bodies (including democratically elected bodies) with a sufficiently wide- ranging remit to implement them; calls instead for closer coordination of macroregional or natural- environment strategies at inter- governmental levels;
Amendment 164 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the key role of towns and cities in achieving the economic, environmental and social EU 2020 objectives; calls for support for ideas and projects which can serve as models, on the basis of integrated development plans, and for the upgrading of urban-rural links; stresses that towns and cities can make a key contribution, as growth centres and growth drivers, to a given region; at the same time, points to the need for rural settlements to participate in integrated solutions for a given functional geographical entity by means of the fostering of partnerships and networks;
Amendment 237 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes the view that the development of basic infrastructure and support for conventional forms of energy should also be regarded as compatible with EU 2020, because only when they have competitive transport, energy and communications networks and waste-disposenvironmental infrastructure will the convergence regions be in a position to contribute to achieving the EU 2020 objectives – and that is precisely why the weaker and neediest regions must be given some leeway to interpret those objectives;
Amendment 250 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes the view that GDP must be retained as the key criterion in the definition of areas eligible for maximum support (those with GDP/PE below 75% of the EU average) and, where appropriate, cohesion countries (GDP/PE below 90% of the EU average), with reference to Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006; points out that the competent national authorities must continue to have scope for the use of additional indicators at the relevant decision-making levels;
Amendment 298 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Takes the unequivocal view that efforts under Objective 3 (European Territorial Cooperation) need to be stepped up at all EU internal borders and at all three levels of such cooperation (cross-border, inter- regional and trans-national) and calls for the relevant share of the Structural Funds to be increased to 7%; stresses the importance of the border regions in terms of achievement of the EU 2020 objectives; considers there is a need for closer linkage with the TEN networks – in line with European priorities – and with cross-border infrastructure, and calls for a corresponding increase in funding for all border regions; calls for simplification of the implementing rules governing Objective 3 programs, based on the principle of proportionality, as well as for the development of a common set of eligibility rules, all of which are pre- conditions for these programs to become more effective and more visible;
Amendment 317 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Draws attention to the synergies achievable through integrated approaches, notably linking the ESF and the ERDF, and calls for common eligibility rules and for the option of cross-financing between these funds – specifically with a view to integrated development planning – to be increased and facilitated;
Amendment 341 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls, in the interests of efficiency, for the elimination or merger of funds relevant to both regional development and cohesion; recommends that the Globalisation Fund be abandoned as a stand-alone instrument and that appropriate provision for its functions be included in the Social Fund; calls for consideration of whether a merger of the Cohesion Fund and the Regional Development Fund would be compatible with the European Treaties; points out that, as a rule, monies from the Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund are spent on the same types of project;
Amendment 353 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Welcomes the objectives of the development and investment partnership contracts between the EU and the Member States, which the Commission is proposing in place of the strategic framework plans previously prepared for individual Member States; calls for key investment priorities geared to the implementation of the EU 2020 strategy and the achievement of other cohesion-policy and structural-policy objectives to be set at this stage; considers that the allocation of responsibilities between the various levels involved needs to be clarified, and calls for national and/or regional competences to be retained in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 437 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Considers that the maximum level of support must not exceed 785%, otherwise applications will be driven less by the case for the projects than by the prospect of the funding they can attract; calls for it to be made easier for regions to use private co- financing and market-oriented credit options to cover their share of project financing;
Amendment 463 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Emphasises that the provision of subsidies must always be retained as an option and that it must be the responsibility of those involved on the ground to use the funding mix best suited to regional needs; considers that subsidies should continue to dominate in regions lagging behind;
Amendment 496 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
Amendment 546 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Supports the Commission's proposal that the N+2 rule should be applied systematically except in the first year of funding and that any other derogations from it should be abolishedshould only reflect the administrative burdens required by the programming process; considers this will guarantee that a balance is struck between high- quality investment and smooth and speedy programme implementation;
Amendment 35 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Recognising that the premature shutdown and consequent decommissioning of the Ignalina Power Plant with two 1500 MW reactor units, four units of Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant with overall capacity of 1760 MW and V1 Bohunice Power Plant with two units with the capacity of 880 MW posed a heavy long term burden on the citizens of the three countries in terms of energetic, financial, economic, environmental and social implications. In the case of Lithuania the closure of the plant represents an exceptional financial burden not commensurable with the size and the economic strength of the country.
Amendment 38 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 5
(5) The Union has committed to assist Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia in addressing the exceptional financial burden implied by the decommissioning process, without prejudice to the principle that the final responsibility of decommissioning rests with the Member States concerned. Since the pre-accession period, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia have received substantial financial support from the Union, notably through the the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes. The Union financial support established for the period 2007 - 2013. The Union financial support under these Programmes will terminate in 2013.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of the ex ante conditionalities when preparing the 2014 annual work programme as referred to in Article 6(1). It may decide, when adopting the annual work programme, to suspend all or partf there is a reasoned opinion by the Commission in respect of an infringement for non- compliance with conditionality referred to in paragraph 1(a) or if conditionalities referred to in paragraph 1(b) or 1(c) is not satisfactory, the decision on suspension of part or of all of the Union financial assistance pmay be takend ing the satisfactory completion of the ex ante conditionalities accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). Such decision shall be reflected in the adoption of the 2014 annual work programme. The amount of suspended assistance shall be defined in accordance with criteria set out in the act referred to in Article 6(2).
