Activities of Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL
Plenary speeches (7)
Persistent problems of anti-Semitism in Europe and of other forms of hate speech and hate crimes(debate)
War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East (debate)
Outcome of the Summit of the Future: transforming global governance for building peace, promoting human rights and achieving the sustainable development goals (debate)
2024 Annual Rule of law report (debate)
Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (debate)
State sponsored terrorism by the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of the recent attacks in Europe (debate)
Written questions (3)
Preliminary findings against X on breaching the Digital Services Act and a secret deal with other platforms
Appointment by Pedro Sánchez of Spanish Government minister as governor of the Bank of Spain
Spanish Government measures’ compatibility with press freedom defended by the EU
Individual motions (1)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on attacks on freedom of expression, in particular, in Brazil
Unknown (3)
PROPOSITION D’ACTE DE L’UNION sur la prise en compte des fonctions de militaire, d’agent de police, d’agent pénitentiaire et de garde privé en tant que professions à risque dans l’Union
PROPOSITION D’ACTE DE L’UNION sur la nécessité de rendre l’accès au logement plus abordable
PROPOSITION D’ACTE DE L’UNION sur la nécessité de protéger les familles, les entreprises et les travailleurs indépendants face à la hausse du prix des carburants en Europe
Amendments (221)
Amendment 19 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas despite the clear obligation to respect, protect and fulfil rights related to women´s and girl´s sexual and reproductive health and rights, violations remains frequent, and widespread in many States;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in some countries around the world women still do not enjoy the same civil and political rights as men, including the right of assembly as men and they are also poorly represented in local and national decision-making bodies;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas women and girls from cultural, traditional, linguistic, religious, gender or sexual orientation minority groups experience multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination based on both their minority status and their gender;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that religious, cultural and traditional differences can never justify discriminations and violence against women and girls, such as female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages, domestic violence and honour killings;
Amendment 73 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Deplores the high rate of impunity for offenders of gender-based violence in a large number of countries; asks the EEAS to exchange good practices with third countries on law-making procedures and training programmes for police and judicial personnel, to integrate gender based violence interventions in the EU humanitarian actions and to prioritise EU humanitarian actions targeting gender based violence and sexual violence in conflict;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Deplores that in some countries the criminalisation of abortion still persist in cases of victim of rape and abuses in armed conflicts; Stresses that unsafe abortion is also a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity;
Amendment 81 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Deplores the fact that women and girls are the most affected by extreme poverty, while it is factually proven that investment in women and girls and empowering them through education is one of the most efficient ways of combating poverty;
Amendment 87 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the efforts made by EEAS in third countries to step up the implementation of obligations and commitments to women’s rights made in CEDAW, under the Beijing Platform for Action, in the Cairo Declaration on Population & Development in the post- 2015 development agenda;
Amendment 89 #
2015/2229(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Welcomes the reviewed EU humanitarian aid policy which allows women and girls raped in armed conflict access to safe abortion services under International Humanitarian Law; stresses the need for rapid implementation of this reviewed policy;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Commission to overhaul Directive 2010/13/EU1 without delay, doing away with the distinction between linear and non-linear services, encouraging the use of editorially screened content to which the country-of- origin principle applies and fleshing out the general social objectives of audiovisual regulationConsiders that the review of the Directive 2010/13/EU1should be based on an assessment of the changes in technology, business models but also changing viewing patterns to ensure the regulatory framework meets cultural policy objectives and incentivises investments in cultural content and in platforms disseminating that content; __________________ 1 Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) (OJ L 95, 15.4.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 23 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Asks the Commission to assess the appropriateness of the Country-of-origin principle in the digital era;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Encourages Europe's audiovisual industry to keep on developing attractive and complementary on-line services, so as to enrich the range of European audiovisual content on offer;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Emphasises that, in this environment in which many services are on offer, it is important that the best possible referencing is provided for European services, which are essential to promoting European cultural diversity;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that platforms and intermediaries should be regulated in such a way as to rule out discrimination to a large extent and guarantee ththe European Commission should develop an innovation-friendly policy that fosters competition and innovation for online platforms and intermediaries to ensure findability of editorially screenedcreased creation and dissemination of cultural content;
Amendment 84 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that further efforts are needed to overhaul copyright law and that any revised provisions should apply to all mediawhile taking into account the differences between the digital and the analogical environment;
Amendment 124 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the legal thinking behind Directive 93/83/EEC2 provides a suitable point of departure foEncourages the Commission to take on further measures to improve cross-border access to legal content in the digital single market.; __________________ 2 Council Directive 93/83/EEC of 27 September 1993 on the coordination of certain rules concerning copyright and rights related to copyright applicable to satellite broadcasting and cable transmission (OJ L 248, 6.10.1993, p. 15).
Amendment 133 #
2015/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to ensure compliance with the principles of internet neutrality, which is vital where media convergence is concerned;
Amendment 246 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the urgent need for the Commission and Member States to promote a more dynamic economy for innovation to flourish and for companies to scale up, through the development of e- government, a modernised regulatory framework fit for the emergence and scale- up of innovative businesses, improved access to finance for start-ups and SMEs, and a long term investment strategy in infrastructure, skills, research and innovation;
Amendment 286 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, to further develop initiatives to boost entrepreneurship that range from changing the mind-set on how success is defined to promoting an entrepreneurial and innovation culture, including business model innovation; believes, in addition, that the diversity and specific attributes of the different national innovation hubs could be turned into a real competitive advantage for the EU if they are effectively interconnected;
Amendment 399 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance for consumers to be better informed of the use of their data, in particular in the case of free services;
Amendment 494 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an ambitious enforcement framework for the Services Directive; encourages the Commission to make use of all means at its disposal to ensure the full and correct implementation of existing rules, including developing enforcement guidelines to ensure, in particular ,uniform application of the mutual recognition principle in the field of services and fast-track infringement procedures whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation of the directive is identified;
Amendment 528 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Emphasizes that increased competition on the parcel delivery market will lead to more efficient, affordable and expeditious services; calls on the Commission to ensure a sufficient level of competition when deliberating on a revision of the regulatory framework of parcel delivery;
Amendment 672 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Reminds the commitment of Member states to at least reach by 2020 the broadband targets of full deployment of superfast speeds (30 Mbps); calls on the Commission to evaluate if the current broadband targets meet the conditions to the development of a data-driven economy and if investments in Member States are part of a long term and future-proof investment strategy;
Amendment 687 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the importance of a successful implementation of EFSI in targeting projects with higher-risk profiles to maximise investments in digital infrastructure and better attract private investments for innovative companies; a particular focus should be given to information and support of innovative entrepreneurs, at the different funding stages of development of the company;
Amendment 723 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that since the development of over-the-top services has increased demand and competition among services to the benefit of consumers, modernisation of the telecommunication framework should not lead to more regulatory burdens, but should drive innovation and fair competition and ensure fair access to the networks;
Amendment 770 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses that the uniform enforcement of the Connected Continent package, including the end of roaming surcharges and the net neutrality principle, requires the establishment of a single European telecommunications regulatornet neutrality principle and the end of roaming surcharges, is essential to the functioning of the single market ;
Amendment 791 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission, in order to deepen the internal market for telecommunications, to establish a single European telecommunications regulator through a strengthening of the role and decisions of BEREC, in particular in enforcement of EU telecommunication rules, oversight of the single market and crossborder disputes ;
Amendment 858 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Appreciates the Commission’s initiative to analyse the role of platforms in the Digital Economy as part of the upcoming Internal Market StrategyDigital Single Market Strategy that should aim at identifying specific and defined problems within specific business areas; Stresses that taking a "one size fits all" approach in light of the diversity of platforms, and the growth potential in particular of B2B platforms, could seriously impede innovation;
Amendment 926 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Considers, in order to ensure trust in digital services, that increased resources from the public and private sector are required to strengthen the security of IT systems and online networks and the encryption of communication, to improve cyber-attack prevention and to increase knowledge of basic security processes among users of digital services; in addition, requirements should be set for companies to have basic levels of security such as encrypting data and updating software;
Amendment 935 #
