2016/2310(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
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,; having regard to the European Council conclusions of June 2008, to the General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions of December 2008 and the General Affairs Council conclusions of December 2014, as well as, to the General Affairs Council conclusions of 15 December 2015, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11

— having regard to UN Security Council resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993), as well as to UN General Assembly resolution 47/225 and the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995,

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; ~~reiterates its support for the opening of accession negotiations, conditional on the progress~~calls on the Commission and Council to give recommendation to start the negotiations, and to propose the starting date of the accession negotiations respectively, taking into account the pace of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities; continues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, as a first priority, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; reiterates its support for the opening of accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhžino Agreement ~~and the Urgent Reform Priorities~~to ensure its full, tangible and sustainable implementation and substantial progress in the implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities on systemic reforms on the rule of law including in relation to breaches of fundamental rights, judicial independence, media freedom, elections, corruption, politicisation of state institutions and state/party blurring and failures of oversight; continues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes;

Amendment 102 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; reiterates its support for ~~the opening of accession negotiations~~a privileged partnership, conditional on ~~the~~ progress of withe implementation of the Przhino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities; continues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; reiterates its support for the opening of accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities; continues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes, which should be resolved at the earliest convenience in order not to hamper the EU accession process;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; reiterates its support for the opening of accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities; continues to be convinced that negotiations can create a new dynamic, revitalize the European perspective and generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fusubstantially implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; ~~while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented,~~ supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, ~~at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017~~when appropriate, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; ~~while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented,~~encourages the country to further consolidate reforms, to reverse policies and practices which could still constitute obstacles for its European future and to secure progress in the implementation of EU-related reform priorities; supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, ~~at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017~~when appropriate, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will ~~be shown~~and ownership be shown by all the parties to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhžino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’'s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’'s accession process;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12

~~— having regard to the judgment of the International Court of Justice on the Application of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995,~~deleted

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’'s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; reiterates that despite the Commission's recommendation to open negotiation was first presented in 2009 and taking into account the progress achieved, the opening of the negotiations still has not commenced; draws attention to the potential negative political and security consequences of further delays in the ~~country’s accession process~~Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic accession process, in the country and the region;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; underlines that the implementation of the Przhino agreement is vital also beyond the elections to ensure political stability and sustainability in the future; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament and to the Council; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process and reiterates the strategic importance to provide tangible progress in the EU accession process of the country; further calls on the Commission and the EEAS to increase the visibility of EU-funded projects in the country in order to bring the European Union closer to the citizens of the country;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process; considers that, as things stand at present, Macedonia will not be ready for EU accession within the next few years;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; regrets that no meeting was held under HLAD and that there was little progress on meeting previous targets; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 114 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Underlines the strategic importance of supporting further progress in the process of EU integration and urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Urges once again that the political will be shown to fully implement the Urgent Reform Priorities and the Przhino Agreement and resolve the name issue that has been outstanding for many years; calls on the Commission to assess, at its earliest convenience but before the end of 2017, the country’s progress on implementation and to report back to Parliament; while recalling that long overdue reforms need to be launched and implemented, supports the continuation of the High Level Accession Dialogue (HLAD) for systematically assisting the country in this endeavour; draws attention to the potential negative consequences of further delays in the country’s accession process;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 117 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Takes note of the recommendation by the Commission to open accession negotiations with Macedonia and calls on the Council to address the issue at the earliest convenience after the early parliamentary elections have been held;

Amendment 118 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4 b. Underlines the significant progress country has made in the process of EU integration and emphasizes the negative consequences of further delaying the process of integration, including the threat to the credibility of the EU enlargement policy and the risk of instability in the region;

Amendment 119 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4 c. Points out that the current challenges the European Union is facing (BREXIT, migration, radicalism, etc.) should not hinder the enlargement process, rather these challenges have demonstrated the necessity to fully integrate the Western Balkans into EU structures in order to enhance and deepen partnership to overcome international crises;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12

~~— having regard to the judgment of the International Court of Justice on the Application of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995,~~deleted

Amendment 120 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)

4 d. Welcomes the high level of legislative alignment with the acquis communautaire and acknowledges the priority given to the effective implementation and enforcement of existing legal and policy frameworks, as in the case of countries already engaged in the accession negotiations;

Amendment 121 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)

4 e. Congratulates Macedonia for its continuous fulfilment of its commitments under the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA); calls on the Council to adopt the Commission's 2009 proposal to move to the second stage of the SAA, in line with the relevant provisions;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Urges all parties to demonstrate the political will and responsibility to overcome the divisive political environment and ~~re-engage in dialogue~~the lack of capacity for compromise by re-engaging in sustainable political dialogue and cooperation, which are essential for the country's democratic development and stability, the safeguard of Rule of Law, the pursuit of the European agenda and the common good of its citizens; emphasises again the key role of parliament in the democratic development of the country and as the forum for political dialogue and representation; calls for its oversight functions to be strengthened; urges the smooth operation of the parliamentary committees on the interception of communications and on security and counterintelligence, their unhindered access to the necessary data and testimonies in order to provide credible parliamentary control over relevant services;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Urges all parties to demonstrate the political will to overcome the divisive political environment and re-engage in dialogue; emphasises again the key role of parliament in the democratic development of the country and as the forum for political dialogue and representation; calls for its oversight functions to be strengthened and for ending the practice of frequent legislative changes to laws and the use of shortened procedures for adoption, without sufficient consultation or impact assessment; urges the smooth operation of the parliamentary committees on the interception of communications and on security and counterintelligence, their unhindered access to the necessary data and testimonies in order to provide credible parliamentary control over relevant services; regrets that in the previous mandate of the parliament, the inquiry committee failed to deliver on political accountability over the illegal wiretaps because members of the main ruling party either did not participate in hearings or would not answer questions;

Amendment 124 #

David MCALLISTER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Urges all parties to demonstrate the political will to overcome the divisive political environment, polarisation, lack of culture of compromise and re-engage in dialogue; emphasises again the key role of parliament in the democratic development of the country and as the forum for political dialogue and representation; calls for its oversight functions to be strengthened; urges the smooth operation of the parliamentary committees on the interception of communications and on security and counterintelligence, their unhindered access to the necessary data and testimonies in order to provide credible parliamentary control over relevant services;

Amendment 127 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes ~~some~~promising progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; ~~remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure;~~ urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017-2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress, although limited, in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned ~~abou~~that the ~~politicisation of~~country's public administration remains fragmented and politicised and that civil servants are subject to political pressure and intimidation; urges the new government to ~~enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels~~demonstrate a strong political commitment in order to enhance professionalism, transparency, accountability, meritocracy, equal representation, neutrality and independence at all levels; calls in this context for the suspension and review of the implementation of the law on transformation of temporary positions into permanent contracts until the principle of merit is fully observed; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Not~~Welcomes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; calls for further commitment to implement the Commission recommendations; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels including via merit-based recruitment earned through competitive procedures; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity; calls for the incoming government to establish transparent and effective lines of accountability between and within institutions;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)

