73 Amendments of Tonino PICULA related to 2022/2048(INI)
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022,
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 June 2022,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022,
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution on the follow-up to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 2 May 2022,
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has brought war back to the European continent, has seriously undermined European and global security, has created economic uncertainty, has led to a spike in energy prices, has considerable potential to further destabilise many EU and non-EU countries and has therefore significantly changed the geopolitical context of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine wais a wake-up call for the European Union, presenting a realn immediate threat to the European security and creatingorder and to the security of the European Union and its Member States; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine galvanises momentum towards achieveing a geopolitical redefinition of the CFSP; whereas it is also an opportunityRussia’s invasion also highlights the necessity, underlined by the citizen- driven outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, for the Member States to show thedemonstrate the necessary political will to transform the CFSP into a fully -fledged European policy;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the global consequences of the Russian Federation’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine are compounded by the impact of the ongoing unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic; whereas the return of full-scale war to the European continent, economic instability, and the Russian Federation’s deliberate instrumentalisation of energy volatility result in immediate geopolitical uncertainty for citizens of the European Union, candidate Member States, and prospective candidate Member States, as well as for partners around the world;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas achieving strategic autonomy requires the Union to be able to pursue all matters of strategic significance to the EU without undue reliance on the capabilities of third states and non-EU actors, including through the elimination of vulnerabilities that leave the Union open to internal division and enforced concessions to authoritarian actors; whereas achieving strategic autonomy will allow the Union to further enhance its external action from a basis of strength, more effectively pursue and project its values-based interests, and strengthen its contribution to global multilateralism, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the development of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights worldwide;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the voluntary accession of European states to the European Union remains the Union’s most successful foreign policy instrument; whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were granted candidate status for EU Membership, and Georgia granted a European perspective, on 23 June 2022; whereas the European Commission recommended the Council grant Bosnia and Herzegovina candidate status for EU Membership on 12 October 2022;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is guided by the values of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law; whereas the Union’s values, as enshrined in Article 2, Article 3 (5), and Article 21 TEU, are in its immediate interest; whereas autocratic pressure on these democratic values continues to mount, eroding checks on abuse of power, increasing the incidence and severity of human rights violations, and constricting space for civil society, independent media, and democratic opposition movements; whereas, according to Freedom House, 2021 witnessed the 16th consecutive year of global democratic decline;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas the rules-based international order, founded on international law and the institutions of multilateralism, is under ever-increasing risk, both from within and from without; whereas autocratic states, working alone and through concerted action, attempt to undermine multilateral organisations and agencies as well as international humanitarian and human rights law, subvert its meaning through co-optation, or circumvent or thwart its implementation, while promoting the further development of autocratic norms in the European Union and in third states, including through the use of diplomatic, economic, or military incentives and coercion, and through disinformation campaigns; whereas Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its deliberate war crimes form an attack on the foundations of the multilateral rules- based global order;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the EU’s swift, unified, and sustained response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is a test ofament to the effectiveness of the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy and ofwhen faced with immediate pressure; underlines that, in order to enhance its role as a credible values-based foreign policy player, a reliable international partner, and a credible security and defence actor, the Union must adopt and, in areas in which these are presently available, implement decision-making procedures conducive to this objective;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war in Ukraine and other international challenges calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU; stresses in this view that the direct or indirect support of a third country to the illegal positions of Russia -i.e. in votes at the UN General Assembly on relevant resolutions or by helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions- should bring clear, swift and specific consequences in our political and trade relations with that country;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape caused by the war inRussia’s invasion of Ukraine and other international challenges, including the continued rise of global authoritarianism, the PRC’s assertive foreign policy, the climate emergency, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for a swifter and more resolute implementation of the concept of strategic sovereignty and for a geopolitical awakening of the EU;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Strategic Compass, adopted by the Council in March 2022, gives the EU the tools to be both an effective security provider in a hostilen increasingly adversarial global and regional environment and a more assertive global actor for peace and human security, and therefore calls for its swift implementationon the HR/VP, the Commission, and the Member States to prioritise its swift implementation in cooperation with like-minded partners and in full complementarity with NATO;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
Paragraph 4 – indent 2
- putting the concept of strategic sovereignty into practiceoperationalising strategic autonomy,