Amendment 46 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 6
(6) Following the request for further funding from Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia, provision has been made in the Commission proposal for the next Multi- Annual financial framework for the period 2014-2020: ‘''A Budget for Europe 2020’‘5 ''5 for a sum of EUR 700 million from the general budget of the European Union for nuclear safety and decommissioning. From this the amount EUR 500 million in 2011 prices which is about EUR 553 million in the current prices is foreseen for a new Programme to further support the decommissioning of the Bohunice V1 units 1-2 and, the Ignalina units 1-2 over the period from 2014 to 2017 and the Kozloduy units 1-4 nuclear power plants over the period from 2014 to 2020. Funding under this new Programme should be made available in a gradually decreasing manner.
Amendment 53 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 7
(7) The support covered by this Regulation should ensure seamless continuation of decommissioning and concentrate on measures to reach an irreversible state within the safimplement the steady process towards the decommissioning end state in accordance with the relevant highest safety standards applicable to the decommissioning process, as such measures bringing the greatest Union added value, while ensuring the transition towards Member State funding for the completion of decommissioning. Tthe ultimate responsibility for nuclear safety remains within the Member States concerned, which also implies the ultimate responsibility for its financing, including the financing of decommissioning. This Regulation does not prejudice the outcome of any future State aid procedures that may be undertaken in accordance with Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 60 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) The costs of the decommissioning activities covered by this Regulation should be established according to the internationally recognized standards for decommissioning cost estimation, such as for example the International Structure for Decommissioning Costing jointly published by the Nuclear Energy Agency, International Atomic Energy Agency and the Commission.
Amendment 74 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Programme is to assist the Member States concerned to reach an irreversible state withinimplement the steady process towards the decommissioning procesend states of Kozloduy units 1 to 4, Ignalina units 1 and 2 and Bohunice V1 units 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, in accordance with their respective decommissioning plans, while keepmaintaining the highest level of safety during the entire decommissioning process.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Any of the decommissioning programmes referred to in paragraph 2 may also include measures to maintain the needed high level of the shutdown safety at the nuclear power plants, including support with respect to plant personnel.
Amendment 98 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) EUR 229 629 000 for the Ignalina Programme for the period 2014 to 201720;
Amendment 106 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) EUR 114 815 000 for the Bohunice Programme for the period 2014 to 201720.
Amendment 113 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission will review the performance of the Programme and assess the progress of the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes against the milestones and target dates referred to in Art 2.3 by the end of 20157 within the framework of the ina mid-terim evaluation referred to in Art. 8. Based on the results of this assessment, the Commission may review the amount of the appropriations allocated to the Programme, as well as the programming period and distribution amongst the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes.
Amendment 126 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) Establish in a national legal framework to provide adequate provisions for the timely accumulation of national financial resourcesan overall financing plan that identifies the full costs and the funding sources required for the safe completion of decommissioning in of the nuclear reacctordance with applicable State aid rules units, including management of the spent fuel and radioactive waste, covered by this Regulation.
Amendment 131 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess the information provided on the fulfilment of the ex ante conditionalities when preparing the 2014 annual work programme as referred to in Article 6(1). It may decide, when adopting the annual work programme, to suspend all or partf there is a reasoned opinion by the Commission in respect of an infringement for non- compliance with conditionality referred to in paragraph 1(a) or if conditionalities referred to in paragraph 1(b) or 1(c) is not satisfactory, the decision on suspension of part or of all of the Union financial assistance pmay be takend ing the satisfactory completion of the ex ante conditionalities. accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). Such decision would be reflected in the adoption of the 2014 annual work programme. The amount of the suspended assistance shall be defined following criteria set out in the act referred to in Article 6(2).
Amendment 136 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Annual work programmes 1. At the beginning of each year for the 2014-2020 period, the Commission shall adopt a joint annual work programme for Kozloduy, Bohunice and Ignalina Programmes specifying for each Programme the objectives, expected results, related performance indicators and timeline for the use of funds under each annual financial commitment. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). 2. At the end of each year of the 2014- 2020 period, the Commission establishes a progress report of the implementation of the work carried out in the previous years. This report shall be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council and shall serve as a basis for the adoption of the next joint annual work programme.
Amendment 137 #
Amendment 138 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Amendment 142 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall adopt not later than 31 December 2014, detailed implementation procedures for the duration of the Programme. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 9(2). The act setting out the implementation procedures shall also define in more detail for the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice Programmes theobjectives, expected results, activities andmilestones, target and dates, as well as the corresponding performance indicators. It wishall contain the revised detailed decommissioning plans as referred to under Article 4(1)(c) that shall serve as baseline for the monitoring of the progress and the timely achievement of the expected results.