- having regard to the June 2016 European Court of Auditors Special Report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains greatly concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure, intimidation and threats to their employment; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels by implementing the new merit-based recruitment and appraisal procedure and by suspending the practice of transforming temporary contracts into permanent ones without open competition; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity; recommends fair representation of all communities in all levels of the public administration;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels and within all public administrations, including the electoral authorities; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity so as to implement fully the principles of the rule of law;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress, although limited, in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the alleged politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are allegedly subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes some progress in reforming public administration including the steps to implement the new legal framework on human resources management; remains concerned about the politicisation of public administration and that civil servants are subject to political pressure; urges the new government to enhance professionalism, merit, neutrality and independence at all levels; stresses the need to complete the 2017- 2022 public administration reform strategy, including by making sufficient budget allocations for its implementation, and to strengthen relevant administrative capacity;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6 a. Recommends the incoming government to develop a comprehensive e- governance strategy accompanied by further developing e-services for citizens and businesses in order to reduce bureaucratic burden for the state, citizens and business-making; underlines that e- governance and e-services would enhance the country´s economic performance and increase transparency and efficiency of the public administration and services; stresses citizens´ right to access public information and calls on further efforts to ensure that this right is not impeded in any way; encourages finding innovative e- solutions to ensure easy access to public information and reduce related bureaucracy;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; urges once again th~~at the political will be demonstrated~~e responsible authorities to address effectively the underlying issues as identified in the 'Urgent Reform Priorities', and demonstrate political will to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; calls for greater political will to ensure the full independence of the judiciary; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures; a~~nd by reducing the length of court proceedings;~~cknowledges that some efforts were made to improve transparency; furthermore, calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; ~~deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice~~remains concerned that the competent authorities failed to demonstrate necessary political will to address effectively the underlying issues as identified in the 'Urgent Reform Priorities; strongly believes that the adoption and implementation of a new judicial reform strategy is key to preventing further setbacks and addressing remaining systemic shortcomings; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the lack of independence and accountability, and the cases of selective justice; strongly deplores, in this context, President Ivanov's attempt to pardon individuals charged or allegedly involved in the wiretaps; stresses that, decisions of this type, only serve to deteriorate the divisive political environment and the lack of capacity for compromise, and to further undermine peoples confidence in country's institutions; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving , in law and in practice,transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the relevant authorities to work on the establishment of a solid framework in order to protect judges against external pressure; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)

- whereas the title "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" is used in the title of the report and in Recital A but all other references to the country's name in the text and agreed amendments are changed to "its," "the country," "it" and similar non-specific terms; the title "Republic of Macedonia" is not used in the text but the word "Macedonian" is retained;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the continuous backsliding in the reform of the judiciary and the lack of progress on previous recommendations or on the outstanding issues and the "Urgent Reform Priorities"; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice in certain high-profile and politically sensitive court cases; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council and the functional independence of the justice system as a whole;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice that infringe the necessary independence of the judiciary; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council so as to enable judges effectively to fulfil their their task;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the backsliding in the reform of the judiciary, which should be allowed to function independently; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council and the Prosecutors Council;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Regrets the continuing backsliding in the reform of the judiciary; deplores recurrent political interference in its work including in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as the cases of selective justice; urges once again that the political will be demonstrated to progress in judicial reform including by improving transparency in the appointment and promotion procedures and by reducing the length of court proceedings; calls on the authorities to ensure the professionalism of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; ~~is concerned about attacks and obstruction against~~ calls for Special Prosecutor and her team to be allowed to do their work ~~and the lack of cooperation~~unhindered; calls on the criminal courts not adhering to official requests from othe~~r institutions~~ Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) that they have a legal obligation to assist the SPO; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy; furthermore, highlights the need to adopt amendments on the Law on Witness Protection;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about ~~attacks and~~the political attacks and the administrative and judicial obstructions against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy and prolong its mandate till the alleged wrongdoings are fully investigated;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. NReiterates the importance of a thorough and independent investigation, without hindrance, of the allegations of wrong-doing brought to the fore by the wiretaps, and the related failures of oversight; recalls the importance of the mandate and the work of both the Special Prosecutor and the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry to look, respectively, into legal accountability and political responsibility; notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about attacks and obstruction against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’'s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy, unhindered; calls for the Office to be given full support, the conditions and time necessary to complete their important work; calls for obstructions in the courts for referring evidence to the Special Prosecutor to be ended, and for support for amendments to the law to ensure her autonomous authority for witness protection with respect to the cases for which her office is responsible;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about attacks and obstruction against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to fully support and enable the Special Prosecutor’s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy and independence without hindrance, of the allegations of wrong-doing brought to the fore by the wiretaps, and the related failures of oversight; strongly believes that the outcomes of the investigations constitute an important step towards restoring trust in national institutions;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is strongly concerned about attacks and obstruction against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’'s Office to continue to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy, and looks forward to a prolongation of the mandate;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)

- replace "Macedonia" and "Macedonian" with "the country('s)" (Horizontal amendment applying throughout the text)

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about attacks and obstruction against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy; calls for the Office to be given the conditions and time necessary to complete its important work;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Notes that the Special Prosecutor has raised the first criminal indictments concerning wrongdoings arising from the wiretaps; is concerned about attacks and obstruction against her work and the lack of cooperation from other institutions; considers it essential for the democratic process to enable the Special Prosecutor’'s Office to carry out thorough investigations in full autonomy and to oblige all state authorities to cooperate with the Special Prosecutor's Office at any time in full;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Remains concerned that~~Notes that action to combat~~ing~~ corruption is being undermined by political interference; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Remains seriously concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference and that it remains prevalent in many areas and continues to be a serious problem; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency ~~in the~~and ensure merit-based selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption, including asset recovery;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Remains concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference; regrets the lack of progress over the past years with respect to the outstanding issues of corruption that had been identified; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption; encourages once again independent CSOs and the media to bring to light corruption and support independent and impartial investigations and trials; calls on the competent authorities to implement an effective legal framework for the protection of whistle-blowers, in line with European standards, 'Urgent Reform Priorities', and Venice Commission recommendations; underlines the need to re-evaluate and enhance the EU mechanism for monitoring and assessing the use of funds in the country and their potential susceptibility to feeding corruption practices and networks;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. RNotes, that the Index of perceived corruption of officials and politicians in the country recently published by Transparency International has deteriorated once more again significantly in 2016 which points to a disturbing vicious circle between corruption and an unequal distribution of power as well as of the wealth in the society; remains concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption; underlines the need to re- evaluate and to enhance the EU mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the use of EU funds in the country and their potential susceptibility to feeding corruption practices and networks;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Remains concerned that corruption is prevalent in many areas and combating corruption is being undermined by political interference; highlights the need for strong political will to tackle corruption; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption including the implementation of the legal framework for the protection of whistle-blowers; calls on the authorities to support the work of the Ombudsman with adequate staffing and budgetary measures;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Remains concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption; calls for strengthening the enforcement of the Law on Prevention of Corruption and combating impunity for corruption, particularly in cases involving high-level officials;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)

-A. whereas the crisis was aggravated by revelations concerning telephone tapping with the involvement of senior government officials, alleged wrongdoing, human rights infringements, interference with the judiciary, freedom of the media and the electoral process, political encroachment and corruption in various sectors; whereas the crisis further exacerbated by the President's attempt to pardon individuals charged or allegedly involved in the wiretaps; whereas the Pržino agreement is partially implemented and limited progress was made in terms of concrete implementation of the 'Urgent Reform Priorities';

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Remains concerned that combating corruption is being undermined by political interference and continues to be a serious problem; stresses the need to strengthen the independence of the police, the prosecution and the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC); calls for improving transparency in the selection and appointment of SCPC members; calls, as a matter of urgency, for efforts to be made to ensure the effective prevention and punishment of conflicts of interest and to establish a credible track record on high- level corruption cases;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Is concerned by the merging of media, political and government activities, particularly regarding public spending; strongly condemns the existence of unlawful links between economic, political and family ties in relation to the spending of public funds; calls on the government to adopt a legislative framework regulating conflicts of interest and making public the assets of persons occupying high state positions as an additional measure to fight corruption;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Welcomes the fact~~Notes that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; ~~encourages further impr~~notes that there has been little movement ofn cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it important to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assetsmbating organised crime and deplores the fact that there may be links between some NGOs and organised crime;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; encourages further improvement of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it ~~important~~essential to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assets;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; welcomes the dismantling of criminal networks and routes related to people smuggling, human trafficking and drug trafficking and calls for further stepping up the efforts in fighting organised crime; encourages further improvement of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it important to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assets;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; encourages further improvement of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it important to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assets where infringements punishable by this penalty are committed;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the fact that the legislative framework and strategies for fighting organised crime are in place; encourages further improvement of cooperation between law enforcement agencies both within the country and with neighbouring countries and the strengthening of the powers and resources of the courts; considers it important to further develop the law enforcement capacity to investigate financial crimes and confiscate assets;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10 a. Points out that corruption and organized crime are widespread in the region and also represent an obstacle to Macedonia's democratic, social and economic development; considers that a regional strategy and enhanced cooperation between all the countries in the region are essential to tackle these issues more effectively;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security servicescalls for cooperation to be stepped up between Macedonia's security services and relevant Member State services on combating Islamist terrorism; notes that radicalisation is taking place alongside the emergence of violent and intolerant Albanian separatism;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight ~~Islamic~~ radicaliszation and foreign terrorist fighters; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for its implementation by a new national counter terrorism coordinator who should be appointed as soon as possible and who should foresee more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) ~~and~~, local communities and other state institutions in education heals and social services; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)

