1144 Amendments of Alessia Maria MOSCA
Amendment 2 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance which the European Investment Bank (EIB) attaches to operations outside the EU in its overall lending activity, and that new lending outside the EU should continue to maintain a fairly even split between support for social and economic infrastructure and support for local private sector development; underlines that the EIB is operating under a development mandate and therefore needs to work in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes the principle of policy coherence and therefore demands the EIB’s external lending activities to be more consistent with the Union’s external policies and strategy; demands that the EIB, in close cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS), better reflects the Union’s external affairs priorities into its Regional Technical Operational Guidelines;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Welcomes the reporting activities of the EIB’s to ensure an increasing level of transparency but demands a wider access to information concerning its activities and in particular with regards to the contracting and subcontracting system, as well as access to financial data relating to EIB-funded projects; calls on the EIB to strengthen the involvement of civil society and stakeholders;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Recalls that the EIB activities must reflect the Union’s internal and external policies; underlines that its lending conditions should facilitate the achievement of these goals and in particular the development of the Union’s peripheral regions by promoting growth and employment; calls on the EIB to greatly strengthen the arrangements for providing technical assistance and financial expertise to local and regional authorities before project approval in order to improve accessibility and involve all Member States, especially those with a lower success rate in terms of projects approved;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Recalls that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy and therefore calls on the EIB to bridge their lack of access to credit by enhancing existing programmes, such as the European Progress Microfinance facility, and by allocating them increased funds; regrets the sometimes limited use of trade preferences by European companies and reiterates the need for SMEs to fully benefit from the potential unleashed by European economic and trade partnership agreements; reiterates its support to the financing of new internationalization programmes tailored on SMEs’ needs; suggests the establishment of more pro-active SME and micro-enterprise policy requirements for intermediary banks disbursing EIB funds;
Amendment 9 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Demands the involvement of the EIB in the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund’s activities and calls on the EIB to establish a task force to support the entrepreneurial activities of displaced workers and of the ones left behind by the collateral effects of globalisation;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Regards it as important that the EIB advocates higher transparency and social and environmental performance standards in its cooperation with other development banks as a condition for any capital involvement; regrets that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the European Investment Fund and China’s Silk Road Fund (SRF) and the one signed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the New Development Bank, and the World Bank have not yet improved the business environment for European enterprises and workers; notes with concern that the AIIB governance structures do not yet foresee adequate involvement of shareholders in project financing decisions and that publically available project documentation lacks any detail on the fulfilment of the environmental and social measures that the AIIB requires from its lenders; expresses scepticism over the involvement of the EIB in the One Belt One Road initiative (OBOR) due to the lack of proper assessments on the project’s impact on working conditions and workers’ rights, on the environment, and on human rights; is concerned about the lack of transparency and good governance practices in the implementation of the project;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the rolling out by the EIB of the Economic Resilience Initiative that helps the countries in the Western Balkans and the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and forced displacement; calls for increased funding to this Initiative and a strengthened involvement of the EIB in these regions in order to support humanitarian action, job creation, economic growth and infrastructure improvements; in this regard welcomes the approval of the first projects of the European External Investment Plan (EEIP) in Africa and looks forwards to a strengthened role for the EIB;
Amendment 23 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the opinion that the EIB should continue to enhance its role in helping to achieve sustainable development, and that climate action lending should focus mainly on the transport and energy sectors.; reiterates its firm opposition to the financement of projects linked to the consumption of fossil fuels; calls on the EIB to pay greater attention to the impact of its operations on human rights and labour rights, and to further develop its policy on social standards into a human rights policy in the area of banking; suggests, for this purpose, the inclusion of human rights benchmarks in its project evaluations;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the EIB to ensure that companies participating in projects co- financed by the EIB shall be required to adhere to the principles of equal pay and pay transparency as well as gender equality as set out in Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation; also calls for EIB decisions on project financing to take into account action by candidate companies in the field of corporate social responsibility;
Amendment 31 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the EIB, taking into account the insufficient project generation capacity in the public and private sectors and the lower borrowing capacity in some Member States, and with a view to reducing the investment shortfall in the EU, to consider an approach whereby contributions made on a one-off basis to EIB-funded projects by Member States, whether by a Member State as such or by national promotional banks classified in the general government sector or acting on behalf of a Member State, would qualify as one-off measures within the meaning of Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97and Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1497;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2161(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Calls on the EIB to publish detailed information on its website about decisions on the selection of projects to be financed, with particular reference to the reasons for rejection of projects submitted, the outcome of in-house investigations, the selection, supervision, and assessment of its activities and programmes, based on clear measurable indicators, and the methods used for, and the findings of, ex ante assessments and ex post reports for every project financed.
Amendment 1 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that according to its operational strategy, the EIB aims to (i) finance viable capital projects and (ii) borrow on the capital markesupport European strategic objectives, such as restoring EU competitiveness and long term economic growth and job creation, to facilitate the access to finance for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), to foster energy transition by financing climate adaptation and mitigation projects, to finance these projectaddress the jobs crisis facing the EU’s young generation, to support infrastructure projects, and to contribute to the mitigation of migration’s causes;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes the principle of policy coherence and therefore demands the EIB’s external lending activities to be more consistent with the Union’s external policies and strategy; underlines that the EIB is the financial arm of the European Union and as such it should facilitate the access to finance to those enterprises unable to raise funds through commercial banks; calls on the EIB to pay greater attention to the impact of its operations on human rights and labour rights, and to further develop its policy on social standards into a human rights policy in the area of banking; suggests, for this purpose, the inclusion of human rights and corporate social responsibility benchmarks in its project evaluations;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Underlines that EIB’s lending conditions should facilitate the development of the Union’s peripheral regions by promoting growth and employment; calls on the EIB to greatly strengthen the arrangements for providing technical assistance and financial expertise to local and regional authorities before project approval in order to improve accessibility and involve all Member States, especially those with a lower success rate in terms of projects approved;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the EIB to ensure that companies participating in projects co- financed by the EIB shall be required to adhere to the principles of equal pay and pay transparency as well as gender equality as set out in Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation; also calls for EIB decisions on project financing to take into account action by candidate companies in the field of corporate social responsibility;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the European Union provides a guarantee to the EIB; warns that this may create moral hazard in lendingIB operates under a development mandate and therefore needs to work in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; reiterates its firm opposition to the financement of projects linked to the consumption of fossil fuels;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. 4. Notes with satisfaction that the EIB has committed 25 % of its total financing to projects relating to climate change, rising to 35 % by 2020; urges the EIB to strongly reconsider this level of fundingwelcomes this contribution of the EIB to the EU’s efforts to address climate change and mitigate its consequences;
Amendment 19 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the EIB’s lending to Mediterranean Partner Countries will amount to EUR 15 billion over the next five years; cautions, however, that Transparency International considers these to be among the worst countries in the world for corruption; affirms that such lending should therefore cease until the appropriate auditing measures are in place; and therefore affirms the need for continued strict monitoring of potential risks related to corruption and fraud; demands the EIB to remove from its transparency policy the presumption of non-disclosure related to information and documents collected and generated during inspections, investigations and audits on fraud and corruption, including once these have been closed; considers the lending activity in the Mediterranean region paramount for the achievement of the Union’s external and migration policies; therefore calls for an expansion of the external lending mandate (ELM) and a strengthened involvement of the EIB in these regions in order to support humanitarian action, job creation, economic growth and infrastructure improvements; in this regard welcomes the approval of the first projects of the European External Investment Plan (EEIP) in Africa and looks forwards to a strengthened role for the EIB;
Amendment 25 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the EIB should increase its transparency, vis-à-vis not only the European Parliament, but also the parliaments of the Member States; believes that it is only right that democ; in this regard welcomes the reporting activities of the EIB’s to ensure an increasing level of transparency but demands a wider access to information concerning its activities and in particular with regards to the contractic representatives have more information about the activities of the EIBng and subcontracting system, as well as access to financial data relating to EIB-funded projects; calls on the EIB to strengthen the involvement of civil society and stakeholders;
Amendment 30 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that there will have to be special arrangements regarding the UK’s shareholding must preserve the EIB’s ability to achieve its policy objectives;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 39 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recalls that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy and therefore calls on the EIB to bridge their lack of access to credit by enhancing existing programmes, such as the European Progress Microfinance facility, and by allocating them increased funds; calls for the establishment of more pro-active SME and micro-enterprise policy requirements for intermediary banks disbursing EIB funds;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2151(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Regards it as important that the EIB advocates higher transparency and social and environmental performance standards in its cooperation with other development banks as a condition for any capital involvement; regrets that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the European Investment Fund and China’s Silk Road Fund (SRF) and the one signed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the New Development Bank, and the World Bank have not yet improved the business environment for European enterprises and workers; notes with concern that the AIIB governance structures do not yet foresee adequate involvement of shareholders in project financing decisions and that publically available project documentation lacks any detail on the fulfilment of the environmental and social measures that the AIIB requires from its lenders; expresses scepticism over the involvement of the EIB in the One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR) due to the lack of proper assessments on the project’s impact on working conditions and workers’ rights, on the environment, and on human rights; is concerned about the lack of transparency and good governance practices in the implementation of the project;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2109(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly welcomes the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by the EU and recalls the importance of its full implementation by all WTO signatories in order to simplify and modernise export and import processes worldwide; encourages the Commission to share its best practices in the WTO TFA Committee in order to promote the coordinated implementation of modern procedures with EU trading partners; calls on the Commission to continue working closely with the OECD and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in reducing existing gaps in customs control systems;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2109(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Draws attention to the fact that globalisation is increasingly connecting economic operators across different countries and enhancing the complexity of value chains; Stresses that a fully functional customs union is essential in order to guarantee the credibility and strength of the EU when negotiating trade agreements; emphasises, in that context, that an efficient EU customs union should facilitate trade and reduce administrative burdens for legitimate traders as well as ensuring effective controls, to guarantee that products that enter our market are fully compliant with the rules and meet our standards, inter alia by fostering cooperation between the customs authorities of Member States and third countries;
Amendment 8 #
2018/2109(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that creating seamless customs processes across the Union through the reform of IT infrastructurethe Union Customs Code IT infrastructure, including alignment with WCO data model, is pivotal; considers that digitalisation has to the potential to make the exchange of information and the payment of duties more transparent and accessible, in particular for operators in third countries; Highlights that digitalisation of customs operations can also be a powerful tool in addressing border corruption;
Amendment 10 #
2018/2109(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. NDraws attention to the relevance of the EU Customs Union as one of the most important sources of the Union’s financial capacity; notes that the current divergent levels of controls and their quality, and of customs procedures and sanctions policies at points of entry into the customs union, often result in the distortion of international trade flows, feeding the problem of ‘forum shopping’ and putting at risk the integrity of the single market; strongly encourages, in this context and in light of Article 23 of the TFA, the transfer of responsibilities from national customs authorities to EU level;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2109(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Feels that better coordination is needed between the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), customs authorities and market surveillance authorities, in order not only to combat counterfeiting, but also to curb the trade in illegal products that infringe intellectual property laws in the EU;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to Article 5 of the Treaty of the European Union (TEU),
Amendment 9 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 c (new)
Citation 7 c (new)
– having regard to Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union(TFEU),
Amendment 10 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 c (new)
Citation 7 c (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Trade for all: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy’ (COM(2015)0497),
Amendment 13 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 d (new)
Citation 7 d (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 27 April 2017 on the EU flagship initiative on the garment sector1a, __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0196.
Amendment 16 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 e (new)
Citation 7 e (new)
– having regard to its Resolution of 14 June 2017 on the state of play of the implementation of the Sustainability Compact in Bangladesh2a, __________________ 2a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0265.
Amendment 18 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 g (new)
Citation 7 g (new)
– having regard to voluntary country-specific partnerships, such as the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact and the Myanmar Labour Rights Initiative,
Amendment 19 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 h (new)
Citation 7 h (new)
– having regard to the 2007 joint strategy of the EU and its Member States entitled ‘Aid for trade: Enhancing EU support for trade-related needs in developing countries’,
Amendment 21 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 j (new)
Citation 7 j (new)
– having regard to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals,
Amendment 23 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 l (new)
Citation 7 l (new)
– having regard to the fundamental ILO Conventions on child labour, forced labour, discrimination, and freedom of association and collective bargaining,
Amendment 25 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 n (new)
Citation 7 n (new)
– having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 May 2016 on the EU and responsible global value chains,
Amendment 26 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 o (new)
Citation 7 o (new)
– having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development and the position in the form of amendments of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0269/2017),
Amendment 27 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 p (new)
Citation 7 p (new)
– having regard to the International Criminal Court Decision on the “Prosecution’s Request fora Ruling on Jurisdiction under Article 19(3) of the Statute” ICC-RoC46(3)-01/18-37
Amendment 30 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)stipulates that the EU’s trade policy must be built on the principles and objectives of EU external policy; whereas Article 208 of the TFEU establishes the principle of policy coherence for development and sets the eradication of poverty as the main objective; whereas the Commission’s Trade for All communication bases EU trade policy on three key principles – effectiveness, transparency and values;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas Article 21 TEU provides that (i) the EU's action on the international scene must be guided, inter alia, by the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the respect for human dignity; and (ii) that the EU must define and pursue common policies and actions so as to, inter alia, support human rights;
Amendment 36 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the Ombudsman made clear that (i) good administration necessarily requires observance and respect of fundamental rights; (ii) there cannot be good administration where fundamental rights are not respected; and (iii) the European Commission must accordingly always consider whether its actions both comply with fundamental rights and result in furthering the cause of human rights in third countries;
Amendment 37 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the GSP Regulation requires that the European Commission take account of "all available information" in determining whether GSP beneficiary countries duly comply with their human rights obligations, including information provided by civil society; whereas in lack of an independent and formal complaints mechanism it cannot be guaranteed that the European Commission duly complies with its obligation to take account of "all available information";
Amendment 44 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas several international conventions, guidelines and rules aim to prevent human rights abuses; whereas GSP beneficiary countries in particular have the obligation to implement them and to create the appropriate legal and economic conditions under which businesses can operate and find a place in global supply chains; whereas GSP beneficiary countries must also be able to implement international standards and norms, including drawing up, implementing and enforcing appropriate legislation, particularly in the area of establishing the rule of law and combating corruption;
Amendment 49 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the EU should respond even more effectively to social and environmental dumping and unfair competition and trade practices, and ensure a level playing field;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas the particular situation of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) is such that in some countries they are exempt from local labour laws and forbid or limit union activity, and that workers have no recourse to legal redress there, which constitutes a clear violation of ILO standards; whereas corruption and exemptions from labour laws and taxation in EPZs could have a negative impact on human rights, in particular by undermining decent work and trade unions;
Amendment 54 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Ed. whereas gender equality in all EU policies is firmly established in Article 8 of the TFEU; whereas trade and investment agreements tend to affect women and men differently on account of structural gender inequalities; whereas according to the ILO, in 2012 21 million people worldwide, of whom 55 % were women and girls, were the victims of forced labour, with 90 % of these were exploited in the private economy by individuals or enterprises;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E e (new)
Recital E e (new)
Ee. whereas the involvement of civil society and social partners in the implementation of the GSP scheme can enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Common Commercial Policy;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E f (new)
Recital E f (new)
Ef. whereas since 1 July 2016, around 12 000 people, including women and children, have, reportedly, been killed in the Philippines during an ongoing campaign against drugs, internationally proclaimed as President Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’; whereas President Duterte has vowed to continue his anti-drug campaign until the end of his presidential term in 2022; whereas the EU remains deeply concerned about the high number of killings associated with the campaign against illegal drugs in the Philippines and about the clear violation of commitments undertaken in the framework of the GSP programme;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E g (new)
Recital E g (new)
Eg. whereas, according to various reports, hundreds of garment workers have died in various factory fires in Bangladesh since 2006,for which regrettably the numerous culpable factory owners and managers have never been brought to justice; whereas it is estimated that every year some 11700 workers are killed in fatal accidents and another 24 500 die from work-related diseases, across all sectors in the country; whereas in different occasions the Government has announced its endeavours to apply for the GSP+ programme;
Amendment 62 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E h (new)
Recital E h (new)
Eh. whereas Pakistan had a moratorium on the death penalty in place until 2015, but reinstated it in the wake of the massacre at the Army Public School in Peshawar in December 2014; whereas the moratorium was lifted initially only for terrorist activities, but was subsequently extended to all capital offences; whereas in its recent review of Pakistan’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Human Rights Committee raised concerns about restrictions on INGOs in the country and called for a review of the policy for regulation of INGOs in Pakistan, in particular its vague language regarding cancellation of INGO registration;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E i (new)
Recital E i (new)
Ei. whereas Sri Lanka has committed to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the Code of Criminal Procedures Act, and to implement the Convention against Torture in the framework of the GSP+ regime; whereas the country has fallen short of its commitments;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E j (new)
Recital E j (new)
Ej. whereas trade unionists, human rights activists and civil society organizations are operating in an increasingly restricted space in Cambodia and face harassment, acts of intimidation and arbitrary arrest; whereas the 2015 amended Law on Association and Non- Governmental Organizations (LANGO) severely restricts freedom of association and expression, including by establishing government control and censorship over the work of NGOs; whereas the Trade Union Law restricts freedom of association and creates unnecessary obstacles and burdens in relation to registration procedures and the operations of trade unions;
Amendment 65 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E k (new)
Recital E k (new)
Ek. whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described the circumstances surrounding the mass exodus of more than 700,000 Rohingya people from Myanmar as a “text book example of ethnic cleansing”;
Amendment 66 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E l (new)
Recital E l (new)
El. whereas the European Commission is in the process of launching investigations on human rights abuses within the framework of potential withdrawals of Myanmar and Cambodia from the Everything But Arms arrangements;
Amendment 67 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E m (new)
Recital E m (new)
Em. whereas the GSP trade preferences are enshrined in the EU’s principle of promoting fair and free trade, and, therefore, allow the EU to suspend GSP benefits in the most serious cases of human rights violations on the basis of Chapter V, Article 19(1)(a) of the GSP regulation, which stipulates that preferential treatment may be withdrawn temporarily on a number of grounds, including serious and systematic violation of the principles laid down in the conventions listed in Part A of Annex VIII, among them the ILO’s eight fundamental conventions;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that the full potential of the GSP+ scheme to improve the situation with regards to workers’ rights, promotion of gender equality, and abolition of child and forced labour can only be fulfilled if monitoring of effective implementation of obligations under the 27 conventions is improved, and the incentive of trade preferences is accompanied by other support measures;
Amendment 76 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that, overall, the GSP scheme appears to have created incentives for ratifying international conventions and has therefore created a better framework for progress; stresses the importance of measures to ensure that GSP enhances positive environmental development; nevertheless considers these achievements to be too limited and insufficient; stresses that much has to be done in beneficiary countries to achieve a sustainable development model;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Emphasises that acts of secondary EU law must be both designed and interpreted in line with primary EU law and general principles of EU law; thus calls for a reform of the GSP Regulation that would lead to bind the European Commission to withdraw GSP treatment from third countries that fail to adequately address established violations of human rights within their jurisdiction;
Amendment 82 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to lay down specific objectives and benchmarks with regard to the effective implementation of international conventions and systematically include these in the human rights country strategy papers with a view to ensuring consistency and mainstreaming human rights into trade policy;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Encourages the establishment of an independent and formal complaints mechanism related to the effective implementation of obligations under international conventions under GSP+, in order to take into account all available information, including from reliable local stakeholders;
Amendment 84 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Suggests that the future reform of GSP+ should take into consideration a progressive phase out of tariffs based on the achievements of the beneficiary country in terms of sustainable development; emphasises the conditionality of trade preferences to improvements on social and environmental protection;
Amendment 112 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes noteSupports the launch of the first safeguard investigation under the regulation and considers that this clause should ensure that the EU’s financial and economic interests are protected while being able to offer preferences for sensitive product; stresses that if trade preferences are not followed by reforms and the implementation of international conventions, the GSP programmes could potentially lead to increased levels of environmental and social dumping; calls on the Commission to assess the programmes’ effects on Union industry and workers;
Amendment 116 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights that the GSP has made the corporate sector more dynamic, resulting in an increased number of women in the labour force in the industries of the export countries that trade with the EU; notes however that despite some limited improvements women continue to be discriminated and is concerned in particular for the condition of women in the Ready Made Garment (RMG) sector; in this regard deems regrettable that the Commission has not followed up the European Parliament resolution on the European Garment Initiative;
Amendment 124 #
2018/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the effect that the GSP has had on private corporations’ initiatives to adopt cleaner and safer technologies, and the direct positive impact thereof on workers and the environment; takes the view that measures to further encourage this development should be planned; nevertheless considers voluntary schemes to be ineffective; re-calls its various initiatives aiming at the establishing due- diligence obligations on European importers;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament Resolution of 31 May 2018 on the situation in Nicaragua (2018/2711(RSP)),
Amendment 2 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
– having regard to the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the situation in Nicaragua of 2 October 2018,
Amendment 3 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
– having regard to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly Resolution on the Governance of Globalisation, adopted on 20 September 2018, in Vienna,
Amendment 4 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 d (new)
Citation 3 d (new)
– having regard to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly Resolution on Corporate Social Responsibility in the EU and in Latin American and Caribbean countries, adopted on 20 September 2018, in Vienna,
Amendment 5 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters in Free Trade Agreements 1a, __________________ 1a https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:5201 7IE5323&from=EN
Amendment 7 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to Report on the fourth meeting of the Association Committee of 14 June 2018;
Amendment 10 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the "Joint Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment on the Occasion of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December 2017",
Amendment 20 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas Opinion 2/15 of the European Court of Justice affirmed that the CCP is a values-based policy and promoting sustainable development constitutes an integral part of the CCP;
Amendment 22 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the European Parliament has repeatedly urged the Commission to strengthen the monitoring, implementation and enforcement mechanisms of TSD Chapters, including by considering, among others, a sanctions-based dispute settlement mechanism;
Amendment 23 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas since April 2018 violence has escalated in Nicaragua, leading to hundreds of civilians, particularly students, being killed, injured or arrested, which constitutes a severe violation of human rights and, particularly, of fundamental civil and political rights and freedoms, as well as the rule of law;
Amendment 24 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
Dd. whereas respect for democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law forms an essential part of the Association Agreement, whose violation by one Party allows the other Party to take appropriate measures, including, as a last resort, suspending the Agreement;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls the importance of strengthening bi-regional cooperation to preserve and to reinforce the multilateral trade system, as an essential pillar to achieve the SDGs and to guarantee an economic governance based on rules, ensuring a more fair, inclusive and sustainable trade; in particular, recalls its support for the WTO, stressing its role in creating economic stability and supporting growth and development, and calls on the Parties to make use of the dialogue fostered by the Agreement to identify and to develop joint strategies towards the necessary modernization of the WTO;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the AA relies on a rules-based fair and predictable relationship which promotes a more secure economic environment built upon the principles of sustainable development; considers that such predictability fosters the exchange of goods, the provision of services, participation in public procurement and the attractiveness of investment which, even if the flows do not always evolve in a linear fashion, are aimed at creating opportunities for quality employment, improved working conditions and living standards on both sides; recalls that liberalisation of trade and investment must go hand in hand with respect of human rights, labour and environmental standards and that this shall apply to all actors concerned, including companies and investors;
Amendment 32 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to deliver updated and comprehensive annual reports on the implementation of the AA as requested in the relevant implementing regulations; is of the opinion that the information included in the Report on Implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) is not sufficient and, in order to adequately assess the implementation of the AA, suggests that the parties improve the provision of updated, comparable and reliable statistical data; Urges the Commission to establish a mandatory review covering the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapter of the Trade Pillar, which shall be conducted by independent experts; Recalls the commitment by the EU and other signatories of the "Buenos Aires Declaration on Gender and Trade" to mainstream gender equality into trade policy and, particularly, to carry out evaluations on the basis of gender- disaggregated data; Calls on the Parties, equally, to provide with regular and accurate data on the sectors and the degree of consolidation of SMEs' activities, in view of the opportunities created by the Agreement;
Amendment 34 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the fact that trade flows between the parties have generally proven to be resilient despite an unfavourable international economic context ; takes note that: a) EU exports have grown by 22 %, while imports from five Central American countries have increased by 18.3 %, b) the main destination of EU exports to CA is Costa Rica, followed by Panama and Guatemala, and c) the main exporter of goods to the EU is Costa Rica, followed by Honduras and Guatemala; notes with concern the significant drop in 2015 of 40.4% in exports of Costa Rica to the EU due to the relocation of a major IT equipment producer to South-East Asia, leading to an overall fall in imports from Central America of 16.8%;
Amendment 35 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note that neither CA nor the EU make full use of their granted tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and therefore identifies potential sectors where further exchanges should be encouraged; regrets that figures on preference utilisation rates are only available in Costa Rica and strongly encourages other Central American partners to take the appropriate measures to start collecting such data; is concerned that only 16.6 % of the eligible EU exports to Costa Rica benefited from the FTA while the rate was 92 % for Costa Rican exports to the EU; recalls the key importance of making trade more inclusive and facilitating an appropriate integration of SMEs and particularly of small-scale farmers into value chains; in this regard, requests the Commission to take active measures to increase knowledge and to facilitate the use the opportunities created by the AA among European producers, particularly SMEs, with a view to increase preference utilisation rates and the use of existing TRQs;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that neither the Third Annual Report nor the latest Report on Implementation of FTAs covering 2016 include relevant data for evaluating investment flows; calls on the Commission to include such data in future reports;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the lack of a specific chapter on SMEs in the existing AA, and encourages the Commission, the EEAS, Member States and CA to include such a chapter in a future review of the Agreement; Calls on the Parties to place at the disposal of SMEs all the tools required to foster greater exchanges and enhance participation in order to reap the benefits of the AA, including through active measures to foster the internationalisation of SMEs and the setting up of contact points and a specialised website for SMEs; reiterates its call for action to raise awareness of the AA among stakeholders in both regions; reiterates its call for the promotion of cooperation with appropriate technical and financial resources in strategic sectors for both regions;
Amendment 50 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Insists on the effective implementation of the specific commitments related to Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) provisions, which are an integral part of the AA and are essential to the accomplishment of the objectives set; welcomes, in particular, the fact that civil society advisory mechanisms are now established in all CA countries; regrets, in thisrecalls that the TSD chapter of the Trade Agreement envisages that each Party shall establish Domestic Advisory Groups or committees relevant for matters related to labour, the environment and sustainable development, comprising independent representative civil society organisations, with balanced representation of economic, social and environmental stakeholders, and that this commitment is an indispensable and essential element for the full implementation of the Agreement; welcomes the fact that civil society advisory mechanisms are now established in all CA countries, but notes that serious concerns have been raised with regards to their independence and capacity to participate in some CA countextries; regrets, equally, that the meetings of the Association Committee and Subcommittees and the Civil Society Dialogue Forum have not always taken place as foreseen, and insists that meetings take place on an annual basis;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the recommendations made during the 3rd Joint Meeting of the EU and CA's DAGs on 16 June 2016 and calls on the Parties to implement them, particularly, with a view to ensuring the independence and balanced representation of DAGs, bi-annual meetings of the Parties with their DAGs and a full DAGs’ participation in the evaluation of the AA; Regrets that no joint meeting of the EU and CA DAGs have taken place since 2016 and calls on the Parties to include this practice into the institutional setting of this and all other EU Trade Agreements, as an important tool for improved exchange of information, best practices and the elaboration of joint recommendations to be presented to the Parties;
Amendment 55 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Takes note of the Commission 15- point plan to make TSD chapters more effective and recalls the need to continue its dialogue with the different actors involved, including the European Parliament, in order to design and ensure an effective enforcement mechanism for the human rights, labour and environmental protection commitments included in Trade Agreements;
Amendment 56 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Recalls that the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of the trade agreement includes legally binding provisions to effectively implement human rights, labour and environmental protection standards; Welcomes the fact that the Agreement has set the path for a regular dialogue on the implementation of the shared commitments; Regrets, however, the lack of enforceability of this chapter; Calls on the Parties to review the Agreement to introduce a suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanism, including sanctions as a deterrent measure to be used, as last resort, in the case of serious breaches, and enabling social partners and civil society to participate appropriately;
Amendment 57 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Urges the EU and all CA countries to ratify and fully implement the Multilateral Environmental Agreements on fighting climate change, especially on the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement; Highlights the need to for the EU and CA step up cooperation in this regards;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the different country reports carried out by the ILO and of the challenges that still remain; notes with concern the non-compliance by Guatemala and Honduras with the fundamental Freedom of Association Convention (No. 87) and by El Salvador with priority Tripartite Consultation Convention (No.144); highlights its particular concern about the anti-union violence in Honduras, including extra- judicial killings and impunity for the perpetrators; calls on the CA countries concerned to eradicate violence against trade unionists and indigenous peoples, and to take legislative measures to effectively implement and enforce ILO fundamental conventions on freedom of association, collective bargaining and non- discrimination, ands well as child labour; stresses the importance of strengthening labour inspections and enhancing social dialogue;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recalls that, in the light of the Stabilisation Mechanism and safeguard clause introduced in the Agreement, more thorough and regular information on market developments should be made available by the Commission, both to the European Parliament and the industrial sectors concerned;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that recent political and economic developments in some Central American countries can have a negative impact on the region as a whole and might lead to the destabilisation of the region; Strongly condemns the political violence in Nicaragua which erupted in April 2018, leading to hundreds of civilians, particularly students, being killed, injured or arrested, which constitutes a severe violation of human rights and, particularly, of fundamental civil and political rights and freedoms, as well as the rule of law; recalls, in this regard, that respect for democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law forms an essential part of the Association Agreement, whose violation by one Party allows the other Party to take appropriate measures, including, as a last resort, suspending the Agreement; Calls on the government of Nicaragua to ensure restoration of democratic principles and respect for human rights in full, ceasing violence, intimidation and repression against the opposition and protesters, as well as to immediately engage in dialogue with civil society, with a view to resolving the conflict; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to continue monitoring carefully the situation in Nicaragua and consider its trade relationship with the EU accordingly;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls the obligation of the EU, as enshrined in Art. 8 of the TFUE, to mainstream a gender perspective in all its policies, including Trade; Calls on the Parties to visibly reinforce the gender focus of the Agreement and to include, in a future review, a specific chapter on gender and trade;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to ensure that any future trade agreement provides a level playing field, particularly as regards competition and state aid; stresses that state aid should be allowed only in exceptional and justified cases that are regulated by law, so as not to distort competition on the market; recalls that “as companies go global, so must competition enforcers”, not least since the spread of ICTs and the emergence of the digital economy has led to excessive market and power concentration in some sectors; believes that global rules on competition and the highest level of coordination between competition authorities, including with respect to exchange of information in the course of competition proceedings, is a precondition for the development of global fair trade;
Amendment 4 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to show ambition in opening up international public procurement markets and in increasing European companies’ access to public-private partnerships in third countries; considers it necessary to reduce asymmetries in access to public procurement contracts between the Union and third countries, namely in the US and China; calls on all EU trade partners to allow non-discriminatory access for European businesses and workers to their public procurement markets; welcomes the renewed discussion on the International Procurement Instrument (IPI),which establishes the needed reciprocity in cases where trade partners restrict access to their procurement markets, and calls on the European Council for its swift adoption; supports the Commission’s efforts in opening up third countries’ public procurement markets through bilateral trade partnerships; recalls that companies operating in non-market conditions and driven by geopolitical considerations could virtually beat every competitor in European public procurement tenders; calls on the Commission to monitor public procurement tenders and prevent European businesses and workers to suffer from the unfair competition coming from state-orchestrated companies;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Points out that combating unfair trading practices, including through competition policy, is necessary to ensure a global level playing field which benefits workers, consumers and businesses, and is one of the priorities of the EU’s commercial strategy; emphasises that the reflection paper on harnessing globalisation states that the Union must take steps to restore fair conditions of competition; welcomes the inclusion of provisions on competition policies in the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada, regrets however that these provisions remain limited in scope and do not provide for effective enforcement and dispute resolution; draws attention to the importance of incorporating ambitious provisions on competition in all trade agreements and of enforcing their implementation with a view to guarantee fair rules;
Amendment 9 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes the proposal for the establishment of a European framework for foreign direct investments screening considering it a useful instrument to protect European business of strategic interest from unfair trade practices that may harm security and public order and to safeguard the respect of fair competition principles in the EU;
Amendment 10 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Emphasises the importance of the anti-subsidy instrument in tackling unfair global competition, and establishing a level playing field with EU state aid rules; in this context, regrets that in 2017 once again the People’s Republic of China registered the highest number of newly constituted trade barriers for European businesses and workers and the majority of European anti-subsidy cases;
Amendment 11 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to promote fair competition, including by combating the unjustified use of tariff barriers and subsidies, in the global market through stronger cooperation with other countries at forums such as the WTO, the OECD, UNCTAD, the G20 and the World Bank; recalls the work undertaken at the WTO between 1996 and 2004 on the interaction between trade and competition policy and regrets that this issue has not been part of the WTO work programme since; stresses that provisions in WTO agreements such as GATS Article IX provide a basis to further cooperation amongst WTO members on competition matters; therefore calls for fresh progress to be made at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference towards guaranteeing fair international competition;
Amendment 12 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Despite strongly believing in its fundamental role, expresses concern over the alleged inability of the WTO to tackle non-market economies and to address the competitive distortions provoked by subsidies and state intervention; welcomes the USA, Japan and EU’s tripartite action to reform it accordingly;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to increase its support for small and medium- sized enterprises in the EU so that they can both protect and enforce their rights in the event of unfair commercial practices, i.e. dumping and subsidisation by non-EU countries; in this respect, acknowledges the Commission’s effort to combat unfair competition in high-profile cases against well-known companies, but stresses that the enforcement of fair competition in the case of SMEs is also of the utmost importance;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Draws attention to the importance of effective, harmonised EU customs checks in combating unfair competition; recalls on the importance of avoiding port shopping and competition among Member States, therefore calls for a stricter and more homogenous implementation of the Union’s Customs Code; notes with concern the OLAF conclusions that the “UK customs’ continuous negligence” deprived the EU of EUR 1.987 billion in revenues in lost duties on Chinese merchandise and calls on the United Kingdom to pay the EUR 2.7 billion fine as requested by the European Commission;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2102(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the effective implementation of the sustainable development provisions of trade agreements is important for improving living conditions in partner countries and protecting European businesses from unfair competition; calls for the inclusion of binding and enforceable trade and sustainable development provisions in all bilateral trade partnership agreements currently negotiated by the EU; regrets the damages provoked by unfair competition, carbon leakage and delocalisation that resulted in a global surge of CO2 emissions and a lower employment rate in the EU; welcomes the introduction of environmental and social criteria in the reform of anti-subsidies and anti-dumping measures, nevertheless calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal on the establishment of a European border carbon tax.