2015/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Stresses the importance of cyber security for critical infrastructures in a globally connected environment, both against private and public threats, and calls on ENISA to play an increasingly important role in the prevention of and defence against cyber-attacks;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Member States aran enhanced coordination and oversight of national policies with regard to energy within the Member States is vital, while respecting the exclusively competentce for defining their national energy mix, and the Commission must not encroach upon this competence by passing EU laws that discriminate against certain energy resources to the advantage of othin order to ensure a fully functional internal energy market, strengthen energy security and deliver cost competitive energy to consumers;
Amendment 55 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas a sound and stable regulatory framework is indispensable for delivering new investments in energy infrastructure;
Amendment 282 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to actively pursue themore sustainable and competitive energy prices for European citizens and businesses and diversification of supply (energy sources, suppliers and routes); to this end, calls on the Commission to promote the construction of the relevant energy infrastructure priority corridors, as specified in Annex I to the trans-European energy networks (TEN-E) regulation and Part II of the Annex I to the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) regulation, such as the Southern Gas Corridor;
Amendment 315 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines that infrastructure projects, such as the synchronisation of power systems of the Baltic States with the European electricity system, which solve the issue of 'energy islands ', are projects of a strategic importance for the Energy Union ;
Amendment 331 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, in the context of the future Energy Union, security of energy supply isand European competitiveness are the most pressing issues and that Member States must coordinate and cooperate in this respect with their neighbours when developing their energy policies; calls on the Commission, in this respect, to examine how the current architecture of national preventive and emergency response measures could be streamlined at both regional and EU level;
Amendment 424 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that diversity in the energy mixes of Member States, based on their respective potential, experience, know-how and economic costs and needs, is an asset to the EU as a whole, since it strengthens its resilience to supply disruptions, enables it to make cost-optimal energy choices and allows different technologies to develop and compete on the market, thereby driving down the costs of energy; Insists however, that national diversity must not represent a barrier to the single market, and Member States must fully comply with state aid rules, make appropriate investments in their domestic transmission infrastructures, and ensure high levels of interconnectedness and resilience in their national energy systems in order to deliver on the Unions energy security and market objectives;
Amendment 478 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the effective use of existing EU funding schemes, including the European Fund for Strategic Investments, so as to support investment in the development of Europe's indigenous energy resources, based on a technology-neutralfull cost-benefit approach;
Amendment 529 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that, in order to assess real efficiency and cost effectiveness, it is necessary to consider direct and external costs of the different energy sources, as well as the impact of all sorts of public interventions on their relative competitive position;
Amendment 545 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the backbone of the future Energy Union must be a fully functioning internal energy market that delivers secure, competitive and sustainable energy to enable EU companies and consumers to access gas and electricity in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible; Stresses in this respect that electricity interconnections should be designed for cross-border trading on a daily basis and not only to cover peak loads ;
Amendment 552 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Believes that all EU consumers should equally benefit from a single gas and electricity market; in this sense underlines that the current price differentials between national markets due to the lack of market integration and interconnections must not be tolerated anymore; urges the Commission to quickly propose measures to achieve greater price convergence and market integration across the Union;
Amendment 560 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to monitor the evolution of final energy prices in the Member States, including taxes, levies, subsidies and any other hidden costs, with a view to identify actions that may help to reduce such prices;
Amendment 632 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Reminds that Energy Union must help increase the availability of finance for infrastructure projects; Highlights in this regard the role that the EFSI (Juncker package), must play in ensuring that energy infrastructure projects are attractive to private investors with stable regulatory conditions and clearly identifiable medium to long term pay-off, particularly by minimising bureaucracy and encompassing an expedient application and approval process;
Amendment 633 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Welcomes the European Council's proposal for a minimum level of electricity interconnection between Member States of 10 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030; Underlines the importance of Member States' policies acting in a complementary manner to better functioning of the internal market and strengthening interconnection of transmission networks; Emphasises that attention must be given also to the internal capacity and durability of national transmission networks as well the level of interconnection and cross- border capacity in order to ensure that member states are not made vulnerable by under capacity or outdated technology in transmission and distribution systems in neighbouring and transit countries; Reiterates that subsequent recommendations must include full impact assessments of both national plans and union objectives in this regard;
Amendment 651 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to concentrate their efforts on driving projects of common interest (PCIs) forward, with a view to achieving a pan- European ‘'super grid' with the capacity to transmit power across EU countries from multiple sources and therefore capable of diverting energy from surplus to deficit areas, thereby allowing the market to instantly respond to interruptions of supply wherever they occur; Further stresses that such efforts must focus particularly on resolving the problems arising from existing energy islands;
Amendment 1093 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that greater effort in developing innovative low-emission and energy efficiency technologies and solutions can bring significant long-term benefits in terms of reduced generation costs and reduced energy demand;
Amendment 1104 #
2015/2113(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
46a. Stresses the added value of integrating ICT in the energy systems to maximize energy efficiency, moderate demand, and lower prices for consumers ; Considers that the digital transformation of the industry as well as the emergence and take up of new ICT technologies such as "Big data" should be part of the EU energy efficiency policy;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that renewable energy and increased energy efficiency and sustainable energy mix leading to energy savings are critical means for a stable, secure, and independent and democratic energy system for the EU, which contributes to generatesing high-quality jobs and wealth within a future-oriented sustainable economy; underlines that a higher degree of electricity interconnectivity and smart grids are necessary for developing such a system;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that electricity interconnection is a precondition for completing an integrated EU internal electricity market, which, if well designed, will help to achieve affordable and competitive energy prices, meet our climate objectives and improve the EU's geopolitical position through greater energy security and independence, as well as reduce energy isolation; stresses that the electricity interconnectors also need to be tackled, planned and executed through strong coordinated regional cooperation;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises the 10 % target – to be achieved by 2020 – as a valuable target and a step in the right direction; considers, however, that it does not always reflect the market situation and has not been established on the basis of scientific evidence; recalls that the 10 % target was first set in 2002 on the basis of the installed electricity generation capacity that existed at that time; therefore it needs to be stressed that insufficient progress has been made so far and EU-wide efforts will have to be increased; acknowledges that, although the 10 % target is important, it describes neither the quantity of electricity flowing between countries nor the quality, such as the availability of the existing interconnection infrastructure or of the existing national infrastructure between the interconnectors; believes, therefore, that a one-size-fits-all interconnection target based on installed electricity generation capacity is not on its own appropriate for all Member States; emphasis should be put particularly on those Member States which have an especially low level of connectivity;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the frequently congested transmission networks might be linked to cross-border lines but might also be due to weak internal grids; insists that a holistic approach should be taken when assessing the need for, and the priority of, reinforcement / extension, taking into account both cross-border and national connections, in particular the real use of the existing interconnection lines and the availability of existing national infrastructure. Investment into interconnections and national connections have to be balanced and complementary;
Amendment 88 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regrets the lack of a transparent decision-making process leading to the establishment of the projects of common interest (PCI) list; regrets further the predominant role of ENTSO-E, transmission system operators (TSOs) and project promoters in the development of a harmonised cost-benefit analysis methodology, in preparing the ten-year network development plans and the network codes, and in evaluating the costs and benefits of each project; recalls the need to provide complete assessments including economic, social and environmental impacts; calls on the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulators to play a more proactive role in order to develop a more neutral, transparent and democratic consultative process, including the effective participation of Parliament and giving voting status to civil society representatives; calls on the Commission to assess the situations in which the use of best available technology (BAT) could be established as a precondition for granting EU funds to projects;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Supports the Commission's recommendation that the CEF be concentrated on a few key projects; special attention should be given especially to those which would improve connectivity that is currently well below 10%; considers that adequate EU financing should also be made available beyond 2020 to support the implementation of non- commercial electricity connection projects necessary to ensure the functioning of the internal energy market; stresses the importance of the EIB in supporting investors in commercially viable electricity infrastructure projects; notes the establishment of the European Fund for Strategic Investments and encourages the Commission to ensure that the fund effectively attractssupport investments in electricity interconnection projects;