-A a. whereas the country experienced the continuation of its worst political crisis since 2001; whereas the divisive political mentality, the lack of compromise and the collapse of dialogue took the form of a protracted political crisis which led to the boycott of Parliament by the major opposition parties, as well as, the two unsuccessful attempts to hold early parliamentary elections, further undermined confidence in public institutions; whereas it is the shared responsibility of all political forces in the country to overcome the divisive political mentality and the lack of compromise by ensuring sustainable political dialogue and cooperation, which are essential for the country's democratic development and stability, the safeguard of Rule of Law, the pursuit of the European agenda and the common good of its citizens;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appr~~eciat~~oves the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies ~~and civil society organisations (CSOs)~~ and local communities; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) ~~and~~, local communities and religious leaders; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services and improve the capacity to detect and stop financial flows feeding terrorism;

Amendment 172 #

László TŐKÉS, Kinga GÁL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities in addressing the different stages of radicalisation and in elaborating tools for reintegration and rehabilitation; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services;

Amendment 173 #

Raffaele FITTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services and a steady exchange of information with the authorities of the EU and neighbouring Member States;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Appreciates the continued efforts to fight Islamic radicalisation; welcomes the adoption of the 2013-2019 strategy to fight terrorism, which also defines the concepts of violent extremism, radicalisation, prevention and reintegration; calls for more cooperation between security agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities; further calls for continued monitoring of returning foreign fighters by security services and proper reintegration into society - where appropriate;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about radical and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; is concerned about limited government commitment and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner;deleted

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about radical and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; is concerned about limited government commitment ~~and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner;~~to combating this

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Remains concerned about radical~~Deplores the harsh and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by some politicians and ~~the~~ media; is concerned about limited government commitment and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; highlights the importance of a regular and constructive dialogue with the civil society and urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about ~~radical and unjustified~~ public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; is concerned about ~~limited~~insufficient government commitment and ~~insufficient~~lack of cooperation with CSOs at all levels; highlights that both government and CSOs should cooperate more constructively; urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about radical and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; deplores the use of targeted investigations and infringement of privacy by law enforcement agencies on CSOs opposing the government; is concerned about limited government commitment to dialogue and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular ~~and structured manner~~, structured and unbiased manner; calls on the authorities not to discriminate CSOs on any grounds such as political affiliation, religious views or ethnic composition; believes that freedom of assembly and association should not be denied to any group of people without a serious justification;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas voters participated in large numbers in the early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia ~~had a very high turnout~~;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about radical and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; is concerned about limited government commitment and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; urges the competent authorities to include, in practice, CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner; calls on the new government to adopt binding legal, financial and policy frameworks to ensure the functioning of civil society;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Remains concerned about radical and unjustified public attacks on CSOs and foreign representatives by politicians and the media; acknowledges and encourages the important role played by CSOs in monitoring, supporting and improving democratic processes; is concerned about limited government commitment and insufficient cooperation with CSOs at all levels; urges the competent authorities to include CSOs in policymaking in a regular and structured manner;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
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 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12 a. Is convinced that civil society plays an important role in supporting democratic processes and ensuring checks and balances; is concerned about signals coming from civil society organizations referring to deterioration of the climate in which they operate, limited government commitment to dialogue, as well as, public attacks by politicians and selected media;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 186 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the adoption of the national strategy for equality and non- discrimination 2016-2020; is concerned about impartiality and the independence of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination and calls for a transparent selection process of its members; reiterates its condemnation of hate speech against discriminated groups; ~~is concerned that intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people persists;~~ reiterates its call for the Anti- Discrimination Law to be aligned with the acquis ~~as regards discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation~~; underlines again the need to combat discrimination against the Roma, and to facilitate their integration and their access to the education system and the labour market; is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions and overcrowding in prisons, despite a significant increase in the prison budget; calls for increasing the state support to the Ombudsman's office and calls for respect of the Ombudsman's recommendations;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
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 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the adoption of the national strategy for equality and non- discrimination 2016-2020; is concerned about impartiality and the independence of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; reiterates its con~~demnation of hate speech against discriminated groups~~cern about the fact that the LGBTI community continues to face discrimination and homophobic content from the media, both online and offline; reiterates its condemnation of any kind of violence against the LGBTI community and reiterates its request that those responsible to be brought to justice; is concerned that intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people persists; reiterates its call for the Anti- Discrimination Law to be aligned with the acquis as regards discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation; reminds the government and political parties of their responsibility in shaping, in law and in practice, a culture of inclusion and tolerance; underlines again the need to combat discrimination against the Roma, and to facilitate their integration and their access to the education system and the labour market; is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions in prisons, despite a significant increase in the prison budget;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the adoption of the national strategy for equality and non- discrimination 2016-2020; is concerned about impartiality and the independence of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; reiterates its condemnation of hate speech against discriminated groups; is concerned that intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people persists; reiterates its call for the Anti- Discrimination Law to be aligned with the acquis as regards discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation; underlines again the need to combat discrimination against the Roma, and to facilitate their integration and their access to the education system and the labour market; ~~is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions in prisons, despite a significant increase in the prison budge~~calls on the government to address the situation of stateless persons in line with the requirements of the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons of 1954; is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions in prisons, despite an increase in the prison budget; expresses concern over the great number of consistent allegations of deliberate ill- treatment of inmates by custodial staff particularly at Idrizovo Prison; urges the competent authorities to set up a comprehensive policy for the identification and investigation of allegations of inmates ill-treatment;

Amendment 192 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes the adoption of the national strategy for equality and non- discrimination 2016-2020, however, is concerned that their implementation is out of focus of social and political dialogue due to the political crisis in the country; is concerned about impartiality and the independence of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination; reiterates its condemnation of hate speech against discriminated groups; is concerned that intolerance against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people persists; reiterates its call for the Anti- Discrimination Law to be aligned with the acquis as regards discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation; underlines again the need to combat discrimination against the Roma, and to facilitate their integration and their access to the education system and the labour market; is concerned about the inhumane physical conditions in prisons, despite a significant increase in the prison budget;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 195 #

Miroslav POCHE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ICalls con~~cerned about the lack of~~ the authorities to improve the implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and t~~he limited effectiveness of~~o strengthen the institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Is concerned about the lack of~~Encourages the authorities to improve the implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and t~~he limited~~o strengthen the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities~~calls for further efforts to promote gender equality and increase the participation of women in political life and employment, to improve their socio- economic situation and to strengthen women's rights on the whole; is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; points out that the economic reality in female-dominated industries like the textile and the shoe industries are marked by alarmingly low wages under the overall minimum wage in the country of 160 EUR (in 2016) and a grave disrespect of workers' rights which basically counteract the implementation of this law; urges the competent authorities to initiate appropriate economic policy adjustments for an sensitive increase of the wages in gender-segregated industries, to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
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, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations and reiterated its unequivocal commitment to the EU accession process of the Republic of Macedonia,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
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 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities, the underrepresentation of women in key decision-making positions on all levels and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence; is concerned about the lack of women's access to the basic services, like public gynaecological services, which protect their sexual and reproductive health rights, and persistently high infant mortality rate; is extremely concerned about the restrictive and discriminatory law on termination of pregnancy that compels women to resort to illegal abortions and violates human rights; calls on swift repeal of restrictive abortion laws and policies as urged and by UN Human Rights Office of High Commissioner;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and ~~to improve support services to victims of~~further strengthen efforts to increase the participation of women in the political and public sectors, in particular in decision-making positions; furthermore, urges to improve support services to victims of domestic violence, including to provide an adequate number of shelters; furthermore, urges to ensure that cases of domestic violence are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted and to continue carrying out awareness- raising campaigns to sensitize the population on the prevention and protection against domestic violence;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance gender equality; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence; urges the government to take measures to review the Law on Prevention and Protection against Domestic Violence and other relevant laws in order to provide appropriate protection to all victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence with a view to preparing its ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention);