Amendment 348 #
2018/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Urges the governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, to stop the discriminatory measures taken since June 2017 against Qatari nationals, in particular those affecting mixed families, students, property owners, and pilgrims banned from travelling to Mecca for Hajj; praises the efforts made by the Qatari National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in supporting the victims of these violations; calls on the European Union to encourage all diplomatic efforts in resolving the situation;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the declaration of 10 April 2018 by 221 EU Member States and Norway on the establishment of a European Blockchain Partnership8 , after which five more Member States have joined the Partnership, adding up to the current number of 27 signatory countries, _________________ 8 https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single- market/en/news/european-countries-join- blockchain-partnership
Amendment 5 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission's launch of the EU Blockchain Observatory and Forum on 1 February 20182a, _________________ 2a http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP- 18-521_en.htm
Amendment 19 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas blockchain can improve transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, streamline customs checks and regulatory compliance, reduce transaction costs, and strengthen the immutability and security of data, and could function as a tool to combat corruption;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas blockchain in the area of international trade is still evolving and therefore needs an innovation-friendly, enabling and encouraging approach that provides legal certainty, while at the same time promoting consumer, investor and environmental protection, increasing the social value of the technology, reducing the digital divide and improving the digital skills of citizens;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses regret that EU FTAs are underutilisednot fully utilised and supports analysis of technical solutions that may increase FTA utilisation and exports; notes that exporters could upload all their documents to a public authority application underpinned by blockchain, and instantly prove their compliance with preferential treatment granted by the FTA;
Amendment 34 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that blockchain has the potential to support the trade and sustainable development agenda by providing trust in the provenance of raw materials and goods; stresses the increasing demand from consumers who want to know where goods are coming from and know the conditions under which the goods were produced; stresses that blockchain could contribute to the sustainability work of companies and promote responsible business conduct;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Believes that blockchain could contribute to improved consumer protection through encouraging more transparent and traceable value chains, which may contribute to detect fraud, promote verifiability and transparency for goods protected by intellectual property rights, and combat trade in counterfeited goods;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that MRAs of AEOs enable businesses to diversify their supply chains; feelbelieves that blockchain offers the potential to reduce the uncertainty associated with implementing MRAs of AEOs, through a seamless exchange of data;
Amendment 48 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that the adoption of blockchain technologies throughout the supply chain can increase the volume of global trade, and can lead to increased consumer protection and confidence in digital trade;
Amendment 63 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises cross-border data flows as an integral functionnecessary for international trade and the design of blockchain architecture; recognises the growing importance of cross-border data flows both within the EU and globally;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Highlights the benefits blockchain could bring to SMEs by allowing peer-to- peer communication, collaboration tools and payments, increasing the ease of doing business; recognises the need for ensuring that the development of blockchain in international trade is SME inclusive;
Amendment 82 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Interoperability and, scalability and interactions with related technologies
Amendment 84 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Considers the possible interactions of blockchain technologies with other innovations in particular, for international trade, with the Internet of Things in developing sensors for transported goods; underlines the need to analyse the risks and opportunities connected with its developments;
Amendment 91 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to follow developments in the area of blockchain, in particular the ongoing pilots/initiatives in the international supply chain and external aspects of customs; invites the Commission to produce a strategy document on adopting blockchain technologies in trade and supply chain management;
Amendment 94 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission to further analyse the practical uses of blockchain in international trade; believes that uncertainty regarding juridical and governance aspects of blockchain is an important concern; encourages further analysis of these issues through policy labs and through inclusive platforms for dialogue and exchange of practices; encourages the Commission and national competent authorities to build up technical and juridical expertise in the area of blockchain in international trade;
Amendment 97 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Calls on the Commission to engage in, support and promote research in the area of blockchain in international trade, in this regard, recalls the Parliament’s position on the importance of promoting female participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and of closing gender gaps in access to and in the use of new technologies; demands that the gender perspective is incorporated in all digital initiatives, ensuring that that the ongoing digital transformation also becomes a driving force for gender equality, which is essential for Europe's long-term growth and prosperity;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls on the Commission to raise awareness about blockchain and its potential in international trade, to undertake initiatives for information spreading, education of citizens, and competence building regarding blockchain technology, and to address the problem of the digital gap between Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop and pursue digital skills training and retraining strategies in order to ensure society’s active and inclusive participation in changes coming from the digital transformation;
Amendment 100 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to develop a set of guiding principles tailored to industry to provide a level of certainty that encourages the use of blockchain and innovation in this areafor blockchain application in international trade, in order to provide the industry, including SMEs, with a sufficient level of certainty that encourages the use of blockchain while still promoting innovation; believes that such guidelines should promote blockchain in suitable areas that may benefit from the technology;
Amendment 106 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to examine ways in which blockchain could support trade and sustainable development; recalls the Parliament’s position that measures flanking an EU digital trade strategy should be fully in line with and contribute to the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG5 on gender equality and women empowerment;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to assess the optimality of blockchain architecture that keeps private data off the chain; recognises the importance of cross-border data flows for growth and jobs, and repeats that any future trade policy provisions on cross-border transfers of data must be subject to the consent of the Parliament and safeguard EU citizens’ fundamental rights;
Amendment 111 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Encourages the Commission to collaborate with and contribute to the work of international organisations and feed into current projects on producing a set of standards and principles to underpin regulation aimed at facilitating the use of blockchain;
Amendment 113 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Commission to play an active role in the process of standardisation and security of blockchain, and to work with the industrieMembers States, public sectors, industries, trade unions, civil society and other stakeholders to develop blockchain standards, including terminology, development, and deployment of the technology;
Amendment 116 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to work with relevant stakeholders in order to review and develop a framework for addressing challenges to interoperability and compatibility between blockchain systems;
Amendment 117 #
2018/2085(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Reminds the Commission that the European Union has an opportunity to become a leading actor in the field of blockchain and international trade, and should be an influential actor in shaping its development globally together with international partners;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the Union has an increasingly ambitious trade agenda, as outlined in the ‘Trade for all’ strategy; underlines the need for giving enough political and administrative support to ensure that trade deals can be agreed within appropriate timeframes; stresses that the funding for Aid for Trade initiatives should be increased and sufficient resources should be allocated to DG Trade of the Commission to enable it to carry out the increasing number of activities, in particular to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the provisions included in both the bilateral and multilateral agreements; highlights the importance of performing assessments prior to, during and following the conclusion of such agreements in achieving a more inclusive strategy; in this regard recognises the need for gender-disaggregated data; reiterates the need to adequately finance the implementation of Trade Defense Instruments (TDIs) to promote quick investigations and to allow for their swift adoption;
Amendment 5 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that international trade is a core tool for the Union foreign policy which, if sufficiently funded and implemented by means of coherent strategies, contributes to sustainable development, particularly in developing countries; considers the Common Commercial Policy as one of the Union's most powerful tools to tackle migration causes;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks the Commission to assess the existing tools aimed at promoting SME internationaliszation regarding their coherence with other Union SME support instruments as well as regarding subsidiarity, non-duplication and complementarity in relation to Member State programmes; calls on the Commission to further finance SMEs internationalization programmes and to endeavour to provide a rules of origin calculator tailored to SMEs that should specifically enable them to use the preferences available under existing agreements with a view to increasing the preference utilisation rate;
Amendment 16 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the involvement of civil society and social partners in the implementation of trade agreements can benefit the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Common Commercial Policy, that the citizens of the Union are asking to be more involved and engaged with Union trade policy and that the Commission has made this citizens’ interest a priority; considers that it is crucial that enough resources are allocated to actively involve citizens in Union trade policy-making and to raise a higher degree of awareness of its benefits among European citizens; calls for the inclusion of Domestic Advisory Groups and Joint Platforms, that are now under budgeted, into citizens’ dialogue as they are the main vehicles for achieving the effective participation of civil society in the enforcement and monitoring of trade and sustainability chapters of trade agreements; calls for the development of the key performance indicators against which they wish to assess the performance of customs administrations at national and Union level; calls on Member States to take a more active role in explaining the added value of Union trade policy since it is the Member States that formulate the negotiating mandates;
Amendment 24 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 27 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that any new Union initiative, including those in the field of defence, should be financed by additional funds and not be detrimental to existing budget lines;
Amendment 28 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Notes that, albeit varying results, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is under budgeted, does not operate systematically and thus is inadequate to balance the side-effects of automation, digitalisation and globalisation; observes the success of similar initiatives in comparable economies; underlines the need for additional funds and resources to finance the EGF and to increase its effectiveness and its operability; in this regard considers the elimination of unnecessary burdens key in achieving a higher degree of efficiency; underlines the importance of trainings in providing un-employed workers with the instruments needed for a successful re-integration into the labour market;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Recalls that Article 8 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union firmly establishes that "In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women" and that, therefore, the Union has a duty to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, guaranteeing that men and women benefit equally from social changes, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, doing away with discrimination and promoting respect for women's rights in the world; in this regard calls on the Commission for the inclusion of Gender chapters in all the newly negotiated trade agreements and to provide the necessary resources for their implementation;
Amendment 7 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru (the Agreement) is a rules-based relationship, anchored on common values and international standards for sustainable development, that has the potential of having a strong positive impact on the socio-economic development of the parties to the Agreement, on economic integration, on sustainable development, human rights and on bringing the countries and their citizens closer together;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls the importance of strengthening cooperation to preserve and to reinforce the multilateral trade system, as an essential pillar to achieve the SDG and to ensure an economic governance based on rules, ensuring a more fair, inclusive and sustainable trade; in particular, recalls its support for the WTO, stressing its role in creating economic stability and supporting growth and development, and calls on the Parties to make use of the dialogue fostered by the Agreement to identify and to develop joint strategies towards the necessary modernization of the WTO;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the opportunity that the Agreement offers to reinforce cooperation andnot only interregional, but also interaregional cooperation and trade between Colombia, Peru and Ecuador;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the integration of Ecuador into the Agreement and stresses the constructive role played in this process by Colombia and Peru, as an additional element to help strengthening regional integration, and stresses the constructive role played all parties to make of this process a success; recalls that the Agreement is still open to further accessions;
Amendment 18 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that the Agreement is an opportunity to foster the peace agreement in ColombiaRecalls the potential benefits and the need to make the best possible use of the Agreement to help implementing the peace agreement and reconciliation process in Colombia, including specific challenges such as the diversification of the economy, productive development or the implementation of the land-use planning; Recalls that continuous and structured support to, and dialogue with, civil society is also key for the sustainability of peace from the ground up, particularly in rural areas;
Amendment 26 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the fact that the Agreement opens markets for, inter alia, goods, services, government procurement and investment, thereby creating new empwhich built upon the principles of sustainable develoypment can create opportunities and contributing tofor quality employment, improved working conditions and living standards by liberalising and expanding trade and investment;
Amendment 41 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that the Agreement has contributed to the modernisation and diversification of exports from Colombia and Peru and that it has had a positive impact on Colombian and Peruvian SMEs; Calls on the Parties to provide with regular and accurate data on the sectors and the degree of consolidation of the SMEs' activities to this regard;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that since the provisional entry into force of the Agreement, 1 155 Colombian companies – of which 328 are SMEs – and 2 328 new Peruvian companies – of which 90 % are SMEs – have begun to export to the EU; Calls on the Parties to further support the internationalization process of the SMEs and their reciprocal market access;
Amendment 47 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Takes the view that many SMEs in the EU, Colombia and Peru are not aware of the opportunities that the Agreement brings; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member StatParties to study the preference utilisation rate of SMEs in particular, and to take effective steps to better communicate the opportunities and benefits offered by the Agreement, including through the setting up of contact points and the establishment of a specialised website for SMEs; considers that a future revision of the trade agreement should consider the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on SMEs;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the fact that EU exports of agricultural products to both countries have increased significantly since the provisional application of the Agreement; Recalls the importance of making trade more inclusive and facilitating an appropriate integration of small-scale farmers into value chains;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that safeguard clauses have been set for sensitive agricultural sectors and that, in this regard, more thorough and regular information on market developments should be made available by the Commission, both to the European Parliament and the industrial sectors concerned;
Amendment 58 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – introductory part
Paragraph 13 – introductory part
13. Points out that further progress is needed, among others, on the following issues:
Amendment 66 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that both countries have raised specific concerns about their ability to meet certain food safety standards required for the EU market, in particular as regards recent EU legislative proposals on cadmium levels in cacao, endocrine disruptors, novel foods, and palm oil, which risk having a social impact in some of the countries’ poorestmost vulnerable areas, where such production tends to be concentrated; Calls on the EU, Colombia and Peru to strengthen and to make the best use of financial and technical cooperation in order to help meeting the given challenges;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Recalls that the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of the EU-Colombia and Peru Trade Agreement includes legally binding provisions to effectively implement human rights, labour and environmental protection standards; Welcomes the fact that the Agreement has set the path for a regular dialogue on the implementation of the shared commitments; Regrets, however, the lack of enforceability of this chapter; Calls on the Parties to make use of the review clause included in the Agreement to introduce a suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanism, including sanctions as a deterrent measure to be used, as last resort, in the case of serious breaches, and enabling social partners and civil society to participate appropriately;
Amendment 72 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Insists on the effectiveneed to implementation of, effectively and through concrete action plans, the specific provisions related to the road map on human, environmental and labour rights, as called for in its resolution of 13 June 2012 on the EU trade agreement with Colombia and Peru, such as enforcing and implementing legislation and policy measures that guarantee; In particular, recalls the commitment by the Parties to implement and to enforce standards on freedom of association, the right to bargain collectively and, strict and effective labour inspections, violence against social and ethnic leaders and the protection of the environment through the appropriate prevention, control and enforcement mechanisms;
Amendment 74 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the efforts made by Colombia to fight impunity in cases of criminal offences including through improved investigations; Condemns, however, the persisting violence against human rights defenders, environmental activists, trade unionists, ethnic and community leaders, with an increased rate of offences against women;
Amendment 77 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Likewise, condemns the violence against human rights defenders, social and ethnic community leaders, and particularly violence against women in Peru and calls for increased efforts to solve this persisting scourge;
Amendment 78 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Recalls the obligation of the EU, as enshrined in Art. 8 of the TFUE, to mainstream a gender perspective in all its policies, including Trade; Welcomes the fact that all the EU, Peru and Colombia have signed the Joint Declaration on Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment issued on the Occasion of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, in December 2017; Calls on the Parties to visibly reinforce the gender focus of the Agreement and, particularly, stresses the need to carry out evaluations on the basis of gender- disaggregated data; Call on the Parties to include, in a future revision of the Agreement, a specific chapter on gender and trade;
Amendment 80 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges that an agreement concluded in 2017 between the Colombian Government and the public sector trade unions brought about improvements for more than one million workers; Expresses its concern about the particularly low level of trade Union membership and the increase of the unilaterally determined salary and benefit schemes ("pactos colectivos") over collective bargaining agreements;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the fact that, according to the OECD’s Trade Union Advisory Committee, there has been an increase in the number of inspectors in Colombia; Stresses the need for increased resources in order to guarantee effective labour inspections; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to support Colombia in its efforts to strengthen labour inspections, which represent an enormous challenge for the Colombian Government given that the state had lost control of parts of the country during the long armed conflict, and expects that additional and effective controls are carried out, especially in rural areas;
Amendment 86 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. ExpressesWelcomes the efforts and commitments expressed by Peru to reinforce the implementation of its commitments under the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter of the Agreement; Expresses, however, its concerns over the lack of effective implementation in Peru of certain aspects of the chapter on trade and sustainable development (TSD) with regard to both labour and environmental provisions, and e; Especially as regards thregrets the lack of effective implementation of ILO conventions 87 and 98, which are fundamental; on the Freedom of Association, the Right to Organise and to Collective Bargaining, which are fundamental, as well as the Right to Prior Consultation of the Indigenous peoples and expresses its concerns over recent legislative changes that may lead to the weakening of environmental protection;
Amendment 89 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Welcomes the latest measures taken in Peru to improve labour inspections and encourages the country to keep on reinforcing efforts, following the ILO recommendations;
Amendment 94 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls that the TSD chapter of the Trade Agreement envisages that each Party shall establish Domestic Advisory Groups or committees relevant for matters related to labour, the environment and sustainable development, comprising independent representative civil society organisations, with balanced representation of economic, social and environmental stakeholders; Welcomes the decision of Colombia to create a consultation group independent of the government; calls on Peru to establish a similarly independent domestic advisory group, as an indispensable and essential element for the full implementation of the Agreement;
Amendment 98 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the decision by the representatives of the EU and Andean Domestic Advisory Groups to hold annual joint meetings, that will allow for an improved exchange of information and best practices and the preparation of joint recommendations to be presented to the Parties; Considers that this practice should be included in the institutional setting all EU Trade Agreements;
Amendment 99 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls onNotes the Commission to continue to implement fully the 15-point plan to make TSD chapters more effective and recalls the need to continue its dialogue with the different actors involved, including the European Parliament in order to design and ensure an effective enforcement mechanism for the human rights, labour and environmental protection commitments;
Amendment 104 #
2018/2010(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Notes with concern the significant share of the informal economy in both Peru and Colombia, especially among women; emphasises the need to develop effective policies in order to reduce its share and considers that the Agreement could help in that regard, by helping to create more formal jobs, among others, by reinforcing measures to facilitate the economic activities SMEs;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that in the course of globalisation, international value chains have emerged; points out that these value chains restructure the international division of labour as well as the interdependence of countries; recalls that their extremely complex nature, lack of transparency and dilution of liabilities may lead to a higher risk of human and labour rights violations, factual impunity for environmental crimes and large-scale tax avoidance and tax fraud;
Amendment 42 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that as a side effect of globalisation, finance has tended to generate huge private rewards disproportionate to its social returns and non-financial corporations have also become adept at using rent-seeking strategies to bolster their profits, therefore contributing to rising inequality; Notes with concern that despite the efforts since 2009 to address the excesses of the financial sector the underlying macro- financial structures have remained broadly intact and there has been almost no effort to tackle the connections between inequality and instability that have marked the rise of unregulated finance;
Amendment 45 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; some regions and sectors profit to a large extent, while others suffer from structural change and rising unemployment; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on mid-range incomes; notes that the middle class has shrunk in many EU Member States, while their share of the overall income equally decreased; expresses the view that the combination of a declining middle class, citizens’ fears over losing their social and economic position, and scepticism towards globalisation, can result in nationalist and authoritarian tendencies, which then lead to the promotion of protectionism as an easy answer to common fears; notes that in this context, neither nationalist-protectionist nor business-as-usual policies are the adequate response;
Amendment 64 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries is growing significantly; points out that this trend will persist within the next years, while understands that this leads to a relative loss of importance for the present global economic centres of Europe and North America;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that the Chinese new silk road strategy is China’s attempt at becoming the leading world economic power, while the America First strategy is an attempt at confronting the United states’ downturn that willingly accepts its own destructive force for the rule-based world economic order;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 95 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. NAgrees with the Commission that the preservation of the international competitiveness is a prerequisite for a successful European strategy; notes that strengthening the EU’s internal market as well as consolidating the economic union is vital, since a solid internal market is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of international strategies; points out that being internationally competitive depends strongly on shaping digitalisation successfully and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner; notes that the shift to renewable energies needs to happen as soon as possible;
Amendment 108 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. APoints out that there is no level playing field for SMEs; asks the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; points out that access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to the market participation of SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase; notes that the utilization rate of Free Trade Agreements, especially by SMEs, needs to increase as well;
Amendment 114 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that effective trade defence instruments are needed, welcomes the recent reform of EU trade defence instruments which must be checked regarding its capacity as a protective measure against arbitrary protectionism, on top of its ability to protect against dumpingeffectively implemented in order to protect industries and jobs from dumped and unfairly subsidised imports; supports the Commission's measures put in place following the US imposition of steel and aluminium tariffs; points out that the rules on investment screening need to be put in place as soon as possible in order to prevent foreign investments that are merely motivated by industrial policy and serve to acquire European technologies;
Amendment 122 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that, as a minimum reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed; stresses that the EGF must become more proactive tool aiming at preparing workers and companies to fight the negative impacts of globalisation; points out that the Commission needs to reform the preconditions for receiving support; notes that employees of smaller enterprises must have access to EGF funding; notes that the resources of the fund must be increased ; points out that its scope should be widened to other policy-induced adjustments; calls for a reform of the programs monitoring and evaluation- mechanism;
Amendment 149 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Recalls that the European Court of Justice stated, in its 2/15 Opinion on EU- Singapore FTA, that sustainable development forms an integral part of the common commercial policy of the EU and therefore the EU has a legal obligation to integrate the objective of preserving and improving the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources into the EU’s common commercial policy, that trade and sustainable development chapters have a direct and immediate effect on trade and that a breach on sustainable development provisions authorises the other Party to terminate or suspend the liberalisation provided for on other provisions of the FTA;
Amendment 158 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations must take their possible effects on the fulfilment of the SDGs into account; notes that national sustainability strategies and implementation plans for the Paris Agreement must form the starting point for impact assessments; points out that every single provision of an agreement and its possible impacts must be checked on its compatibility with the SDGs; notes that if parts of an agreement hamper the fulfilment of the SDGs or the Paris Agreement, adjustments must be made; notes that breaches of sustainability provisions must be counterweighted by corrective measures or lead to a sanction- based dispute settlementwithin the monitoring process the effect of the agreement on the fulfilment of the SDGs equally needs to be checked; calls for corrective measures or a sanction based dispute settlement in case of infringements of all trade and sustainable development related provisions throughout the entire agreement; Therefore reiterates its call on the EU to always include in its TSD-chapters binding and enforceable provisions which are subject to suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanisms, and consider, among various enforcement methods, a sanctions-based mechanism;
Amendment 163 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that, in lincoherence with SDG 17, the Commission mustneeds to reform its system foron implementing policy coherence for development; points out that the reciprocal effects of trade-, agricultural-, external-, fisheries-,environmental-, tax- and other policy areas must be evaluated on an equal footing between civil society, commission and parliaments; notes that breaches of sustainability provisions must be counterweighted by corrective measures and lead to a sanction-based dispute settlement;
Amendment 176 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. ANotes that the EU has regulated the supply chains of timber, fish and conflict minerals and several Member States have developed due diligence frameworks in different sectors, showing the need to develop a broad EU framework in order to ensure a level playing field; therefore asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with clear transparency and due diligence obligations for the whole supply chain; since the weak enforcement of existing labour laws and occupational safety standards – introduced to protect workers from exhaustive working hours and unacceptable conditions – in sourcing countries remains a pressing issue; notes that GVCs have also propelled some supplier firms to ignore labour laws, reallocate their economic activities outside the EU, engage workers in unsafe and unacceptable conditions, demand exhaustive working hours and deny workers their fundamental rights; recalls that these practices create unfair competition for suppliers that are compliant with labour laws and international labour and environmental standards, and for governments that want to improve wages and living standards; calls on the Commission to study the impact of the rise of GVCs and to present concrete proposals to improve conditions in them and to work towards a legally binding framework for corporate accountability and responsible business conduct (RBC) with regard to decent work, environmental sustainability and respect for human rights in close cooperation with the ILO and the OECD;
Amendment 183 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Points out that active measures aiming to enhance opportunities for women to benefit from the opportunities provided by an FTA are necessary to reach the goal of gender equality; calls for trade agreements that include a specific chapter on trade and gender equality and women's empowerment, foreseeing to provide for measures aimed at, inter alia, a better work-family life balance and access to social and health services, to pursue an enhanced participation of women enterprises (particularly micro-enterprises and SMEs) in public procurement, to support the internationalisation of women enterprises and the participation of women in Mode 4 opportunities;
Amendment 194 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order, it is vitally important to preserve this order since any backsliding into protectionism would be damaging and would lead to trade war; notes that the multilateral order can only be upheld if it is reformed; notes that it is not the goal to secure free trade but to secure fair trade that fulfils the SDGs and gives room to the needs of developing countries, as referenced in the trade for all strategy; notes that, since multilateral initiatives currently bare little chance for success, the EU should strive for bilateral and plurilateral agreements in the meantime, in which fair trade is one of the guiding principles;
Amendment 201 #
2018/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that free, fair and sustainable trade is economically desirablerelevant and has vital political implications; notes that it isn the light of the America First strategy as well as the new silk-road strategy it is of vital strategic importantce for Europe, to use trade as an instrument for the promotion of a democratic and sustainable development in the states of the Eeastern Ppartnership as well as the African states; points out that trade and investments need to be interlinked with strategies for sustainable development, both in the eastern and the African states; calls on the Commission to push for coherent implementation of the association agreements with the states of the eastern partnership in order to develop stable economic relations with the Eurasian economic union; notes that in the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the African regions and states not only the trade related aspects are important but that interlinking them with the requirements of sustainable development in the African states is the vital element;
Amendment 21 #
2018/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes with concern that deforestation is considered as one of the contributing factors to global climate change and recalls that seventy percent of the world’s plants and animals live in forests and are losing their habitats due to deforestation;
Amendment 37 #
2018/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the EU to always include in its TSD chapters enforceable provisions in its TSD chapters to halt illegal logging and, forest degradation and land grabbing, including through the possible use of sanctions; calls on the Commission to add and provisions to guarantee the right to property, prior consultation and informed consent. Calls on the EC to include such provisions toin already concluded FTA’s through the revision clause;
Amendment 43 #
2018/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that Malaysia and Indonesia are the main producers of palm oil, with an estimated 85-90 % of global production, and that the growing demand for this commodity leads to deforestation, puts pressure on land use and has significant effects on local communities, health and climate change; stresses in this context to use negotiations for a trade agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia to improve the situation on the ground;
Amendment 49 #
2018/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the Commission to include illegal forest practices, as under-pricing of wood in concessions, harvesting of protected trees by commercial corporations, smuggling of forest products across borders, illegal logging and processing forest raw materials without a license into the scope of the anti-corruption chapters in FTA’s;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that responsible governance of tenure of land and forests is essential to ensure social stability, sustainable use of the environment and responsible investment for sustainable development;
Amendment 36 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The aim of this Regulation is to ensure that manufacturers established in the Union are able to compete effectively in those third country markets where supplementary protection does not exist or has expired. It is intended to complement the efforts of the Union’s trade policy to ensure open markets for Union-based manufacturers of medicinal products. Indirectly, it is also intended to put those manufacturers in a better position to enter the Union market immediately after expiry of the relevant supplementary protection certificate, namely Day-1 entry. It would also help to serve the aim of fostering access to medicines in the Union by helping to ensure a swifter entry of generic and biosimilar medicines onto the market after expiry of the relevant certificate.
Amendment 43 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In those specific and limited circumstances, and in order to create a level playing field between Union-based manufacturers and third country manufacturers, it is appropriate to restrict the protection conferred by a supplementary protection certificate so as to allow making for the exclusive purpose ofnufacturing exclusively for (i) exporting to third countries and any related acts strictly necessary for making or for the actual export itselfthis manufacturing and (ii) entering the Union's market as soon as the supplementary protection certificate expires.
Amendment 44 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) That exception should cover the making of the product, including the product which corresponds to the medicinal product protected by a supplementary protection certificate in the territory of a Member State, for the exclusive purpose of export to third countries and to prepare for Day-1 entry in the Union's market, as well as any upstream or downstream acts by the maker or by third parties in a contractual relationship with the maker, where such acts would otherwise require the consent of the certificate-holder, and are strictly necessary for making for the purpose of export or, for the actual export itself and for Day-1 entry. For instance, such acts may include the supply and import of active ingredients for the purpose of making the medicinal product to which the product covered by the certificate corresponds, or temporary storage of the product or advertising for the exclusive purpose of export to third country destinations or Day- 1 entry in the Union's market.
Amendment 48 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) By limiting the scope of the exception to making for Day-1 entry in the Union's market and for the purpose of export outside the Union, and acts strictly necessary for such making or for the actual export itself, the exception introduced by this Regulation will not unreasonably conflict with normal exploitation of the product in the Member State where the certificate is in force, nor unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the certificate-holder, taking account of the legitimate interests of third parties.
Amendment 51 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) SReasonable and proportionate safeguards should accompany the exception in order to increase transparency, to, for the exclusive purpose of helping the holder of a supplementary protection certificate to enforce its protection in the Union and to reduce the risk of illicit diversion onto the Union market during the term of the certificate. Those safeguards should not negatively affect competition among companies and should allow the exception to work effectively with no disruption to the main objectives of the exception. At the same time the safeguards should also ensure the necessary confidentiality and protection of commercially sensitive information of the applicant, in compliance with existing EU legislation and recommendations, such as Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on trade secrets and the EMA/HMA Guidance Document on the identification of commercially confidential information and personal data.
Amendment 55 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) To this end, this Regulation should impose a once-off duty on the person making the product for the exclusive purpose of export, requiring that person to provide certain information to the authority which granted the supplementary protection certificate in the Member State where the making is to take place. The information should be provided before the making is intended to start for the first time in that Member State. The making and related acts, including those performed in Member States other than the one of making in cases where the product is protected by a certificate in those other Member States too, should only fall within the scope of the exception where the maker has sent this notification to the competent industrial property authority (or other designated authority) of the Member State of making. The once-off duty to provide information to the authority should apply in each Member State where making is to take place, both as regards the making in that Member State, and as regards related acts, whether performed in that or another Member State, related to that making. The authority should be requikeep the notification and the information it contains confidential and take appropriate measureds to publish that information, in the interests of transparency and for the purpose of informingrotect such confidentiality. The authority may disclose the information to the holder of the certificate only if disclosure is ordered by a court (i) upon request from the holder of the certificate (and other persons entitled under national law to start an infringement action on the basis of the certificate), (ii) after the maker was given the opportunity to attend and to be heard, (iii) if the holder of the certificate has provided evidence rendering plausible that the maker did not comply with the conditions for the exception to apply, and (iv) if the holder of the certificate of thand the court have mtaker’s intentionn appropriate measures to keep the notification and the information it contains confidential and avoid their disclosure to third parties.
Amendment 62 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In addition, this Regulation should impose certain due diligence requirements on the maker as a condition for the exception to operate. The maker should be required to inform persons within its supply chain, through appropriate means, in particular contractual means, that the product is covered by the exception introduced by this Regulation and is intended for the exclusive purpose of export, or Day-1 entry. A maker who failed to comply with these due diligence requirements would not benefit from the exception, nor would any third party performing a related act in the same or a different Member State where a certificate conferring protection for the product was in force, and the holder of the relevant certificate would therefore be entitled to enforce its rights under the certificate.
Amendment 67 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 74 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In order to ensure that holders of supplementary protection certificates already in force are not deprived of their acquired rights, the exception provided for in this Regulation should only apply to certificates that are granted on or after a specified date afterfollowing a transition period of 1 year after the Regulation's entry into force, irrespective of when the application for the certificate was first lodged. The date specifietransition period should allow a reasonable time for applicants and other relevant market players to adjust to the changed legal context and to make appropriate investment and manufacturing location decisions in a timely way. The date should also allow sufficient time for public authorities to put in place appropriate arrangements to receive and publish notifications of the intention to make, and should take due account of pending applications for certificates.
Amendment 80 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) It is necessary and appropriate for the achievement of the basic objective, of providing a level playing field for generic and biosimilar manufacturers with their competitors in third country markets where protection does not exist or has expired, to lay down rules restricting the exclusive right of a supplementary protection certificate holder to make the product in question during the term of the certificate, and also to impose certain information and labelling obligations on makers wishing to take advantage of those rules. This Regulation complies with the principle of proportionality, and does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve the objectives pursued, in accordance with Article 5(4) of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment 90 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i a (new)
(i a) making for the purpose of entering the Union's market on Day-1 entry after the expiry of the supplementary protection certificate;
Amendment 92 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) any related act that is strictly necessary for that making, storing or for the actual export itself;
Amendment 104 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Amendment 109 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The information for the purposes of paragraph 2(b) shall be treated as strictly confidential and be as follows:
Amendment 110 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the address, or addresses, of the premisesrelevant Member State where the making is to take place in the relevant Member State;
Amendment 111 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
Amendment 113 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point f
Amendment 119 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. Paragraph 2 shall apply in the case only of certificates granted on ofollowing a transition period of 1 year after [OP: please insert the date of the first day of the third month that follows the month in which this amending Regulation is published in the Official Journal)].;
Amendment 125 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 469/2009
Article 11– paragraph 4
Article 11– paragraph 4
4. The notification sent to an authority as referred to in Article 4(2)(b) shall be published by that authority within 15 days of receipt of the notification.; authority as referred to in Article 9(1) shall keep the notification referred to in Article 4(2)(b) and the information listed in paragraph 3 confidential, and shall take appropriate measures to preserve such confidentiality; The authority shall only disclose the notification and the information it contains to the holder of the certificate, and if such disclosure is ordered by a court having competence under national law to hear an infringement action based on the certificate. A court shall only order such disclosure if at least the following conditions are met: (a) the person requesting the disclosure is the holder of the certificate (or a person entitled under national law to start an infringement action on the basis of the certificate; (b) the maker is given the opportunity to attend the proceedings and to be heard before the court; (c) the holder of the certificate has provided evidence rendering plausible that the maker did not comply with the conditions set out in paragraph 2; (d) the holder of the certificate and the court have taken appropriate measures to keep the notification and the information it contains confidential and avoid their disclosure to third parties.
Amendment 127 #
2018/0161(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I
Annex I
Amendment 21 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The follow up and review of the Agreements, the conduct of investigations and, where appropriate, the imposition of safeguard measures should be carried out transparentlyin the most transparent manner possible. The European Parliament should be kept informed and involved at all stages of the procedure and, in particular, prior to the adoption of any safeguard measures.
Amendment 32 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level and with civil society organisations and Domestic Advisory Groups of the Union. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.
Amendment 57 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Upon a duly justified request by the Union industry concerned or the trade unions, the Commission may extend the scope of the monitoring to other products and sectors, if any, than those mentioned in the Annex.
Amendment 58 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The European Commission shall monitor the observance by third countries of the social and environmental standards as laid down in their respective trade and sustainable development chapters.
Amendment 59 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Upon request by the responsible committee of the European Parliament, the Commission will report to it on any specific concerns relating to the implementation by the countries concerned of their commitments on trade and sustainable development.
Amendment 60 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall present an annual monitoring report to the European Parliament and to the Council on statistics on imports of sensitive products, and those products and sectors, if any, to which monitoring has been extended as well as on the fulfilment of obligations by the countries concerned under the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter.
Amendment 64 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. An investigation shall be initiated by the Commission upon request by a Member State, by any legal person or any association not having legal personality acting on behalf of the Union industry and by trade unions, or on the Commission's own initiative, where there is sufficient prima facie evidence, as determined on the basis of factors referred to in Article 6(5).
Amendment 66 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. An investigation may also be initiated where there is a surge of imports concentrated in one or several Member States or outermost regions, provided that there is sufficient prima facie evidence, as determined on the basis of factors referred to in Article 6(5).
Amendment 67 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Where the European Parliament adopts a recommendation to initiate a safeguard investigation, the Commission shall carefully examine whether the conditions for ex-officio are fulfilled and if so, then proceed as laid down in this regulation. If the Commission considers that the conditions are not fulfilled, it shall present a report to the responsible committee of the European Parliament including an explanation of all the factors relevant to the rejection of such an investigation.
Amendment 68 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The investigation shall, where possible, be concluded within sixfour months of its initiation. That time limit may be extended by a further period of threewo months in exceptional circumstances such as the involvement of an unusually high number of interested parties or complex market situations. The Commission shall notify all interested parties of any such extension and explain the reasons therefor.
Amendment 73 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 10
Article 6 – paragraph 10
10. Where information is not supplied within the time limits set by the Commission, or where the investigation is significantly impeded, the Commission may reach a decision on the basis of the available facts. Where the Commission finds that any interested party or any third party has supplied it with false or misleading information, it shall disregard that information and, may make use of the facts available and assess the potential actions to be taken against that party.
Amendment 81 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament of any decision to impose provisional safeguard measures.
Amendment 87 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11a Outermost regions of the Union Where any product is being imported in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause or threaten to cause serious deterioration in the economic situation of one or several of the Union’s outermost regions, as referred to in Article 349 TFEU, a safeguard measure may be imposed, in accordance with the procedure laid down in this regulation.
Amendment 89 #
2018/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The report shall include information on the activities of the various bodies responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, as well as information regarding the fulfilment of obligations under the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter and on activities with civil society advisory groups.
Amendment 4 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the role of civil society in the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement of October 2014,
Amendment 5 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 b (new)
Citation 8 b (new)
– having regard to the analysis on the economic impact of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement of the European Commission’s Directorate- General for Trade of June 2018,
Amendment 16 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has a strategic dimension and is the most important bilateral trade agreement ever concluded by the Union as it covers nearly a third of world GDP, almost 40 percent of world trade and more than 600 million people;
Amendment 83 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the fact that Japan will, notably, grant non-discriminatory access for EU suppliers to the procurement markets of 48 cities54 core cities, and may enlarge the number of cities covered even further, remove the ‘operational safety clause’, which has in practise prevented EU rail suppliers to access the Japanese market, and maximise transparency in tendering for public contracts;
Amendment 89 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes that the agreement provides significant export opportunities for EU agri-food products, such as wine, pig meat and cheese, and that it protects 205 European geographical indications (GIs), with the possibility to add further GIs, which is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector;
Amendment 99 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the fact that the agreement promotes best practices for providing safe and high-quality food and products for consumers; recalls the EU’s application of the precautionary principle and welcomes the inclusion of a clear reference to the precautionary approach in the agreement; calls on both partners to mainstream consumer protection and consumer welfare in the implementation of the agreement;
Amendment 103 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that both parties are committed to ensure high levels of environmental and labour protection and that those high standards should not be regarded as trade barriers; recalls Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, welcomes the fact that both Japan and the EU have adhered themselves to the “Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade” and calls on both parties to strongly reinforce commitments on gender and trade in this agreement; expects the EU and Japan to show their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in all their actions, including the implementation of this agreement;
Amendment 114 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the commitment to the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement to combat climate change and of other multilateral environmental agreements, as well as to the sustainable management of forests (including fighting illegal logging) and fisheries (combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing); recalls that EU legislation remains applicable to products imported into the European market; calls on both parties to cooperate closely under the sustainable development chapter to exchange best practices and to strengthen the enforcement of legislation in these matters;
Amendment 131 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the fact that the agreement includes the clear commitment to pursue the ratification of fundamental ILO conventions; regrets that Japan has not yet ratified two ILO core conventions (on discrimination and on the abolition of forced labour) and expects, in light of commitments made in the EPA, concrete progressand swift progress in a reasonable timeframe on the part of Japan towards the ratification of these conventions;
Amendment 134 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes that Japan will establish an inter-ministerial framework to deal with the implementation of sustainable development commitments, including the ratification of the ILO core conventions, and that the trade and sustainable development committee foreseen by the agreement is tasked with interacting with civil society on the implementation of the sustainable development chapter;
Amendment 169 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Points out that the EPA foresees the temporary movement of professionals across borders (so-called mode 4), committing both sides to intra-corporate transfers in about 40 sectors and for independent professionals in about 20 sectors, which contributes to facilitate EU-Japan foreign direct investment ties;
Amendment 183 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Underlines that the EPA includes an anti-fraud clause, which makes it possible for the EU to withdraw trade preferences in cases of fraud and refusal to cooperate on customs matters, while ensuring that legitimate traders are not adversely affected;
Amendment 205 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Takes note that negotiations continue on a separate investment agreement, which the European Parliament will monitor closely, and reiterates that it is unacceptable to return to the old, private ISDS mechanism;
Amendment 216 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the agreement includes a rendezvous clause to assess the issue of cross-border transfer of data provisions within three years and recognises the growing importance of the digital economy for growth and jobs; calls on the Commission to fully respect the EU law on data protection and on the protection of privacy and stresses that any future outcome must be subject to the consent of Parliament and safeguard EU citizens’ fundamental rights;
Amendment 218 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission to enhance cooperation and coordination with Japan on multilateral issues, in close cooperation with other strategic partners, to defend and to develop further the global trading system based on the respect of WTO law and other international norms;
Amendment 221 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the prompt establishment of the SME contact points and website to make sure that relevant information on market access is made available to small companies;
Amendment 227 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges both partners to ensure the active involvement of social partners and civil society in the monitoring and implementation of the EPA, notably through the joint dialogue with civil society and the domestic advisory group; calls on the Commission to actively establish and share best practices with Japan on the functioning of domestic advisory groups and the joint dialogue; calls on both parties to ensure a speedy set-up of well-functioning, effective and balanced domestic advisory groups with a proper code of conduct and to ensure that their views are taken into account in a transparent manner in the government to government consultations foreseen in the agreement;
Amendment 233 #
2018/0091M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Expects full transparency on the functioning of the sectorial committees to be established under the agreement both with regard to the Parliament and the general public;
Amendment 3 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to special paragraph in the ILO Committee on Application of Standards of the ILO Conference of 2016, the ILO High Level Tripartite Mission Report and the 2017 observations of the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations concerning Conventions 87 and 98
Amendment 4 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Citation 15 b (new)
- having regard for the complaint filed in 2017 with the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association concerning the government's crackdown on garment workers in Ashulia in December 2016 and the complaint filed with the UN special mandates concerning the crackdown in Ashulia
Amendment 9 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital C
C. whereas the ready-made industry (RMG) is currently employing 4.2 million people in as many as 5000 factories and indirectly supports the livelihoods of as many as 40 million people – -about a quarter of Bangladesh’'s population; whereas the RMG industry has importantly contributed to poverty reduction and to empowerment of women; whereas women, mostly from rural areas, represent 80% of the RMG sector in Bangladesh; whereas however 80% of workers are still employed in the informal sector; whereas the complex nature of the garment supply chain and its low level of transparency facilitate human rights violations and increase exploitation;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas gender equality is a driver of development; whereas women rights fall under the human rights spectrum; whereas it is firmly established in Article 8 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union that "In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women" and, therefore, the EU has a duty to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, guaranteeing that men and women benefit equally from social changes, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, doing away with discrimination and promoting respect for women's rights in the world;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital C b (new)
C b. Whereas approximately 10% of the workforce in the RMG sector is employed in Export Processing Zones (EPZ), whereas under the EPZ Labour Act falls short of granting sufficient basic rights to workers in comparison to those elsewhere in Bangladesh, whereas a vast expansion of EPZ is planned.
Amendment 14 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital D
D. whereas the EU’s generous unilateral trade preference under the so- called “Everything, but arms” initiative for least-developed countries (LDCs) enshrined in the EU GSP regulation granting tariff-free access for Bangladesh textiles under flexible rules of origins have significantly contributed to this success story;growth in export and employment
Amendment 18 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas Bangladesh will cease to be eligable for EBA in 2021, due to its good growth performance, and will have to apply for GSP+ to maintain the current level of market access; whereas GSP+ obligates the receiving country to strict compliance with 27 international conventions on, among others, good governance, labour law and freedom of association; whereas Bangladesh does not meet all of these criteria at the present;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the Directorate-Generals of EMPL, DEVE and TRADE of the European Commission send a letter on March 16 2017 to the Goverment of Bangladesh demanding tangible progress by May 18 2017 on the following four points: 1) Undertake amendments to the 2013 Labour Act, 2) ensure that the law governing the EPZs allows for full freedom of association, 3) investigate as a matter of urgency all acts of anti-union discrimination and 4) ensure that applications for union registration are acted upon expeditiously and are not denied unless the fail to meet clear and objective criteria set forth in law;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital F b (new)
F b. Whereas the International Labour Organisation gave Bangladesh a special paragraph in the ILO Committee on Application of Standards of the ILO Conference in 2016 stating that the country is in serious breach of its obligations under convention 87 (freedom of association); Whereas in 2015, the ILO reported that 78% of trade union registration applications were rejected due to a mix of hostility to unions by factory managers, certain politicians and an administrative incapacity to register them.
Amendment 21 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital G
G. whereas, according to various reports, hundreds of garment workers died in various factory fires in Bangladesh since 2006, for which regrettably many culpable factory owners and managers have never been brought to justice, whereas it is estimated that 11.7 thousand workers suffer from fatal accidents and a further 24.5 thousand die from work related diseases across all sectors each year;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital I
I. whereas since 21st December 2016, following strikes and demonstrations by Bangladeshi garment workers seeking higher wages, the Bangladeshi authorities havearbitrarily arrested orand detained at least 1435 unions leaders and worker rights advocatesadvocates, shut union and NGO offices and put them under police surveillance, and suspended or dismissed 1600 workers for protesting the low wages in the garment industry;
Amendment 29 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital K
K. whereas a number of promising initiatives led by the private sector such as the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety (the Accord) have contributed moderately positively to improving supply chain standards and workforce safety over the last 20 years in terms of increasing workers’ rights in the garment supply chain;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital L
L. whereas the conclusions of successive reviews of the Compact in 2014, 2015 and 2016 are reporting tangible improvements achieved by the Bangladeshi authorities in some areas, and are recognizing the contribution of the Compact in moderately improving health and safety in factories and working conditions in the RMG industry; whereas progress relating to worker’'s rights has been more challenging and no substantial progress has been witnessed for the last monthyears in this area;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Recital M a (new)
M a. whereas global trade unions (ETUC, ITUC, Uni Global Union, IndustriAll) have been calling for the European Commission to carry out a GSP investigation due to, as the unions state: 'the government [of Bangladesh] has demonstrated beyond any doubt that continued dialogue mechanisms have failed and will do little if anything to improve conditions of the more than 4 million garment workers and the many millions more in other sectors'
Amendment 56 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Supports the Commission's stated intent to launch an official GSP investigation when by May 18 2017 if no tangible progress is put in place by the GOB;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Calls on the European Commission to use the leverage granted by the future GSP+ negotiations with Bangladesh to the fullest extend and firmly hold the country to the international obligations it has to meet before being considered for GSP+;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2636(RSP)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Underlines that failure to improve the security situation and systematically confront the threats posed by extremists in Bangladesh will have a direct effect on investment in the country, which will ultimately hold back long term development and the lives of ordinary people.
Amendment 7 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that public procurement markets in third countries are often de jure and/or de facto closed to EU bidders; recalls that the Commission estimates that more than half of the global procurement market is currently closed to free international competition owing to protectionist measures, which are globally on a rise, while approximately EUR 352 billion in value of EU public procurement is open to bidders from member countries of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)1 ; Recalls that the reciprocity principle in public procurement should be respected and implemented by third countries and our trading partners to ensure that European companies get similar market access as our competitors enjoy in the EU market; Points out that a level-playing field could be restored with the approval of the international procurement instrument; Calls on the Council to unlock the current stalemate with regard to this instrument and calls for a rapid adoption; __________________ 1 Amended IPI proposal (2016).
Amendment 12 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that an annex on government procurement should be included in each future trade agreement with a view to maximising the participation of European companies in foreign tenders and promoting the application of social and environmental criteria, including gender equality criteria in awarding public procurement contracts; Regrets in this regard that 55% of procurement procedures still use the lowest price as the only award criterion instead of MEAT (most economically advantageous tenders);
Amendment 13 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Notes that high quality public services depend on modern, transparent and efficient public procurement processes; Recalls therefore that public procurement should be used in a more strategic manner, to obtain better value for each euro of public money spent and to contribute to sustainable growth and jobs and to a more innovative, inclusive economy;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Regrets that clear and consolidated procurement data is often not available and therefore citizens cannot access details of procurement procedures;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that one of the six priority areas for the Commission’s action in the field of public procurement is the improvement of access to procurement markets; stresses that improving access to public procurement markets in third countries, including at the sub-national level, constitutes a strong offensive interest for the EU in trade negotiations on public procurement, given that many EU companies are highly competitive in various sectors; recalls that improved market access to third-country publictrade agreements should be used as a lever to improve access to non-EU procurement markets, and that improved market access, enhanced rules for transparent procurement procedures and innovative, green and social procurement, should be key elements for any trade agreement to be concluded by the EU;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that any strategy to open up public procurement markets in third countries should take into account the specific needs of SMEs to facilitate their access to markets, as access to third- country public procurement markets can be particularly difficult for them; Notes that cooperation to procure together and to promote joint cross-border public procurement could be helpful in this regard; Calls on the Commission to encourage SMEs-friendly procurement procedures (including cross-border initiatives and tenders division into lots) to be included in trade agreements.