Amendment 141 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges the Commission, furthermore, to: 1) encourage investments in the best available technology, which, while costlier, offers considerable financial advantages as well as time savings in the long ru taking into account technical and economic aspects so as to make sure the most cost-effective technology is always chosen; 2) conduct a review of the financing rules with the aim of streamlining the existing mechanisms and highlighting the principle that wealthier Member States are responsible for projects involving their countries, while EU financial support should be used in countries facing greater challenges; and 3) strengthen incentives for further investments in the grid by, inter alia, introducing a requirement for profits made from transmission congestion rent to be reinvested in additional interconnectors;
Amendment 190 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that Europe's energy system has evolved since 2002, when the 10 % electricity interconnection target was originally set – in particular, renewable energy sources have been developed across the continent; questions in this context a 15 % target based on installed capacity for 2030 and seeks even higher ambition subject to impact assessment; asks the Commission, therefore, to assess the setting of regional, complementary targets and to find better qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, such as peak flows and bottlenecks, that highlight how much interconnection is needed;
Amendment 204 #
2015/2108(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses the need to derive a future electricity interconnection target from the EU's long-term climate goals as well as from a sustainable energy system and fair and affordable prices that the EU is looking for; notes in this context that the degree of interconnection required will depend in particular on whether: a) the EU is serious in applying the ‘energy efficiency first' principle and more demand-side response measures, b) decentralised renewables-based electricity and its correlated smart grids are further developed, c) energy storage technologies – at household or municipality levels – are developed, d) grids are optimised and use the best available technologies, e) people are given a higher role as prosumers in the energy system, and f) a clear incentive for investments in the grids is created;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2106(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need to take into account the wider global context; calls for a set of measures to improve the investment climate, attracting capital flows into the EU and restoring the international competitiveness ofinternational regulatory context; in particular when it comes to the timing and substance of legislative proposals to safeguard the international competitiveness of the EU´s financial sector, improve the investment climate of and attract capital flows into the Union;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2106(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the envisaged diversification of funding channels, which should be complementary to the existing ones and promote instruments which have proved their usefulness; underlines the need to reduce administrative burdens and foster the application of the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality, coherence and practicability in EU legislation, in the interests of efficient, liquid and cost- effective capital markets;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2106(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WSupports broadening the funding options available for SMEs; therefore welcomes the launch of consultations on the review of the Prospectus Directive and the efforts being made to remove regulatory barriers to access to securitisation; underlines, in particular, the need to open up financial markets to SMEs; supports broadening the funding options available for SME; calls for an ambitious effort to revive securitisation markets, which requires the avoidance of an overly prescriptive and detailed definition of simple, transparent and standardised (STS) securitisations; calls for improved access to long-term financing and for the development of a pan-European private placement market promoting venture capital, as well as alternative instruments such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2106(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to propose a coherent framework to enhance the quality and practicability of legislation, which should ensure greater and structural participation of ESAs during the level 1 phase and sufficient opportunity for ESAs to review as well as respond to unintended consequences that may arise during and following the implementation phase;
Amendment 1 #
Amendment 12 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that culture is a powerful instrument for European diplomatic relations, fostering EU core values, cohesion and global citizenship, and that it should be incorporated consistently into the EU's external action; calls for a fruitful cooperation between the European Commission – more specifically its Directorate-General (DG) for Education and Culture and its DG for International Cooperation and Development –, the European External Action Service and the UN in areas such as cultural heritage at risk and illicit trade in cultural property, conflict prevention, the development of creative industries, the mobility of culture professionals, cultural goods and services, and education in emergencies and access to culture and education;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Encourages the EU and the Member States to promote common interests together with third countries, through an equal-based partnership focused on mutual exchange and intercultural cooperation; recommends the development of a dynamic role for culture on the international stage as a "soft power" that can benefit the EU and its Member States in their relations with the wider world;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Calls the HR/VP to appoint a culture professional in each EU representation in third partner countries (as in the EU- China Delegation) and to provide EEAS staff with training on the cultural dimension of external policy;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 m (new)
Paragraph 1 m (new)
1m. Recommends the Commission to pro- actively cooperate with the cultural network-based clusters of EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture), in cooperation with local institutions, cultural practitioners, civil society, together with Members States' Cultural Institutes;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 p (new)
Paragraph 1 p (new)
1p. Stresses the role of culture to foster democratization, peace-building and respect of human rights; underlines the commitment of the EU to support artistic freedom and freedom of cultural expression against censorship and harassment of artists, researchers, journalists, and civil society organisations; encourages the setting of priorities linked to the cultural dimension within the EIDHR (The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights);
Amendment 37 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the consolidated cooperation between the EU and UNESCO, based on the adoption of the Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement between the European Union and the United Nations (FAFA) of 2003, the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding between the UNESCO and the EU and the EU's participation in the UN General Assembly following the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 2011; calls, however, for more effective EU representation within the UN, particularly in the fields of culture and education and in line with the Lisbon Treaty; stresses that a genuine EU- UN strategic partnership could be achieved by having EU representatives with voting rights on the boards of UN agencies in the areas of culture and education and by taking action jointly with UNESCO – and with UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNRWA and UNWOMAN – in the form of financial cooperation and common project management, in agreement with the beneficiary partner countries;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Highlights that culture is a key driver for building sustainable societies and calls for mainstreaming of the cultural dimension in the UN Post-2015 agenda for sustainable development and therefore in the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, as culture has a major impact on economic development, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, peace and security;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Recognises that cultural heritage represents the diversity of cultural expressions and therefore plays an important role in the Union's external relations; calls the for the adoption of an harmonised legislation and international agreements to protect cultural heritage and fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods in close cooperation with UNESCO;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Highlights the impact of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) for local and regional development and calls for the continuation and extension of the EU/UNESCO Expert Facility Projects and for the consideration of UNESCO Culture for Development Indicators (CDIS) as methodological reference to assess the multidimensional role of culture in development processes;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2f. Underlines that cultural tourism facilitates people-to-people contacts across the world and welcomes joint efforts to strengthen UNESCO heritage- based tourism in cooperation with the EU, that spurs investment in the cultural sector and proposes sustainable and high- quality offer to promote the diversity of the cultural expressions;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 g (new)
Paragraph 2 g (new)
2g. Underlines the need to remove obstacles and improve mobility for artists and culture professionals through a set of preferential treatments, such as visa for educational and cultural purpose, to facilitate cultural exchange, research projects, artists' residencies and grants for creators and performers, in line with the Article 16 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, co-signed by the EU;
Amendment 46 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recallminds that the EU has ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions and calls on the Member States thatwho have not already done so to ratify the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and, the 1950 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen and Illegally exported Cultural Objects, which represent important tools for strengthening the protection of global cultural heritage and cultural diversity as well as the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. and its two protocols;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2104(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for the improvement of the communication strategy in the development of cultural cooperation by using and developing digital resources, such as web-based multi-lingual information platforms and online educational resources, to foster accessibility, disseminate information in local languages and encourage exchanges and networking among artists, cultural practitioners, and civil society organisations;
Amendment 221 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the conviction that the economic and social dimension of the UN System must be substantially strengthened, and that this could be achieved through the establishment of a Sustainable Development Council as the main decision making body for all sustainable development related matters (based on the three pillars, social, economic and environmental), ensuring coordinated and efficient assessment of the needs, and adoption of necessary roadmaps, decisions and binding measures; stresses that this is necessary to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN Summit in September and to put forward the UN Post-2015 agenda for sustainable development, considering the role of culture to foster economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, peace and security;
Amendment 278 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that, besides promoting economic and social development in the world, the Sustainable Development Council should also be responsible for human well-being related matters; considers that the Sustainable Development Council should also be responsible for cultural sustainability, and the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions since culture is recognized as a key factor for building sustainable societies together with social, economic and environmental development, by integrating education, cultural diplomacy, protection of heritage, creative sector and scientific research in the policy-making approach;