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 204 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Is concerned about the lack of implementation of the Law on Equal Opportunities and the limited effectiveness of institutional mechanisms to advance ~~gender~~ equality between men and women; urges the competent authorities to make sufficient budget allocations for its implementation and to improve support services to victims of domestic violence;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
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;

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
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, in~~cluding policy recommendations~~ a transparent and inclusive manner;

Amendment 207 #

David MCALLISTER

Motion for a resolution
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 in an inclusive and transparent manner and to complete its review, including policy recommendations;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Reiterates that the interethnic situation remains fragile; is concerned about minorities representing less than 20% of the population, who are left outside the mainstream policy and decision-making process; believes that specific measures are needed in order to guarantee the rights and freedoms of all citizens and achieve social cohesion among the various ethnic, national and religious communities; 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; believes that separation along ethnic lines in schools and segregated education has adversely affected social cohesion and integration of communities; reminds the government and party leaders of their commitment to fully implement the OFA and to complete its review, including policy recommendations; condemns any form of irredentism and any attempt to disintegrate different social groups;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
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; remains concerned by what is violent and intolerant Albanian separatism, however, as was demonstrated by the events in Kumanovo in May 2015;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia had a ~~very~~ high turnout;

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
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 with no further delay, including policy recommendations, in a transparent and inclusive manner and to ensure sufficient budget for its implementation;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
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, multi- cultural 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; stresses the importance to start the long-awaited census without further delay;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
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 new government and party leaders of their commitment to fully implement the OFA and to complete its ~~review~~overdue review at the earliest, in an inclusive and transparent manner, including policy recommendations;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
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 #

Motion for a resolution
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 #

Motion for a resolution
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 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure~~, including through~~ as well as unbalanced reporting of government a~~dvertising~~ctivities; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, the cases of intimidation and self- censorship, systemic political interference and pressure, in~~cluding through~~ the editorial policies and the absence of investigative and balanced reporting; urges the new government to enforce transparent and objective criteria on public service announcements to replace government advertising; calls on the new government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned ~~over~~at the lack of freedom of expression ~~and~~in the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation ~~or violence~~ against journalists is duly investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast; notes the polarisation of private media; calls on establishing a professional code of conduct accepted both by public and private media; encourages joint work between government officials and journalist organisations on the media reform;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia had a ~~very~~ high turnout;

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. IReiterates the importance of media freedom and independence as one of the core EU values and a cornerstone of any democracy; remains concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; regrets in this context that in the index compiled by Reporters Without Borders the country has ranked last in Europe and the Balkans falling from 34th place in 2009 to 118th in 2016, while according Freedom House 2016 report on the country's Press Freedom, the country's status changed from "partly free" to "Not Free"; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; underlines the need to ensure full transparency on government advertising, in particular the spending of public finances, its recipients and contents; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast to ensure its financial and editorial independence;

Amendment 222 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; reiterates its call for objective and accurate reporting and a variety of viewpoints through the mainstream media, particularly the public service broadcaster; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; urges all political parties in the country to denounce hate speeches and call on their members and followers to abstain from using them; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is prevented and investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast and the right of access to impartial information generated in accordance with well-practice principles of journalism;

Amendment 225 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising and the mass illegal surveillance of journalists; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and political and financial autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls for inclusive media interest representation bodies and calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is concerned over freedom of expression and the media, media surveillance, the use of hate speech, political interference and pressure, including through government advertising; calls on the government to ensure that intimidation or violence against journalists is investigated and that those responsible be brought to justice; underlines the need for the sustainability and autonomy of the public service broadcast;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16 a. Notes that Macedonia lies on the so-called 'Western Balkan route' and that approximately 600.000 refugees and migrants, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, have so far travelled through Macedonia on their way to Europe; regrets to note that the Macedonian asylum and migration policies continue to fail to provide adequate protection and safeguards and that refugees and migrants are regularly, with the use of excessive force, pushed back into Greece or unlawfully detained and face ill-treatment in detention facilities; urges Macedonian authorities to ensure migrants and refugees applying for asylum in Macedonia or traveling through Macedonian territory, are treated in accordance with international and EU law, including the 1951 Refugee Conventions and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains concerned that the political situation represents a serious risk to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian economy; continues to be concerned about weak contract enforcement, the size of the informal economy and the difficulty in obtaining access to finance; stresses that the sizeable shadow economy is an important obstacle to business; calls on competent authorities to also address judicial efficiency;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas after two unsuccessful attempts to hold early parliamentary elections, the main political forces agreed to dissolve the Parliament for the second time in 2016 and called for early parliamentary elections on 11 December; whereas early parliamentary elections held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had a very high turnout;

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains concerned that the political situation represents a serious risk to the ~~Macedonian~~ economy; continues to be concerned about weak contract enforcement, the size of the informal economy and the difficulty in obtaining access to finance; stresses that the sizeable shadow economy is an important obstacle to business; calls on competent authorities to also address judicial efficiency;

Amendment 231 #

Louis MICHEL, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains concerned that the political situation represents a serious risk to the Macedonian economy; given the ongoing amalgamation of state and party political structures, which finds its reflection in the deteriorated corruption index, calls for the plans to privatize state property, particularly in the field of energy, to be stopped; continues to be concerned about weak contract enforcement, the size of the informal economy and the difficulty in obtaining access to finance; stresses that the sizeable shadow economy is an important obstacle to business; calls on competent authorities to also address judicial efficiency;

Amendment 232 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains concerned that the political situation represents a serious risk to the Macedonian economy; continues to be concerned about weak contract enforcement, the size of the informal economy and the difficulty in obtaining access to finance; stresses that the sizeable shadow economy is an important obstacle to business; stresses the need to take measures to enhance competitiveness and job creation in the private sectorr, and calls on the competent authorities to also address judicial efficiency;

Amendment 233 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Remains concerned that the political situation represents a serious risk to the Macedonian economy; continues to be concerned about weak contract enforcement, the size of the informal economy, venality at every hierarchical level and the difficulty in obtaining access to finance; stresses that the sizeable shadow economy is an important obstacle to business; calls on competent authorities to also address judicial efficiency;

Amendment 234 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability ~~but is concerned~~, the reduction of thate unemployment 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 improvate and that the government remains committed to promoting growth and employment by market-based economic policies; calls on improving fiscal discipline and transparency and increasing the budget planning capacity; encourages the principle of balanced budget; notes that reliable and predictable regulatory environment for businesses leads to increased macro-economic stability and growth; calls on proper consultation with all stakeholders ing th~~e perspectives of youth~~is regard;