Amendment 148 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Amendment 150 #
Amendment 152 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. No later than end 20157, an mid-term evaluation report shall be established by the Commission, in close cooperation with the beneficiaries and the Member States, on the achievement of the objectives of all the measures, at the level of results and impacts, the efficiency of the use of resources and its Union added value, in view of a decision amending or suspending the measures. The evaluation shall additionally address the scope for simplmodification, its internal and external coherence, the continued relevance of all objectives. It shall take into account evaluation results on the long-term impact of the predecessor meas of the specific objectives and detailed implementation procedures.
Amendment 163 #
2011/0363(NLE)
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Amendment 40 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Experience with the current financial framework shows that many Member States, which are eligible to the Cohesion Fund, are facing significant obstacles in delivering on time complex cross-border transport infrastructure projects with a high Union added value. Therefore, in order to improve the delivery of transport projects, in particular cross-border ones, with a high Union added value, part of the Cohesion Fund allocation (EUR 10 billion22 ) should be transferred to finance transport projects on the transport core network in the Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund under the Connecting Europe Facility. The Commission should support Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund to develop an adequate pipeline of projects in order to give greatest possible priority to therespect national allocations under the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Experience with the current financial framework shows that many Member States, which are eligible to the Cohesion Fund, are facing significant obstacles in delivering on time complex cross-border transport infrastructure projects with a high Union added value. Therefore, in order to improve the delivery of transport projects, in particular cross-border ones, with a high Union added value, part of the Cohesion Fund allocation (EUR 10 billion) should be transferred to finance transport projects on the transport core network in the Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund under the Connecting Europe Facilityrespecting national allocations for the projects listed in the Annex of this Regulation. The Commission should support Member States eligible to the Cohesion Fund to develop an adequate pipeline of projects in order to give greatest possible priority to the national allocations under the Cohesion Fund.
Amendment 46 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) The Connecting Europe Facility should propose financial instruments to promote substantial participation by the private sector investors and financial institutions in infrastructure investment. To be sufficiently attractive to the private sector, financial instruments should be designed and implemented with due regard to simplification and reduction of administrative burden, while with a level of flexibility in mind to be able to respond to identified financing needs in a flexible manner. The responsible management authorities shall create the necessary incentives for attracting private investors. The design of these instruments should draw from the experience gained in the implementation of financial instruments in the 2007-2013 Multi- Annual Financial Framework, such as the Loan Guarantee instrument for TEN-T projects (LGTT), the Risk Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF) and the 2020 European Fund for Energy, Climate Change, and Infrastructure (the ‘'Marguerite Fund'’).
Amendment 54 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Connecting Europe Facility shall enable the preparation and implementation of projects of common interest within the framework of the trans-European networks policy in the sectors of energy, transport and telecommunications. In particular the Connecting Europe Facility shall support the implementation of projects aiming at the development and construction of new or upgrading of existing infrastructure in the field of transport, energy and telecommunications and giving priority to missing infrastructure. To this end, the Connecting Europe Facility shall pursue the following objectives:
Amendment 59 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) enable the Unioncontribute to achieve itsthe Union targets of a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions42, a 20% increase in energy efficiency and raising the share of renewable energy to 20% up to 2020, while ensuring greater solidarity among Member States.
Amendment 68 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) promoting the further integration of the internal energy market and the interoperability of electricity and gas networks across borders, including by ensuring that no Member State is isolated from the European network, to be measured by the number of projects effectively interconnecting Member states‘ networks and removing internal bottlenecks by taking into account also the future sources of energy available in the Member states;
Amendment 80 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) transport: EUR 31 694 000 000, out of which EUR 10 000 000 000 shall be transferred from the Cohesion Fund to be spent in line with this Regulation in Member States eligible for funding from the Cohesion Fundfor projects listed in the Annex to this Regulation, respecting the national allocations;
Amendment 87 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) actions implementing exclusively the core network according to Chapter III of Regulation (EU) No XXXX/2012 [TEN-T Guidelines], including the deployment of new technologies and innovation according to Article 39 of Regulation (EU) No XXXX/2012 [TEN-T Guidelines];
Amendment 97 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7
Article 8 – paragraph 7
7. VAT shall not be an eligible cost.
Amendment 101 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) rail and inland waterways: the amount of Union financial aid shall not exceed 230% of the eligible cost; the funding rate may be increased to 340% for actions addressing bottlenecks; the funding rate may be increased to 450% for actions concerning cross-border sections;
Amendment 105 #
2011/0302(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) inland transport connections to ports and airports, actions to reduce rail freight noise by retrofitting of existing rolling stock, as well as development of ports and multi-modal platforms: the amount of Union financial aid shall not exceed 230% of the eligible cost.