Amendment 287 #
2015/2104(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers that the EU should take more advantage of partnerships with the UN Specialized Agencies, Funds, Programmes, Commissions and Committees both in enhancing its global goals and in solving its own problems, through the strengthening of the representation of the EU in the boards of the UN agencies, by giving voting rights to the EU as a whole, meaning as a single voice speaking on behalf of Member States;
Amendment 3 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States to implement urgent structural reforms of vocationalin all levels of education and training (VET), including apprenticeships and internships that includeo match the education and training with the skills needed for the successful entry into the working life; highlights that a strong work-based learning component, in order to facilitates school-to- work transitions;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the need to introduce or to further develop dual VET systems in order to facilitate the acquisition of core employability and job-specific skills, while ensuring quality control by public institutions over education, its general content, implementation and certification procedure;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the importance of mentoring programmes that link students with professionals or young workers, give students access to networks and a clear understanding of the work process;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the importance of addressing skills shortages and mismatches by facilitating the mobility of learners in VET, through a better use of tools such as the European Qualifications Framework, the European Skills Passport, the Youth Guarantee and the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises the importance of building students' capacity to learn and the need to provide them with effective learning strategies; stresses that learning to learn will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and aptitudes which enable individuals to set, plan and reach their own learning goals and become autonomous learners able to cope with the intensive labour market changes;
Amendment 48 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights that developing networking skills is highly important for all youth, but particularly for those with limited work experience and those coming from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups; stresses that teaching networking can be a strategy for facilitating employment, career development and exploration;
Amendment 57 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of a holistic approach to skills; stresses the need to provide multiple pathways within the education system and flexible educational approaches that can be customised and adjusted to individuals' needs; calls for developing work-based learning programmes across all types of education and training, as well as practical curricula, flexible schedules, and less formal instruction methods;
Amendment 58 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Emphasises the need for broad-based education and training that provide basic and portable high-level skills, entrepreneurial skills, problem solving, information and communications technology (ICT) and language skills which enable individuals to constantly acquire and apply new knowledge and facilitate their adaptation to the changes in the world of work;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages the Member States to urgently incorporate new technologies in the learning process and to intensify ICT training at all levels of education;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that literacy in ICT should become an integral part of the educational process, being integrated into the curriculum at all levels of studies; emphasises that equipping youth with ICT skills benefits both their work life and their private life, by providing them with the technical skills, confidence, and flexibility they need to adapt over the course of their lifetime;
Amendment 78 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the essential role of competent and supportive teachers and trainers in reducing early school leaving and improving the employability of young people; stresses that teachers need to be bettere need for more efficient and up to date training for teachers in new skills, such as entrepreneurial and ICT skills to be supported by schools, training institutions, local communities, and educational policies, e.g. through easier access to training opportunities and improved systems of continuous VET.;
Amendment 97 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reiterates the importance of promoting gender equality through education in order to empower more girls/women to take a more active part in the economy; underlines that increasing educational attainment rates amongst women will contribute to greater employment rates, better earnings and better career progression;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2088(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Stresses that playing sports provides participants with opportunities to develop a wide range of skills such as team- building, communication skills, cooperation and effective time management that may raise their level of employability; highlights that these skills help young people to develop confidence and make quick decisions necessary to succeed as leaders and to achieve their goals.
Amendment 27 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that schools can build students’ resilience to radicalisation by providing safe environment and time for debating and exploring controversial and sensitive issues, equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage difficult situations; underlines the role of educational institutions in teaching youth to recognise and manage risk and make safer choices, and in promoting a strong sense of belonging, shared community, care, support and responsibility for others;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses the need to use the various opportunities within vocational education and academic courses offer in order to create and widen students’ knowledge, address information prejudice and engage them with diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in Europe; stresses also the need for mutual respect and understanding;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines the need of reaching greater understanding of radicalisation and extremism from both students and educators as well as spreading awareness of the use of social media for radicalisation and promoting extremist ideologies; encourages Member States to implement internet safety in school's ICT curriculum in order to prevent online radicalisation;
Amendment 66 #
2015/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Encourages Member States to implement teaching and learning strategies which explore controversial issues in a way that promotes critical analysis, social values and a shared culture of openness and pluralism in schools and with community;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that education is one of the main pillars of our society when it comes to promoting skills development, growth and jobs creation, and that greater investment in education is crucial to tackling youth unemployment;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the important role of the Bologna Process in the creation of a Europe of Knowledge; highlights that the dissemination of knowledge, education and research are key elements of the Lisbon Strategy and that they contribute to foster European Citizenship;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the Bologna reforms resulted in the launching of a European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and have allowed significant achievements in the past 15 years in making higher education structures more comparable, increasing mobility, providing quality assurance systems, recognition of titles, adjusting educational systems to labour market needs, and improving overall employability and competitiveness as well as the attractiveness of higher education in Europe;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2039(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for a dialogue to be pursued between governments and higher education institutions (HEIs) in order to target and maximise the use of available funds and to seek new models for a more efficient use of funding;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2010(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the recent initiatives of the Commission and encourages Member States to tackle further tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, promoting cleartransparent and fair tax rulings, combatting aggressive tax planning and; welcomes the initiative of the Commission to re-launching the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base scheme, stressing the importance to avoid any increase that should serve at reducing administrative burdens and cost of compliance for businesses and closing loopholes between national systems ;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2010(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that fiscal policies and corporate taxation should be used as a tool to boost growth, jobs and developmentincrease Europe's international competitiveness ; believes that the Union must, by a more efficient, more transparent and fairer tax treatment for all companies, promote an attractive, competitive and balancedstable business environment that would allow businesses, including small and medium- sized enterprises, family businesses and self- employed people to operate simpler across the borders within the Union, innovative businesses to scale up, and the Union to better attract foreign investment; considers that the Commission should promote competitive, simplified and neutral tax systems, with a reduced number of exemptions;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2010(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that the Commission and Member States should further deploy electronic solutions in taxation-related procedures to reduce administrative burdens and simplify cross-border procedures ;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas entrepreneurship should be understood in its broader sense as the ability to turn ideas into actions;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic growth and job creation as it creates new companies and jobs, opens up new markets, improves productivity and innovation, strengthens European competitiveness and creates wealth;
Amendment 58 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas education as a whole isnd training are of primordial importance with regard to each individual’s personal development, and therefore has to be both sufficiently broad in order to lay foundations for lifelong development and deepening of knowledge and skills, and sufficiently practical, thus allowing individuals to have real careers and a valuable professional and private life;
Amendment 64 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas education isand training are of paramount importance in terms of motivation and possibilities for young people to start their own entrepreneurial projects;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges the role of lifelong learning and international mobility as a key measure in Europe’s response to globalisation and the shift to knowledge- based economies, and specifically the importance of ‘a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’, which is among the eight ‘Key Competences for Lifelong Learning ‒ A European Reference Framework’ which are needed by all individuals for personal fulfilment and development, active European citizenship and participation, social inclusion and employment;
Amendment 96 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Members States to promote entrepreneurial skills for young people through legislative actions towards quality traineeships, focusing on quality learning and adequate working conditions as tools to foster employability, as put forward by the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships;