Amendment 235 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Welcomes the maintenance of~~Notes that the macro-economic situation of the country is characterized by low inflation, balanced public finances and relatively low public debt; notes, however, that a macro-economic stability ~~but~~cannot be said to be the case for a constant unemployment rate of about 30 per cent for years and an equally widespread poverty within the country; is concerned that unthe employment r~~emains high with very low labour m~~ate, with about 15 per cent among young people and almost 38 per cent among women, is very low and thus far from the EU's own tarkget ~~participation, especially among youth and wome~~of 75 per cent; calls on the Commission to define employment rates as an explicit criteria of accession and integration; 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; believes that this policy should also aim to prevent any forms of employment through clientelistic networks by law, to consistently enforce the existing labor law, to penalize any kind of attempts to undermine its application as well as to improve the provision of and access to social services, especially for women; 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 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that unemployment remains high with very low labour market participation, especially among youth and women; is concerned that employment is heavily influenced by political affiliation and is often used for pressure and intimidation of citizens during election campaigns; 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 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that unemployment 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 and to develop programmes to allow highly educated young professionals to return and participate in the political and decision- making processes;

Amendment 238 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that unemployment 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; calls on authorities to adopt a strategy promoting women's entrepreneurship, a strategy for SMEs and a strategy for tourism;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that unemployment 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 in order to avert the country's twenty-thousand-strong annual exodus;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in Macedonia had a very high turnout and election day was generally well-administered and proceeded without major incidents, in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations;

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
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 241 #

Cristian Dan PREDA, Tunne KELAM

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned about the sustainability of public debt and that unemployment 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 242 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability and the reduction of the unemployment rate, but is concerned that unemployment 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 243 #

Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that despite seeing the overall rate fall 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 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the maintenance of macro-economic stability but is concerned that unemployment 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, in particular of ethnic minorities;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
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 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18 a. Is concerned that unemployment still remains high with very low labour market participation, especially among youth, women and people with disabilities; 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 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18 b. Commends the good level of preparation in the field of electronic communications and information society; calls on further advancement in the area of cyber security and underlines the need to develop and adopt a national cyber security strategy in order to increase cyber resilience;

Amendment 248 #

Louis MICHEL, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of air and water pollution; calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework; points out the need for the implementation of environmental policy objectives and targets to be in line with the rights and living conditions of the employees of companies concerned in order to avoid conflicts such as those at Jugohrom in Tetovo when the employees of the company, which could not satisfy environmental constraints, were forced to take unpaid leave;

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of ~~air and water pollution;~~industrial pollution and air and water pollution; stresses the need to develop and implement a sustainable waste policy and calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had a very high turnout;

Amendment 250 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of air and water pollution; notes that the current condition of the water-supply system is generally poor resulting in high water loss and water quality issues; calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

Amendment 252 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of air and water pollution, principally with regard to the River Axios, causing groundwater pollution in neighbouring countries also; calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework;

Amendment 253 #

Doru-Claudian FRUNZULICĂ, Nicola CAPUTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of air and water pollution, especially in Skopje, which is regarded as Europe's most polluted city; calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework;

Amendment 254 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is extremely concerned about the significant shortcomings in the field of the environment, in particular in the area of air and water pollution; calls for a comprehensive policy and strategy on climate action to be developed that is in line with the EU 2030 framework;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. Welcomes the country's constructive role in regional cooperation, particularly in Western Balkans six initiative and connectivity agenda; notes however that transport and energy infrastructure linkages to the regional neighbours and the connection to the TEN-T are still limited; calls on authorities to strengthen the financial and technical capacity of the national accident investigation body for air and rail transport particularly, and administrative capacity for all modes of transport; is concerned that no progress was made on the opening of the electricity market; is of opinion that in this regard the government should focus on full implementation of Energy Community Treaty obligations and should adopt legislation compliant with the third energy package and unbundling of the electricity and gas system operators, as well as opening of the market;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. Welcomes the progress that was made on the security of supply as well as in the area of electricity transmission interconnectors and gas interconnections; notes the agreement signed with the Western Balkans countries on the development of a regional electricity market; highlights the need to progress on the opening of the electricity market and to align the country's legislation with the EU's third energy package;

Amendment 257 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. Expresses its concern at the alarming level of air pollution that according to a recent study of the Public Health Institute of Macedonia causes annually 30% - 35% of the diseases in the country and over 1300 deaths; draws the attention, in particular, to Skopje urban area and calls on the state and local authorities to urgently take adequate measures to cope with this emergency;

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. In light of the preparation for the Western Balkans summit in Italy 2017, calls on Macedonian authorities to increase efforts to implement legal and regulatory measures in the field of transport and energy sector (soft measures), in order to fulfil the Connectivity Agenda of the European Union;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19 b. Takes note of a number of planned infrastructure project within protected areas that would be likely to cause significant impacts on future Natura 2000 sites (current Emerald site); calls, in this regard, for respecting the recommendation of the Bern Convention's Standing Committee (No. 184(2015)) by suspending the implementation of the projects within the territory of the Mavrovo National Park until a Strategic Environmental Assessment is completed in full compliance with the EU environment legislation; further calls for respecting the Decision (40 COM 7B.68) concerning the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region to prepare an overall Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) before any further work is undertaken; urges the development of a hydropower strategy for the Western Balkans as a whole in line with EU environmental legislation;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas early parliamentary elections held in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had a very high turnout;

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)

19 c. Encourages Macedonia to develop competition in the gas and energy market towards the unbundling of utilities in line with the EU Third Energy Package; calls for a substantial improvement as regards energy efficiency, the production of renewable energy and the fight against climate change; calls for the ratification of the Paris Climate agreement;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Urges the~~Calls on the Commission to support Macedonian authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to procure and implement EU funds properly and in a timely manner; ~~notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million;~~

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to procure and implement EU funds properly, effectively and in a timely manner~~; notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million~~;

Amendment 264 #

Raffaele FITTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to procure and implement EU funds properly and in a timely manner~~; notes with concern~~ whilst at the same time providing regular detailed reports regarding the programming and use of EU funds; notes that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million;

Amendment 265 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to ~~procure~~ensure transparent, efficient and effective public procurement regime, prevent any irregularities and implement EU funds properly and in a timely manner; notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million;

Amendment 266 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to procure and implement EU funds properly and in a timely manner; ~~notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million~~is concerned about the findings of the Special Report of the European Court of Auditors of June 2016, which concluded that limited progress was made in strengthening the country's administrative capacity using IPA funds mainly due to the insufficient political will of the national authorities; notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million due to the inability of the government to deliver on necessary reforms in public financial management; calls on the Commission to include information about IPA support for FYRoM and the effectiveness of implemented measures in its reports, in particular the IPA support allocated to implementation of the key priorities and relevant projects;

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the authorities to strengthen the administrative and financing capacities in order to procure and implement EU funds properly and in a timely manner; notes with concern that the Commission has yet again reduced the IPA financial assistance by approximately EUR 27 million as a consequence of lack of political commitment to deliver on reforms in public financial management;

Amendment 268 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

Amendment 269 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Commends the country for con~~Remains concerned about the imposed restruicti~~ve cooperation in addressing the migration crisi~~ons on the borders regarding refugee entry and limiting the numbers able to cross; recommends further actions to ~~ensure capacities to~~ combat human trafficking ~~and~~, to prevent migrant smuggling and to improve its asylum system;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polari~~sation~~zation, deep mutual mistrust and lack of a genuine dialogue between the parties; whereas backsliding in some important areas can be observed;

Amendment 270 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Commend~~Urges the country ~~for constructive cooperation~~to collaborate a constructively with neighbouring countries in addressing the migration crisis and normalising migratory flows; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 271 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. ~~Commend~~Notes the country's efforts for constructive cooperation into address~~ing~~ the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 272 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for ~~constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis~~managing the migration crisis; welcomes the closing of its border with Greece on 20 January 2016, limiting the influx of illegal migrants into the rest of Europe; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 273 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the co~~untry for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis~~nstructive role the country has played in dealing with the challenges of the migration crisis and adhering to the decision of the European Council to close the Western Balkan migration route in March 2016; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 274 #

Doru-Claudian FRUNZULICĂ, Nicola CAPUTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis~~; recommends further actions to ensur~~, noting that Macedonia successfully managed a huge refugee influx through so called Balkan route; calls on the Commission to support Macedonian authorities, financially and technically, in order to further enhance capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 275 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; recommends the European Council to open negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in order to allow deployments of the European Boarder and Coast Guard and make the Agency fully operational as soon as possible;

