Activities of Tonino PICULA related to 2021/2247(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
2021 Report on Montenegro (debate)
2021 Report on Montenegro (debate)
Reports (1)
REPORT on the 2021 Commission Report on Montenegro
Amendments (45)
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas during the Intergovernmental Conference of 22 June 2021, Montenegro accepted the revised enlargement methodology based on thematic negotiation chapter clusters and the phasing-in of individual EU policies and programmes;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the European Union is Montenegro’s biggest trading partner, accounting for 38 % of total exports and 44 % of total imports in 2020;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas the assistance under IPA III is based on strict conditionality and envisages modulation and suspension of assistance in cases of backtracking in democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas the period after the 2020 elections was marked by deep polarisation between the new ruling majority and the opposition, as well as within the ruling majority;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
D e. whereas boycotts and the lack of constructive engagement of all parliamentary actors impeded decision- making in the Parliament;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened, but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages Montenegro to specifically focus on meeting theremaining interim benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CReiterates that a cross-party political commitment and functioning parliament are necessary for achieving substantial progress in key EU-related reforms, in particular the electoral and judicial reforms and fight against organised crime and corruption; calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve substantial progress in key EU-related reforms;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the protests against the possible formation of a minority government organised by the Democratic Front and; strongly condemns the support expressed by protestors for the Russian Federation on the day of the start of Russian’s aggression against Ukraine; recalls Russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. RNotes that work has clearly intensified following the long-awaited finalisation of appointments to administrative structures in the area of rule of law; regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; notes the steps to consolidate and upgrade of the negotiating structure; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes Montenegro’s continued and full alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, including its announcement offull support for the latest EU sanctions against Russia, and its active participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations; calls for the seizure of the assets of the sanctioned persons by Montenegrin authorities;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes Montenegro’s continued and full alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, including its announcement of support for the latest EU sanctions against Russia, and its active participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations; encourages the Commission to consider an EU economic and financial assistance for Western Balkans countries that have joined all the EU sanctions against Russia aimed at mitigating consequences of the arising crisis as result of Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages Montenegro to make best use of the EU fundsing available under the Pre-Accession Instrument (IPA III) and the Economic and Investment plan for the Western Balkans and urges the Commission to closely monitor the performance and ensure systematic assessment of the impact of EU funding;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers, and by the boycottcurrent blockade of the parliament sessions, which continues to slow down the reform process; calls on the legislative and executive authorities to improve mutual coordination on prioritizing legislative initiatives pertaining to the EU reform agenda;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Urges all parliamentary parties to fully engage in the work of the parliament and to avoid further polarisation of the political landscape; reminds that the only way to guarantee an ability to influence the decision-making process for their constituents is to engage in political processes; reiterates that political will and a broad cross-party dialogue as well as the proper functioning of democratic institutions are key to Montenegro’s progress in the accession negotiations;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. IExpresses its concerned about the lack of progress onin the judicial reform, including on the still pending appointments toin key independent institutions and the judiciary including the appointment of new Constitutional Court judges; encourages the Montenegrin authorities to fully implementaddress the Venice Commission’s recommendations concerning the risks of politicisation of the Prosecutorial Council in line with the Venice Commission’s second opinion; welcomes the recent appointments of new members of the Prosecutorial Council, including a member from the representatives of NGOs, and notes that the independent functioning of the Special Prosecutor’s Office is of key importance for Montenegro’s progress in the area of rule of law;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. INotes the recent appointments in the judiciary, both in the Supreme Court and in the Prosecutorial Council; however, is concerned about the overall lack of progress on judicial reform, including on the stilla number of pending appointments to key independent institutions and the judiciary that require parliamentary majority; encourages the Montenegrin authorities to fully implement the Venice Commission’s recommendations concerning the risks of politicisation of the Prosecutorial Council;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its strong recommendation that Montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the countryWelcomes that the Parliament of Montenegro amended the Law on Local Self Government, which foresees that local elections in 14 municipalities are to be held on the same date;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is worried about widespreadthe prevalent corruption and urges Montenegro to boost thestep up criminal justice response to high-level corruption and to create the conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption to function effectively free from political influence;
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes progress in the fight against organised crime and on international police cooperation, and the increase in the number of organised crime cases investigated and prosecutedin particular in improving access for law-enforcement agencies to key data bases and increasing the number of investigators and experts as well as the increase in the number of organised crime cases investigated and prosecuted; encourages Montenegrin authorities to continue to address the existing deficiencies in the handling of organised crime cases and the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Expresses concerns about the changes to the Law on Civil Servants and State Employees, which lowered merit- based recruitment and independence of civil servants and jeopardised Montenegro’s capacity to maintain staff experienced in EU-accession process; calls on the design process of the new Public Administration Reform Strategy to be conducted in an inclusive and transparent manner;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages further strengthening civil society meaningful participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated, sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introducintroduction of the tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes some positive steps, such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media, the revision of laws on media and onstrengthening of the legal framework to protect effectively journalists and other media workers, the revision of laws on media and on the more pluralistic editorial policy of the public broadcaster RTCG, and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021- 2025;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes thatanother delay in the population and housing census is likely to take place this yearn Montenegro, and expects it tothat it will be conducted during the course of this year and in line with EU and international standards; calls on the authorities to avoid any politicisation of the process;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Notes with concern the notice of eviction till 15 April received by the Croatian National Assembly in Tivat;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of sercontinue to be of serious concern, which deteriorated further during the COVID-19 pandemic; calls on the authorities to ensure a thorough implementation of the standards set out in the recommendatiouns concernof the international bodies;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ rights and the first same-sex mparriagetnership in July 2021;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the National Disability Determination System is under wamultiple forms of discrimination, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of a harmonised concept of disability aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; notes that the reform of the National Disability Determination System is underway and calls on the effective implementation of strategies to tackle gaps in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities across sectors and policies; welcomes the adoption of the annual action plan of the Strategy for the protection of persons with disabilities from discrimination and for the promotion of equality;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Commends Montenegro’s constructive role in regional cooperation and welcomes the implementation of actions under the Western Balkans Common Regional Market; encourages efforts based on EU rules; calls for concrete action to find and implement definite and binding solutions to bilateral disputes, including border disputessolve long-running border disputes with neighbouring countries, such as the maritime dispute with Croatia over the Prevlaka peninsula, and the maritime demarcation with Albania;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference at a time when the country is facing increasing pressure through third country interference that seeks to undermine its statehood and pro-Western orientation, and to enforce greater oversight of the media landscape in order to tackle fake news and other disinformation activities, in particular those orchestrated by harmful foreign influences;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate, in particular among women and young people, and urges the authorities to increase efforts in improving the participation of these groups in the labour market and to address brain drain as a matter of urgency; welcomes the launch of the process to design the Youth Guarantee scheme; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the announcement of the ‘Europe Now’ initiative and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available EU pre-accession assistance in this regard;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the announcement of the ‘Europe Now’ initiative, which aims to achieve higher living standards and more competitive economy through a more sustainable and inclusive economic growth model, and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available EU pre- accession assistance in this regard;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Expresses concern over Montenegro’s growing vulnerability owing to the increase of its public debt, in particular to China, and the new EUR 750 million loan taken by the government without consulting the Parliament; welcomes efforts made towards decreasing these fiscal vulnerabilities, including those related to China;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes with concern the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Montenegro’s economy and the partial recovery of Montenegrin economy in 2021, following a deep recession in 2020;
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the announcement of public services digitalisation and development of transactional electronic government services to enhance economic recovery; encourages development of targeted preventive measures and incentives to legalise informal businesses and employees as large informal sector continues to hinder economic and social development in Montenegro;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Urges Montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering,Strongly condemns the decision of the prime minister Krivokapić on updating rules for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship, that was taken at the end of his mandate without wider consultations with the responsible institutions; expresses serious concern about the increased number of applications for Montenegrin citizenship following that decision; strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until December 2022; urges Montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages Montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the EU’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; calls on the authorities to make the best use of available EU pre-accession assistance in this regard;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Regrets that operation of the Pljevlja coal plant continues after it exceeded the number of operating hours and calls on Montenegro to comply with its obligations under the Large Combustion Plant Directive; notes with caution the EUR 15 million increase in costs of the planned EUR 54 million ecological reconstruction of the plant; notes that the reconstruction has not yet started; calls on Montenegrin authorities to consider a comprehensive transition plan in view of the closure;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Reiterates its call on Montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas, and to continue identifying potential Natura 2000 sites; welcomes the proclamation of the Platamuni area as the first Marine Protected Area in Montenegro and the nomination of the Biogradska Gora National Park’s beech forests for inclusion in UNESCO world heritage;
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Regrets the lack of progress on key sector reforms in the area of transport policy; calls on Montenegro to further implement its Transport Development Strategy and strengthen administrative capacities for the implementation of trans-European transport networks; Notes with regret the damage to the Tara River linked to building the Bar- Boljare highway; calls on Montenegro to closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; expresses concern that the cost of the Bar- Boljare highway was highly underestimated; notes that Montenegro’s application for co-financing from the Western Balkans Investment Framework is pending; underlines that infrastructure investments need to comply with EU standards and cost-benefit analyses;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on Montenegro to address illegal waste disposal; notes the lack of progress and associated rising costs in building essential wastewater treatment plants to prevent sewage pollution in rivers and the sea in seven municipalities;
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38 a. Welcomes the suspension of concession agreements for small hydro plants that did not follow appropriate environmental standards; calls on all new projects to be in line with the EU’s standards on the environment, state aid, and concessions;