Amendment 28 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that procurement procedures are often associated with complex rules and unnecessary administrative burden; Urges Member States to boost digital transformation and the use of digital technologies of procurement processes, to simplify and accelerate procurement procedures; Stresses that improving procurement skills at all stages of the procurement process, including e-skills, is of vital importance and together with enhanced transparency and openness, can contribute to fighting collusion and eliminating cases of misconduct;
Amendment 35 #
2017/2278(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the importance of the GPA not only for providing de jure access to procurement markets in third countries, but also for enhancing the transparency of procurement procedures; encourages the Commission to promote the development of global and convergent standards for transparent procurement as an important tool for combating corruption; Recalls that enabling the reporting of corruption, simplified procedures and stronger provisions on integrity and transparency for bidders can also be effective tools to combat corruption and foster integrity in public administration; Calls on the Commission to set up effective reporting mechanisms and to strengthen the protection of whistle-blowers against retaliation;
Amendment 1 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that Chinathe People's Republic of China, hereinafter PRC, is the EU’s second-largest trading partner and that the EU is Chinathe PRC’s largest trading partner, and that the trade balance has a significant deficit in China’s favour;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that Chinathe PRC is a major global trade player and that this could represent a good opportunity for EU businesses;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 34 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on China to act onthe PRC to fulfil the commitments enshrined in China’s Accession Protocol to the WTO and those made by President Xi Jinping’s commitments, as a result of increased trade tensions, to further open up the Chinese market to foreign investors, strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights and level the playing field by making China’s market more transparent and better regulated, and by ceasing all the discriminatory practices against foreign investors, in this respect recalls that those reforms will benefit both Chinese and European businesses, especially MSMEs;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that Chinese companies benefit from the openness of European public procurement market while, on the contrary, European businesses suffer discrimination and lack of access to the Chinese market; calls on the PRC to allow non-discriminatory access to European businesses and workers on public procurement; calls on the Council for a swift adoption of the International Procurement Instrument; calls on the Commission to be vigilant and eventually take action against contracts awarded to foreign enterprises suspected of dumping practices;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for coordinated cooperation with Chinathe PRC on the Belt and Road Initiative on the basis ofbased on reciprocity, sustainable development, good governance, and open and transparent rules, in particular regarding public procurement; in this respect regrets that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the European Investment Fund and China’s Silk Road Fund (SRF) and the one signed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the New Development Bank, and the World Bank have not yet improved the business environment for European enterprises and workers;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Supports the on-going negotiations on a comprehensive EU-China PRC Investment Agreement; calls for further reciprocity in market access that were launched in 2013; calls on the Parties to renew efforts to advance in the negotiations aimed at achieving a genuine level playing field for European businesses and workers and to ensure reciprocity in market access; calls for the inclusion of a binding and enforceable Trade and Sustainable Development chapter;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on Chinathe PRC to strive to play a responsible role on the global stage, including giving its active support to the multilateral rules-based trading system and the WTO; in the context of increasing bilateral trade tensions, reiterates the need to pursue multilateral solutions; in this respect calls for the fulfilment of WTO obligations and the protection of its operative mechanisms;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for the resumption of negotiations, in line with the European Parliament’s resolution, on the Trade in Service Agreement (TiSA) and on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), building on the fruitful EU-PRC cooperation in the fight against climate change and the strong joint commitment towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 78 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Regrets that the PRC, despite the conclusion of the procedure on the reform of the European calculation methodology for anti-dumping duties, has not yet withdrawn its case against the EU at the WTO appellate body;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Expresses concern about the number of restrictions that European companies, and MSMEs in particular, continue to face in Chinathe PRC, especially in sectors covered by the ‘Made in China 2025’ plan; in this regard takes note of the PRC’s preference towards the creation of an alternative economic model rather than the integration of China into the existing global trade system;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses concern about market access being increasingly conditional on forced technology transfers, as stated in the EU Chamber of Commerce in China’s 2017 position paper;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Takes note with concern of the conclusions of the Commission’s report on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries that indicates the PRC as the chief concern; reiterates the need to ensure protection to European knowledge-based economy; calls on the PRC to fight the illicit use of European licences by Chinese companies;
Amendment 92 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Welcomes the EU-PRC’s 2017 joint announcement over a list of 200 Chinese and European GIs whose protection will be negotiated; however, considering that negotiations were launched in 2010, considers it a very modest result and regrets the lack of progress in this regard;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses concern about industrial overcapacity in Chinathe PRC’s steel sector; recalls the commitments made at the first ministerial meeting of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity in 2017 to refrain from providing market-distorting subsidies. ; regrets that the Chinese delegation has failed to deliver the data on capacity at the Global Forum on Excess Capacity; calls on the PRC to fulfil its commitment to identify and disclose data on its subsidies and support measures to the steel and aluminium industries by June 2018; takes note of the proposed tripartite action by the US, Japan and the EU at the WTO level;
Amendment 98 #
2017/2274(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Recalls its 2015 report on the relations between the EU and China with which it called for the launch of negotiations for a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan; points out that the Commission has announced on more than one occasion the launch of negotiations about investment with Hong Kong and Taiwan, and deems it regrettable that no such negotiations have yet begun;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its support for the WTO’s role within the multilateral system, as the best option for guaranteeing an open, fair and rules-based system, which takes account of, and balances, the many varying interests of its members; calls on the Commission to further work with the US on a positive response to the current institutional and systemic challenges;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Appeals to the EU and the US to scale up cooperation on climate change; Calls the EU and the US to make use of the current and future trade negotiations, at all levels, to ensure the application of internationally agreed standards, such as the Paris Agreement, to promote trade in environmentally sound goods, including technology, as well as to ensure global energy transition, with a clear and coordinated international trade agenda, both to protect the environment and to create opportunities for jobs and growth;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recalls the importance of the existing EU-US dialogue and cooperation on Science and Technology; recognizes the role of EU-US endeavours in the field of research and innovation as key drivers of knowledge and economic growth; and supports the continuation and expansion of the EU-US Science and Technology Agreement beyond 2018, with a view to foster research, innovation, new emerging technologies, as well as protection of intellectual property rights, to create more and better jobs, sustainable trade and inclusive growth;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Reasserts the importance for the EU and the US to address, in a coordinated and constructive manner, the necessary modernisation of the WTO, with a view to make it more effective, transparent and accountable, as well as to ensure that, in the process of elaborating international trade rules and policies, the gender, social, environmental and human rights dimensions are adequately integrated;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2271(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the EU and the US to reinforce cooperation and efforts to implement and expand due diligence schemes for enterprises to reinforce the protection of Human Rights internationally, including in the area of trade in minerals and metals from conflict-affected areas;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the European Commission´s study of 15 November 2016 on the Cumulative Economic Impact of future trade agreements on EU agriculture;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the EU concluded negotiations on the EU-New Zealand Partnership Agreement on Relations and Cooperation (PARC) on 30 July 2014;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas New Zealand is among the EU’s oldest and closest partners, sharing common values and committed to promoting prosperity and security within a rules-based system globally;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas New Zealand is one of only six WTO members for which there is still no preferential access to the EU market or negotiations in progress to that end;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the conclusion of the EU- New Zealand free trade agreement will deepen the trade and investment relationship and whereas it could not be contemplated if the agreement adversely affected the ability of the parties to introduce, maintain or enhance their social, environmental or labour standards;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas, the Belgian national government has on the 6 September 2017 requested the European Court of Justice to review if ICS is compatible with EU treaties;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
H c. whereas following the EU-New Zealand draft negotiating mandate investment-protection is not included;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
H d. whereas the European Parliament will be required to decide whether to give its consent to the potential EU-New Zealand-FTA;
Amendment 28 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H e (new)
Recital H e (new)
H e. whereas the European Court of Justice opinion on the EU-Singapore agreement of 16 May 2017 clarifies that, except for portfolio investment and investor-to-state-dispute stellment, the agreement is of EU exclusive competence, showing the need to strengthen the democratic accountability of EU trade policy by enhancing the role of the EP in negotiating trade agreements at all stages;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the full potential of the Union’s bilateral and regional cooperation strategies can only be realisbe improved by concluding a high-quality FTA, balanced and fair trade agreement with New Zealand in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit while under no circumstances undermining the ambition to achieve progress multilaterally or the implementation of already concluded multilateral and bilateral agreements;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the negotiation of a modern, ambitious, balanced, fair and comprehensive FTA is a pragmatic way of deepening the bilateral partnership and further reinforcing the existing, already mature bilateral trade and investment relationships; while keeping social and environmental concerns high on both partners´ agendas;
Amendment 50 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to conclude, as soon as possible, its assessments of the potential impact of such a trade deal, with a view to being able to evaluate thoroughly evaluathe possible gains and losses from the enhancement of the EU- New Zealand trade and investment relationships, for the benefit of citizens and businesses on both sides, including in the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories, and paying special attention to environmental and social impacts, including the EU labour market and to take into account the impact Brexit might have on the increase of exportations from New Zealand to the EU;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to duly take into account and to respect the opinion of the European Court of Justice about the compatibility of ICS with EU treaties;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Council to authorise the Commission to start negotiations for a trade and investment agreement and an investment protection agreement with New Zealand on the basis of the outcome of the scoping exercise, the conditions set out in this resolution, the impact assessment and with clear targets;
Amendment 63 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the Commission's step to publish the proposed negotiating directive and considers this a positive precedent;urges the Council to follow suit and publish the negotiating directive as soon as it is adopted;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Council to clearly distinguish between an agreement on trade and the liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI),to make as soon as possible a proposal about the future architecture of trade agreements taking into account the ECJ opinion on the FTA-Singapore and if there will be in future a distinction between a trade and investment agreement which only containings issues under EUthe Union´s exclusive competence, and a second agreement on investment protecwhich covers subjects whose competences are shared with Member States; stresses that such distinction would have implication,s including on FDI and non-direct investment, which would be subject to an Investment Court System the parliamentary ratification process and that it should not be perceived as a way to circumvent national democratic processes; calls for stronger EP involvement in all ongoing and future FTA negotiations at all stages of the process;
Amendment 77 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to conduct negotiations asin full transparently as possible and fully respect best practice as established in ocy, through constant dialogue with EP, social partners and civil society and calls on the Council to inform and involve national parliaments before the approval of ther negotiations; requests thatng mandate; Calls on the Council to make the negotiating mandate public;
Amendment 84 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that an FTA must lead to genuine market openness and trade facilitation on the groundimproved market access, creating decent jobs, gender equality for the benefit of citizens on both sides, sustainable development, upholding EU standards, safeguarding services of general interest, and respecting democratic procedures whilst boosting EU export opportunities;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises that an ambitious agreement must address, in a meaningful way, high quality sanitary and phyto- sanitary standards and other norms in agricultural and food products, without weakening EU´s high standards; robust and enforceable commitments on labour and environmental standards, the fight against tax avoidance and corruption, investment, trade in goods and services (drawing on recent European Parliament recommendations as regards reservations of policy space and sensitive sectors), e- commerce, public procurement, energy, state-owned enterprises, competition, regulatory issues such as sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, as well as technology research and, especially, the need of micro-enterprises and SMEs;
Amendment 91 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Council to recognise explicitly the other Party's obligations towards indigenous peoples in the negotiating directives and to allow for reservations for domestic preference schemes in this regard;the Agreement should reaffirm both Parties' commitment to ILO Convention 169 on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Amendment 98 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a
Paragraph 14 – point a
a) Real market access opportunities for both sides to each other’s goods and services market through the elimination of regulatory barriers: nothing in the agreement however should prevent either side from regulating to achieve legitimate policy objectives; considering in this respect that no EU trade agreement has ever privatised public services, such as water, education, health and social services, nor decreased our high European health, food, consumer, environmental, labour and safety standards, nor constrained public funo address unnecessary barriers, while applying a positive list schedule to both market access and national treatment commitments; to consider that commitments should be taken building ofn the arts and culture, education, and health and social servicesGeneral Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);
Amendment 105 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a a (new)
a a) to ensure and explicitly foresee that this agreement does not prevent the parties’ ability to define, regulate, provide and support services of general interest, that it will by no means require governments to privatise any service nor preclude governments from expanding the range of services they supply to the public, and that it will not prevent governments from providing services of general interest previously supplied by private service suppliers or from bringing back under public control services that governments have previously chosen to privatise;
Amendment 107 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a b (new)
a b) to ensure that the right and the ability of the parties to adopt and apply their own laws and regulations in the public interest is enshrined throughout the entire text in order to achieve legitimate public policy objectives such as the protection and promotion of public health, social services, public education, safety, the environment, public morals, social or consumer protection, privacy and data protection, and the promotion and protection of cultural diversity;
Amendment 110 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a c (new)
a c) in as far as the Agreement may include a domestic regulation chapter calls on the negotiatiors not to include any necessity tests;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point b
Paragraph 14 – point b
b) The reduction of unjustified non- tariff barriers and the strengthening and extension of regulatory cooperation dialogues with binding disciplines to improve respect for intbut to ensure that any cooperation on regulatory matters remains voluntary, respects the autonomy of regulatory authorities, must be purely based on enhanced information exchange and administrative cooperation with a view to identifying unnecessary barriers and administrative burdens; to recall that regulatory coopernational standards and regulatory harmonisation, in particular through the adoption and implementation of the standards set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) must aim to benefit governance of the global economy by intensified convergence and cooperation on international standards for example through the adoption and implementation of the standards set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) while guaranteeing the highest level of consumer (e.g. food safety), environmental (e.g. animal health and welfare, plant health), social and labour protection;
Amendment 117 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point c
Paragraph 14 – point c
c) Significant concessions on public procurement guaranteeing market access for European companies in strategic sectors and the same degree of openness as that of the EU’s public procurement markets; to consider that simplified procedures and transparency for bidders, including those from other countries, can also be effective tools to combat corruption and foster integrity in public administration while providing value for money to taxpayers, in terms of the quality of delivery, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability; to guarantee that ecological and social criteria, including gender equality criteria, are applied in awarding public procurement markecontracts;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d
Paragraph 14 – point d
d) A separate chapter taking into account the needs and interests of micro- enterprises and SMEs with regard to market access facilitation issues in order to generate concrete business opportunities;
Amendment 126 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d a (new)
d a) relating to the ECJ-opinion on the FTA-Singapore that trade and sustainable development is an EU-exclusive competence and that sustainable development forms an integral part of the common commercial policy of the EU a robust and ambitious sustainable development chapter with a sanction- based mechanism, covering, among other things, core labour standards, the four ILO priority governance conventions and multilateral environmental agreements, is an indispensable part of any potential trade agreement;considers that the agreement should also include the establishment of a joint civil society forum that monitors and comments on its implementation and how the parties respect their commitments and obligations on human rights, labour standards and environmental protection;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d b (new)
d b) to include in the negotiating directives the requirement for the parties to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) via binding standards, including with regard to internationally recognised instruments, and the uptake of sectorial OECD guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 131 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d c (new)
d c) to ensure that the parties include a specific chapter on trade and gender equality and women’s empowerment, foreseeing active measures aiming to enhance opportunities for women to benefit from the opportunities provided by the FTA;to provide for measures aimed at, inter alia, a better work-family life balance and access to social and health services;to pursue an enhanced participation of women enterprises (particularly micro-enterprises and SMEs) in public procurement;to support the internationalisation of women enterprises and the participation of women in Mode 4 opportunities;to ensure, inter alia, that the parties commit to collecting disaggregated data allowing for thorough ex ante and ex post analysis on the impact of the FTA on gender equality;
Amendment 134 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point f
Paragraph 14 – point f
f) EStrong and enforceable measures covering the recognition and protection of intellectual property rights, including geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural and foodstuff products, and for wines and spirits; to simplify rules of origin and customs procedures with a view to adapting them to the reality of increasingly complex global value chains, including in terms of enhancing transparency and accountability within them;
Amendment 155 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g b (new)
g b) to increase cooperation in the fight against corruption and therefore include commitments to multilateral Anti- Corruption Conventions, such as the UNCAC and the OECD Anti-bribery Convention;
Amendment 156 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g c (new)
g c) to include digital innovations and data flows, as they are crucial drivers of the services economy and an essential element of the GVC of traditional manufacturing companies and therefore forced localisation requirements should be curbed to the extent possible within and outside Europe while accommodating necessary exemptions based on legitimate public purposes such as consumer protection and the protection of fundamental rights;recalls that data protection and privacy are not a trade barrier but fundamental rights, enshrined in Article 39 TEU, Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as well as Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g d (new)
g d) to incorporate robust provisions on animal welfare issues such as housing, transport and slaughter and to promote continued cooperation and exchanges on animal welfare through the FTA;
Amendment 160 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Looks forward to the launch of negotiations with New Zealand and to following them closely and contributing to their successful outcome;stresses that following the ECJ opinion on the EU-Singapore FTA, the EP should see its role strengthened at all stages of EU FTA negotiations, from the adoption of the mandate to the final conclusion of the agreement, and calls for necessary arrangements to be made in the interinstitutional agreement; in this regard, reminds the Commission of its obligationthe need not only to inform the Parliament immediately and fully at all stages of the negotiations (both before and after the negotiating rounds)but also to associate Parliament fully at all stages; is committed to addressexaminge the legislative and regulatory issues that may arise in the context of the negotiations and the future agreement without prejudice to its prerogatives as a co-legislator; reiterates its fundamental responsibility to represent the citizens of the EU, and looks forward to facilitating inclusive and open discussions during the negotiating process;
Amendment 164 #
2017/2193(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls that the European Parliament will endeavour to monitor the implementation of the future agreement;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the European Commission´s study of 15 November 2016 on the Cumulative Economic Impact of future trade agreements on EU agriculture,
Amendment 6 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the EU concluded negotiations on the EU-Australia Framework Agreement (FA) on 22 April 2015;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas Australia is among the EU’s oldest and closest partners, sharing common values and committed to promoting prosperity and security within a rules-based system globally;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas Australia is one of only six WTO members for which there is still no preferential access to the EU market or negotiations in progress to that end;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the conclusion of the EU- Australia free trade agreement will deepen the trade and investment relationship and whereas it could not be contemplated if the agreement adversely affected the ability of the parties to introduce, maintain or enhance their social, environmental or labour standards;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas, the Belgian national government has on the 6 September 2017 requested the European Court of Justice to review if ICS is compatible with EU treaties;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
H c. whereas following the EU- Australia draft negotiating mandate investment-protection is not included;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
H d. whereas the European Parliament will be required to decide whether to give its consent to the potential EU-Australia- FTA;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H e (new)
Recital H e (new)
H e. whereas the European Court of Justice opinion on the EU-Singapore agreement of 16 May 2017 clarifies that, except for portfolio investment and investor-to-state-dispute stellment, the agreement is of EU exclusive competence, showing the need to strengthen the democratic accountability of EU trade policy by enhancing the role of the EP in negotiating trade agreements at all stages;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the full potential of the Union’s bilateral and regional cooperation strategies can only be realisbe improved by concluding a high-quality FTA, balanced and fair trade agreement with Australia in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit while under no circumstances undermining the ambition to achieve progress multilaterally or the implementation of already concluded multilateral and bilateral agreements;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the negotiation of a modern, ambitious, balanced, fair and comprehensive FTA is a pragmatic way of deepening the bilateral partnership and further reinforcing the existing, already mature bilateral trade and investment relationships, while keeping social and environmental concerns high on both partners´ agendas´;
Amendment 42 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to conclude, as soon as possible, its assessments of the potential impact of such a trade deal, with a view to being able to evaluate thoroughly the possible gains and losses from the enhancement of the EU- Australia trade and investment relationships, for the benefit of citizens and businesses on both sides, including in the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories, and paying special attention to environmental and social impacts, including the EU labour market and to take into account the impact Brexit might have on the increase of exportations from Australia to the EU;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to duly take into account and to respect the opinion of the European Court of Justice about the compatibility of ICS with EU treaties;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Council to authorise the Commission to start negotiations for a trade an investment agreement and an investment protection agreement with Australia on the basis of the outcome of the scoping exercises, the conditions set out in this resolution, the impact assessment and with clear targets;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Welcomes the Commission's step to publish the proposed negotiating directive and considers this a positive precedent;urges the Council to follow suit and publish the negotiating directive as soon as it is adopted;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Welcomes the inclusion in the proposed negotiating directive ofthe clarification that payments under the Common Agricultural Policy should not be targeted by (i) anti-subsidy and (ii) anti-dumping measures;takes note of the ongoing investigative proceedings undertaken by the counterpart on European exports of processed tomatoes and therefore, calls on the Commission to engage with the counterpart to avoid any further discrimination against European workers and businesses;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Council to clearly distinguish between an agreement on trade and the liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI),to make as soon as possible a proposal about the future architecture of trade agreements taking into account the ECJ opinion on the FTA-Singapore and if there would be in future a distinction between a trade and investment agreement which only containings issues under the Union´s exclusive EU competence, and a second agreement on investment protecwhich covers subjects whose competences are shared with Member States; stresses that such distinction would have implication,s including on FDI and non-direct investment, which would be subject to an Investment Court System the parliamentary ratification process and that it should not be perceived as a way to circumvent national democratic processes; calls for stronger EP involvement in all ongoing and future FTA negotiations at all stages of the process;
Amendment 73 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to conduct negotiations asin full transparently as possible and fully respecting best practice as established in ocy, through constant dialogue with EP, social partners and civil society and calls on the Council to inform and involve national parliaments before the approval of ther negotiations; requests thatng mandate; Calls on the Council to make the negotiating mandate public;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that an FTA must lead to genuine market openness, and trade facilitation on the groundimproved market access, creating decent jobs, gender equality for the benefit of citizens on both sides, sustainable development, upholding EU standards, safeguarding services of general interest, and respecting democratic procedures whilst boosting EU export opportunities;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Emphasises that an ambitious agreement must address, in a meaningful way, high quality sanitary and phyto- sanitary standards and other norms in agricultural and food products, without weakening EU´s high standards, robust and enforceable commitments on labour and environmental standards, the fight against tax avoidance and corruption, investment, trade in goods and services (drawing on recent European Parliament recommendations as regards reservations of policy space and sensitive sectors), e- commerce, public procurement, energy, state-owned enterprises, competition, regulatory issues such as sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, as well as technology research and especially, the need of micro-enterprises and SMEs;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Council to recognise explicitly the other Party's obligations towards indigenous peoples in the negotiating directives and to allow for reservations for domestic preference schemes in this regard;the Agreement should reaffirm both Parties' commitment to ILO Convention 169 on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Amendment 95 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a
Paragraph 14 – point a
a) Real market access opportunities for both sides to each other’s goods and services market through the elimination of regulatory barriers: nothing in the agreement, however, should prevent either side from regulating to achieve legitimate policy objectives; considering, in this respect, that no EU trade agreement has ever privatised public services, such as water, education, health and social services, nor decreased our high European health, food, consumer, environmental, labour and safety standards, nor constrained public funo address unnecessary barriers, while applying a positive list schedule to both market access and national treatment commitments; to consider that commitments should be taken building ofn the arts and culture, education, and health and social servicesGeneral Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);
Amendment 103 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a a (new)
a a) to ensure and explicitly foresee that this agreement does not prevent the parties’ ability to define, regulate, provide and support services in the general interest, that it will by no means require governments to privatise any service nor preclude governments from expanding the range of services they supply to the public, and that it will not prevent governments from providing services in the general interest previously supplied by private service suppliers or from bringing back under public control services that governments have previously chosen to privatise;
Amendment 105 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a b (new)
a b) to ensure that the right and the ability of the parties to adopt and apply their own laws and regulations in the public interest is enshrined throughout the entire text in order to achieve legitimate public policy objectives such as the protection and promotion of public health, social services, public education, safety, the environment, public morals, social or consumer protection, privacy and data protection, and the promotion and protection of cultural diversity;
Amendment 108 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point a c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point a c (new)
a c) in as far as the Agreement may include a domestic regulation chapter calls on the negotiatiors not to include any necessity tests;
Amendment 113 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point b
Paragraph 14 – point b
b) The reduction of unjustified non- tariff barriers and the strengthening and extension of regulatory cooperation dialogues with binding disciplines to improve respect for intbut to ensure that any cooperation on regulatory matters remains voluntary, respects the autonomy of regulatory authorities, must be purely based on enhanced information exchange and administrative cooperation with a view to identifying unnecessary barriers and administrative burdens; to recall that regulatory coopernational standards and regulatory harmonisation, in particular through the adoption and implementation of the standards set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) must aim to benefit governance of the global economy by intensified convergence and cooperation on international standards for example through the adoption and implementation of the standards set by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) while guaranteeing the highest level of consumer (e.g. food safety), environmental (e.g. animal health and welfare, plant health), social and labour protection;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point c
Paragraph 14 – point c
c) Significant concessions on public procurement guaranteeing market access for European companies in strategic sectors and the same degree of openness as that of the EU’s public procurement markets; to consider that simplified procedures and transparency for bidders, including those from other countries, can also be effective tools to combat corruption and foster integrity in public administration while providing value for money to taxpayers, in terms of the quality of delivery, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability; to guarantee that ecological and social criteria, including gender equality criteria, are applied in awarding public procurement markecontracts;
Amendment 122 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d
Paragraph 14 – point d
d) A separate chapter taking into account the needs and interests of micro- enterprises and SMEs with regard to market access facilitation issues in order to generate concrete business opportunities;
Amendment 125 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d a (new)
d a) relating to the ECJ-opinion on the FTA-Singapore that trade and sustainable development is an EU-exclusive competence and that sustainable development forms an integral part of the common commercial policy of the EU a robust and ambitious sustainable development chapter with a sanction- based mechanism, covering, among other things, core labour standards, the four ILO priority governance conventions and multilateral environmental agreements, is an indispensable part of any potential trade agreement;considers that the agreement should also include the establishment of a joint civil society forum that monitors and comments on its implementation and how the parties respect their commitments and obligations on human rights, labour standards and environmental protection;
Amendment 128 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d b (new)
d b) to include in the negotiating directives the requirement for the parties to promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) via binding standards, including with regard to internationally recognised instruments, and the uptake of sectorial OECD guidelines and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point d c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point d c (new)
d c) to ensure that the parties include a specific chapter on trade and gender equality and women’s empowerment, foreseeing active measures aiming to enhance opportunities for women to benefit from the opportunities provided by the FTA;to provide for measures aimed at, inter alia, a better work-family life balance and access to social and health services;to pursue an enhanced participation of women enterprises (particularly micro-enterprises and SMEs) in public procurement;to support the internationalisation of women enterprises and the participation of women in Mode 4 opportunities;to ensure, inter alia, that the parties commit to collecting disaggregated data allowing for thorough ex ante and ex post analysis on the impact of the FTA on gender equality;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point f
Paragraph 14 – point f
f) EStrong and enforceable measures covering the recognition and protection of intellectual property rights, including geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural and foodstuff products, and for wines and spirits; to simplify rules of origin and customs procedures with a view to adapting them to the reality of increasingly complex global value chains, including in terms of enhancing transparency and accountability within them;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g b (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g b (new)
g b) to increase cooperation in the fight against corruption and therefore include commitments to multilateral Anti- Corruption Conventions, such as the UNCAC and the OECD Anti-bribery Convention;
Amendment 160 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g c (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g c (new)
g c) to include digital innovations and data flows, as they are crucial drivers of the services economy and an essential element of the GVC of traditional manufacturing companies and therefore forced localisation requirements should be curbed to the extent possible within and outside Europe while accommodating necessary exemptions based on legitimate public purposes such as consumer protection and the protection of fundamental rights;recalls that data protection and privacy are not a trade barrier but fundamental rights, enshrined in Article 39 TEU, Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as well as Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Amendment 162 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 – point g d (new)
Paragraph 14 – point g d (new)
g d) to incorporate robust provisions on animal welfare issues such as housing, transport and slaughter and to promote continued cooperation and exchanges on animal welfare through the FTA;
Amendment 164 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Looks forward to the launch of negotiations with Australia and to following them closely and costresses that, following the ECJ opinion on the EU-Singapore FTA, the EP should see its role strengthened at all stages of EU FTA negotiations, from the adoption of the mandate to the final conclusion of the agreement, and calls for necessary arrangements to be made in the inteributing to their successful outcome;nstitutional agreement; in this regard, reminds the Commission of its obligationthe need not only to inform the Parliament immediately andbut to associate Parliament fully at all stages of the negotiations (both before and after the negotiating rounds); is committed to addressexaminge the legislative and regulatory issues that may arise in the context of the negotiations and the future agreement without prejudice to its prerogatives as a co-legislator; reiterates its fundamental responsibility to represent the citizens of the EU, and looks forward to facilitating inclusive and open discussions during the negotiating process;
Amendment 169 #
2017/2192(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls that the European Parliament will endeavour to monitor the implementation of the future agreement;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2190(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that 10 % of the EIB’s overall lending activity is dedicated to operations outside the Union; stresses, for this reason, the importance of the annual reporting by the EIB on its operations outside of the Union with regard to compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the general principles guiding the external action of the Union by specifically strengthening humanitarian action, supporting the creation of decent jobs and education, ensuring full respect for human, labour and environmental rights, promoting gender equality, equal pay and pay transparency;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2190(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that access to finance is one of the main hurdles SMEs face; believes thatand internationalization are important hurdles for SMEs; notes that 33.7 billion euros were allocated during the concerned period supporting 300 000 SMEs; believes that, despite having taken the right direction, more must be done by the EIB to ensure that SME finance is geared at ensuring that these firms can integrate into global supplyvalue chains; notes that the EIB must support EU enterprises who want to do business abroad, including via the Trade Finance Facility;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2190(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 20 #
2017/2190(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Notes that in 2016, the EIB approved three new facilities for microfinance, one for the Caribbean, one for the Pacific and two of them for Africa, for a total amount of 110 million euros and one for the Southern Neighbourhood with 75 million euros; recalls that the EIB microfinance facilities and technical assistance have brought 300 million euros to more than 1.5 million beneficiaries; calls on the EIB to include in its next report the leverage effects of these facilities together with the funds allocated through the external action financial instruments;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2190(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EIB to improve access to information regarding the system of contracts and subcontracts, and the financial data concerning projects financed by the EIB as well as their compliance with SDGs; calls on the EIB to report to the European Parliament any reallocation of funds, together with an impact assessment and a justification report; stresses the importance of an inclusive decision making process with the participation of relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations.
Amendment 3 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
Amendment 4 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 3 February 2016 containing the European Parliament’s recommendations to the Commission on the negotiations for the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) (2015/2233(INI));
Amendment 5 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2017 on the impact of international Trade and the EU’s trade policies on global value chains (2016/2301(INI));
Amendment 13 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
Amendment 18 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Common Commercial Policy comprises a body of trade agreements and legislative measures to safeguard the Union’s offensive and defensive trade interests, contribute to sustainable shared growth and decent job creation, ensure that EU rules and standards are observed, safeguard states’ right to regulate and citizens’ well-being, and promote EU values; and whereas adherence to these aims requires that Union trade policy be implemented and monitored fully and effectively;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the implementation and enforcement phase is of crucial and fundamental importance in ensuring that Union trade policy is effective;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the involvement of civil society and social partners in the implementation of trade agreements can benefit the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Common Commercial Policy;
Amendment 34 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the questions raised in public debate about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Common Commercial Policy and the way it is implemented need to be answered clearly and precisely by the European Institutions;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the Union’s trade policy must be consistent with its other external and internal policies and the Union’s overarching principle of policy coherence for development;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the international context has changed profoundly since the Trade for All strategy was published and that new trade challenges now need to be addressed; is concerned to see protectionist practices being pursued and reiterates its support for an open, balanced, fair, sustainable and rules- based tradeing system;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of the growing might of Asia and of the USA’s gradual withdrawal on the trade front, as well as increasing domestic criticisms to the EU trade agenda, which were made evident by developments such as the decision of the ECJ to authorise a European Citizens’ Initiative against the TTIP negotiations, a referendum in the Netherlands which rejected the Ukraine-EU association agreement, or the referral of CETA to the ECJ by Belgium generating uncertainty for trade internationally; calls on the Commission to adapt its trade policy to address these developments at international level and to be more responsive;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the growing importance of services, especially digital services, and of e-commerce in international trade, and underscores the need to strengthen the domestic and international rules governing these sectors, in particular with respect to data flows and labour rights so as to secure real benefits for European workers and consumers, improve European companies’ access to international markets and safeguard the observance of fundamental rights in the EU and throughout the world; insists that rules for cross-border data transfers must fully comply with the EU’s existing and future data protection and privacy rules; calls on the Commission to incorporate into the EU’s trade agreements a horizontal, unambiguous and legally binding provision, which fully maintains the right of a party to protect personal data and privacy, provided that such a right is not unjustifiably used to circumvent rules for cross-border data transfers for reasons other than the protection of personal data; stresses that any disciplines in this regard should be exempted from the scope of application of any chapter dealing with investment protection;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that the United Kingdom’s departure from the EU will have consequences for internal and external trade; calls on the Commission to take immediate steps to anticipate the impact of Brexit on the Union’s trade policy so as to ensure continuity in its implementation; calls on the Commission to publish impact assessments of the various options envisioned for the future EU-UK relationship prior to the conclusion of the article 50 negotiations;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note of Opinion 2/15 of the CJEU, of 16 May 2017, establishing that, apart from the question of portfolio investment and the arrangements for investor-state dispute settlement, the Free Trade Agreement with Singapore lies within the exclusive competence of the Union; asks the Commission and Member States to clarify at the earliest possible date itstheir decision on the structure of free trade agreements in the future, taking account of the limits of EU exclusive competence set by the Court ruling; points out that Parliament must be involved from the onset of all trade negotiations, prior to the adoption of negotiating guidelines and must be kept fully informed, in a timely manner, at all stages in the negotiation and implementation of trade agreements; demands that the necessary arrangements are made through an inter-institutional agreement to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the EU’s CCP;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores the failure to reach agreement at the WTO ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires; recalls its previous demands to the Commission to actively engage in framing the WTO agenda, in particular with respect to Corporate Social Responsibility and Trade and Sustainable Development; reiterates its support for the multilateral system and calls on the Union actively to advance proposals for updated, multilateral rules; welcomes the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement; considers it regrettable that certain multilateral agreements are not being observed and calls on the Commission to work harder, within the WTO, on the effective implementation of multilateral rules and agreements;
Amendment 71 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is concerned at the stand-off in plurilateral negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) and the Environmental Goods Agreement; asks the Union to take the initiative to get the negotiations moving again on the basis of the European Parliament’s position on TiSA;
Amendment 77 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that the agreements concluded and the Union’s ongoing and forthcoming bilateral negotiations represent opportunities for market access and the lifting of trade barriers while at the same time they should prevent threats and challenges to the EU’s social model and the environment; issues a reminder that priority must be given to the substance of the negotiations rather than their pace, that the aims of reciprocity and mutual benefit must be guiding threads, that EU rules and standards cannot be watered down, and that current and future public services including services of general interest and services of general economic interest, as well as audiovisual services, must be fully excluded from the scope of all trade agreements, in line with Articles 14 and 106 TFEU and Protocol 26, irrespective of how the public services are provided and funded; stresses that the Commission must ensure in all trade negotiations that EU, national and local authorities retain the full right to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regard to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services;
Amendment 85 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Asks the Commission and Member States to update their negotiating mandates every five years to reflect the changing context and challenges, and to include review clauses in trade agreements to ensure that they are implemented as effectively as possible and that they are adaptable, provided that full parliamentary scrutiny and transparency are guaranteed;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the publication by the Commission of its recommendation for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for a Convention establishing a multilateral court for the settlement of investment disputes (MIC); highlights the importance to the European economy of internal and external investment and the need to ensure that EU investors abroad are protected; asks the Commission to pursue its work on the new system for ruling on investment disputes, which must be based, inter alia, on a guarantee of states’ right to regulate and on transparency while points out that this can be normally achieved through the domestic legal systems of our trading partners when they respect the rule of law; also acknowledges that, while the MIC will benefit developing countries which have concluded old-fashioned BITs with ISDS, those countries will have to continue to strengthen their judiciary systems; asks the Commission to pursue its work on the new system for ruling on investment disputes, which must be based, inter alia, on a guarantee of states’ right to regulate and on transparency, and provide for an appeal mechanism, strict rules on conflict of interest, a code of conduct, sanctions in case of non-compliance and to explicitly allow for the possibility of counterclaims; this new system must address investors’ obligations, avoid regulatory chill, prevent frivolous litigation and guarantee judicial equality (with particular attention to micro- enterprises, SMEs and domestic investors), judicial independency, transparency and accountability and the possibility for other actors, such as civil society organisations and trade unions, to use the system if their rights are infringed by investors;
Amendment 98 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Member States to finally unblock the procedure regarding the Mauritius Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor- State Arbitration now that the European Court of Justice has brought clarity regarding questions of competence and on the Commission to redouble its efforts in this respect; also request to bring forward from 2020 the review of the grandfathering regulation for bilateral investment treaties maintained by the Member States and to couple it, if opportune, with a legislative proposal discontinuing the application of Chapter III;
Amendment 100 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Expects a reinforced engagement of the EU and its Member States in deliberations within the UN regarding a Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 101 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges that an updated and easily applicable rules-of-origin system be developed; cConsiders it regrettable that no progress has been made on negotiating the Regional Convention on pan-Euro- Mediterranean rules of origin; reiterates its call to the Commission to draw up a report on the state of play with regard to rules of origin, and to endeavour to provide a rules of origin calculator tailored to SMEs that should specifically enable them to use the preferences available under existing agreements with a view to increasing the preference utilisation rate;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that, in the implementation of Union trade policy, special attention needs to be paid to agricultural products and to the interests of European producers and consumers, in particular in light of the cumulative impact of all FTAs on the sector; emphasises that trade agreements, and notably the agreement with Japan, can open up new business horizons for the agrifood sector; highlights the importance of striking the right balance between protecting sensitive agricultural products and advancing the Union’s offensive interests in relation to agrifood exports, with provision for, inter alia, transition periods and suitable quotas, and in certain cases for the exclusion of the most sensitive products; points out that it is essential to safeguard a robust system of health and plant-health rules while combating any form of discriminatory treatment in this area;
Amendment 115 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the multiple references to the principle of reciprocity in the report on implementation of the Union trade strategy; reiteratdeplores that reciprocity must beis still not guaranteed as a pillar of Union trade policy; emphasises the importance for the Union of having an international instrument on public procurement, and deplores the fact that the relevant proposal has been held up in the Council; takes the view that the Commission proposal on the monitoring of foreign investment could make for greater reciprocity in the area of access to markets;
Amendment 118 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points out that trade policy must be implemented in such a way as to help ensure that companies can compete fairly on a level playing field; welcomes the adoption of the new method for calculating anti-dumping duties in cases of distortion of competition in third countries; takes note of the interinstitutional agreement reached on the modernisation of trade defence instruments; highlights the importance of ensuring that these new instruments are implemented properly by intervening immediately to rectify any dysfunctions or abusesencourages the Commission to make the most of these reforms and use the new possibility they offer, in particular with respect to imposing duties above the injury margin; highlights the importance of ensuring that these new instruments are implemented properly by intervening immediately to rectify any dysfunctions or abuses; welcomes the Commission pro-active stance in the deployment of trade defence instruments in 2016, and calls for similar resolve and reactivity when these instruments are used unduly against EU exports by some of our trading partners, in particular the United States of America;
Amendment 120 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers it regrettable that the Commission report on the implementation of the trade policy strategy makes scarcely any mention of the task of coordination which needs to be undertaken with customs services; makes the point that trade policy must work to combat unlawful trading in order to keep EU companies competitive and to underpin consumer safety; also points to the important role of competition policy in this respect, and the need for bilateral and multilateral negotiations to this end;
Amendment 123 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Urges the Commission, in cases of dysfunction or hindrance or where a partner fails to observe a commitment, to make immediate use of the tools at its disposal, particularly through recourse to the disputes settlement procedure as well as the existing ad-hoc processes foreseen for Trade and Sustainable Development provisions in the Union’s FTAs;
Amendment 129 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to invest more human and financial resources in improvinge the way that trade policy is implemented, and asks that a special trade policy implementation monitoring unit be set up within the Commission;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges the Commission and Member States to do more, particularly through the use of IT, to eliminate all administrative obstacles and red tape, to simplify technicalsimplify technical and administrative procedures and to support companies taking steps to benefit from trade agreements and instruments;
Amendment 131 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the vital work done by Union delegations, in conjunction with Member State embassies, enabling swift and direct action to be taken to ensure that trade provisions are properly implemented; believes that Union delegations would benefit from a streamlined system based on a single set of rules and guidance in this respect, as the effectiveness of delegations in the monitoring of FTAs varies markedly from country to country; encourages the Commission and the EEAS to pursue their work in the field of economic diplomacy;
Amendment 135 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Asks the Commission to conduct a study of the cumulative impact of trade agreements, sector by sector and country by country, as a contribution to the evaluation of our trade policy and with a view to anticipating and amending its effects;
Amendment 136 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Highlights the fact that certain sectors may experience economic difficulties which are trade related; calls on the Commission and Member States to develop effective support policies such as social flanking measures in order to maximise the benefits and minimise the potential negative effects of trade liberalisation, and to re- evaluate the EU’s trade strategy in this light; asks the Commission, in this context, to reinforce the effectiveness of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and make it more pro-active, anticipating those cases where negative effects have to be accounted for instead of purely reactive;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages the Commission to pursue and intensify its cooperation with international organisations and forums, including the G20, the United Nations, the OECD, the ILO and, the World Bank and the International Organisation for Standardisation, on the development of international standards, their implementation and the monitoring of trade; in particular with respect to its social and environmental impact;
Amendment 140 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the publication by the Commission of the first report on implementation of FTAs; asks the Commission to continue publishing the report annually and to cover the topic in greater depth, including interpretations of data, placing in context the figures published and providing additional qualitative information; but regrets its many shortfalls, in particular the lack of qualitative analysis and concrete recommendations; notes that while the Commission is increasingly acknowledging the negative impact of trade liberalisation on certain sectors, the report is entirely biased towards presenting “success stories” and therefore fails at providing a balanced and comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the EU’s FTAs; asks the Commission to continue publishing the report annually and to cover the topic in greater depth, including interpretations of data, placing in context the figures published and providing additional qualitative information, most importantly on the implementation of the rule parts of FTAs such as TSD and Government Procurements, so as to make this report effective in guiding the EU institutions in the definition and conduct of the Union’s trade strategy;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that various elements of information, as well as figures, are missing from the report; notes that, when it comes to quantitative analyses the implementation report fails to provide an economic assessment of: the impact on growth and jobs of all FTAs; the contribution of FTAs to the evolution of trade flows, compared to other factors such as internal demand in the EU partners’ domestic markets; the impact of trade and investment agreements on investment flows and Mode 3 trade in services; asks the Commission to work more closely with the Member States and partner countries in order to obtain more data and information on the implementation of the agreements;
Amendment 144 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Is concerned by the fact that European companies are making relatively poor use of trade preferences by comparison with companies in partner countries which can therefore be deemed to benefit more from the EU’s FTAs than the EU itself; asks the Commission to determine the causes of the imbalance as quickly as possible and to address them; calls on the Commission and Member States to move swiftly on developing measures to give economic operators more information about the trade preferences provided for in the FTAs; believes that detailed information, including at micro level, is required in order to properly assess the implementation of the EU’s FTA, and that the experience of companies failing to use the possibility offered by FTAs matters just as much as the experience of those companies benefiting from them;
Amendment 148 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Invites the Commission to take a diversified approach to the various sectors studied and to set out the consequences of the implementation of trade agreements for those sectors which are considered sensitive, including an analysis of the cumulative impact of all FTAs;
Amendment 149 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Welcomes the announced introduction of implementation roadmaps for all trade agreements, and asks the Commission to involve all the interested parties in preparing them including civil society and social partners; calls on the Commission to set out intended objectives as well as specific criteria on which to base a clear evaluation, such as the state of progress on the removal of non-tariff barriers, the rate of use of quotas, or the situation with regard to regulatory cooperation; asks that the state of progress with the roadmaps be published to coincide with publication of well as progress in terms of Trade and Sustainable Development ; expects the implementation roadmaps to be transmitted to Parliament in parallel to the saisines for concluded agreements so that they may be taken into account during the consent procedure and asks that the state of progress with the roadmaps be incorporated into the annual report on implementation of FTAs;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. CWelcomes the introduction of specific chapters dedicated to SMEs in FTAs currently in negotiation; calls on the Commission to evaluate the entire toolkit for SMEs, with a view to developing a more integrated overall approach and a real SME internationalisation strategy, supporting them in becoming exporters; encourages the Commission to promote this approach in international forums;
Amendment 158 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Notes that the protection of geographical indications is one of the Union’s offensive points in trade agreement negotiations; highlights the finding in the report on implementation of FTAs that certain partners are not complying with provisions on the protection of geographical indications, and calls on the Commission to act without delay to ensure compliance with these provisions; also calls on the Commission to reassess its communication on the benefit of trade agreement, in light of these poor compliance outcomes;
Amendment 162 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Points out that the Union’s public procurement markets are the most open in the world; is concerned at certain partners’ non-compliance with provisions on public- procurement market access, to the detriment of EU companies; asks the Commission to work to secure greater access to third countries’ public procurement markets and to consider, as part of a range of measures, the introduction of rules al measures directed at third countries which give domestic companies priority access to their public procurement markets; also calls ong the lines of a ‘Buy European Act’, directed at third countries which give domestic companies priority access to their public procurement marketCommission to collect and publish company-level data on the use of public procurement provisions in FTAs (e.g. percentage of EU companies applying for and winning tenders abroad), so as to better understand the difficulties encountered by EU businesses;
Amendment 165 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Points out that the Common Commercial Policy must contributes to the promotion of the values for which the Union stands, set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, and to the pursuit of the aims enumerated in Article 21, including the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights, as well as fundamental rights and freedoms, equality, respect for human dignity and the protection of the environment and of social rights; believes that achieving these objectives requires resolute and sustained actions from the Commission, and a radical change in the way human rights and sustainable development are dealt with in FTA negotiations;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Calls on the Commission systematically to monitor the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), particularly the GSP+, and to continue publishing reports every two years; calls on the Commission to work harder with beneficiary countries, the EEAS, the Union delegations, international organisations, companies, the social partners and civil society in order to improve its information gathering and provide more in-depth analysis of the monitoring exercise so that the implementation of all aspects of the system can be clearly evaluated; stresses that the credibility and thus effectiveness of the GSP rests on the ability of the Commission to implement the provisions of the legislation in full in cases of failure to implement international labour or environmental conventions, including conducting formal investigations when required and removing or suspending preferences;
Amendment 169 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Points out that the new-generation agreements include human rights clauses and sustainable development chapters, to be implemented comprehensively in their entirety in order to safeguard and promote the observance of human rights, the Union’s values and high social and environmental standards; notes thetherefore calls for a timely implementation of existing TSD provisions; regrets the insufficient evaluation of the sustainable development chapters included in the Commission report on implementation of FTAs; asks the Commission to develop a precise and specific method of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of these chapters, given that such an evaluation cannot be made on the basis of quantitative data only; recalls in this context the important role of Domestic Advisory Groups and calls on the Commission for a more inclusive involvement of civil society in monitoring processes; underlines in particular the importance of civil society contributions regarding the negative consequences of Free Trade Agreements, especially when they concern developing countries or regions; also reiterates its call to strengthen the enforcement of TSD chapters, in particular through a greater involvement of social partners and civil society organisations, as well as the use of sanctions as a last resort in case of non- compliance; expresses in particular concern about the ineffective implementation of the TSD provisions in the case of the EU-Korea FTA;
Amendment 172 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Welcomes the review of the Aid for Trade strategy and supports the aim of capacity building for developing countries so that they can take greater advantage of the opportunities offered by EU trade agreements; emphasises, too, that the strategy must help to promote fair and ethical trade, and retain sufficiently asymmetrical liberalisation schedules to support economic development in the EU partner countries;
Amendment 175 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reaffirms its support for the inclusion in all future trade agreements of ambitious provisions on combating corruption and protecting whistle-blower; welcomes the inclusion of anti- corruption provisions in the ongoing negotiations on updating the EU-Mexico FTAand EU-Chile Association Agreements; stresses that FTAs must address the fight against money laundering, tax fraud and evasion while remaining within the scope of the Union’s exclusive competence;
Amendment 179 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Welcomes the fact that gender equality has been taken into account in the Commission’s report on the implementation of its trade strategy; underscores the aim of ensuring that women benefit from trade to the same extent as men; stresses that this requires a proactive approach by the Commission, and as a first step the application of a gender mainstreaming strategy to trade policy;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Emphasises that the Common Commercial Policy must be implemented in such a way as to ensure that the global value chain is managed responsibly; asks the Commission to continue including and promoting corporate social responsibility as part of its trade policy; reiterate its demand to the Commission to include CSR in all trade agreements and to work on new provisions for greater enforcement; reasserts its support for international initiatives such as the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact, and asks the Commission to concentrate as of now on the implementation of that initiative;
Amendment 184 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Recalls, however, that voluntary CSR may also lead to unfair competition for suppliers that have chosen to comply with international labour and environmental standards and is not sufficient per se to ensure that companies fully comply with international standards and obligations by implementing due diligence policy; reiterates its call for seeking ways to develop global value chains transparency strategies and rules, including the possible consideration of immediate action towards developing binding and enforceable rules, associated remedies and independent monitoring mechanisms involving the EU Institutions, Member States and civil society;
Amendment 186 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Repeats its call to the Commission to framtable a proposal for banning the importation of goods produced using child labour or any other form of forced labour or modern slavery;
Amendment 187 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Reiterates its call on the EU to work towards adequate and efficient solutions for the introduction of a transparent and functioning mandatory ‘social and environmental traceability’ labelling system along the entire production chain, in compliance with the WTO TBT Agreement, while in parallel promoting similar action at international level;
Amendment 189 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Takes note of the Commission’s work on transparency; believes that achieving full transparency must become the top priority for the Commission; calls on the Commission and Member States to publish moreall of the relevant documents relating to the negotiation and implementation of agreements;
Amendment 190 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Calls on the Commission and Member States to develop a proper strategy for communication about trade policy and about each agreement, so that as much information as possible is transmitted and information is adapted for specific stakeholders, enabling them to benefit from the agreements; stresses that such a strategy must address the issue of availability of information prior to and during trade negotiations, and reiterates its call to the Commission to conduct extensive consultations with civil society and social partners and publish Sustainability Impact Assessments in a timely manner, i.e. in time for them to be used in the course of parliamentary debates; calls on the Commission and Member States to come up with measures for raising economic operators’ awareness about agreements concluded and for sustaining dialogue on a regular basis with professional associations, companies, social partners and civil society;
Amendment 191 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Welcomes the publication by the Council of the negotiating mandates for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and for the agreements with Japan, Chile and Tunisia, as well as the Commission’s publication of its draft negotiating mandates for agreements with Australia and New Zealand and for the creation of the MIC; calls on the Council and the Member States to publish all negotiating mandates, and on the Commission to publish all draft mandates for the opening of future negotiations; asks the Council and the Commission, when they are drafting and adopting negotiating mandates, to incorporate Parliament’s recommendations; supports the opening of negotiations for an inter-institutional agreement to lay out a formal process to that effect;
Amendment 194 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Reiterates its request that Member States, Parliament, national parliaments, economic operators and representatives of civil society and social partners should be more closely involved in trade policy monitoring including on but not limited to TSD provisions; calls on the Commission to publish an action plan and details of the ‘Enhanced Partnership’ model for the implementation of trade agreements;
Amendment 195 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Asks the Commission to improve the quality of the impact studies carried out for each trade agreement and to include in them sectoral and geographical analysis; stresses that better and more timely communication about the information contained in ex ante and ex post impact studies on trade agreements is essential;
Amendment 197 #
2017/2070(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Welcomes the announcement that a consultative group is being set up to monitor trade policy; stresses the importance of establishing the new body rapidly and in a transparent, public and inclusive way; asks the Commission to publish the consultative group’s meeting and working documents on a regular basis; also calls on the Commission to define processes to ensure that issues raised by the consultative group are properly responded to and contributions are taken into account during negotiations;
Amendment 1 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
– having regard to the E-commerce Directive 2000/31/EC
Amendment 2 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
– having regard to the announced Agreement in Principle on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement of 6 July 2017,
Amendment 2 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
– having regard to the Communication of the Commission on tackling illegal content online (COM(2017)555)
Amendment 7 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that technology and the internet facilitate an inclusive economy, allowing even the smallest businesses in the most remote regions to trade globally directly and in this respect calls on the European Commission to pursue 21st century trade agreements that recognize the fundamental advancement of technology and the internet.
Amendment 13 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the upcoming 11th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 10 - 13 December 2017 where E-commerce is likely to be discussed,
Amendment 16 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas technological developments and access to the open internet enable companies, particularly SMEs,and the digitisation of the economy could enable companies, particularly start-ups, micro-enterprises and SMEs, to create new opportunities for business, to improve their capacity to export, to participate in global value-chains and to reach customers all over the globe at a faster pace and lower cost than ever before;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need of simplification and alignment of rules through a technologically progressive and transparent model of e-governance of administrative procedures. Calls on the Member States to advance rapidly their e- governance polices, legislation and practice.
Amendment 20 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the internet and internet- based technologies play an important role in developing, ordering, producing, marketing or delivering products and services;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Digital connectivity enhances the volume of trade, but a prerequisite for the online merchants is an efficient delivery system, underlines in this respect that the EU supports harmonised labels, that can lead to better and more efficient cross- border tracking services. Welcomes the open IT standards developed within CEN and suggests that the European Commission promotes such effective tools with international trade partners to reduce the costs of cross-border delivery and benefit ultimately end-users and consumers.
Amendment 22 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas counterfeiting is a global and growing phenomenon, particularly online;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the digitisation of traditional industries affects supply chains, manufacturing and services models, which could lead to job creation in new industries, but could also lead to job losses, as more and more tasks traditionally performed by humans are either automated or off-shored, or both;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines, that while EU trade agreements have to increasingly tackle "behind the border barriers" beyond tariffs they must preserve the primary function of regulations to pursue the public interest and be limited to facilitating trade and investment through the identification of unnecessary technical barriers to trade, duplicated or redundant administrative burdens, which disproportionately affect SMEs, while not compromising the technical procedures and standards on health, safety, consumer, labour, social and environmental protection and cultural diversity; recalls that corresponding mechanisms must be based on enhanced information exchange and improved adoption of international technical standards, and lead to increased convergence, whilst under no circumstances undermining or delaying the democratically legitimised decision- making procedures of any trading partner
Amendment 29 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the current tax framework does not account for large online businesses who are avoiding taxes by routing most of their profits to tax havens;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas access to a free, open and secure internet is a prerequisite for rules- based trade andthe development inof the digital economy which can contribute to rules-based trade;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the UN’s SDGs stress that providing universal and affordable access to the Internet for people in least developed countries by 2020 will be crucial in terms of fostering development, as the development of a digital economy could be a driver for jobs and growth, e- commerce being one opportunity to increase the numbers of small exporters, export volumes and export diversification;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas women as entrepreneurs and as workers can benefit from better access to global markets and as consumers from lower prices, still many challenges and inequalities prevent women´s participation in the global economy, as many of the women in low- and middle-income countries, still have no access to internet;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas electronic commerce is also booming in developing countries;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas governments around the world are engaging in digital protectionism by putting up unjustified and disproportionate barriers that hinder market access and direct investment, or create unfair advantages for domestic companies;
Amendment 42 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that trade agreements should encourage the use of advanced technologies, the interoperability of systems and predictable contractual relations; calls to increase cooperation between regulators
Amendment 43 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the need of digitalisation of customs information and management via on-line registration and operation of information, in respect of international standards, e-certification and on-line payment of customs duties, to scale down on trade costs, facilitate clearance at the border and cooperation in fraud detection. Calls the European Commission to encourage and request from our trade partners the digitalisation of customs procedures together with compatibility of customs systems in parallel with the reduction of tariffs.
Amendment 44 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas geo-blocking should be ended and no forms of unjustified discrimination based on a customer’s nationality, place of residence or place of establishment within the internal market should appear in future;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights that the digital economy should be regarded as part of a EU taxation agenda and calls on the European Commission to ensure that multinationals in the digital sphere are subject to a fair, efficient and growth- friendly corporate tax system and are taxable in the countries where economic activity takes place and income is generated
Amendment 58 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Considers that data flows are indispensable to trade in services and the digital economy but should never compromise the EU’s acquis on data protection and the right to privacy. Recalls that data and the right to privacy are not a trade barrier but a fundamental right
Amendment 62 #
2017/2065(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Highlights that globally digital trade in goods is confronted with the problem of counterfeiting and urges the EC to promote initiatives such as an open system IT-trust mark to boost the trust of consumers in the e-merchants and ensure a level playing field. Encourages the use of instruments such as the Memorandum of Understanding on the online sale of counterfeit goods.