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
Paragraph 4 – indent 3
- leading the reinforcement of multilateralism and building partnerships for a better world,
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the Union's remarkable level of unity and resolve in responding swiftly and forcefully to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; urges the Member States to maintain and, where necessary, increase this high and coherent level of support for Ukraine and its citizens in full accordance with Ukraine’s evolving needs and the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a
Paragraph 6 – point a
(a) switching progressively to qualified majority voting for decisions in all areas of the CFSP that do not have military or defence implications, as well as for other EU external policy tools such as the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, by using the passerelle clauses provided for in the Treaties;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
(a a) encouraging, pending the full application of qualified majority voting to decisions without military or defence implications, the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31 (1) TEU;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a b (new)
(a b) convening a Convention by activating the procedure for the revision of the Treaties provided for in Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union, with the objective of, inter alia, enshrining qualified majority voting for all matters relating to the EU’s CFSP in the Treaties;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point c
Paragraph 6 – point c
(c) establishing new formats of cooperation, such as the European Security Council, comprised of the Member States’ Foreign Affairs Ministers, which could be responsible for responding swiftly in emergency situations, in order to develop an integrated approach to conflict and crisis, as well as a Council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point d
Paragraph 6 – point d
(d) making full use of the ‘Team Europe’ approach to coordinate and avoid duplication in the EU’s foreign and security policy while projecting unity;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point e
Paragraph 6 – point e
(e) providing sufficient funding, institutional capacity, and technical support at EU and Member State level to prepare for, and respond without delay to, current, emerging, and future challenges;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates its support for the adoption and implementation of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, enabling the EU to swiftly impose targeted restrictive measures against individuals, entities, and bodies responsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; welcomes the Commission’s intention, as requested by Parliament and announced in the President’s 2022 State of the Union, to introduce a legislative proposal extending the scope of the EU GHRSR to include corruption; urges the Commission to augment this legislative proposal with avenues enabling an enhanced role for the European Parliament in proposing cases of serious human rights violations; reiterates its call on the Council to introduce qualified majority voting for the adoption of restrictive measures imposed under the EU GHRSR;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Highlights that the enforcement of sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation is paramount to limiting its ability to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine and must therefore be of the highest priority; urges the Council to impose restrictive measures on third countries enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, whether through the facilitation of sanctions circumvention or through the provision of direct military assistance; welcomes restrictive measures imposed on the regime in Belarus; calls on the Council to impose similar measures on the Islamic Republic of Iran in view of its delivery of unmanned aerial vehicles and planned provision of surface-to-surface missiles to the Russian Federation for use against Ukraine, notably against civilian targets;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates the necessity to strengthen the Union’s External Action with own and permanent EU instruments and resources in foreign affairs, human rights protection and promotion, and security and defence in order for the Union to be a fully-fledged and credible global player, as well as to be able to better pursue and achieve its objectives and defend its values;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for the strengthening of the EEAS and EU Delegations’ capacities and resources, including by updating the “Council Decision of 26July 2010”, in order for them to be able to better fulfil EU´s objectives and interests worldwide;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls for an own and autonomous European Diplomacy in all areas, including public and cultural, economic, climate, digital and cyber diplomacy, among others, determined by a common diplomatic culture from an EU perspective; calls for the full implementation, including its one year extension, of the Pilot Project “Towards a European Diplomatic Academy”, which should also focus on target groups of a future academy, including the possibility for those who are not Member States’ diplomats to become EU diplomats in the future;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Calls for the strengthening of the EU’s International Cultural Relations and cultural diplomacy by developing a EU instrument that embodies a cultural face of the Union worldwide through a cultural diplomacy action and International Cultural Relations based on a frame of cultural cooperation and co- creation, actively involving civil society and cultural sectors of third countries; stresses that this instrument could aim to promote European culture and way of life, provide EU capacity building and financial assistance to cultural, creative and innovative sectors of third countries’ civil society; underlines that this instrument should include the protection of cultural heritage abroad in EU external action, the promotion of intercultural dialogue, mobility of artists and cultural professionals between the EU and third countries, and the fight against disinformation; highlights that this toolbox should collaborate closely and draw experience from EUNIC, as well as alike-minded partners and international organizations such as UNESCO;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Stresses that geopolitical and humanitarian global crisis demonstrate the need for the EU to provide itself with credible and first-hand information on existent and possible external threats to the EU, in order to be able to react rapidly and effectively, as well as to better protect its interests abroad; calls for the establishment of a system of automatic and continuous flow of intelligence from Member States to the EU on foreign and security issues occurring outside the Union; calls for the strengthening of the EU INTCEN and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre by enhancing its resources and capabilities;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Highlights the necessity to clearly define the competences of the HR/VP, the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council as the current regulatory framework provided both by the Treaties and the inter- institutional agreements on the external representation of the EU abroad is unclear concerning the competences of each institutional figure; considers that this lack of clarity can lead to some duplication in the EU's external action or mislead EU's counterparts and/or interlocutors worldwide in their relations with the Union;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 g(new)