Amendment 468 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Part 2 – article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Each CSF Fund shall support the following thematic objectives in accordance with its mission in order to contribute to, in compliance with its mission to achieve economic, social and territorial cohesion, as stipulated in Article 177 TFEU, shall support the following thematic objectives of the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth:
Amendment 487 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. Where the Commission, based on the examination of the final implementation report of the programme, establishes a serious failure to achieve the targets set out in the performance framework, it may apply financial corrections in respect of the priorities concerned in accordance with Fund-specific rules. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 142 to establish criteria and the methodology for determining the level of financial correction to be applied. . relating only to financial indicators, output indicators and key implementation steps set out in the performance framework due to clearly identified implementation weaknesses, which the Commission has previously communicated pursuant to Article 44 (7) following close consultations with the Member State concerned, and the Member State has failed to take the necessary corrective action to address such corrective action to address such weaknesses, the Commission may notwithstanding Article 77 apply financial corrections in respect of the priorities concerned in accordance with Fund-specific rules. When applying financial corrections, the Commission shall take into account - with due respect to the principle of proportionality - absorption level, and external factors contributing to the failure. Financial corrections shall not be applied where the failure to achieve targets is because of the impact of socio-economic or environmental factors, significant changes in the economic or environmental conditions in a Member State or because of reasons of force majeure seriously affecting implementation of the priorities concerned in a reasonable implementation delay.
Amendment 499 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 137 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 137 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. In case of an agreement, the Member State may reuse the Funds concerned in conformity with article 135 (3)
Amendment 509 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex 6 – section 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 – point b
Annex 6 – section 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) information centres on Europe, as well as Commission representation offices in the Member States, and Information Offices of the European Parliament in the Member States, and other appropriate information networks, where available;
Amendment 577 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Part 2 – article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) a summary analysis of the ex ante evaluations of the programmes justifying the selection of the thematic objectives and the indicative allocations of the CSF Funds; the thematic objectives could differ from one region to another and they stem from the identified needs of each region.
Amendment 699 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 18 – paragraph 1
Part 2 – article 18 – paragraph 1
Amendment 710 #
Amendment 730 #
Amendment 745 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 23 – paragraph 2
Part 2 – article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Programmes shall be drawn up by Member States or any authority designated by them, in cooperation with the partners, and undergo public consultation prior to their submission to the Commission.
Amendment 1093 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 59 – paragraph 3 – point c
Part 2 – article 59 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) value added tax. However, VAT amounts shall be eligible where they are not recoverable under national VAT legislation and are paid by a beneficiary other than non-taxable person as defined in the first subparagraph of Article 13(1) of Directive 2006/112/EC, provided that such VAT amounts are not incurred in relation to the provision of infrastructure.
Amendment 1155 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 2 – article 74 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Part 2 – article 74 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The payment deadline for an interim payment claim may be interrupted by the authorising officer by delegation within the meaning of the Financial Regulation for a maximum period of ninesix months if:
Amendment 1323 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 85 – paragraph 1
Part 3 – article 85 – paragraph 1
1. The total appropriations allocated to each Member State in respect of less developed regions, transition regions and more developed regions shall not be transferable either between each of those categories of regions. within a given member state, or among the member states;
Amendment 1343 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 1
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 1
1. An operational programme shall consist of priority axes. A priority axis shall concern one Fund for a category of region and shall correspond, without prejudice to Article 52, to a thematic objective and comprise one or more investment priorities of that thematic objective, in accordance with the Fund-specific rules. For the ESFIn duly justified cases, a priority axis may combine one or more complementary investment priorities from different thematic objectives set out in Article 9(8), (9), (10) and (11) in order to facilitate their contribution to other priority axes, in duly justified circumstancesor combine one or more complementary investment priorities from the ERDF, CF, and ESF under one thematic objective.
Amendment 1402 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iii
Part 3 – article 87 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iii
(iii) a non-exhaustive list of major projects for which the estimated start date for the execution of the main works is before 1 January 2018;
Amendment 1451 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 91 – paragraph 2
Part 3 – article 91 – paragraph 2
2. Major projects submitted to the Commission for approval shall be contained in the non-exhaustive list of major projects in an operational programme. The list shall be reviewed by the Member State or the managing authority two years following the adoption of an operational programme and may at the request of the Member State be adjusted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 26(2), in particular to include major projects with an expected completion date by the end of 2022.
Amendment 1457 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 2
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall adopt a decision, by means of implementing act, no later than three months after the date of submission of the information approving a major project in accordance with Article 91. That decision shall define the physical object, the amount to which the co- financing rate for the priority axis applies, physical and financial indicators for monitoring progress, and the expected contribution of the major project to the objectives of the relevant priority axis or axes. AnThe approval decisionby the Commission under 92(1) and 92(2) shall be conditional on the first works contract being concluded within two years of the date of the decision, or in the case of operations implemented under PPP structures the signing of the PPP contract between the public body and the private sector body, within three years of the date of the approval. At the duly motivated request of the Member State, in particular in the case of delays resulting from administrative and legal proceedings related to the implementation of major projects, and made within the three year period, the Commission may adopt a decision, by means of an implementing act, on the extension of the period by not more than two years.
Amendment 1524 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 1
Part 3 – article 101 – paragraph 1
1. By 30 AprilJune 2016 and by 30 AprilJune of each subsequent year until and including 2022 the Member State shall submit to the Commission an annual implementation report in accordance with Article 44(1). The report submitted in 2016 shall cover the financial years 2014 and 2015, as well as the period between the starting date for eligibility of expenditure and 31 December 2013.