Amendment 70 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need to bridge the digital divide in order to minimise potential negative social and development Impacts; underlines in this regard the importance to promote female participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), to remove barriers to lifelong learning, to close gender gaps in access to and in the use of new technologies; calls on the Commission to explore further how current trade policy and gender equality are linked and how trade can promote women´s economic empowerment;
Amendment 72 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that while intensified digital trade can lead to welfare benefits the digital economy has already shown a troubling tendency towards excessive market and power concentration; considers therefore that a digital trade strategy must be complemented by a reinforced and effective international framework for competition policy including by increased cooperation between competition authorities and strong competition chapters in trade agreements;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that businesses and companies comply with competition rules and that there is no discrimination against competitors to the detriment of consumers’ welfare; highlights in this regard that manufacturers and retailers, acting in a competitive market, must respond to consumers’ preferences rather than stipulate the terms on which consumers may access products;
Amendment 79 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that trade agreements should provide for increased cooperation between consumer protection agencies and welcomes initiatives to foster consumer trust-enhancing measures in trade negotiations such as disciplines on electronic signatures and contracts and unsolicited communications; highlights that the rights of consumers must be protected and must not be diluted in any case; stresses in this regard that the processing of services has to comply with high standards such as the protection of data and privacy, and underlines in this regard the importance of the fight against Internet crime;
Amendment 81 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Recalls the need to put in place simplified, tax- and duty-free customs treatment of items sold online and returned unused, since a customer’s opportunity to return the item is a pillar of the competitiveness of e-commerce retailers; Calls on the Commission to address public concerns through better information on regulations such as data security, privacy, intellectual property protection, consumer protection and the safeguarding of cultural values;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Points out that a digital development strategy should include investment in digital infrastructure, such as internet access, devices and computers as well as in digital enterprises, including relevant trainings; stresses that such investments are particularly important for local firms, especially in developing countries to be able to interact digitally with MNEs and to access global value- chains; highlights in this regard, that sustainable development should not be seen as a barrier for investments in the digital economy, but rather as a means to achieve a rules-based investment regime that aims at sustainability and inclusiveness;
Amendment 83 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Underlines that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries make up the majority of businesses and employ the majority of manufacturing and service sector workers; Recalls that facilitating cross-border e-commerce can have a direct impact on improving livelihoods, fostering higher living standards and boosting economic development.
Amendment 84 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2f. Recalls that the digital economy generally and digital trade specifically can cause disruption in other sectors and do not automatically lead to equitable and shared growth; stresses in this regard that the necessary social flanking measures must be put in place for them to benefit the whole society, such as strong education and training policies, active labour market policies and measures to overcome the digital divide;
Amendment 85 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 g (new)
Paragraph 2 g (new)
2g. Recalls that the new digital labour market claims to be flexible and cost- efficient, for both clients and independent contractors; stresses in this regard, that this new flexibility often goes hand in hand with precarious working conditions and undermines hard-won legal and social standards of decent work; Calls therefore on the Commission to focus on increasing protection of workers in the field of crowd working, including minimum wage, a form of social and health insurance, privacy protection and liability insurance;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 h (new)
Paragraph 2 h (new)
2h. Stresses that rules and regulations on digital commerce must be feasible not only for online monopolists and big companies, but also for micro-enterprises, SMEs and start-ups to achieve fair competition and a level playing field in the digital economy;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that adequacy decisions, including partial and sector- specific ones, are a fundamental mechanism in terms of safeguarding the transfer of personal data from the EU to a third country; notes that the EU has only adopted adequacy decisions with four of its 20 largest trading partners; recalls that instruments other than general disciplines in trade agreements exist to enable the transfer of data from one country to another such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual clauses;
Amendment 93 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to prioritise and speed upcontinue with the adoption of adequacy decisions while ensuring that each individual adequacy decision is fully in line with the Union’s data protection legal framework and ensures a high level of protection for personal data; in order to facilitate the adoption of adequacy decisions; calls on, the Commission should consider the possibility to adopt, and to make public, updated and detailed binding procedures for reaching these decisions;
Amendment 99 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the ability to access, collect, process and transfer data has become a prerequisitemore important for every type of company that delivers goods and services internationally;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to draw up ambitious rules for cross-border data transfers, including through FTAs, in full compliance with, and without prejudice to, the EU’s current and future data protection and privacy rules; stresses that any disciplines in this regard should be exempted from the scope of application of any future chapter dealing with investment protection;
Amendment 116 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to prohibit unjustified and disproportionate data localisation requirements in FTAs;
Amendment 120 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Commission proposal for a regulation on a framework for the free flow of non-personal data in the European Union; Calls on the Commission to put forward its position on cross- border data transfers and unjustified and disproportionate data localisation requirements in trade negotiations before the end of the year; agreements and underlines the need to ensure consistency between EU approach on free flow of non-personal data in the European Union and the provisions on cross border data transfers and data localisation in trade agreements; in the case of trade agreements where it is not yet possible to include provisions on cross border data transfers and data localisation due to the fact that the negotiations are nearly concluded, encourages the Commission to use review clauses that would allow for a prompt alignment to EU’s horizontal approach to data transfers and data localisation.
Amendment 137 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines that a digital trade strategy must be fully in line with the principle of net neutrality and safeguard the equal treatment of Internet traffic, without discrimination, restriction or interference, irrespective of its sender, receiver, type, content, device, service or application and recalls that traffic management measures should be allowed only in exceptional cases where they are strictly necessary, and only for as long as necessary, to comply with legal requirements, preserve the integrity and security of the network or prevent impending network congestion;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. DeploresRegrets unjustified third country practices which make market access conditional on the disclosure and transfer to state authorities of the source codes of the software that companies intend to sell; considers that such measures are disproportionate as a blanket requirement for market access; calls on the Commission to prohibit signatory governme, while there should be certain necessary public policy exemptions since source code disclosure should be mandated in cases of operation of critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, to FTAs from engaging in such activities; safeguard cyber security or for patent registration; recalls also that in some cases competition authorities could require the disclosure of source code as a remedy for anti-competitive conduct which should continue to be possible;
Amendment 142 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that in some cases local presence requirements are necessary to ensure effective prudential supervision or regulatory oversight and enforcement; reiterates therefore its call on the Commission to undertake limited commitments in Mode 1, in particular in the fields of digital services and financial services so as to avoid regulatory arbitrage;
Amendment 143 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Notes that pro-development technology transfer requirements should not be ruled out by disciplines on digital trade;
Amendment 145 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the protection of trademarks, intellectual property (IP), geographical indications (GIs) and investments in R&D is a precondition of the EU’s knowledge-based economy, and that international cooperation is key to combating the trade in counterfeited goods; recalls that legal protection, online and offline throughout the EU is needed for new creations since this will encourage investment and lead on to further innovations; stresses that access to medicines in third countries should not be challenged on the basis of IP protection; Highlights that international cooperation is key to combating the trade in counterfeited goods; stresses, however, that trade agreements are not the place to extend the level of protection for rights holders by providing for more extensive copyright enforcement powers; stresses that access to medicines in third countries should not be challenged on the basis of IP protection;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls that, since 1998, members of the WTO have upheld a moratorium on tariffs on electronic transmissions; stresses that such tariffs would entail unnecessary additional costs for businesses and consumers alike; calls on the Commission to transform the moratorium into a permanent agreement on banning tariffs on electronic transmissions subject to careful analysis of the implication in the area of 3D printing;
Amendment 162 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to use trade agreements to promote the interoperability of ICT-standards that benefit both consumers and producers, notably in the context of a secure Internet of things, while not circumventing legitimate fora for multi stakeholder governance which have served the open internet well;
Amendment 168 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises that the principle of intermediary liability protections has been crucial in developing the digital economy, in creating favourable conditions for innovation and in guaranteeing freedom of speech; calls on the Commission to ensure in its trade negotiations that online intermediaries must nevercannot be made strictly liable for hosting unlawful third-party content, nor should they ever be required to monitor content proactively as part of an intermediary liability regime unless they have knowledge of the infringing nature of the content, nor should they be subject to a general monitoring requirement as part of an intermediary liability regime while appropriate specific monitoring should be called for in line with the EU e-commerce directive; underlines that these disciplines should clearly exclude criminal matters; calls therefore on the Commission to overcome the current difficulties in assigning liability and to enhance legal certainty with regard to liability in the context of emerging technologies; therefore welcomes the launching of a broad evaluation of the Products Liability Directive, to assess its overall functioning and whether its rules remain appropriate for emerging Technologies such as the Internet of Things and autonomous connected Systems;
Amendment 178 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Strongly supports the further mainstreaming of digital technologies and services in the EU’s development policy; calls on the Commission to stimulate public-private partnerships to increase investinvestments and cooperation for developments in digital infrastructure in the Global South; urges the Commission to make investments in broadband infrastructure in developing countries conditional upon respect forto achieve the establishment of a free, open and secure internet; calls on the Commission to use trade agreements to improve and promote digital rights;
Amendment 180 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the imperative that any digital trade strategy must be fully in line with the principle of policy coherence for development, and should in particular seek to promote and enable start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises engaging in cross border e-commerce recalling the contribution this could make to gender equality since a great number of these companies are women owned and operated;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Considers that digital issues should also feature more prominently in the EU’s Aid for Trade policy to facilitate the growth of e-commerce via increased support for innovation and infrastructure and access to financing, notably via micro finance initiatives, as well as assistance in increasing online visibility for developing country e-commerce businesses, facilitating platform access and promoting the availability of e-payment solutions and access to cost-effective logistics and delivery services;
Amendment 184 #
2017/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Stresses that any digital trade strategy, including its flanking measures, must be fully in line with and contribute to the realisation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; notes that SDG 4 on quality education, providing free, equitable and Quality primary and secondary education to all girls and boys, SDG 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, SDG 8.10. on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in particular via strengthened capacity of domestic financial institutions and access to financial services, as well as SDG 9.1. on developing reliable and resilient infrastructure with a focus inequitable access for all and SDG 9.3. on increasing access of small enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to financial services, including affordable credit, and their integration into value chains and markets are particularly relevant in this regard;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for own resources reforms that establish a predictable and stable basis for the EU budget which is independent, transparent and balanced and will address the growing pressure on the EU budget, simplify the complex and opaqueabolish all rebate arrangements, and aim to lower the contribution of the Member States (and not increase the tax burden on EU citizens) and decrease the EU’s dependency on the national contributions based on VAT and GNI;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for a reform of the system of own resources in such a way that the own resources share of the EU budget is increased to at least 50 percent;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for an exploration of the possibilities feasibility check ofn creating sustainability- and emission- based customs duties and levies on trade in goods and services, and for the incorporation of such measures into the EU’s international trade policies and agreements as constituting a source for own resources;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for own resources that can only be generated by collective European action and have a clear added value for the Union by improving the functioning of the internal market and therefore expects the introduction of a financial transaction tax and the European harmonisation of corporate income taxes and the partial use thereof as new own resources;
Amendment 2 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the Union has an increasingly ambitious trade agenda, as outlined in the ‘Trade for all’ strategy; stresses that the funding for Aid for Trade initiatives should be increased and sufficient resources should be allocated to DG Trade of the Commission to enable it to carry out the increasing number of activities, in particular to ensure the implementation and enforcement of the provisions included in both the bilateral and multilateral agreements; highlights the importance of performing assessments prior to, during and following the conclusion of such agreements in achieving a more inclusive strategy; in this regard recognises the need for gender-disaggregated data; notes that many global trade actors’ homologous institutions employ a significantly higher number of civil servants, especially in the field of trade defence’s investigations; reiterates the need to adequately support the Union’s trade strategy as one of the key pillars of its foreign policy;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the citizens of the Union are asking to be more involved and engaged with Union trade policy and that the Commission has made this citizens’ interest a priority; considers that it is crucial that enough resources are allocated to actively involve citizens in Union trade policy-making; and to raise a higher degree of awareness over its benefits among Union citizens; calls for the inclusion of Domestic Advisory Groups and Joint Platforms into Citizens’ dialogue as they are the main vehicles towards achieving civil society’s effective participation in the enforcement and monitoring of trade sustainability chapters of trade agreements; calls for the release of Key Performance Indicators, against which they wish to assess the performance of customs administration at national and Union level;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that international trade is a core tool for Union foreign policy which, if it is sufficiently funded and implemented by means of coherent strategies, contributes to sustainable development, particularly in developing countries, thereby enabling the Union to play an active role in tackling migration clauses;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that the trade-related technical support and economic assistance provided by the European Neighbourhood Policy to Union partners in the East bordSouthern and to the post-Arab-Spring countrieEastern borders make an important contribution to stability in those regions;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that any new Union initiative, including those in the field of defence, should be financed by additional funds and not be detrimental to existing budget lines;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Notes that, albeit varying results, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is under budgeted, does not operate systematically and thus is inadequate to balance the side-effects of automation, digitalisation and globalisation; observes the success of similar initiatives in comparable economies; underlines the need for additional funds and resources to finance the EGF and to increase its effectiveness and its operability; in this regard considers the elimination of unnecessary burdens key in achieving a higher degree of efficiency; underlines the importance of trainings in providing un-employed workers with the instruments needed for a successful re-integration into the labour market;
Amendment 24 #
2017/2044(BUD)
7c. Recalls that Article 8 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union firmly establishes that "In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women" and that, therefore, the Union has a duty to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, guaranteeing that men and women benefit equally from social changes, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, doing away with discrimination and promoting respect for women's rights in the world; in this regard calls on the Commission for the inclusion of Gender chapters in all the newly negotiated trade agreements and to provide the necessary resources for their implementation;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2036(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on Cuba to ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement that has entered into force in February 2017; welcomes the creation of the Trade Facilitation Committee in the country and, in this sense, asks the EC and EEAS to provide technical support;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2036(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the needAcknowledges the will of Cuban authorities to modernise their Cuban economic system with regard to trade liberalisation, foreign direct investment, diversification of exports, economic and financial investments, technological innovation and overall market freedoms; emphasises the importance of the cuentapropistas, and while assuring high labour and social standards; emphasises the importance of private initiatives, for the Cuban economy and agricultural sector; calls on the cooperation subcommittees to be established to analyse the potential actions to be taken and ask the EC and the EEAS to inform regularly the EP on the initiatives on this regard;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2036(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights that the PDCA includes a provision for suspension of the agreement in case of violation of the provisions on human rights;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that trade agreements should be seen as a key mechanism for promoting anti-corruption measures and good governance; calls for such agreements to include commitments to multilateral anti-corruption conventions in all trade deal, such as the UNCAC and the OECD Anti- bribery Convention; calls on the Commission to consider developing assistance projects to help states overcome constraints complying with these international conventions;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recognises the major role of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in fighting corruption at ports of entry which was adopted in Bali in 2013 and entered into force in February 2017;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for whistle-blower protection to be addressed in EU trade deals; therefore recalls that proper European legislation is needed and urges the Commission to propose legislative instruments ensuring effective measures to protect whistle-blowers acting in the public interest when disclosing confidential information of companies and public bodies; stresses that signatory parties of trade agreements should take measures to promote the active participation of the private sector, civil society organisations and domestic advisory groups in the implementation of anti-corruption programmes and clauses in international trade and investment deals;
Amendment 31 #
2017/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is of the opinion that special provisions on SMEs should be foreseen in trade agreements in order to enable them to tackle corruption, as they often do not have the means;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2028(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Insists that EU trade partners lose benefits granted by trade agreements where they fail to comply with anti-corruption commitments or with international standards in the field of anti-corruption such as the Common Reporting Standard of the OECD, the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting of the OECD, the central register of beneficial ownership and FATF recommendations; calls on the Commission to set clear and relevant conditions and performance indicators allowing better assessment and demonstration of results; calls, furthermore, on the Commission to respond firmly, proportionally and quickly where the beneficiary government shows insufficient commitment to comply with what has been agreed.
Amendment 15 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
Citation 32 a (new)
– having regard to the Africa Human Development Report 2016 "Accelerating Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Africa"1e __________________ 1eUNDP, Africa Human Development Report 2016: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/li brary/corporate/HDR/Africa%20HDR/Af HDR_2016_lowres_EN.pdf?download
Amendment 16 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 b (new)
Citation 32 b (new)
– having regard to the OCDE report "Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership in OECD Countries" (2014)1f __________________ 1fOCDE technical report "Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership in OECD Countries": http://www.oecd.org/gender/Enhancing% 20Women%20Economic%20Empowerme nt_Fin_1_Oct_2014.pdf
Amendment 17 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 c (new)
Citation 32 c (new)
Amendment 18 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 d (new)
Citation 32 d (new)
– having regard to the increasing international efforts to promote gender equality though trade policies -such as the UNCTAD programme on gender and development1j (which includes studies on the impact of trade on women; a teaching packet on trade and gender, online training or the creation of the status of "Gender Champions") and the World Bank, which since 2016, in each of their 14 working areas has a gender strategy; __________________ 1jUNCTAD's Website: http://unctad.org/en/Pages/DITC/Gender- and-Trade/Trade,-Gender-and- Development.aspx
Amendment 19 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 e (new)
Citation 32 e (new)
– having regard to the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) issue paper "The Gender Dimensions of Global Value Chains" (September 2016)1k; __________________ 1kInternational Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) issue paper "The Gender Dimensions of Global Value Chains" (September 2016): https://www.ictsd.org/sites/default/files/res earch/the_gender_dimensions_of_global_ value_chains_0.pdf
Amendment 20 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 f (new)
Citation 32 f (new)
– having regard to the ICTSD issue paper "The Gender Dimensions of Services" (September 2016)1l; __________________ 1l https://www.ictsd.org/sites/default/files/res earch/the_gender_dimensions_of_services .pdf
Amendment 21 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 33 a (new)
Citation 33 a (new)
– having regard to the technical note of the Interamerican Development Bank, presenting the work done under the Trade and Gender Initiative led by the Integration and Trade Sector of the Inter- American Development Bank (2012)
Amendment 23 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas Art. 8 of the TFEU commits the EU to eliminate inequalities and to promote equality and combat discrimination, among others, on the grounds of sex, when defining and implementing its policies and activities;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas gender discussions should concern both men and women equally and whereas engagement and partnership between the public sector and private sector stakeholders, at international and local levels, are key to promote the necessary awareness and synergies to promote gender equality and women empowerment;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas there is abroad consensus that a fair, open and rules-based international trade plays a vital role in shaping economic and social performance and prospects of countries around the world, especially those of developing countries; whereas trade is instrumental in empowering women and supporting communities and women's fully-fledged participation in the economy is essential for growth; whereas studies show that empowering women could add a quarter to world’s GDP, that helping women is essential as much from economic as social and poverty eradication perspectives, due to their role in families and communities; whereas, however, trade policies lacking an appropriate gender focus, may further entrench or exacerbate existing gender biases and discrimination;
Amendment 27 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A c (new)
Recital -A c (new)
-Ac. whereas, therefore, synergy between different policies, domestic and external, is crucial to achieve gender equality and women empowerment, including issues such as property rights, access to finance, education and vocational training, corporate behaviour, government procurement, digital gap, cultural bias;
Amendment 28 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A d (new)
Recital -A d (new)
-Ad. whereas the relationship between international trade and gender is complex and demands a deep understanding of economic and social dynamics, as well as of specific local contexts, in order to develop efficient trade policies to pursue economic development and poverty reduction, while also promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas, as indicated by the McKinsey Global Institute, if women’s wages and labour force participation were raised to make them equal to those of men, it would boost global output by over 25%, and, as indicated by organisations such as the African Development Bank1d and the International Trade Centre, the impact of women on the global economy - as producers, entrepreneurs, employees and consumers-, over the next decade, could be at least as significant as adding a new China to the global economy; __________________ 1d African Development bank, Gender Equality Index Technical Note: https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/af db/Documents/Generic- Documents/Gender_Equality_Index_Met hodological_Note.pdf
Amendment 41 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 44 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas economic development and gender equality frequently go hand- in-hand; whereas there is a broad understanding that societies where gender inequalities are lower, also tend to grow faster;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas, according to an ITC survey covering 20 countries, only 20% of the companies interviewed in developing countries are owned or managed by a woman and that women experience more problem in raising funds, competing and accessing markets than their male counterparts; and whereas, according to the same source, the three main reasons that hinder women entrepreneurs from getting involved in global value chains and upgrade into higher value activities are: regulatory biases, procedural obstacles and cultural biases, alongside other aspects, such as time constraints for female managers, limited access to productive resources like finance and land, limited access to information and networks;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas country-specific and sector-specific assessments are of great importancetrade policies are not gender-neutral and may have different direct and indirect impacts on men and women, depending, among other elements, on existing socio-economic and cultural structures; whereas women tend to be more concentrated in precarious, low-wage or low- status forms of formal and informal employment than men, leading to gender segregation in types of occupations and activities and gender gaps in wages and, working conditions; and social protection; whereas, in this sense, Country-by-Country gender disaggregated and sector-specific assessments are of great importance, but are not yet available;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas on the basis of fact-based studies, UNCTAD insists in highlighting the limitations that women face in taking advantage of the opportunities offered by trade, arising from factors such as lack of technical training for better jobs, lack of public services to alleviate household responsibilities, and restricted access and control over resources, including credit and land, information as well as networks and whereas, on this basis, UNCTAD recommends that evaluations address potential impacts of trade policies on gender equality and women empowerment, in areas such as employment, small business, prices, productivity in agriculture, subsistence agriculture and migration1c; __________________ 1cImplementing gender-aware ex ante evaluations to maximize the benefits of trade reforms for women: http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ presspb2016d7_en.pdf
Amendment 62 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the majority of the workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are women; and whereas in some countries EPZs are exempt from local labour laws, ban or limit union activity and do not provide legal redress to workers, which constitutes clear violations of ILO core standards;
Amendment 70 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the current EU trade policy and its ‘Trade for All’ strategy lack a gender equality perspective, as well as any binding obligations to enforcereference to binding and fully enforceable obligations to guarantee effective implementation of core women’s rights conventions such as the CEDAW;
Amendment 75 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas human resources are scarcely allocated within the European Commission and the EEAS to ensure that a gender perspective is mainstreamed in EU trade policies and, particularly, in the entire process of trade negotiations;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the only area of gender equality in which DG Trade has demonstrate, so far, the Commission has not included a gender perspective into its trade policies and negotiations and whereas the Commission has not developed an adequate methodology to systematically analyse and evaluate the possible impacts of EU trade policies and negotiations on gender equality and aon interest so far is promotingwomen empowerment; whereas the Commission's new orientations and commitments in this sense have mainly focused on female entrepreneurship;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a review of current EU multilateral and bilateral agreements shows that only 20 % of the agreements with non- European trading partners make reference to women’s rights, and that only 40 % of these agreements include references that aim to promote gender equality; whereas references in these agreements to promotinge women’s empowerment are mainly voluntary and almost all relate to non- trading aspects of the agreements, when binding, they are virtually non-enforceable;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European Commission has announced its commitment to ensure that the future trade negotiations to modernise the current Association Agreement between Chile and the EU will include, for the first time in the EU, a specific Chapter on Gender and Trade;
Amendment 102 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas strong movements have evolved in several countries, criticisingthe public debate across Europe on trade agreements such as TTIP, CETA and TiSA has shown the need for transparent and inclusive negotiations taking into account the strong concerns voiced by European citizens in many countries, which have expressed their worries, in particular, about FTA's provisions on investor-sState dispute settlement / the investment court system (ISDS/ICS) and intellectual property rights (IPR), as well as non-tariff rules in TTIP, CETA and TiSA,, fearing that they could lead to breaches of women’s rights, labour rights, environmental protection, consumer rights and public services and goods, which may have an impact on women’s rights;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas a global holistic approach to corporate liability for human rights abuses is needed in the context of global value chains; whereas the EU has positioned itself as a front runner in reforming the investors to state dispute settlement mechanism, notably through the development of a Multilateral Court System, and equal progress is expected in other critical areas of concern, such as setting up a mechanism to enforce investors obligations in relation to Human Rights;
Amendment 112 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and GSP+ systems aim to include a human rights conditionality aimed at ensureing the ratification and implementation of human and labour rights conventions in developing countries;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the garment sector employs mainly women, whereas it is important to recall that 289 people perished in a blaze in Karachi, Pakistan, in September 2012, in the same year, a fire at the Tazreen Fashions factory, in Bangladesh, caused the death of 117 people and injured more than 200 workers and, the Rana Plaza's structural failure, in 2013, resulted in 1.129 casualties and caused injuries to approximately 2 500 people, in the same country, all of which were garment factories;
Amendment 121 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas multilateral platforms and intergovernmental fora, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Women20 (W20), are crucial for fostering gender-related discussion and action among experts and for providing a good basis for consensus-building;
Amendment 125 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas special attention must be given to the negative consequencesimpact of trade liberalisation as regards basic public services and goods, such as water and sanitation, education and healthcare; whereas the European Parliament has strongly called the European Commission to fully exclude these services of general economic interest from trade agreements; whereas, the European Commission has committed itself to ensure that every EU trade deal comes with solid guarantees to fully protect public services, meaning that EU governments can't be forced to privatise, that they remain free to keep public services public and that can decide, or change, who delivers a public service at any time1b; __________________ 1bEuropean Commission: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/inde x.cfm?id=1115
Amendment 133 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas Rules of Origin (RoO) have become increasingly important in the context of global value chains, in which the production spans across several countries; whereas lax rules of origin can create additional hurdles towards establishing full transparency and accountability throughout supply chains, and this can impact women, particularly in sectors such as that of garment;
Amendment 154 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that trade policies should be used as a tool to improve the living and working conditions of women, in equal terms as men, by supporting the reduction of gender pay gaps, by promoting the creation of better quality jobs for women, while combating segregation of women in less-performing economic sectors, as well as by ensuring respect for, and promotion of, the highest standards of social and labour protection;
Amendment 157 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the EU and its Members States to systematically carry out ex-ante and ex-post evaluations of trade policies from a gender perspective, with an improved methodology, clear and measurable indicators, allowing to assess the possible effects of EU trade policies on gender equality and women empowerment as well as to consider possible offensive and defensive interests to defend, throughout entire process of trade negotiations, from negotiation to execution; stresses that all impact assessments and evaluations of EU Trade Agreements and trade policies should be supported by sufficient and adequate gender disaggregated data and a detailed analysis at regional, national, as well as sectorial levels, with particular attention to women in most vulnerable socio- economic sectors; stresses that the results of the gender-focused analysis should be incorporated into trade negotiations, foreseeing the necessary strategies and measures to compensate losses and imbalances;
Amendment 160 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Amendment 162 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that all international trade policies must be based on the relevant international standards and legal instruments, such as the main ILO Conventions, the CEDAW, and the Beijing Platform for Action and the sustainable development goals (SDGs);
Amendment 169 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the urgent need to adopt gender-sensitive binding human rights regulations on an international level to regulate transnational companies (TNCs) and other companies; welcomes the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; welcomes the on-going negotiations on a binding International Treaty on Human Rights and transnational companies (TNCs) and other companies, welcomes the involvement of the EU in the process, calls on the Commission and Member States to engage constructively in these negotiations and to encourage trading partners to equally engage; likewise, welcomes the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, calls on EU Member States to elaborate national action plans taking women's rights into particular consideration and calls on the Commission to use trade negotiations to encourage our trade partners to do so;
Amendment 179 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on European Commission, the Council and Member States to actively engage in, and support efforts to organise regular gender-related discussion and action, with a view to improve awareness and the basis for consensus-building;
Amendment 181 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to further work within the ILO towards the implementation and to work towards reinforcement of international labour standards for decent work on global value chains, with a particular focus on women;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Recalls that the European Parliament requested in 2010 that companies should publish their CSR balance sheets, the introduction of due diligence requirements for all undertakings, and the consolidation of the CSR concept on the basis of a harmonised definition of the relations between parent companies in order to establish the legal liability of each them; therefore takes note with satisfaction that the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information is being required from large companies as from 2017 according to the Non- Financial Reporting Directive; regrets however that the disclosure of non- financial information by large companies has not yet been extended to cover all actors operating in global value chains;
Amendment 193 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the need to recognise the risks inherent in trade agreement mechanisms such as ISDS and ICS, which underminRecalls that the European Parliament has called on the Commission to put an end to ISDS and to seek to establish a public Multilateral Investment Court MIC, with the objective of replacing all the existing ISDS worldwide (included in around 1400 bilateral investment treaties), and this should be designed to guarantee the capacity of individual governments to change their laws toregulate in the public interest, includeing measures to promote gender equality, as well as stronger labour and consumer rights and advancement in environmental policies; in this regards, calls on the Commission to include commitments to pursue the establishment of the MIC in all trade negotiations, while further promoting and engaging in reflections at international level;
Amendment 199 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that IPR provisions in trade have a significant impact on women’s health which must be taken carefully into considerationCalls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that IPR provisions in trade agreements take due account of women's rights, particularly their impact on women’s health, including access to affordable healthcare and medicines, which must be taken fully into consideration; further, calls on the Commission and the Council to promote the protection of IPR in negotiations, particularly the protection of Geographical Indications (GI), as a tool particularly important for rural women empowerment; further, it calls the Commission, the Council and Member States to reconsider the extension of protection to non-agricultural products, bearing in mind not only that this can be a very useful tool to promote women empowerment in both in developed and developing countries, but also that the EU has already agreed to protect non- agricultural GI products in FTAs;
Amendment 213 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines thatInsists on the need to exclude basic public services and goods, such as water and sanitation, education and healthcare (notably access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services), should be exempted from the opening up of public procurement andfrom the trade liberalisation agenda, and that safeguards must bare put in place to reinforce states’ capacities to provide basic services for allguarantee and reinforce the right and ability of governments to regulate, provide and ensure universal access to public services of general economic interest;
Amendment 215 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission, the Council and Member States, with a view to improve the opportunities for women enterprises' to access public procurement markets, to ensure that EU trade agreements include strong provisions on the opening of public procurement, as well as provisions aimed at simplifying procedures and to increase transparency for bidders, including those from other countries; further, to promote socially and environmentally responsible public procurement, taking into account, among other considerations the principles of equal treatment between women and men, equal pay for work of equal value and the promotion of gender equality;
Amendment 219 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on the Commission to explore further how EU policies and trade agreements can promote women´s economic empowerment and female participation in areas such as in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and how to close gender gaps in access to, and in the use of, new technologies;
Amendment 221 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for binding measures to combat exploitation and improve working conditions for women in the export- oriented industries, in particular the garment and textile manufacturing and agriculture sectors where trade liberalisation has contributed to precarious labour rights and gender wage gaps; Believes that these frameworks should enable a harmonic cooperation with international organisation as the UN, the WTO, the ILO and the OECD, establishing common definitions, to allow for more clear and coordinated actions and evaluations; in this regard, values the 'Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh' (the Sustainability Compact) as a step forward in regards to the monitoring activity, which should be subject of full compliance;
Amendment 241 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that the impact of growing agricultural exports is generally less favourable to women than to men, aparticular efforts must be made to improve the positive impact, as well as to avoid and compensate the negative effects of trade policy in women equality and women's emerging trends indicate that small farmers, many of whom apowerment, with particular attention to segments of population and sectors, where women, are often not in a position to compete in overseas marketidentified to be particularly vulnerable or to have a clear potential for empowerment, including the agricultural sector and MSMEs;
Amendment 271 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission, the Council and Member States, to promote agreements at multilateral level to expand the protection granted by gender-sensitive EU laws such as the Conflict Minerals Regulation;
Amendment 272 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the European Investment Bank (EIB) to ensure that companies participating in projects co-financed by the EIB shall be required to adhere to the principle of equal pay and pay transparency and to the principle of gender equality as set out in Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1k __________________ 1k Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a of 5 June 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23)
Amendment 306 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls the EU, the Council and commits itself to ensure that the Secretariats of the EU Institutions with responsibility over trade policies and negotiations have the means and the technical capacity to elaborate gender analysis of trade rules and to incorporate a gender perspective into the entire process of negotiations, from inception, to application and evaluation; to ensure the necessary expertise among EU officials, including by appropriate training; to ensure the involvement of women, as well as gender expertise, in the EU trade negotiating teams, including, for each relevant round of negotiation, an expert on gender with thorough knowledge of the different policy sectors concerned;
Amendment 307 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Calls on the European Commission, the Council and commits itself to defend and ensure that in all relevant international assistance frameworks, such as Aid for Trade and, equally, that in all EU assistance and cooperation actions, particular attention is given to the goal of gender equality and to ensure that they are adequately used to improve women's empowerment and capacity-building, by incorporating gender issues across programmes and projects;
Amendment 308 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Calls on the European Commission, the Council and Member States to recognise and support international efforts to promote the inclusion of gender perspectives into trade policies and programmes, such as, for example the "She Trades" initiative of the International Trade Centre, which is aimed to connect 1 million women entrepreneurs to markets by 20201h; __________________ 1h International Trade Centre's webpage on the "She Trades" initiative: http://www.intracen.org/itc/women-and- trade/SheTrades/
Amendment 309 #
2017/2015(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 e (new)
Paragraph 16 e (new)
16e. With regards to negotiation at the WTO level, calls on the Commission, the Council and Member States to ensure that gender considerations are taken into due account when preparing new rules and agreements and when implementing and reviewing existing agreements, included in the WTO Trade Policy Review Mechanism; to ensure an increased transparency in the entire process of WTO negotiations; to ensure that a gender focus informs all current and future negotiations, in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, services and e- commerce; to defend and to promote an improved position of women in global value chains, making the best use of WTO tools, such as the Trade Facilitation Agreement; to develop capacity-building programmes and organizing regular expert discussions and the exchange of good practices; to support the adoption of gender-related measures within the WTO's administrative structure, more particularly, to ensure that the WTO Secretariat has the technical capacity to undertake gender analysis of trade rules, including conducting gender impact assessments in all phases of its work, including numbers, among other things, of women benefitting from technical assistance; to support WTO tools to address gender issues both in its jurisprudence and in on-going trade negotiations; and, equally, to support an improved cooperation between the WTO and other international organisations aimed at promoting and inclusive international trade and women's rights and equality, such as UNCTAD, UN- Women and the ILO;
Amendment 44 #
2017/0328(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 726/2004
Article 71a
Article 71a
The seat of the Agency shall have its seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. be located in a city of a European Union Member State on the basis of absolute assurance that: - it meets, without any exception or limitation, as from January 2019, all requirements, conditions and criteria necessary to ensure that the Agency can function effectively; - it ensures the full and immediate operational continuity of the Agency’s activities, which are highly important to society and of great scientific value. The Agency's remit shall relate to what is recognised as a fundamental right of European citizens to health protection. Its headquarters shall be selected under the ordinary legislative procedure pursuant to Articles 114 and 168(4)(b) TFEU.
Amendment 46 #
2017/0328(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Regulation (EC) No 726/2004
Article 71a
Article 71a
The Agency shall have its seat in Amsterdam, the NetherlandsMilan, Italy.
Amendment 10 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Union’s macro-financial assistance should aim to support the restoration of a sustainable external financing situation for Georgia thereby supporting its economic and social development and contributing to greater macroeconomic stability.
Amendment 13 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Taking into consideration Georgia’s residual external financing needs, the level of its economic and social development, as measured by per capita income and the incidence of poverty, as well as its level of indebtedness and its ability to repay drawing on debt sustainability analysis, a part of the assistance should be provided in the form of grants.
Amendment 15 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Commission should ensure that the Union’s macro-financial assistance is legally and substantially in line with the key principles, for external action enshrined in Art. 21 TEU and the objectives and measures taken within the different areas of external action and other relevant Union policies.
Amendment 18 #
2017/0242(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) A pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance should be that Georgia respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union’s macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems in Georgia, and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service. The Union’s macro- financial assistance to Georgia should also include measures to support the implementation of the Association Agreement, including the DCFTA. To ensure that specific objectives can be properly assessed, they need to be set out in a verifiable and measurable manner. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service. If the precondition and the objectives are not met or if the aims and principles of the Association Agreement are generally disregarded, the Commission should temporarily suspend or cancel the disbursement of the Union’s macro-financial assistance.
Amendment 69 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Whereas screening mechanisms which exist in several Member States or in non-EU states never constitute an obstacle to foreign direct investments provided that they are known, anticipated and don't extensively delay investments’ realisation.
Amendment 71 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Whereas dominant position of individuals, multinationals or foreign public enterprises as defined by European competition law may represent a threat for the security and public order within the European Union.
Amendment 94 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5 a) The dominant position of individuals, in particular multinationals or state-owned entreprises as defined in European competition law may constitute a threat to the security and public order of the Union.
Amendment 153 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States mayshall maintain, amend or adopt mechanisms to screen foreign direct investments on the grounds of security or public order, under the conditions and in accordance with the terms set out in this Regulation.
Amendment 160 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission mayshall screen foreign direct investments that are likely to affect projects or programmes of Union interest on the grounds of security or public order.
Amendment 198 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Foreign direct investments of public origin, especially when they are realised by third-country security or intelligence entities, are particularly scrutinised by the Member-States as well as by the Commission.
Amendment 208 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 238 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States that do not maintain screening mechanisms shall provide the Commission with an annual report covering foreign directs investments that took place in their territory, on the basis of information available to them.
Amendment 262 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
- critical infrastructure, including energy, water, transport, communications and the media, public health, research, data storage, space or financial infrastructure, as well as sensitive facilities;
Amendment 271 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. In cases where comments pursuant to paragraph 2 or opinions pursuant to paragraph 3 are not followed by concrete action in terms of screening of the foreign direct investment, or when the Commission's opinion in the frame of Article 9 is not followed, a Member-State or the Commission can request a final decision on the matter by the Coordination Group of Article 12a. This decision is adopted by a 2/3 majority and is binding for the Member-State where the foreign direct investment is planned or completed.
Amendment 273 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
- the security of supply of critical inputs; or when screening is carried out, the Member States and the Union should take account of the impact of direct foreign investments on the strategic autonomy of the Union and its Member States and on the value chain for critical technologies and sectors;
Amendment 278 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
- access to sensitive information or the ability to control sensitive information including sensitive personal data of European citizens.
Amendment 283 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The screening on the grounds of security and public order should include; - The degree of reciprocity in openness to foreign direct investments. - The extent to which a foreign direct investment is part of a state-led industrial policy strategy in support of strategic national interests; whether the investment originates from or are directly or indirectly linked to countries subject to EU sanctions, or jurisdictions designated as tax havens in the Council Conclusions of 5 December 2017 on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Furthermore the Commission may take into account whether the foreign investor: - Is controlled by the government of a third country through significant funding, including subsidies, preferential tax treatment, export credits, investments by state funds etc; Effective control may also arise through the use of extended credit and lending by the government of a third country or a state-owned financial institution, or any other state-owned enterprise of a third country; - Receives substantial state aid ; - Respects core labour standards and international agreements on sustainable development in its global operations.
Amendment 296 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Member States and the Commission shall also consider whether the country where the foreign investor is established is listed in Annex II of this Regulation.
Amendment 303 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1.The Commission shall carry out an investigation into the most significant barriers to investment abroad encountered by Union investors. 2. Based on the findings of this investigation the Commission shall propose a delegated act within one year of the entry into force of this Regulation listing in Annex II of this Regulation the countries where the most significant barriers are encountered.
Amendment 306 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. In case of unresolved disagreement between the Member-State where the foreign direct investment is planned or has been completed and the Commission, a binding final decision is taken by the Coordination Group of Article 12a by 2/3 majority.
Amendment 317 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) The funding of the investment and the guarantee of the lawfulness of its source, on the basis of information available to the Member State.
Amendment 325 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12a Investment Screening Coordination Group 1. An Investment Screening Coordination Group chaired by a representative of the Commission shall be set up. Every Member-State shall be represented. 2. The group may exchange views and information on any foreign direct investment that is undergoing screening within the framework of Member States’ screening mechanisms and for which a cooperation mechanism has been activated under Article 8 or 9. 3. The Commission shall submit an annual report in writing to the European Parliament on the activities, examinations and exchange of views of the Investment Screening Coordination Group.
Amendment 387 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. If at least four Member States representing at least 35% of the EU’s overall population have submitted comments indicating that the foreign direct investment planned or completed in another Member State is negatively affecting their security or public order the Member State where the foreign direct investment is planned or completed shall endeavour to propose mitigating measures within three months.
Amendment 416 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. The opinion of the Commission shall be communicated to the other Member States and to the Parliament.
Amendment 425 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The protection of confidential and other sensitive information, including commercially-sensitive information, shall be done in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/943.
Amendment 453 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1.The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in order to amend the lists of projects or programmes of Union interest set out in Annex I and the list of countries with the most significant barriers to European investors set out in Annex II.
Amendment 470 #
2017/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I a (new)
Annex I a (new)
ANNEX II (new) List of countries with the most significant barriers to Union investors.
Amendment 40 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The definitions based on those used in the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property signed in Paris on 14 November 1970 and the UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects signed in Rome on 24 June 1995, to which a significant number of Member States are a party, should be used in the Regulation, considering the familiarity of many third countries and most Member States with their provisions.
Amendment 46 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Considering that the art. 5 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention calls for the establishment of one or more national services, equipped with qualified personnel and sufficient in number, in order to ensure the protection of their own cultural goods against illegal import, export and transfer; considering also the need for active collaboration with the competent authorities of third countries in the area of security and fight against illegal import of cultural goods, especially in areas of crisis, States Parties to the 1970 UNESCO Convention are asked to comply with the commitments envisaged within the Convention and those Member States that have not yet done so, are urgently required to ratify it.
Amendment 48 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order not to impede trade within goods across the Union’s external borders disproportionately, this Regulation should only apply to goods meeting a certain age and value limit. For that purpose, it seems appropriate to set a 25100 year minimum age threshold for allthe most vulnerable categories of cultural goods, in line with the provisions of the 1954 Hague Convention, the 1970 UNESCO Convention and of the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention. That minimum age threshold will ensure that the measures provided for in this Regulation focus on cultural goods most likely to be targeted by looters in conflict areas, without excluding other goods the control of which is necessary for ensuring protection of cultural heritage.
Amendment 58 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Since certain categories of cultural goods, namely archaeological objects, elements of monuments, rare manuscripts and incunabula are particularly vulnerable to pillage and destruction, it seems necessary to provide for a system of increased scrutiny before they may enter the customs territory of the Union. Such a system should require the presentation of a licence issued by the competent authority of the Member State of entry prior to the release for free circulation of those goods or their placement under a special customs procedure other than transit. Persons seeking to obtain such a licence should be able to prove licit export from the source country with the appropriate supportive documents and evidence, in particular, export certificates or licences issued by the thirdsource country of export, ownership titles, invoices, sales contracts, insurance documents, transport documents and experts appraisals. Based on complete and accurate applications, the competent authorities of the Member States should decide whether to issue a licence without undue delay.
Amendment 70 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Temporary admission of cultural goods for educational, scientific orestoration, exhibition and academic research purposes should not be subject to the presentation of a licence or of a statement.
Amendment 82 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation sets out the conditions and procedure for the entryimport of cultural goods into the customs territory of the Union.
Amendment 93 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) 'cultural goods' means any objectitem which is of importance for archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art or science and which belongs to the categories listed in the table in Annex and meets the minimum age and value threshold specified therein;
Amendment 100 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) 'source country' means the country in the current territory of which the cultural goods were created or discovered or which has such a close connection with the cultural good that protects it as national cultural property upon removal from its territory;
Amendment 101 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 104 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 116 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The release of cultural goods for free circulation and the placing of cultural goods under a special procedure other than transit shall only be permitted upon the presentation of an import licence issued in accordance with Article 4 or of an importer statement made out in accordance with Article 5.
Amendment 129 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the temporary admission, within the meaning of Article 250 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, in the customs territory of the Union of cultural goods for educational, scientific restoration, exhibition and academic research purposes;
Amendment 143 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The holder of the goods shall apply for an import licence to the competent authority of the Member State of entry. The application shall be accompanied by any supporting documents and information substantiating that the cultural goods in question have been exported from the source country in accordance with its laws and regulations. However, where the export country is a Contracting Party to the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property signed in Paris on 14 November 1970 ('the 1970 UNESCO Convention'), the application shall be accompanied by any supporting documents and information substantiating that the cultural goods have been exported from that country in accordance with its laws and regulations.
Amendment 154 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) where the export country is not a Contracting Party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention,n it is not demonstrated that the cultural goods were exported from the source country in accordance with its laws and regulations;
Amendment 158 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b
Amendment 161 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
(ba) when there are pending requests for repayment from the competent authorities of the source country;
Amendment 163 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(ca) if the import request concerns a cultural good for which the same application was previously refused by another member state of the Union, refusal that the applicant is required to communicate to the competent authority for the issue of the license import;
Amendment 173 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5
Article 5
Amendment 212 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 11 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. In their preparatory works for the implementation of this Regulation, the Commission and the Member States shall cooperate with international organisations, such as the UNESCO, the Interpol, EUROPOL and the ICOM, to ensure effective training, capacity building activities and awareness rising campaigns.
Amendment 216 #
Amendment 217 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex – table a (new)
Annex – table a (new)
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the import of cultural goods Cultural goods covered by Article 2 (1) A. 1. Archaeological objects more than 100 years old which are the products of: – excavations and finds on land or under water 9705 00 00 – archaeological sites 9706 00 00 – archaeological collections 2. Elements forming an integral part of artistic, historical or 9705 00 00 religious monuments which have been dismembered, of an age exceeding 100 years 9706 00 00 3. Pictures and paintings, other than those included in 9701 categories 4 or 5, executed entirely by hand in any medium and on any material 4. Watercolours, gouaches and pastels executed entirely by 9701 hand on any material 5. Mosaics in any material executed entirely by hand, other 6914 than those falling in categories 1 or 2, and drawings in any medium executed entirely by hand on any material 9701 6. Original engravings, prints, serigraphs and lithographs Chapter 49 with their respective plates and original posters 9702 00 00 8442 50 99 7. Original sculptures or statuary and copies produced by 9703 00 00 the same process as the original, other than those in category 1 8. Photographs, films and negatives thereof 3704 3705 3706 4911 91 80 9. Incunabula and manuscripts, including maps and 9702 00 00 musical scores, singly or in collections 9706 00 00 4901 10 00 4901 99 00 4904 00 00 4905 91 00 4905 99 00 4906 00 00 10. Books more than 100 years old, singly or in collections 9705 00 00 9706 00 00 11. Printed maps more than 100 years old 9706 00 00 12. (a) Collections and specimens from zoological, botanical, 9705 00 00 mineralogical or anatomical collections; (b) Collections of historical, paleontological, ethnographic or 9705 00 00 numismatic interest 13. Any other antique items not included in categories A.1 to 97060000 A.12 more than 100 years old The cultural objects in categories A.1 to A.13 are covered by this Regulation only if their value corresponds to, or exceeds, the financial thresholds under B. B. Financial thresholds applicable to certain categories under A (in euro) Value: Whatever the value – 1 (Archaeological objects) – 2 (Dismembered monuments) – 9 (Incunabula and manuscripts) 15 000 – 5 (Mosaics and drawings) – 6 (Engravings) – 8 (Photographs) – 11 (Printed maps) 30 000 – 4 (Watercolours, gouaches and pastels) 50 000 – 3 (Pictures) – 7 (Statuary) – 10 (Books) – 12 (Collections) – 13 (Any other object) The assessment of whether or not the conditions relating to financial value are fulfilled must be made when an application for an import licence is submitted. The financial value is that of the cultural object in the Member State referred to in Article 2, point 1(a). For the Member States which do not have the euro as their currency, the values expressed in euro in Annex I shall be converted and expressed in national currencies at the rate of exchange on 31 December 2001 published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. This countervalue in national currencies shall be reviewed every two years with effect from 31 December 2001. Calculation of this countervalue shall be based on the average daily value of those currencies, expressed in euro, during the 24 months ending on the last day of August preceding the revision which takes effect on 31 December. This method of calculation shall be reviewed, on a proposal from the Commission, by the Advisory Committee on Cultural Goods, in principle two years after the first application. For each revision, the values expressed in euro and their counter values in national currency shall be published periodically in the Official Journal of the European Union in the first days of the month of November preceding the date on which the revision takes effect. Or. en (http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/TXT/?qid=1522064603053&uri=CELEX:32009R0116)
Amendment 10 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Union's macro-financial assistance should support Moldova's commitment to values shared with the Union, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rightsan independent judiciary, respect for human rights, the freedom and pluralism of the media, sustainable development and poverty reduction, as well as its commitment to the principles of open, rules-based and fair trade.