Paragraph 6 g(new)
6g. Underlines that the current design of multilateralism does not fully reflect the current world’s order as not all global actors are properly accounted in its architecture; calls on the Commission, the Council, the EEAS and EU Member States to bring forth sound proposals on how to achieve and guarantee an own and permanent seat for the Union in every multilateral fora, including in the UNSC, in order to strengthen EU’s actorness, coherence and credibility in the world;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Russian Federation’s grave and, massive, and deliberate violations of human rights and the fundamental norms of international law have highlighted the need for stronger, more ambitious, credible, strategic and unified EU presence and action on the world stage, and accentuated; emphasises the necessity for the EU to autonomously set its own strategic objectives, as set out in the Strategic Compass, and develop the capabilities to pursue themse, both autonomously and in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the shift in the Member States’ approaches, moving towards creating moresignifying a move towards enhanced EU strategic sovereigntautonomy by adopting the Versailles Declaration of 11 March 2022 and the Strategic Compass on 21 March 2022, which highlight the need to strengthen EU defence capabilities and to contribute positively to global and transatlantic security, in close collaboration with NATO;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the Strategic Compass ensures a holistic approach to the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy, and must form the foundation for the development of a common strategic culture at the level of both the Union and its Member States; calls for the EU and the Member States to show the necessary unity and political will to swiftly implement the ambitious measures to which they have committed to in the Strategic Compass, including the timely operationalisation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the swift and repeated use of the European Peace Facility to support Ukraine, improve itprovide the necessary support to enable Ukraine to defend and regain effective control over its entire territory within its internationally recognised borders; highlights the necessity to improve the Union’s ability to act andby building on the European Peace Facility support already delivered to Ukraine, including through the Clearing House Cell, and to use the lessons learnt in the Union’s support for Ukraine to enhance its readiness for future scenarios; supports the establishment of the Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces on EU soil and urges its swift deployment; reiterates its call on the HR/VP, the Member States and international partners to prepare a swift and decisive response should Russia deploy chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons against Ukraine;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls for the significant enhancement of the European Peace Facility in order to ensure its full alignment with Ukraine’s present and future needs, the Union’s resolve to continue providing assistance to Ukraine for as long as it takes, and the evolving needs of other partners, including on the African continent;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the importance of stepping up the EU’s efforts, in cooperation with NATO and other international partners, to address and foster resilience against hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation and propaganda campaigns, both within the Union and in third countries; calls on the Commission and the Member States, in close cooperation with NATO and non- NATO partners, to treat the protection of critical European infrastructure, including offshore pipelines and submarine communications and power cables, as a matter of highest priority; calls for further development of the Union’s strategic communications capabilities through the StratCom Task Forces, including those directed at third countries and with a particular focus on the populations of Russia and Belarus, as well as for the allocation of adequate financial resources to this end;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the resolve displayed by the Union and most Member States in the pursuit of full energy independence from the Russian Federation; reiterates its call for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels and uranium, and for the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines to remain closed and be completely abandoned; emphasises that short-term diversification of energy sources may not come at the expense of meaningful human rights dialogue with alternative energy providers and highlights the essential nature of speeding up the green transition;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Urges the Commission to conduct regular comprehensive stress test exercises of strategic supply chains, including in the areas of health, energy, foodstuffs, semiconductors, and critical raw materials, with an eye to preventing supply chain disruptions, preparing for the consequences of severe disruptions, and reducing EU dependencies on third states, in particular those which do not share the Union’s values or with which the Union finds itself in a state of systemic rivalry, to non-critical levels while enhancing its own capabilities, in cooperation with like-minded partners;
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls for an increased EU commitment to developing a comprehensive international space regulation, in order to prevent the weaponisation of spabuilding upon, updating, and reinforcing the existing UN Treaties, Declarations and Legal Principles underpinning space governance, taking account of rapid technological advancements, in order to further the sustainable peaceful development of space while preventing its weaponization and militarisation; welcomes the announcement that the Commission will present a Space Strategy for Security and Defence;