Amendment 1566 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 105 – paragraph 1 – point a
Part 3 – article 105 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensuring the establishment of a single website or a single website portal providing information on, and access to, all operational programmes in that Member State, including programming documents, observations received from the public and partners and how they have been taken into account (including a justification in the case rejection);
Amendment 1570 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 105 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Part 3 – article 105 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) informing the public about the timeline of programming and the expected timing and form of all related public consultation processes from the start of the drafting of Partnership Contracts and updating this timeline at least every three months.
Amendment 1612 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The co-financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 785%.
Amendment 102 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
(ii) at least 610 % of the total ERDF resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objective set out in point 4 of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No […]/2012 [CPR].
Amendment 107 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 5 – point 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) In order to maximise their contribution to the objective of supporting employment friendly growth, activities supporting sustainable tourism, culture and natural heritage should be part of a territorial strategy for every region, including the conversion of declining industrial regions. Support for such activities should be also contribute to strengthening innovation and the use of ICT, SMEs, environment and resource efficiency or the promotion of social inclusion.
Amendment 279 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) at least 530% of the total ERDF resources at national level shall be allocated to the thematic objectives set in out in point 1, 3 and 4 of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No […]/2012 [CPR] .
Amendment 321 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The ERDF shall support the following investment priorities within the thematic objectives set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No […]/2012 [CPR] in accordance with regional needs and potentials described in partnership contracts:
Amendment 332 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) enhancing research and innovation infrastructure (R&I) and capacities to develop R&I excellence and promoting centres of competence, in particular those of European interest;
Amendment 345 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
(b) promoting business R&I investment, and developing links and synergies between enterprises, enhancing R&D centres and higher education, in particular product and service development, technology transfer, social innovation and public service applications, demand stimulation, networking, clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation;
Amendment 363 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) Developing appropriate links and synergies with Horizon 2020
Amendment 371 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
(a) extending broadband deployment and the roll-out of high-speed networks and supporting the development of future and emerging technologies and networks for the digital economy;
Amendment 376 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
(c) strengthening ICT applications for e- government, e-learning, e-culture, e- inclusion and e- health;
Amendment 392 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
(3) enhancing the competitiveness of entreprises and in particular SMEs :
Amendment 410 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
(b) developing and implementing new business models for SMEs, in particular for internationalisation;
Amendment 422 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b a (new)
(b a) supporting the creation and the extension of advanced capacities for product and service development
Amendment 429 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b b (new)
(b b) supporting the capacity of SMEs to engage in growth and innovation process;
Amendment 446 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b
(b) promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy use in SMEenterprises;
Amendment 464 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point d
(d) developing smart distribution systems at low and medium voltage levels;
Amendment 481 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point e a (new)
(e a) promotion of high-efficiency co- generation of heat and power
Amendment 503 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – introductory part
(6) protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency including cultural and natural assets:
Amendment 533 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e
(e) action to improve the urban environment, including regeneration of brownfield sites and reduction of air pollution including the areas located in the immediate neighbourhood of the urban areas;
Amendment 541 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e a (new)
(e a) promoting innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector, water sector, soil protection or to reduce air pollution,
Amendment 542 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e b (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point e b (new)
(e b) supporting endogenous growth potential of specific areas by enhancing accessibility to and use of specific natural and cultural resources and developing sustainable regional and local tourism
Amendment 562 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point b a (new)
(b a) investments in national and local roads not included in TEN-T network;
Amendment 570 #
2011/0275(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 7 – point c
(c) developing environment-friendly and low-carbon transport systems and promoting sustainable urban mobility;
Amendment 175 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that the strategy and actions set out in the Operational Programmes are consistent and focused on addressing the challenges identified with the contribution of regional and local authorities in the National Reform Programmes and the relevant Council Recommendations made under Article 148(4) of the Treaty, in order to contribute to achieving the headline targets of the Europe 2020 strategy on employment, education and poverty reduction.
Amendment 181 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States' national, regional and local authorities shall pursue thematic concentration according to the following modalities:
Amendment 14 #
2011/0177(APP)
Draft opinion
Point i
Point i
i. The amount of EUR 376 billion forUnderlines that the position of the European Parliament is that Cohesion pPolicy, as proposed by the Commission in its proposal for a regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014- 2020, should be considered as a funding should be maintained at least at the level of the 2007-2013 period, namely EUR 366, 8 billion in 2011 prices (excluding the Connecting Europe Facility), which is the absolute minimum sound level of sound funding and should, therefore, constitutes a red line in the future negotiationg position of the Parliament.
Amendment 68 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reaffirms, in this context, its position in favour of a significant increase - notably through the Connecting Europe Facility - in the funding available for the Union programmes in the fields of competiveness, SMEs and infrastructures, which are at the heart of the Europe 2020 strategy; strongly believes that further cuts with respect to the Commission proposal will seriously jeopardise the EU’s credibility and its political commitment in favour of growth and jobs;
Amendment 79 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Considers that EU cohesion policy, as a main pillar of European solidarity, is a strategic tool for investment, growth and competitiveness, with an undisputed EU added value; insists that, in order to effectively reduce macroeconomic imbalances within the EU and contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion, it should be able to rely on a stable, solid and sustainable financial framework; reaffirms its position that cohesion policy funding should be maintained at least at the level of the 2007-2013 period, which is the absolute minimum level of sound funding;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that Roma continue to be victims of persistentpopulation faces discrimination in many Member States and that this situation is exacerbated by the current economic and financial crisis; calls on those Member States which the EU Fundamental Rights Agency identified as having severe problems to fully exploit the EUfinancial resources available under the StructuralEU Funds, and in particular the ERDF, ESF and ESF;AFRD.