Amendment 276 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis thus substantially contributing to the security and stability of the European Union; in this regard, calls on the Commission to provide the country with all necessary tools to alleviate the crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 277 #

Raffaele FITTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further measures and actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, including cooperation agreements with neighbouring countries in relation to crime-fighting, aimed at strengthening the operational activity of the respective police forces in border areas;

Amendment 278 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis thus substantially contributing to the security and stability of the European Union; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; calls for the respect of international humanitarian law;

Amendment 279 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; calls for ensuring effective border management and welcomes the cooperation with neighbouring countries in dealing with the mixed migration flows;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polarisation; whereas backsliding in ~~some~~many important areas can be observed;

Amendment 280 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; takes notes of the government's decision to close its border completely to refugees and immigrants on 8 March 2016;

Amendment 281 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to prevent and combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and to provide proper humanitarian assistance for those in need;

Amendment 282 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Commends the country for constructive cooperation and tremendous efforts in addressing the migration crisis; recommends further actions to ensure capacities to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

Amendment 283 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21 a. Calls on the European Commission to continue the work on migration related issues with all the countries of the Western Balkans, in order to make sure that European and international norms and standards are followed; welcomes the work done so far and underlines that adequate IPA funding should be set aside to this end;

Amendment 284 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21 a. Emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation as a tool to drive the process of EU integration forward and commends country's constructive efforts and proactive contributions in promoting bilateral relations with all countries from the region;

Amendment 285 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation~~; commends the increased align~~ and its participation in civil and military crisis management operations; believes that regional cooperation is an essential element win the EU ~~foreign po~~accession process bringing stabilicty ~~(73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria~~and prosperity to the region and should be a priority for the government; calls on the government to focus on transnational projects such as the Pan-European Transport Corridors, the railway link Sofia-Skopje and other infrastructural projects with Member States including border-crossing points; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %);

Amendment 286 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %)~~Underlines the importance of regional cooperation in line with the European agenda and European values and calls for further progress in this regard; reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 287 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation~~Underlines the importance of regional cooperation in line with the European agenda and European values and calls for further progress in this regard; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 288 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role~~underlines the importance of a stable and constructive role for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in regional and international cooperation; ~~commends the increased~~notes the alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria; reiterates the importance of resolving the name issue in the interest of good neighbourly relations with Greece;

Amendment 289 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. ~~Welcomes Macedonia’s continued~~Calls former Yogoslav Republic of Macedonia to have a constructive role in regional and international cooperation~~; commend~~ in line with European values; notes the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polarisation; whereas backsliding in some important areas can be observed; whereas democracy and the rule of law have been constantly challenged, in particular due to state capture affecting the functioning of democratic institutions and key areas of society;

Amendment 290 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Macedonia’'s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; ~~commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %)~~welcomes the modest steps taken by Macedonian authorities to align its foreign policy with that of the EU; calls on Macedonian authorities to also align itself with the EU's restrictive measures against Russia following the illegal annexation of Crimea; reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 291 #

Motion for a resolution
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 Bulgaria;

Amendment 292 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

Amendment 293 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ, László TŐKÉS

Motion for a resolution
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~~commends also the positive focus on bilateral projects in areas of infrastructure, economy and interconnectivity and country's efforts to hold European standards and values at the heart of bilateral relations; encourages the continuation and finalization of the talks on the Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation; emphasizes the necessity to respect the history, sovereignty and national and linguistic identity of both Macedonia and Bulgaria;

Amendment 294 #

Motion for a resolution
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 Bulgaria~~treaty 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 295 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes ~~Macedonia’s~~the continued constructive role of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 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 Bulgaria;

Amendment 296 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); urges authorities to swiftly align its foreign policy with the Council decisions including the EU restrictive measures related to Russia; reminds about the need to align with the EU Directive on Defence and Sensitive Security Procurement and the 2014 EU rules on public procurement; urges authorities to finalise a Cyber-Security Strategy and reminds about the need to align it with the European Cyber Security Strategy; reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 297 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive and proactive role in regional and international cooperation; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); however encourages the country to align its foreign policy with the EU on restrictive measures related to Russian invasion to Ukraine and occupation of Crimea; reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 298 #

Tanja FAJON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes Macedonia’s continued constructive role in regional and international cooperation; reiterates the importance of active participation in the regional youth-related initiatives, such as the Regional Youth Cooperation Office of the Western Balkans; commends the increased alignment with EU foreign policy (73 %); reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria;

Amendment 299 #

Cristian Dan PREDA, Tunne KELAM

Motion for a resolution
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 Bulgaria, aimed at strengthening good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
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, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations and expressed its strong commitment to the EU integration of the Republic of Macedonia,

Amendment 30 #

Louis MICHEL, Hilde VAUTMANS

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas ~~reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polaris~~political polarisation also adversely affects economic development and hampers reforms and accession preparations; whereas backsliding in some important areas can be observed;

Amendment 300 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22 a. Notes that there are still open issues in relations with Bulgaria; reiterates the importance of finalising the negotiations on a bilateral treaty with Bulgaria based on the 1999 declaration; strongly encourages joint celebrations of events and figures of the common history; believes that the introduction of educational materials free of ideological interpretations of history and hate speech, the academic cooperation and the promotion of positive attitudes in young people towards their neghbouring countries will have positive impact and improve mutual understanding;

Amendment 301 #

Motion for a resolution
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 302 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22 a. Welcomes the activities in the framework of the Berlin Process, which demonstrate strong political support for the European perspective of Western Balkan countries; points out the importance of this Process for the promotion of the economic development of the countries in the Region through investments in core networks; welcomes the establishment of the RYCO (Regional Youth Cooperation Office) and the Western Balkans Fund and urges the Commission to take into account the initiatives and projects proposed by Macedonia;

Amendment 303 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)

22 b. Calls on the authorities not to mistreat and violate the political, social and cultural rights of citizens of the country, who identify themselves as Bulgarians; regrets that Bulgaria is often negatively portrayed in media, history books and films sponsored by the government in Skopje, which damages the bilateral relations;

Amendment 304 #

Motion for a resolution
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 305 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the ~~tangible results from the~~Greek initiative which resulted in confidence-building measures with ~~Greece; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome~~the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; underlines the fact that maintaining good neighborly relations, including a negociated and mutually acceptable solution to the name issue, under the auspices of the UN, remain~~ing differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament there~~s essential, reiterates its full support to the UN process which remains the key framework for a solution as it is recognized by both parties; recalls that a constructive approach to relations with neighboring EU Member States remains important while avoiding gestures, controversial actions and statements which negatively impact on good neighborly relations;

Amendment 306 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the tangible results from the confidence-building measures with Greece; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon;

Amendment 307 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the ~~tangible results from the confidence-building measures wit~~Greek initiative which Greece; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on asulted in tangible results from the eleven confidence-building measures; calls for a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution ton the name issue ~~and to report back to Parliament thereon~~, under the auspices of the UN and reiterates its full support to the UN process;

Amendment 308 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the tangible results from the confidence-building measures with Greece; ~~strongly reiterates its~~believes that the constructive and positive results of the Greek invitiation to the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on ave of the eleven confidence-building measures could contribute to a process of confidence building, that would eventually lead to a better understanding and stronger bilateral relations, paving the way for a mutually accepted solution to the name issue, at a later stage; underlines the fact that maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution ton the name issue ~~and to report back to Parliament there~~, under the auspices of the UN, remains essential; reiterates its full support to the UN process, which remains the key framework for a solution as it is recognised by both parties; recalls that a constructive approach to relations with neighbouring EU member states remains important while avoiding gestures, controversial actions and statements which negatively impact on good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 309 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. ~~Welcomes the tangible results from~~Commends the positive approach which has been applied to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the context of European integration, for increasing mutual trust and promoting good neighborliness in concrete terms; acknowledges positive developments regarding the implementation of the confidence- building measures ~~with Greece~~, including the visit of Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs to Skopje in August 2016; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice- President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon; calls upon the UN to intensify the mediation process in order to find a mutually acceptable solution regarding the naming dispute with Greece and to request that Greece respects International Law and the 2011 ICJ ruling;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reforms and accession preparations are being hampered by political polarisation; whereas backsliding in some important areas can be continuously observed;

Amendment 310 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. ~~Welcomes the~~Stresses the need for tangible results from the confidence-building measures with Greece, which have not yet been forthcoming; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon; notes that the continuation of accession negotiations will depend on progress achieved in this respect and on a mutually satisfactory solution regarding the name of the country.