Amendment 12 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) A pre-condition for granting the Union's macro-financial assistance should be that Moldova respects effective democratic mechanisms – including a multi-party parliamentary system – and the rule of law, and guarantees respect for human rights. In addition, the specific objectives of the Union's macro-financial assistance should strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the public finance management systems, ensure an effective fight against corruption and money laundering, the governance and supervision of the financial and banking sector in Moldova and promote structural reforms aimed at supporting sustainable and inclusive growth, employment creation and fiscal consolidation. The Union's macro- financial assistance to Moldova should also include measures to support the implementation of the Association Agreement, including the DCFTA. To ensure that such conditions are properly assessed, it is crucial that they are set out in a verifiable and measurable manner. Both the fulfilment of the preconditions and the achievement of those objectives should be regularly monitored by the Commission and the European External Action Service.
Amendment 14 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In order to ensure that the Union’s financial interests linked to the Union’s macro-financial assistance are protected efficiently, Moldova should take appropriate measures relating to the prevention of, and fight against, fraud, corruption and any other irregularities linked to the assistance. Moldova should regularly inform the Commission about the implementation of the macro- financial assistance on the basis of full disclosure and strict compliance with Union financial rules. In addition, provision should be made for the Commission to carry out checks and for the Court of Auditors to carry out audits.
Amendment 15 #
2017/0007(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The Union's macro-financial assistance should be subject to economic policy conditions, to be laid down in a Memorandum of Understanding. Such conditions should be linked to the disbursement of each of the three instalments. In order to ensure uniform conditions of implementation and for reasons of efficiency, the Commission should be empowered to negotiate such conditions with the Moldovan authorities under the supervision of the committee of representatives of the Member States in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011. Under that Regulation, the advisory procedure should, as a general rule, apply in all cases other than as provided for in that Regulation. Considering the potentially important impact of assistance of more than EUR 90 million, it is appropriate that the examination procedure be used for operations above that threshold. Considering the amount of the Union's macro-financial assistance to Moldova, the examination procedure should apply to the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding, and to any reduction, suspension or cancellation of the assistance,
Amendment 10 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that the EU’s trade policy must be built on the principles and objectives of EU external policy; whereas Article 208 of the TFEU establishes the principle of policy coherence for development and sets the eradication of poverty as the main objective; whereas the ‘Trade for All’ communication bases EU trade policy on three key principles – effectiveness, transparency and values – and has a dedicated section on the responsible management of supply chains;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Aa (new)
Recital Aa (new)
Aa. Whereas today free trade has come under increasing public scrutiny and concerns about the inequitable distribution of the benefits and loads of trade have brought to the forefront a largely shared view that trade policy needs to put social and environmental values, as well as transparency and accountability at its core;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas the EU is the world’s largest exporter and importer of goods and services taken together, the largest foreign direct investor and the most important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).Whereas the EU should use this strength to benefit both its own citizens and those in other parts of the world, particularly those in the world’s poorest countries.
Amendment 57 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas a global holistic approach to corporate liability for human rights abuses is needed in the context of GVCs; Whereas the EU has positioned itself as a front runner in reforming the investors to state dispute settlement mechanism, notably through the development of a Multilateral Court System, and equal progress is expected in other critical areas of concern such as setting up a mechanism to enforce investors obligations in relation to Human Rights;
Amendment 61 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. Whereas the he UN Environment Programme estimates that up to 90% of e- waste is dumped in Africa, with a large proportion of this coming from the EU; whereas despite the EU's commitment to policy coherence and promoting sustainable development in third countries, many EU rules are being circumvented so that tonnes of e-waste are falsely declared as second-hand goods and exported to developing countries, being falsely described as plastic or scrap metal; whereas this poses serious public health risks, severe environmental degradation and a barrier to development;
Amendment 82 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas the full observance of human rights in the production chain and full respect of food safety standards of goods released for free circulation in the European market should be respected by both States and enterprises and whereas the burden of responsibility should not only lay on consumers, whose choice is constrained by both individual resources (economy, time, knowledge) and external elements (information, offer);
Amendment 83 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas Rules of Origin (RoO) have become increasingly important in the context of GVCs in which the production spans across several countries; whereas lax rules of origin can create additional hurdles towards establishing full transparency and accountability throughout supply chains;
Amendment 86 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas better, harmonised and more efficient customs procedures in Europe and abroad help facilitate trade and meet respective trade facilitation requirements, and help prevent forgeries and illegal, dumped and counterfeit goods from entering the single market, which undermines EU economic growth, and seriously exposes EU consumers; whereas making customs data on imports entering the EU publicly available would increase GVC transparency and accountability;
Amendment 93 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
L a. Whereas the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) could provide for effective further integration into GVCs;
Amendment 103 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Reiterates its call to the Commission and Member states to adopt reinforced trade defence instruments to combat unfair commercial practices, taking into account social and environmental dumping
Amendment 104 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2 a (new)
Subheading 2 a (new)
Welcomes the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which if properly implemented, will simplify and modernise customs procedures making it easier for developing countries that generally have larger border barriers to integrate into the global trading system;
Amendment 114 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the ongoing negotiations on a binding UN Treaty for Transnational Corporations and Human Rights; calls for the EU to engage constructively in these negotiations and to encourage trading partners to equally engage ;
Amendment 126 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges the smart mix of regulatory and voluntary action, but recalls that voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) creates unfair competition for suppliers that have chosen to comply with international labour and environmental standards; reiterates its call for the systematic inclusion of binding and enforceable rules, associated sanctions, remedies and independent monitoring mechanisms; therefore reiterates its call for binding due diligence obligations to be put in place; Stresses that mandatory human rights due diligence should follow the steps required in the UN Guiding Principles and the OECD Guidelines related to the proactive identification of risks to human rights, the drawing up of rigorous and demonstrable action plans to prevent or mitigate these risks, adequate response to known abuses, and transparency;
Amendment 152 #
2016/2301(INI)
8. Recalls that CSR policies should take into account the special characteristics of micro- and small enterprises and be flexible enough to ensure that they are not made subject to disproportionate burdens; invites the Commission, therefore, to establish a specific helpdesk for MSMEs and to support them with tailored capacity-building programmes; considers that MNCs could play a constructive role in partnering with MSMEs;
Amendment 159 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 225 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. stresses the need for harmonised rules and a reinforced EU coordination and supervision of the application of import duties by Member States (including conventional, anti-dumping and countervailing duties) on all types of commodities and goods, especially involving false declarations of origin (in both preferential and non-preferential regimes) and undervaluation and wrong description of goods;
Amendment 289 #
2016/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Intellectual property rights and data flows Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to protect the entire spectrum of IPRs including patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, geographical indications (GIs), marking of origin and pharmaceuticals, while ensuring access to affordable medicines, both at WTO level and through FTAs; calls on the Commission to take further action on the possible extension of geographical indication protection to non- agricultural products, as it happens already in several third countries via different legal systems; calls for an open and inclusive process for improved cooperation with third partners to combat fraud and counterfeit goods that take advantage of trust in trademarks and brand names;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the global apparel tradetrade in ready- made garment (RMG) is worth an estimated USD 3EUR 2.8 trillion and employs up to 75 million people; whereas about three quarters of these workers are female; whereas gender equality is a driver of development; whereas women rights fall under the human rights spectrum; whereas the complex nature of garment supply chains leads to low level of transparency, increases the risk of human rights violation and exploitation;
Amendment 6 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the clothing and textile sector in Europe provides for 1.7 million workplaces and generates an output of EUR 166 million; whereas the EU imports about half of the world's total clothing production; whereas the manufacturing countries are mostly emerging economies;
Amendment 7 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union demands the EU's trade policy to be built on EU's external policies principles and objectives; whereas Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes the principle of policy coherence for development and set the poverty's eradication as the main objective; whereas the ‘'Trade for All’' communication bases EU's trade policy on three key principles – effectiveness, transparency and values – and has a dedicated section on responsible management of supply chains;
Amendment 8 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas it is firmly established in Article 8 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union that "In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women" and, therefore, the EU has a duty to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, guaranteeing that men and women benefit equally from social changes, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, doing away with discrimination and promoting respect for women's rights in the world;
Amendment 9 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas 289 people perished in a blaze in Karachi, Pakistan, in September 2012; whereas, in the same year, a fire at the Tazreen Fashions factory, in Bangladesh, caused the death of 117 people and injured more than 200 workers; whereas the Rana Plaza's structural failure, in 2013, resulted in 1 129 casualties and caused injuries to approximately 2 500 people;
Amendment 10 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas following these dramatic events European consumers' demand for increased transparency and traceability over the entire supply chain has strongly increased;
Amendment 11 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas, despite the various commitments undertaken by the EU, international organizations, local governments and private operators, labour rights' protection in suppliers countries continue to fall well short of international standards;
Amendment 12 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are often exploited in order to circumvent national labour laws and international commitments;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas the ILO Decent Work Agenda has, from 2015, become integral part of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
Amendment 14 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas many Member States, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and France, giving the lack of a EU wide initiative, have promoted national programs;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas all recently concludnewly negotiated EU free trade agreements aim to include ‘'Trade and sustainable development’' chapters, which have to be binding and enforceable; whereas the EU is committed to sustainable development through its trade facilitation agreements, such as the economic partnerships agreements, the GSP and the GSP+ programmes;
Amendment 22 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. SupportsCalls on the Commission’s examination of a possible EU-wide initiative on the garment sector; notes, in addition, that the current multiplication of existing initia to develop a EU-wide mandatory due- diligence system congruent with OECD guidelines; believes that the proposal should address human rights related issues, with a particular focus on social and labour rights and gender equality, promote the traceability and the transparency of value chains, enhance conscious consumption, supporting the improvement of consumer knowledge and participation; to this objective the Commission should further promote dialogue between public authoritives could result in an unpredictable environment for companieand all key actors -including women and women's rights organizations-, with a view not only to identify possible risks linked to the value chain, but also to improve the dissemination of any new opportunities created by EU trade policies both within and outside our borders;
Amendment 27 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that the proposal should enable a harmonic cooperation with international organisation as the UN, the WTO, the ILO and the OECD, establishing common definitions to allow for more clear and coordinated actions and evaluations; calls for the recognition and valorisation of the existing successful initiatives, for example, through sustainable public procurement, linking access to public procurement to compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility schemes; and in this regard, values the 'Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the Ready- Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh' (the Sustainability Compact) as a step forward in regards to the monitoring activity but calls on the actors involved to reach the full compliance and demands the European Commission to take action against the shortfalls indicated by the evaluation reports;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need for a unifin integrated approach to the collection of data on social, environmental and labour performance, to be applied along the whole supply chain; points out that the industry-driven Higg Index covers all nevertheless notes that the supply chain's complexity and the diversity among the different players operating in the sector should be takeyn impact areasnto account;
Amendment 38 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to take into account the special needs of SMEs and base its approach on the scalability principle, with particular regard to their capacity to deliver on traceability and transparency, and base its approach on the scalability principle; therefore invites the Commission to establish a specific helpdesk for SMEs and to support them with tailored capacity-building programs;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the traceability and transparency of the supply chain is the key to achieving sustained change; recommendgnizes that trustworthy, clear and meaningful information on sustainability be made available to consumershe lack of access to information is crucial in preventing public awareness over human rights violations; therefore reiterates the need of a due diligence system that provides information on the whole supply chain linking each products to the respective producers; invites the European Commission to amend the relevant regulations in order to make customs registers public;
Amendment 54 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that theCalls on supplier countries' governments to engage with all the stakeholders to development of industrial relations and collective bargaining, and to commit the producers for the establishment of easy- to-access and effective grievances mechanisms, that, according to internationally agreed standards, are among the main guarantees for the proper respect of labour standards and human rights in supplier countries; calls on the European Commission to further promote the ratification and the effective control over the implementation of the core ILO conventions and the ILO Decent Work Agenda; to this aim, calls the Commission to support the ILO, local governments and labour organizations providing capacity-building assistance in industrial relations, as well as in the enforcement of labour rights and labour laws, with a special focus on the eradication of child labour and forced labour, as well as the promotion of the highest standards of health and safety protection; considers unacceptable the suspension of workers' rights in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and calls on the European Commission to take concrete actions in this regard;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the gender aspect to be taken into account in the EU garment initiative. mainstreamed in the EU garment initiative; therefore believes that the proposal should promote women empowerment, non-discrimination, gender equality, with a particular focus on women's social and labour rights and international standards, including the promotion of equal pay for equal job, maternity protection and women participation in collective bargaining, and pursue the eradication of and harassments in workplaces as already envisaged by European and international commitments;
Amendment 66 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates its request for sustainable impact assessments for every newly negotiated agreement and calls for a gender-disaggregated collection of data;
Amendment 67 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission to engage with multinational companies, retailers and brands and encourage them to commit for an enhanced corporate social responsibility; expects EU companies to guaranty full respect of ILO core labour standards, across their supply chains in line with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, demands them to engage in fruitful dialogues with local workers and organisations; invites the European Commission to favour the exchange of best practices;
Amendment 68 #
2016/2140(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Acknowledges the need of a global level playing field to protect workers from environmental and social dumping; taking into account its critical mass, trusts the EU capacity to be a global champion and to drive the change; believes that only a multilateral framework could prevent human and labour rights' violations; therefore encourages the European Commission to engage with international partners at the next World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting to launch a global initiative;
Amendment 1 #
2016/2100(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that fair competition in the area of trade, services and investment has a positive impact on the social and economic development of Member States and of the EU’s trade partnerfor the EU and the EU’s trade partners; calls upon the Commission and the Council to swiftly pursue their work on the modernisation of the trade defence instruments, which are needed to secure fair competition in the EU market and takes the view that trade agreements should systematically address the challenge of unfair trade practices by third countries such as those subsidies favouring particular interest groups at the expense of the common good, government interference and other anti-competitive practices;
Amendment 5 #
2016/2100(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to include, in all trade agreements, ambitious provisions on competition and state aid in all trade agreements; to address the risk that the provisions ensuring market access and non-discrimination for EU operators in third countries are undermined by anti-competitive practices of state owned enterprises of the same third countries; and to carry out effective monitoring to ascertain whether those provisions are properly respected by the parties;
Amendment 15 #
2016/2100(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reiterates that equal access to natural resources, including energy sources, has a fundamental impact on fair and equal competition on the global market and calls upon the Commission to include in trade agreements provisions that improve access to such resources, including provisions on anti-competitive practices of state-owned enterprises and on non-discrimination and transit.
Amendment 1 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled "Action Plan for strengthening the fight against terrorist financing (COM(2016) 50 final),
Amendment 2 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 b (new)
Citation 11 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication entitled "Developing the EU Customs Union and Its Governance" (COM(2016)813 final),
Amendment 3 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to the European Court of Auditors Special report No 23/2016: Maritime transport in the EU: in troubled waters — much ineffective and unsustainable investment,
Amendment 4 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the OECD report entitled "Illicit Trade, Converging Criminal Networks",
Amendment 9 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the progress Report on the implementation of the EU Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management highlights that insufficient financing to upgrade the existing IT systems and develop the required new systems is a major issue hampering progress, most notably in relation to the new Import Control System; whereas in the absence of additional resources, a number of actions will not be able to be implemented by the end of 2020, as envisaged in the Strategy and Action Plan; whereas a delay would also affect the implementation of commitments to Customs related aspects in the context of the EU Agenda on Security;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the proposed directive for a Union legal framework for customs infringements and sanctions does not take into due account the current differences between the Member States’ criminal and administrative sanctions, allowing operators to make strategic choices when importing from third countries, causing a distortion in tax collection and a negative environmental impact;
Amendment 20 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas effective customs cooperation between the Member States’ customs administrations, authorised economic operators, police forces and judicial authorities, with third countries and at multilateral level, plays a vital role, given the significant trade volumes, and is a cornerstone in the fight against illicit trade terrorism, money laundering, wildlife trafficking, tax evasion, drugs trafficking, falsified medicines and in the protection of EU intellectual property rights (IPR);
Amendment 24 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the EU has concluded customs cooperation and mutual administrative assistance agreements with Korea, Canada, USA, India, China and Japan;
Amendment 28 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas International free trade zones, together with those third countries most frequently source of illicit trade, represent potential background areas for a continued proliferation of trade of illegal products in the EU, responsible for more intensive border controls and may therefore require further and specific analysis;
Amendment 31 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas counterfeiting trade may contribute to the financing of criminal organisations active in drugs, fire arms, human trafficking and terrorism;
Amendment 32 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas the role played by customs in the security area is particularly relevant in preventing terrorist organisations from moving their funds and in disrupting their sources of revenue, as recognised in the Commission Action Plan for strengthening the fight against terrorist financing;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to work closely with the Member States to ensure a coordinated, uniformed and efficient implementation of the new system set by the UCC, avoiding divergent practices among the Member States during the transition period and developing benchmark analysis and information on customs operations and enforcement procedures in force in the Member States;
Amendment 39 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to ensure greater uniformity in the application of the Union Customs Code and the implementation of customs procedures by setting out common basic guidelines for all European customs;
Amendment 40 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Highlights that there is no system in place for identifying and monitoring differences in how customs authorities treat economic operators; calls on the Commission to require Member States to provide specific information on the type and number of customs checks at individual core port level;
Amendment 43 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Invites the Commission to continue cooperation with the Member States and relevant trade stakeholders further to develop customs simplifications while ensuring appropriate, effective, efficient and harmonised control at EU borders in order to guarantee EU security, safety and economic interests, with a particular effort regarding IPR protection and the fight against illicit trade, terrorism, money laundering, wildlife trafficking, tax evasion, drugs trafficking and falsified medicines;
Amendment 52 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls that the development of the required IT systems needs sufficient financing and calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the availability of resources for the necessary IT systems in order to meet the objectives of the EU Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management;
Amendment 53 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to advance in the implementation of an EU Single Window environment for customs;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks the Commission to coordinate and cooperate with customs and other, border agencies on the ground and stakeholders in a better way, within the EU as well as with its trade partners on data sharing, in particular as regards recognition of custom controls and trusted trade partners;
Amendment 61 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to promote increased cooperation and coordination between customs and other law enforcement authorities, in particular in the area of organised crime, security and fight against terrorism both at the national and EU level;
Amendment 63 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Invites the Commission to present a communication on better practises on custom control and trade rules enforcement for the interim period, in order to bolster convergence between control and enforcement bodies, highlight best practices and results, and analyse the counterfeiting trade flows at border points;
Amendment 67 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to establish a set of key performance indicators to provide a detailed performance evaluation of customs activity;
Amendment 68 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Commission to continue working on the implementation of the EU Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management, notably in the areas of availability of data, access to and exchange of information for customs risk management purposes and the strengthening of capacities;
Amendment 69 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to periodically report to the responsible committees of the European Parliament on the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the EU Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management;
Amendment 71 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Commission to investigate the different practices for customs controls, criminal and administrative sanctions and enforcement in the EU and on their impact on trade diversion, focusing in particular on EU customs at external borders;
Amendment 73 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Regrets that there is currently important divergences in the type of controls within the Union that favours some access ports to the detriment of others, resulting in goods being delivered to their final destination via an unusual route, seeking clearance in a Member State other than the one importing the goods, either to reduce the likelihood of being subject to checks or to complicate any potential recovery procedure, undermining a level playing field for economic operators in the European Union, causing a distortion in tax collection and with a negative environmental impact;
Amendment 75 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Highlights that the different customs procedures, in particular regarding customs clearance, inspections and sanctions create fragmentation, additional administrative burdens and delays, cause uncertainty, market distortion and a negative environmental impact;
Amendment 76 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Considers that it is necessary to guarantee homogeneous and standardised control techniques among Member States customs; calls on the Commission to ensure uniqueness of criteria for customs inspections, by facilitating harmonisation of procedures and working methods, both in operating hours and in economic and human resources;
Amendment 79 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Insists on the need to advance from the current paper-less to a paper- free customs environment;
Amendment 80 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Requests the Commission to work closely with the Member States, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Custom Organisation (WCO) in addressreducing the existing gaps in the customs control systems by ensuring that illicit trade is tackled using more systematically co- ordinated risk-based controls based on harmonised criteria and interoperable IT systems, with timely and appropriate support provided by other competent authorities; recalls, in this regard, the importance of ensuring inquiry powers to all EU customs and border agencies, and of guaranteeing appropriate training to their operators;
Amendment 88 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Commission to work further with the Member States on aligning, where appropriate, policies as regards customs and VAT, reinforcing the cooperation between tax, customs and other authorities to fight VAT fraud, with a view to ensuring synergies, including in finding and applying legal and practical solutions to challenges relating to small consignments, e- commerce and simplifications;
Amendment 94 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Call on the Commission to create a single EU control body to ensure harmonised treatments along the EU points of entrance; and to monitor the performance and activities of customs administrations, inform upon best practices, collect and process customs data, coordinate customs and trade facilitation specific interests within the EU institutions, reflecting on the provisions of article 23 of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which calls for a Trade Facilitation body;
Amendment 98 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages the Commission and the Council to ensure an early adoption of the Sanction Directive with a view to enabling, within the Customs Union, a level playing field and equal treatment of trade stakeholders infringing customs rules, furthermore, invites the Commission to further develop an accurate cost-benefit analysis on the implications connected to the harmonisation of the enforcement of criminal sanctions in place in the Member States to fight illicit trade activities;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Invites the Commission to reinforce international cooperation to further develop the implementation of the EU Strategy and Action Plan for customs risk management of the supply chain;
Amendment 113 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Invites the Commission to reinforce its cooperation in customs matters with its main trading partners customs authorities, with a view to collaborating in the fight against threats to society and the economy, and to further facilitating bilateral trade, beyond strict TFA commitments; points out that this can be achieved as part of free trade agreements or through specific customs agreements;
Amendment 117 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Invites the Commission to continue and deepen customs cooperation on IPR with Cthina and Hong Kongrd countries and free trade zones most frequently source of illicit trade;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2075(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Invites the Commission to strengthen cooperation with the European Observatory on infringements of IPRs and with EUIPO Agency in order to support initiatives on IPR enforcement, such as facilitation procedures for right holders through electronic exchange of data, which would especially benefit SMEs;
Amendment 3 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for an effective post-Cotonou framework adapted to global challenges, based on ownership by the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals; highlights that the post-Cotonou framework must be defined in close cooperation with ACP states, including civil society, and drawn on the lessons learnt from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement; stresses that a revised general framework agreement, with legal binding value, together with the regional Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and other trade instruments, namely the "Everything But Arms", must support fair and sustainable trade and, ultimately, sustainable development and poverty reduction;
Amendment 19 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SNotes that trade is one of the three pillars of the Cotonou agreement and stresses that the post-Cotonou process should offer a framework within which to discuss trade issues of common concern with all the ACP countries; calls for a post-Cotonou Agreement as a political umbrella agreement under which binding minimum requirements for the EPAs are set, including structured civil society monitoring mechanisms; calls for a strengthening of trade cooperation, but with a values-driven approach and improved Policy Coherence for Development; believes that inclusive growth, job creation, the development of the private sector and regional integration must b as proposed in the "Trade for All" Communication; calls for a post- Cotonou framework that takes into consideration the gender dimension of trade; believes that inclusive growth, job creation, the development of the private sector, sustainable agricultural development, regional integration, the diversification of industries and the promotion of infant industries are central in a future economic partnership;
Amendment 33 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for strong, legally binding sustainable development provisions; asks for theStresses that the post-Cotonou framework must promote sustainable development, human rights and good governance, including by tackling corruption and illicit financial flows; calls for strong, legally binding sustainable development provisions, and a proper framework for corporate social responsibility; asks, in particular, for human rights 'essential elements' clause to remain in the future agreement, so that the linkage clauses in the EPAs - especially the non-execution clauses - continue to function after 2020;
Amendment 56 #
2016/2053(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the Financing for Development commitments; calls for of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda; notes the importance of trade capacity building as industrialisation and diversification of ACP economies remains limited; asks the EU to ensure more and effective funding for Aid for Trade and trade-related matters in order to support the ACP countries’' efforts to move up the global value chain. implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and to move up the global and regional value chains, while financial aid has to be intertwined with concrete cooperative projects directed at improving infrastructure, educational and social systems in the ACP countries.
Amendment 35 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the diversity of SMEs and mid-caps in the Member States, which is reflected in their business models, size, stages of development, financial structure and legal form; regrets the lack of harmonisation in national SMEs-creation legislation;
Amendment 49 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that the low proportion of women running SMEs is partly due to a more difficult access to finance; regrets that the European Progress Microfinance Facility whose objective is to promote equal opportunities for women and men, had a 60:40 male-to-female ratio for microloans in 2013; calls therefore on the Commission to make sure that its programmes aiming at facilitating access to finance for SMEs do not disfavour women entrepreneurs;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Commission to assess discrimination faced by SMEs run by other vulnerable groups of society;
Amendment 62 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages SMEs to consider the whole EU as their home market and to use the potential of the single market for their financing needsNotes that the Capital Markets Union represents an opportunity for filling both the regulatory gaps in the current framework and for harmonising cross- border regulation; welcomes the Commission’s initiatives supporting SMEs and start-ups in an upgraded Single Market; underlines, in this context, the importance of the implementation of the Small Business Act; calls on the Commission for a follow-up to the Small Business Act;
Amendment 73 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that start-ups in particular find it difficult to obtain appropriate funding and to identify and meet regulatory financial requirements, especially at development stage; encourages therefore Member States in their efforts to create one-stop shops as hubs for all regulatory requirements for entrepreneurs; welcomes the Commission’s plan to launch a European Pact for starts- ups to address these issues;
Amendment 111 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages the Commission to assess and introduce "funding for lending" programmes that would make ECB money available to banks with the sole purpose of lending to SMEs;
Amendment 146 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission to develop public sector backed investments and government scheme loans to SMEs;
Amendment 165 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to foster a risk-taking and capital market culture; reiterates that financial education for SMEs is key to increasing the use and acceptance of capital market solutions, allowing for a better assessment of costs, benefits and the associated risks; calls on the Member States to enhance the financial literacy of SMEs and their access to information via the creation of regional one-stop-shops;
Amendment 215 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission to encourage safe lending to companies by private individuals through peer-to-peer lending or retail bonds;
Amendment 216 #
2016/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission to encourage new platforms for private equity financing such as mezzanine finance, public sector backed equity funds, business angels and fundraising; welcomes the Commission's assessment of the existing framework for crowdfunding and calls for a regulatory initiative to harmonise the European framework for crowdfunding and facilitate cross-border investment;
Amendment 4 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
Aa. whereas Turkey is a candidate country since 2005, but in the framework of the accession process the opening of eight negotiating chapters has been blocked due to the non-application of the Additional Protocol of the Ankara Association Agreement to one Member State, Cyprus;
Amendment 7 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Customs Union has shown that it clearly fails to meet the requirements of trade relations between the parties and has not been implemented effectively;
Amendment 13 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Turkey has been implementing an ever increasing number of tariff and non-tariff barriers over time; in breach of the provisions of the Customs Union and to the detriment of European companies;
Amendment 23 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas sectors that are currently excluded from the customs union, such as agriculture, services and public procurement, are importantcould offer new opportunities for both parties;
Amendment 60 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) the strengthening of trade relations between the EU and Turkey should be set against the background of the common will of the parties to share the set of values and principles laid down in the EU's founding treaties, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and to work together to implement them fully and comprehensively; in this respect, a suspension clause on human rights and fundamental freedoms should be included in the upgraded customs union between Turkey and the EU;
Amendment 67 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) with a view to the start of the negotiations, the economic, social, political and legal conditions under which they are to take place and which, in any case, will determine the effects of those negotiations on citizens' lives, should be specifically and carefully considered; to this aim, the results of the public consultation and of the impact assessment should be duly taken into account; similarly, the findings of the Sustainability Impact Assessment - resulting from several consultations with civil society, social partners, NGOs and all relevant stakeholders - will have to effectively feed into the negotiations, notably regarding flanking measures identified to compensate possible negative impacts;
Amendment 71 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) the current structure of the Ankara agreement should be considered inadequate in terms of the evolution of the EU’s trade policy, in that: (a) it does not consider specific issues such as sustainable development, protection of social rights and labour, child labour, gender equality, protection of food safety and health, SMEs or the protection of foreign investmentsand environmental standards, to which specific chapters and provisions should be dedicated; (b) it does not take account of the specific role of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments; (c) the provisions concerning the settlement of disputes reflect the political nature of the agreement and have made the mechanism de facto ineffective;
Amendment 82 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
(vi) the entire negotiating process should be based on the principles of transparency and full access to the proceedings allowing adequate monitoring from the European Parliament; calls on the Council to publish the negotiating mandate as soon as possible;
Amendment 93 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) a prerequisite for the modernisation of the Customs Union is that Turkey should refrain from adopting any protectionist or restrictive measures, such as the unilateral imposition of customs duties and non-tariff barriers on goods produced in the EU, including goods released for free circulation coming from third countries, or government policies to reduce imports;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) the fight against counterfeiting, piracy, the trade in wild animals and food fraud are importantfundamental aspects of the Customs Union to safeguard consumers and companies;
Amendment 103 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point b – point iv
(iv) the harmonisation of customs systems is vital for the development of trade between the EU and Turkey; to that end, the Commission should strengthen customs cooperation and the exchange of information between the Member States and Turkey; in this respect the European Parliament welcomes the swift ratification by both parties of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation that has entered into force on the 22nd of February 2017 and will allow standardisation and simplification of trade-related procedures at the multilateral level;
Amendment 110 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
(v) it is important to introduce an effective dispute settlement mechanism that is able to operate within a framework of impartiality and legal certainty in keeping with the rules and practice of the WTO;
Amendment 115 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
(vi) in order to enable Turkey to become more involved in the decision- making process related to the EU's trade policy, and provided there is significant progress in terms of convergence and legislative harmonisation, where appropriate, it would be helpful to allow Turkey access as an observer in technical meetings and working committees;
Amendment 120 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
(vii) in relation to the negotiation of trade agreements between the EU and third countries in which Turkey does not participate, methods of involvement that respect the sovereignty and negotiating independence of the EU need to be considered as well as the means to foster the parallel conclusion of trade agreements between Turkey and such third countries;
Amendment 135 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) the liberalisation of the sectors that are not currently included in the Customs Union should take place in a progressive and binding manner, by measuring its impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, workers, consumers and the environment. To that end, parliamentary institutions, both at EU level and nationally, can play an active role in liaising and holding talks with stakeholders and civil society;
Amendment 139 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) negotiations shouldmust focus on the active promotion of decent work for all and the effective fight against national practices which seek to undermine the social and environmental substance of work for the purpose of promoting domestic production and attracting foreign investment by means of a specific chapter on sustainable development that includes binding provisions and a sanctions based mechanism;
Amendment 148 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
(iv) the liberalisation of agricultural products should be conditional upon reform of Turkish legislation on grants and export subsidies in order to avoid distortionary effects on the CAP systemagri-food markets. Special consideration should be given to the impact on small-scale farmers regarding those categories of product that are vulnerable to competition;
Amendment 157 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vi
(vi) owing to its importance and impact, the services sector should be liberalised preferably on the basis of a positive list approach and of stringent transparency criteria, full reciprocity, non-discrimination and legislative harmonisation, with the exclusion in the negotiating mandate of audiovisual services and services of general economic interest;
Amendment 167 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
(vii) in areas such as the digital economy, telecommunications, postal services and financial services, great attention shouldhas to be paid to aspects relating to data protection; in the transport sector, the current quota system should be maintained;
Amendment 174 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii a (new)
(viiia) being the European public procurement market largely open, negotiations should aim at obtaining full reciprocity at all levels of government, restoring thus a level playing field, and further alignment and approximation of Turkish legislation to the acquis communautaire in that sector;
Amendment 175 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii b (new)
(viii b) on rules, it will be important to negotiate specific provisions for SMEs, binding and enforceable provisions on sustainable development and a proper protection of European GIs;
Amendment 178 #
2016/2031(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ix
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ix
Amendment 9 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Articles 2(7)(a) and 2(7)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 stipulate the basis on which normal value should be determined in the case of imports from non-market economy countries. In view of developments with respect to certain countries that are Mmembers of the WTO, it is appropriate that, for those countries, normal value should be determined on the basis of paragraphs 1 to 6a of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, with effect from the date on which this Regulation enters into force, and subject to the provisions of this Regulation. In the case of countries which are, at the date of initiation, not Members of the WTO and listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2015/7552 , norma1 value should be determined on the basis of paragraph 7 of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036, as amended by this Regulation. This Regulation should be without prejudice to establishing whether or not any WTO Member is a market economy. Furthermore, it should be without prejudice to the terms and conditions set out in protocols and other instruments in accordance with which countries have acceded to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation. _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2015/755 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 on common rules for imports from certain third countries (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 33).
Amendment 13 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In the light of experience gained in past proceedings, it is appropriate to clarify the circumstances in which significant distortions affecting to a considerable extent free market forces may be deemed to exist. In particular, it is appropriate to clarify that this situation may be deemed to exist, inter alia, when reported prices or costs, including the costs of raw materials, are not the result of free market forces because they are affected by government intervention. It is further appropriate to clarify that in considering whether or not such a situation exists regard may be had, inter alia, to the potential impact of the following: the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership, control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces; and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives. It is further appropriate to provide that the Commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning these criteria in a certain country or a certain sector; that such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector; and that interested parties should have ample opportunity to comment on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used. and other factors of production, are not the result of free market forces because they are affected by government intervention, or when there is a situation of overcapacities 1a. It is further appropriate to clarify that in considering whether or not such a situation exists regard should be had, inter alia, to the potential impact of the following: government influence over the allocation of resources and decisions of enterprises, whether directly or indirectly (e.g. public bodies), for example through the use of state-fixed prices, or discrimination in the tax, trade or currency regimes; state- induced distortions in the operation of enterprises linked to privatisation and the use of non-market trading or compensation system; the lack of a transparent and non-discriminatory company law which ensures adequate corporate governance (application of international accounting standards, protection of shareholders, public availability of accurate company information); the lack of a transparent and effective set of laws that prevents the respect of property rights and the operation of a functioning bankruptcy regime; the lack of a genuine financial sector which operates independently from the state and which in law and practice is subject to sufficient guarantee provisions and adequate supervision; wage rates are not the result of free bargaining between labour and management; the absence of a transparent set of laws produces discriminatory effects with regards to joint-ventures and other foreign investments and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives; the lack of ratification and of correct implementation of core International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) to which the Union is party; the non- compliance with the relevant OECD recommendations pertaining to the field of taxation (e.g. the BEPS initiative); and any other circumstance the Commission considers appropriate in order to evaluate the existence of significant distortions. For indicative purposes, a detailed list of the examples of significant distortions is available in the Annex. That list should be updated after each case. The existence of one or more significant distortions in the economy as a whole or in one or several sectors of the economy of the exporting country should lead automatically to the use of undistorted third country, international or Union prices, costs or benchmarks for each and every factor of production in the construction of the normal value, as well as to the disapplication of the lesser-duty rule for the calculation of the anti-dumping duty to be imposed on imports from exporting producers from that country. In the absence of undistorted third country or international costs or benchmarks, the Commission should determine the normal value on any other reasonable basis, including on the basis of relevant prices and costs in the Union. This is especially the case where a significant portion of the complaining industry is made up of SMEs. The reliability of the costs and prices of a given factor of production to be considered undistorted should be assessed, inter alia, by reference to the quantities involved, their proportion in relation to the total costs of that factor, and actual use in production. Under this methodology, the burden of proving the absence of significant distortions on every factors of production falls on the exporting country's producers. If an exporting producer from a country where one of more significant distortions exist conclusively demonstrates at an early stage of the investigation that the costs of one or more of its factors of production are not distorted, those individual factors of production costs should be used in the construction of the normal value, without prejudice to the use of undistorted third country, Union or international prices, costs or benchmarks for those individual factors of production that are significantly distorted. It is further appropriate to provide that the Commission services should, at their own initiative or on the request of the European Parliament, of a Member State or of the Union industry (including Trade Unions and SMEs), issue a report describing the specific situation concerning these criteria in a certain country (departing from horizontal country distortions and then focussing on factors of production and sector distortions) or a certain sector; for those countries for which a substantial number of anti-dumping cases have been recorded, the report should be completed three months before the entry into force of this Regulation and adopted fifteen days within its entry into force. Union industry, including Trade Unions and SMEs, should be consulted during the report drafting process. When drafting a report, the Commission shall coordinate with the Union's major trading partners. Such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector; interested parties should have ample opportunity to comment on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used. In accordance with its role, the European Parliament is to monitor the report drafting process. On the request of the European Parliament, of a Member State, of the Union industry (including Trade Unions and SMEs) or in the case of a change of circumstances in a specific country or sector, the Commission should adopt a specific report or update an existing one. In any event, the Commission should carry out a review of the report every two and a half years. _________________ 1a Overcapacities are defined when the commercial surpluses start being structural without any comparative advantage in the country, when domestic prices and costs are lower than the prices in the world market or when investments in new production capacities are realised in discordance with a growing commercial surplus
Amendment 19 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In the light of experience gained in past proceedings, it is appropriate to clarify the circumstances in which significant distortions affecting to a considerable extent free market forces may be deemed to exist. In particular, it is appropriate to clarify that this situation may be deemed to exist, inter alia, when reported prices or costs, including the costs of raw materials, are not the result of free market forces because they are affected by government intervention. It is further appropriate to clarify that in considering whether or not such a situation exists regard may be had, inter alia, to the potential impact of the following: the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership, control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces; and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives. It is further appropriate to provide that the Commission services may issue a report describing the specific situation concerning these criteria in a certain country or a certain sector; that such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector; and that interested parties should have ample opportunity to comment on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used. At the initiation of an investigation related to imports from a country or sector in which the Commission has well-founded indications of the possible existence of significant distortions, the Commission should make a provisional determination as to the existence of significant distortions for that country or sectors and inform the parties of the investigation. Any determination that significant distortions exist in a country or sector should stand as long as sufficient evidence has not conclusively shown that that country or sector is not anymore affected by significant distortions and should remain in effect until revoked.
Amendment 31 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) It is further appropriate to recall that costs should normally be calculated on the basis of records kept by the exporter or producer under investigation. However, where there are one or more significant distortions in the exporting country with the consequence that costs reflected in the records of the party concerned are artificially low, such costs may be adjusted orshould be established on any reasonable basis, including information from other representative markets or from, from markets in the Union or from undistorted international prices or benchmarks. In the light of experience gained in past proceedings, it is appropriate to further clarify that, for the purposes of applying the provisions introduced by this regulation, due account should be taken of all relevant evidence, including relevant assessment reports regarding the circumstances prevailing on the domestic market of the exporting producers and the evidence on which they are based, which has been placed on the file, and upon which interested parties have had an opportunity to comment. In applying the rules, it is essential, in order to maintain the balance of the rights and obligations which the WTO and its Agreements and Protocols establish, that the Union take account of how they are interpreted, and applied by the Union's trading partners.
Amendment 46 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point a
(a) In case it is determined, when applying this provision or any other relevant provision of this Regulation, that it is not appropriate to use domestic prices and costs in the exporting country due to the existence of one or more significant distortions in the economy or in one or several sectors of the economy, the normal value shall be constructed on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks. For this purpose, the sources that may be used include undistorted international prices, costs, or benchmarks, or corresponding costs of production and sale in an appropriate representative country with a similar level of economic development as the exporting country, provided the relevant cost data are readily available. The constructed normal value shall include a reasonable amount for administrative, selling and general costs and for profits. for each and every factor of production, and the lesser-duty rule shall not apply for the calculation of the anti-dumping duties to be imposed on imports from the exporting producers from that country. For this purpose, the sources that may be used include: – corresponding costs of production and sale in an appropriate representative producer country where the prices and costs concerned by the investigation are the result of free market forces, including those in the Union or – if considered inappropriate by the Commission, undistorted international prices, costs, or benchmarks, provided the relevant cost data are readily available. The constructed normal value shall include a reasonable amount for administrative, selling and general costs and for profits. In the absence of undistorted international or third country costs or benchmarks, the Commission shall determine the normal value on any other reasonable basis, including on the basis of relevant prices or costs in the Union. This is especially the case where a significant portion of the complaining Union industry is made up of SMEs. The reliability of the costs and prices of a given factor of production to be considered undistorted shall be assessed, inter alia, by reference to the quantities involved, their proportion in relation to the total costs of that factor, and actual use in production. Under this methodology, the burden of proving the absence of significant distortions on every factors of production falls on the exporting country's producers. If an exporting producer from a country where one or more significant distortions exist conclusively demonstrates that the costs of one or more of its individual factors of production are not distorted, those individual factors of production costs should be used in the construction of the normal value, without prejudice to the use of undistorted third country, Union or international prices, costs of benchmarks for those individual factors of production that are significantly distorted.
Amendment 62 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point b
(b) Significant distortions for the product concerned within the meaning of point (a) may be deemed to exist, inter alia, when reported prices or costs, including the costs of raw materials and other factors of production, are not the result of free market forces as they are affected by government intervention, or when there is a situation of overcapacities 1b. In considering whether or not significant distortions exist regard mayshall be had, inter alia, to the potential impact of the following: the market in question is to a significant extent served by enterprises which operate under the ownership, control or policy supervision or guidance of the authorities of the exporting country; state presence in firms allowing the state to interfere with respect to prices or costs; public policies or measures discriminating in favour of domestic suppliers or otherwise influencing free market forces; and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectivegovernment influence over the allocation of resources and decisions or enterprises, whether directly or indirectly (e.g. public bodies), for example through the use of state-fixed prices, or discrimination in the tax, trade or currency regimes; state-induced distortions in the operation of enterprises linked to privatisation and the use of non- market trading or compensation system; the lack of a transparent and non- discriminatory company law which ensures adequate corporate governance (application of international accounting standards, protection of shareholders, public availability of accurate company information); the lack of a transparent and effective set of laws that prevents the respect of property rights and the operation of a functioning bankruptcy regime; the lack of a genuine financial sector which operated independently from the state and which in law and practice is subject sufficient guarantee provisions and adequate supervision; wage rates are not the result of free bargaining between labour and management; the absence of a transparent set of laws produces discriminatory effects with regard to joint- ventures and others foreign investments and access to finance granted by institutions implementing public policy objectives: the lack of ratification and of correct implementation of core International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions and of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) to which the Union is party; the non- compliance with the relevant OECD recommendations pertaining in the field of taxation (e.g. the BEPS initiative), and any other circumstance the Commission considers appropriate in order to evaluate the existence of significant distortions. For indicative purposes, a detailed list of examples of significant distortions found during previous anti-dumping cases is available in the Annex. This list shall be updated after each case. _________________ 1b Overcapacities are defined when the commercial surpluses start being structural without any comparative advantage in the country, when domestic prices and costs are lower than the prices in the world market or when investments in new production capacities are realised in discordance with a growing commercial surplus.
Amendment 81 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point c
(c) When appropriateAt their initiative or on the request of the European Parliament, of a Member State of or the Union industry (including Trade Unions and SMEs), the Commission services mayshall issue a report describing the specific situation concerning the criteria listed in point (b) in a certain country or a certain sector. Such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector. Interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement, comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used. The determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file. (departing from the horizontal country distortions and then focussing on factors of production distortions and sector distortions) or a certain sector. For those countries for which a substantial number of anti-dumping cases have been opened, the report shall be completed three months before the entry into force of this Regulation and adopted fifteen days within its entry into force. The Union industry, including Trade Unions and SMEs, shall be consulted during the report drafting process. When drafting a report, the Commission shall coordinate with the Union's major trading partners. Such report and the evidence on which it is based may be placed on the file of any investigation relating to that country or sector. Interested parties shall have ample opportunity to supplement, comment or rely on the report and the evidence on which it is based in each investigation in which such report or evidence is used. The determinations made shall take into account all of the relevant evidence on the file. In accordance with its role, the European Parliament shall monitor the report drafting process. On the request of the European Parliament, of a Member State, of Union industry - including Trade Unions and SMEs - or on the Commission's own initiative when the circumstances in a specific country or sector have changed, the Commission shall adopt a specific report or update an existing one. In any event, the Commission shall carry out a review of the report every two and a half years.
Amendment 97 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point d
(d) The Union industry may rely on the report referred to in point (c) for the calculation of normal value when filing a complaint in accordance with Article 5 or a request for a review in accordance with Article 11 or in a request for reinvestigation in accordance with Article 12. When the conclusions of the report show the existence of one or more significant distortions, the report pursuant to the paragraph 6 (b) shall constitute sufficient evidence in order to justify the calculation of the normal value pursuant to the methodology referred to in subparagraph (a). In any event, no additional burdens shall be requested from the Union industry. In the absence of a report, the Commission shall use any available information or data to establish the existence of significant distortions and use the methodology referred to in subparagraph (a) if the relevant requirements are met. A helpdesk and special mechanisms (e.g.: free legal advice, explicit user-friendly guidelines, especially regarding confidentiality rules) are put in place in order to help SMEs in the process of making use of the reports and filing complaints.
Amendment 111 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 6a – point e
(e) At the initiation of an investigation related to imports from a country or sector in which the Commission has well- founded indications of the possible existence of significant distortions, the Commission shall make a provisional determination as to the existence of significant distortions for that country or sectors and inform the parties to the investigation. The parties to the investigation shall be informed shortly after initiation about the relevant sources that the Commission intends to use for the purpose of point (a) and shall be given 10 days to comment. For this purpose, interested parties shall be given access to the file, including any evidence on which the investigating authority relies, without prejudice to Article 19. A determination that significant distortions exist in a given country or sector shall remain in effect until revoked, and revocation shall take place only if sufficient evidence has conclusively shown that that country or sector is no longer affected by significant distortions.