Amendment 9 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Encourages the use of EU funds for building of new houses or renovation of existing ones, improving of engineering infrastructure, local utilities, communication systems, education, measurements for access to the job market etc., which should lead to social and economic inclusion marginalised communities
Amendment 10 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that European programmes and funding are available and can be used for education, housing and employment of Roma people but that the local authorities, civil society and the potential target groups of these programmes are insufficiently informed about them; calls on the Commission and Member States to improve communication and the promotion of financing opportunities available in these fields;
Amendment 12 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for better advice to project organisers eligible for European funding for the integration of Roma people, by creating platforms for information, analyses and exchanges of good practices;
Amendment 42 #
2010/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recommends Member States to consider making the allocation of new housing to marginalised communities conditional on social commitments on their part, such as appropriate participation in the process of building the new establishments, obligatory school attendance for children (pre- schooling and for the whole period of schooling), and the acceptance of jobs offered by job mediators, in order to ensure their real, effective and sustainable integration.
Amendment 126 #
2010/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. points out that the migration of qualified workforce from the new MS to the old MS is one of the biggest demographic problems of the new MS and has negative influence on the age structure of their population. Moreover the migration concerns part of the medical staff and hence endangers the sustainability of the healthcare system in the regions, which are less developed;
Amendment 60 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recalls the VP/HR's statement to Parliament of 8 July 2010 on the basic organisation of the EEAS central administration, in which she committed herself to creating an appropriate structure for crisis management and peace building, in which the relevant units from the Commission transferred to the EEAS and dealing with planning and programming of crises response, conflict prevention and peace building, and the CSDP structures, would work in close cooperation and synergy, both under her direct responsibility and authority; recalls further that, in her letter of 7 September 2010 to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the VP/HR stated her intention to create a dedicated crisis response and peace building department that would stand on an equal footing with other crisis management departments, such as the Crisis Management and Planning Directorate, the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability, and the Military Staff, and would inter alia be tasked with the preparation of crisis response actions under the Stability Instrument; expects the VP/HR to swiftly implement these commitments; believes that, in order to provide the Union with effective, efficient and coherent crisis management and peace building structures, the different departments mentioned above should be brought together under a single Managing Director and a crisis management board should be established within the EEAS;
Amendment 69 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises that CSDP actions should be embedded in a comprehensive policy targeting countries and regions in crisis; stresses, further, the need for where the EU's values and strategic interests are at shift away from the current focus and emphasis on the successful deployment of CSDP mitake and where CSDP operations would provide a real added value in promoting peace, stability and rule of law; stresses, further, the need for a lessions and towards greater attention tolearnt process more accurate in assessing their successful implementation andof each operation and its lasting impact on the ground;
Amendment 76 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Emphasises the need for optimal coordination between EU disaster responses and other EU instruments – such as CSDP civilian or military missions – which are already being deployed on the ground or which could be set up in the aftermath of a crisis; believes that a rigid distinction between military and civilian crisis-management operations reflects outdated institutional patterns rather than the reality on the ground, and therefore emphasises the fact that responses to certain crises may require a combination of military and civilian instruments;
Amendment 84 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers it an EU strategic priority to strengthen international crisis-management partnerships and enhance dialogue with other major crisis-management actors – such as the UN, NATO, the African Union (AU) and the OSCE and third countries such as the USA, Turkey, Norway and Canada – and to synchronise actions, share informabe there global or regional organisations or third countries – and share information and coordinate actions and pool resources whenever relevant in the fields of peacekeeping and peace-building, including cooperation on crisis management and, in particular, maritime security, and the fight against terrorism under international law;
Amendment 141 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines the need for close and continuous coordination of EU foreign policy with the EU's closest ally and strategic partner, the US, ensuring a joint approach to global governance and to challenges such as nuclear non- proliferation and terrorism; calls on the VP/HR to coordinate closely and develop synergies with the US with a view to ensuring stability and security on the European continent, including on the basis of cooperation with Russia, and with regard to stability in the greater Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan and PakistanReiterates its commitment to the transatlantic partnership as an important element and one of the main pillars of the EU's external action; urges the Vice- President/High Representative to ensure that the EU acts as a coherent, active, equal and yet autonomous partner of the US in strengthening global security and stability, promoting peace and respect for human rights, as well as adopting a united approach to global challenges such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, climate change and energy security;
Amendment 203 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the VP/HR to intensify talks with Russia to assure the unconditional fulfilment of all the provisions of the agreement of 2008 between Russia, the European Union and Georgia; takes the view Russia that should, in particular, guarantee full unlimited access of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to Abkhazia and South Ossetia; underlines the necessity to provide stability in aforementioned Georgian regions;