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises that the Union must continue to take the lead in the promotion of a more relevant, resilient, and effective multilateralism which forms the basis for inclusive policy dialogue, cooperation, and convergence aimed at furthering human security, sustainable development, and the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict in full respect of international law and human rights; urges the Union and its Member States to speak with one voice in multilateral fora, to strengthen ties with like-minded partners around the world and intensify outreach to other third countries and their populations, and to pursue pragmatic sectoral multilateral solutions in areas in which doing so is in accordance with its values-based interests;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to maintain the strongest possible unity within the international community in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and defending and promoting international law and the multilateral rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core;
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Underlines that, as NATO remains fundamental to the European security order, the EU and the Member States must commit to strengthening its European pillar, inter alia ,for those Member States which are also Member States of NATO, by consistently meeting the NATO defence spending benchmark of 2% of GDP as of 2024 while preventing duplication, reducing fragmentation, and enhancing interoperability; urges the two remaining NATO Member States which have not yet done so to ratify Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO without delay;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Emphasises that the achievement of a geopolitical EU must start on the European continent; welcomes, therefore, the establishment and launching summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Prague in October 2022 as an essential forum to strengthen relations between European states, including those outside the EU or wishing to join in the future, to develop a shared understanding of current challenges, and to pursue political and security cooperation based on shared interests; underlines that, for the future success and coherence of this format, some level of alignment on democratic values and principles is essential; reiterates that the EPC may under no circumstance precipitate, or form a pretext for, delays to the EU accession of enlargement countries;
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the need to intensify the dialogue with the UK on possible avenues for future cooperation and coordination in the area of foreign and security policy, in line with the provisions of the Political Declaration, and including in the framework of the EU- NATO partnership, the United Nations and other international forums, the European Political Community, and other international forums; urges the UK to ensure the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, and pursue practical, flexible and durable common solutions within the Protocol’s legal framework;
Amendment 294 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the importance of strong transatlantic cooperation, again highlighted in the context of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, based on shared values and objectives, and on the principle of partnership in leadership and responsibility, while respecting the other party’sies’ autonomy, interests and aspirations;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes note of the outcome of the EU-China Summit; reiterates its requests for a renewed EU-China strategy which reflects the PRC’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, including towards the Union and towards candidate and potential candidate-Member States; underscores the necessity of ensuring that any support to Russia’s war in Ukraine and any circumvention of the effects of the sanctions against Russia by China must have consequences for its relations with the EU; reiterates its condemnation of the PRC’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang UAR, which represent a serious risk of genocide, of its undermining of democracy in the Hong Kong SAR, and of its persistent threats issued against Taiwan;
Amendment 317 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to establish strategic cooperation with Taiwan; reiterates its advocacy for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international and multilateral bodies and organisations; calls on the Commission to launch, without delay, preparatory measures for negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan;
Amendment 331 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Strongly condemns authoritarian and illiberal regimes’ attacks against human rights and their universal character, as well as the corresponding erosion on their protection; calls on mature democracies and alike-minded partners to adopt a defiant and public attitude reaffirming our commitment to defend the universality of human rights and the Rule of Law; calls on mature democracies and international and regional organisations to join forces by uniting under a global human rights framework in order to address threats and promote human rights worldwide;
Amendment 362 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Acknowledges that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is having a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership countries first and foremost; calls for the EU institutions and the Member States to engage in a thorough reflection on a reform of the Eastern Partnership policy; welcomes the Union’s enhanced engagement with the countries of the Southern Caucasus, notably the swift adoption of an EU monitoring mission to the Armenian side of the Armenia- Azerbaijan border;
Amendment 375 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Reiterates its support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, which continues to resist the regime of the illegitimate leader and the regime’s complicity in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in spite of ongoing crackdowns; insists that all sanctions applied to the Russian Federation must be mirrored for the Belarusian regime while avoiding adverse consequences, notably relating to the provision of visas, for the Belarusian people; recognises the aspirations of the majority of the people of Belarus to live in a free, sovereign, and democratic county and urges the Commission and the Member States to make adequate preparations, in cooperation with the formal representatives of the democratic opposition, to assist in the country’s future democratic transition;
Amendment 377 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Highlights the hesitation and, in certain cases, unwillingness of Central Asian states to lend their support to the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a sign of Russia’s decreasing regional influence; notes the PRC’s and Türkiye’s increasing engagement with the region, notably through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Belt and Road Initiative; calls for enhanced EU involvement in Central Asia, based on respect for fundamental rights and the Union’s values-based interests, including through the Global Gateway;