Amendment 311 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Welcomes the tangible results from the confidence-building measures with Greece; ~~strongly~~ reiterates its invitation to the Vice- President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission to develop, if asked by relevant parties, new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution ton the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon;

Amendment 312 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. WReiterates that the Republic of Macedonia has remained constructively committed to bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States and positively notes its engagement in regional initiatives; welcomes the activities in the framework of the Berlin Process, which demonstrate strong political support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans countries; welcomes the tangible results from joint initiative for the confidence- building measures with Greece; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice- President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission as a matter of urgency to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon;

Amendment 313 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. WHighlights the constructive commitment of Macedonia to bilateral relations with the neighbours and neighbouring EU Member States and positively notes its engagement in regional initiatives; welcomes the activities in the framework of the Berlin Process, which demonstrates the strong political support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans countries; welcomes the tangible results from the joint initiative for confidence-building measures with Greece; strongly reiterates its invitation to the Vice- President/High Representative (VP/HR) and the Commission, to develop new initiatives to overcome the remaining differences and to work, in cooperation with the two countries and the UN Special Representative, on a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue and to report back to Parliament thereon;

Amendment 314 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, László TŐKÉS, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Welcomes the efforts of the Berlin Process, which demonstrated strong political support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and that will continue to encourage further reforms in key areas and promote economic developments through core connectivity investments, providing concrete results for the citizens and the entire region; welcomes the establishment of the RYCO (Regional Youth Cooperation Office) and the Western Balkans Fund and requests the EU to take into account the initiatives and projects which have been proposed by Macedonia;

Amendment 315 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Reiterates its position that outstanding open issues should be addressed as early as possible during the accession process in a constructive manner and in a spirit of good neighbourly relations through an intensive and open dialogue in the spirit of the common European future and, preferably, before the start of accession negotiations;

Amendment 316 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Recalls the ruling of the International Court of Justice of 5 December 2011; supports the proposal by UN envoy Nimetz of a composite name with geographical qualifier as long as Macedonian nationality, identity, culture and language are not affected;

Amendment 317 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. Underlines the importance of a constructive approach to relations with neighbouring EU Member States, avoiding gestures, controversial actions and statements which can have a negative impact on good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 318 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ, László TŐKÉS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)

23 b. Commends the country on its chairmanship of the CEI, focusing on economic cooperation and business opportunities, infrastructure and general economic development, including rural development and tourism, as well as on bridging macro-regions throughout 2015;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
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 of the OFA~~;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
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 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Γ

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 of the OFA, as well as the issue concerning the name of the country;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas some of the key issues in the reform process include reform of the judiciary, public administration and media, youth unemployment, women empowerment and a review of the OFA;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
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 of the implementation of OFA;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C a. whereas there is common understanding between the Commission, the Council and the Parliament that the maintenance of the positive recommendation to open accession negotiations with the country is dependent/conditional on progress with the implementation of the Pržino Agreement and substantial progress in the implementation of the Urgent Reform Priorities;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C a. whereas the rule of law, media freedom, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are key elements in the EU enlargement process;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

C b. whereas the Council has been blocking progress due to the unresolved name issue with Greece; whereas bilateral issues should not be used as a pretext to obstruct the swift start of negotiations with the EU;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
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, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations, and reiterated its unequivocal commitment to the EU accession process,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for ~~the country to return to its EU integration path; whereas a new government needs to adopt and implement robust reforms~~robust reforms marked by tangible results in order to maintain the country on its EU integration and Euro-Atlantic path;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for the country to ~~return to~~continue its EU integration p~~ath~~rocess; whereas a new government needs to adopt and implement robust reforms;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for the country to ~~return to~~maintain its EU integration and euro-atlantic path; whereas a new government needs to adopt and implement robust reforms;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for the country to return to its EU integration path; whereas a new government needs to adopt and implement robust reforms and bring stability to the country;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas a serious commitment by all political forces is required for the country to return to its EU integration path; whereas a new government needs to ~~adopt and implement robust reform~~take ownership and to honour its undertaking to fully adopt and implement robust reforms in order to address systemic failures in the areas of rule of law, justice, corruption, fundamental rights, and home affairs;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas EU the accession process is a major incentive for further reforms, particularly with regard to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

D a. whereas (potential) candidate countries are judged on their own merits and the speed and quality of the necessary reforms determines the timetable for accession;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas candidate countries are judged on their own merits and the quality of the necessary reforms determines the timetable for accession; whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the ful~~filment~~l and constructive implementation of required conditions; whereas the country has been ~~considered~~an EU candidate for many years a~~s one of the most advanced countries in terms~~nd has a relatively good level of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the fulfilment of required conditions; whereas the country has been ~~considered~~an EU candidate for many years a~~s one of the most advanced countries in terms~~nd has a relative good level of alignment of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
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 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the fulfilment of required conditions; whereas the country hwas ~~been~~ considered for many years as ~~one of the most advanced countries~~advanced in terms of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas opening the accession negotiations should be ~~open~~guaranteed upon the fulfilment of required conditions; whereas the country has been considered for many years as one of the most advanced countries in terms of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital Ε

E. whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the fulfilment of required conditions and once a jointly acceptable solution has been found to the question of the name; whereas the country has been considered for many years as one of the most advanced countries in terms of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas accession negotiations should be opened upon the fulfilment of required conditions; whereas the country has been wrongly considered for many years as one of the most advanced countries in terms of alignment with the acquis;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

E a. whereas on 20 July and 31 August 2016, leaders of the four main political parties reached an agreement on the implementation of the Pržino Agreement, including on 11 December 2016 as the date for early parliamentary elections and declaring their support to the work of the Special Prosecutor; whereas they also reiterated their commitment to implement the 'Urgent Reform Priorities';

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

E a. whereas the recent political crisis has shown the lack of an effective system of checks and balances in the Macedonian institutions and the necessity to increase transparency and public accountability including adequate mechanisms of oversight of the main services and internal structures;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

E a. whereas regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations form an essential part of the country's process of moving towards the EU;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas ~~bilateral disput~~open issues should be duly addressed in ~~compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations~~a constructive spirit as early as possible and preferably before the opening of accession negotiations taking into account the principles and values of the UN and EU;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in ~~compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstac~~a constructive spirit as early as possible toin the ~~opening of accession negotiation~~accession process in compliance with EU and UN standards;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN ~~standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations~~;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
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 European Council conclusions of December 2015, and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations,

Amendment 60 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards ~~and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations~~;

Amendment 61 #

Maria SPYRAKI, Emmanouil KEFALOGIANNIS

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards ~~and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations~~;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and ~~should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations;~~ with due regards to the need for good neighbourly relations and the improvement of regional cooperation between EU Member States and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as an EU candidate country;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should ~~be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negoti~~not be used to obstruct the EU accession process and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations, but be duly addressed in a constructive spirit and compliance with EU and UN standards as early as possible in the accession process; whereas all efforts should be done to maintain good neighbourly and inter-ethnic relations;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital ΣΤ