Amendment 114 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that at all levels and types of education, even elementary, the teaching of practical entrepreneurship skills and the fostering of motivation and readiness should be provided in all Member States; Modules in basic finance, economics and business environment should be integrated in the curricula of all schools, in order to underpin and facilitate students´ understanding of the entrepreneurial process and to develop an entrepreneurial mindset;
Amendment 123 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises that setting an entrepreneurial mindset will be substantially beneficial for disadvantaged people by helping them overcome different barriers that lead to their social exclusion;
Amendment 127 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Emphasises the importance to equip all young people with ICT competences, transversal and entrepreneurial skills in order to facilitate their school-to-work transition: to better compete for jobs, become self-employed, learn to better understand their prospective employers´ behaviour and needs, and contribute to innovative and competitive capability of employer organisation;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Underlines the need to encourage the acquisition of digital skills that enable young people to fully exploit the potential of digital world;
Amendment 133 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Highlights that business community has a key role to play in entrepreneurship education and training providing an experienced-based learning that complement youth´s theoretical education;
Amendment 142 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to set and boost entrepreneurial traineeship and exchange programs, to give young people opportunities to gain hands-on experience and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience;
Amendment 143 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to elaborate a comprehensive strategy for developing transversal skills as critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, collaboration, cooperation self-direction, planning, leadership and team-building, at all levels and types of education and training, taking into account that they are beneficial for broad range of occupations and sectors;
Amendment 161 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to use the European Fund for Strategic Investment to support entrepreneurship education atnd young entrepreneurs through national and local levelprogrammes;
Amendment 162 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to createsupport a European Entrepreneurship Education Network to gather together and make available good practice to be shared by schools,which is supported by European organiszations, businesses, authorities and other stakeholders at European, national and local level and other stakeholders, including national education authorities, to gather and exchange best practices;
Amendment 197 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Commission to encourage better cooperation and exchange of good practices among Member States that have already integrated entrepreneurship education into their curricula and have achieved better progress in promoting youth entrepreneurship and those Member States that are still in the beginning of this process;
Amendment 203 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to promote the development of entrepreneurship- friendly environments which will facilitate young people’s start-ups and enable quick recovery from initial failures; underlines the importance to promote better understanding towards business failure and calls for its acceptation as an opportunity for learning and improving;
Amendment 207 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to promote the development of training for launching and managing start-ups, including expert mentorship, incubators and accelerators and all entrepreneurship- friendly environments which will facilitate young people’s start-ups and enable quick recovery from initial failures;
Amendment 211 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on Member States to adopt innovative methods to train teachers and mentors in entrepreneurship, for instance by involving them in real work on enterprise projects, in order to be more effective while teaching students, taking into account that the quality of the teachers and mentors is essential for the success of the initiative;
Amendment 217 #
2015/2006(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on Member States to encourage the involvement of private partners in entrepreneurship education, through funding or providing training, as an aspect of their corporate social responsibility;
Amendment 22 #
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 will be progressively authorised by 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 to ensure a greater investment in certain areas of their respective mandates than is possible through the existing programmes. The EFSI should be able to leverage the EU guarantee to multiply the financial effect within those areas of research, developmentEuropean Council in the framework of the annual budgetary procedures 2014- 2020. A constructive and flexible approach should be therefore used by the budgetary authority, without jeopardising the long term grant-based financing scheme envisaged by Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility. In order to achieve the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy, the links of the knowledge triangle - Education, Research and iInnovation 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, appropri-should be reinforced through long-term financing strategy and stability, avoiding cuts to programmes related to redirect part of the funding presently envisaged for those programmes to the benefit of EFSI. ucation, culture and research. __________________ 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 2 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the European cultural and creative industries are an engine for economic growth and job creation in the EU, as they employ more than 7 million people and generate more than 4.2 % of EU GDP; emphasises that culturalstresses that new business models and innovative services online have been created and that according to the European Parliament's Cost of Non- Europe, 223 000 jobs will be created by the Digital Single Market by 2020; emphasises that cultural, creative and innovative industries continued to create jobs during the economic crisis of 2008- 2012; ;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that copyright and related rights constitute the legal framework for the European cultural and creative industries and form the basis for their ability to generate economic activity, competitiveness, and employment;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recognizes that the development of e- commerce and online activities has brought benefits for society as a whole, but has changed the way IPR enforcement should be considered, particularly because it affords new possibilities for infringement and for spreading tolerance for the idea that IPR infringements could be considered legitimate, especially among the young generation;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Stresses that enforcement of intellectual property rights plays a significant role in ensuring consumers' confidence and safety, whereas counterfeiting is very often linked with a black economy, cybercrime and terrorism;
Amendment 38 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. AWelcomes the commitment of the Commission on further developing the EU Digital Agenda, including the objective of modernising copyright rules; acknowledges the need to review Directive 2001/29/EC in order to ensure appropriate remuneration for copyright holders and appropriate protection of these rights in a changing and constantly evolving technological environment, which brings both opportunities and challenges;
Amendment 46 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Believes that the digital environment is generating new forms of production, distribution and consumption that call for adaptation of the current limitations and exceptions in the analogue world to the reality and requirements of the digital environment so as to enable a response to the growth in, and new demand for, online products and services while at the same time ensuring appropriate protection for copyright and related rights and fair remuneration for right holders;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. CUnderlines the importance of contractual freedom for all rightholders, who should be able to freely exercise and transfer their rights; considers it necessary to develop a legal framework to strengthen the negotiating and contractual position of authors and, performers and other creators in relation to other right holders and intermediaries, in particular in view of ensuring an equitable remuneration;
Amendment 66 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the multi-territorial licensing of rights under Directive 2014/26/EU as an example and a way of overcoming the fragmented internal market; encourages the development of balanced and flexible solutions that help overcomerecalls however that users are often denied access to certain content services ; Believes that they should be able to access online content from another Member state and calls therefore on the Commission to address the existing barriers to cross- border access and availability of products and services;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to ensure that exceptions and limitations are properly implemented; calls on Member States, at the same time, to provide all possible information concerning best practices and the obstacles encountered in the implementation of those exceptions and limitations, in order to promote equal access to cultural diversity across borders within the internal market and to improve legal certainty;
Amendment 81 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Notes the need to carry out an in-depth study of exceptions for research and education purposes before contemplating any changes to the relevant Community rules;
Amendment 89 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the need to promote greater interoperability in particular for software and terminal, as lack of interoperability hampers innovation, reduces competition and harms consumer; believes that lack of interoperability leads to market dominance of one particular product or service, which in turn stifles competition and limits consumer choice in the EU;
Amendment 93 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Notes that the current highly fragmented system of national private copy levies constitutes a deeply unfair and outdated system for compensating rightholders for what amounts to an ordinary and perfectly harmless use by consumers of legally acquired content and that there are no objective and fair methods to redistribute the so-called compensation; therefore, calls on the Commission to phase out private copy levies to fully realise the Digital Single Market;
Amendment 99 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that any legislative change in this area should ensure accessibility for people with disabilities to products and services protected by copyright and related rights; in particular, urges the EU to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works by Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities which requires to have a mandatory exception for the non- commercial uses to the benefit of persons with a disability, which are directly related to the disability, to the extent required by the specific disability;
Amendment 105 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on the Commission to propose an harmonised framework for exceptions and limitations to address the fragmented market, improve legal security and foster cross-border accessibility of copyright content, to allow equal access to cultural diversity across the EU and to conform to consumer expectations;
Amendment 111 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Recalls that when Member States provide for exceptions and limitations, they should ensure that the exceptions or limitations do not conflict with a normal exploitation of the work or subject-matter and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rightholder;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Commission to take into account the rapidly growing user-cre generated content on the internet and text and data mining when reviewing copyright rules; any new proposal should aim to find a fair balance between protecting IPRcopyrights and intellectual property rights and fostering a dynamic and creative internet.