Amendment 251 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Welcomes the steps taken by both sides of the Taiwan Strait, which resulted in the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and an agreement on intellectual property rights in June 2010; given that the expansion of cross-strait economic relations is in the interest of both sides and of the EU, strongly supports the enhancement of EU-Taiwan economic ties and the signing of an EU-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Agreement; reiterates its firm view to support Taiwan's meaningful participation as an observer in relevant international organizations and activities, such as UNFCCC, WHO and ICAO;
Amendment 265 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Believes that the EU should adopt a comprehensive approach to security and stability concerns in the Sahel region; insists that terrorism and transnational organised crime (drugs, arms, cigarettes, human smuggling) pose serious threats not only to the countries of the region but also directly to the European Union; deems necessary for the EU to help the countries of the region develop policies and instruments to tackle these growing security threats by employing all relevant EU instruments to eradicate poverty, guarantee sustainable development, address climate change concerns in the region, manage South- South and South- North migratory flows and ensure democracy and institution- building (notably for the security sector); believes that a process of consensus-building amongst the countries of the region, in cooperation with, and with the progressive ownership of, the AU, should also be put in place;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Welcomes in this context the upcoming publication of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and invites the Member States concerned to develop Black Sea related projects since the two regions are territorially and economically interconnected
Amendment 13 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages the development, in the context of the Strategy, of an integrated approach and the use of the well- established principles of the EU's Cohesion Policy; in particular, believes that cross- border cooperation between regions within the territorial cooperation objective should be promotenhanced , in order to tackle common problems through coordinated action; recommends that sufficient budget of the Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme for the next programming period should be envisaged in order to fully address and continue all objectives stated in the ENPI CBC Strategy Paper 2007-2013; emphasises that equal terms of application should be ensured given the possibility to any legal entity deriving from all participating states in the programme area to apply as lead applicant; considers that all countries in Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme should be involved and encouraged to actively participate in the next programming period;
Amendment 28 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that all infrastructure projects, whether in the area of transport or energy, should be negotiated between all the Black Sea countries concerned, and that coordination should be ensured especially with regard to TEN-T projects and to projects relating to the development of harbours; calls for effective coordination of the search and rescue operations in the Black Sea Basin and for establishment of a Black Sea surveillance strategy;
Amendment 43 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that the effects of climate change for the Black Sea region, its people and economy results in considerable challenges to new development potentials and therefore increased cooperation among the countries neighbouring the Black Sea should be further supported and encouraged especially in the field of developing of adaptation and mitigation measures in anticipation of emergencies;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for planning of a Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme for the next programming period in order to fully address and continue all objectives stated in the ENPI CBC Strategy Paper 2007-2013; emphasises that equal terms of application should be ensured given the possibility to any legal entity deriving from all participating states in the programme area to apply as lead applicant; considers that all countries in Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme should be involved and encouraged to actively participate in the next programming period;
Amendment 44 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Considers the rich legacy of cultural landscapes and heritage habitats found across the Black Sea region as a field where the idea of strength in diversity is perhaps most clearly demonstrated; believes that sensitive integrated use and conservation of these assets can contribute to the aim of the new strategy ensuring that common regional marketing and branding make use of the full range of qualities that the region has to offer.
Amendment 66 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Regrets the current insufficiency of personnel dealing with the Black Sea region and recommends a Special Representative of the HR/VP for the Black Sea Region be appointed in order to ensure the necessary institutional opportunities for efficient measures and proper supervision;
Amendment 85 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the EU to take initiatives to establish a regional legal framework and mechanisms to deal with the proliferation of arms in the Black Sea region, and to use the Integrated Maritime Policy to coordinate the activities of search, rescue and accident prevention at sea; calls for establishment of a Black Sea surveillance strategy;
Amendment 112 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Recalls the grave environmental consequences of large energy infrastructure projects and believes that their implementation should be based on a positive environmental assessment;
Amendment 113 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Recalls that the effects of climate change for the Black Sea region, its people and economy results in considerable challenges to new development potentials and therefore increased cooperation among the countries neighbouring the Black Sea should be further supported and encouraged especially in the field of developing of adaptation and mitigation measures in anticipation of emergencies;
Amendment 133 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Encourages the Council and the Commission to make use of the possibility to make defence research as outlined in Art. 45 TEU a Union research under the Treaties by virtue of Art. 179 (3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) in order to strengthen research on items serving both civilian and military purposes; in this regard calls on the Council and the Commission to establish Preparatory Action for Defence Research and to include Defence research as an own thematic area under the next Framework Programme 8.