Amendment 380 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the war inWelcomes the fact that the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted the EU to reprioritise its enlargement policy; emphasises that, while the widening and deepening of the Union must go hand-in-hand, the necessity for EU internal reform may not form a pretext for slowing the merit-based accession process; welcomes the granting of candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, and calls for it to be granted to Georgia, provided that the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion have been addressed; underscores that, while enlargement has proven to be an effective foreign policy toolthe Union’s most effective foreign policy tool, its implementation should be reassessed to allow for the accelerated integration of accession countries that demonstrate strategic orientation towards the EU and unwavering commitment to EU-related reforms, democratic consolidation, and foreign policy alignment, including through their phase-in into specific Union policies and initiatives; highlights the need for sufficient and sustained support for the energy security of EU accession countries, with particular focus on those countries which remain substantially exposed to Russian manipulation of supply, as well as for the establishment of security compacts with accession countries vulnerable to Russian aggression;
Amendment 396 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reiterates its strong support for the European future and EU accession of all countries of the Western Balkans; calls on the Member States to renew their commitment to enlargement by delivering on the EU’s commitments towards the Western Balkan countries, in particular by immediately lifting visa requirements for Kosovo citizens; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia; welcomes the European Council’s readiness to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urges the country’s political actors to show commitment and make significant steps towards EU membership by advancing on the 14 key priorities and implementing the substantial set of reformemphasises the necessity for the EU to reinforce the credibility of the enlargement process by safeguarding its merit-based nature, including through the fundamental nature of democracy, fundamental rights, and the rule of law under chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis in the revised enlargement methodology, while avoiding the politicisation of the enlargement process through bilateral disputes; regrets Serbia’s continued low alignment with the CFSP, notably in regard to the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and reiterates its position that further negotiating chapters should be opened only when Serbia strengthens its commitment to reform in the areas of democracy and rule of law and demonstrates progressive alignment with the CFSP; welcomes the start of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia and urges all relevant parties to pursue the necessary steps to enable North Macedonia’s and Albania’s swift progress; denounces the detrimental role played by regional actors and Russian foreign interference across the countries of the Western Balkans;
Amendment 412 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Reiterates its appreciation for Turkey’s condemnation of the unjustified Russian invasion and military aggression against Ukraine and for its role as facilitator between Ukraine and Russia, including through its vital contribution to bring about the important deal to export the Ukrainian grain; expresses however serious concern by the continuing lack of alignment with EU sanctions against Russia, particularly in the framework of the free movement of goods derived from the existing custom union and against the backdrop of recently strengthened trade and financial relations with Russia; calls on Turkey to reverse the constant deterioration in its alignment with the EU CFSP (which currently stands at a meagre 7%); stresses that Turkey’s geopolitical role does not override the serious shortcomings with regard to human rights situation in the country, which remain the main obstacle for the advancement of EU-Turkey relations;
Amendment 424 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Remains deeply concerned about reports that the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement deliberately seeks to circumvent and undermine the centrality of democratic and rule-of-law reforms in EU accession countries; urges the Commission to instigate an independent and impartial investigation into whether the conduct displayed and policies furthered by the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the European Commission and of the Commissioner’s obligations under the Treaties;
Amendment 430 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to support the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and to cushion the adverse effects on these countries of the supply shocks and price increases resulting from the war in UkraineRussia’s invasion of Ukraine, in particular in the domain of food security; welcomes the UN-brokered Black Sea grain initiative; urges Russia to end the renewed weaponization of food exports, which irresponsibly risks galvanising further food insecurity in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and to abide by the terms of the agreement in full;
Amendment 434 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Expresses its deep concern about the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Afghanistan following the violent Taliban takeover, with particularly adverse effects on women and girls, ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, independent media representatives, and individuals who provided assistance to the EU and its Member States; urges the Commission and the High Representative to ensure the full and timely evacuation of all members of staff of the EU Special Representative in Afghanistan and EUPOL Afghanistan, other particularly vulnerable persons, and their dependent spouses, children, parents, and unmarried sisters, in accordance with Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/151; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced funding for humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan; reiterates its non- recognition of the Taliban regime;
Amendment 439 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Fully supports the aspirations of the Iranian people, who want to live in a free, stable, inclusive and democratic country that respects its national and international commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms; welcomes, in this regard, the restrictive measures imposed on Iranian individuals and entities, including the so-called “morality police”, for their role in the repression of the ongoing, women-led protests in Iran demanding equal rights and ending the systematic discrimination of women and broader violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic; calls for the establishment of an international investigative and accountability mechanism for human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government;