Amendment 125 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for a broad exception for research and education purposes, which should cover educational and research activities linked to an educational establishment or institution recognised by national authorities or legislation or within the purview of an educational or research programme.
Amendment 126 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Acknowledges that text and data mining is an emerging and promising practice, in particular for research; recalls that innovative licensing solutions are established, but that preferential treatment should be applied for non- commercial purpose;
Amendment 130 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Believes that common effort should be made in combatting copyright infringements in the EU in order to ensure the protection of copyright and fair remuneration; stresses the need to raise consumer awareness of the consequence of infringement of copyright and related rights;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of formal and informal education when it comes to tackling the issue of beliefs and, traditional practices and social norms imposing limitations on girls in education, and calls on the Member States to ensure equal access to education of the same quality for boys and girls regardless of their economic, social, ethnic, national, cultural or religious framework, including actions to reduce drop-out rates among girls, in order to achieve real gender equality in education;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises the importance of learning about child rights in schools, with special attention to gender equality, non-discrimination and European Citizenship; highlights that child rights education aims to foster learning among both girls and boys about equal opportunities, empowering them in taking action as adults to advocate for principles in line with Article 3 of the Lisbon Treaty and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that poverty and low economic status have a strong impact on gender equality in education, that disproportionally affect girls’ access to schools and universities; therefore, encourages Member States’ initiatives aiming to reduce direct and indirect educational costs for families in need;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Stresses the need of a school-based sensitive sexuality education as an essential tool to promote gender equality and sexual knowledge, especially among girls;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that teachers play a major role in the formation of educational identities and have a significant impact on aspects of gendered behaviour in school; recalls that much has still to be done to empower teachers on how to promote gender equality; insists, therefore, on the need to ensure comprehensive initial and ongoing equality training to teachers at all levels of formal and informal education to build awareness on the impact of gender roles and stereotypes on their students’ self-confidence and their subject choices during their studies; stresses that girls need to have positive female role models in schools and universities;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2250(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the need to ensure access to vocational education and training and adult education, both formal and non-formal, for women who have been obliged to stop their education or quit their jobs in order to take care of family members, regardless of their level of competence (referring to both high- and low-skilled women); insists that such training should be attractive and flexible; and encourages any measure that concretely helps women to conciliate family and work or training.
Amendment 14 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights that cultural tourism has an important role in the European economy as it creates millions of jobs and enhances social cohesion; stresses, in this regard, that safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage, in its diverse manifestations, and promoting cultural creativity is essential and should be among our top priorities;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Emphasizes that cultural tourism can educate local communities and can influence policy-making; points out that cultural tourism is an essential part of many national and regional economies and an important factor for cultural exchange and development; reiterates that tourism should be based on strategies that protect and strengthen both natural and cultural diversities, preserve local cultures, traditions, heritage and environment;
Amendment 31 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the potential of a digital single market to expand, modernize and develop cultural tourism, and to promote and support all tourism services and providers; calls for further development of appropriate infrastructures, and encourages wider use of already existing ones, in order to facilitate the use of digital tools in tourism;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that investing in human capital is essential for the quality of tourism services and it is a precondition for sustainable and competitive growth; stresses the importance of providing better targeted training policies in order to ensure the presence of well qualified, service oriented, multilingual personnel;
Amendment 67 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance to foster close collaboration and cooperation between culture and tourism in order to support responsible, culturally aware, inclusive and sustainable tourism that contribute to the socio-economic development of host communities, promote cross-cultural exchanges and multicultural understanding;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Stresses the potential of cultural tourism for poverty alleviation; calls, in this regard, for fostering the countries' creative industries and rural tourism in order to promote Europe's extraordinary cultural wealth and fight poverty and unemployment;
Amendment 94 #
2014/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Asks the Commission and the Member States to implement the action to protect endangered monuments and sites in Europe in order to safeguard and promote cultural heritage and therefore encourage cultural tourism;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to maintain the objective of including a specific energy chapter in the TTIP which could significantly increase the EU’s energy securityith the aim to create a competitive, transparent and non- discriminatory market, which ensures enhanced energy supply security for the EU, encourages trade and competitiveness and provides for affordable energy prices, while upholding existing high environmental standards;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Requests that the Commission ensure a policy of free trade with respect to fuels, including LNG and crude oil, crude oil and hard coal through eliminating export restrictions, facilitating market access and removing barriers to Foreign Direct Investment;
Amendment 57 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that TTIP will create a free trade zone for clean energy products and services by eliminating regulatory differences and tariffs in order to boost the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Amendment 76 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to work on transatlantic harmonisation of standards and regulations that define the principles of public support for different energy sources and/or in environment and energy sectors as such;
Amendment 101 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points to the huge differentials between the USA and the EU in energy prices but also in per capita CO2 emissions; calls on the Commission, therefore, to provide energy-intensive and carbon-leakage sectors in the EU, including the chemicals industry, with appropriate measures maintaining current tariff rates over the longest possible period after the entry into force of the TTIP;
Amendment 133 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
(1) Expects that the priorities and concerns of SMEs will be fully addressed in a specific SME chapter; urges that the needs of SMEs will be fully taken into account as concerns regulatory coherence;
Amendment 135 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 2 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 2 (new)
(2) Furthermore, calls on the Commission to promote an establishment of a free of charge common information mechanism for SMEs to support their engagement in the transatlantic trade. Among other a hotline and a web portal should be considered, so that European SMEs would be getting similar kind of comfort and support as there is in the EU.
Amendment 137 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 3 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 3 (new)
(3) Calls on the Commission to ensure user friendly rules of origin (ROO) that can be easily applied by EU exporters and to minimise unnecessary obstacles to trade and red-tape created by ROO, especially for SMEs;
Amendment 145 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Requests that the Commission facilitate more active participation of EU firms in US public procurement as this can contribute to stimulating private-sector innovation and to the emergence of new, high-growth innovative companies and sectors;. If this facilitation is to be meaningful, the US Government has to guarantee free access not only on federal level but on the level of individual states too.