Amendment 113 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point e
(e) The parties to the investigation shall be informed shortly after initiation about the relevant sources that the Commission intends to use for the purpose of point (a) and shall be given 10 working days to comment. For this purpose, interested parties shall be given access to the file, including any evidence on which the investigating authority relies, without prejudice to Article 19. A disclosure regarding the methodology to be used shall be communicated to the parties no later than three months from initiation of the investigation.
Amendment 115 #
2016/0351(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2016/1036
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point e a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 6 a – point e a (new)
(ea) During the investigations phase, in case of less than full cooperation by an exporting producer from a country in which one or more significant distortions are deemed to exist, and without prejudice to the application of Article 18, the lesser- duty rule shall not apply for the determination of the anti-dumping duties to be imposed on imports from that exporting producer
Amendment 25 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) It is necessary to provide for the reintroduction of normal Common Customs Tariff duties for imports of any products which cause, or threaten to cause, serious difficulties to the European Union producers, including when an impact on prices in the internal market is foreseeable, of like or directly competing products, subject to an investigation by the European Commission;
Amendment 34 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) continued respect for obligations to cooperate on employment, social policy and equal opportunities in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title IV (Trade and Sustainable Development) and Chapter 21 of Title V (Cooperation on employment, social policy and equal opportunities) of the Association Agreement, and the goals set out in in Article 420 thereof.
Amendment 36 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a Reporting Requirements The Commission shall monitor the economic and social impact of this Regulation in Ukraine and in the Union. That monitoring shall extend to regional and sectorial level and identify those actors profiting from trade preferences. The results of this monitoring shall be included in overall annual reporting to the European Parliament and to the Council on the implementation of the Association Agreement.
Amendment 41 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Commission shall put in place close monitoring of any effects on prices in the internal market of products covered by this Regulation and, where any such effects have been detected, shall immediately initiate procedures with a view to reintroducing the Common Customs Tariff duties.
Amendment 43 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. At the request of a Member State or of the European Parliament, or on the Commission’s initiative, the Commission shall take a formal decision to initiate an investigation within a reasonable period of time. Where the Commission decides to initiate an investigation, it shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union announcing the investigation. The notice shall provide a summary of the information received and state that any relevant information should be sent to the Commission. It shall specify the period, which shall not exceed four months from the date of publication of the notice, within which interested parties may make their views known in writing.
Amendment 50 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. Where exceptional circumstances requiring immediate action make an investigation impossible, the Commission may, after informing the Committee, take any preventive measure which is strictly necessary.
Amendment 51 #
2016/0308(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a (new)
Article 4 a 1. The Commission shall assess the impact of this Regulation on the Union market of the products set out in Annex I and II, annually from the date of its entry into force, and the Commission shall present the conclusions of such assessment to the European Parliament and to the Council. 2. Where the Commission concludes in its assessment under paragraph 2 of this Article that the application of this Regulation negatively affects the Union market of the products set out in Annex I and II, the Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, adopt appropriate compensatory measures for the Union producers or other economic operators concerned. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 5(2).
Amendment 59 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) An effective common system of export controls on dual-use items is therefore necessary to ensure that the international commitments and responsibilities of the Member States and of the Union, especially regarding non- proliferation and human rights, are complied with.
Amendment 63 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Considering the emergence of new categories of dual-use items, and in response to calls from the European Parliament and indications that certain cyber-surveillance technologies exported from the Union have been misused by persons complicit in or responsible for directing or committing serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict or internal repression, it is appropriate to control the export of those technologies in order to protect public security as well as public morals. These measures should not go beyond what is proportionate. They should, in particular, not prevent the export of information and communication technology used for legitimate purposes, including law enforcement and internet security research. The Commission, in close consultations with the Member States and stakeholders, will develop guidelinesshould provide guidance to support the practical applications of those controls upon entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 68 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) As a result, it is also appropriate to revise the definition of dual-use items, and to introduce a definition of cyber- surveillance technology. It should also be clarified that assessment criteria for the control of exports of dual-use items include considerations regarding their possible misuse in connection with acts of terrorism or human rights violations.
Amendment 95 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Outreach to the private sector and transparency are essential elements for an effective export control regime. It is therefore appropriate to provide for the continued development of guidance, upon entry into force of this Regulation, to support the application of this Regulation and for the publication of an annual report on the implementation of controls, in line with current practice.
Amendment 102 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29a) It is essential that Member States engage in those multilateral control export regimes in which they participate in order to promote adherence to the list of dual-use items subject to export controls in Section B of Annex I
Amendment 131 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
13. 'large project authorisation' shall mean a global export authorisation granted to one specific exporter, in respect of a type or category of dual-use item which may be valid for exports to one or more specified end users in one or more specified third countries for the duration of a specified project the realisation of which exceeds one year. This global export authorization may be valid for no longer than four years and may be renewed by the competent authority;
Amendment 151 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 21 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Therefore 'cyber-surveillance technology' shall not mean IT products and technology not covered by this definition;
Amendment 155 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 23
Amendment 171 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) for use by persons complicit in or responsible for directing or committing serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian rights law, in situations of armed conflict or internal repression in the country of final destination, ascountries where serious violations of human rights have been identified by relevant public international institutions, or European or national competent authorities, and where there is evidence of the use of this or similar items for directing or implementing such serious violations by the proposed end-user;
Amendment 173 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) for use by natural or legal persons complicit in or responsible for directing or committing serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict or internal repression in the country of final destination, as identified by relevant public international institutions, or European or national competent authorities, and where there is evidence of the use of this or similar items for directing or implementing such serious violations by the proposed end-user;
Amendment 176 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Amendment 203 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 4
The Commission and the Member States wishall maintain an updated register of authorisation requirements in place. The data available in this register will be included in the report to the European Parliament, referred to in Article 24(2).
Amendment 272 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the internal situation in the country of final destination – competent authorities wishall not authorise exports that would provoke or prolong armed conflicts or aggravate existing tensions or conflicts in the country of final destination;
Amendment 288 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission and the Council shall make available guidance and/or recommend, upon entry into force of this regulations, to ensure common risk assessments by the competent authorities of the Member States for the implementation of those criteria. and with a view to provide uniform criteria for licensing decisions. The Commission shall prepare guidance in the form of a handbook detailing the steps to be followed by Member State competent licensing authorities and exporters exercising due diligence with practical recommendations on the implementation and compliance with the controls pursuant to Article 4 (1) (d) and the criteria listed in Article 14 (1). This handbook shall be elaborated in close cooperation with the Dual Use Coordination Group and will involve external expertise from academia, exporters and civil society organizations. The Commission shall establish a capacity-building programme by developing common training programmes for officials from licensing and customs enforcement authorities.
Amendment 304 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 16 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) The list of dual-use items set out in Section B of Annex I mayshall be amended if this is necessary due to risks that the export of such items may pose as regards the commission of serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law or the essential security interests of the Union and its Member States or if controls for a significant amount of dual use items have been triggered pursuant to Article 4 (1) in this Regulation.
Amendment 326 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
2. The Dual-Use Coordination Group shall set up an Enforcement Coordination Mechanism with a view to establish direct cooperation and exchange of information between competent authorities and enforcement agencies and to provide for uniform criteria for licensing decisions.
Amendment 330 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and the Council shall, where appropriate, make available guidance and/or recommendations for best practices for the subjects referred to in this Regulation to ensure the efficiency of the Union export control regime and the consistency of its implementation. The competent authorities of the Member States shall also, where appropriate, provide complementary guidance for exporters, brokers and transit operators resident or established in that Member State.
Amendment 334 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall provide to the Commission all appropriate information for the preparation of the report. This annual report shall be public. This report shall include precise information provided by the Member States about all the denied and granted authorizations, including the date, the type of license, a description of the product, the end user and end use, the country of destination, the value and volume of the exports. This report shall also include data of the authorization requirements in place in each Member State, as specified in Article 4 (4). While preparing this annual report, the Commission and the Member States shall take into account the legitimate interests of natural and legal persons concerned that their business secrets should not be divulged. The annual report shall be public.
Amendment 346 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and the competent authorities of the Member States shall engage, where appropriate, in those multilateral export control regimes in which they participate to promote international adherence to the list of dual- use items subject to export controls in Section B of Annex I and, where appropriate, maintain regular and reciprocal exchange of information with third countries, engage in capacity- building and to promote upward convergence.
Amendment 408 #
2016/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Section G – part 3 – paragraph 9
Annex II – Section G – part 3 – paragraph 9
9. Exporters who have not used this authorisation within a 24-month period automatically lose to their entitlement to use this authorisationmay revoke the registration if the authorisation is not used.
Amendment 19 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) New technologies enable the automated computational analysis of information in digital form, such as text, sounds, images or data, generally known as text and data mining. Those technologies allow researchers to process large amounts of information to gain new knowledge and discover new trends. Whilst text and data mining technologies are prevalent across the digital economy, there is widespread acknowledgment that text and data mining can in particular benefit the research community and in so doing encourage innovation, growth and jobs. However, in the Union, research organisations such as universities and research institutes are confronted with legal uncertainty as to the extent to which they can perform text and data mining of content. In certain instances, text and data mining may involve acts protected by copyright and/or by the sui generis database right, notably the reproduction of works or other subject- matter and/or the extraction of contents from a database. Where there is no exception or limitation which applies, an authorisation to undertake such acts would be required from rightholders. Text and data mining may also be carried out in relation to mere facts or data which are not protected by copyright and in such instances no authorisation would be required.
Amendment 24 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Union law already provides certain exceptions and limitations covering uses for scientific research purposes which may apply to acts of text and data mining. However, those exceptions and limitations are optional and not fully adapted to the use of technologies in scientific research. Moreover, where researchusers have lawful access to content, for example through subscriptions to publications or open access licences, the terms of the licences may exclude text and data mining. As research is increasingly carried out with the assistance of digital technology, there is a risk that the Union's competitive position as a research area will suffer unless steps are taken to address the legal uncertainty for text and data mining.
Amendment 26 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) Union law should take into consideration that text and data mining has the huge potential to be used in both formal and informal research settings and should recognise the potential of text and data mining to stimulate significant innovation, growth and jobs.
Amendment 39 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Article 5(3)(a) of Directive 2001/29/EC allows Member States to introduce an exception or limitation to the rights of reproduction, communication to the public and making available to the public for the sole purpose of, among others, illustration for teaching. In addition, Articles 6(2)(b) and 9(b) of Directive 96/9/EC permit the use of a database and the extraction or re-utilization of a substantial part of its contents for the purpose of illustration for teaching. TAlongside uneven application in Member States, the scope of those exceptions or limitations as they apply to digital uses is unclear. In addition, there is a lack of clarity as to whether those exceptions or limitations would apply where teaching is provided online and thereby at a distance. Moreover, the existing framework does not provide for a cross-border effect. This situation may hamper the development of digitally- supported teaching activities and distance learning. Therefore, the introduction of a new mandatory exception or limitation is necessary to ensure that educational establishments benefit from full legal certainty when using works or other subject-matter in digitall teaching activities, including online and across borders.
Amendment 42 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) While distance learning and cross- border education programmes are mostly developed at higher education level, digital tools and resources are increasingly used at all education levels, in particular to improve and enrich the learning experience. The exception or limitation provided for in this Directive should therefore benefit all educational establishments in primary, secondary, vocational and higher educa, higher education, formal and non-formal educational settings, especially libraries and other cultural heritage institutions, to the extent they pursue their educational activity for a non- commercial purpose. The organisational structure and the means of funding of an educational establishment are not the decisive factors to determine the non- commercial nature of the activity.
Amendment 44 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The exception or limitation should cover digitall uses of works and other subject- matter such as the use of parts or extracts of works to support, enrich or complement the teaching, including the related learning activities. The use of the works or other subject-matter under the exception or limitation should be only in the context of teaching and learning activities carried out under the responsibility of educational establishments, in both formal and non- formal educational settings, especially libraries and other cultural heritage institutions, including during examinations, and be limited to what is necessary for the purpose of such activities. The exception or limitation should cover both uses through digital means in the classroom and online uses through the educational establishment's secure electronic network, the access to which should be protected, notably by authentication procedures. The exception or limitation should be understood as covering the specific accessibility needs of persons with a disability in the context of illustration for teaching. Compensation mechanisms should be only used in cases where there is unreasonable prejudice to the rightholders.
Amendment 48 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) An act of preservation may require a reproduction of a work or other subject- matter in the collection of a cultural heritage institution and consequently the authorisation of the relevant rightholders. Cultural heritage institutions, research organisations and educational establishments, both formal and non- formal, are engaged in the preservation of their collections for future generations. Digital technologies offer new ways to preserve the heritage contained in those collections but they also create new challenges. In view of these new challenges, it is necessary to adapt the current legal framework by providing a mandatory exception to the right of reproduction in order to allow those acts of preservation.
Amendment 49 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Different approaches in the Member States for acts of preservation by cultural heritage institutions hamper cross- border cooperation and the sharing of means of preservation by cultural heritage institutions in the internal market, leading to an inefficient use of resources. Member States should facilitate the cross-border sharing of best-practice, new technologies and preservation techniques.
Amendment 51 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Member States should therefore be required to provide for an exception to permit cultural heritage institutions, research organisations and educational establishments, both formal and non- formal, to reproduce works and other subject-matter permanently in their collections for preservation purposes, for example to address technological obsolescence or the degradation of original supports. Such an exception should allow for the making of copies by the appropriate preservation tool, means or technology, in the required number and at any point in the life of a work or other subject-matter to the extent required in order to produce a copy for preservation purposes only.
Amendment 53 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) For the purposes of this Directive, works and other subject-matter should be considered to be permanently in the collection of a cultural heritage institution when copies are owned, held on long-term loan or permanently held by the cultural heritage institution, for example as a result of aresearch organisations and educational establishments, both formal and non-formal, including transfer of ownership or licence agreements.
Amendment 56 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Member States should, within the framework provided for in this Directive, have flexibility in choosing the specific type of mechanism allowing for licences for out-of-commerce works to extend to the rights of rightholders that are noteither not represented or not adequately represented by the collective management organisation, in accordance to their legal traditions, practices or circumstances. Such mechanisms can include extended collective licensing and presumptions of representation.
Amendment 58 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Considering the variety of works and other subject-matter in the collections of cultural heritage institutions, it is important that the licensing mechanisms introduced by this Directive are available and can be used in practice for different types of works and other subject-matter, including photographs, sound recordings and audiovisual works. In order to reflect the specificities of different categories of works and other subject-matter as regards modes of publication and distribution and to facilitate the usability of those mechanisms, specific requirements and procedures may have to be established by Member States for the practical application of those licensing mechanisms. It is appropriate that Member States consult rightholders, cultural institutions, users and collective management organisations when doing so.
Amendment 132 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall provide for an exception to the rights provided for in Article 2 of Directive 2001/29/EC, Articles 5(a) and 7(1) of Directive 96/9/EC and Article 11(1) of this Directive for reproductions and extractions made by research organisations, not-for-profit organisations and/or citizens in order to carry out text and data mining of works or other subject-matter to which they have lawful access for the purposes of scientific research.
Amendment 159 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall provide for an exception or limitation to the rights provided for in Articles 2 and 3 of Directive 2001/29/EC, Articles 5(a) and 7(1) of Directive 96/9/EC, Article 4(1) of Directive 2009/24/EC and Article 11(1) of this Directive in order to allow for the digital use of works and other subject- matter for the sole purpose of illustration for teaching or research, to the extent justified by the non-commercial purpose to be achieved, provided that the use:
Amendment 162 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) takes place on the premises of an educational establishment, whether formal or non-formal, or through a secure electronic network accessible only by the educational establishment's pupils or students and, teaching staff, or registered member;
Amendment 182 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Member States shall provide for an exception to the rights provided for in Article 2 of Directive 2001/29/EC, Articles 5(a) and 7(1) of Directive 96/9/EC, Article 4(1)(a) of Directive 2009/24/EC and Article 11(1) of this Directive, permitting cultural heritage institutions, research organisations and educational establishments, both formal and non- formal, to make copies of any works or other subject-matter that are permanently in their collections, in any format or medium, for the sole purposes of the preservation of such works or other subject-matter and to the extent necessary for such preserv, research and education.
Amendment 186 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Member States shall, in consultation with rightholders, collective management organisations and cultural heritage institutions, ensure that the requirements used to determine whether works and other subject-matter can be licensed in accordance with paragraph 1 do not extend beyond what is necessary and reasonable and do not preclude the possibility to determine the out-of-commerce status of a collection as a whole, when it is reasonable to presume that all works or other subject- matter in the collection are out of commerce. In the event that a collective management organisation does not exist or adequately represent the rights of rightsholders, Member States should provide exceptions for cultural heritage institutions, research organisations and educational establishments, both formal and non-formal, to distribute, communicate to the public or make available out-of-commerce-works for non- commercial purposes. Member States should ensure appropriate remuneration for any unreasonable prejudice to the legitimate interests of the rightsholders and ensure that all rightsholders may at any time object to the use of their works.
Amendment 240 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The obligation in paragraph 1 shall be proportionate and effective and shall ensure an appropriate high level of transparency in every sector. However, in those cases where the administrative burden resulting from the obligation would be disproportionate in view of the revenues generated by the exploitation of the work or performance, Member States may adjust the obligation in paragraph 1, provided that the obligation remains effective and ensures an appropriate level of transparency.
Amendment 244 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall ensure that sector-specific standard reporting statements and procedures are developed through stakeholder dialogues.
Amendment 250 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that authors and performers, or representatives they appoint, are entitled to request additional, appropriatefair remuneration from the party with whom they entered into a contract for the exploitation of the rights when the remuneration originally agreed is disproportionately low compared to the subsequent relevant revenues and benefits derived from the exploitation of the works or performances.
Amendment 252 #
2016/0280(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a (new)
Article 15 a Rights reversion mechanism 1. Member States shall ensure that authors and performers that are in a contractual relationship with ongoing payment obligations, may terminate the contract by which they have licensed or transferred their rights when there is a complete absence of exploitation of their works and performances, a persistent failure to pay the remuneration agreed or a complete lack of reporting and transparency. 2. The right to terminate the contract on the transfer of licencing of rights may be exercised if within a year from the notification by the performer or author of this intention to terminate the contract, the contracting party fails to fulfil its contractual obligation with regards to the payment of the remuneration agreed. With regards to the absence of exploitation of a work and the complete lack of reporting and transparency the right to terminate the contract on the transfer or licencing of rights may be exercised if within five years from the notification by the performer or author of their intention to terminate the contract, the contracting party fails to fulfil its contractual obligations. 3. Member States may decide that the obligation in paragraph 1 does not apply when the contribution of the author or performer is not significant having regard to the overall work or performance.
Amendment 17 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for adequate financing in order to better support the internationalisation of SMEs by developing specific and clear guidebooks for SMEs about the opportunities and benefits offered by each trade agreement concluded by the EU;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could be a more efficient and effective instrument if reformed and shaped in a way that it is adequately funded by lowering the threshold for EGF eligibility in order to ensure that employees of small and medium companies in sectors that are directly damaged by the effects of globalisation, are assisted;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for sufficient resources under Heading 5 in order to conduct both ex-ante and ex-post assessments of trade agreements; to improve the quality and effectiveness of ex-ante and ex-post assessments by reviewing its methodology, and ensure that the obligations of the EU and its trading partners are implemented and enforced.;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2353(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls the importance of gender mainstreaming, which should underpin Union policies as a horizontal principle; calls on the Commission to put the principle of gender mainstreaming into practice when preparing the post-electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020; calls on the Commission to ensure that the gender perspective is included, horizontally, in all future trade agreements and also, as an essential part of the EU mainstreaming strategy and proposes, to allocate sufficient resources to guarantee a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the gender impact of the trade agreements in force;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that trade and finance is one of the five priority areas of policy coherence for development, a concept enshrined in article 208 TFEU; recalls that all EU external policies, including trade and investment, must be aligned with Article 21 of the TEU and must not undermine sustainable development goals, human rights and gender equality; recalls the principles mentioned in article 24, paragraph 2 of the Council Regulation No 260/2009;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls likewise the EUʼs commitment to mainstream gender in all its policies and the importance of guaranteeing that men and women benefit equally from social changes, economic growth and the creation of decent jobs, doing away with discrimination and promoting respect for womenʼs rights in the world
Amendment 11 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that trade liberalisation is not positive, per se, in terms of reducing poverty and could have negative effects on sustainable development if it is not accompanied by re-distribution through fair and progressive tax systemshe final outcome of the Addis Ababa conference and the SDG agenda describes trade as an important means of implementing the global sustainable development goals (SDGs); recalls that fair trade can play a positive role in reducing poverty and inequality; urges the EU to work towards the reinforcement of international fiscal cooperation as agreed by the G20 and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Urges the Commission to align all EU trade-related instruments to the SDGs: free trade agreements, in particular the Economic Partnership Agreement with African countries, plurilateral and multilateral agreements under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), Aid for Trade, EU Regulations, as well as international standards and code of conducts;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to safeguard the right of countries to regulate and preserve policy space in order to develop infant industries; urges the Commission to ensure that trade agreements and policies do not undermine developing countries’ efforts to increase the domestic value added, in order to upgrade along the global value chains, and to create decent jobs locally, prioritising the contribution of women to economic development, especially in rural areas, as essential elements for endogenous development;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2317(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the EU and its Member States to promote the multilateral debate on investment treaties, to take into account UNCTAD´s Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development recommendations to stimulate more responsible, transparent and accountable investments, as well as to actively engage with the UN Human Rights Council in its work towards an international treaty that would hold transnational corporations accountable for human rights abuses.
Amendment 4 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to make financial services one of the EU’s priorities in the TiSA negotiations, as the EU’s own market for those services is already comparatively open; to ensure that, in the area of financial services, no new commitments will be taken on that would jeopardise EU financial regulation, and that EU regulators retain the ability to authorise or deny any new financial product and to achieve an agreement that brings value to consumers in the form of a broader choice of financial services and enhanced consumer protection, thanks to a more globally-harmonised approach to trade in financial services that allows a level- playing field and prevent the transmission of systemic risks; to ensure that, in the area of financial services, no new commitments will be taken on that would jeopardise EU financial regulation by forcing the EU to turn back on its enhanced regulatory framework of the financial sector, and that EU regulators retain the ability to authorise or deny any new financial product after a thorough assessment of the risks that the introduction of such products or services would generate in the Union;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) while stressing the need to increase worldwide access to financial services, to pursue in TiSA a policy line allowing, save for limited and duly justified market access reservations, the cross-border supply of financial services in the EU by entities established in third countries, on the basis of clear rules and procedures for the authorisation of the said entities to provide such services in the EU and only after the recognition by the EU of the said entities’ country of origin as having an enforceable regulatory and supervisory framework equivalent to the EU’s, in order to ensure that no financial risk be imported in the Union and that a level- playing field between entities, irrespective of their jurisdiction of establishment, be achieved;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to ensure that TiSA results in limiting market access reservations to duly justified exceptions and in a commitment by all parties to a standstill on national treatment, but no ratchet clause, on national treatment, which should help to achieve a better level- playing field, and thereby to defend the position that market openness will not prevent the introduction of new measures for prudential reasons, covering consumers as well, or the modification of existing domestic disciplines;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the TiSA negotiations arshould be aimed at achieving better international regulation, not lower domestic regulation;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to put stronger pressure on other negotiating parties to accept China’s request to join the negotiations, and to continue offering this path to other BRICS countries; to stress that TiSA is obviously not meant to alter or substitute the works of international organisations and fora that adopt recommendations and set standards for the financial sector across the globe;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) to encourage new parties to join the TiSA negotiations, even if the talks already include countries such as the EU, USA and Japan that are responsible for the bulk of word trade in financial services; to pursue, in order to deliver very substantial results for the EU, in- depth commitments (in particular on market access) from countries that currently have no bilateral trade deals with the EU, such as the Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or very limited commitment at the multilateral level, for example Chile and Turkey, or very limited bilateral commitments on financial services, such as Mexico;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas any trade agreement must provide more rights, contribute to sustainable development and lower prices to European consumers and level the playing field for European companies;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to ensure that the TiSA in no way hinders the negotiating agenda of the WTO, but, rather, fosters a valuable discussion on establishing ‘gold standards’ for tackling trade obstacles and developing regulatory best practices for financial services, and also prepares the ground for its possible adoption at multilateral level, by building on rules already existing at the multilateral level;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas any trade agreement must be a market opener for our companies abroad and a safety net for our citizens at home, while being an instrument for promoting corporate social responsibility globally;
Amendment 45 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) to urge the negotiating parties to establish a binding high-level framework for the domestic regulation of financial services baseduilding on the WTO’s GATS Annex on Financial Services, which already covers all TiSA parties as WTO members, as well as deeper commitments based on the sui generis Understanding on Commitments in Financial Services, which is not mandatory for WTO members and therefore only cover a very limited set of TiSA parties; to set as an absolutely necessary pre-condition for the chapter on financial services of TiSA to include the prudential carve-out laid down in Article 2(a) of the GATS Annex on Financial Services, which preserves the sovereign right of parties to adopt measures for prudential reasons, to the extent that the said measures do not aim at escaping other commitments; to take action in order for the key elements of the said Understanding, such as the specific provisions on data transfer and non- discriminatory access to clearing systems to be taken over in TiSA;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) to lay down, in the regulatory chapter on financial services and inter alia, strong transversal rules on regulatory transparency and solutions for ensuring respect of national treatment for cross- border suppliers too., which is key for the capacity and the confidence of financial services providers to establish themselves abroad or to provide services to third-country customers, and solutions for ensuring respect of national treatment for cross- border suppliers too, building on the Article 3 of the GATS Annex on Financial Services; to that end, to take immediate action in order to bring closer the different ways in which countries currently recognise the equivalence of regulatory and supervisory regimes of other jurisdictions, which is causing currently fragmentation of global financial services markets, by achieving a common understanding that an equivalence decision should be the result of a transparent assessment on whether each jurisdiction’s rules achieve the same objectives and that, though such a decision should follow early and frequent bilateral dialogues, it can be unilateral when mutual recognition is not possible;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) to take action for that chapter in particular to contribute to the objective of level-playing field in a fair international competition in the sector of financial services, while ensuring that, in conformity with the principle of proportionality of the actions of the EU, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the Commission does not agree in TiSA to requirements on domestic regulation that would go further than necessary to obtain this result;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(fb) to ensure that binding the provision of a financial service in a country to the location of the underlying assets, or of the infrastructure necessary for the provision of that service, in that country remains an option in the regulatory toolbox only when motivated by national security reasons or oversight of systemically important systems;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f c (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f c (new)
(fc) to follow a reasonable approach with regard to the cross-border flows of financial data, by banning measures that prevent transfers of information or the processing of financial information into or out of the country’s territory and allowing the country to protect personal data, personal privacy and the confidentiality of individual records and accounts, also in line with the Article 2(b) of the GATS Annex on Financial Services; to ensure therefore that any agreement on TiSA be in full conformity with the revised EU Data Protection Regulation;
Amendment 68 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f d (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f d (new)
(fd) to acknowledge and emphasise the continued importance of the services of general interest and to call for their exclusion from the agreement; to ensure that their management is therefore not affected by the TiSA, in line with the mandate given to the Commission by the Member States.
Amendment 71 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas trade in services ismust be an engine for jobs and growth in the EU;
Amendment 71 #
2015/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point f e (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f e (new)
(fe) to ensure that TiSA in no way facilitates or opens loopholes for tax fraud, tax evasion, aggressive tax planning, or money-laundering in the area of financial services; but rather incites its members/the contracting parties to abide by the OECD Common Reporting Standards (CRS) for the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) for tax purposes, the OECD recommendations against Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) global standards against money laundering and terrorist financing and the Commission Recommendation regarding Measures intended to encourage third countries to apply minimum standards of good governance in tax matters, of 6/12/2012, C(2012) 8805 final.
Amendment 83 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas numerousunnecessary barriers to trade in services, which if translated into equivalent tariffs amount to 15 % for Canada, 16 % for Japan, 25 % for South Korea, 44 % for Turkey and 68 % for China, continue to prevent European companies from reaping the full benefits of their competitiveness; whereas the EU, where the tariff equivalent of services restrictions is only 6 %, is substantially more open than most of its partners;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas non-tariff barriers, which on average represent more than 50 % of the cost of cross-border services, disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack the human and financial resources necessary to overcome those obstacles; whereas the elimination of unnecessary barriers would facilitate their internationalisation as long as these barriers can be removed without jeopardizing the public policy objectives underpinning them;
Amendment 105 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas citizens’ trust in EU’s trade policy is a must, whichhas been seriously undermined in recent years, and can only be restored by ensuring the highest level of transparency, by maintaining constant dialogue with social partners and civil society, and by setting clear guidelines in the negotiations;
Amendment 149 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i a (new)
ia. to reflect on the recent withdrawal of Uruguay from the TiSA negotiations; to ensure that special attention is paid to developing countries in this regard, and that TISA includes the provisions contained in GATS article IV;
Amendment 157 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
ii. to reiterate its support for a comprehensive and balanced agreement, which should unleash the untapped potential of a more integrated global services market, while preventing social and economic dumping and fully guaranteeing compliance with the EU acquis; to shape globalisation and to create international standards, while fully preserving the right to regulate; to secure increased market access for European services suppliers in key sectors of interest, while accommodating specific carve-outs for sensitive sectors including all public services;
Amendment 170 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
iii. to push forguarantee multilateralisation by crafting GATS-compatible provisionsrejecting any provision that would be incompatible with the GATS and by accepting new parties conditional on their acceptance of the agreed rules and level of ambitions; to incentivise wider participation in the talks by granting interested parties observer status; to note that both the highest barriers and the highest growth potential regarding trade in services are to be found in the BRICS and the MINT countries; to recognise the importance of those countries for the EU, as export destinations with a rising middle class, as sources of intermediate inputs and as key hubs in global value chains; to open the way for the participation of China;
Amendment 182 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
iv. to carry outacknowledge that, as the negotiations are carried out on a preferential basis and to limit, the benefits of the agreement will be limited to TiSA parties until it is multilateralised; to take into account that unanimous approval is required from WTO members in order to multilateralise a plurilateral agreement;
Amendment 200 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point viii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point viii
viii. to publish a sustainability impact assessment and, once the negotiations are finalised, to update it accordingly, taking specific account of its impact on citizens and workersrecall that the EU's negotiating mandate was proposed by the Commission and adopted by the Council without any impact assessment; to publish without any further delay the sustainability impact assessment while negotiations are on- going and as a precondition for the European Parliament approval; to involve social partners and civil society fully in finalising the sustainability impact assessment; to update it accordingly once the negotiations are finalised, taking specific account of its impact on citizens and workers; to include in this study a detailed assessment of the effect on the economy and labour conditions of the GATS since its entry into force, including a breakdown by mode of supply; to request Parliament’s research services to publish a comprehensive and informative study of the scope and potential impact of the TiSA negotiations, particularly on consumers and workers;
Amendment 291 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point ix
Paragraph 1 – point b – point ix
ix. to exclude, in line with Articles 14 and 106 of the TFEU as well as protocol 26 to the TFEU, current and future Services of General Interest as well as Services of General Economic Interest from EU commitments the scope of the agreement through a carve-out located in its core text (including but not limited to water, waste management, health, social services, social security systems and education);, as the only means to ensure that European, national and local authorities retain the full right to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regard to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services; to apply this exclusion, irrespective of how the public services are provided and funded; to acknowledge that social security systems are excluded from the negotiations;
Amendment 301 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
x. to introduce an unequivocal ‘gold standard’ clause, which could be included in all trade agreements and would clarifyensure that the public utilities clause applies to all modes of supply and to, any services considered as public services by European, national or regional authorities in any sector and irrespective of the service's monopoly status;
Amendment 338 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
ii. to acknowledge that data protection is not a trade barrier, but a fundamental right, enshrined in Article 39 TEU and Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as well as in Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; to acknowledgensure that GATS Article XIV, which fully exempts the existing and future EU legal framework for the protection of personal data from these negotiations, will be replicated in the TiSA core text; in addition, to insert a legally binding horizontal clause in TiSA to guarantee full respect of these fundamental rights, taking due account of recent developments in the digital economy and in full compliance with the European Court of Justice's ruling with respect to the Safe Harbour Agreement;
Amendment 378 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point vii
vii. to address persistent regulatory asymmetries regarding the telecommunications sector, by preventing parties from imposing foreign equity caps, by laying down pro-competitive wholesale access rules for incumbent operators’ networks, by providing clear and non- discriminatory rules for licensing and securing genuine access to last mile infrastructures in export markets for EU telecom providers, by guaranteeing the independence of regulators, and by supporting an extensive definition of telecommunications services covering all types of network;
Amendment 383 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point viii
viii. to strongly support provisions on international mobile roaming; to increase publicly available information regarding retail rates in the short run; to make the case for maximum caps in the long run; to push for online consumer protection, in particular vis-à-vis unsolicited commercial electronic messages; to include provisions directly aimed at lowering the cost of international calls and messages and to provide for effective means of redress for consumers;
Amendment 386 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point i
Paragraph 1 – point d – point i
i. to ensure that nothing will prevent the EU and its Member States from maintaining, improving and applying their labour and social regulations, as well as their legislation on entry and temporary stay; and that international labour standards, as defined in the International Labour Organisation's fundamental conventions, as well as collective agreements, are respected; to guarantee that these labour rights are made fully enforceable through a monitoring process that has the full involvement of trade unions; to guarantee Member States' sovereign right to take or refuse to take commitments under Mode 4;
Amendment 400 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point ii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d – point ii a (new)
iia. to guarantee that Directive 96/71/EC on the posting of workers, together with other national and EU labour and social legislation as well as collective agreements, should be applicable to contractual service suppliers and business sellers accessing the EU, today and in the future, through the Mode 4 provisions in GATS;
Amendment 426 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point i
Paragraph 1 – point e – point i
i. to aim at reinforcing financial stability, ensuring adequate protection for consumers, including their data privacy, and guaranteeing fair competition between financial services providers;
Amendment 436 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point e – point ii
ii. to step upcommit parties to TiSA to the implementation and application of international standards for the regulation and supervision of the financial sector, such as those endorsed by the G20, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the Financial Stability Board, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors; to bind TiSA parties not signatory to the WTO Understanding on Financial Services to equivalent rules;
Amendment 445 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv
iv. to ensure that this agreement does not limit the EU’s ability to ban certain financial products in line with its regulatory framework or to adopt any measure it deems necessary to regulate financial markets;
Amendment 461 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f – point i
Paragraph 1 – point f – point i
i. to ensure a high level of ambibalanced regulation inof the transport sector, which is critical to the sustainable development of global value chains; to increase the speed, reliability, security and interoperability of transport services, to the benefit of business customers and individual users and workers;
Amendment 487 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point i
Paragraph 1 – point g – point i
i. to fully preasservet that European, national and local authorities’ have the right to regulate to adopt policies in the public interest and that this should not be subject to additional necessity tests beyond those foreseen in GATS article VI; provisions on domestic regulations should not be more restrictive than the general proportionality obligation enshrined in the EU Treaties;
Amendment 496 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point g – point ii
ii. to promote good governance and foster good practices in administrative and lregisulativeory processes, by encouraging the wide take-up of measures that strengthen the independence of decision-makers, and increase the transparency of decisions, and reduce red tape; to stress that consumerand democratic accountability of decisions; to stress that consumer, health and environmental protection and safety and labour rights must be at the centre of regulatory endeavours;
Amendment 518 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point v
Paragraph 1 – point g – point v
v. to request and publish a legal opinion prior to Parliament’s vote on the final agreement, with a view to thoroughly assessing the two Annexes on domestic regulation and transparency in light of EU law, EU principles and international jurisprudence, and to assess whether the legal obligations set in these chapters are already respected in the EU, and whether necessity tests limit public authorities' right to regulate;
Amendment 534 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x a (new)
xa. to reject the inclusion of a Most Favoured Nation Clause (MFN) in TiSA;
Amendment 535 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g – point x b (new)
xb. to secure full transparency as to the conditions prevailing in TiSA participants' markets in particular with respect to regulation applicable at sub- federal level;
Amendment 546 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point h – point ii
ii. to endeavour to include a regulatory chapter on government procurement with a view to maximising the participation of European companies in foreign tenders and to safeguard the ability of public authorities in the EU to discriminate on the basis of environmental and social criteria; to deplore the lack of transparency regarding non-European calls for tenders and to denounce the lack of reciprocity in this area, as illustrated by the preferential treatment granted to domestic companies in several countries; to encourage the ratification and implementation of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and its 2011 revision; to call upon the Member States to reinvigorate discussions on the proposed international public procurement instrument;
Amendment 560 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i – point i
i. to ensure the highest level of transparency, dialogue and accountability, and to emulate the document disclosure policy of the WTO, whereby all negotiating documents are made available to the public;
Amendment 567 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point i – point ii
ii. to ensure that the members of Parliament’s Committee on International Trade receive all the negotiating documents related to TiSA as well as Commission internal assessments including briefing documents, minutes and summaries of negotiating rounds;
Amendment 580 #
2015/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point i – point iv
iv. to welcome theensure serious and continuous engagement of the EU institutions with social partners and a wide range of stakeholders throughout the negotiation process;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the BU plays a key role in funding investment and therefore in fostering growth and job creation throughout the European Union;
Amendment 115 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Invites the Single Supervisor to extend the scope of the Asset Quality Review to include all Level 3 financial assets, including derivatives, and to recalibrate the stress test, considering additional factors, such as potential litigation costs, with the aim of better preventing banking crises;
Amendment 125 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that economic recovery is underway but is still fragile and modest, inflation remains below its target, credit dynamics are still subdued in many jurisdictions, while credit conditions still differ among European countries and a large stock of non- performing loans weighs on many European banks’ balance sheets, limiting their capacity to finance the economy;
Amendment 141 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that the Banking Structural Reform, which was conceived to reduce systemic risk and address the issue of "too big to fail" institutions, has yet to be implemented;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Stresses the need to continue the work aimed at cutting the links between the traditional banking system and the traditional one, as proposed by the Liikanen high-level expert Group;
Amendment 173 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Emphasises the importance of a level playing field within the Single Market and therefore calls for a continued effort aimed at achieving the Single Rule Book, through the removal of national options and discretions; such removal should in the first place ensure the establishment of a common set of rules and supervisory convergence between the EU Member States and the Banking Union and - within the latter - between banks under direct ECB supervision and banks not under direct ECB supervision; in addition, stresses that national options and discretions attributed to Member States prevent the ECB from developing a single coherent supervisory approach within the Banking Union and should therefore be eliminated in the future;
Amendment 174 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. In order to ensure that the situations and legal relationships governed by EU law remain foreseeable, calls on the ECB to attribute high importance to the principle of protection of the legitimate expectations by respecting and not revoking the transitional arrangements on which banks have relied in good faith when determining their capital planning; in this context, the maintenance of the non-application of fair value measurement for unrealized gains and losses on exposures to central governments classified in the "Available For Sale" category is of high importance; highlights that making such exposures mandatorily subject to fair value measurement (for capital requirement purposes), not only strengthens the link between banks and sovereigns, but may also lead to own funds volatility;
Amendment 175 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Reminds that Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 grants a level playing field between conglomerates institutions and non-conglomerated institutions, which have holdings in insurance undertakings; stresses that the shortening of the transitional period for the exemption for the deduction of equity holdings in insurance companies from common equity Tier 1 items, provided for in Article 471 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, together with the confirmation of the exemption provided for in Article 49, would breach such level playing field, benefiting entities which form part of financial conglomerates to the detriment of other institutions; recalls that the shortening of the transitional period cannot in any case be established by regulations issued by a Supervisory Authority;
Amendment 176 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 d (new)
Paragraph 16 d (new)
16d. Believes moreover that such change to Article 471 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 would negatively affect the "legitimate expectations" of supervised entities, that have already planned and targeted their capital requirements on the basis of the current regulation;
Amendment 242 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Acknowledges the traditional reliance of SMEs on bank funding on account of their specific nature, different risk profiles and variety across Europe; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the ESAs, the ECB and national authorities, to assess the sufficiency of SME funding, to analyse the obstacles to, and benefits of the diversification of funding channels and how to enable banks and non-banks to increase SME funding, widening companies' choice among different methods of funding at different stages of their development; recalls the importance of tools such as the 'SME Supporting Factor'; suggests that the initiatives for improved SME funding should be expanded to start-ups, micro enterprises and mid-cap companies; highlights the potential of innovative and largely untapped venues for financing SMEs, including peer-to-peer lending, crowdfunding and private placement, and stresses the need to streamline the respective regulatory requirements;
Amendment 293 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Stresses the need, as a consequence of the existence of the national compartments in the SRF, to rapidly put in place an adequate bridge financing mechanism in order to provide the fund, if necessary, with sufficient resources in the period before its completion; recalls that the Eurogroup and the Ecofin ministers identified, in their statement of 18 December 2013, the possibility of having recourse to national sources in the transition period, as well as to develop a common backstop during the same period;
Amendment 329 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Recalls that while breaking the link between sovereigns and banks at national level remains an important objective, all the measures directed at achieving this objective, have to take into account both the international context and the short term repercussion on financial stability; stresses in particular that the introduction of a risk weighting on the sovereign debt exposure of banks, by severing the link between debt and saving in any given Member State, may endanger debt sustainability and put financial stability at risk; furthermore considers that this measure should only be taken in conjunction with risk sharing measures;
Amendment 354 #
2015/2221(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Recalls that the reduction of systemic risk, attained through regulatory changes and efforts made at national level, should proceed in parallel with the creation of risk sharing mechanism at European level1 a; __________________ 1a Among the others, Commissioner Jonathan Hill, Responsible for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union recently stated that: "Step by step, we need to make sure that risk reduction goes hand in hand with risk sharing.”
Amendment 23 #
2015/2155(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that the Court of Auditors report adopted on 11.07.2014 states that the potential saving for the EU budget would be about 114 million EUR per year if the European Parliament centralised its activities; reiterates the call on Parliament and the Council to address, in order to create long term savings, the need for a roadmap to a single seat, as stated by Parliament in several previous resolutions;
Amendment 338 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that it is important that the creation of the Digital Single Market should not aggravate the digital divide but rather enhance and create infrastructure and training courses to enable all European citizens to benefit from the new opportunities made available, irrespective of age, gender, income or provenance from remote or peripheral regions;
Amendment 360 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for measures to promote and encourage, by means of the creation of the Digital Single Market, the development of new models of work which will make it possible to reconcile the requirements of private and working life more effectively;
Amendment 363 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Observes that the Digital Single Market can help to attract trade and investment, enabling the EU to set global standards with regard to transparency, competition and net neutrality;
Amendment 567 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that ambitious actions are needed to improve access to legal digital content and to the purchase of legal goods and services, albeit by taking different approaches, in particular by ending geo- blocking practices and unfair price discrimination based on geographical location;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Considers that the specific nature of the digital economy, characterized by decreasing and tending to zero marginal costs and by strong network effects, favours the increase in the level of concentration in key markets; invites the EC to adapt its competition policy to the specificities of this sector;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses that free and fair competition is an indispensable pre-requisite for the creation of a true digital single market; encourages the EC to encompass the key concepts of interoperability and net neutrality into all its future proposals on the digital single market;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Recalls that the data economy is an important part of the digital economy; considers that the property of user generated data should stay with the users and that portability of data should be ensured; highlights that accessibility of user generated data, in an anonymous and aggregated form, is instrumental in ensuring competition in this market segment is maintained;
Amendment 147 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the simplified procedures utilised for the purpose of state-aid assessment of projects funded by the EFSI; highlights that the EFSI aims to overcome current market failures by addressing market gaps, thus favouring the well-functioning of the markets;
Amendment 209 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Considers that remarkable disparities between Member States in the use of State aid in the financial sector in recent years, can potentially distort competition in this sector; invites the EC to clarify the rules and the procedures under which State aid in the financial sector can be authorised;
Amendment 225 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers that, in order to grant fair competition among companies, in line with the Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014, companies located in regions experiencing temporary or permanent disadvantages should be supported and increased flexibility should be granted to Regions experiencing severe economic problems, such as the Regions included in the Convergence and in the Competitiveness Objective, and to insular regions;
Amendment 252 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Considers that fair competition can be hampered by tax planning; invites the EC to adjust the definition of ‘permanent establishment’ so that companies cannot artificially avoid having a taxable presence in Member States in which they have economic activity. This definition should also address the specific situations of the digital sector, so that companies engaging in fully dematerialised activities, are considered to have a permanent establishment in a Member State if they maintain a significant digital presence in the economy of that Country;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2140(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Considers that a favourable tax status, such as the one granted in special economic zones (SEZs), would attract investments, favouring economic convergence between EU regions and fair competition among companies; calls on the Commission to actively promote the use of favourable tax status in less developed regions and to develop guidelines for the implementation of favourable tax regime across the EU including the establishment of SEZs, in line with the Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2132(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 67 b (new)
Paragraph 67 b (new)
67b. Stresses that Parliament and the Council must address the need for a roadmap to a single seat, as requested by a large majority in this Parliament in several resolutions, in order to create long term savings in the Union budget;
Amendment 5 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the 2014 EIB Annualctivity Report and the increase by 6.92% to EUR 80.3 billion in the EIB Group’s lending; is very concerned at the increasingbout still very high unemployment, inequality and poverty levels, as well as weak investment in Europe and the continuous uncertainty in the financial markets, also in view of a worsening global economic outlook;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that overall EU investment in 2013 decreased by 13% compared with the pre- crisis period with investment in some countries decreasing 25% and even by as much as 60% in others, creating a dangerous investment imbalance in the EU; is of the opinion that this constitutes a major challenge for the EIB Group and will require extraordinary efforts from its side for the years to come, as part of an overall EU effort to implement a renewed long-term strategy for sustainable, convergent and inclusive growth;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the urgent need for an increase in EIB lending activityGroup investment activity, including innovative financial instruments with greater additional risk-bearing capacity, and for the improvement of its activity in line with Protocol (No 28) on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the EIB Group to re-examine its strategic planning programme, given the high degree of concentration of funding for the four biggest economies in the EU accounting for more than 45%, and the disproportionate rise in unemployment levels and investment gaps in some other countries which remains at alarming levels, and which could hamper economic convergence in the EU and further damage growth prospects and social cohesion in specific countries and regions in the EU;
Amendment 60 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes note ofWelcomes the establishment of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and emphasises the need for the EFSI to function in an effective, transparent and fair way, to honour fully the requirement of additionality, and to take into account that priority should be given to projects in strategic sectors, countries in adjustment programmewhere investment gaps have widened most during the economic crisis and regions which have difficulties in attracting funding because of their high risk environment; their geographical or historical disadvantage translates into a higher high risk profile in an economic environment marked by uncertainty; Regrets the selection procedure used to appoint the Managing Director and the Deputy Managing Director and stresses the need to finalise as soon as possible the inter-institutional agreement between the EIB and the Parliament on reporting and on the selection procedure for both positions;
Amendment 69 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Urges the EIB Group to develop an increased focus on economic and labour market resilience in the context of technological changes, environmental constraints, globalisation and demographic trends; calls on it to prioritise investment operations with high potential in terms of job creation and environmental sustainability, particularly in areas of greatest need, and to expand its cooperation with other development banks in this direction;
Amendment 70 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the EIB Group to consider strengthening non-financial criteria in its project assessment models, giving greater weight to projects' contribution to sustainable and inclusive development and cohesion in line with Protocol (No 28) on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, while aiming at maximum transparency;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EIB Group to refrain from cooperating with financial partners with a negative track record, particularly in the field of corporate taxation, and to enforce prevention measures against tax havens, tax fraud and tax evasion as well as aggressive tax avoidance; requests a list of outstanding EIB Group transactions involving counterparts established in jurisdictions featuring on the Commission's list of "top 30" tax havens around the world;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the EIB Group to re-evaluate the private-public partnerships in terms of their pgrofitabilitywth, jobs and productivity impact for the relevant economies and societies and to examine alternative methods of funding, possiblyincluding through increasing public investments, notably given the present outlook of low long-term interest rates;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the EIB Group to further enhance transparency and access to information both internafor the Parliament and other EU institutions as welly ands for the public, especially regarding the selection, monitoring and evaluation of activities and programmes;
Amendment 128 #
2015/2127(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Requests the EIB Group to increase its reporting to Parliament regarding its decisions, progress achieved and the impact of its lending activities within and outside the EU; calls on the EIB Group to engage in deeper dialogue with the Parliament on all its activities within the same scheme for reporting and accountability as set out in the EFSI regulation and to fully comply with the spirit and letter of the EFSI regulation, notably concerning inter-institutional cooperation with the Parliament.