Amendment 453 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the ambition to strengthening of the EU’s relations with the Gulf countries, as underlined in the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council of 18 May 2022 on a strategic partnership with the Gulf (JOIN(2022)0013); notes that there is a common interest in engaging more strategically with the Gulf partners; calls on the EU and the Member States to continue to emphasise respect for human rights and gender equality as well as the progressive alignment of values, notably related to countering the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its consequences; deeply deplores, in this respect, the OPEC+ decision, notably driven by Saudi Arabia, to reduce oil production, which risks undermining efforts to counter Russia’s aggression and exacerbating the global energy crisis;
Amendment 458 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the adoption of the Union’s multiannual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),ensuring predictable support for Palestine refugees in line with the EU- UNRWA Joint Declaration 2021-2024, as well as the Union’s additional contribution to the Agency under the Food and Resilience Facility to address food insecurity; emphasises that continued support to the Agency remains fundamental to regional stability and development with an eye to a sustainable peace and a two-state solution on the basis of 1967 borders;
Amendment 464 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and calls on the Russian leadership to end it immediately and withdraw unconditionally from Ukraine and any other country whose territory, or parts thereof, it has unlawfully occupieds; urges the international community to hold Russia accountable for the countless war crimes and human rights violations its armed forces have perpetrated in Ukraine and elsewhere, and reaffirms that Russia will have to pay compensation for all of the damage and destruction it has caused in Ukraine; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the lead in the preparation of a multilateral mechanism overseeing, enforcing, and disbursing the payment of reparations to Ukraine;
Amendment 474 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Takes note of the prevalence of support for Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine across many countries, notably due to the effective nature of Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns; encourages the HR/VP, the Commission and the Member States to enhance diplomatic outreach to these countries, to increase bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and to intensify strategic communications; highlights the central role to be played by the Global Gateway in tackling shared challenges based on democratic values, equal partnerships, and environmental sustainability;
Amendment 485 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Stresses the importance of strengthening relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) by updating the EU-LAC strategy, with a strong emphasis on joint efforts to strengthen the multilateral global order, international law, and respect for democracy and human rights, in particular against the backdrop of the increasing and disproportionate influence of China and Russia in the region in comparison with the EU; stresses, in this context, the importance of concluding balanced and modernised agreements with Chile, Mexico, and Mercosur with a binding and enforceable chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) that includes a strong human rights dimension and alignedment with the goals of the European Green Deal, provided that, in the case of Mercosur, agreement is reached on the additional instrument;
Amendment 489 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to implement the commitments agreed on at the AU-EU Summit, to swiftly implement the Global Gateway projects in Africa and to strengthen partnerships with countries on the African continent, in line with the Strategic Compass; and on the basis of equality, particularly with the aim of promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, digital and green transformations, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflict, in accordance with the principles of international law; underlines that EU engagement with Africa, including through development and trade cooperation, must prioritise contributing to strong and resilient societies, enhancing social equality and security, and supporting democratic structures on the ground; welcomes the allocation of funding under the European Development Fund towards mitigating growing food insecurity resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calls for further similar measures to betaken as necessary;
Amendment 497 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls to enhance EU agreements establishing or strengthening EU relations with a third country, as well as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, by including, during the negotiations of these agreements, a conditionality concerning the possibility of a bilateral standing invitation to observe the respective elections of the Parties involved; stresses that this electoral observation conditionality should be addressed as well in already existing agreements, including the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, in case of their revision by means of a possible Protocol;
Amendment 505 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to enable and strengthen parliamentary oversight of EU external action, including by continuing regular consultations with the VP/HR and the Commission, and by involving Parliament in the proper further implementation and scrutiny of the European Peace Facility and the Strategic Compass; recalls that the European Parliament upholds a degree of informal cooperation with the EEAS enhanced by Council Decision of 26 July 2010 and the “High Representative’s declaration of political accountability of 2010”; highlights that is necessary to further strengthen the framework of inter- institutional relations between this Parliament and the EEAS, including its delegations; calls for a “Framework Agreement on strengthening External Action cooperation between the EEAS and the European Parliament", which could move forward towards enhancing EU’s own toolbox for External Action;
Amendment 512 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Affirms that Parliament should make full use of its oversight and budgetary powers in relation to the decisions of the Union in the international arena; highlights the importance of Parliament’s democracy support programmes, which have great potential to reinforce the EU’s role around the world by engaging key political stakeholders and facilitating sustainable democratic governance in non-EU and EU accession countries;