Amendment 156 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 6 – point 1 (new)
(1) Expects the Commission to address in the negotiations the issue of „buy American", "Jones" and „domestic content" Act which in practice significantly handicap EU companies in access to the US market, especially in the dredging and engineering sector.
Amendment 163 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reminds the Commission, while welcoming the potential benefits of regulatory alignment and mutual recognition, including the establishment of common principles in standards and technical specifications in the area of ICT, about the importance of maintaining high levels of safety and security;. Encourages the Commission to work on seeking regulatory alignment in sectors that are of particular interest of the EU industry, such as automotive (final products and components), engineering (including highly sophisticated products) and chemical sectors. This should result, wherever appropriate, in the recognition of equivalence of existing regulations; (proposing to delete ,,in the area of ICT", as this should apply en bloc)
Amendment 182 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 7 – point 1 (new)
(1) Calls on the Commission to maintain a comprehensive and balanced approach on both tariff dismantling and regulatory harmonization. An unbalanced result in this respect would seriously hamper the competitiveness of European businesses.
Amendment 183 #
2014/2228(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 – point 2 (new)
Paragraph 7 – point 2 (new)
(2) Calls on the Commission to ensure that TTIP will create a climate in which innovators are encouraged to invest in research, development and commercialisation of new technologies, including efficient and innovative energy and environment technologies. This should be achieved through facilitating investments in innovation, reducing unjustified regulatory differences and unnecessary administrative burden and improve regulatory coordination in innovative sectors;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas energy prices in Europe are higher than in a number of other economies, mainly due to insufficient energy market integration, rising taxes, levies and network costs and significantly restrict the competitiveness of the European base metals industry in the global market;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas production innovation has a positive effect on employment growth in all phases of the business cycle of industries;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that energy prices in Europe are considerably higher than in third countries, especially the US, making energy-intensive industries such as the base metal sector less competitive on the global market; welcomes the Commission proposal on the European Energy Union; believes that a well-functioning internal energy market that delivers secure and sustainable energy and ensures adequate interconnections of Member States will help to lower energy prices for European industry and consumers; emphasises in this connection that an ambitious energy chapter in TTIP could contribute to increased energy security and affordable energy prices in Europe;
Amendment 183 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets that compensation for indirect costs has created a new factor in competitive inequality in Europe among producers in electricity-intensive sectors, who can receive financial support from the authorities in their countries; adds that this compensation, which was devised as a transitional measure, should swiftly be reduced and, especially, be grantshould be harmonised at European level in order not to distort competition among European producers;
Amendment 253 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes that the European base metals industry is exposed to tariff and non-tariff barriers to export markets in third countries as well as restrictive measures that protect domestic production of base metals; urges the Commission to continuously reduce trade barriers and improve market access to third countries for the European base metals industry; points out that an ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) can help to improve market access and lower trade barriers
Amendment 258 #
2014/2211(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Calls on the Commission to make use of all measures available to fight unfair trading practices from third countries and in this regard improve the reactivity and effectiveness of the EU trade defence instruments;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the 2009 Report of the Group of Experts for the European Commission ‘Overview of family- business-relevant issues: research, policy measures and existing studies’,
Amendment 22 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Commission’s group of experts on family businesses completed its work more than five years ago, and no new initiative has been launched since then at EU level addressing; whereas there is still a lack of research and data at national and European levels to understand the special needs and structures of family businesses ;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas it is impossible, due to the lack of a definition, to gather comparable data in the EU Member States in order to draw attention to the special situation and contribution of family businesses;
Amendment 49 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that family businesses demonstrate a high degree of social responsibility towards their staff and that they generally take a more sustainable and longer-term approach to the economic future of the business (by acting as ‘honourable businessmen’, responsible owners or stewards) than non- family businesses and thus make an important contribution to Europe’s competitiveness and create and maintain jobs;
Amendment 59 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that, because of their history, family businesses are very rooted in a particular location and thus also create and maintain jobs in rural and in less attractive areas; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide the necessary cost-efficient infrastructure in order to ensure the competitiveness of such businesses;
Amendment 67 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recognises that family businesses are the single biggest source of employment in the private sector; therefore, what is beneficial to continuity, renewal and growth in the family business sector is conducive to continuity, renewal and growth in the European economy;
Amendment 71 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that highly specialised family businesses in particular play an important role as suppliers and innovators to larger companies and that, given their long-term and intergenerational approach to business, they provide the companies they supply with material security and thereby make a significant contribution to economic growth;
Amendment 88 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States, with this in mind, to ensure that national rules on the taxation of inheritance and gifts and on corporate taxation do notsupport rather than discriminate against equity financing which is so vital for family businesses; points out, in this connection, that in Hungary inheritance tax on business assets has been abolished;
Amendment 91 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Call on the Member States, with this in mind, to examine the debt-bias within their tax codes, assessing its impact on the financing structure of companies and the level of investment; calls on the Commission to examine any tax driven discrimination of equity financing against the background of fair competition
Amendment 112 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recognises that the fiscal, legal and administrative environment in which family businesses (and owner-managed businesses) operate is defined by the combined effect of corporate legislation and private law;
Amendment 118 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that 87% of family businesses are convinced that maintaining control of the business is one of the key factors of success4 ; notes that, according to the Commission’s ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan’5 , the transfer of a business from one generation to the next is the greatest possible challenge facing family businesses; highlights that early preparation and specialised training for the parties involved can contribute to the success of such a transfer; ___________ 4 European Family Business Barometer, June 2014. 5 COM(2012)0795.
Amendment 122 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on Member States to simplify administrative procedures and taxation systems in particular to take into account the specific challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises and family businesses ;
Amendment 124 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Urges the Commission and Member States to take action to develop digital entrepreneurship and digital skills in order for family businesses to take full advantage of the use of digital technologies ;
Amendment 139 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls that the existence of a one- stop-shop for enterprises can facilitate all the procedures they have to undertake, including those related to their transfer.