Amendment 16 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas low energy prices, while having a negative impact on inflation expectations, could potentially help the economic recovery;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the unconventional measures adopted by the ECB had a positive impact on the European economy, but are insufficient to guarantee economic growth if not accompanied by coordinated, expansive fiscal policies;
Amendment 57 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the existing gap between financing rates granted to SMEs and those granted to bigger companies and the gap in financing rates granted to SMEs located in different countries; considers that this long-standing problem is cannot appropriatelybe addressed by the recent measures implemented by the ECB to boost bank lending;
Amendment 67 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that SMEs are the backbone of the European economy and that the banking system is instrumental in ensuring their competitiveness and their growth; welcomes the introduction of the SMEs Supporting Factor by the CRR; invites the ECB to adopt measures aimed at further facilitating financing to small and medium enterprises;
Amendment 71 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that, despite the ECB pursuing its actions in order to maintain favourable financing conditions, private investment in the euro area remains significantly below its levels prior to the current crisis;
Amendment 77 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. AcknowledgWelcomes that, in reaction to a complex environment of falling inflation, contraction of credit and sluggish economic growth, and with its interest rates close to the zero lower bound, the ECB resorted to non-conventional monetary policy instruments;
Amendment 93 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Invites the ECB to consider in its balance sheet expansion policy the purchase of EIB project bonds and the participation in projects funded by the EFSI, thus contributing to the general economic policies in the Union and to the achievement of their objectives, as per Article 282 TFEU;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that the below-target level of inflation registered in past years and also expected for the coming years will have an impact on the debt reduction programmes of several Member States;
Amendment 116 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the positive impact of the Asset Purchase Programme (APP) on money and credit dynamics remains modest, with new loans to enterprises still weak and with significant differences across euro area economies; notes that since the launch of the APP, medium-term inflation expectations have risen, gradually converging towards the target of 2 %, while the risks of a deflation trap have decreased; asks the ECB to apply the APP to all Member States, without discrimination;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Notes that global economic growth is still sluggish, with downside risk for the emerging markets; highlights the possible repercussion on the European economy; invites the ECB to adjust the size, composition and duration of the Asset Purchase Programme (APP) accordingly;
Amendment 134 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that, according to the ECJ judgment of 16 June 2015 in Case C-62/14, when the ECB programme for the purchases of government bonds on secondary markets it is exposed to a significant risk of losses as well as to the risk of a debt cutdoes not exceed the powers of the ECB in relation to monetary policy and does not contravene the prohibition of monetary financing of Member States;
Amendment 139 #
2015/2115(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the high and divergent levels of public and private indebtedness in some Member States are obstacles to the correct transmission of monetary policy, and that the non-conventional monetary policy implemented by the ECB is not able to change this situationis situation cannot be address by the ECB, but it requires coordinated political decision at European level;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
Amendment 23 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the crisis in the financial sector, which resulted in a sovereign debt crisis, has produced a serious and persistent recession and whereas, despite the outlook for growth in Europe having improved, full recovery has still not yet been achieved;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that increased supervision could lead to some financial activities moving away to the shadow banking system, as anticipated in the Liikanen Report; calls for reforms aimed at greater financial stability and already underway, including structural reform of the banking sector, to be completed;
Amendment 86 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that an effective and efficient EU financial services regulation should be coherent, consistent (also on a cross- sectoral basis), proportionate, and free of superfluous complexity; believes that it should enable intermediaries to fulfil their role in funding the real economy and serve savers and investors, at the same time preventing crises from occurring and the subsequent negative repercussions on the real economy; considers that it should contribute to the single market and focus on goals better achievable at European level;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the benefits of asset diversification; emphasises that the purpose of prudential regulation is not to favour certain asset classes; calls for a risk-based approach to regulation, with the same rules being applied to the same risksto prevent further financial crises and their transfer to the real economy; believes that a more granular categorisation of asset classes is appropriate, in particular by establishing categories such as infrastructure;
Amendment 144 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 206 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes the achievements in establishing a banking union; stresses that the next step has to be its full implementation, including full capitalisation of national Deposit Guarantee Schemes (DGS) and the Single Resolution Fund (SRF); emphasises the aim of avoiding moral hazard and ensuring that risk-takers bear the costs when their risks materialise; welcomes the analysis of the banking system carried out through the comprehensive assessment and the asset quality review, calls on the European Central Bank to continue such analyses and take them further;
Amendment 224 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Acknowledges the traditional reliance of SMEs on bank funding due to their specific nature, different risk profiles and variety across Europe and wishes to see them participate in the creation of the single capital market, in particular in the proposals promoting high-quality securitisation; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) and the ECB, to analyse the obstacles to, and benefits of, the diversification of funding channels and how to enable banks to increase in SME funding, including via innovative instruments and methods such as crowdfunding; suggests that the initiatives for improved SME funding should be expanded to mid-cap companies;
Amendment 234 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes initiatives to raise the level of public and private investment, and in SMEs in particular, such as those initiated under the European Fund for Strategic Investments; calls on the Commission to expand and prolong such initiatives;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that efforts for a cultural change in the financial sector have to be pursued further; acknowledges the benefits of relationship banking for consumers and SMEs, thanks also to instruments available through new digital technologies;
Amendment 290 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Demands a stronger focus on the global competitiveness of the EU financial sectors, without detriment to financial stability, when making policy;
Amendment 341 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the objectives of the better regulation agenda; underlines the role of REFIT in achieving an efficient and effective financial services regulation; calls for the European Parliament to have a bigger role in the decisions and assessments intrinsic to this programme;
Amendment 349 #
2015/2106(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that the ESAs and SSM have a crucial role to play in achieving the objectives of better regulation and supervision; calls on the Commission to furnish the ESAs with resources and staff commensurate with their growing supervisory responsibilities;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
– having regard to its recommendations to the Commission for the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Trade in Services Agreement of 8 July 2015 and 3 February 2016 respectively,
Amendment 10 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on International Trade to the report on Transparency, accountability and integrity in the EU institutions,
Amendment 11 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to Article 24 § 2 of the EU regulation 2015/478 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2015 on common rules for imports,
Amendment 12 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the principle of policy coherence for development as stated in the TFEU,
Amendment 16 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas openness to trade is a necessity for the European economy as most of the global wealth will be created elsewhere in the future but this must go hand in hand with a robust framework at home that ensures trade delivers for citizens consisting of effective trade defence and social flanking policies;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris agreement are of the highest importance for global sustainable development and EU trade policy has to contribute to the fulfilment of their key elements;
Amendment 20 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the common commercial policy (CCP) has undergone a profound change since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009; whereas trade does not operate in isolation, but rather is linked to and dependent on many other polices; whereas negotiations on trade and investment agreements have changed and evolved over time; must go beyond simply cutting tariffs as complex challenges lie today in regulatory matters and convergence on international standards;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in times of low economic growth, the contribution of foreign trade to the recovery of the European economy is of key importance in delivering concrete and measurable results and contributing to decent jobs and sustainable economic growth and equality in Europe and beyond;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas trade can be a tool to increase potential economic output by permitting businesses to increase their supply to satisfy a growing external demand and without increasing public spending;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas new-generation trade policy needs to respond to people’'s concerns; whereas trade can help fighting poverty and improve the living and working conditions of the people in Europe and in our trading partner countries whereby a fair and equitable wealth distribution in society is indispensable;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas on-going trade negotiations such as ACTA, TTIP, CETA and TiSA have brought European trade policy increasingly to the public’'s attention, and whereas more and more citizens are worried that European regulation and standards could be undermined by the CCP;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the European Commission made a clear pledge that no trade agreement will ever lower levels of regulatory protection, that any change to levels of protection can only be upward and that the right to regulate will always be protected;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas by 2050 the EU-28 will account for only 15 % of the world’'s GDP, down from 23.7 % in 2013, and whereas by 2015 90 % of world economic growth will be generated outside Europe;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to regularly update its trade and investment strategy and to publicly present a detailed annualmid-term implementation report to Parliament to ensure it delivers on its promises;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission to expedite its procedures so that negotiated trade agreements can be referred to Parliament within a shorter period of time and can therefore be provisionally applied or enter into force more swiftly;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that enhanced cooperation between regulators is key to facilitate trade and investment through the identification of technical barriers to trade and duplicated or redundant administrative burdens and formalities, which disproportionately affect SMEs, while not compromising the technical procedures linked to fundamental standards and regulations or procedures serving a public policy objective, preserving European standards on health, safety, consumer, labour, social and environmental legislation and cultural diversity and fully respecting the regulatory autonomy of national, regional and local authorities;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’'s attempts to increased transparency and openness at all stages of trade negotiations, such aand supports the Commission’'s TTIP transparency initiative; acknowledges that, after a number of requests from Parliament, the Commission enhanced the transparency of negotiations by providing all Members of the European Parliament and of the national parliaments access to classified negotiating documents and providing more information to stakeholders; recalls that enlarged access to classified information by Members of Parliament in the TTIP negotiations has strengthened parliamentary scrutiny, thereby allowing Parliament to assume its responsibility under the CCP even better; calls therefore for a widening of the Commission’'s transparency initiative to extend its key elements to all ongoing trade negotiations;
Amendment 96 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the involvement of civil society and stakeholdocial partners, including through appropriate public online consultations and communication campaigns, is crucial in order to strengthen the legitimacy of trade policy and to improve its content;
Amendment 100 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Asks the Commission to where possible, conduct negotiations with no less transparency than those organised in the World Trade Organisation (WTO); stresses, however, that the Commission must also persuade negotiating partners to increase transparency at their end to make sure that this is a reciprocal process in which the EU's negotiating position is not compromised and to include the aspired level of transparency in its scoping exercises with potential negotiating partners; stresses that meaningful transparency can strengthen global support for rules-based trade;
Amendment 111 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the co-legislator role played by the Parliament and therefore calls on the Commission to build upon and improve its cooperation with the Parliament and to enhance its efforts in order to constructively work with the other Institutions prior to taking decisions;
Amendment 113 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Welcomes the Commission's support of the extension request for pharmaceutical intellectual property by LDCs until these countries no longer are considered LDCs; regrets the final WTO TRIPS Council decision to grant only a time limited extension of 17 years; asks the Commission follow through on its initial position by supporting all developing countries in making full and effective use of all flexibilities built into the TRIPS Agreement and recognised by the TRIPS Agreement and affirmed by the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS agreement and Public Health adopted on 14 November 2001, in order to be able to provide affordable medicines under their domestic public health programmes;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recognises the Commission’'s efforts to strengthen sustainable development and promote human rights, labour and social standards and environmental sustainability worldwide through its trade and investment agreements but urges determined efforts to fully implement and enforce the corresponding chapters in practice; shares the Commission’'s view that the EU has a special social responsibility as regards the impact of its trade policies on least- developed countries (LDCs); calls on the Commission to adopt accompanying measures in trade agreements with developing countries;
Amendment 121 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Considers that in particular for partner countries undergoing an economic crisis above all the objective of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA) must be tangible and sustainable improvements to the living conditions of ordinary people;
Amendment 129 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that Everything But Arms (EBA), the General System of Preferences (GSP) and the GSP+ schemes are tools which enable fundamental values to be upheld; insists on the importance of their effective implementation and monitoring and welcomes the Commission's commitment to strengthening cooperation with beneficiary countries in this regard;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on the Commission to develop legislation with the aim of forbidding imports of goods produced with any form of forced labour or modern slavery and in the meantime, strengthen import and supply chain controls on ethical grounds;
Amendment 136 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Commission to establish a structured and depoliticised process whereby consultations with a partner for suspected violations of obligations under trade and sustainable development chapters have to be launched according to clear criteria;
Amendment 137 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the importance of Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) and the involvement of civil society in joint fora under the free trade agreements (FTAs) that monitor and comment on the agreements' implementation and the parties respect for their commitments and obligations on human rights, labour standards and environmental protection; calls for the further strengthening of the work of DAGs; stresses that they should be fully independent; calls on the Commission to take measures to improve the work of DAGs such as providing financial resources, prior information and the possibility of using more advanced media in order to facilitate civil society participation; and to thoroughly take into account the Domestic Advisory Group's recommendations; calls on the EU to reinforce its monitoring capacity in the EPAs dedicated to sustainable development and human rights that ensure the proper and transparent involvement of civil society organisations;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes with concern that there has been little interest on the EU side so far among civil society to participate in certain EU civil society advisory groups provided for under the Agreements and calls on the Commission to draw appropriate conclusions to invigorate these mechanisms and ensuring their representative character in line with recommendations from the European Economic and Social Committee;
Amendment 143 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the ILO estimates that 865 million women around the world, if better supported, could contribute more robustly to economic growth; notes that women-owned businesses represent an underutilised lever to boost competitiveness, accelerate business and sustain growth; states that trade policy can have differing gender impacts across the various sectors of the economy; and that more data on gender and trade is needed regrets that the Commission does not address the gender dimension of trade agreements in its ‘'Trade for All’' communication; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to use trade negotiations as a tool to promote gender equality worldwide, as well as to ensure that both women and men can take advantage of the benefits of trade liberalisation and be protected from its negative effects; to this aim, the Commission should make sure that the gender perspective is included, horizontally, in all future trade agreements and also, as an essential part of the EU mainstreaming strategy and proposes, the Commission should guarantee a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the gender impact of the trade agreements in force;
Amendment 151 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Commission to make its trade and investment policy fully aligned with the ILO Decent Work Agenda;
Amendment 154 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses that given the increased importance of animal welfare for EU citizens in terms both of public morals and consumers informed choice and its implications for the competitiveness of EU producers, animal welfare provisions should be strengthened in our free trade agreements;
Amendment 160 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Acknowledges that the internationalisation of the world’'s production system has resulted in new openings for economic development and an employment-based path out of poverty for hundreds of millions of people; recalls that, according to the ILO, around 780 million active women and men are not earning enough to be lifted out of poverty; underlines that the expansion of GVCs has created job opportunities but also propelled some supplier firms to ignore labour laws, engage workers in unsafe and unacceptable conditions, demand exhaustive working hours and deny workers their fundamental rights; recalls that these practices create unfair competition for suppliers that are compliant with labour laws and international labour standards and for governments that want to improve wages and living standards; concludes therefore that mutual respect for labour and environmental standards is an indispensable tool to ensure there is no race to the bottom; calls on the Commission to improve conditions in GVC in close cooperation with the ILOs; emphasises that the EU’'s further integration into GVCs must be driven by the dual principles of safeguarding the European social and regulatory model and securing and creating sustainable and equitable growth and decent jobs in the EU and for its partners;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that the emergence of GVCs has also led to a substantial increase of imported components in exports; consequently there are less incentives for countries to levy high tariffs as trade policy should not just open up exports, but also facilitate imports in order to stabilise value chains without prejudice to the legitimate use of trade defence instruments;
Amendment 167 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Believes that trade policy must ensure a transparent production process throughout the value chain, as well as compliance with fundamental environment, animal welfare, social and safety standards; stresses the need for mandatory due diligence throughout the supply chain; welcomes the Commission’'s desire to work closely with the ILO and the OECD to develop a global approach to improving working conditions especially in the garment sector; underlines the importance of identifying and assessing new sectoral or geographic opportunities for additional responsible supply chain partnerships; looks forward to the Commission’'s upcoming communication on CSR; and calls on the Commission to move from voluntary initiatives to binding obligations;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission not to request provisional application of trade agreements, including trade chapters of association agreements, before European Parliament gives its consent; recalls that it cwould seriously undermine Parliament’'s rights and create potential legal uncertainty vis-à- vis the agreement’'s other signatory and the economic operators concerned; recalls and welcomes the Trade Commissioner's commitments in this regard but strongly urges to formalise this arrangement in the new inter-institutional agreement;
Amendment 190 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Considers that in the case of mixed agreements the already tested practice whereby an agreement is only applied provisionally after the European Parliament has granted consent while awaiting national parliaments' ratification is the best balance of democratic oversight and efficiency;
Amendment 192 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Insists that the monitoring, evaluation and follow-up of existing agreements become a key priority of the CCP; calls on the Commission to reallocate resources in order to enable DG Trade to better monitor trade agreements which need to be implemented considering the growing negotiating agenda;
Amendment 194 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Commission to establish specific indicators in order to ensure the monitoring of the implementation of trade agreements and to publicly present a detailed annual implementation report to the European Parliament;
Amendment 195 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to improve the quality and accuracy of both ex-ante and ex- post assessments and to review their methodology; stresses the need to always submit a deep sustainability impact assessment, including on human, social and environmental rights, for any trade policy initiative, in particular in light of the recent Ombudsman's recommendation in complaint 1409/2014/JN on the EU-Vietnam FTA; welcomes the commitment of the Commission to undertake in-depth analysis of the potential effects of new FTAs on LDCs and calls on the Commission to put forward measures to ensure that the benefits of trade accrue to developing countries; expresses its concern at the lack of interim and ex-post assessments and that the quality of the existing ones is very low, as demonstrated in the European Court of Auditors Special Report 02/2014; insists that high-quality interim and ex-post evaluations be carried out in respect of all trade agreements in order to allow policymakers, stakeholders and European taxpayers to assess whether trade agreements have achieved the intended results; asks the Commission to provide data on the impact of the trade agreements which have been concluded with special regard to SMEs and the creation of decent jobs;
Amendment 209 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that limited improvements were achieved at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in 2015; recognises the differences among WTO members on how to proceed as regards the Doha Round, including the need to consider new approaches to solve outstanding issues; welcomes the interest of some WTO members in starting to address new negotiating areas; believes that the outcome of the Nairobi Ministerial Conference provides an opportunity to give new life to the WTO’'s negotiating function; urges the Commission to take the initiative in reforming and strengthening the WTO in order to ensure greater effectiveness, transparency and accountability including by strengthening coordination with the ILO and other Environment and Human rights related UN Agencies;
Amendment 213 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Believes that it is vital to conclude the longstanding Doha Round with its developing mandates fulfilled; recalls the crucial role of Aid for Trade (AfT) in trade-related capacity building and technical assistance to developing countries and LDCs; in this regard, calls on the EU and its Member States to commit to increase AfT, enabling developing countries to benefit from a bigger share of the value added in GVCs; calls on the Commission to address fair and ethical trade in the upcoming revision of Aid for Trade strategy; welcomes the EU engagement of targeting EUR 400 million in funding over 5 years to support and provide technical assistance to developing countries, especially LDCs, in their efforts to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement;
Amendment 217 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers plurilateral negotiations within the WTO such as the Information Technology Agreement and the Environmental Goods Agreements to be the second-best option; emphasises that trade policy should also be used as a tool for increasing the competiveness of environmentally beneficial products; stresses the importance of maintaining an open door of any plurilateral initiative so interested WTO members can join and of multilateralising the ‘'green goods’' initiative and of considering whether bilateral or unilateral trade agreements could provide premium preferences for environmental goods;
Amendment 223 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for a strong and effective parliamentary dimension of the WTO in order to enhance the transparency of the organisation and to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of global trade policy; urges the WTO to make full use of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, ensuring that parliamentarians have access to all the information they need to carry out their oversight role effectively and contribute meaningfully to trade policies;
Amendment 224 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission to ensure the consistency of the negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement with the EU environmental policy objectives and its international commitments, taking into account that the European Parliament's final consent to the agreement will be subject to the effective impact of the deal on the global environment and on European production;
Amendment 225 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to focus in a balanced way on the conclusion of the on-going trade negotiations while being mindful of their cumulative effects, in particular via the different rules of origin, and finding an appropriate balance between protecting sensitive agricultural sectors and the offensive interests of the Union as one of the biggest agri-food exporters , and to show the potential benefits of the concluded trade agreements before launching new FTA negotiations; reminds the Commission to carry out a thorough, impartial and unprejudiced ex- ante evaluation of European interests before deciding on future FTA partners and negotiation mandates;
Amendment 252 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines, in the context of the current talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the EU- Japan FTA, the high importance of focusing on core soffensitive issuenterests such as the protection of geographical indications (GIs) and public procurement when negotiating FTAs as part of ambitious, balanced and comprehensive packages;
Amendment 265 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Insists that trade negotiations follow a tailor-made regional trade strategy, in particular vis-à-viswithin Asia, Africa and Latin America, which have been identified by the Commission as crucial regions for European economic interests; recalls that Europe and Latin America are natural allies with a combined population of one billion people generating a quarter of global GNP; points out that the potential of this partnership has been insufficiently exploited; welcomes the fact that the Commission’'s new trade and investment strategy puts a key focus on Latin America;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Calls on the Commission to start negotiations for an investment agreement with Taiwan in parallel with the one with China; underlines that, in the context of the migration challenges, special focus should be put on the post-Cotonou framework and regrets that this aspect was not mentioned in the communication; asks for further impetus to be given to negotiating FTAs with both Australia and New Zealand;
Amendment 278 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Stresses the importance of deepening and redefining the EU's relationships with its partners on the African continent and in the Caribbean and Pacific region; regrets that the communication "Trade for All" does not make any reference to the Cotonou Agreement, which expires in 2020, and stresses that the human rights clauses in the EPAs and trade agreements with a link to the Cotonou Agreement should not lose their effect after the 2020 expiration date; calls on the EU to engage in a broad consultation and dialogue process, including with ACP countries, about the post-Cotonou framework;
Amendment 287 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses that further trade liberalisation measures require the EU to be able to respond even more effectively to unfair trading practices and ensure a level playing field; underlines that TDIs must remain an indispensable component of the EU’'s trade strategy; recalls that the current EU trade defence legislation dates back to 1995; stresses that the Union’'s trade defence system needs to be modernised urgently; points out that EU trade defence law must be more effective, adapted to today’'s challenges and trade patterns, investigations must be shorter, and also increase transparency and predictability; regdeplorets that the TDI modernisation proposal is blocked in the CouncilCouncil has been unable to deliver on this essential piece of legislation; regrets that the Commission does not refer at all to the need for TDI modernisation in its ‘'Trade for All’' communication; calls on the Council to boost its effortsreak the stalemate regarding TDI modernisation urgently on the basis of the European Parliament's position, especially at a time when China is firmly requesting recognition of MES, and asks the Commission to present a new proposal;
Amendment 292 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to quicken the pace of investigations in order to accelerate the adoption of provisional and definitive trade defence measures, to open investigations "ex officio" and to impose measures on the ground of the "threat of injury" where the evidence justifies this, to eliminate the lesser duty rule which is not an obligation under WTO law, and to allow all European social partners, including not only business leaders but also trade unions, to urge the Commission to open anti-dumping investigations;
Amendment 303 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Commission not to take any measures without a prior deep and comprehensive impact assessment tackling all the possible effects and consequences on employment, growth and the environment; recalls that it is fundamental that the Commission coordinates closely with other WTO partners on the issue;
Amendment 305 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Regrets that not enough hasConsiders that more needs to been done to comprehensively address European industries’' needs and that the EU manufacturing sector is too often placed behind the services and financial sectors; emphasises that trade policy must ensure a level playing field for European industry, provide access to new and emerging markets and facilitate upward convergence on standards while reducing double certification; calls on the Commission to ensure coherence between the EU’'s trade and industrial policies and to promote the development and competitiveness of European industry with particular reference to the reindustrialisation strategy;
Amendment 309 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Recalls the importance of GIs in promoting traditional European agri-food products, protecting them from harmful free-riding practices, guaranteeing consumers´ rights and conscious choices, and safeguarding rural producers and farmers, with particular reference to SMEs;
Amendment 310 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)
Paragraph 33 b (new)
33b. Acknowledges the success story of GIs in protecting European workers and producers from unfair practices and therefore calls on the Commission to extend GIs to non-agri products;
Amendment 313 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Recalls that the EU plays a leading role in the services sector; stresses that the opening up of new market opportunities must be an essential element of the EU’'s international trade strategy; stresses that including services in trade agreements is of the utmost importance, as it gives opportunities to European companies and domestic employees; while also excluding, in line with Articles 14 and 106 TFEU and Protocol 26, current and future services of general interest and services of general economic interest from the scope of application of any agreement; fully reiterates its recommendations for the negotiations of a Trade in Services Agreement in this regard with the emphasis on the ultimate goal of a multilateral agreement;
Amendment 324 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Shares the Commission’s viewConsiders that the temporary movement of professionals has become essentialis a factor to increasing business internationally; stresses that a labour mobility chapter should be included in all EU trade and investment agreements; recalls however that Mode 4 commitments must only apply to the movement of highly skilled professionals for a specific purpose, for a limited period of time and under precise conditions stipulated by the domestic legislation of the country where the service is performed and by a contract respecting such domestic legislation while ensuring that nothing will prevent the EU and its Member States from maintaining and improving labour standards and collective agreements";
Amendment 329 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Welcomes the Commission’'s intention to use trade policy to tackle new forms of digital protectionism and to set rules for e-commerce and cross-border data flows in compliance with EU data protection and privacy law and safeguarding fundamental rights; believes that much more needs to be done to create a climate favourable to e-commerce and entrepreneurship within the EU; stresses that ensuring regulatory cooperation, reducing online fraud, mutual recognition and harmonisation of standards in the digital trade sector is vital;
Amendment 338 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Is aware that the inclusion of provisions relating to financial services in trade agreements has raised concerns regarding their potential negative effects where money laundering, tax evasion and avoidance are concerned; supports the Commission in its fight against corruption; insists that clauses on corruption, money laundering and tax fraud be included in all trade and investmentthe Commission and Member States address anti money laundering, anti-corruption and anti-tax evasion and tax avoidance rules, including country-by- country reporting obligations and automatic exchange of information in appropriate international agreements;
Amendment 345 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Emphasises that a forward-looking trade policy must pay greater attention to the specific needs of SMEs and ensure that they can fully benefit from trade and investment agreements; recalls that only a small share of European SMEs are able to identify and exploit the opportunities that globalisation and trade liberalisation offer; notes that only 13 % of European SMEs have been internationally active outside the EU but recognises that SMEs already account for one third of EU exports; supports initiatives to facilitate the internationalisation of European SMEs , therefore insists on the benefits of a Chapter on SMEs in all future FTAs, also, but believes that new ways need to be explored on how to better assist SMEs in their sale of goods and services abroad; stresses that SMEs need more tailor-made support, starting in Member States;
Amendment 347 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Asks the Commission to better support the internationalisation of SMEs by developing specific and clear guidebooks for SMEs about the opportunities and benefits offered by each trade agreement concluded by the EU;
Amendment 351 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Reminds with regard to regulatory cooperation that the corresponding mechanisms must be based on enhanced information exchange and improved adoption and implementation of international instruments and lead to increased convergence on international technical standards whilst under no circumstances undermining or delaying the democratically legitimised decision- making procedures of any trading partner;
Amendment 354 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Calls on the Commission to assess and improve the existing tools regarding subsidiarity, non-duplication and complementarity in relation to respective Member State programmes and European value-added before developing further instrumentstand-alone actions to support the internationalisation of SMEs; stresses that the Commission should submit an independent evaluation of all the existing programmes to Parliament;
Amendment 359 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Stresses the importance of further debate with stakeholders and Parliament on the Commission’'s proposal for the Investment Court System in order to better clarify its impact on the ‘'right to regulate’', the annual costs for the EU budget and its compliance with the EU legal order, the power of the EU courts in particular, and more specifically the EU competition rules; shares the ambition of establishing in the medium term a multilateral solution to investment disputes and calls on this to be built-in to all on-going bilateral negotiations; regrets that the ICS proposal does not include an investors' obligation provision;
Amendment 370 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Emphasizes that the EU investment policy has to tackle broader issues than merely investment protection but addressing also investment facilitation and governance, thus, ensuring foreign direct investment serves the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals; considers investor obligations based on inter alia the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Corporate Social responsibility and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights an indispensable part if a such an investment policy; urges Member States to work towards progress within the UN on the elaboration of a legally binding instrument on business and human rights;
Amendment 373 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 b (new)
Paragraph 43 b (new)
43b. Considers the connection between trade and investment agreements and double taxation treaties to be seriously underexplored and calls on the Commission to study closely any effects such tools may have on each other and on wider policy coherence in the fight against tax evasion;
Amendment 375 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls for the elimination of the current imbalances as regards the degree of openness of public procurement markets between the EU and other trading partners; calls on the Commission to go even further in seeking an ambitious and reciprocal opening up of international public procurement markets, while guaranteeing the exclusion of services of general economic interests and making sure states remain free to adopt qualitative rules for their procurement procedures including social and environmental criteria; stresses that European economic operators, but especially European SMEs, need better access to public contracts in third countries;
Amendment 382 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes the Commission’'s amended proposal for a regulation on the access of third-country goods and services to the Union’'s internal market in public procurement, which is an important tool for ensuring a level playing field in the market access of third countries and strongly regrets that Member States governments have been holding up the original proposal; calls on the Commission to achieve reciprocity in access to public procurement markets with all trading partners;
Amendment 392 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. BelievEmphasises that better harmonized and more efficient customs procedures in Europe and abroad could help to facilitate trade, to meet respective trade facilitation requirements, and to fight against forgeries, illegal and counterfeiting of goods entering in the single market, which distortundermines EU economic growth and seriously exposes EU consumers; welcomes the Commission’'s intention to enhance cooperation between customs authorities; calls once more on the Commission and the Members States to set up a unified EU customs service for a more effective application of customs rules and procedures throughout the customs territory of the EU;
Amendment 394 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Underlines that trade agreements and the decline in tariff rates that follows expose customs to greater security and protection concerns; emphasises that adequate communication and strong coordination is essential; Customs agencies should treat trade transactions involving non-cooperative tax jurisdictions with the highest level of scrutiny;
Amendment 404 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Shares the OECD’'s view that open trade and investment policies need a range of effective flanking policies in order to maximise the gains and minimise the losses; urges the Members States and the Commission to do much more to complement trade opening by a range of supporting measures in order to ensure inclusive growth – such as education, active labour market policies, public investment, supporting research and development, infrastructure development and social protection;
Amendment 409 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to find more sophisticated ways of introducing mitigating measures to redevelop industries and regions that lose out; emphasises that in this respect the European Structural and Investment Funds, and in particular both the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, can play an outstanding role; points out that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be an important instrument if reformed and shaped in a way that it is adequately funded by lowering the threshold for EGF eligibility in order to ensure that employees of small and medium-sized enterprises that are directly hurt by the effects of globalization, are assisted, and by exploring the possibility to intervene also in situation affecting clusters of industries;
Amendment 410 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct thorough ex ante and ex post analysis on the basis of sector-by-sector and regional impact assessments for all trade agreements and relevant legislative files to anticipate negative effects on the labour market within the Union and to find more sophisticated ways of introducing mitigating measures to redevelop industries and regions that lose out, with a view to achieving a more equitable distribution of and ensuring broad-based gains from trade; emphasises that in this respect the European Structural and Investment Funds, and in particular both the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, can play an outstanding role; points out that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be an important instrument if reformed and shaped in a way that it is adequately funded;
Amendment 413 #
2015/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 a (new)
Paragraph 51 a (new)
51a. Points out that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund could also be an important instrument; believes however that the current use of the EGF to tame the adverse impacts in some sectors resulting from increased international competition is not satisfactory; stresses that this instrument should be reformed and adequately funded whereby it proactively anticipates risks and adaptation of sectorial, regional and national production structures in cases in which the sustainable impact assessment indicates that these might be endangered as a consequence of trade agreements;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stimulates the European Union to play an important role in the growing international discussions on purely global issues, among the others a prominent participation to the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, and the enhancement of a strong commitment to the issue of migrants and refugees within the framework of the UN;
Amendment 312 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 1 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
– having regard to its resolutions of 5 July 2016 on a new forward-looking and innovative future strategy for trade and investment (2015/2105(INI),
Amendment 4 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
– having regard to the 380th report of the Committee on Freedom of Association of the ILO,
Amendment 7 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the new Commission's trade strategy "Trade for all" emphasizes the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of EU free trade agreements including also through the use of their dispute settlement mechanism;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D – indent 10
Recital D – indent 10
– seven special committees, seven working groups and a dialogue on intellectual property were formally established;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, like other agreements on free trade, services and investments, hascan have a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the parties to the Agreement, on economic integration, on sustainable development, and on bringing countries and their citizens closer togetherbringing countries and their citizens closer together; emphasizes however that progress on the objectives enshrined in the trade and sustainable development chapter are greatly unsatisfactory with regards to respect for labour rights;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that commitments taken within the trade and sustainable development chapter are an integral part of the overall package of a Free Trade Agreement;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Notes that the repeated imprisonment of trade unionists is not in line with the commitments made in the Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development and makes for a retrograde step on labour rights instead of the promised progress;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points out that the organisers of an otherwise peaceful protest should not be held accountable under the criminal code for the unlawful behaviour of a few individuals during those protests;
Amendment 19 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the efforts of the Civil Society Forum and of the internaldomestic advisory groups set up in accordance with the provisions set out in the chapter on trade and sustainable development; recalls that both parties are obliged to uphold, promote and implement commitments on core labour rights in their laws and practiceshave committed under Article 13.4 to respect, promote and realize in their laws and practices, the principles concerning the fundamental rights, namely freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation as well as to make continued and sustained efforts towards ratifying the fundamental ILO Conventions as well as other Conventions that are classified as 'up-to- date' by the ILO;
Amendment 24 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that with regard to a complaint by ITUC, KCTU and FKTU against the government of the Republic of Korea, the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association has requested from the Government to abstain from taking any further actions to achieve changes in collective agreements in areas that should rest within the autonomy of the bargaining partners and expected that any guidelines on collective bargaining would be the result of full tripartite consultation;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – point d
Paragraph 7 – point d
(d) the chapter on trade and sustainable development: ratification and implementation by the Korean party of the fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organisation; recalls that the South Korean government committed at the occasion of the 4th meeting of the Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development to promptly provide information on its next concrete steps in this regard;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 7 – point d a (new)
(da) calls on the Commission to regularly present reports to parliament indicating the effects of the agreement on the European labour market by drawing up a list of all existing EGF-cases related to the FTA with the Republic of Korea;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports theWithholds its support for any further deepening of trade and investment relations between the EU and Korea and the involvevia further negotiations or amendments ofn the parties to the Agreement in creating further economic growth and development for the benefit of EU and Korean citizensFTA until the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter is fully implemented in the sense that all provisions and commitments have been translated into national law and are being implemented;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2059(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that in case of negotiations on an investment chapter between the European Commission and the government of the Republic of Korea not to use the old ISDS-method, but to build instead on the proposal, made by the European Commission, of developing a multilateral-investment-court-system;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas the European Parliament acts as a co-legislator with respect to measures defining the framework for implementing the Union’s CCP; whereas the consent of the European Parliament is required for the ratification of every trade agreement negotiated by the Union; the implementation of the European Parliament’s recommendations is therefore necessary to ensure the success of any initiative undertaken by the European Commission in the field of the CCP;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas reformed trade defence measures can also provide an incentive for the EU’s trading partners to engage in sustainable development; whereas, unlike international agreements, this strategy has the potential to yield results through unilateral EU actions; whereas the European Parliament adopted an amendment to article 7.2 of Regulation (EU) 1225/2009 on protection against dumped imports in order to exempt EU trade defence measures from the ‘Lesser Duty Rule’, in full compliance with WTO rules, where ‘the exporting country does not have a sufficient level of social and environmental standards’; whereas this reform has been blocked in the Council of the European Union since November 2014;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas since 2010 the global context for trade and sustainable development has changed, as illustrated by the repercussions of the tragic events surrounding the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh in 2013, which led to greater public awareness on issues related to global supply chain responsibility as well as innovative solutions to tackle issues related to TSD, such as the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ato reform of WTO trade policy review mechanisms to include the impact on the social, environmental and HR dimensions in the implementation of multilateral and plurilateral agreements and to promote sustainable development, in particular through the setting up of a Committee on Trade and Decent Work at the WTO alongside the existing Committee on Trade and Environment;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 978/2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences, with view to limit the scope for arbitrary decisions and enhance the credibility of GSP+ in adopting a delegated act to clarify the definitions of a ‘serious failure to effectively implement’ an international conventions and ‘serious and systematic violation of principles’ contained in an international convention;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. In addition, calls on the European Commission to propose a revision of regulation (EU) 978/2012 in order to enhance the monitoring of the commitments undertaken by beneficiary countries; Social Partners should be given a formal role in GSP and GSP+ monitoring, and have the ability to directly lodge a complaint with the Commission in cases of non-compliance;
Amendment 219 #
2015/2038(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that the effective implementation of these recommendations constitutes a crucial element in the European Parliament’s assessment of trade agreements negotiated by the European Commission; requests a detailed and timely response from the European Commission to all the items raised in this resolution;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the conclusions of the 17th EU-China summit of 29 June 2015,
Amendment 95 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas China has acknowledged the need for the threat of climate change to be addressed and has undertaken to adopt a protocol or other legal instrument that will enable a comprehensive agreement on the issue to be reached at the Paris Climate Change Conference;
Amendment 96 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas two massive explosions occurred at a warehouse in the port of Tianjin on August 12th, causing over 150 deaths; whereas another one took place on August 31st at a chemical plant in Dongying;
Amendment 203 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that the Chinese economy does not fulfil the criteria of a market economy as defined by the EU; emphasises that market economy status should only be accorded once China has taken straightforward steps towards being a market economy ; notes any decision taken at the EU level should be firstly discussed with the other European major partners within the WTO;
Amendment 275 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the explosions on 12 August in Tianjin and on 31 August in Dongying make it urgent for China to seriously address the issue of industrial safety, in particular in relation to corruption and impunity;
Amendment 323 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Notes with concern that in recent months the value of Chinese share indexes has dropped by a third and there have been hundreds of suspensions of trading owing to excessive falls in share prices – in July around 50% of all companies were the subject of trading suspensions – while emergency liquidity of tens of billions of euro was placed with brokerage companies and extraordinary measures were adopted to support the banking system, including a cut in interest rates, the reduction of bank reserves and the adoption of a share purchase programme to shore up the market;
Amendment 382 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Draws Beijing's attention to the indispensable role of the US and the EU with regard to China's modernisation goals, given its support for Putin against the West;
Amendment 7 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Olive oil is Tunisia’s main agricultural export product to the Union and the olive oil industry is an important part of the country’s economy, as it is for some regions of certain Member States.
Amendment 10 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Union can best support Tunisia’s economy, in accordance with the objectives set out in the European Neighbourhood Policy and in the Euro- Mediterranean Agreement, by providing an attractive and reliable market for Tunisia’s exports of olive oil. This requires. As an exceptional response to a specific situation, emergency and temporary autonomous trade measures will be implemented, allowing for the import of this productolive oil into the Union on the basis of a duty free tariff quota.
Amendment 11 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Union can best support Tunisia’s economy, on a short term basis and in accordance with the objectives set out in the European Neighbourhood Policy and in the Euro- Mediterranean Agreement, by providing an attractive and reliable market for Tunisia’s exports of olive oil. This requires autonomous trade measures allowing for the import of this product into the Union on the basis of a duty free tariff quota, established for a maximum period of two years.
Amendment 15 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to prevent fraud, and to ensure that the envisioned autonomous trade measures will really benefit the Tunisian economy, they should be subject to compliance by Tunisia with the Union’s relevant rules regarding the origin of products and the procedures related thereto, as well as to Tunisia’s effective administrative cooperation with the Union.
Amendment 17 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to prevent fraud and to guarantee consumer rights and fair competition, the envisioned autonomous trade measures should be subject to compliance by Tunisia with the Union’s relevant rules regarding the origin of products and the procedures related thereto, as well as to Tunisia’s effective administrative cooperation with the Union.
Amendment 19 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The preservation of the stability of the olive oil market in the Union requires that the additional volume generated by the autonomous trade measures is only made available after the exhaustion of the volume of the annual olive oil duty free tariff rate quota laid down in Article 3(1) of Protocol 1 to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement. In order to prevent major harm to Union production setups, this Regulation also provides for safeguard measures so as to preclude market distortions:
Amendment 23 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The specific autonomous trade measures established by this Regulation are intended to alleviate the difficult economic situation, which Tunisia is currently facing, due to the terrorist attacks. Those measures should therefore be limited in time and be without prejudice to the negotiations between the Union and Tunisia on the establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which are to started in October 2015. An extension of the application period may be contemplated at the end of this period if warranted by the market situation or progress in the DCFTA negotiations.
Amendment 31 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Amendment 32 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
An annual duty free tariff quota of 35 017 500 tons is opened for imports into the Union of virgin olive oil originating in Tunisia and falling within CN codes 1509 10 10 and 1509 10 90. On the basis of the mid- term impact assessment, this quota can be reviewed.
Amendment 41 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall administer the tariff rate quota in accordance with Article 184 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013. and by establishing monthly import licences to be issued between January and October of 2016 and 2017 in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1918/20061a. __________________ 1aCommission Regulation (EC) No 1918/2006 of 20 December 2006 opening and providing for the administration of tariff quota for olive oil originating in Tunisia (OJ L 365, 21.12.2006, p. 84)
Amendment 43 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Before the end of 2016, the Commission shall carry out, and present to the European Parliament and to the Council, a mid-term impact assessment of the new tariff quota, in order to evaluate its effects on the economic and social stability in Tunisia, as well as its impact on the Union’s internal market and employment and, if appropriate, review those measures accordingly and assess the need for compensatory measures for Union olive oil producers.
Amendment 45 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Where the Commission finds that there is a serious market imbalance at Union level or sufficient evidence of a failure by Tunisia to comply with the conditions set out in Article 2, it may adopt an implementing act suspending in whole or in part the preferential arrangements provided for in Article 1. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 6(2).
Amendment 46 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Safeguard measure In the event that the obligations laid down in this Regulation lead to or threaten a serious distortion of the Union market, they shall be suspended by the Commission. The suspension shall last as long as necessary for a return to normal market conditions and may be extended up to exhaustion of the quota. If the quota is reopened during the year of validity, the Commission shall, where necessary, modify the management thereof by means of an implementing act with a view to adopting the most appropriate measures aimed at encouraging greater market stability.
Amendment 52 #
2015/0218(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
It shall apply from 1 January 2016 until 31 December 20176. This Regulation may be extended up to December 2017 in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 1.
Amendment 113 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Comprehensive action is required, especially in Countries with limited fiscal capacity, to reverse the vicious circle created by a lack of investment. Structural reforms and fiscal responsibility are necessary preconditions for stimulating investment. Along with a renewed impetus towards investment financing, these preconditions can contribute to establishing a virtuous circle, where investment projects help support employment and demand and lead to a sustained increase in growth potential.
Amendment 176 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The purpose of the EFSI should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing and implementing productive investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing, with the aim of reducing unemployment level and boosting growth in Europe. It is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises. It is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid- cap companies, which are companies having up to 3000 employees. Overcoming Europe's current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 197 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The EFSI should support strategic investments with high economic value added contributing to achieving Union policy objectives. or operations between a Member State and a country falling within the scope of the European Neighbourhood Policy including the Strategic Partnership, the Enlargement Policy, and the European Economic Area or the European Free Trade Association, or investments implementing the EU Macro-regional strategies and operations between a Member State and an Overseas Country or Territory, as set out in Annex II of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The investment should guarantee high economic, social and environmental value added, promoting quality jobs, sustainable innovation, skills and high quality employment, integrating and completing the single market, boosting the competitiveness of the EU. These strategic projects should benefit from positive externalities created by public investment and European Structural and Investment Funds in order to achieve Union policy objectives, including economic convergence between Member States and social cohesion.
Amendment 224 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Many small and medium enterprises, as well as mid-cap companies,including unincorporated enterprises, as well as mid-cap companies, business clusters and networks across the Union require assistance to attract market financing, especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk. The EFSI should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the EIB and the European Investment Fund ('EIF') to provide direct and indirect equity injections, as well as to provide guarantees for high-quality securitisation of loans, and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the EFSI.
Amendment 230 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) To underpin confidence in infrastructure investment throughout the Union, the EFSI should allow the EIB to offer guarantees covering political risks associated with a breach of contract by a Member State under a concession agreement, similar to the guarantees offered by the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Risks covered by the guarantee could include breach of contract, non- honouring of financial obligations and expropriation.
Amendment 238 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The EFSI should be established within the EIB in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible. The work of the EFSI on providing finance to small and medium enterpriseprovision of EFSI funding to small and medium enterprises, unincorporated enterprises, business clusters and networks and small mid-cap companies shouldmay be channelled through the European Investment Fund ('EIF') and the EIB to benefit from itstheir experience in these activities.
Amendment 242 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The EFSI should be established within the EIB in order to benefit from its experience and proven track record and in order for its operations to start to have a positive impact as quickly as possible. The work of the EFSI on providing finance to small and medium enterprises, unincorporated enterprises, business clusters and networks and small mid-cap companies should be channelled through the European Investment Fund ('EIF') to benefit from its experience in these activities.
Amendment 265 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The EFSI should target projects delivering high societal and economic value and contributing to the objective of reducing unemployment. In particular, the EFSI should target projects that promote job creation, long- term growth and competitiveness and that favour convergence between European Regions. The EFSI should support a wide range of financial products, including equity, debt or guarantees, to best accommodate the needs of the individual project. This wide range of products should allow the EFSI to adapt to market needs whilst encouraging private investment in the projects. The EFSI should not be a substitute for private market finance but should instead catalyse private finance by addressing market failures so as to ensure the most effective and strategic use of public money. The requirement for consistency with State aid principles should contribute to such effective and strategic use.