Amendment 9 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. considers that EU cohesion policy plays a crucial role in developing the job potential of a sustainable economy, as it helps eliminate regional differences and create a society with fulla high employment level; stresses that the European Structural Funds can encourage the regions to take initiatives to create new, sustainable jobs;
Amendment 34 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. further underlines that, especially in urban areas, regional and local authorities are the best positioned and most capable of creating the conditions necessary for the growth of clusters of innovative enterprises which currently provide the most sustainable form of employment creation;
Amendment 38 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. calls on the responsible authorities in the Member States and the Commission to pay greater attention to the sustainability of jointly financed measures, as provided for in the General Regulation (1083/2006); urges the responsible authorities to ensure that resources from the Structural Funds remain committed in the long term and that companies that might transfer jobs are not funded unless they have been inspectedfunding is only provided after ensuring the durability of operations, as stipulated in Article 57 of the General Regulation (1083/2006);
Amendment 42 #
2010/2010(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. reiterates its support for the pilot project ‘Erasmus for elected local and regional representatives’, which could help local and regional authorities to exchange best- practice models and could also have a multiplier effect in the area of labour market policy; emphasizes the need to specify implementation-related elements of the project and to closely cooperate with the Committee of the Regions and organizations representing networks of regions;
Amendment 121 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. All appoinRecruitments in the EEAS shall be based on merit and on the broadest possible geographical basiswhilst ensuring adequate geographical and gender balance. The staff of the EEAS shall comprise a meaningfuln adequate presence of nationals from all the Member States. Concrete measures analogous to the Council regulation 401/2004 should be taken to ensure adequate geographical representativity in all grades within the EEAS, both in Headquarters and in Delegations. These measures should apply to nationals from under-represented Member States.
Amendment 38 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the pooling of efforts and capabilities at the EU level is crucial in overcoming the combined effects of the increasing costs of defence equipment and the existing limits on defence spending;
Amendment 16 #
2009/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point b
Paragraph 5 – point b
(b) the EEAS must deal with the CFSP and the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and with the tasks and policies currently dealt with by the Directorate- General for External Relations (DG Relex) in the Commission; in addition, the High Representative should present a comprehensive proposal on how other major external action-related policies will be organised in the new institutional set- up; enlargement, trathere are compelling reasons to include, development policy and humanitarian aid together constitute a substantial part of the EU's overall external policies; there are compelling reasons to include development policy in the new servicein the new service; in view of their specific characteristics, enlargement and trade should not be included in the remit of the EEAS;
Amendment 41 #
2009/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission, the Council, the Member States and the next High Representative to clearly commit themselves to a comprehensive and ambitious plan for the setting-up of the EEAS, as a gradual and step-by-step; in view of the complexity of the issues involved, and in order to ensure fair representation of all Member States in the EEAS, a gradual approach cshould lead to inconsistencies and waste ofbe implemented. A "review clause" should be envisaged within a reasourcesnable time-frame;
Amendment 44 #
2009/0108(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Before adopting those Plans the Competent Authorities shall exchange information and consult each other and the Commission to ensure that their Plans and measures are mutually consistent at the appropriate regional level. These consultations shall cover, as a minimum, interconnections, cross-border supplies, storage across borders and the physical capacity to transport gas in both directions. as well as trans-regional, trans-border gas supply systems and their designated storage facilities, platforms and equipment.
Amendment 61 #
2009/0108(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 6 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 6 – point a
a) Member States shall submit to the Commission the existing inter- governmental agreements concluded with third countries which have an impact on the development of gas infrastructures and supplies; before concluding new inter- governmental agreements, the Member States shall inform the Commission to assess their compliance with the internal market legislation, national and Community energy security implications, including the protection of critical energy infrastructure, and geopolitical risks. The conclusions resulting from such consultations shall be communicated to all relevant national companies and other economic entities;
Amendment 25 #
2008/0249(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 4 - subparagraph 1
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 4 - subparagraph 1
1. inform the competent authorities of the Member State where he is established (as defined in Article 6(6)) of first use of the authorisation no later than 30 days after the date of first export. No second use of the authorisation may be granted until the conditions and stipulations pertaining to the 'low-value shipments' export authorisation have been verified by the relevant authorities;
Amendment 26 #
2008/0249(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 5
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 5
5. For the purposes of this authorisation, “a low-value shipment” means items which are comprised in a single export order and are dispatched by an exporter to a named consignee in one or more consignments the aggregate value of which does not exceed €5 3000. For this purpose, “value” means the price billed to the consignee; if there is no consignee or determinable price, it is the statistical value.
Amendment 27 #
2008/0249(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 5
Annex IIb - Part 3 - paragraph 5
5. For the purposes of this authorisation, “a low-value shipment” means items which are comprised in a single export order and are dispatched by an exporter to a named consignee in one or more consignments the aggregate value of which does not exceed €5 000. For this purpose, “value” means the price billed to the consignee; if there is no consignee or determinable price, it isthe authorisation can not be granted. In addition, the price billed to the consignee must correspond to an average of the estatistical valueblished market selling price of the goods in those EU Member States where their sale is authorised.
Amendment 29 #
2008/0249(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Annex IIc - Part 3 - paragraph 2 - subparagraph 4
Annex IIc - Part 3 - paragraph 2 - subparagraph 4
4. for an essentially identical transaction where the initial authorisation has been annulled, suspended or revoked.
Amendment 33 #
2008/0249(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Annex IIf - Part 1 - paragraph 3 and 4
Annex IIf - Part 1 - paragraph 3 and 4