Amendment 144 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Notes that promoting entrepreneurship in schools and other educational settings is of key importance to develop more entrepreneurial mindsets; education should include specific family business issues such as ownership, succession and family governance, together with more general information such as the importance of innovation as a means to re-invent the business;
Amendment 149 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Stresses that family businesses’ contribution to innovation could be enhanced by promoting their participation in private-public partnerships and clusters and by fostering their collaboration with research institutions;
Amendment 151 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Notes that Malta is introducing a Family Business Act which aims to support family businesses and addresses their concerns;
Amendment 152 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 e (new)
Paragraph 9 e (new)
9e. Calls on the Commission to promote the adoption of a common definition of family business in the EU in order to facilitate the search and comparison of data related to their characteristics, circumstances and the difficulties they face;
Amendment 160 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to commission regular and adequately financed studies that analyse the importance of ownership for the success and survival of a business and highlight the specific challenges facing family businesses; calls on the Commission also to collect enough data on family businesses in the various Member States both to allow a comparison of the situation of family businesses, as well as a comparison of family businesses and non-family businesses, and to promote exchanges of examples of good practices;
Amendment 178 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission in the meantime, as part of its regulatory impact assessment, to establish a ‘family business test’ modelled on the SME test, in order to be able determine the effect of certain legal acts on family businesses in advance and thereby avoid unnecessary red tape for family businesses, especially paying attention to the combined effect of corporate legislation and private law;
Amendment 188 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission to establish a permanent working group internally that specifically addresses the needs and characteristics of family businesses, regularly reports to Parliament and the Member States and, acts as a contact at European level for family business for specific issues particularly relating to European legislation, encourages exchanges of best practices between Member States family business organisations and disseminates guidelines and standard texts and solutions for family business to overcome their specific problems;
Amendment 194 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to strive to strengthen entrepreneurship throughout the EU and to create an favourable environment for business excellence;
Amendment 202 #
2014/2210(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to urgently draw up a communication analysing the role ofon family businesses with a view to boosting the competitiveness of the EU’s economy by 2020, and to produce a road map listing the measures likely to strengthen the economic environment and development of family businesses in the EU;
Amendment 98 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas better interconnection levels for electricity and gas will increase energy security while, allow price convergence, increase market benefits for consumers and help to balancinge supply and demand between the Member States;
Amendment 514 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Member States to seek for better interaction and coordination of national and European research programmes among themselves and with the Commission, especially in the fields of energy, transport and construction, in order to ensure that priority is given to common challenges such as increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
Amendment 597 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that onetwo of the most important factors of the completion of a transparent, well-functioning and fully integrated gas and electricity market isare the full implementation of the Third Energy Package and the development of an appropriate energy infrastructure including cross-border interconnections;
Amendment 619 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Welcomes the European Council’mmission's proposal for a minimum level of electricity interconnection between Member States of 10 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030;, targets supported by the European Parliament in its resolution on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies of 5 February 2014 and by the European Council in its conclusions of October 2014; priority should be given to the interconnection of regions such as the Iberian peninsula and the Baltic countries which remain isolated from European energy networks.
Amendment 797 #
2014/2153(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Takes the view that the main condition for the creation of the future European Energy Union is the completion of an integrated EU internal energy market, which requires full implementation of the Third Energy Package, development of cross-border interconnections and the existence of a strong external dimension for an EU energy policy that is based on close coordination of positions and speaking with one voice with third countries;
Amendment 47 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) Recommends the Commission, in its political and transversal approach, to acknowledge cultural heritage as movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, and as a non-renewable resource whose authenticity must be preserved;
Amendment 82 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Proposes that any European legislative proposal should be complemented by an impact assessment on cultural heritage; in case of an assessed negative impact, cultural heritage should be excluded from the scope of the legislative proposal as an exception;
Amendment 106 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Considers that the Commission should treat companies and entities involved in the various aspects of heritage conservation as a specific and individual sector using traditional methods with added value that facilitate ecological and sustainable conservation;
Amendment 111 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Urges the Commission to promote joint cultural heritage and tourism programmes on an integrated and scientific basis, to serve as a benchmark and an example of best practice;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Urges the Commission and Member States to draw up an economic and statistical survey of businesses, management entities and specialist professional activities in the cultural heritage conservation and promotion sector and their contribution in terms of production;
Amendment 126 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers that DG Culture and Education should create a Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) in the European Institute of innovation and technologies (EIT) and thus should directly support a holistic vision of research and innovation;
Amendment 133 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Highlights the potential of the digitisation of cultural heritage, both as a tool for preserving our past and as generating research opportunities, job creation and economic development; stresses the relevance of existing tools such as Europeana and encourages the improvement and user-friendliness of its search criteria. Supports digital innovation in the arts and heritage sector to engage new audiences in culture;
Amendment 161 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. EmphasisesAs a result of the role that cultural heritage plays in the Union’s external relations through policy dialogue and cooperation with third countries, the same support should be applied for the internationalization of SMEs working group for heritage conservation;
Amendment 166 #
2014/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Emphasises the role that cultural heritage plays in the Union’s external relations through policy dialogue and cooperation with third countries; encourages the adoption of international agreements to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural heritage within European frontiers. Highlights the need of an external action to safeguard heritage devastation and fight against looting of cultural objects in the areas of conflict
Amendment 388 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 166
Paragraph 166
Amendment 393 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 166 a (new)
Paragraph 166 a (new)
166a. Takes note that OLAF carried out a report on the humanitarian aid granted to the Saharawi refugee camp of Tindouf in Algeria (dated 2007). Calls for clarification by the Commission on the measures taken in response to the findings of this report. Reminds the Commission of the importance to adapt Union aid to the actual needs of the population concerned;
Amendment 397 #
2014/2075(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 167
Paragraph 167
Amendment 3 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is deeply concerned by the significant cuts in the Commission draft budget 2015 proposed by the Council notably in such key areas as innovation, research, infrastructures, SMEs and energy; considers the proposed cuts to be potentially detrimental to the EU’s competitiveness and growth, as well as Europe’s strategic interests, particularly energy security, which demands a high level of investment in energy efficiency measures, energy infrastructure, interconnection, and renewable energy production; is concerned by the fact that already now considerable sums are missing in the EU budget for payments and the proposed cuts will aggravate the situation even further; emphasises that all appropriate measures should be taken in order to meet the Union’s legal obligations and avoid delays in payments to the important stakeholders such as researchers, universities, SMEs and entrepreneurs; calls therefore for full restoration of the Commission draft budget in areas strategically important for competitiveness, growth and creation of jobs;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy, which is vital to achieving our climate goals whilst stimulating growth and jobs in the renewables and low-carbon technologies sectors, requires improved governance and closer coordination between the EU, the Member States and the regions; calls for the highest possible synergy between EU funds and financing instruments as well as between European and national expenditure;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. RemindsPoints out that reindustrialisation is essential for boosting growth and job creation; alertnotes that further cuts inEU funds can contribute to maintaining investments for in European industry would seriously slow down its recoveryto promote Europe’s reindustrialisation and recovery; highlights the essential role of Europe’s producers of renewable energy, low- carbon and resource-efficient technologies in delivering this reindustrialisation by placing Europe at the forefront of research and innovation as well as production of such technologies while strengthening Europe’s long-term competitiveness;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2040(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for appropriate funding for all relevant EU bodies which contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and growth, for example the European Institute of Innovation and Technology amongst others, as well as for executive agencies to enable them to properly fulfil the tasks assigned to them by the legislative authority.
Amendment 53 #
2014/0185(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 includes a thematic objective of ‘enhancing institutional capacity of public authorities and stakeholders and an efficient public administration’. In this context, the ISA2 Programme should tie in with programmes and initiatives contributing to the modernisation of public administrations like e.g. the DAE, and related networks like e.g. the European Public Administration Network (EUPAN) and, seek synergies with them and contribute to knowledge-building in public administrations.
Amendment 61 #
2014/0185(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) National, regional and local administrations can be supported in their endeavours through specific instruments under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). Close cooperation under the ISA2 Programme should maximise the benefits expected from such instruments by ensuring that funded projects are aligned with the Union- wide interoperability frameworks and specifications such as the EIF.
Amendment 68 #
2014/0185(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. The ISA2 Programme shall develop interoperability solutions autonomously or complement and support other Union initiatives by piloting interoperability solutions as a solution incubator or by ensuring their sustainability as a solution bridge. The Commission shall ensure that no market disturbances or unfair disadvantages for private suppliers of interoperability solutions stem from such solutions.
Amendment 72 #
2014/0185(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
(1a) "European public administrations" means public administrations at Union, national, regional and local levels;
Amendment 127 #
2014/0185(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall report annually to the ISA2 Committee, the European Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of the Programme.