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations; whereas the exception to this should be resolution of the the dispute concerning country's name in agreement with Greece, which is international and not bilateral in nature;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes ~~should be du~~, in particular deadlock within the Council as regards the country's name, should be duly and promptly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas bilateral disputes should be duly addressed in compliance with EU and UN standards and in the framework of international organs of arbitration and should not represent an obstacle to the opening of accession negotiations;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

F a. whereas fighting organised crime and corruption remains fundamental to countering criminal infiltration of the political, legal and economic systems;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

F a. whereas regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are essential elements of the enlargement process and the Stabilisation and Association Process;

Amendment 69 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas the Commission has given an undertaking to temporarily suspend the enlargement process;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
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 conclusions of December 2012 and to the conclusions of 13 December 2016, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of delegations,

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)

F b. whereas during the first visit of the Greek Foreign Minister to Skopje in 11 years and following this initiative, eleven Confidence-Building Measures were agreed between the two countries, mainly in the fields of political and EU affairs, education and culture, trade and economic cooperation, connectivity, justice and home affairs, as well as health cooperation; whereas the Confidence Building Measures have already started to produce tangible results;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross-party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challengeurges all political parties to to examine every possibility and available option for the creation of a government in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no continuation of the political crisis;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Welcom~~Notes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross-party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU- related challenges;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new governmentsuccessfully conducted elections of 11 December 2016 which were well administered and proceeded without major incidents in competitive and calm manner, fundamental freedoms were respected and contestants were able to campaign freely; welcomes that all political parties accepted its results; calls for a swift formation of a new government in line with the Constitutional and legal requirements and procedures in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross-party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes th~~e respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its result~~at the early elections of 11 December 2016 were held in a transparent and inclusive manner and that its results were accepted by all political parties, which is in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;

Amendment 75 #

Marijana PETIR, Patricija ŠULIN, Alojz PETERLE, Miroslav MIKOLÁŠIK, Željana ZOVKO, Ivica TOLIĆ, Sandra KALNIETE, Ivana MALETIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the implementation of the political agreement leading to early parliamentary elections on 11 December 2016 and the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections ~~of 11 December 2016~~; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to ~~carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross-party cooperation~~fully implement the agreements under the so- called Pržino Agreement and to carry on with necessary reforms; considers that intensive cooperation beyond the borders of the four major parties including civil society and representatives of the various minorities of the country is essential for addressing pressing social, domestic and EU- related challenges; points out, that the solution of these challenges are closely interlinked with the elaboration of a viable basic consensus by all political parties as well as social and ethnic parts of the society as regards the fundamental direction of the development of the country;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; ~~urges~~welcomes that all political parties to accepted its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls ~~for a swift formation of a new government~~on all parties to refrain from any obstruction in regard to the effective functioning of the parliament; calls for a swift formation of a new government in line with the constitutional and legal requirements and procedures in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; notes that OSCE/ODIHR considers that the elections were competitive, but took place in an environment characterised by widespread public mistrust in institutions and the political establishment; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability[A1] and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms to ensure the country's Euro- Atlantic integration and a European perspective for the benefit of the country and its citizens; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges, also in order to maintain the positive recommendation to open EU membership negotiations;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)

- having regard to the Recommendations of the Senior Experts' Group on Systematic Rule of Law issues relating to the communications interception revealed in Spring 2015,

Amendment 80 #

Doru-Claudian FRUNZULICĂ, Nicola CAPUTO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 82 #

Kati PIRI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the overall peaceful conduct and the respect for fundamental freedoms shown at the elections of 11 December 2016; urges all political parties to accept its results in the interest of domestic stability and underlines their responsibility to ensure that there is no backsliding into political crisis; calls for a swift formation of a new government in order to make use of the mandate to carry on with necessary reforms; considers cross- party cooperation essential for addressing pressing domestic and EU-related challenges;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes ~~that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’ lists and the media environment; hopes that the alleged~~with concern that the conduct of the elections is rife with irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, and abuse of public resources, w~~ill also~~hich must be be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; stresses the need for a de- politicisation of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’s trust in future elections;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’' lists and the media environment; ~~hope~~urges the competent authorities to effectively address that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, ~~will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities~~ in view of the local elections in May 2017; stresses the need for a de-politicisation of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’'s trust in future elections;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that by implementing the Pržino agreements as well as recommendations made by OSCE/ODIR and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, the Election Administration voters’' lists and ~~the~~in some cases the public media environment; hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, will also be addressed effectively ~~by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; stresses the need for a de-politicisation of the electoral administration~~and if necessary legally in a transparent manner and free from influence of political parties by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; underlines the conviction that the ongoing mistrust regarding the accuracy of the voters' registration data can be solved in a sustainable way only by a population census; stresses the need to establish a track record of effective scrutiny of political party and electoral campaign financing; stresses that in accordance with the principles of good governance the electoral administrations must be de- politicized and any attempt at political influence on the electoral authorities has to be banned by law in order to increase the public’'s trust in future elections;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’' lists and ~~the media environment;~~a more balanced media coverage hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; urges the national authorities to address the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission; stresses the need for a de- politicisation of the work of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’'s trust in future elections;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 8

— having regard to the political agreement (the so-called ‘'Przhžino Agreement’') reached between the four main political parties in Skopje on 2 June and 15 July 2015, and the four-party agreement on its implementation of 20 July and 31 August 2016,

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Not~~Welcomes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’ lists and the media environment; and welcomes civil society representatives observing the elections in a large majority of the polling stations; hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abmisuse of ~~public~~administrative resources, will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; stresses the need for afurther de- politicisation of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’s trust in future elections;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’ lists and the media environment; hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; ~~stresses the need for a~~reiterates its view that ensuring separation of state and party activities, balanced media reporting and continuously updating voters' list are essential for holding credible elections; stresses the need for greater transparency and de-politicisation of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’s trust in future elections;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that OSCE/ODIHR considers that the early parliamentary elections were competitive, but took place in an environment characterised by widespread public mistrust in institutions and the political establishment; notes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’ lists and the media environment; hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, political pressure on media, as well as, inflammatory language and verbal attacks on journalists will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; calls on the competent authorities to establish a cretible track record of effective scrutiny of political party and electoral campaign financing; stresses the need for a de-politicisation of the electoral administration and media in order to increase the public’s trust in future elections;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that the electoral process has improved, including the legal framework, voters’ lists and the media environment; hopes that the alleged irregularities and shortcomings, including voter intimidation, vote buying, abuse of public resources, will also be addressed effectively by the competent authorities in view of the local elections in May 2017; stresses the need for a de-politicisation of the electoral administration in order to increase the public’s trust in future elections and guarantee the legitimacy of the results;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Considers it important to conduct a population census (last census was conducted in 2002) provided that there is a country-wide consensus in the methodology to be applied, in order to obtain an updated and realistic picture of the constellation of Macedonian population to better meet the needs of and offer services for the Macedonian citizens, and to further update the voters list and minimize any irregularities and shortcomings for the future;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate ~~EU-related reforms; reiterates its support for the opening of accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and the Urgent Reform Priorities;~~the reforms needed to strengthen the State and the count~~inues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes~~ry's independence and sovereignty;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to ~~accelerate EU-related reforms; reiterates~~take ownership and to honour its undertaking to accelerate and implement EU-related reforms; notes that the Commission its ~~support for the opening of~~prepared to extend its recommendation to open accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and substantial progress in the Urgent Reform Priorities~~; continues to be convinced that negotiations can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes~~, including measures to strengthen good neighbourly relations, in line with previous Council Conclusions and established conditionality;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the new government, in cooperation with other parties, to accelerate EU-related reforms; ~~reiterates~~takes positive note that the Commission its ~~support for the opening of~~prepared to extend its recommendation to accession negotiations, conditional on the progress of the implementation of the Przhino Agreement and substantial progress in the Urgent Reform Priorities~~; continues to be convinced that negotiat~~, in line with previonus ~~can generate much-needed reforms and positively influence the resolution of bilateral disputes~~Council Conclusions and established conditionality;

Amendment 99 #