Amendment 289 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The EFSI should target projects with a higher risk-return profile than existing EIB and Union instruments and finance their riskier tranche to ensure additionality over existing operations. The EFSI should aim at financeing projects across the Union, including in the countries most affectwhole of the Union, above all where investment in percentage of GDP has substantially declined, by the financial crisiaking into account the criteria of additionality and high risk- profile in its investment policies. The EFSI should only be used where financing is not available from other sources on reasonable terms.
Amendment 313 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The EFSI should target investments that are expected to be economically and technic, technically and environmentally viable, which may entail a degree of appropriate risk, whilst still meeting the particular requirements for EFSI financing.
Amendment 343 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Decisions on the use of the EFSI support for infrastructure and large mid- cap projects should be made by an Investment Committee. In order to select the best projects and to ensure the achievement of the EFSI objectives, the Investment Committee should cooperate with national and sectorial investment platforms. The Investment Committee should be composed of independent experts who are knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of investment projects. The Investment Committee should be accountable to a Steering Board of the EFSI, who should supervise the fulfilment of the EFSI's objectives. To effectively benefit from the experience of the EIF, the EFSI should support funding to the EIF to allow the EIF to undertake individual projects in the areas of small and medium enterprises and small mid-cap companies.
Amendment 355 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to enable the EFSI to support investments, the Union should grant a guarantee of an amount equal to EUR 16 000 000 000. When provided on a portfolio basis, the guarantee coverage should be capped depending upon the type of instrument, such as debt, equity or guarantees, as a percentage of the volume of the portfolio of outstanding commitments. It is expected that when the guarantee is combined with EUR 5 000 000 000 to be provided by the EIB, that the EFSI support should generate EUR 60 800 000 000 additional investment by the EIB and EIF. This EUR 60 800 000 000 supported by the EFSI is expected to generate a total of at least EUR 315 000 000 000 in additional investment in the Union within the period 2015 to 2017. Additional Member State contributions to the EFSI's capital would increase this amount and thereby bring the Fund's investment closer to actual needs. Guarantees that are attached to projects which are completed without a call on a guarantee are available for supporting new operations.
Amendment 358 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) On 13 January 2015, the European Commission presented a Communication on how it will apply the existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact. National co-financing of operations supported by the EFSI, including in the transition period, are eligible to the flexibility within the existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact, provided for by the Commission Communication of 13 January 2015, in accordance with the conditions and limits there included.
Amendment 384 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) At the level of projects, third parties may co-finance together with EFSI on a project-by-project basis or in investment platforms related to specific geographic or thematic sectors.
Amendment 411 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Infrastructure and project investments supported under EFSI should be consistent with State aid rules. To that end, the Commission has announced that it will formulate a set of core principles, for the purpose of State aid assessments, which a project will have to meet to be eligible for support under the EFSI. If a project meets these criteria and receives support from the EFSI, the Commission has announced that any national complementary support, will be assessed under a simplified and accelerated State aid assessment whereby the only additional issue to be verified by the Commission will be the proportionality of public support (absence of overcompensation). The Commission has also announced that it will provide further guidance on the set of core principles with a view to ensuring an efficient use of public funds. In any case, projects receiving funding under the EFSI, including any national complementary support assessed under a simplified and accelerated State aid assessment, will have to fully comply with the current legislation on State aids.
Amendment 414 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
Amendment 430 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) The EIB should regularly evaluate activities supported by the EFSI and their overall contribution to the achievement of the EFSI objectives with a view to assessing their relevance, performance and impact and to identifying aspects that could improve future activities. Such evaluations should contribute to accountability and analysis of sustainability.
Amendment 455 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) In order to cover the risks related to the EU guarantee to the EIB, a guarantee fund should be established. The guarantee fund should be constituted by a gradual payment from the Union budget. The guarantee fund should subsequently also receive revenues and repayments from projects that benefit from EFSI support and amounts recovered from defaulting debtors where the guarantee fund has already honoured the guarantee to the EIB. Any surplus in the guarantee fund or remaining remuneration should constitute internal assigned revenue for any lines of the European budget which may have been used as a source of redeployment to the EFSI guarantee fund.
Amendment 482 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) To partially finance the contribution from the Union budget, the available envelopes of the Horizon 2020 – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2014-2020, provided by Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 , and the Connecting Europe Facility, provided by Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council3 , should be reduced. Those programmes serve purposes that are not replicated by the EFSI. However, the reduction of both programmes to finance the guarantee fund is expected toshould ensure a greaterlevel of investment in certainthe areas of their respective mandates th, namely research, development and is possible through the existing programmesnnovation and transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructure, at least equal to the contributions made from the Union budget. The EFSI should be able to leverage the EU guarantee to multiply the financial effect within those areas of research, development and innovation and transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructure compared to if the resources had been spent via grants within the planned Horizon 2020 and Connecting Europe Facility programmes. It is, therefore, appropriate to redirect part of the funding presently envisaged for those programmes to the benefit of EFSI. __________________ 2 Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104). 3 Regulation (EU) No 1316/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility, amending Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 680/2007 and (EC) No 67/2010 (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 129).
Amendment 500 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Within the Union, there are a significant number of potentially viable projects that are not being financed due to credit constraints in certain Member States or to a lack of certainty and transparency with respect to such projects. Often, this is because private investors are not aware of the projects or have insufficient information to make an assessment of the investment risks. The Commission and the EIB, with support from the Member States, should promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and future investment projects in the Union suitable for investment. This 'project pipeline' should ensure that information is made publicly available regarding investment projects on a regular and structured basis to ensure that investors have reliable information on which to base their investment decisions.
Amendment 533 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36a) Member States should receive equal treatment with regard to one-off measures consisting of financial contribution to the EFSI investments. National contributions to EFSI eligible investment platforms and individual projects, via direct public budget transfers or National Promotional Banks, including those undertaken in the transitional period referred to by article 20 will be considered by the Commission in the assessment to be made under the existing rules of the Pact the same way as one-off capital contributions to the EFSI.
Amendment 534 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36a) Member States should receive equal treatment with regard to one-off measures consisting of financial contribution to the EFSI investments. National contributions to EFSI eligible investment platforms and individual projects, via direct public budget transfers or National Promotional Banks, including those undertaken in the transitional period referred to by article 20 will be considered by the Commission in the assessment to be made under the existing rules of the Pact the same way as one-off capital contributions to the EFSI.
Amendment 574 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSI shall be to boost growth and favour job creation, through the support for investments in the Union and to ensure, including projects between a Member State and a third country, and an increased access to financing for companies having up to 3000 employees, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises, through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the EIB ('EFSI Agreement').
Amendment 578 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point 1 (new)
(1) Definitions For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: a)´EFSI Agreement´ means the legal instrument whereby the Commission and the EIB specify the conditions laid down in this Regulation for the management of the EFSI; b) ´national promotional banks or institutions´ means legal entities carrying out a financial activity on a professional basis and upon which are conferred a public mandate by a Member State, whether at central, regional or local level, to carry out public development or promotional activities on a non-commercial basis, seeking to address market failures; c) ´investment platforms´ means special purpose vehicles, managed accounts, contract-based co-financing or risk sharing arrangements or arrangements established by any other means by which investors channel a financial contribution in order to finance a number of investment projects and which may include national platforms that regroup several investment projects on the territory of a given Member State, multi- country or regional platforms that regroup several Member States interested in large projects in a given geographic area, or thematic platforms, which could gather investment projects in a given sector; d) 'small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)' means micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC; e) ´mid-cap companies´ means legal entities having up to 3000 employees and that are not SMEs. f) 'unincorporated enterprise' means a producer unit which is not incorporated as a legal entity separate from the owner (household, government or foreign resident); g) 'business cluster' means a network of connected businesses, suppliers, and associates in a specific field that are all located in the same geographical area.
Amendment 732 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. Member States that become parties to the EFSI Agreement shall be able to provide their contribution, in particular, in the form of cash or a guarantee acceptable to the EIB. Other third parties shall be able to provide their contribution only in cash.
Amendment 762 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The EFSI Agreement shall provide that the EFSI shall be governed by a Steering Board, which shall determine the strategic orientation, the strategic asset allocation and operating policies and procedures, including the investment policy of projects that EFSI can support and the risk profile of the EFSI, in order to maximise growth and job creation and in conformity with the objectives under Article 5(2). The Steering Board shall elect one of its members to be Chairperson.
Amendment 767 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. When establishing the investment policy and risk policy for the EFSI support, the Steering Board shall pay particular attention to closing investment gaps and accounting for the prevailing business cycle conditions across Europe.
Amendment 844 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
The EFSI Agreement shall provide that the EFSI shall have an Investment Committee, which shall be responsible for examining any potential operations in line with the EFSI investment policies and approving the support of the EU guarantee for operations in line with Article 5, irrespective of their geographic locincluding the criteria of additionality, as determined by the Steering Board pursuant to Article 5(2a), as well as approving the support of the EU guarantee for operations under this regulation.
Amendment 865 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
The Investment Committee shall be composed of sixeight independent experts and the Managing Director. Independent experts shall have a high level of relevant market experience in project finance and be appointed by the Steering Board for a renewable fixed term of three years. structuring and project financing, as well as macroeconomic expertise. The Investment Committee shall have a pluridisciplinary composition encompassing a broad range of expertise in various sectors, such as research and development, transport and SMEs. It shall be appointed by the Steering Board for a renewable fixed term of three years. When appointing the Committee, the Steering board shall take into account the gender balance of the members.
Amendment 889 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. When carrying out their duties, the members of the Investment Committee shall act impartially, in good faith and in the interest of the objectives of the EFSI and of the European Union. The members shall be chosen from persons whose independence is beyond doubt and shall not have any conflict of interests. The members shall not seek nor take instructions from the EIB, the Union institutions, Member States or any other public or private body. EIB staff may assist with analytical, logistical, and administrative support. However, any project assessment conducted by EIB staff shall not be binding on the Investment Committee.
Amendment 900 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The Union shall provide a guarantee to the EIB for financing or investment operations carried out within then irrevocable and unconditional guarantee for financing or investment operations carried out within the Union, or operations between a Member State and a country falling within the scope of the European Neighbourhood Policy including the Strategic Partnership, the Enlargement Policy, and the European Economic Area or the European Free Trade Association, or investments implementing the EU Macro-regional strategies and operations between a Member State and an Overseas Country or Territory, as set out in Annex II of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, covered by this Regulation ('EU guarantee'). The EU guarantee shall be granted as a guarantee on demand in respect of instruments referred to in Article 6.
Amendment 1052 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The EFSI shall target projects with a higher risk profile than existing EIB and Union instruments so as to ensure additionality over existing operations. The EFSI shall support projects which fulfil the following criteria: a) the pursuit of the Union objective of smart, sustainable, long-term and inclusive growth and having high societal and economic value, the highest possible positive impact on quality job creation, economic convergence between European regions and EU added value; b) a focus on operations that could not have been carried out using the Union budget or by the ordinary activity of the EIB, nor financed by the market; c) be viable from an economic perspective, according to a comprehensive assessment in which not only the project itself but also its overall impact on the economy and its ability to trigger subsequent investments, such as from the private sector, is to be carried out; d) would not have received financing from any other existing Union fund due to a non-availability of the required financing in the market; e) has a higher risk profile than projects supported under existing EIB activity, taking account of the fact that real additionality can only be ensured when financial resources are concentrated on projects not financed otherwise; the design of the appropriate measures is to be elaborated under the procedures of Article 3(1); f) Projects with positive socio-economic impact, taking into consideration the specificities of the sector of the project; g) Projects that can contribute to close EU countries´ investment gaps and properly address market failures; 2b. Acknowledging that projects of any size can bring the European economy forward, there shall be no restrictions on the size of projects to be targeted by the EFSI.
Amendment 1085 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) EIB loans, guarantees, including guarantees covering political risks, counter- guarantees, capital market instruments, microfinance and any other form of funding or credit enhancement instrument, equity or quasi- equity participations. These Instruments shall be granted, acquired or issued for the benefit of operations carried out in the Union, including cross-border operations between a Member State and a third country, in compliance with this Regulation and where EIB financing has been granted in accordance with a signed agreement which has neither expired nor been cancelled;
Amendment 1087 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) EIB loans, guarantees, counter- guarantees, capital market instruments, any other form of funding or credit enhancement instrument, equity or quasi- equity participations. These Instruments shall be granted, acquired or issued for the benefit of operations carried out in the Union, including cross-border operations between a Member State and a third country, in compliance with this Regulation and where EIB financing has been granted in accordance with a signed agreement which has neither expired nor been cancelled;
Amendment 1095 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(ba) loans, guarantees, counter- guarantees, capital market instruments, any other form of funding or credit enhancement instrument, equity or quasi- equity participations by dedicated investment platforms or national promotional banks in accordance with Article 5. These Instruments shall be granted, acquired or issued for the benefit of operations carried out in compliance with this Regulation and where financing has been granted in accordance with a signed agreement which has neither expired nor been cancelled;
Amendment 1166 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 17 adjustreducing the target amount provided for in paragraph 5 by a maximum of 10% to better reflect the potential risk of the EU guarantee being called.
Amendment 1182 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. The EFSI Agreement shall provide for the creation of a European Investment Advisory Hub ('EIAH') within the EIB. The EIAH shall have as its objective to build upon existing EIB and Commission advisory services in order to provide advisory support for investment project identification, preparation and development, and to act as a single technical advisory hub for project financing within the Union. This shall include providing support on the use of technical assistance for project structuring, use of innovative financial instruments, use of public-private partnerships and advice, as appropriate, on relevant issues of Union legislation. EIAH shall provide targeted support in those areas taking into account technical assistance needs and capacity building gaps whenever they surface across Europe, irrespective of their geographic location. To meet the objective referred to in the first subparagraph, the EIAH shall engage the expertise of the EIB, the Commission, national promotional banks and the managing authorities of the European Structural and Investment Funds. Access to expertise from the EIAH shall be free of charge for project promoters. EIB shall ensure that the staff involved in carrying out the tasks of the EIAH shall be organisationally separate from, and be subject to separate reporting lines vis-a-vis, the staff involved in carrying out other tasks conferred upon EIB. In order to ensure the best possible regional and territorial reach across the Union for such advisory services and support, the work of the EIAH shall be reinforced by, and closely networked with, similar structures at national level, such as those provided by national promotional banks or adequate public agencies.
Amendment 1200 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and the EIB, with support from the Member States, shall promote the creation of a transparent pipeline of current and potential future investment projects in the Union. The pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to Article 3(5)o identify bankable and EU-added value projects for the pipeline, the Commission and the EIB should involve all relevant stakeholders. The pipeline is without prejudice to the final projects selected for support according to Article 3(5). The Commission and the EIB, with support from the Member States, shall also put in place promotional activities directed at potential investors to promote the EFSI and ensure the highest possible level of contributions to the fund.
Amendment 1216 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall develop, update and disseminate, on a regular and structured basis, information on current and future investment projects in their territory, in order to increase the EFSI visibility and to assure its accountability towards EU citizens.
Amendment 1235 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) an assessment of the added value, the mobilisation of private sector resources, the estimated and actual outputs, outcomes and impact of EIB financing and investment operations at an aggregated basis; this assessment should be accompanied by an opinion of an independent external auditor;
Amendment 1278 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission shall, by 30 June of each year, send to the European Parliament, the Council and the Court of Auditors an annual report on the situation of the guarantee fund and the management thereof in the previous calendar year. In addition, the Commission shall include the EFSI in the annual evaluation report on the Union's finances. The assessment shall be based also on the results achieved in accordance with Article 318 TFEU, second subparagraph, in particular with reference to the underlying assumptions of the Plan in terms of new investment generated and jobs created.
Amendment 1350 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
The EU guarantee and the payments and recoveries under it that are attributable to the general budget of the Union shall be audited by the Court of Auditorsexternal audit of the activities undertaken in accordance with the EFSI Regulation is carried out by the European Court of Auditors in accordance with Article 287 TFEU.
Amendment 1466 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
National co-financing of those operations will benefit from the flexibility within the existing rules of the SGP provided for by the Commission Communication of 13 January 2015 according to its terms and conditions.
Amendment 9 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in New York on 13 December 2006,
Amendment 13 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in New York on 20 November 1989,
Amendment 14 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the following General Comment of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: No 7 (2005) on implementing child rights in early childhood, No 9 (2006) on the rights of children with disabilities, to No 10 (2007) on children's rights in juvenile justice, No 12 (2009) on the right of the child to be heard, No 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence, No 14 (2013) on the right of the child to have his or her best interests taken as a primary consideration,
Amendment 35 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data2 , __________________ 2, to Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA, and to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA, __________________ 2 OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31. OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.
Amendment 37 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
– having regard to the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016, in particular the provisions on financing the development of guidelines on child protection systems and on the exchange of best practices,
Amendment 38 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
– having regard to Commission recommendation 2013/112/EU of 20 February 2013 entitled 'Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage'
Amendment 39 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 c (new)
Citation 15 c (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2013 on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU(4) ,
Amendment 40 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 d (new)
Citation 15 d (new)
– having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and to the Beijing Platform for Action, to its resolutions of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating violence against women and of 6 February 2014 on the Commission communication entitled 'Towards the elimination of female genital mutilation', and to the Council conclusions of 5 June 2014 on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation,
Amendment 541 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Deplores the discrimination and exclusion that persons with a disability still face today; calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement the European Disability Strategy and to monitor and apply the relevant European legislation; calls on the European Commission to maximize synergies between the EU disability strategy and the provisions of the CEDAW and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 546 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. reiterates the importance of protecting and promoting equal access to all rights for Roma children;
Amendment 721 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Underlines that notwithstanding their refugee or migrant status, respect for children’s rights and their best interest must remain a primary consideration for the EU and its Member States; recalls that a child in the context of migration is above all a child who is in danger and that child protection, rather than immigration policies, must be the leading principle for Member States and the EU when dealing with all children, thus respecting the core principle of the best interests of the child; reminds that children are to be cared for in a safe place - and not in detention facilities – and should be provided with access to education, health, social and legal services with full implementation of existing safeguards especially for the most vulnerable; considers that children should never be subject to detention, including administrative detention, for purpose of migration control and invites Member States to consistently apply alternative methods to detention, in line with the recommendations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe;
Amendment 756 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Deplores the way in which the financial and economic crisis and the measures taken to deal with it have had an impact – in some cases a drastic one – on economic, social and cultural rights, resulting in poverty, exclusion and isolation; underlines the fact that – according to UNICEF’s report on the impact of the economic crisis on child well-being in rich countries - the rights to education, health and social protection of children and young people in the countries most affected by the crisis have been disproportionately harmed;
Amendment 874 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of detention policies and criminal justice systems on children; points out that across the EU children’s rights are directly affected in the case of children living in detention facilities with their parents; underlines the fact that an estimated 800.000 children in the EU are separated from an imprisoned parent each year, which impacts on the rights of children in multiple ways;
Amendment 884 #
Amendment 890 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Calls on the Commission to develop a renewed EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child with a comprehensive, integrated and ambitious set of goals aiming at filling remaining gaps in existing national legislation, addressing child rights violations, ensuring better protection for all children, guaranteeing legal certainty and contributing to greater coherence of EU action, in line with Better Regulation principles;
Amendment 892 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Calls on the Commission to ensure increased coordination within its different services and effective mainstreaming of children’s rights across all the EU’s legislative proposals, policies and financial decisions; calls on the Commission to report annually on the progress made on the respect of the rights of children and the full implementation of the EU acquis on children’s rights; calls on the Commission to ensure that the mandate and resources of the children’s rights coordinator adequately reflect the EU’s commitment to systematically and effectively mainstreaming children’s rights;
Amendment 894 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Welcomes the forthcoming guidelines on integrated child protection system and stressed the need for an integrated and coordinated approach to ensure all children are protected against all forms of violence and neglect; underlines the importance of a common EU approach to finding missing children in the EU; calls on the Member States to increase police and judicial cooperation in cross-border cases involving missing children and to develop hotlines to search for missing children and support victims of child abuse;
Amendment 896 #
2014/2254(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)
Paragraph 22 e (new)
22e. Calls on the Member States to ratify without delay the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure; reiterates its call on the European Commission and the VP/HR to explore ways and means for the EU to accede to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas an ambitious and balanced agreement with the US may support the reindustrialisation of Europe and help achieve the 2020 target for an increase of the EU’'s GDP generated by industry from 15 % to 20 %; whereas it has the potential to create opportunities especially for SMEs, micro enterprises, according to the definition of Recommendation COM 2003/361/CE, clusters and enterprises networks which suffer more from non- tariff barriers (NTBs) than larger companies; whereas an agreement between the two biggest economic blocs in the world has the potential to create standards, norms and rules which will be adopted at a global level, which would serve to the advantage of third countries as well;
Amendment 95 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas in the agricultural sector a reduction of tariff barriers has necessarily to be accompanied by the elimination or significant reduction of excessively burdensome SPS and TBT measures applied by the US in order for EU agricultural producers to benefit from actual access to the US market;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas many economic impact studies on TTIP should be taken with caution as they are built on computable general equilibrium economic models with very optimistic predictions about the capacity of the EU and the US to reduce regulatory barriers to trade; whereas the TTIP alone will not resolve economic problems in the EU and no false hopes and expectations should be raised in that respectthe real impact of TTIP on both EU and US economies is difficult to assess and hard to predict while negotiations are still ongoing; whereas there are contradictory economic impact studies on TTIP and they should be taken with caution as regards the capacity of the EU and the US to reduce regulatory barriers, unnecessary or unjustified, to trade and to support economic growth and job creation; whereas the TTIP alone will not resolve economic problems in the EU and no false hopes and expectations should be raised in that respect; whereas hopes and expectations on TTIP should be commensurate to the level of ambition that will be reached sector by sector in the negotiation;
Amendment 160 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the secret character oflimited level of transparency of the negotiations as they have been conducted in the past has been a serious mistake and it has led to deficiencies in terms of democratic control of the negotiation process;
Amendment 174 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the current phase of fast change in the global geopolitical scenario requires a resolute attitude by the EU, which has to explore the various political and economic options in order to reinforce its global economic role;
Amendment 177 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas agriculture is at the heart of wider strategic issues such as food safety, sustainable development, societal choices and collective preferences and that the agricultural sectors in the EU and US differ considerably in many areas, such as consumer health aspects and food safety standards, including GMOs and hormone-treated meat;
Amendment 243 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) to ensure that TTIP negotiations lead to a deep, comprehensive, ambitious, balanced and high-standard trade and investment agreement that would promote sustainable growth with shared benefits across EU Member States, support the creation of high-quality jobs for European workers, directly benefit European consumers by ensuring a high level of existing and future labour, social and environmental standards, fight tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax havens, increase international competitiveness, and open up new opportunities for EU companies, in particular SMEsmicro and SMEs, and contribute to attracting more foreign investments in the EU; the content of the agreement is more important than the speed of the negotiations, which should in any case take into account the developments in the global international arena;
Amendment 260 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) to emphasise that while the TTIP negotiations consist of negotiations on three main areas – ambitiously improving reciprocal market access (for goods, services, investment and public procurement at all levels of government), reducing NTBs and enhancing the compatibility of regulatory regimes, and developing common rules to address shared global trade challenges and opportunities – all these areas are equally important to be included in a comprehensive package; TTIP should be ambitious and binding on all levels of government on both sides of the Atlantic, the agreement should lead to lasting, fair, genuine market openness on a reciprocal basis and trade facilitation on the ground, and should pay particular attention to structural means of achieving greater transatlantic cooperation while upholding regulatory standards and preventing social and environmental dumping, including through a structured system of pre and post impact assessment and evaluation procedures, including a precise gender assessment;
Amendment 286 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iv
(iv) to ensure, especially given the recent positive developments in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), that an agreement with the US serves as a stepping-stone for broader trade negotiations and is not seen as an alternative to the WTO process; bilateral trade agreements are always the second-best option and must not prevent efforts in order to reach significant improvements on the multilateral level;
Amendment 307 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) to ensure that the market access offers in the different areas are equally ambitious and reflect both parties’' expectations, as market access for industrial goods, raw materials, energy, agricultural products, services and public procurement is equally important in all cases and a balance is needed between the different proposals for these areas;
Amendment 397 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
(vi) to ensure an adequate carve-out of sexplicit exclusion of public services from the scope of application of TTIP as referred to in article 14 TFEU, through the introduction of an extensitive services such as public services and public utiliticarve-out in the core text of the agreement of all public services, current and future, covering all non-economic Services of General Interest as well as Services of General Economic Interest (including water, healthbut not limited to water, health, social services, social security systems and education) allowing, to ensure that national and local authorities enough room for manoeuvre to legislate in retain the full ability to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regards to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services as provided in article 106 TFEU and Protocol 26 TFEU; this exclusion should apply whether the services in question are organised as a monopoly, operating under exclusive rights or otherwise, and whether public interest; aly and privately funded and/or organised; notes the joint declaration reflecting negotiators’' clear commitment to exclude these sectors from the negotiations would be very helpful in this regard; ;
Amendment 453 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point viii a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b – point viii a (new)
(viiia) to aim at the mutual recognition of professional qualifications in order to enable EU and US professionals to practice on either side of the Atlantic and to facilitate mobility of investors, professionals, high-skilled workers and technicians between the EU and the US in sectors covered by TTIP;
Amendment 472 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
Paragraph 1 – point b – point x
(x) to keep in mind that, as specified in the mandate, the agreement shouldall not riskcontain any provisions that prejudicinge the Union’'s cultural and linguistic diversity, including in; to therefore ensure that the audiovisual and cultural services sector, and thats well as existing and future provisions and policies in support of the cultural sector, in particular in the digital world, are kept out of the scope of the negotiations in accordance with the principle of technological neutrality, are kept out of the scope of the negotiations; to exclude subsidies or government support to audiovisual, educational and cultural services and its industries, including "digital products", from any commitments taken in chapters related to telecommunication, investment or e- commerce;
Amendment 489 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xi
(xi) to ensurake an ambitious approach to the tchat account is taken of the discrepancies in thepter on public procurement, with a view to remedying, in line with the principle of reciprocity, the major disparity currently existing in the degree of openness of the two public procurement markets on both sides of the Atlantic andand to significantly opening up the US market, still ruled under the Buy American Act of 1933 on the basis of the international undertakings entered into under the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and of the removal of the restrictions currently applying at federal, state and administrative level alike in the United States; emphasises, in particular, the need to guarantee that undertakings entered into by the US federal authorities will be honoured at all political and administrative levels; to ensure that account is taken of the huge interest on the part of European companies in obtaining, notably SMEs, in obtaining non- discriminatory access to public contracts in the US both at federal and state level, for example for construction services, traffic infrastructure and goods and services while respecting sustainability criteria for procurement on both sides, inter alia; to ensure the compliance of the chapter with the new EU public procurement and concession package entering into force in 2016directives, notably as regards the definition of public-cooperation, exclusions, SMEs access and the use of the MEAT criteria;
Amendment 507 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xii
(xii) to ensure that public authorities have the opportunity to adopt socially and ecologically responsible procurement policies, and that procurement provisions do not hinder the ability of public authorities to address societal and environmental needs; to ensure that public procurement policies are kept in line with ILO Convention 94 regarding labour clauses in public contracts; to promote EU-US cooperation at the international level in order to promote sustainability standards for public procurement, inter alia in the implementation of the recently revised Government Procurement Agreement;
Amendment 525 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xiv
Paragraph 1 – point b – point xiv
(xiv) to ensure that the negotiations on rules of origin aim at reconciling the EU and US approaches; given the conclusion of the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between EU and Canada and the potential upgrade of the EU-Mexico free trade agreement, the possibility and scope of cumulation will need to be considered; views the negotiations as an opportunity to move towards high common standards for compulsory origin marking of products in order to fully guarantee consumers and create a level playing field for economic operators with regard to access to the two markets.
Amendment 549 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) to ensure that the regulatory cooperation chapter promotes a broad, far reaching and structured dialogue with the US and an effective, pro- competitive economic environment through the facilitation of trade and investment while developing and securing high levels of protection of health and safety, consumer, labour and environmental legislation and of the cultural diversity that exists within the EU; to aim at the definition of high-quality standards and laws for consumers, established on the basis of the highest standards in each sector, bearing in mind that the results achieved will become de facto international standards; negotiators on both sides need, thus, to identify and to be very clear about which regulatory measures and standards are fundamental and cannot be compromised, which ones can be the subject of a common approach, which are the areas where mutual recognition based on a common high standard and a strong system of market surveillance is desirable and which are those where simply an improved exchange of information is possible, based on the experience of one and a half years of ongoing talks; stresses that SMEs are disproportionately affected by NTBs;
Amendment 572 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) to base negotiations on SPS and TBT measures on the key principles of the multilateral SPS and TBT agreements; to aim in the first place at increasingthe elimination or significant reduction of excessively burdensome SPS measures including related import procedures; in particular to ensure that pre-approvals, obligatory protocols or pre-clearance inspections are not applied as a permanent import measure; to achieve increased transparency and openness, strengthening of dialogue between regulators and strengthening of cooperation in international standards-setting bodies; to recognise, in negotiations on SPS and TBT measures, the right of both parties to manage risk in accordance with the level either deems appropriate in order to protect human, animal or plant life or health; to respect and uphold the sensitivities and fundamental values of either side, such as the EU’'s precautionary principle;
Amendment 593 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point c – point iii
(iii) with regard to the horizontal regulatory cooperation chapter, to give priority to fostering bilateral cooperation between regulatory bodies through enhanced information exchange and to promote the adoption, strengthening and timely implementation of international instruments, on the basis of successful international experiences such as, for instance, ISO standards or under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’'s (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29); to establish that the prior impact assessment for the regulatory act, as defined in the horizontal provisions on regulatory cooperation, should also measure and prioritise the impact on consumers and, the environment next toand gender relations over its impact on trade and investment; to handle the possibility of promoting regulatory compatibility with great care and only without compromising legitimate regulatory and policy objectives;
Amendment 610 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point v
Paragraph 1 – point c – point v
(v) to fully respect the established regulatory systems on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the European Parliament’'s role within the EU’'s decision-making process and its democratic scrutiny over EU regulatory processes when creating the framework for future cooperation while at the same time being vigilant about a balanced involvement of stakeholders within the consultations included in the development of a regulatory proposal; in order to avoid that neither Party exercise any veto power before any regulatory proposal has been officially tabled by the other Party; to specify the role, the composition and the legal quality of the Regulatory Cooperation Council, taking into consideration that any direct and compulsory application of its recommendations would imply a breach of the law-making procedures laid down in the Treaties; to also oversee that it fully preserve the capacity of national, regional and local authorities to legislate their own policies, in particular social and environmental policies;
Amendment 681 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point d – point vii
(vii) to ensure that in course of the negotiations the two sides examine ways to facilitate natural gas and oil exports, so that TTIP would abolish any existing export restrictions on energy between the two trading partners, thereby supporting a diversification of energy sources aiding the development a more secure energy mix;
Amendment 723 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xi
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xi
(xi) to ensure that TTIP includes a specific chapter on SME’s and aims at creating new opportunities in the US for European SMEs, micro enterprises, clusters and enterprises networks, for instance by eliminating double certification requirements, by establishing a web-based information system about the different regulations, by introducing ‘fast- track’ procedures at the border or by eliminating specific tariff peaks that continue to exist; it should establish mechanisms for both sides to work together to facilitate SMEs’ participation in transatlantic trade, for instance through a common SME ’one-stop shop’; it should provide a specific part dedicated to the peculiar needs of micro enterprises, clusters and enterprises networks;
Amendment 745 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiii
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiii
(xiii) to ensure that investment protection provisions are limited to post- establishment provisions and focus on non- discrimination and fair and equitable treatment; standards of protection and definitions of investor and investment should be drawn up in a precise manner; stresses that substantive provisions shall, inter alia, protect the right to regulate in the public interest, clarify the meaning of indirect expropriation and prevent unfounded or frivolous claims; free transfer of capital should be in line with the EU treaty provisions and should include a prudential carve-out in the case of financial crises;
Amendment 763 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiv
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xiv
(xiv) to ensure that foreign investors are treated in a non-discriminatory fashion and have a fair opportunity to seek and achieve redress of grievances, which can be achieved without the inclusion of an ISDS mechanism; such a mechanism is not necessary in TTIP given the EU’'s and the US’' developed legal systems; a state-to- state dispute settlement system and the use of national courts are the most appropriate tools to address investment disputes; should ISDS provisions be included in the TTIP, negotiations must avoid any rushed, methodologically unsound investor-to-state mechanism in TTIP;
Amendment 797 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xv
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xv
(xv) to ensure that TTIP includes an ambitious Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) chapter that includes strong protection of precisely and clearly defined areas of IPR, including enhanced protection and recognition of European Geographical Indications (GIs), and reflects a fair and efficient level of protection such as laid out in the EU’'s and the US’'s free trade agreement provisions in this area,; to ensure a fair balance between IPRs and the public interest, in particular the need to preserve access to affordable medicines while continuing to confirmsupport the existing flexibilities in the Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), notably in the area of public health;
Amendment 804 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xv a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d – point xv a (new)
(xva) to secure a significantly improved protection and recognition of EU geographical indications and to forbid the use of misleading information and practices concerning the true origin of the products towards the consumer as an essential element of a balanced agreement, taking the relevant chapter of the CETA with Canada as a good example;
Amendment 860 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point e – point iv a (new)
(iva) to fully involve National Parliaments and keep them regularly informed on the negotiations, especially since, given the scope of the ambition for the agreement, it is likely TTIP will be considered a 'mixed- type' agreement and thus require a ratification process in EU Member States including, in some cases, at the regional level;
Amendment 865 #
2014/2228(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) to seek even closer engagement with Parliament, which will continue to closely monitor the negotiating process and to engage on its part with the Commission, the Member States, and the US Congress and Administration, as well as with stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic, and to seek to reduce times and costs for legal scrubbing, translations, approval, ratifications and entry into force in order to ensure an outcome which will benefit in the short term citizens in the EU, the US and beyond;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the 2010 trade policy working paper by the OECD entitled "Policy Complements to the Strengthening of IPRS in Developing Countries",
Amendment 11 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas it is essential to promote the strengthening of links between education, business and research and innovation; whereas procedures for combating intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements are costly and time- consuming, particularly for SMEs, including individual rightholders;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the IPR debate should be based on qualified reflection of past experiences, while keeping consistency between internal and external aspects, distinguishing between physical and digital environments, taking into consideration concerns of all stakeholders, including SMEs and consumer organisations and aiming at ensuring a fair balance between the interests of rights’ holders and those of end usersfull transparency of interests and adequate legitimacy when striving to achieve a fair balance amongst all interests at stake;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas it is necessary to combat IPR infringements in order to lower the risks they pose to the health and safety of consumers and to the environment and in order to avoid economic and social consequences for EU businesses and creators as well as risks to cultural diversity in Europe and in third countries; whereas the fight against organised crime profiting from trade in counterfeit and pirated goods requires specific attention;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that diligent identification of all interests involved is required as a necessary step to enable a healthy and legitimate debate on important topics like IPR;
Amendment 31 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the debate on balancing of interests is multifaceted and complex, with commercial interests on all sides; considers that the call for improved stakeholder involvement in the debate on IPR need to be accompanied by steps to ensure transparency and legitimacy of all participants; notes that the in this respect there is no evaluation of the Communication that takes into account both the 2004 Strategy for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries and the rejection of the Anti- Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA);
Amendment 33 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that it is not clear by what means and by what method the results included in the Communication could be achieved, in particular as regards what resources will be used and where they will be taken from, also considering the limited resources made available for the purpose of supporting European rightholders who export or who establish themselves in third markets;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that there is no clear indication of coordination between internal policies and external policies regarding the protection of intellectual property rights, and stresses the importance of internal improvement on the issue; recognises that coherence between internal and external policies does not negate the need for a tailored approach, recognising the specific facts and circumstances existing in a third country market at issue;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that IPR protection should be seen as a first step – necessary but not sufficient – towards establishing access to a third country’s market, since export promotion does not have any effect without protectionsubstantive protection and the ability to effectively exercise the recognised IP rights;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the commercial nature of many IPR infringements and the growing involvement of organised crime in IPR infringements hasve become a major issue; regrets that the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo Convention) still does not have a protocol on counterfeiting;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Appreciates and supports the aim of better coherence between IPR protection and enforcement and other policies, and between the Commission and Member States in reaching the goal; considers that IPR protectionadequate measures to address IPR infringements can play a crucial role in the fight against organised crime, money laundering and tax evasion and the development of fair and sustainable online business environment;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes the view that the rules and flexibilities in the TRIPS agreement should be implemented in the most flexible waya balanced and effective manner where appropriate;
Amendment 64 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines the need for a stronger and more transparent public debate on enforcement;
Amendment 75 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Considers that the problem of IPRs infringement multiplied in the last years through digitalization and the growing number of digital selling platforms, where counterfeited products are sold and distributed worldwide without any effective mean of control; in this respect, calls for a deeper reflection aimed at the adoption of more efficient tools for control in the online selling of physical products;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Considers that the responsibilities of intermediaries are underestimated; would in this regard have welcomed a more sophisticated Strategy while recognising that this issue is subject to a separate debate;
Amendment 88 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to contribute to creating an environment in which the interests of Member States and third countries are convergent and where there is a reciprocal interest in raising the barclosing the gaps in protection and, where appropriate, in raising the bar; notes the need to distinguish carefully between the circumstances of the different "developing countries" and the trade issues involved;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Takes the view that the criteria to be applied for the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) programme should include the ratification and implementation of the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the WIPO Phonograms and Performance Treaty, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement, the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration, and other IPR-related international agreements;
Amendment 106 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Commission to continue to support a constructive dialogue on access to medicines involving all relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 113 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Takes the view that, while EU enterprises must be protected, and taking into account that some EU enterprises provide access to medicines through assistance programs and discounted tiered prices, it is necessary for medicine prices to be adapted to the economic level of the country in which they are sold, while account must also be taken of market distortions caused by the reselling of medicines in third countries;
Amendment 123 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Commission to stimulate early exports of EU produced generic medicines as soon as they are not patent protected in third countries anymore;
Amendment 125 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Considers that some of the statistical data quoted by the Communication has been derived using a controversial and already criticised methodology;
Amendment 133 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Recognises that better, harmonised internal IPR-related policies could be helpful in the effort to improve the standardise the of protection and enforcement of IPR globally;
Amendment 140 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on the Commission to work towards the inclusion in the WTO system of IPR-related international agreements that are not yet part of it, such as the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the WIPO Phonograms and Performance Treaty, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration;
Amendment 147 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Considers that ratification of the WIPO treaties listed in paragraph above for the inclusion of WTO system should be included in the bilateral free trade agreements concluded by the Union;
Amendment 149 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Supports the Commission’s approach of setting up IP dialogues and working groups with priority countries with which comprehensive negotiations are not ongoing, with the aim of achieving specific commitments in IP protection and enforcement; stresses the need to put IPR on the agenda of higher level political meetings when progress at the level of IP dialogues and inter-agency meetings is not forthcoming;
Amendment 153 #
2014/2206(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Calls on the Commission to make more regular recourse to dispute settlement mechanisms, including the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body, when the rights of the Union’s economic operators, including all IPR holders, are infringed;
Amendment 5 #
2014/2078(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Court of Auditors Report adopted on 11.07.2014 states that the potential saving for the EU Budget would be about 114 million euro a year if the European Parliament centralised its activities;
Amendment 48 #
2014/2078(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 c (new)
Paragraph 33 c (new)
33c. Stresses that the Parliament and the Council, in order to create long term savings in the Union budget, must address the need for a roadmap to a single seat, as stated by the Parliament in several previous resolutions;
Amendment 25 #
2014/0194(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission when, for reasons of economic and technical changes, data requirements need to be updated, including submission deadlines as well as revisions, extensions and eliminationgeographical breakdown levels, institutional sectors breakdown levels and economic activity breakdown levels set out in Tables 6, 7 and 8 of Annex I need to be updated, provided that such updates neither affect the reporting burden nor change the underlying conceptual framework, as well as certain requirements of data flows set out in Annex I, and when the def need to be eliminated, provided that such eliminiations set out in Annex II need to be updated does not reduce the quality of statistics produced in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 32 #
2014/0194(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The existing good operative cooperation between the National Central Banks (NCBs) and the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) and between Eurostat and the European Central Bank is an asset that should be continued and further developed in the light of improving the overall harmonisation and quality of balance of payments statistics, financial statistics, government finance statistics, macro- economic statistics and national accounts. The NSIs and NCBs would continue to be closely involved in the preparation of all the decisions related to BOP, ITS and FDI via their participation in the relevant Commission expert group responsible for BOP, ITS and FDI. The strategic cooperation between the ESS and ESCB is coordinated in the European Statistical Forum, established via a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between the members of the European Statistical System and the members of the European System of Central Banks10 signed on 24 April 2013. __________________ 10 http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY _PUBLIC/MOU_ESS_ESCB/EN/MOU_E SS_ESCB-EN.PDF
Amendment 33 #
2014/0194(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Pursuant to Articles 127(4) and 282(5) TFEU, the Commission should consult the European Central Bank on legal acts in its fields of competence.
Amendment 35 #
2014/0194(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) Information on FDI gross capital flows compiled according to the ultimate beneficiary ownership concept would increase the analytical value of the Union FDI statistics and may also contribute to transparency and traceability of financial flows associated to direct investment operations. Likewise, FDI statistics distinguishing greenfield FDI from FDI resulting in takeovers would be useful in analysing the effects of FDI on gross capital formation. The development of an adequate conceptual framework on both the ultimate beneficiary ownership and the distinction between greenfield FDI and takeovers requires international cooperation involving other international organisations and ideally the Group of Twenty (G20) Data Gaps Initiative.
Amendment 39 #
2014/0194(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EC) No184/2005
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 10, when, for reasons of economic and technical changes, data requirements need to be updated, including submission deadlines as well as revisions, extensions and eliminationgeographical breakdown levels, institutional sectors breakdown levels and economic activity breakdown levels set out in Tables 6, 7 and 8 of Annex I need to be updated, provided that such updates neither affect the reporting burden nor change the underlying conceptual framework, as well as certain requirements of data flows set out in Annex I, and when the def need to be eliminated, provided that such eliminiations set out in Annex II need to be updated. does not reduce the quality of statistics produced in accordance with this Regulation.
Amendment 34 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Natural mineral resources in conflict- affected or high risk areas − although holding great potential for development – can be a cause of dispute where their revenues are fuelling the outbreak or continuation of violent conflict, undermining national endeavours towards development, good governance and the rule of law. Women and children are disproportionately affected by these conflicts, and are the victims of systematic physical and sexual violence, recognised as an international war crime and used as a weapon of war by armed groups. In these areas, breaking the nexus between conflict and illegal exploitation of mineralnatural resources is critical to peace and stability.
Amendment 44 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The issue concerns resource-rich regions where the challenge posed by the desire to minimise the financing of armed groups and security forces has been taken up by governments and international organisations together with business operators and civil society organisations, including women's organisations that are at the forefront of drawing attention to the exploitative conditions imposed by these groups as well as to rape and violence used to control local populations.
Amendment 59 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) On 26 February 2014, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on promoting development through responsible business practices, including the role of extractive industries in developing countries, in which the Commission is requested to bring forward binding legislation on conflict minerals.
Amendment 92 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) In line with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, a flexible approach needs to be taken to the challenges arising in connection with due diligence: the nature and scope of the obligations must be in keeping with the specific characteristics of responsible importers, with regard to the size of each company, its place of business, the situation in the relevant country, and the sector and type of products and services involved. Micro- enterprises should therefore not come within the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 95 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12b) In the Joint Communication of 5 March 20141a, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy outlined plans for the implementation of accompanying measures designed to encourage responsible sourcing and thus secure a high level of participation by companies, taking due account of the costs that due diligence entails, in particular for SMEs and micro-enterprises. __________________ 1aJoint Communication of 5 March 2014 to the European Parliament and the Council on responsible sourcing of minerals originating in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (JOIN(2014)0008).
Amendment 111 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Member State competent authorities are responsible to ensure the uniform compliance ofwith the self- certification of responsible importers by carrying out appropriate ex-post checks so as to verify whether the self-certified responsible importers of the minerals and/or metals within the scope of the Regulation comply with the supply chain due diligence obligationobligation of operators to carry out due diligence by carrying out appropriate ex-post checks. Records of such checks should be kept for at least 5 years. Member States are responsible to lay down the rules applicable to infringements of the provisions of this Regulation.
Amendment 147 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Amendment 152 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Metals reasonably assumed to be recycled are excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 204 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) 'recycled metals' means reclaimed end-user or post-consumer products, or scrap processed metals created during product manufacturing. Recycled metals include excess, obsolete, defective, and scrap metal materials which contain refined or processed metals that are appropriate to recycle in the production of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold. Minerals that are partially processed, unprocessed or a bi-product from another ore are not recycled metals;
Amendment 217 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) 'self-certification' means the act of declaring one's adherence to the obligations relating to management systems, risk management, third-party audits and disclosure as set out in this Regulationupstream actor' means any natural or legal person operating at a choke point of transformation and traceability in a resources supply chain, such as smelters, refiners and raw materials exchanges;
Amendment 246 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point p a (new)
(pa) ‘micro-enterprise’ means an enterprise that employs fewer than 10 people and whose annual turnover or annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 2 million, in accordance with Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC1a; _______________ 1aCommission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36).
Amendment 262 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – title
Article 3 – title
Amendment 272 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Micro-enterprises wishing to self-certify as responsible importers shall comply with the provisions set out in the following articles but shall be exempted from having to meet the obligations set out in Article 4(f)(iv) and (v) and (g)(v) and (vi), Article 5(b) and Article 7(2) and (3).
Amendment 275 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Amendment 481 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall carry out appropriate ex-post checks in order to ensure whether self-certified responsible importers of minerals and metalthat operators within scope of this Regulation comply with the obligations set out in Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Amendment 483 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. The checks referred to in paragraph 1 shall be conducted byon the basis of uniform, harmonised control criteria and standards established by the competent authorities of the Member States, taking a risk-based approach. In addition, checks may be conducted when a competent authority is in possession of relevant information, including on the basis of substantiated concerns provided by third parties, concerning the compliance by a responsible importer with this Regulation.
Amendment 554 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a EU accompanying measures Within six months of the adoption of this Regulation, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a legislative proposal for the adoption of accompanying measures, in the form of aids and incentives, to promote full participation by companies in responsible sourcing and compliance with the obligations laid down in this Regulation, taking due account of the specific needs and difficulties of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Amendment 567 #
2014/0059(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 1 a (new)
It shall apply from....*. _______________________ *OJ: Please insert the date: 18 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation.