2906 Amendments of Jordi CAÑAS
Amendment 62 #
2023/2866(RSP)
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Recalls that the original proposal of the regulation establishing a European Labour Authority (article 10(7))1a gave the agency the right to report suspected irregularities “in the application of Union law, including beyond the scope of its competences”, which would have allowed for the adding of core elements of the Single Market acquis to the scope of the ELA, such as investigations into the right of establishment; believes that a revision of ELA’s founding regulation should reintroduce that proposal; _________________ 1a Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing a European Labour Authority, COM/2018/0131 final - 2018/064 (COD)
Amendment 88 #
2023/2866(RSP)
Paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Notes that the execution of effective and dissuasive EU-wide financial sanctions is needed to end cases of lack of compliance with labour legislation, the circumvention of social security payments and tax evasion in cross-border activities; highlights that the ELA should be empowered to develop the main rules for an EU-wide sanctions policy and procedures to deal with breaches of legislation;
Amendment 21 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas according to the OECD the risk of downward mobility among lower middle-income households has risen in the last two decades and is expected to continue;1a __________________ 1a OECD (2018), A Broken Social Elevator? How to Promote Social Mobility, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264301085 -en.
Amendment 24 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the social economy is a key driver for the implementation of the EPSR and can actively contribute to achieving the headline targets by 2030;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital E
E. whereas according to the European working conditions telephone survey carried out by Eurofound, the target of 60 % in training courses (paid for by the employer) was not reached in any Member State in 2021; whereas the data also shows that those most in need of training (young people, those with lower levels of educational attainment and those in low- skilled occupations) benefited the least;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates the importance of the conclusions of the 2021 Porto Social Summit, which underline that w; recalls as well the are still living in unprecedented times; notes that COVID-19 and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine on our doorstep resulted in the cost of living and energy crises, which are hitting the most vulnerable groups in our society the hardest, leading to increasing inequalities; reiterates the importance of the EPSR as a guiding compass to a more social Europe; stresses, however, that the resultinglevance of the Porto Social Commitment which states that all necessary resources ought to be mobilised to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, based on sustainable and inclusive growth, decent work and social justice; reiterates the importance of the EPSR as a guiding compass to a more social Europe; stresses that implementing the principles and action plan of the EPSR are necessary steps to achieve the headline targets for 2030 set out by the Commission and endorsed by the Council on employment, skills and poverty are insufficient to ensure its full implementation; stresse; highlights that the EPSR is a powerful tool to ensure that the European project can act as a powerful shield protecting the health, safety and living conditions of its people and can move towards increased social convergence;
Amendment 46 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Council to take measures to mitigate the impact of the cost of living criseis on Member State labour markets in order to keep employment rates high; calls therefore on the Commission, the Member States and EU social partners to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of at least 80 % by 2030, with a view to improving living and working conditions in the EU, which will contribute to and boosting the uptake of upskilling and reskilling programmes, which will contribute to well-being at work, increased labour force’s competitiveness, upward social convergence and, reduceing in-work poverty, social exclusion and wage inequality and limiting the problem of brain drain affecting many regions across the EU;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the above-mentioned conclusions of the 2021 Porto Social Summit; welcomes the adoption of the Directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU3 and the soon-to-be adopted directive on pay transparency4 ; urges the Council to agree on a general approach concerning the directive for platform work5 in order to improve worker protec's working conditions in the platform economy and to create fair competition; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to occupational health and safety in the workplace; welcomes the Commission’s commitannouncement to follow up with a legislative proposal after the adoption of Parliament’s resolution of 2 February 20236 in case social partners do not come up with an agreement; welcomes the launch of a two-stage consultation of EU social partners; __________________ 3 Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, OJ L 275, 25.10.2022, p. 33. 4 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 March 2021 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms (COM(2021)0093). 5 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 December 2021 on improving working conditions in platform work (COM(2021)0762). 6 European Parliament resolution of 2 February 2023 with recommendations to the Commission on Revision of European Works Councils Directive, Texts adopted, P9_TA(2023)0028.
Amendment 71 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 72 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 79 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to put forward a legal framework for an effective and enforceable ban on unpaid internships, traito ensure that internships, traineeships and apprenticeships are adequately paid and based on quality criteria, especially in terms of learning content and experience ; welcomes the European Year of Skills and underlines the opportunity it offers to better disseminate the initiatives of the European Skills Agenda, develop additional skills partneerships and apprenticeships; welcomes the European Year of Skills and in core industrial ecosystems and learn from best practices on how to anticipate and respond to new skills demands; calls on the Commission, in the context of the European Year of Skills, to establish a mapping of the sectors and workers facing a lack of training opportunities; highlights the importance of access to training and reskilling for workers in industries and sectors that need to undergo fundamental changes in order to achieve the green and digital transitions, ensuring no one is left behind; recalls on the Commission to consider a directive on adequate minimum income in order to ensure the reintegration of people absent from the labour market, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the specificities of national social protection systems and the competences of the Member States; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to presenting a proposal, by the end of 2023, on the creation of an EU disability card to be recognisedessential role that social partners need to play in promoting the uptake of reskilling and upskilling programmes and prioritising such aspects in collective agreements; calls on the Commission to integrate the initiatives of the European Year of Skills into all Member States; welcomes the ongoing negotiations of the social partners on the right to disconnect, with a view to putting forward a legally binding agreement implemented via a directive; calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal for a European social security pass to provide national authorready existing instruments such as the reinforced Youth Guarantee, the Gender Equality Strategy and the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, such as labour and social security inspectorates, and social partners involved in labour and social security inspections with a real-time instrument to effectively enforce national and EU lawo that people who need it most, including young people, women and people with disabilities, can effectively access the initiatives of the European Year of Skills;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to consider a directive on adequate minimum income in order to ensure the reintegration of people absent from the labour market, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the specificities of national social protection systems and the competences of the Member States; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to presenting a proposal, by the end of 2023, on the creation of an EU disability card to be recognised in all Member States; welcomes the ongoing negotiations of the social partners on the right to disconnect, with a view to putting forward a legally binding agreement implemented via a directive; calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal for a European social security pass to provide national authorities, such as labour and social security inspectorates, and social partners involved in labour and social security inspections with a real-time instrument to effectively enforce national and EU law, limit unfair competition and promote fair labour mobility across the EU;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to use social innovation as a key driver for addressing socio- economic challenges, not least by boosting the support to social entrepreneurs and further promoting the social economy sector and urges them to take into account the recommendations of its Resolution on the EU action plan for the social economy1 in the upcoming Council Recommendation on developing a social economy framework; _____________________ 1 P9_TA(2022)0288
Amendment 100 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that principle 11 on childcare and support to children requires further action; urgently reminds the Commission and the Member States about Parliament’s repeated call to urgently allocate more funding to the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion; to break the generational cycle of poverty and boost social mobility; believes that all children under the age of 3 should have access to affordable, quality, full-day early childhood education and care services to foster early childhood development; welcomes the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU’s recommendation for Member States to provide capacitating services for vulnerable families with children to prevent child poverty6a; urgently reminds the Commission and the Member States of their commitment to reduce child poverty by at least 5 million compared to 2019 and of Parliament’s repeated call to urgently allocate more funding to the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion; calls on all Member States to ensure that their national action plans are effectively implemented and respond to the key principles of the Council Recommendation 2021/1004 establishing a European Child Guarantee; __________________ 6a High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU, final report, January 2023, European Commission.
Amendment 103 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that Member States should continue the roll-out of the reinforced Youth Guarantee and should provide an adequate allowance for youth from low-income families that enables them to continue their training and studies after compulsory schooling;7a __________________ 7a High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU, final report, January 2023, European Commission.
Amendment 104 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Believes that periods of care giving where the carer shifts to part time working arrangements or gives up paid employment should count towards pension purposes;8a __________________ 8a High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU, final report, January 2023, European Commission.
Amendment 106 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Warns that, for the correct implementation of principle 12, adequate social protection needs to be expanded in order to covertake account of the risks associated with the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups, as well as the social consequences of the transformation of our societies towards climate neutrality; calls on the Commission and Member States to propose an European Action Plan for Social Protection that will take into account the risks of social exclusion due to climate change and environmental decline and that will contain concrete proposals for mitigating the green wave and social and labour transformation ensuing from it, leaving no-one behind and protecting those who are more vulnerable from these changes or who live in regions that are most at risk; calls on the Member States to build upon the Social Climate Fund and lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes at national level with EU support;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 115 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that, according to principle 19, access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality should be provided for those in need; urges the Commission to develop an ambitious action plan to achieve accessible and green social housing to meet the housing needs of all EU citizens, to put an end to energy poverty and to progressively eradicate homelessness by 2030; reiterates its call to adopt a Housing First principle to foster access to housing, and notes that said housing should be based on ‘universal design’ principles to ensure accessibility;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses its concern about the lack of access to essential services (principle 20), which have come under additional stress; urges the Commission to present a revision of the services of general and economic interestnational, regional and local authorities to better tap into the potential of the specific provisions for services of general economic interest in the EU State aid regulation; calls on the Commission to assess if stronger social provision in such regulation is necessary to improve the access to essential services;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call that, in the light of the framework of the Green Deal industrial plan, EU funding, including State aid, should be conditional on public policy objectives, in particular social requirements, in order to offer high-quality jobs, promote collective bargaining, respect EU labour rights and standards and ensure improved working conditions; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enforce the social clause in the existing Directive on public procurement7 and to revise the directivepossibly consider a revision of the directive, based on a comprehensive analysis on which social rights are not respected, in order to further strengthen social clauses in public contracts to require economic operators and subcontractors to fully respect the right of workers, including the right to collective bargaining, to account for the recently adopted Directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU; __________________ 7 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65.
Amendment 156 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that, in order to make a fair and social Europe a reality and to ensure the highest levels of social protection in the green and digital transitions, it is necessary to ensure a sustainable, fair and inclusive Europe where social rights are fully protected and safeguarded to at least the same level as economic and environmental standards; stresses the need to take steps to reinforce the role of the EPSR to ensure the equal treatment of at social aspects are put on an equal footing withe economic, and environmental and social standardones and to ensure that social standards and social rights in Europe are placed at the centre of the EU’s forthcoming political practiccies and that social convergence is one of the EU’s top political priorities; notes that, consequently, social investment, including investment in human capital, will be needed for the implementation of the EPSR in upcoming funding initiatives and the revision of the multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 158 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on Member States to promote targeted incentives to facilitate a gradual transition to retirement, and at a later age, by inter alia, supporting flexible working- time arrangements and making suitable adjustments to workplaces; believes that, in parallel, Member States should ensure that minimum pensions are high enough to prevent poverty in old age;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to lead the work on a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons to codify the rights of older persons in a single document, with a view to protecting these populations and combating against ageism and discrimination;
Amendment 161 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to present a governance framework to anticipate and manage changes related to the green and digital transitions in the world of work, focusing first on the importance of safeguarding jobaccompanying workers through labour market transformations, especially in the event of job losses, including access to adequate training, and second, on the involvement of social partners in decision- making processes; reiterates its call on the Commission to propose a directive to regulate teleworking conditions across the EU and ensure decent working and employment conditions ;
Amendment 1 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 3
— having regard to Articles 12, 15, 16, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30, 31 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 3 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 7
— having regard to International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No 98 concerning the right to organise and collective bargaining, No 135 concerning protection and facilities to be afforded to workers’ representatives in the undertaking (the Workers’ Representatives Convention) and No 154 concerning the Collective Bargaining Convention,
Amendment 4 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the European Social Partners’ framework agreement on digitalisation,
Amendment 5 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 8 b (new)
Amendment 6 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the European Union (COM(2023) 38 final),
Amendment 19 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital A
A. whereas social partnershipdialogue and collective bargaining between trade unions and representatives of employers at national level and social dialogue atcompany, sectoral, national and EU level are key aspects of the European social model, whose shared legacy of social dialogue, workers’ participation, collective bargaining, employee representation on boards, health and safety representation and tripartite system are the building blocks of a diverse and economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future that will contribute to better and more inclusive EU growth;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas there is a need to expand collective bargaining coverage in particular in SMEs and to the solo self- employed, as defined by national law or practice, who often experience a lack of representation; whereas the Commission guidelines on the application of Union competition law to collective agreements regarding the working conditions of solo self-employed persons provide much needed clarity that certain self-employed people can negotiate collectively to improve their working conditions without breaching EU competition rules;
Amendment 48 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital D
D. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society, in particularfor example when workers’ representatives, including trade unions, are actively involved in businesses’ due diligence processes; whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas workemployee involvement at the appropriate level contributes to sustainable corporate governance; whereas social partners’ voices armust be a key component of EU initiatives to ensure sustainable andility, democratic corporate governance and due diligence on human rights, includingcy and a fair transition, with regard to labour, and on climate change and the environment, as well as EU initiatives to reduce the use of unfair practices, such as labour exploitation and unfair competition in the single market;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital E
E. whereas Principle 8 of the European Pillar of Social Rights states that social partners should be consulted on the design and implementation of economic, employment and social policies, according to national practices; whereas social partners are also encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements on matters relevant to them, while safeguarding their autonomy and the right to collective action; whereas workers or their representatives have the right to be informed and consulted in good time on matters relevant to them, in particular on the transfer, restructuring and merger of undertakings and on collective redundancies; whereas the Porto Social Commitment called on all relevant actors to promote autonomous social dialogue as a structuring component of the European social model and to strengthen it at the European, national, regional, sectoral and company levels, with particular emphasis on ensuring an enabling framework for collective bargaining within the various models that exist across the Member States;
Amendment 59 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital F
F. whereas some Member States are ensuring an enabling framework for social dialogue, while in some other Member States, social dialogue is under pressure for reasons including ineffective consultation procedures, a lack of capacity and strict representational criteria; whereas the EU regulatory landscape in the field of employment law and company law remains excessively fragmented, which could result in a lack of legal certainty on applicable rules and rights for both employers and employee as well as limitations on the social partners’ freedom to autonomously negotiate and find compromises through collective bargaining; whereas the latter can manifest not only through explicit restrictions to social dialogue itself but through other types of legislation that limits the social partners’ room for manoeuvre in autonomous collective bargaining; whereas in accordance with Article 9 of the ESF+ regulation, Member States must ensure meaningful participation of the social partners in the delivery of employment, education and social inclusion policies supported by the ESF+ strand under shared management; whereas all Member States must allocate an appropriate amount of ESF+ resources, and where they have received related country-specific recommendations this shall be at least 0.25%, to capacity building of the social partners, including in the form of training, networking measures, and strengthening of the social dialogue, and to activities jointly undertaken by the social partners;
Amendment 68 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital G
G. whereas collective bargaining refers to all negotiations that take place according to national law and practice in each Member State between an employer, a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations on the one hand, and one or more trade unions on the other, to determine working conditions and terms of employment; whereas a trade union is understood to be a group of workers formed to further and defend workers’ interests, under national law and/or practice; whereas an employers’ organisation is an organisation whose membership consists of individual employers, other associations of employers or both, constituted to further and defend the interests of its members, under national law and/or practice; whereas in line with the Workers’ Representatives Convention, which has been ratified by 24 Member States, workers’ representatives can be persons who are: (i) recognised as such under national law or practice, whether or not they are trade union representatives, namely, representatives designated or elected by trade unions or by members of such unions; or (ii) elected representatives, namely, representatives who are freely elected by the workers of the undertaking in accordance with relevant provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities that are recognised as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned; whereas when both trade union representatives and elected representative exists in the same undertaking, elected representatives should not to be used to undermine the position of the trade unions concerned or their representatives, in particular as regards collective bargaining ,which is the prerogative of the trade union;
Amendment 70 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas in line with the Workers’ Representatives Convention, which has been ratified by 24 Member States, workers’ representatives can be persons who are: (i) recognised as such under national law or practice, whether or not they are trade union representatives, namely, representatives designated or elected by trade unions or by members of such unions; or (ii) elected representatives, namely, representatives who are freely elected by the workers of the undertaking in accordance with provisions of national laws or regulations or of collective agreements and whose functions do not include activities that are recognised as the exclusive prerogative of trade unions in the country concerned; whereas when both trade union representatives and elected representative exists in the same undertaking, elected representatives should not to be used to undermine the position of the trade unions concerned or their representatives and to encourage co-operation on all relevant matters between the elected representatives and the trade unions concerned and their representatives;
Amendment 72 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital H
H. whereas the enabling conditions for a well-functioning social dialogue are: (i) the existence of strong, independent trade unions and technical capacity in employers’ organisations; (ii) technical capacity, (iii) access to relevant information to participate in social dialogue; (iiiv) a commitment from all parties to engage in social dialogue; (iv) respect for the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining; and (vi) appropriate institutional support, (vii) adaptation to the digital age and promotion of collective bargaining in the new world of work; (viii) allowing independent social partners to negotiate and conclude collective agreements autonomously without undue political intervention;
Amendment 81 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital I
I. whereas strong collective bargaining, in particular at sectoral or cross-industry level, contributes to quality jobs; whereas trade unions, workers’ representation and participation and collective bargaining coverage are essential for the enforcement of workers’ rights and can contribute to the proper functioning of companies; whereas action is neededone of the aims of social dialogue is to ensure a balance of bargaining power between employers and trade unions, which can be improved by strengthening democracy at work;
Amendment 88 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital L
L. whereas social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to use to establish fair wages and working conditions; whereas strong collective bargaining systems increase Member States’ resilience in times of economic crisis; whereas societies with strong collective bargaining systems tend to be wealthier and more equal; whereas the right to collective bargaining is an issue that concerns all European workers and that can also have crucial implications for democracy and the rule of law, including respect for fundamental social rights; whereas collective bargaining is a European fundamental right and the EU institutions are bound to respect it by Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU; whereas in this context, policies that respect, promote and strengthen collective bargaining and the position of workers in wage-setting systems play a critical role in achieving bettera high standard of working conditions;
Amendment 98 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Recital O
O. whereas it is necessary for social partners to adapt and expand their outreach in order to connect to workers engaging in for example non- standard forms of work or in new forms of employment suffer from, where such workers often experience a lack of representation; whereas the emergence of new forms of employment marequires a change of approach and mind-set amongst social partners to ensure that they remain open to, and can attract, workers with difficult for trade unions to recruit new memberserent employment contracts and statuses across all sectors such as solo self-employed or labour migrants; whereas it is crucial that this approach ensures inclusion and diversity in social partners’ membership and leadership, recognising that today’s world of work is globalised and intercultural;
Amendment 112 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Welcomes the Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the EU; stresses that social dialogue at national and Union level needs to be further supported and that more efforts are needed to improve collective bargaining coverage and ensure workplaces are well-adapted to changes in the world of work in order to safeguard quality jobs as well as prevent social partners’ membership and organisational density from decreasing; regrets, however, that the proposal does not lay out any sustainable solutions for organising and financing sectoral social dialogue committees; calls on the Commission to maintain its logistical support for sectoral social dialogue committees and to continue supporting and closely monitoring sectoral social dialogue in order to ensure alignment between committees and that social dialogue can make a significant contribution to EU policies;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Stresses in particular the need to support national social partners to build capacity including through supportive measures such as training and provision of expertise and to adapt their activities to the digital age and explore new activities and measures to respond to the green and digital transitions as well as demographic change and new labour market conditions;
Amendment 114 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1 d. Recalls the importance of promoting gender equality and equal opportunities for all, including persons with disabilities and labour migrants in relation to representation as well as horizontally across all policy areas;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that freedom of assembly and association and workers’ rights to organise, to collective union representation and to collectively call for reforms within their workplaces are fundamental aspects of the European project and core principles of the European social model, which have been affirmed and legally upheld by the EU institutionsCommission, the Member States and social partners respectively;
Amendment 125 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that the density of employers’ organisations and trade unions is declining across allmany Member States; warns that the decrease in collective bargaining coverage is not onpartly due to the decline in trade union density, but also toto some extent the lack of representation within employers’ organisation and employers’ lack of involvement and willingness to participate in collective bargainings; suggests that in order to turn this negative trend around and promote collective bargaining, a shift in approach is needed that adapts to the new realities in the world of work and continues to promote a culture of compromise and collaboration but also inclusion and diversity; believes that one way for social partners to remain attractive to new members and thus increase organisational density, is to make sure their outreach is inclusive, socially sustainable and open-minded, including towards groups outside the traditional membership such as the solo self-employed or labour migrants including from third countries;
Amendment 136 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Member States to take note of the fact that both mutual recognition of social partners and the statutory recognition of trade unions and employers’ organisations by the authorities of each Member State are key to a successful collective bargaining framework, provided employers and workers are able to choose freely which organisation(s) will represent them; stresses that such statutory recognition is open and transparent on the basis of objective representativeness criteria established in consultation with employers’ organisations and trade unions;
Amendment 144 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. CRecalls on the Commission and the Member States, along withat Member States’ collective bargaining coverage rates vary significantly owing to a number of factors, including national tradition and practice as well as historical contexts which must be taken into account while striving for progress towards higher collective bargaining coverage; encourages the social partners, to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of 90 % by 2030develop innovative approaches to increase collective bargaining coverage rates, including by extending memberships to all types of workers, including those with different employment contracts and statuses such as the solo self-employed; calls on the Commission and the Member States, to support the efforts of social partners in this regard through removing institutional and legal barriers to well- functioning collective bargaining, with a view to improving living and working conditions in the Union, contributing to upward social convergence, fighting in- work poverty and social exclusion and reducing wage inequality;
Amendment 171 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses the need for the Commission and the Member States to improve the scope and relevance of data collection at Union and national level on social dialogue in particular collective bargaining; calls for comprehensive and comparable data, disaggregated by sector, to include inter alia the rate of solo self- employed covered by collective agreements, the number of collective agreements concerning measures to address the green and digital transitions, skills and labour market shortages and the profile of the workers covered by such agreements;
Amendment 181 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) Action Plan targets that at least 60% of all adults should participate in training annually and that at least 80% of those aged 16-74 should have basic digital skills; stresses the crucial role social partners can play in reaching these targets and addressing skills and labour shortages, particularly in regions most affected by the green and digital transitions; recalls that social partners should be consulted in tripartite discussions on reskilling, upskilling, VET and lifelong learning policies; encourages the social partners to address re- and up- skilling as well as digital skills and literacy through social dialogue on training policies;
Amendment 198 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to strongly enforce the social clause in the existing EU Public Procurement Directive16and to revise the directive in order to further strengthen social clauses inwhich requires Member States to ensure that in the performance ofpublic contracts to requireeconomic operators and subcontractors to fullyrespect workers’right to collective bargaining and to set condicomply with applicable obligations forin the full implementation of the applicable sectoralcollective agreements and to exclude from tenders companies that have been condemned for engaging in criminal activities or union-busting or that have refused to participate in ields of environmental, social and labour law established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or by applicable international environmental, social and labour law provisions includingrespect for theright to organise andcollective bargaining; and calls for this revision to exempt all social and welfare services from procurement obligations and to establish a European exclusion mechanism to excludeon social partners to enhance their efforts in making sure that economic operators are bound bycollective agreements; calls on the Member States to make sure their judicial systems have sufficient capacity to exercise their authority and addressprimary contractors and subcontractors who have repeatedly engaged in unfair competition and tax fraud; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure compliance with and monitoring and enforcement of the Public Procurement Directive; _________________ 16 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65).
Amendment 213 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish the necessary conditions and requirements to have at least 80 % of corporations covered by sustainable corporate governance agreements by 2030, including by establishing strategies agreed on with workers in order to positively influence environmental, social and economic development through governance practices and market presence, improve directors’ accountability as regards integrating sustainability into corporate decision- making and promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability, such as those related to, inter alia, corporate reporting, board remuneration, the maximum wage ratio, board composition and stakeholder involvementMember States to ensure that companies’ respective corporate governance models take due account of environmental, social and economic development through governance practices and market presence and promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability, in a way that does not overthrow the functioning of those respective models and that takes into account the different sizes and sectors of companies;
Amendment 224 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Member States to ratify and implement all ILO core conventions, including particular No 155 concerning Occupational Safety and Health and the Working Environment and No 187 concerning the promotional framework for occupational safety and health, which have both been recently designated as ILO core conventions and which have not yet been ratified by all Member States; calls on the Commission to encourage the Member States to ratify and implement all the ILO core conventions;
Amendment 227 #
2023/2536(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the proper functioning of individual and collective labour dispute settlement systems, as recommended by various ILO conventions and recommendations in accordance with national law and/or practice, including conciliation, mediation and arbitration services with the agreement of both parties, which should have simplified procedures and enough resources available to assist both workers and employers and which should be free of charge and expeditious; calls on the Member States with decentralised labour mediation services to ensure that regional authorities cannot dismantlemaintain those services to guarantee a similar level of protection for all workers and employers within the national territory;
Amendment 22 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that trade and investment are key drivers of sustainable growth, job creation and innovation and that the EU should therefore attempt to maintain its economic openness1 vis-à-vis China when possible, whilst being aware of the possible use of state-owned enterprises for political influence; _________________ 1 Commission communication of 18 February 2021 entitled ‘Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy’ (COM(2021)0066).
Amendment 27 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges that in certain cases, foreign trade with and investment from China can create security vulnerabilities, including with regard to foreign ownership of, control of or access to EU critical infrastructure; stresses the need to build appropriate expertise to ensure that governments are better attuned to China’s changing goals and methods, in order to identify the multiform and often intertwined threats of Chinese foreign policy to the EU's open strategic economy and democracy;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is concerned about the impact of large-scale investments by Chinese companies on the usability of European ports by NATO forces;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s proposed European economic security strategy2 , which aims to maximise the benefits of the EU’s economic openness while minimising the risks resulting from economic interdependencieeconomic security risks; approves of the fact that the strategy explicitly recognises that risks to the physical and cyber security of critical infrastructure are key security vulnerabilities for European economies; _________________ 2 Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020).
Amendment 52 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments3 partly addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from outside the EU; notes that critical infrastructure is among the factors that may be taken into consideration by the Member States or the Commission in determining whether an investment is likely to affect security or public order.welcomes the Commission’s 2023 consultation on the regulation and looks forward to its report to the European Parliament and Council evaluating the functioning and effectiveness thereof, with a view to ensuring that it is fit for purpose in the current global security context; notes that critical infrastructure is among the factors that may be taken into consideration by the Member States or the Commission in determining whether an investment is likely to affect security or public order; highlights, however, the need to reinforce and toughen the existing mechanism, for instance by limiting foreign countries’ capacity to get hold of critical infrastructures or technologies by purchasing them directly; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 59 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that the EU must continuously, and actively, work towards the attainment of its strategic autonomy.
Amendment 56 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas child poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon stemming from household poverty, meaning that low- income families, single-parent families – mostly made up of women and their children – and large families are at greater risk of poverty; whereas this phenomenon requires a multidimensional response, which necessarily includes improving employment and job security, guaranteeing and enforcing rights, increasing income and ensuring universal access to quality public services; whereas any efficient strategy to tackle inequalities amongst children and social exclusion needs to combine universal measures, designed to tackle inequalities amongst children and to foster equal treatment, with targeted measures that pay attention to the specificity of vulnerable groups;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. Whereas, in December 2022, the EPSCO Council adopted the Recommendation on the Revision of the Barcelona targets on Early Childhood Education and Care and proposed to introduce a legal entitlement to early childhood education and care;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2066(INI)
C. whereas childcare and pre-school education may play a significant role in compensating for the socio-economic status of children at risk of poverty and foster the integration of parents, especially mothers, into the labour market; whereas quality and inclusive education can play a significant role in reducing inequalities between children and fighting against social exclusion by fostering strong links between vulnerable parents and school teachers; 1a _________________ 1a See e.g. the case of Hong Kong, where the Education Bureau of the Government released a Curriculum Framework on Parent Education which provided a resource for parents of children in kindergarten and for kindergarten teachers. It was designed to support children’s healthy development and effective learning through four key pillars, one of which was to foster home- school co-operation and communication. (OECD, ‘Improving Early Equity: From Evidence to Action’)
Amendment 174 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. Whereas the economic impact of childhood poverty and socioeconomic disadvantages, as well as their repercussions on working adults, is estimated at an 3.4% of EU countries’ GDP each year 1a and, in addition to the social repercussions thereof, represents a lost potential for tax revenues and state savings in social benefits; _________________ 1aOCDE, ‘The Economic Costs of Childhood Socio-Economic Disadvantage’, Policy Insight, OCDE Papers on Well Being and Inequalities, 2022.
Amendment 197 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to increase public investment in universal policies that have a direct and indirect impact on children’s lives, by guaranteeing high-quality public services (especially care, education, health, housing, cultural and leisure activities), to promote the creation of work with rights based on robust collective bargaining and recruitment with decent and fair wages, to facilitate a work-life balance by, inter alia, reducing working hours and providing for maternity and paternity leave, and to bolster mechanisms for ensuring the participation of children and their families in the development, implementation and monitoring of these policies;
Amendment 210 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that the governments of the Member States are moving away from universal policies and increasingly promoting policies based on the liberalisation of services and instruments whose availability depends on the resources of the beneficiaries; sStresses that universal and long- term policies offer betadequater protection against the multiple causes of poverty and social exclusion, by providing structural responses that can, if necessary, be supplemented by immediate, one-offother support measures;
Amendment 217 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 228 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 257 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to implement legislation that protects or enhances maternity, paternity and parental rights, allowing for a more effective work- life balance that makes it possible for women to return to work after pregnancy and maternity leave, and for breastfeeding; recommends that Member States adopt policies that improve children´s health during early childhood, by strengthening accessible and quality pre-natal and post- natal care with a particular focus on vulnerable expectant mothers;
Amendment 276 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU budgetary authorities to take advantage of the upcoming mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 to strengthen and make better use of ESF+, ERDF, FEAD and Child Guarantee allocations in order to strengthen structural policies and social supportas well as the Recovery and Resilience Fund in order to strengthen coherent and coordinated structural policies for children and families;
Amendment 284 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recommends that the Member States ensure that all children have access to formal and non-formal, public, free, inclusive and quality education at all ages; highlights the potential of non-formal education to help children develop socio- emotional and cognitive skills that are crucial for their well-being;7a 7a stresses the need to secure children’s equal access to quality education in Member State’s official maternal languages, in order to foster equal learning conditions, reduce inequalities and strengthen the country’s identity and cohesion; _________________ 7a European Commission, 2020, ‘Developing Social and Emotional Skills through Non-Formal Learning'; OECD, 2017, ´Social and Emotional Skills: Well- Being, Connectedness and Success’; UNESCO, 2021, ‘Social and Emotional Learning In and Through Education: Taking Stock for Improved Implementation’.
Amendment 292 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses, in view of the difficulties in accessing early childhood care in most Member States, the need forto prioritize investment in early childhood education and ceare servicesly child development, thereby creating or bolstering a public, universal and free response from the very beginning of the education process; calls for the proper implementation of both the European Care Strategy and the European Child Guarantee, which would catalyse political commitment within EU Member States to enhance children’s access to early childhood education and care; suggests the implementation of a mid-term review of the Recommendations based on the monitoring of the Barcelona Targets and the initial objectives;8a _________________ 8a As already suggested by the European Economic and Social Committee, https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/our- work/opinions-information- reports/opinions/european-care-strategy.
Amendment 302 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 313 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the experience of some Member States, which ensure that textbooks and teaching materials, as well as school transport and meals, are provided free of charge; recommends extending this system to all Member States as a means of ensuring equal access to education and as an important means of financial support for the most vulnerable of families; invites Member States to exchange knowledge and best practices and draws attention to the possibility to refocus government attention on a set of agreed priorities and outcome based objectives;
Amendment 315 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Member States to ensure and strengthen smooth cooperation and adequate financial support to dedicated food-aid NGOS, as well as to reinforce the cooperation with relevant structures in the public or private sectors in order to target the economic impacts of the crisis more efficiently and to better support affected families; stresses the need to bring urgent attention to the current food-aid crisis faced by both relevant structures and economically vulnerable families and their children; invites the Member Sates to exchange knowledge and experience on supporting parent´s employment through the EU Mutual Learning Programme;
Amendment 345 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to foster programmes to monitor the prices of energy, transport and other essential goods in order to reducmitigate the impact of the rise in the cost of living on children and their families; recommends that particular attention be paid to families’ current difficulties in accessing essential goods for young children and toddlers;
Amendment 349 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the importance of harmonizing and improving data collection on child well-being in order to inform policymaking at national and EU levels, and to ensure outcome-based objectives;
Amendment 353 #
2023/2066(INI)
12b. Stresses the importance of reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions in accordance with Article 174 of the TFEU in order to offer equal access to quality education, infrastructure and health for all children;
Amendment 362 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Condemns all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect with regard to children; calls on the Member States to strengthen and, where necessary, to develop and implement integrated prevention and protection systems for childrethat enhance child protection with a view to eradicating violence;
Amendment 375 #
2023/2066(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 18 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that an open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitiousfree and fair trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports; reminds, however, that the European Union needs to strike a balance between attracting foreign investments and defending its critical infrastructure, including the integrity of its ports;
Amendment 27 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. expresses its concern about unfair competition from non-EU ports as these are exempted from the application of the Emissions Trading System in European maritime transport;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation of recent or pending EU legislation, including in the field of trade, will requires effective enforcement by the Union and its Member States, as well as investment and training for port operators and authorities;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that in certain cases foreign trade and investment can cause security vulnerabilities, in particular with regard to foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure, including European ports. Notes,in this regard the special nature of some ports, which do not only provide logistical infrastructure but also contribute to the European defence system;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments2 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from third countries, including those concerning European ports; believes that the review of this regulation should look closely into loopholes and access to critical European infrastructure, stemming from the fragmented use and implementation of screening mechanisms across Member States, as well as how the regulation can be strengthened to serve its purpose; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 64 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises the considerable role that the Global Gateway could play in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities; stresses in this context that this strategy must also contribute to the strengthening of the partner countries, and in particular of their independence in terms of critical strategic infrastructure to prevent them falling under the control of foreign investors with ambiguous goals.
Amendment 76 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Underlines that trade relations must be based on the principle of full reciprocity, in order to ensure and consolidate a level playing field between economic operators based in the EU and those in third countries.
Amendment 79 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Stresses that differences in customs procedures' policies at the EU's points of entry into the Customs Union often result in distortion of trade flows and put at risk the integrity of the European single market.
Amendment 80 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Insists that the Commission ensure that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity.
Amendment 133 #
2023/0323(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)
(9a) ‘seasonal products’ means any product whose demand increases significantly at certain times or seasons of the year;
Amendment 135 #
2023/0323(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)
(9b) ‘low-rotation products’ means any product characterised by being held by the seller, from supply to final retail sale, for an average period of more than 60 days.
Amendment 145 #
2023/0323(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. In commercial transactions, the payment period shall not exceed 30 calendar days, from the date of the receipt of the invoice or an equivalent request for payment by the debtor, provided that the debtor has received the goods or services. This period shall apply both to the transactions between undertakings and between public authorities and undertakings. The same payment period shall also apply to the supply of non- perishable agricultural and food products on a regular and non-regular basis as referred to in Articles 3(1)(a), point (i), second indent and 3(1)(a), point (ii), second indent of Directive (EU) 2019/633, unless Member States provide for a shorter payment period for such products. Member States may provide for a longer payment period, up to 90 days, in case of non-food products that are considered to be low- rotation products or seasonal products.
Amendment 72 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The European Union is founded on the values of human dignity, freedom, and respect of human rights and committed to combating discrimination, including on the grounds of disability, as set out in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the ‘Charter’) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Amendment 76 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Every citizen of the Union has the fundamental right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and by the measures adopted to give effect to them. Article 18 of the UNCRPD also recognises the rights of persons with disabilities to liberty of movement and to freedom to choose their residence, on an equal basis with others.
Amendment 78 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Union is a Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)39 , and is bound by its provisions which are an integral part of the Union legal order to the extent of its competences. All the Member States are Parties to the UNCRPD and are bound by it also to the extent of their competences. _________________ While the Union and all its Member States are bound by the UNCRPD there are significant differences in its implementation3a. There is a need to progress on equality for persons with disabilities both for the Union itself as well as in all Member States, for example through investments in infrastruture, capacity buidiling, training and awareness raising campaigns. The Union and all Member States should further ratify the Optional Protocol of the UNCRPD. _________________ 3a https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/ implementing-un-convention-rights- persons-disabilities-human-rights- indicators 39 Council Decision 2010/48/EC of 26 November 2009 concerning the conclusion, by the European Community, of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, OJ L 23, 27.1.2010, p. 35.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The purpose of the UNCRPD is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect of their inherent dignity, thus ensuring their full and effective participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with others. The UNCRPD also recognises the importance of the need to take appropriate measures to ensure equality of opportunity and universal accessibility tofor persons with disabilities.
Amendment 85 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The UNCRPD recognises that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and that State Parties should take measures to ensure their full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, to which the European Union is a party, shall also guide the establishment of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities.
Amendment 103 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) Impediments to the fundamental right of free movement is exacerbated for women and girls with disabilities who are confronted with intersectional discrimination in all areas of life, not least in education and employment. For example, 20 % of women with disabilities are in full-time employment, compared to 29% of men with disabilities and 48% of women without disabilities. 22% of women with disabilities are at risk of poverty, compared to 20% of men with disabilities and 16% of women without disabilities. 17% of women with disabilities graduate tertiary education, compared to 18% of men with disabilities and 32% of women without disabilities. 11% of women with disabilities have unmet needs for medical examination, compared to 10% of men with disabilities and 3% of women without disabilities.47a The difference is particularly noticeable in rural areas where access to services and opportunities in general is much more limited compared to urban areas. Therefore the European Disability Card must have a clearer gender equality perspective and contribute to improving the free movement especially for women and girls with disabilities, for example when they move to another Member State for work or study and are reassessed by the new Member State. It is crucial that the vulnerable situation for women and girls with disabilities is not exacerbated further but rather, that they are encouraged to exercise their freedom of movement and protected when they do in order to ensure their free movement and economic independence. _________________ 47a Intersecting inequalities in the European Union in the 2023 Gender Equality Index https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality- index/2022/domain/intersecting- inequalities/disability/work
Amendment 110 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Alongside physical and othervarious visible and invisible barriers in accessing both public and private spaces, high expenses are a key factor discouraging many persons with disabilities from travel48 , because they have specific needs and may also require person(s) accompanying or assisting them including those recognised as personal assistant(s) in accordance with national legislation or practices, making their travel costs higher than for persons without disabilities49 . Furthermore, the widespread lack of knowledge of psychosocial, cognitive, physical or sensorial accessibility policies can pave the way to discriminatory behaviour. The lack of recognition of disability status in other Member States might limit their access to special conditions, such as free access or reduced tariffs, or preferential treatment and has an impact on their travel costs, lives and choices. _________________ 48 Findings from Final Report based on Survey targeted at EU-level CSOs; Shaw and Coles, ‘Disability, holiday making and the tourism industry in the UK: a preliminary survey’, 25(3) Tourism Management (2004) 397-403; Eugénia Lima Devile and Andreia Antunes Moura (2021), Travel by People With Physical Disabilities: Constraints and Influences in the Decision-Making Process. 49 McKercher and Darcy (2018), Re- conceptualizing barriers to travel by people with disabilities, Tourism Management Perspectives, 59-66. [More for Explanatory Memorandum?]
Amendment 138 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24 a) Personal assistants assist the person with disabilities or carry out activities of daily living if need be in the framework of a contractual relationship, and they do so with the objective of encouraging personal autonomy, facilitating community life and promoting independent living
Amendment 141 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) Experience shows that when presenting a European Disability Card or similar national recgnition of disability, due to a lack of awareness, misunderstandings or communication barriers persons with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities, do not always receive the most relevant support and accomodation for their disability. Member States should therefore provide the option to persons with disabilities, when applying for the card to the relevant authorities, to choose to display relevant symbol(s) on the card in order to indicate their assistance requirements.
Amendment 160 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In order to raise awareness and facilitate access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities, while travelling to or visiting another Member State, all relevant information with respect to the conditions, rules, practices, and procedures applicable to obtain the European Disability Card and/or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and its subsequent use should be made publicly available by Member States in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly manner and accessible formats for persons with disabilities , including in digital formats, national sign languages and easy to read format, and upon request in assistive formats requested by persons with disabilities respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882. Private operators or public authorities granting special conditions or preferential treatment to persons with disabilities should make such information publicly available in a clear, comprehensive, user- friendly manner and accessible formats, for persons with disabilities, respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31 a (new)
Recital 31 a (new)
(31 a) In order to increase the number of service providers who offer special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities, Member States should support and encourage private operators and public authorities through relevant measures including through providing information and exchanges of best practice on the different types of special conditions or preferential treatment which could be offered as well as the provision of training on disability mainstreaming and disability awareness to ensure the special conditions or preferential treatment offered is done so in an inclusive and accessible way. For example such training could address the accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities, requirements of persons with different disabilities concerning communication, respectful and safe management of equipment, use of assistive augmentative communication (AAC) and how to provide and publicise any offer of special conditions or preferential treatments in an accessibly visible way. Member States should ensure all such measures are carried out in partnership with persons with disabilities and their representative organisation to ensure they are inclusive and effectives.
Amendment 168 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Member States should take all the necessary steps to avoid any risk of forgery or fraud when issuing the European Disability Card or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and should actively combat fraudulent use and forgery of these cards. Member States should ensure that any measures taken to combat forgery or fraud ensure due regard and consideration to the rights of persons with disabilities and should not result in any interference with their legitimate interests in using either card or lead in any way to their stigmatisation. Member States should assess the impact of any measures on persons with disabilities and consult them and their representative organisations in the measures’ design and implementation.
Amendment 175 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Member States should ensure that adequate and effective means exist to ensure compliance with this Directive and should therefore establish appropriate remedies, including checks on compliance and administrative and judicial procedures, to guarantee that persons with disabilities, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), as well as public bodies such as equality bodies or private associations, organisations in particular representative organisations of persons with disabilities or other legal entities which have a legitimate interest may take action on behalf of a person with disabilities under national law. Persons with disabilities should further have a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in case of infringements of their rights arising from this Directive. Member States should ensure these provisions comply with the principle of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in their design and implementation in line with the UNCRPD.
Amendment 187 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the rules governing the issuance of the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities as proof respectively of a disability status or of a right to parking conditions and facilities reserved for persons with disabilities, in view of promoting equal rights and freedom of movement for persons with disabilities and facilitating short stays of persons with disabilities in a Member State other than that of which they are a resident, by granting them access to any special conditions or preferential treatment with respect to services, activities or facilities, including when provided not for remuneration, or parking conditions and facilities offered to or reserved for persons with disabilities or person(s) accompanying or assisting them including their personal assistant(s);
Amendment 214 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 4
4. This Directive does not impinge on national competences to grant or require to grant special benefits or specific, preferential conditions, such as free access, reduced tariffs, or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities and, where provided, for person(s) accompanying or assisting them including their personal assistant(s), guide dogs or assistance animals.
Amendment 217 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 5
Article 2 – paragraph 5
5. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the rights that persons with disabilities or, person(s) accompanying or assisting them, including their personal assistant(s), or guide dogs and assistance animals may derive from other provisions of Union law or national law implementing Union law, including those granting specific benefits, special conditions, or preferential treatment.
Amendment 229 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) “special conditions or preferential treatment” means specific conditions, including those related to financial conditions, or differentiated treatment related to assistance and support such as free access, reduced tariffs, priority access, offered to persons with disabilities and/or, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), guide dogs or assistance animals recognised in accordance with the national legislation or practices as such, irrespective whether provided on a voluntary basis or imposed by legal obligations;
Amendment 234 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) “Reasonable accommodation” means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rights provided under this Directive;
Amendment 244 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) Union citizens and residents and family members of Union citizens and residents whose disability status is recognised by the competent authorities in the Member State of their residence by means of a certificate, a card or any other formal document issued in accordance with national competences, practices, and procedures, as well as, when applicable, to person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), as well as guide dogs or assistance animals.
Amendment 261 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States shall take the necessary measures to recognise holders of a European Disability Card as persons protected against discrimination on the grounds of disability, and as such, as persons with the right to have access to the available resources and assistance in cases of rights violations and the absence of real and effective equal treatment.
Amendment 264 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) when special conditions or preferential treatment referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article include favourable conditions for person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s) or specific conditions for assistance animals, these favourable or specific conditions are granted on equal terms and conditions to the person(s) accompanying or assisting them, including personal assistant(s) or guide dogs or assistance animals of the holder of a European Disability Card;
Amendment 277 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall introduce the European Disability Card following the common standardised and universally accessible format set out in Annex I. Member States shall introduce digital features in physical cards using electronic means addressing fraud- prevention as part of the European Disability Card, as soon as the requirements concerning the digital features referred to in Annex I, are laid down by the Commission in the technical specifications referred to in Article 8. The digital storage medium shall not contain more personal data than the data provided for the European Disability Card in Annex I.
Amendment 281 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. European Disability Cards issued by Member States shall be issues and renewed for free, be mutually recognised in all Member States and be compatible with national certificates or cards.
Amendment 292 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. The European Disability Card shall be issued or renewed by the Member State of residence directly or upon application by the person with disabilities. It shall be issued and renewed within the same period set in the applicable national legislation for issuing disability certificates, disability cards or any other formal document recognising the disability status of a person with disabilities. In case of a change in the country of residence, the card renewal period may be extended from 6 to 8 months.
Amendment 304 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. The validity of the European Disability Card issued by a Member State shall be at least for the same duration as that of the disability certificate, disability card or any other formal document with the longest duration recognising their disability status issued to the person concerned by the competent authority of the Member State in its territory. In case of a change in the country of residence, the card renewal period may be extended from 6 to 8 months.
Amendment 342 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall establish a publicly available Union database that contains relevant information related to the applicable parking conditions and facilities as defined at local, regional, or national level in each Member State. The database shall be available in all EU languages and the national sign languages of Member States as well as in accessible formats. Member States shall ensure public authorities upload this information to the database and update it where necessary.
Amendment 354 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall make the conditions and rules, practices, and procedures to issue, renew or withdraw a European Disability Card and a European Parking Card for persons with disabilities publicly available in accessible formats, including in digital formats, national sign languages, Braille, and easy to read format, audio version and upon request in other alternative assistive formats requested by persons with disabilities.
Amendment 388 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Representative organizations of persons with disabilities shall participate in the entire development, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation process.
Amendment 417 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that private operators or public authorities make information on any special conditions or preferential treatment pursuant to Article 5 publicly available in accessible formats clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way and in accessible formats. Member States shall establish a single dedicated website collating the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by their public authorities. Member States may also facilitate information concerning the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by private operators on the website where available. The website shall be in the official language(s) of the Member States, national sign language and English as well as any other relevant language(s) as determined by the Member State.
Amendment 421 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall support and encourage private operators or public authorities to voluntarily provide special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities in as wide a range of services, other activities and facilities as possible. In particular Member States shall support and encourage private operators and public authorities through, inter alia, the provision of information and exchange of best practices on possible special conditions or preferential treatment to be offered and the provision of disability- mainstreaming and awareness training so as to ensure the relevance, effectiveness and inclusivity of any special conditions or preferential treatment offered. Member States shall ensure all such measures are carried out in partnership with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
Amendment 425 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The information referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be made available free of charge in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way, including through the private operators or public authorities’ official website where available, or by other suitable means, in accordance with the relevant accessibility requirements for services set in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882 without exceeding a level of complexity superior to level B1 (intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, including in the national sign language(s).
Amendment 432 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. The report shall address, inter alia, in the light of social, economic and other relevant developments the use of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities with a view to assessing the need to review this Directive. The report shall include a gender equality analysis of how the provisions of this Directive have impacted the free movement of women and girls with disabilities. The report shall also evaluate the effectiveness of the incentivizing measures provided by Member States to service providers.
Amendment 451 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 2
Annex I – paragraph 2
BACK SIDE National information in the national language or national languages to be decided by the issuing Member State. Member States shall provide the option to persons with disabilities, when applying for the card to the relevant authorities, to display relevant symbol(s) on the card in order to indicate their required reasonable accommodation.
Amendment 80 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Children are a particularly vulnerable group. It is essential to ensure a high level of safety of children when playing with toys. Children should be adequately protected from possible risks stemming from toys, in particularcluding from the chemical substances that toys may contain. At the same time, compliant toys should be able to move freely across the internal market without additional requirements.
Amendment 88 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) To ensure adequate protection of children and other persons, this Regulation should apply to all forms of supply of toys, including distance sales as referred to in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council29 . _________________ 29 Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011 (OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 90 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Essential safety requirements for toys should ensure protection from all relevant health and safety hazards posed by toys, for children whether they are the users or a third partiesy. Particular safety requirements should cover the physical and mechanical properties, flammability, chemical properties, electrical properties, hygiene and radioactivity to ensure that the safety of children is adequately protected against those specific hazards. Since it is possible that toys which present hazards that are not covered by a particular safety requirement might exist or be developed, it is necessary to maintain a general requirement of safety to ensure protection of children in respect of such toys. The safety of toys should be determined by reference to the intended use, while taking into account also the foreseeable use, and bearing in mind the behaviour of children, who do not generally show the same degree of care as the average adult user. Together, the general safety requirement and the particular safety requirements should form the essential safety requirements for toys.
Amendment 99 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Relying on digital technologies has led to new hazards in toys. Radio toys are to comply with essential requirements for the protection of privacy and internet- connected toys are to incorporate safeguards towards cybersecurity and protection from fraud in accordance with Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council30 . Toys which include artificial intelligence are to comply with Regulation (EU) …/…[P.O. insert serial number for Regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence]31 . Therefore, particular safety requirements regarding cybersecurity, protection of personal data and privacy or other hazards stemming from the incorporation of artificial intelligence in toys should not be set out. However, protecting the health of children should not merely ensure the absence of disease or infirmity and relying on digital technologies may pose risks to children which go beyond their physical health. To ensure that children are protected from any risk coming from the use of digital technologies and artificial inteligence in toys, the general safety requirement should ensure the psychological and mental health, as well as the well-being and cognitive development, of children. _________________ 30 Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC (OJ L 153, 22.5.2014, p. 62). 31 PO: Please insert in the text the number of the Regulation and insert the number, date, title and OJ reference of that Regulation in the footnote.
Amendment 105 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Toys should comply with physical and mechanical requirements that prevent children from getting physically injured when playing with toys and should not pose a risk of choking or suffocation to children. In order to protect children from the risk of impaired hearing, maximum values should be set out taking into account the scientific studies and medical experts recomendations for both impulse noise and continuous noise emitted by toys intended to emit sounds. Toys or their parts and their packaging which can be reasonably expected to be brought into contact with food or to transfer their constituents to food under normal or foreseeable conditions of use are subject to Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council32 . In addition, it is appropriate to lay down specific safety requirements to cover the potential specific hazard presented by toys in food, since the association of a toy and food could cause a risk of choking which is distinct from the risks presented by the toy alone and which is, therefore, not covered by any specific measure at Union level. Toys should also ensure sufficient protection as regards flammability or electric properties, in particular to prevent burns or electric shocks. Moreover, toys should meet certain hygiene standards to avoid microbiological risks or other risks of infection or contamination. _________________ 32 Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC (OJ L 338, 13.11.2004, p. 4).
Amendment 140 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 67 a (new)
Recital 67 a (new)
(67 a) Data on injuries are scarce and unevenly collected across the EU, making it hard to assess the effect of the toy safety regulatory framework on the protection of childrens’ health and safety. A Pan- European data base would allow for proper monitoring of the impact and effectiveness of EU safety rules. Injury related data could also bring relevant information to the manufacturers, standardisers and future decision makers on design, safety features and other elements needed to imporve the safety of toys. When setting up such data base the Commission should closely cooperate with the experts in the field and draw inspiration from similar data bases that are already existing and helping the industry in third countries.
Amendment 147 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation lays down rules on the safety of toys, ensuring a high level of protection of health and safety of children and other persons, and on the free movement of toys in the Unioe objective of this Regulation is to improve the functionning of the internal market while providing for a high level of consumer protection and ahigh level of protection of health and safety of children.
Amendment 150 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new)
This Regulation lays down rules on the safety of toys and on the free movement of toys in the Union, contributing to strenghtening of the Single Market.
Amendment 153 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
For the purposes of this Regulation, a product shall be considered to be intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age, or by children of any other specific age group below 14 years, where a parent or supervisor can reasonably assume, by virtue of the functions, dimensions and characteristics of that product, that it is intended for use in play by children of the relevantvarious age groups.
Amendment 155 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt implementing acts determining whether or not specific products or categories of products fulfil the criteria set out in paragraph 1 of this Article and therefore can or cannot be considered toys within the meaning of this Regulation. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 50(2).
Amendment 166 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
(12 a) 'intended for the use by' means that the economic operator manufactured that product with a specific intention explicitly mentioned in the instructions of the product or in any other documents of that product;
Amendment 167 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 b (new)
(12 b) 'reasonably forseable' means that an average consumer whether parent or supervisor, shall reasonably be able to assume by the virtue of the functions, dimensions and characteristics of a product that it is intended for the use by children of various ages;
Amendment 174 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29
(29) ‘functional toy’ means a toy which performs and is used in the same way as a product, appliance or installation intended for use by adults, and which may be a scale model of such product, appliance or installation, if that toy brings similar level of risk for children as the real model produces for adults;
Amendment 176 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 33
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 33
(33) ‘olfactory board game’ means a toy the purpose of which is to assist a child to learn to recognise or combine different odours or flavours;
Amendment 177 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 34
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 34
(34) ‘cosmetic kit’ means a toy the purpose of which is to assist a child to learn to make cosmetic products such as fragrances, soaps, creams, shampoos, conditioners, bath foams, tooth pastes as well as glosses, lipsticks and other make- up or to use them on dolls and action figures or on their own body;
Amendment 178 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 35
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 35
(35) ‘gustative game’ means a toy the purpose of which is to allow children to make sweets or dishes through the use of food ingredients, including liquids, powders and aromas without using any heat source;
Amendment 182 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
At trade fairs, exhibitions and demonstrations or similar events, Member States shall not prevent the display of a toy which does not comply with this Regulation, provided that a visible sign, either on the packaging or on the exhibition stand, that clearly indicates that the toy does not comply with this Regulation and will not be available on the market until it has been brought into conformity.
Amendment 185 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Toys shall not present a risk to the safety or health of users or third parties, including the psychological and mental health, well- being and cognitive development of childrenchildren, whether they are the users or the third party, when they are used as intended or in a foreseeable way, also bearing in mind the behaviour of childrenpsychological and mental health, the cognitive development and the behaviour of children in specific age groups.
Amendment 189 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
When assessing the risk referred to in the first subparagraph, the ability of the intended group of users and, where appropriate, their supervisors shall be taken into account. Where a toy is intended for use by children under 36 months or by another specified age groups, the ability of users in that specific age group shall be taken into account.
Amendment 191 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Where necessary to ensure their safe use, toys shall bear a general warning specifying appropriate user limitations. The user limitations shall include at least the minimum or maximum age of the user and, where appropriate, the required abilities of the user, the maximum or minimum weight of the user and the need to ensure that the toy is used only under adult supervision.
Amendment 193 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The manufacturer shall mark warnings in a clearly visible, easily legible and understandable and accurate manner on the toy, on an affixed label or on the packaging and, if appropriate, on the instructions for use which accompany the toy. Small tToys which are sold without packaging shall have appropriate warnings affixed to them, if the surface of the toy allows, if not, the warnings should be placed on the label.
Amendment 200 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Warnings that might determine the decision to purchase a toy shall be clearly visible to the consumer before the purchase, including in cases where the purchase is made through distance sales. Warnings shall be of sufficient size to ensure their visibility.
Amendment 201 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Labels and instructions for use shall draw the attention of children or their supervisors to the inherent hazards and risks to the health and safety of children involved in using the toysconsidering the age group of children for which the toys are intended, and to the ways of avoiding such hazards and risks.
Amendment 224 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. An authorised representative shall perform the tasks specified in the mandate received from the manufacturer and shall provide a copy of the mandate to the market surveillance authorities upon their request. The mandate shall allowempower the authorised representative to doperform at least the following tasks:
Amendment 231 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) cooperate with the competent national authorities, at their request, on any action taken to eliminate in an efective manner the risks posed by toys covered by the written mandate.
Amendment 238 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. When an appointed authorised representative ends its mandate it shall inform the market surveillance authority and shall provide the information regarding the name of the company they represented, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal and electronic address at which the manufacturer can be contacted.
Amendment 245 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Importers shall indicate their name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal and electronic address at which they can be contacted, on the toy or, where that is not possible, on its packagingpackaging of the toy or in a document accompanying the toy.
Amendment 249 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Where the importer suspends its activity for various reasons it will notify the market surveillance authorities and makes available to those authorities all the technical documentations referred to in Article 23.
Amendment 282 #
Amendment 283 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Before placing a toy on the market, manufacturers shall create a digital product passport for that toy. The digital product passport shall meet the requirements laid down in this Article and Article 18.
Amendment 290 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) be accessible to consumers or other end-users, market surveillance authorities, customs authorities, notified bodies, the Commission and other economic operators in accordance with the Directive (EU) 2016/943;
Amendment 304 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
The Commission shall adopt implementingdelegated acts determining the specific and technical requirements related to the product passport for toys. Those requirements shall cover in particular the following:
Amendment 305 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Amendment 308 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 2
Those implementingdelegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 50(3).
Amendment 310 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – title
Article 18 – title
Technical design and operation of the digital product passport
Amendment 312 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. Consumers or other end-users, economic operators and other relevant actors shall have access to the product passport, in accordance with the Union legislation, free of charge.
Amendment 317 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. The data included in the product passport shall be stored by the economic operator responsible for its creation or by operators authorised to act on their behalf or by competent authorities.
Amendment 324 #
Amendment 326 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – title
Article 20 – title
Customs controls relating to the digital product passport
Amendment 336 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 22 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) where one or more of the harmonised standards referred to in point (a) has been published with a restriction that is relevant for the toy to be examined ;
Amendment 343 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4
Article 26 – paragraph 4
4. A notifying authority shall not offer or provide any activities that conformity assessment bodies perform, nor shall they offer or provide consultancy services on a commercial or competitive basis, however the notifying authority shall provide information to the economic operators about the procedures for the assessment and the conformity assessment bodies if so requested.
Amendment 344 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 6
Article 26 – paragraph 6
6. A notifying authority shall have a sufficient number of competent personnel and adequate resources at their disposal for the properefficient performance of their tasks.
Amendment 345 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
A conformity assessment body shall have the meanresources necessary to perform the technical and administrative tasks connected with the conformity assessment activities in an appropriate manner and shall have access to all necessary equipment or facilities.
Amendment 346 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 28 – paragraph 7 – point b
(b) satisfactoryvery good knowledge of the requirements of the assessments they carry out and adequate authority to carry out those assessments;
Amendment 347 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 7 – point c
Article 28 – paragraph 7 – point c
(c) appropriatevery good knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in this Regulation, of the applicable harmonised standards referred to in Article 13 of this Regulation and the common specifications referred to in Article 14 of this Regulation;
Amendment 348 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 10
Article 28 – paragraph 10
10. The personnel of a conformity assessment body shall observerespect professional secrecy with regard to all information obtained in carrying out their tasks under Annex IV, except in relation to the competent authorities of the Member State in which its activities are carried out or to the competent authorities of the European Union. Intellectual property rights shall be protected.
Amendment 350 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1
Article 31 – paragraph 1
1. A conformity assessment body shall submit an application for notification under this Regulation to the notifying authority of the Member State in which it is established or in any other Member State where he wants to perform his activity.
Amendment 353 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 41 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Where the market surveillance authorities of one Member State have sufficient reason to believe that a toy covered by this Regulation presents a risk to the health or safety of personschildren, they shall carry out an evaluation in relation to the toy concerned covering all the requirements laid down in this Regulation. TUpon dully motivated request from the market surveillance authorities the relevant economic operators shall cooperate, as necessary, with the market surveillance authorities for that purpose.
Amendment 355 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 41 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
The market surveillance authorities shall inform the Commission and the other Member States, without delay, of those measures. Based on the information of the Member State who took the provisional measures to prohibit or restrict the toy, other Member States may decide to take appropriate provisional measures.
Amendment 369 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 a (new)
Article 45 a (new)
Article45a Pan -European Injury Database 1. A Pan-European Injury Database covering all types of injuries caused by toys shall be set up and coordinated by the European Commission. 2. The relevant market surveillance authorities established by the Member States shall contribute to the establishment of the database and deliver injury data to the database, based on a common methodology, comprehensive and in accordance with European and national laws on data protection. 3. The Commission shall support the co- ordination of the collection of data from Member States and the operation of the database.
Amendment 413 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Part I – point 9
Annex II – Part I – point 9
9. Toys that are intended to emit sounds shall be designed and manufactured in such a way, in terms of the maximum values for impulse noise and continuous noise, that the sound from them is not able to impair children’s hearing. The limit values shall be set through a delegated act considering age cathegories after consultations with medical experts.
Amendment 422 #
2023/0290(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – Part III – point 7 – point c
Annex II – Part III – point 7 – point c
(c) toy components necessary for electronic or electric functions of the toy where the substance or mixture is fully inaccessible to children, including by inhalation.
Amendment 76 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), which initially consisted of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/9719 , Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 of 7 July 199720 and the Resolution of the European Council of 17 June 1997 on the Stability and Growth Pact21 , is based on the objective of sound and sustainable government finances as a means of strengthening the conditions for price stability and for strong sustainable growth conducive to employment creation underpinned by financial stability, thereby supporting the achievement of the Union’s objectives for sustainable and inclusive growth and employmentiming at full employment and social progress. __________________ 19 Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1). 20 Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 of 7 July 1997 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 6). 21 Resolution of the European Council on the Stability and Growth Pact Amsterdam, 17 June 1997 (OJ C 236, 2.8.1997, p. 1).
Amendment 79 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted to better take into account the growing heterogeneity of fiscal positions, public debt challenges and other vulnerabilities across Member States. The strong policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic proved highly effective in mitigating the economic and social damage of the crisis, but the crisis resulted in a significant increase in public- and private-sector debt ratios, underscoring the importance of reducing debt ratios to prudent levels in a gradual, sustained and growth-friendly manner and addressing macroeconomic imbalances, while paying due attention to employment and social objectives. At the same time, the economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted to help address the medium- and long-term challenges facing the Union including achieving a fair digital and green transition, including the Climate Law22 , ensuring energy security, open strategic autonomy, addressing demographic change, strengthening social and economic resilience and implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and the strategic compass for security and defence, all of which requires reforms and sustained high levels of investment in the years to come. __________________ 22 The European Climate Law sets a Union-wide climate neutrality objective by 2050 and requires Union institutions and Member States to progress in enhancing adaptive capacity, requiring significant public investment to reduce the negative socio-economic impacts of climate change on the EU and its Member States, including negative impacts on growth and fiscal sustainability.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) National medium-term fiscal- structural plans should bring together the fiscal, structural reforms and investment commitments of each Member State and these plans should be the cornerstone of the economic and social governance framework of the Union. Each Member State should present a medium-term plan that sets out its fiscal trajectory as well as priority public investment and reform commitments that together ensure sustained and gradual debt reduction and sustainable and inclusive growth, avoiding a pro-cyclical fiscal policy, as well as broader reform and investment commitments, including in relation to the green and digital transitions, social and economic resilience and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 20301a. During the lifetime of the Recovery and Resilience Facility25 , commitments undertaken in the national Recovery and Resilience Plans should be duly taken into account. __________________ 1a COM(2021) 102 final 25 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 83 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Cohesion policy funds are also synchronised with the European Semester process. As the long-term investment policy of the EU budget strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, cohesion policy investments and reforms should also be duly taken into account in the drawing of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans. Each Member State should also explain how its national medium-term fiscal-structural plan will ensure consistency with the expenditure on EU programmes fully matched by EU funds revenue and the relevant national co- financing.
Amendment 88 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the implementation of the medium-term fiscal- structural plans, the Commission and the Council should monitor the reform and investment commitments made in these plans under the European Semester, based on the annual progress reports submitted by the Member States, and in accordance with the provisions of Articles 121 and 148 TFEU. To that effect, they should engage in a European Semester dialogue withclosely involving the European Parliament.
Amendment 90 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To ensure a more gradual debt reduction, the adjustment period can be extended by a maximum of 3 years if the Member State underpins its medium-term fiscal-structural plan with a set of verifiable and time-bound reforms and investment that, taken altogether: are growth-enhancingenhance sustainable and inclusive growth, support fiscal sustainability, address the common priorities of the Union, address relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to the Member State under the European Semester, and address the country-specific investment priorities without leading to cuts in other nationally financed public investment over the adjustment period in order to ensure a macroeconomic impact of investments and avoid crowding out of other investment priorities.
Amendment 92 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29 a) In order to promote upward social convergence, the multilateral surveillance procedure set out in Article 148(4) TFEU is complemented with an early warning system within the European Semester, whereby the Commission pursuant to Article 148 TFEU alerts a Member State at an early stage about the need to take the necessary corrective measures to prevent a social imbalance. To detect, prevent and address a social imbalance, the Commission draws on situations identified as critical in the Social Scoreboard, and on clear deviations from the trajectory of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030.
Amendment 102 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
In order to ensure closer coordination of economic and employment policies and sustaineable upward convergence of the economic and social performance of the Member States as well as the implementation of the Union's common priorities, the Council and the Commission shall conduct multilateral surveillance within the European Semester in accordance with the objectives and requirements set out in the TFEU. Multilateral surveillance shall rely on high quality and independent statistics, produced in accordance with the principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 108 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the formulation, and the surveillance of the implementation, of the employment guidelines that are to be taken into account by Member States in accordance with Article 148(2) TFEU, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Social Scoreboard and its headline and secondary indicators, and of the related country-specific recommendations;
Amendment 111 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) a early warning system for social imbalances, pursuant to Article 148 TFEU;
Amendment 126 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) explain how it will ensure the delivery of investment and reforms responding to the main challenges identified within the European Semester, in the country-specific recommendations, correct the identified macroeconomic imbalances under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure if applicable, correct the identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances if applicable, and address the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI of this Regulation, including the European Green Deal, European Pillar of Social Rights and the Digital Decade while being consistent with the updated National Energy and Climate Plans and the National Digital Decade Roadmaps;
Amendment 141 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The annual progress report referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain in particular information about the progress in the implementation of the net expenditure path, the implementation of broader reform and investment commitments in the European Semester context and the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI and, if applicable, in the implementation of the set of reform and investment commitments underpinning an extension of the adjustment period.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
The European Parliament shall be duly involved in the European Semester in order to increase the transparency and ownership of, and the accountability for the decisions taken, in particular by means of an economic dialogueand employment dialogue as well as for setting macroeconomic and social policy priorities. The Economic and Financial Committee, the Economic Policy Committee, the Employment Committee and, the Social Protection Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions shall be consulted within the framework of the European Semester where appropriate. Relevant stakeholders, in particular the social partners and civil society organisations, shall be involved within the framework of the European Semester, on the main policy issues where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the TFEU and national legal and political arrangements.
Amendment 144 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
In order to enhance the dialogue between the institutions of the Union, in particular the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, and to ensure transparency and accountability, the European Parliament may invite the President of the Council, the Commission and, where appropriate, the President of the European Council or the President of the Eurogroup to appear before it to discuss the policy guidance to Member States issued by the Commission, conclusions drawn by the European Council and the results of multilateral surveillance carried out under this Regulation, including early warning systems established pursuant to Articles 121(4) and 148 TFEU.
Amendment 149 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point j
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) Total public investment expenditure, as well as reforms and public investment expenditure addressing each of the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI.
Amendment 150 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point l
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point l
(l) A quantification, as much as possible, of the expected impacts of reforms and investment referred to under point (k) on fiscal sustainability, growthsustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness and employment, where applicable in line with commonly agreed methodologies.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) If applicable, reforms and investments to correct the identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances.
Amendment 152 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) Information on labour market, skills and social policy developments, and on the implementation of policy measures taken that foster upward social convergence among Member States towards better working and living conditions, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Employment Guidelines under Article 148 TFEU. That includes the expected impact of measures, in relation to progress on the national targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030, and if applicable the expected impact of measures to correct identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances.
Amendment 155 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) Information on the consultations of social partners, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in view of the preparation of the report.
Amendment 66 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) For some raw materials, the Union is almost fully dependent on a single country for its supply. Such dependencies entailcontribute to tensions and create a high risk of supply disruption of supply chains. To limit such potential risk and increase the Union’s economic resilience, efforts should be undertaken to ensure that, by 2030, it is not dependent on a single third country for more than 65% of its supply of any strategic raw material, unprocessed and at any stage of processing, giving however special consideration to countries with whom the Union has established a Strategic Partnership on raw materials giving rise to greater assurances regarding supply risks. To this end, priority should be given to concluding strategic partnerships with countries with which the Union shares democratic and human rights values, as well as environmental and social standards. Similarly, in order to fight against price volatility, promote imports and help third countries, partnerships should encourage the use of the Euro, rather than any other currency, when importing these critical raw materials.
Amendment 70 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The recycling and reincorporation of waste and scraps plays a central role in the affirmation of the European autonomy. That is why it is important that the Union limits the shipment of its waste to third countries and therefore lose these materials for its industry.
Amendment 71 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) Due to the inability to recycle much of the waste from these raw materials in Europe, many industries are forced to export waste, scraps or other materials generated during the production process to third countries for recycling. It is essential that strategic partnerships ensure that these wastes and scraps or other materials are treated in accordance with European Union environmental and social values and standards. It is also important that the partnerships developed within this framework ensure compliance with international standards.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to diversify the Union's supply of strategic raw materials, the Commission should, with the support of the Board, identify Strategic Projects in third countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU that intend to become active in the extraction, processing or recycling of strategic raw materials. To ensure that such Strategic Projects are effectively implemented, they should benefit from improved access to finance. In order to ensure their added value, projects should be assessed against a set of criteria. Like projects in the Union, Strategic Projects in third countries should contribute to strengthenning the Union's security of supply for strategic raw materials, show sufficient technical feasibility and be implemented sustainably. For projects in emerging markets and developing economies, the project should be mutually beneficial for the Union and the third country involved and add value in that country, taking into account also its consistency withformity with the objectives of the Union’s common commercial policy. Such value may be derived from the project’s contribution to more than one stage of the value chain as well as from creating through the project wider economic, environmental and societal benefits,. including the creation of employment in compliance with international standards and support SMEs. Where the Commission assesses these criteria to be fulfilled, and after informing the European Parliament it should publish the recognition as a Strategic Project in a decision.
Amendment 100 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) The Union has concluded Strategic Partnerships covering raw materials with third countries in order to implement the 2020 Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials. IThese efforts must be intensified in order to diversify the supply, these efforts should continuerecycling and circularity of raw materials. To develop and ensure a coherent diplomatic and strategic framework for the conclusion of future partnerships, the Member States and the Commission should, as part of their interaction on the Board, and after informing the European Parliament discuss and ensure coordination on, inter alia, whether existing partnerships achieve the intended aims, the prioritisation of third countries for new partnerships, in particular those that share EU values, respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law, as well as internationally recognised environmental and social standards, the content of such partnerships and their coherence and potential synergies between Member States' bilateral cooperation with relevant third countries. The Union should seek mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging market and developing economies, in coherence with its Global Gateway strategy, which contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain as well as add value in the production in these countries. To achieve this; the Union should include all stakeholders, including industrial actors along the value chain, Member States and Regions, local communities, trade unions, civil society, research and technology organisations, investors and NGOs.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0079(COD)
(62) ‘Strategic Partnership’ means a commitment between the Union and a third country to increase cooperation related to the raw materials value chain that is established through a non-binding instrument setting out concrete actions of mutual interest and contributing to the development of human rights, and ambitious environmental and social standards.
Amendment 163 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) for projects in third countries that are emerging markets or developing economies, the project would be mutually beneficial for the Union and, in particular by diversifying its supply chains, and for the third country concerned by adding value in that country, contributing to the better development of local economies and their societies, this includes the development of local processing industries for these critical materials, and the promotion of internationally recognised environmental and social standards.
Amendment 169 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) for projects in third countries, and in order to guarantee the effectiveness of this regulation, priority must be given to project promoters with headquarters in the Union and to companies owned by these companies.
Amendment 180 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Where the Member State whose territory is concerned by a proposed project objects to granting the proposed project strategic status, it shall present substantiated reasons for doing so during the discussion referred to in paragraph 4. The Board shall discuss the substantiated reasons presented by a Member State for its objection. The European Parliament shall be informed without delay. If, after the discussion, the Member State maintains its objection, the project shall not be considered for the status of Strategic Project.
Amendment 182 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
For Strategic Projects in third countries, the Commission shall shareevaluate the feasibility and impact of a project on the Union’s strategic autonomy and its link with the overall aim of this Regulation before sharing the application received with the third country whose territory is concerned by the proposed project. The Commission shall not approve the application before receiving the explicit approval of the relevant third country in accordance with its national legal system.
Amendment 264 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) trade flows and trade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State;
Amendment 273 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission, in collaboration with the national authorities participating in the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c), shall ensure that a stress test is performed for each strategic or critical raw material’s supply chain at least every three years. To that end, the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c) shall coordinate and divide the implementation of stress tests for the different strategic or critical raw materials by the different participating authorities.
Amendment 276 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) factors that might affect supply, including but not limited to the geopolitical situation, logistics, energy supply, workforcetrade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State, logistics, energy supply, workforce, sanitary and phytosanitary standards or natural disasters;
Amendment 302 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) increase the collection of waste with high critical raw materials recovery potential and ensure their introduction into the appropriate recycling system, with a view to maximising the availability and quality of recyclable material as an input to critical raw material recycling facilities and reducing the export of such wastes;
Amendment 341 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Board shall periodic1. By (... 1 year after the date of entry into force of this regulation), and at least every years the Board shally discuss :
Amendment 350 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) (iii) improving cooperation along the critical raw materials value chain between the Union and, partner countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU;
Amendment 354 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) improving the economic, environmental and social conditions in third countries;
Amendment 357 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
(iiib) improving the development of local industries linked to the treatment of this critical raw material ;
Amendment 363 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) which third countriesEstablishing a list of third countries and overseas countries and territories referred to in the Annex II of the TFEU, which should be prioritised for the conclusion of Strategic Partnerships, taking into account the following criteria:
Amendment 364 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) the potential contribution to security of supply, taking into account a third country's potential reserves,the reserves and potential extraction, processing and recycling capacities related tof critical raw materials of the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU or of the third country;
Amendment 370 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) whether a third country's regulatory framework and its implementation effectively ensures the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights and meaningful engagement with local communities, the use of transparent business practices and the prevention of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration and the rule of law;
Amendment 380 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
(iva) the effectiveness of the funds allocated by the Union to local projects and in particular those resulting from the Global Gateway;
Amendment 385 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission, the Parliament and the Board shall, in the context of paragraph 1 and in so far as relates to emerging market and developing economies, ensure cooperation with other relevant coordination fora, including those established as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
Amendment 392 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) support the Commission in the effective implementation of the cooperation measures set out in Strategic Partnerships.
Amendment 397 #
2023/0079(COD)
Article33a Structure of Strategic partnerships Strategic partnerships covered by this regulations should: 1. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised environmental standards. This section shall stipulate how to ensure the development of circularity for waste, scraps or others materials, ensure traceability of these products in the Union and worldwide and how best to protect the Union from appropriation by third countries; 2. Include a section on the promotion of human rights, environmental standards, gender equality and the participation of local populations; 3. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised labour and social standards, and how the strategic partnership will support the development of local communities; 4. Include a section to scale up support for critical raw material supply chain investment; 5. Promote the use of the euro for imports from third countries; 6. Include a section on conflict resolution in case of disputes;
Amendment 398 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 b (new)
Article 33 b (new)
Article33b Participation of the European Parliament in establishing strategic partnerships 1. If the board chooses to start discussions with the aim of establishing a new partnership, it shall inform the European Parliament. 2. Once the negotiations on a strategic partnership are concluded, the Commission shall inform the Parliament and allow it sufficient time to express its view before signing the partnership. 3. Once a strategic partnership has entered into force, the European Parliament may evaluate the partnership every three years, and express its view on the importance of maintaining, strengthening or terminating this partnership.
Amendment 401 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The Board shall be composed of Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission. It shall be chaired by the Commission.
Amendment 2 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the economic partnership between the EU and UK should generate mutually beneficial opportunities and ensure legal certainty for businesses, especially SMEs and protection for consumers; whereas full implementation of the Windsor Framework is of the utmost importance for the integrity of the internal market and the customs union, which are areas that fall under the responsibility of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
– having regard to Resolution 2429 of the XXIII General Assembly of the United Nations, adopted on 18 December 1968, in which the United Kingdom was called on to put an end to the colonial situation in Gibraltar before 1 October 1969,
Amendment 5 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 c (new)
Citation 6 c (new)
– having regard to judgment No 1621/2001 of the Spanish Supreme Court,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas EU has reacted quickly to implement the Windsor framework and now the UK is expected to promptly implement its part thereof;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 d (new)
Citation 6 d (new)
– having regard to the United Nations General Assembly resolutions 1514 of 14 December 1960, 2070 of 16 December 1965, 2231 of 20 December 1966, 2353 of 19 December 1967, 2429 of 18 December 1968, 3286 of 13 December 1974,
Amendment 7 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 e (new)
Citation 6 e (new)
– having regard to the Lisbon Declaration of 10 April 1980 and the Brussels Declaration of 27 November 1984,
Amendment 8 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the UK Competition and Markets Authority is no longer part of the EU Consumer Protection Cooperation Network; whereas cooperation between authorities is vital to ensure proper enforcement of consumer rights and should be stepped up;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas EU and UK consumer protection provisions will diverge over time and will impact consumers, notably when it comes to passenger rights; whereas the Commission will track the divergence between EU and UK laws; whereas access to this divergence tracking wouldill benefit Parliament and civil society organisations by better allowing them to scrutinise the implementation of the TCA;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the conclusion of the Windsor Framework; welcomes the fact that this agreement establishes new rules with regard to sharing customs data in order to enable real-time access; takes note of the recommendation of 24 March 2023 on the subject of enforcement and market surveillance; and stresses the need for effective mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, in order to provide legal certainty for businesses, especially SMEs, to enhance consumer protection and to guarantee level playing field in the EU-UK relationship;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. CStresses that EU has reacted quickly to implement the Windsor framework and now the UK is expected to promptly implement its part thereof; furthermore, considers it essential that both parties fully comply with the Withdrawal Agreement, the Protocol thereto and the Windsor Framework to facilitate the unprecedented levels of UK access to the EU internal market under the TCA while preserving the integrity of the internal market and the customs union, and fostering fair competition;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the EU and the UK cooperate closely on the subject of customs, including by ensuring an effective exchange of information and, constructive dialogue and effective method of cooperation between customs administrations, in addition to an interoperable and coordinated Single Window Environment, and by implementing common standards and data elements aimed at simplifying clearance processes; furthermore, calls for regular reviews and evaluations to ensure that established cooperation mechanisms remain effective and future-proof;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to start implementingStresses the importance of Article 96 of the TCA on cooperation on market surveillance and non-food product safety and compliance without delayand calls on the Commission to implement it without delay; calls for the development of joint initiatives and projects, as well as the establishment of dedicated ways of communication and coordination between the EU and the UK to facilitate the exchange of information, best practices, and technical expertise in the areas of market surveillance and product safety; stresses the need for regular monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the progress of the cooperation efforts stipulated in Article 96;
Amendment 28 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the positive role of the TCA DAG and calls for the group to be more deeply involved in ParliaStresses the crucial importance of parliamentary scrutiny of the TCA's provisions for ensuring more transparency and accountability; highlights the positive role of the TCA DAG in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the UK under the TCA and in providing expertise, assessment’s scrutinising of the TCA implementationand recommendations on the implementation of the TCA; encourages the establishment of cooperation mechanisms between the European Parliament and the TCA DAG, providing opportunities for open dialogue and sharing of expertise;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to provide Parliament and the public with access to the data tracking the divergence between EU and UK law; recognises the importance of such tracking mechanism for ensuring informed decision-making, enhancing public trust, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the post-Brexit context; calls for the establishment of a platform, allowing public access to up-to- date information on the areas of EU-UK law divergence.
Amendment 40 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Reminds the Commission that Gibraltar is the only remaining non- independent territory in Europe that has yet to be decolonised; urges the Commission to urge the UK to initiate the relevant procedures;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Points out that the Utrecht Agreement of 1713, which is still in force, does not include the transfer of the waters adjacent to the port of Gibraltar, which remain under Spanish sovereignty; urges the Commission to enforce the Utrecht Agreement of 1713, which is still in force, and call strongly for British infringements of Spanish waters to stop;
Amendment 31 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the green transition will greatly expand economic activities related to renewable energy, energy efficiency and the circular economy, while bringing with it challenges such as the displacement of workers, job losses and the transformingation of other economic activities;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas workers and communities already in situations of vulnerability, including workers in the informal economy, are at higher risk of seeing their source of income affected by the transition;
Amendment 103 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that a transition towards renewable and circular societies and economies generates the potential both to create new jobs and to transform existing employment into green and sustainable jobs in virtually all sectors; highlights, however, that successful transitions take time, sufficient and adequate resources and a clear vision of the future;1a _________________ 1a https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resour ce/Just%20transition.pdf
Amendment 125 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the transition has significant potential to create local jobs which cannot be offshored, which would contribute to strengthening European sovereignty and resilience; regrets, however, the lack of easily accessible information for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on how to make operations more environmentally responsible and resource efficient;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work on conceptual guidelines on what constitutes a green job, based on its potential for greening the economy, its contribution to people’s health and wellbeing and decent work; notes that, drawing inspiration from the methodology of the USA’s Bureau of Labour Statistics, two approaches could be used to measuring green jobs, namely, an output approach to identify establishments that produce green goods and services and counts the associated jobs, and a process approach, which is concerned with the environmental impact of the production process;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Member States to adopt targeted measures to formalise informal, substandard jobs in environment-related sectors, such as waste management and recycling, to transform them into decent jobs;
Amendment 182 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the EU health and safety strategy should take into account specific occupational hazards and risks in new sectors and incorporate risks in the production of the renewable energy sectors and deriving from climate change and environmental degradation;
Amendment 253 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States to integrate sustainable development, environmental competences and skills into training and, education systems and the support provided by employment services;
Amendment 306 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for mandatory just transition plans to be adopted by all companies affected by the green transitionhigh-emissions companies, negotiated with trade unions and worker representatives;
Amendment 321 #
2022/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for a major shift in the EU from taxing wages to taxing wealth in ordern evaluation of the whole tax system of Member States from the perspective of social, economic, environmental and other policy objectives, as well as an in-depth analysis of the state redistribution system to better determine how to incentivise job creation and reduce inequalities;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 24 October 2017 entitled ‘A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions’ (COM(2017)0623),
Amendment 3 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2021 entitled ‘Towards a stronger partnership with the EU outermost regions’,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 30 May 2022 on the Commission communication on 'Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions',
Amendment 5 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Committee of the Regions of 2 February 2021 on the European Commission report on the implementation of the renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to final declaration of the 26th Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions of the European Union, which took place in Ponta Delgada from 17 to 20 November 2021,
Amendment 9 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to the study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outermost regions published by the Commission on 31 October 2021,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
— having regard to the Common position paper of the 3 Member States and the 9 Outermost Regions in the framework of the update of the European Commission's strategic partnership with the Outermost Regions and the adoption of the Communication for these regions published on 19 January 2022,
Amendment 11 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas five million people live in the nine outermost regions (ORs) of the European Union: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion and Saint Martin (France), Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and Canary Islands (Spain);
Amendment 12 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas the European Union has a responsibility to respond to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the ORs; whereas, furthermore, the development of those regions is essentially based on the choices and actions of the regions themselves and of their Member States;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights are of particular importance to the ORs, including its contribution to equal opportunities, social protection and inclusion;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 20 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the presence of long-term unemployment in the ORs can be explained both by the mismatch between skills and labour market expectations and by the fact that there are too few and unsuitable employment and training opportunities in these territories; whereas it is necessary to ensure that training is adequate to the needs of businesses in the ORs;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the lack of training and employment opportunities in the ORs leads to massive exodus of young people, which has a strong impact on the demography and development of these territories;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the development of digital skills in the ORs is a prerequisite for achieving a digital transition that leaves no one behind;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the lack of infrastructure and the level of digitalisation in the ORs do not allow for the effective deployment of distance learning, teleworking or the digital delivery of public services related to employment and social welfare;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas unemployment rates in the ORs are higher than in their respective Member States and than the EU average; whereas the impact of the COVID-19 crisis has further deteriorated the situation; whereas the measures put in place have mitigated and partially limited the effects of the crisis, including its social impact; whereas the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment in the ORs is not yet fully known;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) is at an alarming level in the ORs; whereas the EU average for NEETs was 13.7% in 2020, in the same year the NEETs rate was 23% in Martinique, 40% in French Guiana, 23.2% in the Canary Islands, and 16.7% in Madeira3a; _________________ 3a Study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ORs, p.9: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/2216604f-7420-11ec- 9136-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format- PDF/source-278731027
Amendment 28 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the rate of early school leaving in the ORs can be up to three times higher than the EU average4a; whereas this phenomenon has a strong impact on social development, economic growth and equal opportunities in these territories; _________________ 4a Eurostat 2021: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/ view/edat_lfse_16/default/table?lang=en
Amendment 31 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas ESF+ allocations have not been fully used in the ORs for the 2014-2020 period, while this programming period is coming to an end;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas only 28 500 people from the ORs have benefited from mobility under the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2014-2020;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas workers in the informal economy, numerous in the ORs, find themselves outside the social safety nets;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the lack of public transport facilities in the ORs has an impact on access to services, education and employment opportunities;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas access to essential services such as drinking water, decent housing, electricity, education, health care, public transport and the internet is not a reality for all inhabitants of the ORs;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the gender gap in employment is much higher in the ORs than the EU average; whereas women in the ORs too often face unstable and short- term employment;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Commission's adoption of the new communication on the outermost regions5a, in particular the aspects relating to social issues; considers that this communication represents an opportunity to make the ORs laboratories for public policy, particularly for employment-related issues; _________________ 5a COM(2022)0198: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sourc es/policy/themes/outermost-regions/rup- 2022/comm-rup-2022_en.pdf
Amendment 44 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Insists on the need to introduce monitoring tools to report regularly on the implementation of the Commission's communication; stresses that indicators related to social policies should be an integral part of this monitoring;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Stresses that taking account of the specific characteristics of the ORs, as recognised in Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, must enable the Union's action to be legally adjusted in order to provide these territories with real opportunities in terms of education, employment, social progress and living conditions;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1c. Welcomes the fact that the Commission pays particular attention to the principle of "putting people first"; stresses the importance of implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights in the ORs in order to ensure greater solidarity between generations, promote social protection and inclusion and create new employment opportunities;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 d (new)
Paragraph -1 d (new)
-1d. Believes that the European Union's action on employment and social affairs meets people's needs and thus strengthens the sense of belonging to the Union;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 e (new)
Paragraph -1 e (new)
-1e. Considers that the new impetus given by the communication should allow for the improvement of equal opportunities in the ORs, particularly for the most vulnerable groups;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 f (new)
Paragraph -1 f (new)
-1f. Calls on the Commission to ensure that EU policies implemented in the ORs focus on combating unemployment, improving lifelong learning, developing digital skills and combating illiteracy and e-illiteracy;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 g (new)
Paragraph -1 g (new)
-1g. Stresses that EU policies must be complemented by adequate funding based on a tailor-made, territory-by-territory approach in order to ensure real equality of opportunity;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 h (new)
Paragraph -1 h (new)
-1h. Stresses that job creation remains essential to guarantee security, social cohesion, territorial viability and attractiveness of the ORs; notes that the structural constraints of the ORs, such as geographical remoteness and isolation, make them dependent on a limited number of sectors of activity; calls on the Commission and the Member States to help the ORs to develop plans for the diversification of activities in order to improve labour supply in these territories;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 i (new)
Paragraph -1 i (new)
-1i. Is of the opinion that entrepreneurship can create employment opportunities in the ORs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch information campaigns on the possibilities and support measures to assist the establishment of activities in the ORs;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 j (new)
Paragraph -1 j (new)
-1j. Notes that the mismatch between skills and job opportunities is a barrier to retraining in the ORs;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 k (new)
Paragraph -1 k (new)
-1k. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the root causes of early school leaving and to encourage the exchange of good practice in order to provide concrete solutions to this problem;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 l (new)
Paragraph -1 l (new)
Amendment 56 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 m (new)
Paragraph -1 m (new)
-1m. Stresses the importance of programmes for the validation of acquired experience in the context of lifelong learning;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 n (new)
Paragraph -1 n (new)
-1n. Points out that the improvement of working conditions in certain sectors can make jobs more attractive and combat shortages occupations in the ORs; welcomes, in this respect, the European care strategy, which could usefully guide the public policies to be implemented in the ORs in order to care for the ageing population;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 o (new)
Paragraph -1 o (new)
-1o. Stresses that the informal economy is widespread in the ORs, which makes it difficult to analyse employment figures accurately and to implement social policies effectively; calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat undeclared work by means of incentive systems and simplified declaration tools;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 p (new)
Paragraph -1 p (new)
-1p. Welcomes the Commission's decision to make 2023 the European Year of Skills; calls on the Commission to develop specific actions in favour of the ORs in the context of the European Year of Skills; calls on the Commission to take advantage of this opportunity to identify the skills needs in the ORs in the short, medium and long term; considers that the results of this analysis should form the basis of an action plan for improving training and skills in the key sectors identified and the shortage occupations;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 q (new)
Paragraph -1 q (new)
-1q. Emphasises the importance of young people for the revitalisation of traditional sectors in the ORs; calls for incentives to attract young people to the primary sector and for its development; calls on the Member States to introduce measures to ensure the renewal of generations in the agricultural and fisheries sectors; stresses that aid for installation in these sectors is relevant to achieving this objective;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 r (new)
Paragraph -1 r (new)
-1r. Calls on the Commission to provide strong support for the ORs in order to promote a new sustainable economic model and development of a social economy, with structuring initiatives to develop the circular economy and to promote jobs and new "green" occupations; in this respect, calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce a retraining plan for unskilled youth in the green sectors;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 s (new)
Paragraph -1 s (new)
-1s. Stresses the need for investment in digital skills, infrastructure, connectivity, and digital equipment, to ensure an inclusive digital transition in the ORs; believes that digitisation is one of the ways in which the ORs can overcome their geographical barrier by increasing access to education, training or digital public services and become attractive destinations for international teleworkers;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 t (new)
Paragraph -1 t (new)
-1t. Notes that the seas and oceans surrounding the ORs represent an opportunity to develop sectors that provide blue jobs and contribute to the attractiveness of the territories;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 u (new)
Paragraph -1 u (new)
-1u. Stresses that effective implementation of the European Child Guarantee is crucial to combating child poverty in the ORs and breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; calls on the Member States to include specific measures for the ORs in their national implementation plans for the European Child Guarantee and their revision; calls on the Commission to ensure the full potential of this instrument by ensuring the dissemination of information in liaison with local stakeholders;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reaffirms that, in the ORs, the potential of youth is a major asset that is often insufficiently harnessed, and that it should be a priority for building concrete solutions by mobilising massive amounts of European funds for education, training and support, housing and decent, quality employment for young people;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls, in view of the youth unemployment rates in the ORs, the need to create specific measures for this population; welcomes in this respect the creation of an additional OR allocation of EUR 370 million under the ESF+ 2021- 2027 and calls on the regions concerned to make use of this new source of funding to support employability, mobility and training in the ORs;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2147(INI)
2b. Recalls the need for the ORs to empower young people, in particular through formal and non-formal education, training and volunteering, and to improve employability through skills development, lifelong learning and vocational training, including further training and retraining;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Stresses that measures to combat poverty and social exclusion in the ORs must be targeted as a matter of priority at vulnerable groups in society such as children, young people, particularly NEETs, and the long-term unemployed; notes that particular attention should be paid to low-skilled women and in particular to single-parent families, where the majority of the lone parent is a woman;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to ensure the empowerment of women in the ORs by promoting sustainable integration into the labour market, access to stable, high- quality jobs and affordable childcare, as well as combating discrimination, in particular discrimination in employment; considers that promoting women's participation in the labour market can boost employment rates;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to do their utmost to ensure access to essential services in the ORs; stresses that access to these services is a key factor in combating poverty and social exclusion; stresses that effective public policies must offer solutions to the most vulnerable with a view to strengthen social cohesion;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to focus on prevention, social reintegration and the return to employment in the implementation of the EU drugs strategy; calls on the Commission to study the possibilities of European funding for therapeutic centres in the ORs aimed at the care and reinsertion of drug addicts;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that employment incentives, such as state aid, subsidies and exemptions from social security contributions, are particularly useful for improving integration and retention in the labour market in the ORs; believes that such employment incentives should take into account long-term needs and sustainability;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the establishment of special economic zones in order to promote economic and social recovery, job creation and skills development in the ORs, particularly for the most fragile and promising sectors, and to support the Member States in the evaluation, renewal and adaptation of existing special economic zones;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of the European Social Fund + in the ORs, on the one hand, in combating poverty and social exclusion and providing food and material aid to the most disadvantaged, and, on the other hand, in supporting training, prevention of early school leaving, vocational guidance, youth employment and entrepreneurship;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to improve access to the European Social Fund Plus in the ORs by setting up mass information campaigns aimed at institutional and associative partners, providing a support service for project leaders and financing training for managing authorities. in order to strengthen their human and administrative capacity and by providing them with more funding to facilitate pre- financing;
Amendment 109 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission, in the context of the additional ESF+ allocation for the ORs, to provide the necessary technical assistance to these regions to make full use of this allocation as well as to monitor its use; calls on the Commission to promote the exchange of good practice between managing authorities in order to improve information and the proper use of these funds;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission to step up its communication in the ORs on existing European Union programmes relating to employment and vocational training and its presence on the ground by setting up physical offices;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote university partnerships in order to encourage student mobility to and from the ORs, as well as intra-ORs exchanges;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Welcomes the fact that the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme specifies that the constraints linked to the remoteness of the ORs must be taken into account; notes, however, that the financial aid granted is often insufficient to encourage mobility; calls for maximum aid to be granted to students from the ORs when the Erasmus+ programme is implemented, with a financial increase if necessary to cover the real costs of travel;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Calls on the European Commission to develop partnerships with third countries neighbouring the ORs under the Erasmus+ programme in order to further promote university exchanges and business exchanges in the geographical area of the ORs;
Amendment 125 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Calls on the European Commission to consider creating, within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, exchanges of young people in vocational training so that companies in the ORs and in continental Europe can both send and receive a person during the same period;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Welcomes the creation of the ALMA initiative for the active inclusion of disadvantaged young people; stresses that this initiative is of particular interest in the ORs, where there are many NEETs; calls on the Commission to ensure that this initiative is accompanied by adequate financial resources to enable the largest possible number of beneficiaries; believes that positive action should be taken to ensure the participation of young people from the ORs;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2147(INI)
6h. Calls for greater participation by youth from the ORs in the voluntary work and local solidarity projects made possible by the European Solidarity Corps;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Amendment 133 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Stresses the need to define strategies to retain young people in the ORs and to combat the brain drain; welcomes the Commission's announcement of an initiative to alleviate the problems associated with the brain drain, including in the ORs; calls on the Commission to present this initiative without delay;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 k (new)
Paragraph 6 k (new)
6k. Stresses the importance of the EURES network, and draws particular attention to the priority needs of the labour market in EURES activities, in order to help the unemployed back into employment and to facilitate the free movement of workers to the ORs;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 l (new)
Paragraph 6 l (new)
6l. Regrets the decline in strong intergenerational solidarity in the ORs; believes that this intergenerational link could be enhanced through the creation of mentoring programmes in order to strengthen knowledge sharing and individualised support for youth and job seekers;
Amendment 139 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 m (new)
Paragraph 6 m (new)
6m. Notes that the ORs would be suitable territories for developing innovative social policies such as a “third chance pathway” aimed at the social and labour market reintegration of working people of all ages or the care of the elderly in view of the ageing population;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 n (new)
Paragraph 6 n (new)
6n. Emphasises the important role played by the social economy in the ORs, as a partner of regional and local authorities in combating the constraints linked to remoteness, poverty and social exclusion, and in creating jobs and developing initiatives in these regions; calls for this reality to be recognised at European level and for this non-profit sector to have direct access to European subsidies; calls on the Commission to ensure the participation of the ORs in the European Social Economy Regions network;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 o (new)
Paragraph 6 o (new)
6o. Invites the Commission to make full use of the tools of the European Semester and the country-specific recommendations to analyse and advise on public policies in the ORs with the aim to achieve upward social convergence;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 p (new)
Paragraph 6 p (new)
6p. Calls on the Commission to organise a social summit in the ORs to discuss and adapt the Porto targets and the European Pillar of Social Rights to these territories; stresses the importance of including stakeholders from the ORs in order to ensure the ownership and proper implementation of social policies;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas harmonised standards may be used to confer a presumption that products to be made available on the market are in conformity with the essential requirements that are laid down in the relevant Union harmonisation legislation for those products when they comply with the harmonised standards;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the launch of the High- Level Forum for Standardisation and the desire to broaden the range of voices heard when identifying standardisation needs, planning future activities and coordinating approaches in standardisation bodies; underlines that this expert group should include a diverse range of stakeholders, including SME associations, without losing sight of the bottom-up, market- driven nature of standardisation activities;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the creation of an EU excellence hub on standards and the appointment of a chief standardisation officer (CSO) in the Commission; believes that this position and the hub, as a resource, should lead to greater consistency across the Commission in terms of standardisation requests and the preparation andtimely adoption of standards and legislative provisions with relevance to standardisation as well as the consistent application of the New Legislative Framework; considers that the person holding this oversight function should be an important interlocutor for Parliament, enabling the technical scrutiny of the Commission’s standardisation activities;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Believes that the Commission should, in consultation with the European Standardisation Organisations, establish a clear set of key performance indicators on the aspects of standardisation within its remit;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that there may be inherent limits to speeding up the standardisation process, as the preparation of standards, citation of harmonised standards and industry implementation of those standards all add time before market adoption; recognises that it may be easier to accelerate administrative tasks, such as citation in the Official Journal, but that the unduly rushed preparation or deployment of standards creates challenges for all stakeholders, including national authorities; encourages the Commission, in conjunction with improvements to its own internal processes, to continue working with the ESOs on ways of achieving timely delivery, including consideration of the most suitable standardisation deliverable depending on the needearly exchange of information on the content and feasibility of planned standardization requests and the consideration of the most suitable standardisation deliverable depending on the need; welcomes the action plan of the Task Force “Timely European Standards for a Green and Digital, Single and Global Market” between the Commission, EFTA and the ESOs;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that an evaluation of Regulation (EU) 1025/2012 may identify areas where further efforts with the option of a reform, isf deemed necessary, are needed beyond the targeted amendment already introduced by the Commission; considers that the role, participation and input of relevant stakeholders, including those representing, inter alia, SMEs and environmental, social and consumer interests, should be evaluated and strengthened where such reforms may be beneficial and complementary to work envisaged by the ESOs following the Commission’s call for them to present proposals to reform their own internal governance;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Highlights the role of SME participation in the standardisation process and believes it should be increased and improved, especially in international standardisation; calls for sufficient financial support to be provided to facilitate the participation of SMEs and SME associations and to make use of existing tools and guidance that take into account the needs and interests of SMEs;
Amendment 107 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recognises the need for a consistent approach towards technical or common specifications, in particular as different legislative processes mare currently giveing rise to divergent provisions; considers, therefore, that this mechanism should only be used in exceptional circumstances and only while relevant standards do not existhighlights the importance of linkage between common specifications and existing European and international standards in order to ease compliance, especially for small and medium sized companies; considers, therefore, that this mechanism should only be used in exceptional cases where the Commission has requested one or more European standardization organisations (ESOs) to draft a harmonised standard and there are undue delays in the standardisation procedure or the request hast, without reason, not been accepted, only after consultation with the ESOs and only when relevant standards do not exist and are not expected to be published within a reasonable period; expresses concern about technicalcommon specifications concerning, among other things, respect for fundamental rights, where recourse to implementing acts affects the co- legislators’ powers of scrutiny; stresses the need for a harmonized approach towards common specifications throughout different Union legislative acts;
Amendment 118 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers that divergent regulatory outcomes may also affect the standardisation process more generally, owing to differing terminology, the lack of standard clauses for standardisation requests and difficulties in ex ante oversight; underlines that this problem is even more significant where standards are relevant for more than one regulatory act; believes that a common approach or formalised agreement between the Commission and the co-legislators could be explored in order to streamline the preparation of standards and detailed conditions for technicalcommon specifications;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises that prioritising standardisation matters in cooperation with third countries in bi-, multi- and pluri- lateral settings is also important to ensure that like-minded, inclusive approaches towards standardisation can prevail at international level and foster cooperation between likeminded democratic partners; encourages, in this regard, the Commission and the CSO to develop key performance indicators to monitor commitments on standardisation between the Union and third countries in consultation with the European standardisation organisations;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2058(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Underlines that the European Commission should promote the New Legislative Framework, the use and integration of international standards and coordination among all actors, through Free Trade Agreements and in particular with regard to the Global Gateway;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the original idea behindconclusion of the Conference on the Future of Europe as regards citizens’ information and participation in democracy at Union level, aiming at making the Union more understandable and accessibla watershed moment for European democracy and a precedent for citizens’ participation in the Union's decision- making process for the years to come;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that citizens have identified at the Conference that the technological revolution and geopolitical upheaval pose new transnational challenges which are to be addressed; points out that for citizens to understand the added value of the Union, the European institutions need to be empowered to act more effectively;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2051(INL)
1 b. Recalls the joint commitment by the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission to listen to Europeans and to follow up on the recommendations made by the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that manysome of the proposals endorsadopted by the Conference on the Future of Europe do not require Treaty change but instead call for the strengthening of existing policies and instruments; takes the view that the division of competences provided for in the Treaties, and in particular Articles 4 and 5 Tstresses that others can only be implemented through a substantial amendment of the Treaties, inter alia, concerning the simplification of the institutional architecture of the Union, more transparency and accountability in the decision-making process and a new reflection on Union competences, such as health and healthcare, defence, education, application of fundamental rights and citizenship; takes the view that these proposals together indicate a clear demand and mandate for an urgent and deep reform of the Union’s architecture and decision-making procedures; underlines that this reform necessarily includes a substantial amendment of the Treaties per Article 48 TFEU,; should remain unchangedtates that many of the petitions sent to the Parliament address situations that could be improved if those changes were made;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its set of concrete actions to deliver on the Conference proposals the consolidation of a European Citizenship Statute providing citizen-specific rights and freedoms, which would make the European values and rights more tangible for citizens of the Union;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Amendment 21 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the right to petition is a citizen’s right which should plays a fundamental role as a direct participatory democracy tool in the Union’s decision- making; recalls that petitions can be used as means of creating opportunities for public debate and of initiating and evaluating policy and legislative changes; calls on the Member States and the Commission to do their utmost toall actors involved in the Treaty reform procedure to seize the occasion to strengthen citizens' participation in the Union's decision-making as well as the right to petition, inter alia by ensureing that petitions are given adequately followed up by the Union institutions; stresses that citizens themselves should have a substantial say in said Treaty reform procedure;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. NoteRegrets that the right to petition remains underused at Union level when compared with the situation, as underpinned by Articles 10 and 11 TEU and Articles 24 and 227 TEU, remains underused at Unational level; recalls, also, that about a quarter of the petitions submitted to the European Parliament are declared inadmissible, mainly because the matter falls outside the Union’s fields of activity, which points out the lack of understanding, among Union citizens, of the Union’s remit of competen; therefore calls to assess the division of competences set forth in the Treaties and more clearly define the Union’s remit so that the right to petition can be more effectively implemented in practice;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal for a regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (COM 2022/453)
Amendment 6 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the recent external shocks caused by violent conflicts,Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemics and arbitraryin the resulting disruptions of supply chains have tested the resilience of economies worldwide; whereas the EU’s economy has shown itself to beto be resilient and recovering quickly due to the coordinated EU level response; whereas the EU economy is highly dependent on 137 products, in particular those related to energy and critical raw materials, medicines and health products, cutting- edge and cloud technologies, batteries and semiconductors;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the World Trade Organization (WTO) should bring a higher level of transparency to trade and trade- related measures for its members, as divisions risk undermining the maintenance and openness of global supply chains; whereas certain WTO members, such as China, disregard global trade rules they signed up to on WTO level, damaging multilateralism and disrupting global supply chains;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas largeRussia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, increases in commodity prices, higher prices around the globe and a troublesomefor both products and resources around the globe resulting in more competition in global supply chains and a spike in inflation are expected to further challenge global supply chains;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU is strategically dependent on external sources of energy, such as Russian gas, a situation that is undermining the EU’s economic resilience and open strategic autonomy; whereas skyrocketing energy prices are a serious threat to the EU’s production capacity and may put further pressure on many supply chains that have already faced disruption;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas even though the EU must gain more strategic independence in different fields, including agricultural products, critical raw materials, semiconductors, medicines and health products, this independence has not yet been achieved;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99 % of all EU businesses, 65 % of all EU jobs and more than 50 % of the EU’s economic output from the non-financial sector; whereas SMEs are more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and energy scarcity than larger companies;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas in order to increase the resilience of its supply chains, the EU should implement a combination of different commodity-based solutions, including boosting existing EU production, reshoring and nearshoring, stockpiling,supply chain disruptions and the current geopolitical context present challenges and opportunities for the EU, such as promoting the circular economy and diversifying suppliers through strategic free trade and investment agreements, sectoral partnerships and alliances, and trade and technology councils for critical goods, and advancing work on trade and technology councils with strategic partners such as the US, Japan and Taiwan;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that for the resilience of the EU economy and international trade relations it is crucial to develop an EU respondse to the possible negative consequences of any external shocks with a coordinated approach at national and EU level;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to assess existing and potential trade shortages, mitigate the consequences of external shocks, and pay special attention to the sensitive sectors outlined hereafter, which are particularly crucial to developing or and enhancinge the EU level approach to strengthening resiliencesupply chain resilience on EU level, and in the specific supply chains;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the COVID-19 crisis and the war inRussian war of aggression against Ukraine have highlighted the EU agricultural sector’s dependence on imports from a small number of countries, especially in the case of wheat and ammonium, which is essential for fertilisers; recallunderlines that the EU should be autonomous in primary sector product, within the context of open strategic autonomy, should diversify its supply chains of essential agricultural products, work together with likeminded global partners on global food security and expand domestic production capabilities in order to guarantee its food security and avoid dependence on third parties; stresses that the EU must play a proactive role to ensure Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have access to the global market for agricultural products;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. HopeExpects that the EU Chips Act will effectively catalyse EU competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications; asks the Commission to also focus on the production of basic chips necessary for the production of goods with high added value, such as those used in the automotive sector; underlines the need for cooperation with likeminded partners to ensure access to global supply chains, as well as cooperation on critical technology and global standard-setting for emerging technologies;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that medical supply chains can be strengthened by investing in skills, building health data infrastructure, and supporting regulatory framework and intellectual property policies that foster innovation and ensure affordable medicines; Underlines the multilateral dimension of pandemic preparedness, both in the WTO and the WHO; stresses that the Commission must ensure that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should lead to a better preparedness in future crisis and ensure better alignment on the EU level; calls for enhanced cooperation with global partners to ensure access to medicines and health products, as well as more diversification of supply chains for critical goods in times of shortages and crises;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the need for a harmonised approach on the unilateral, bilateral and multilateral levelEU assessment of the approach towards critical supply chains on the unilateral, bilateral and multilateral level; underlines that an assessment should look into the potential positive and negative effects with a short- , medium- and long-term perspective;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the development of an EU toolbox of autonomous trade instruments, including anthe anti-coercion instrument, the foreign-direct-investment screening mechanism, the foreign subsidies instrument and the international procurement instrument as well as the creation of the post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) to respond to these emerging challenges; underlines the importance of the CTEO in relation to keeping supply chains open and tackling unfair trade practices;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that the continuing rise in the cost of bureaucracy, particularly as a result of EU legislation such as the Supply Chain Act, places a particularopen, sustainable, values-based and rules-based trade is an important element of EU open strategic autonomy, which must be championed through bilateral initiatives as well as new EU legislation such as the Supply Chain Act, the sustainable corporate governance directive or the Chips Act; underlines that new legislation must be effective in its goals, but take into account the additional administrative burden on the export industry, which is dominated by SMEs;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that in cooperation with the Member States and international partners, the EUCommission must guarantee freedom of the sea and trade routes and thus ensureto ensure open trade routes for global access to goods, raw materials, energy and export markets;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that the EU’s research and development policy should be promoted further while guaranteeing openness of trade and investment relations, and exchanges among different research hubs, universities, stakeholders, regions and Member States in order to significantly boost the EU’s digital independence;
Amendment 148 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the Commission to thoroughly review how and to what extent transfers of emerging and disruptive technologies are taking place from the EU to authoritarian states via trade and investment flows; calls on the Commission to advance new measures to limit such transfers, including supply- chain cooperation with like-minded partners, such as through Trade and Technology Councils, as well as through other potential bilateral initiatives;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Amendment 155 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to start aadvance the dialogue with neighbouring countries on the possibility of nearshoring producsupply chain diversification and increasing regulatory cooperation in order to boost the security of supply and diversify its sources at the same time;
Amendment 163 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls onUnderlines the Commission to develop, in coordination with the Member States, mechanisms to ensure smart stockpiling of certain products, such as medicines and medical equipment, as well as some agricultural products, depending on their expiry datecan use the Single Market Emergency Instrument to ensure access to, and smart stockpiling of certain essential products in times of crisis; calls on the Commission to ensure a fair, balanced and transparent approach when using the instrument;
Amendment 165 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that the circular economy action plan is intended to help the EU to reduce its overdependence on certain external players so as to support strategic autonomy in a wide range of sectors, including miningactors; underlines support for the goal of open strategic autonomy, with a focus on diversification of supply for a wide range of critical sectors through cooperation with likeminded partners;
Amendment 170 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the potential of concluding trade and investment agreements with likeminded global partners for the open strategic autonomy of the EU, and the potential of enhanced partnerships through multilateral fora such as the WTO, TTCs, the OECD and the G7;
Amendment 178 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that free trade agreements (FTAs) may btrade and investment agreements are crucial tofor diversifying sources of supply and reducing the EU’s dependence on just a few countries; calls foron the EU to prioritise strategic FTAs with a particular focus on chapters on raw materials and energy,Commission to conclude new, ambitious, sustainable and forward- looking trade and investment agreements to enhance cooperation with our global partners on critical sectors, such as raw materials and energy, as well as cooperation on technical barriers to trade and regulatory cooperation;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the launch of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in June 2021 and the EU-India agreement on launching a trade and technology council in April 2022; regards these initiatives as meaningful forums for addressing new challenges in the areas of trade, technology and security, as well as regulatory cooperation and global standard-setting; underlines that TTCs should also be instrumental in diversifying global supply chains; calls for a stronger Parliamentary role in scrutinizing TTCs, as well as decisions made during the TTCs meetings;
Amendment 186 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the launch of sectoral industrial alliances in the context of the new industrial strategy, such as the European Battery Alliance and the European Raw Materials Alliance, which should create a framework of discussion and consultation, open to all relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 188 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the launch of new EU digital partnerships with Japan, South Korea and Singapore with a view to cooperating on the development and standardisation of connectivity tools and bolstering supply-chain resilience, especially in the case of semiconductors; underlines the crucial role of Taiwan in the supply chains of semiconductors, and the potential of further and deepened cooperation with Taiwan;
Amendment 190 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes note of the Commission communication on the Global Gateway as a plan for major investment in infrastructure development around the world; underlines the particular attention paid to Africa, most notably LDCs, and the aim to address the infrastructure- financing gap in low- and middle-income countries; stresses that investment in climate, energy, transport and digital infrastructure can contribute to global diversification of trade, as well as a global economy that is resilient during economic shocks or other future crises;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines it is essential to include women in global trade relations; stresses that women entrepreneurs face various challenges to participate in global trade, namely a difficulty in access to finance, regulatory barriers and a lack of sufficient data on the impact of trade on women; calls on the Commission to adhere to the principle of gender mainstreaming of trade relations throughout its policies to ensure resilient supply chains and better inclusion of women in the economy;
Amendment 196 #
2022/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. CUnderlines that the reform and modernisation of the WTO is key for a functioning multilateral system; calls for a deep and pragmatic reform that results in a more flexible and better functioning WTO with an effective multilateral rulebook and an effective dispute settlement system at its core; welcomes the progress made during the 12th Ministerial Conference on many important elements to advance global trade relations; calls on the Commission to engage with WTO members to work towards sustainable solutions for effective WTO reform during the 13th Ministerial Conference;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
— having regard to the UN's 2030 agenda and SDGs, in particular Goals 1, 8 and 10,
Amendment 29 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to Eurofound's publication (2021) Disability and labour market integration: Policy trends and support in EU Member States,
Amendment 31 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 29 November 2018 on the situation of women with disabilities (2018/2685(RSP)),
Amendment 35 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 9 December 2021 "Building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy" COM(2021) 778 final,
Amendment 36 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 b (new)
Citation 14 b (new)
— having regard to Eurofound's publication (2022) People with disabilities and the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the Living, working andCOVID-19 e-survey,
Amendment 39 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 7 October 2021 on the protection of persons with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt,
Amendment 40 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 14 c (new)
Citation 14 c (new)
— having regard to Eurofound's publication (2018) The social and employment situation of people with disabilities,
Amendment 45 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. urges the Commission, especially in view of the next European elections in 2024, to work with Member States in the European Cooperation Network on Elections to guarantee the democratic rights of people with disabilities, including people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, by ensuring that voting procedures, materials and facilities are easy to access and participation in public and political life are actively promoted;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas disability results from the interaction between persons who have a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairmentsncapacity and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas women with disabilities are at higher risk of unemployment and poverty or social exclusion comparing to men with disabilities and women without disabilities, with only 20% of women with disabilities in full-time employment, comparing to 29% of men with disabilities and 48% of women without disabilities9a; _________________ 9a EIGE Gender Equality Index 2022
Amendment 67 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls, in this respect, that the COVID-19 crisis has fostered remote work, which could provide for wider access to employment for PwD, and urges the Member States to take serious measures to tackle unemployment and the payment gap in particular for women with disabilities11 ; _________________ 11 Petitions Nos 0608/2020, 1139/2021, 0226/21 and 0070/2022.
Amendment 67 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas between 70 and 90% of adults with autism are unemployed1a; _________________ 1a Autism-Europe’s presentation to the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs on 5 November 2019, retrieved here: https://www.autismeurope.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/11/presentation_em ployment_autism_final2.pptx.pdf
Amendment 69 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the EU, its institutions and its Member States are party to the UNCRPD and are obliged to fully implement the fundamental rights therein, including Article 27 on work and employment; whereas the rights enshrined in the UNCRPD are far from a reality for millions of persons with disabilities in the EU;
Amendment 70 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas everyone has the rights to timely and tailor-made assistance to improve employment or self-employment prospects, including the right to receive support for job search, training and re- qualification, as laid down in Principle 4 of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas people with disabilities have the right to income support that ensures living in dignity, services that enable them to patriciate in the labour market and in society, and a work environment adapted to their needs, as laid down in Principle 17 of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 79 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas Eurofound research shows that between 2011 and 2016 the gap in third-level education between persons with and without disabilities widened – from 7% to 9%;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas Eurofound research reveals that key obstacles to the employment of people with disabilities include disability-related stereotypes, bureaucratic difficulties in accessing available services, lack of strategic vision in governance, insufficient monitoring of policy implementation, limited training resources for employers and lack of specialist support;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. calls on those Member States which still segregate students to provide sufficient financial and specialized support for inclusive education in schools, third level education and in programmes (including Erasmus+, Discover EU & European Solidarity Corps);
Amendment 83 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas access to quality employment, education and training, healthcare, social protection, including across borders, adequate housing, support for independent living and equal opportunities to participate in leisure activities and community life are essential to the quality of life of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 85 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas new technologies, notably AI systems, have the potential to develop efficient, accessible and non- discriminatory hiring processes, but non- inclusive technological developments could represent a risk of adding new barriers and forms of discrimination; whereas Article 9 of the UNCRPD requires accessible information as well as access to communication technologies and systems on an equal basis with others;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas Eurofound research shows that entrepreneurship and self- employment support in the form of guidance, training and financial aid can provide opportunities for people with disabilities to be active in the open labour market, disincentivising their sole reliance on disability benefits, but emphasises that such support needs to be well targeted and adequately resourced;
Amendment 90 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas Eurofound's research shows that during the pandemic on average 71% of respondents with disabilities were at risk of depression and 25% of respondents with disabilities indicated that they could not access mental healthcare, which was twice as high as compared to those without disabilities; whereas return-to-work plans are critical for workers suffering from mental ill-health;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that PwD are exposed to discrimination most frequently, in particular those with intellectual, psychosocial and mental disabilities, and women and girls, migrants and members of the LGBTIQ community with disabilities; calls, in this respect, for anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of PwD and for the horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive to be unblocked in the Council14 and ensure adequate follow-up of the European Framework for Action on Mental Health and Wellbeing and improve the EU Compass for Action on Mental wellbeing; _________________ 14 Petitions Nos 0164/2020 and 0226/2021.
Amendment 95 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B g (new)
Recital B g (new)
Bg. whereas Eurofound shows that lockdowns and restrictions of the COVID- 19 pandemic particularly affected young persons with disabilities aged 18 to 29, as 57% of respondents reported feeling lonely, 23% more than young people without disabilities;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the need to harmonise the recognition of disability status among the Member States; calls on the Commission to extend the scope of the EU disability card to secure freedom of movement for people with disabilities;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the obligations under the CRPD and the recommendations of the CRPD Committee are also binding on all EU institutions, which are responsible for ensuring accessibility and non- discrimination, including for EU staff with disabilities and carers of PwD.; furthermore urges EU institutions to take the necessary measures to guarantee that people with disabilities can follow interpretation and easily access all online documents and underlines that in particular the Petitions Portal should be more accessible;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that persons with disabilities’ exercise of the right to work9 is closely linked to measures to tackle discrimination, poverty and obstacles in education, training, housing, care, personal mobility and the built environment; calls, in this regard, to unblock the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive; _________________ 9 Article 27 of the UNCRPD.
Amendment 123 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the recent policy debate on 16 June 2022 among employment and social affairs ministers employment of persons with disabilities and how to remove disincentives to hire persons with disabilities and actions to promote their integration into the labour market and looks forward to concrete follow-up actions by the Member States;
Amendment 125 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to fully implement and mainstream the UNCRPD across all legislative, policy and funding measures, in particular as regards persons with disabilities’ social and labour market inclusion; calls for the EU and the Member States to ratify the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD;
Amendment 133 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission to conduct a cross-cutting, comprehensive review, and where necessary revise, all relevant EU legislation with a view to ensuring its full CRPD compliance in particular as regards accessibility of the built and digital environment and reasonable accommodation in employment;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the Council, in particular its upcoming Presidencies, to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti- discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieving equality in the EU;
Amendment 136 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Stresses the importance of involving persons with disabilities and their representative organisations in the development and implementation of all measures effecting them; stresses the importance of mainstreaming disability considerations in the workplace and the role of social dialogue and trainings for employers in this regard;
Amendment 142 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that income- and, disability- related, and active employment support assistance are complementary in promoting the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market; calls, therefore, on Member States to unbundle income- and disability-related, and active support assistance10 ; _________________ 10 UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, ‘Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities’, presented to the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, August 2015.
Amendment 143 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that income- and disability-related assistance are complementary in promoting the effective participation of persons with disabilities in the labour market; calls, therefore, on Member States to unbundle income- and disability-related assistance10 in order to cover additional disability-related costs, combat in-work poverty and ensure their equality, dignity and autonomy; _________________ 10 UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, ‘Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities’, presented to the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, August 2015.
Amendment 148 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that persons with disabilities should enjoy their right to free movement in the EU on an equal basis with others and calls for a harmonised definition of disability to facilitate their education, training and employment opportunities across borders; calls on Member States to facilitate persons with disabilities’ export of their disability benefits and entitlements, including support services where relevant, to further foster this right; calls on the Commission and Member States to deliver on their commitments under the EU Disability Strategy, in particular the promised European Disability Card ensuring disability status is recognised in all Member States as soon as possible;
Amendment 151 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that Article19 of the CRPD provides for the equal right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community; urges Member State, with the support of the Commission, to accelerate the deinstitutionalisation process and foster the transition to community-based care and support; stresses that EU funds should be used to promote inclusivity and accessibility and should be immediately discontinued where they support the institutionalisation of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that persons with disabilities often work in sheltered employment; believes that such workshops should aim to foster skills development and support transitions to the open labour market; insists that persons with disabilities working in such environments should be protected by existing legal frameworks covering social protection and working conditions including minimum wage protection on an equal basis with others in line with Article 27 of the CRPD;
Amendment 169 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that teleworking could help increase the employment of persons with disabilities as a form of disability accommodation and a tool to achieve greater work-life balance and reduce pain- and fatigue-related barriers to the labour market; cautions, however, against the use of teleworking by employers to avoid making reasonable accommodations or creating inclusive workplace cultures for workers with disabilities11 ; highlights that future telework policies should be developed with a disability rights perspective and involve persons with disabilities in their design; _________________ 11 Schur, L.A., Ameri, M. & Kruse, D. ‘Telework After COVID: A ‘Silver Lining’ for Workers with Disabilities?’, J Occup Rehabil 30, pp. 521–536, 6 November 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-020- 09936-5
Amendment 185 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. ECalls on Member States to provide tailored support for people with disabilities as regards access to skills development, VET and employment to ensure inclusive active labour market policies; encourages public employment services to roll out personalised measures to improve the employability and retention of persons with disabilities in the labour market; calls on Member States to provide guidance, training and financial aid to support entrepreneurship and self- employment for persons with disabilities.;
Amendment 192 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights that harassment at work, including sexual harassment and retaliation for speaking up, hinders access to work and employment, job retention and equal career paths, in particular for women with disabilities12a, and that specific actions are needed in Member States to prevent, combat and sanction harassment against persons with disabilities; _________________ 12a https://www.disability- europe.net/downloads/1045-europe-2020- data-people-with-disabilities-tables-eu- silc-2017
Amendment 199 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises the need to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination by the use of artificial intelligence in recruitment, selection, promotion and termination decisions in employment;
Amendment 203 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 206 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses that the low activity rate of persons with disabilities is, as well, a huge obstacle hindering socioeconomic inclusion which must be improved by European and national programmes aiming at the activation and training of persons left outside the labour market;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes that the lack of recognition of disabilities and the associated benefits and social protection rights between member states is a barrier for the freedom of movement in relation to employment and education; calls on the Commission and Member States to propose an ambitious European Disability Card that can support mutual recognition of disability across the EU;
Amendment 215 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Commission to assess thoroughly the employment and pay gap rate of persons with disabilities in different types of employment, including sheltered employment, by providing data disaggregated by gender and impairment and ensure qualitative analysis;
Amendment 218 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on Member States to support on-the-job training and mentoring in the workplace for persons with disabilities; stresses that measures to improve persons with disabilities’ inclusion and employment will not be truly effective without also tackling disability-related stereotypes and stigma in the workplace and wider society; in this regard stresses the importance of awareness raising and training for educators, employers and colleagues as well as the general public to tackle ableism, shift mindsets and ensure truly inclusive societies;
Amendment 222 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Highlights that job-matching, vocational profiling, concurrent employment and training, in-work induction and training support and career development opportunities play an important role in helping persons with disabilities to secure and retain paid employment;
Amendment 230 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Reminds that reasonable accommodation is a right for workers with disabilities which is not always covered or understood by employers, who, sometimes, either have stigma about capabilities and needs of persons with disabilities, or do not have enough support in terms of information and resources regarding its application in the workplace;
Amendment 233 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Reiterates its call on the Commission and the Member States to put in place measures to assess the key trends for the future of work from a disability perspective in order to identify and launch specific actions to make the labour market more inclusive and reduce the digital gap; underlines the importance of making better use of innovative technologies to level the playing field and remove barriers to education and employment, and to help persons with disabilities gain access to digital tools and software that are indispensable for their independent living;
Amendment 239 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Reiterates its call on the Commission and the Member States to support research programmes focused on the development of assistive technologies including robotics, digital technologies and artificial intelligence with the aim of enabling the full integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life;
Amendment 242 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 h (new)
Paragraph 4 h (new)
Amendment 1 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
— having regard to the Commission Communication of 22 April 2008 on the protection of consumers, in particular minorschildren, in respect of the use of video games (COM(2008)0207),
Amendment 6 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission Notice –Guidance on the interpretation and application of Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to- consumer commercial practices in the internal market;
Amendment 10 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
— having regard to the Council Conclusions on Building a European Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries Ecosystem published on 5 April 2022;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas video games are played by all age groups in Europe, in particular minors, 68-79% of whom play themwith 50% of the European population between 6 to 64 years old playing videogames, with the largest age group being 45 to 64 years old; whereas videogames are popular with children, as in 2020 68% of 6 to 10 years old played a videogame once in the past month;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 18 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the growing video game sector offers an increasing number of new job opportunities for many cultural creators, such as game developers, designers, writers, music producers and other artists, for which any Union action in this field and especially funding activities should be taken into consideration;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the European video game industry is mainly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, which have an important role for the innovation and growth of this sector1a ; _________________ 1a https://digital- strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/value- european-video-games-society
Amendment 24 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas video games are complex creative works protected both by the Computer Programs Directive 2009/24 and the Copyright Directive 2001/29 and have a unique and creative value as recognised by the Court of Justice of the EU;1a _________________ 1a Judgement of the CJEU Case C 355/12
Amendment 30 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the video games industry employed 86 953 people in 2019, of whom around 20% were women; whereas some of the companies use content created by children;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas children have the right to participate in the digital world to the fullest extent possible;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas 40% of children have paid to open a loot box in an online game, 15% have used their parents’ money without permission to fund their loot boxthe vast majority of children (74%) do not spend money on in- game extras, where children are allowed to spend in the game (19%) and 75% of parents have agreements in place with their children regarding in-game spending1a; whereas it is fundamental to continue increasing awareness of in-game purchases, and 9% have borrowed money they could not afford to pay back to spend on loot boxes3 ; _________________ 3 https://www.rsph.org.uk/about- us/news/over-1-in-10-young-gamers-get- into-debt-because-of-loot-boxes.htmls a tool to reduce the risks associated to them, particularly for children; _________________ 1a Children’s in-game spending (isfe.eu): survey conducted in UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy in 2020 with 2,300 respondents. Survey also conducted in 2018 and 2019
Amendment 64 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas mental health and well- being are interrelated issues that need to be taken into account in all areas such as education, health, employment and social inclusion; whereas videogames can be important tools to deal with mental health and well-being and can be used to advance in these areas, as well as to help citizens to develop several skills which are essential in a digital society and for the building of the Digital Single Market;
Amendment 72 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. Whereas in 2020 one-fifth of the EU population was expected to have a disability; whereas the Union is committed to improving social and economic situations of persons with disabilities; whereas social and economic situations online is an important aspect of life; whereas there are certain disabilities that can be particular disabling for online video games, like colour blindness, visual challenges or hand mobility impairments; whereas colour blindness affect 10 % of the male population;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the measures taken to better protect consumers; notes, however, the need for a single, coordinated approach between Member States in order to avoid fragmentation of the single market and to protect European consumers; Acknowledges that the EU Consumer law acquis provides for a strong consumer protection, fully applicable in videogames, in particular the Commission Notice -Guidance on the interpretation and application of Directive 200/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market1a; notes, however, the need for a single, coordinated approach between Member States in order to avoid fragmentation of the single market and to protect European consumers; _________________ 1a Commission Notice – Guidance on the interpretation and application of Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market
Amendment 93 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes the existence of online video game platforms that allow players, including children, to create their own games using the developer tools provided by them; calls on the Commission to adopt, if needed, regulatory measures in order to protect users against illegal practices caused by these platforms;
Amendment 94 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges the European Commission and the Network of Consumer Protection Authorities (CPC-Net) to ensure that European consumer law is fully respected and enforced in the video game sector;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the European Commission to put forward a European Video Game Strategy that unlocks the economic, social, educational, cultural and innovative potential of this sector to enable it to become a leader in the global video game market, as well as to ensure a high level of consumer protection in the Single Market and the protection of children's rights;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the development and implementation of parental-control tools that help to filter content and video games by age, monitor time spent playing games, disable or limit online spending and restrict communications with others or the viewing of content created by other players; notes, however, that parents may find it difficult to use such tools, which reduces their effectiveness; calls for mechanisms to be put in place to exercise stricter parental control overaise awareness on the usefulness of those tools in order to monitor the amount of time and money children spend on games, among other things;
Amendment 106 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls to the Commission and the Member States to support the promotion of public and private education and information campaigns in Member States directed at parents and caretakers in order to inform them of the tools in place, such as the PEGI phone application, and to encourage their usage;
Amendment 111 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that some video games offer their users the possibility to pay, sometimes even with real money, in order to obtain rewards through loot boxes or any other type of randomized in-game purchase;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that in-game purchases have been present in video games for many years and the Guidance on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive already bans their mandatory use; highlights that consumers and parents must be informed of the presence of in- game purchases prior to the purchase or download of the application;
Amendment 117 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges that it has not yet been clearly established whether loot boxes may be considered gambling in Europe; notes, however, that several Member States have considered loot boxes to be gambling and have adopted regulatory measures to ban them; calls on the Commission to analyse and determine whether or not loot boxes can be considered to be a gambling activity and, if so,calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to bring about a common European approach;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 123 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Notes that it has not yet been clearly established whether loot boxes may be considered gambling in Europe1a; notes, however, that gambling law is national competence of Member States and that Belgium and the Netherlands have considered that loot boxes constitute gambling and have regulated them accordingly; _________________ 1a https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/f84fa393-0f01-11e4- a7d0-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
Amendment 124 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Welcomes the Commission recently adopted Guidance on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, which establishes harmonised rules where paid random items are present in video games; calls for its compliance and swift implementation to ensure consumer protection in the Single Market, particularly for children; urges the Commission to further assess consumer protection in video games and take the necessary steps to bring about a common European approach on loot boxes and any other type of randomized in-game purchases;
Amendment 128 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that certain game designs used for in-game purchasing systems can be particularly harmful when targeted at minors; calls for such advertising to be banned when targeted at minors: stresses that they must also be compliant with the recently adopted Guidance on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive to ensure that they do not result in harmful practices affecting consumers, especially children;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that online games that are likely to be accessible to children must take their rights and vulnerabilities into account; stresses that they must meet the highest possible standards by design and by default when it comes to security and privacy, in accordance with the GDPR and the DSA and their particular provisions related to the data processing of children and the protection of their online privacy;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2014(INI)
7a. Stresses that videogames are both tools for playing as well as art works with cultural value; points out that article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to play and to freely and fully experience cultural life and activities according to their age;1a _________________ 1a https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments- mechanisms/instruments/convention- rights-child
Amendment 142 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that consumers should have all the necessary information about an online video game related to the presence of in-game purchases, loot boxes and other randomised in-game purchases, before starting to play it, as well as during the game, in terms of the multiple options for possible purchases while playing and other information that may be considered to be of interest; stresses that such information should be clearly displayed and easily understandable for all consumers before the moment of purchase; notes that, when virtual currencies are used in online games, the value on real-world currency must always be provided alongside virtual currency;
Amendment 150 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes that the Commission will examine auto-renewals for subscriptions and contracts in the upcoming fitness check of consumer protection legislation; points out that auto-renewals can be beneficial for both the user and the trader, improving convenience for users and limiting subscriber administration for the trader, but it can also be problematic if the auto- renewals continue indefinitely against the consumer's intentions; encourages the Commission and traders to take into account best-practices from Member states or companies that already have consumer-friendly auto-renewal policies in place; calls for the introduction of an obligation at EU level whereby traders must provide users with an opt-in proposal at purchase instead of having it as a default feature, to provide clear and easy-accessible information on how to cancel auto-renewals at anytime and to make the process of cancelling the auto- renewals simple and as easy as signing up;
Amendment 155 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Underlines that return and refund guarantee policies are a corner stone of the Union’s consumer rights, and consumers should experience the same rights for online gaming purchases and subscriptions as they would for in-person, psychical purchases; calls on traders to fully comply to EU consumer protection rules and relay information on how to request a refund or make use of the right of withdrawal transparently and reliably;
Amendment 156 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Stresses that persons with disabilities should be able to play all types of online video games; highlights that both technical and communicative features of all online video games and any relevant information related to playing or purchasing the game must be inclusive and accessible; calls on the Commission to propose an extension of the scope of the European Accessibility Act to online video games; encourages providers of online video games to make games accessible by applying the accessibility requirements of Annex I of Directive 2019/882;
Amendment 157 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Points out that once an item that has been obtained in a video game, it can be exchanged for actual money can only be used in that game and it is prohibited to exchange it outside the game-play environment; calls on national authorities to put an end to illegal practices organised by illegal third party sites, allowing to exchange, sell or bet on in-game sites; stresses that, above and beyond consumer protection issues, these services have led to money laundering; calls on the Commission to put an end to this practice; considers that the Digital Services Act may help mitigate this problem, in particular through the implementation of the ‘know your business customer’ obligations;
Amendment 183 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that videogames can be interactive, highly social and have helped Europeans to find community and connection during a time of isolation, as well as to build communities and forge genuine, enduring friendships; notes that this has been particularly true for elderly people who are amongst those who have suffered the most isolation during these months; notes that the WHO believes online games can become a key instrument in nurturing our bonds to others1a and that research has found direct psychological and social benefits from gaming across all ages; _________________ 1a https://www.bloomberg.com/press- releases/2020-04-10/games-industry- unites-to-promote-world-health- organization-messages-against-covid-19- launch-playaparttogether-campaign
Amendment 189 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that playing online video games excessively can have a negative impact on social relations, such as school drop-out, physical and mental health problems, and poor academic performance, to name but a few issues; calls for the strengthening of supervisory mechanisms for children and adolescentspublic information campaigns about responsible game play and parental control tools allowing parents to manage children’s video game play; encourages parents to join children in their digital past time;
Amendment 212 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. StreConsiders that the European Commission should assess thate possibility of requiring providers of online video games that are played by children should be required to conduct, directed towards children, the development of ex-ante child impact assessments based on the 4Cs framework for classifying risk;
Amendment 224 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes industry-led initiatives such as Pan European Game Information (PEGI) that is used in 38 countries; considers that such a rating system can beis particularly beneficial in providing information on the recommended minimum age and protecting minors from inappropriatage for playing a game; welcomes the sector's longstanding safety by design commitment through the PEGI Code of Conduct provisions on safe online gameplay environments which were introduced in 2007, and the presence of parental control tools which are effective agameinst illegal and harmful content; welcomes the PEGI descriptor function which informs consumers if a game includes paid random pay-to-playitems features; notes that some countries have made the PEGI system law and calls on the Commission to explore the possibilities for entrenching it in EU law; highlights that PEGI is a well- known and affordable system for consumers and companies that provides guidance for parents helping them to determinate which games are appropriate for which age;
Amendment 228 #
2022/2014(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Commission to assess further the implementation of the PEGI system across the EU and the possibility to make the PEGI system the harmonised mandatory age-rating system applicable to all videogames and online platforms, together with its Code of Conduct, in order to ensure the highest European standards of safety, privacy and security for all consumers in a uniform manner the EU, as well as to avoid fragmentation in the Single Market and provide legal certainty for the videogame industry;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the general comments on the CRPD as the authoritative guidance on its implementation, elaborated by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as the authoritative guidance on its implementation, and specifically the General Comment No. 2 - Article 9: Accessibility (adopted on 11April 2014),
Amendment 5 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19 a (new)
Citation 19 a (new)
— having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and CNew Consumer Agenda, that has amongst its five priorities the specific needs of certain consumer Pgrotection (A9-0000/2022)ups, amongst them, persons with disabilities,
Amendment 9 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2016 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air1a, _________________ 1a OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 1.
Amendment 15 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas accessibility is an essential precondition for the full participation of persons with disabilities in society in a level playing field and for the effective enjoyment of all of their human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas ensuring high-quality and affordable assissupportive technologies will benefit both persons with disabilities and the providers of these technologies as well as the whole of society, and whereas these technologies can only work in accessible environments;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2013(INI)
Ca. whereas the correct implementation of policies related to disabilities will contribute positively to the competitiveness of the EU's internal market and therefore represents an integral resource for the EU economy.
Amendment 27 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative, announced in the Union of Equality: European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, to establish thean AccessibleEU Centre (‘Centre’), which aims to increase coherence in implementing harmonised accessibility policies, and to facilitate access to relevant knowledge and skills, promoting a culture of equal opportunities and full participation in society for persons with disabilities; in a collaborative space between public administrations, disability civil society, accessibility experts and users;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that greater accessibility outcomes in society can only be achieved if the Centre follows the ‘universal design’ approach; emphasises the need to ensure that this approacha comprehensive approach to accessibility, to the physical environment, transportation, information and communication, and services open to the public, is duly taken into account, in particular in public procurement contracts and tenders;
Amendment 36 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the EU has established a comprehensive legal framework for accessibility in the single market, based on the mandate of the CRPD; regrets, however, that the implementation of such crucial legislation has not yet been satisfactory, mostly due to the lack of qualified accessibility experts; stresses the need for improving the overall knowledge, as well as practical and theoretical expertise, on accessibility policies among public administrations and economic operators and society in general, in order to help find suitable solutions in each Member State;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls attention to the fact that the degree of implementation of the accessibility mandate of the CRPD varies widely between Member States;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that the absence of a coordination and cooperation framework between the EU, the Member States and the relevant stakeholders within both the private and public sector represents a further obstacle to the implementation of accessibility laws and to the harmonised enforcement across the EU;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding for the establishment of and functioning of the Centre, and calls on the Member States to increase resources for the enforcement of accessibility policies, including through EU funds;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding for the functioning of the Centre, and calls on the Member States to increasensure the resources needed for the enforcement of accessibility policies, including through EU funds;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to establish a secretariat and a forum to steer and lead the work of the Centre; underlines that the forum should guarantee the balanced participation of stakeholders and right-holders with suitable experience in the field of accessibility; stresses that equal gender representation should be ensured; underlines also that the participation of disability civil society organizations and of persons with disabilities and their families themselves must be ensured as an essential part of the Centre’s work;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that the AccessibileEU Centre must have physical headquarters established in one of the 27 Member States of the Union; stresses that any Member State may apply to host the headquarters of the Centre;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Requests the Commission to develop the nomination process and proposes the following assessment criteria: level of development and implementation of accessibility in the candidate country, volume of legislative activity in defence of accessibility from a human rights approach and with an age and gender perspective, existence of spaces for dialogue and effective participation of disability civil society in the construction of the political and legislative agenda on accessibility, implementation of accessibility projects built in co-governance between public administration, public institutions, the business world, academia, civil society and persons with disabilities and their families;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the specific challenges posed by particular domains of accessibility policies, such as built environment, public procurement, digital accessibilitytechnologies, media and culture, and assistive technologiestransportation, and supportive technologies and the foods, products and services open to the public; believes, therefore, that specialised sub-groups of experts are needed for certain areas; is convinced that these groups should work closely with the Centre and the Member States in order to guarantee better assessment, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of accessibility-related legislation; notes that accessibility must also take into account the gender and age of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the Centre should function as a hub which provideoffers relevant EU institutions and bodies and its Member States when implementing Union law with regular assistance and expertise relating to accessibility policies and technical requirements; believes that the Centre should establish a cooperation framework that would bring together the relevant national and Union bodies with all users groups, in particular organisations representing persons with disabilities, civil society organisations, academia, companies and professionals from all areas of accessibility, in order to guarantee harmonised enforcement across the EU, provide guidance and training, and to inspire policy learning and innovation at national and EU level, including through the identification and sharing of best practices;
Amendment 71 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is of the opinion that the Centre should providegenerate valuable knowledge on accessibility through the use of research and studies to both the Commission and the Member States, as well as specialised and comparable information and data, including feedback on the implementation of accessibility laws; highlights that these actions would help accessibility policies to be solidly based on userbeneficiaries’ requirements and experiences;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that the role of the Centre would be essential into providinge Member States, stakeholders and right- holders with constknowledge antd support for the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of accessibility policies, including through training and guidance documents in all EU official languages;
Amendment 82 #
2022/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Regrets that the standardisation system does not adequately allow persons with disabilities and their representative organisations to participate on an equal footing with other stakeholders when drafting accessibility standards; considers that the Centre should appoint technical experts to the standardisation committees and, where possible, should assist the Commission in drafting technical specifications by involving all relevant stakeholders and right-holders; believes that the Centre must have the expert participation of organisations representing persons with disabilities and their families and persons with disabilities themselves in this work;
Amendment 1 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the new Industrial Strategy was updated to reflect the lessons learned from COVID-19, and that this strategy will be key to enhancing EU competitiveness and overcoming future challenges; recalls thatunderlines that the crisis clearly demonstrated that the single market needs to be better equipped to face possible future crisis; welcomes, in this respect, the announcement of the Commission to present a Single Market Emergency Instrument to strengthen its resilience and ask the Commission to improve the effectiveness of already existing governance tools; asks for a strong governance system and a digitalised market surveillance system making full use of new technologies, such as AI, as they are essential in order to relaunch theand ensure a well-functioning single market; calls on the Commission to focus on ensuring that the industrial strategy helps remove single market barriers and avoid further fragmentation;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the importance to remove unjustified regulatory and non- regulatory barriers, including in services, that hamper the good functioning of the Single Market and to guarantee the effective implementation and enforcement of Single Market rules;
Amendment 14 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the European Commission and the Member States to enhance cooperation amongst themselves and with economic operators and use new technologies and regulatory sandboxes for removing all unjustified barriers of the Single Market, and reducing the administrative burdens;
Amendment 16 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Notes that the War in Ukraine showed one more time that the European economic environment needs improvement and that we still need to complete the Single Market in key industrial sectors, such as energy production and transport;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges the European standardisation strategy and underlines that standards as well as innovation are essential for a well- functioning single market, global competitiveness and, the green and digital transitions and the protection of consumers;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls the importance of SMEs and start-ups for the competitiveness of the EU and as a source of innovation; asks the Commission to launch new actions to facilitate the creation of new start-ups, to support them in finding better access to financing and to provide clear guidance on how to comply with EU sectorial rules; believes that financial instruments to support their digitalisation should be strengthened.
Amendment 26 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the importance of ensuring that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards to prevent the large amount of divergences in controls and in customs procedures and sanction policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union that often result in large health and safety risks for consumers in the European Single Market.
Amendment 27 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls the launch of the New Bauhaus initiative as an important direction in greening the architectonic, construction, and housing sectors, while additionally focusing on sustainable city planning and development and ensuring the inclusion of all European citizens; underlines the need for fast standardization processes in order to keep up with the innovative approaches, materials and technologies that will enable the creation of a Single Market in the field of aesthetic, sustainable, and inclusive constructions; emphasizes the need for the announced Bauhaus Label to include sector specific criteria for Bauhaus projects to be awarded the label and for the label to enhance funding opportunities for projects in the EU; furthermore, insists that the future NEB Lab focusses on innovative recommendations developed in close cooperation with other scientific institutions in the EU and European businesses; underlines the importance of considering this complex innovative movement in the up-dates of the industrial strategy;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines the need to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs and industry by addressing supply risks, dependencies, disruptions and vulnerabilities, especially in the green and digital economies; stresses that effective public procurement will lead to more jobs, growth and innovative investments; calls on the Commission to continue working on the correct implementation of EU public procurement legislation in order to create a well-functioning and harmonised Single Market across sectors and underlines the need to prioritize high quality and innovative aspects over price in all public procurement;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines the importance of SMEs in the internal market as producers and also as providers of industrial services to other manufacturers; calls for the removal of the unjustified regulatory barriers and to promote the approach of the horizontal services in the industrial strategy;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines that the war on Ukraine that lead to increase tensions between the European Union and the Russian Federation showed once again the importance of ensuring the autonomy of the Single Market in strategic sectors; calls for the creation of a real Single Market in the production of energy and underlines the importance of developing and implementing the trans-European energy infrastructure, TEN-E, as part of the main pillars of the industrial strategy;
Amendment 41 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Recalls that the Green Deal can only be achieved with the increase of the production and use of renewable energy; underlines that the industrial strategy should address the key obstacles to a faster development of renewables, inter alia permitting hurdles, finding ways to better connect SMEs and all possible energy producers in the system and encourage them to be part of the creation of the Single Market in the energy sector;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Regrets that there are yet professions highly regulated in the Member States and calls on the Member States to take steps to allow skilled and highly skilled professional to have free access to the EU market, achieving in the shortest time possible areal Single Market in this sector; recalls that the green and digital transition of the industrial sectors need the recognition of highly skilled and skilled professionals in the whole European Union;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of preventing over-dependency of the EU industry on third countries for critical products in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls the importance of the cooperation with the education sector in all the Member States to develop the digital skills in the Single Market and highlights the need of a permanent dialogue among all relevant authorities and the economic operators to ensure that the young work force is better prepared for the new industrial needs.
Amendment 53 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Recalls the export of ideas and highly skilled professionals in the digital sector; calls on the Commission to include in the industrial strategy paths that would lead to the support of the creation of start- ups and help them in finding better access to financing leading to the increase of the scale-ups and decreasing the buyouts and take overs of the European companies by the much more developed companies from third countries;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Welcomes the establishing of the European alliances in different industrial sectors, like raw materials, batteries, processors and others; calls on the Commission to increase the dissemination of the information and to encourage the Member States, regions and economic operators, including SMEs to join the European efforts in achieving the key EU policy objectives;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the importance of research and innovation in the green and digital transition; stresses the need of a true Single Market and of the active and enhanced participation of the SMEs and technology education institutes in the market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate the participation of SMEs and micro- enterprises to the R&D market by proper legislation and easy access to financial instruments and the possibility to use the R&D IP rights as collaterals.
Amendment 63 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with all industrial sectors and relevant stakeholders to make sure the new legislation does not have a negative impact on the Single Market and that it does not leave anyone behind, adopting a model with enough flexibility and support.
Amendment 64 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Welcomes the Commission intention to elaborate a strategy for the textile industry; recalls that the textile industry faces a slow recovery from the downfall during the pandemic, being affected also by the massive re-location of the production sites in third countries; underlines the need to target the SMEs as the main players in the sector;
Amendment 65 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Believes that the new industrial strategy must also set path for the recovery and strong development of cultural and creative industry as one of the sectors that are more susceptible to be affected by economic crisis;
Amendment 66 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Underlines the need to include in the industrial strategy the gaming industry as one of the industries with the highest development potential recalling that most of the games producers and developers are not European actors; calls for clear paths at the European level to enable industry to accelerate and become one of the leaders in the sector;
Amendment 74 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Highlights the importance of developing a true single market for data to support the EU industrial development, to foster innovation and to strengthen the Digital Single Market as a whole;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2008(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls the importance of competition rules adapted to new dynamics of the EU market and to a changing global context to guarantee effective and fair competition in the Single Market and to enhance consumers choice;
Amendment 29 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) A skilled workforce is crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions, and to strengthening the Union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the fallout of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. More and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market, society and democracy, to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. However, public spending on worker training has declined over the past two decades in most OECD countries. 1a _________________ 1a https://www.ilo.org/brussels/information- resources/news/WCMS_645926/lang-- en/index.htm
Amendment 179 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Past crises, especially the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown that the internal market (also referred to as the Single Market and its supply chains can be severely affected by such crises, and appropriate crisis management tools and coordination mechanisms are either lacking, do not cover all aspects of the Single market or do not allow for a timely response to such impacts.
Amendment 183 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union was not sufficiently prepared to ensure efficient manufacturing, procurement and distribution of crisis- relevant non-medical goods such as personal protective equipment, especially in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ad-hoc measures taken by the Commission in order to re-establish the functioning of the Single Market and to ensure the availability of crisis-relevant non-medical goods during the COVID-19 pandemic were necessarily reactive The pandemic also revealed insufficient overview of manufacturing capacities across the Union as well as vulnerabilities related to the global supply chains.
Amendment 186 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Actions by the Commission were delayed by several weeks due to the lack of any Union wide contingency planning measures and of clarity as to which part of the national administration to contact to find rapid solutions to the impact on the Single Market being cause by the crisis. In addition, it became clear that uncoordinated restrictive actions taken by the Member States would further aggravate the impacts of the crisis on the Ssingle market. It emerged that there is a need for arrangements between the Member States and Union authorities as regards contingency planning, technical level coordination and cooperation and information exchange.
Amendment 190 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) These recent events have also highlighted the need for the Union to be better prepared for possible future crises, especially as we consider the continuing effects of climate change and resulting natural disasters as well as global economic and geopolitical instabilities. Given the fact that it is not known which kind of crises could come up next and produce severe impacts on the Single Market and its supply chains in the future, it is necessary to provide for an instrument that would apply with regards to impacts ondisrupting the Single Market of a wide range of crises by safeguarding the free movement of goods, services and persons and which facilitates access to crisis-relevant goods and services in the Single Market.
Amendment 193 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The impact of a crisis on the Single Market can be two-fold. On the one hand, a crisis can lead to obstacles to free movement within the Single Market, thus disrupting its normal functioning. On the other hand, a crisis can amplify shortages of crisis-relevant goods and services on the Single Market. The Regulation should address both types of impacts on the Single Market.
Amendment 197 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Since any specific aspects of future crises that would impact the Single Market and its supply chains are hard to predict, this Regulation should provide for a general framework for anticipating, preparing for, mitigating and minimising the negative impacts which any crisis may cause on the Single Market and its supply chains. .
Amendment 200 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 210 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Where possible, this Regulation should allow for anticipation of events and crises, building on on-going analysis concerning strategcritically important areas of the Single Market economy and the Union’s continuous foresight work before any emergency is declared.
Amendment 217 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to account for the exceptional nature of and potential far- reaching consequences for the fundamental operation of the Singe Market of a Single Market emergency, implementing powers should exceptionally be conferred on the Council for the activation of Single Market emergency mode pursuant to Article 2891(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 220 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) As regards the measures for re- establishing and facilitating free movement of persons and any other measures affecting the free movement of persons provided under this Regulation, they are based on Article 21 TFEU and complement Directive 2004/38/EC without affecting its application at the time of Single Market emergencies. Such measures should not result in authorising or justifying restrictions to free movement contrary to the Treaties or other provisions of Union law and instead set down measures which are not acceptable under Union law, before, during, or after a Single Market emergency.
Amendment 222 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Article 45 TFEU lays down the right to free movement of workers, subject to the limitations and conditions laid down in the Treaties and the measures adopted to give them effect. This Regulation contains provisions which complement the existing measures in order to reinforce free movement of persons, increase transparency and provide administrative assistance during Single Market emergencies. Such measures include setting up and making available of the single points of contact to workers and their representatives in the Member States and at Union level during the Single Market vigilance and emergency modes under this regulationemergency mode under this regulation. Member States and the Commission are encouraged to use existing intruments for the set up and operation of these contact points. Such contact points should be active even outside the emergency mode and should serve to help communication between the Member States and with the steering board.
Amendment 226 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
Amendment 233 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) When examining the compatibility of any notified draft or adopted measures with the principle of proportionality, the Commission should pay due regard to the evolving crisis situation and often limited information that is at the disposal of the Member States when they seek to reduce the emerging risks in the context of the crisis. Where justified and necessary in the circumstances, the Commission may consider based on any available information, including specialised or scientific information, the merits of Member State arguments relying on the precautionary principle as a reason for adoption of free movement of persons restrictions. It is the task of the Commission to ensure that such measures comply with Union law and do not create unjustified obstacles to the functioning of the Single Market. The Commission should react to the notifications of Member States as quickly as possible, taking into account the circumstances of the particular crisis, and at the latest within the time-limits set out by this Regulation. Where it is needed and it is clear that a measure is likely to not comply with Union law, the Commission should be able to suspend the application of measures already adopted. To wait for the full notification procedure would endanger the fundament rights of European citizens and businesses by creating potentially illegal barriers and therefore only increasing the harm of an emergency.
Amendment 237 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure that the specific Single Market emergency measures provided for in this Regulation are used only where this is indispensable for responding to a particular Single Market emergency, such measures should require individual activation by means of Commission implementing actsimplementing powers should exceptionally be conferred on the Council for the individual activation of such measures pursuant to Article 291(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which indicate the reasons for such activation and the crisis- relevant goods or services that such measures apply to.
Amendment 241 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Furthermore, in order to ensure the proportionality of the implementing acts and due respect for the role of economic operators in crisis management, the Commissionuncil should only resort to the activation of the Single Market emergency mode, where economic operators are not able to provide a solution on a voluntary basis within a reasonable time. Why this is the case should be indicated in each such act, and in relation to all particular aspects of a crisis.
Amendment 244 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The activation of the Single Market emergency mode, where needed, should also trigger the application of certain crisis- response procedures which introduce adjustments to the rules governing the design, manufacture, conformity assessment and the placing on the market of goods subject to Union harmonised rules. These crisis-response procedures should enable products, designated as crisis-relevant goods to be placed swiftly on the market in an emergency context. The conformity assessment bodies should prioritise the conformity assessment of crisis-relevant goods over any other ongoing applications for other products. On the other hand, in cases, where there are undue delays in the conformity assessment procedures, the national competent authorities should be able to issue authorisations for products, which have not undergone the applicable conformity assessment procedures to be placed on their respective market, provided that they comply with the applicable safety requirements. Such authorisations shall be only valid on the territory of the issuing Member State and limited to the duration of the Single Market emergency. In addition, in order to facilitate the increase in supply of crisis- relevant products, certain flexibilities should be introduced with respect to the mechanism of presumption of conformity. In the context of a Single Market emergency, the manufacturers of crisis- relevant goods should be able to rely also on national and international standards, which provide an equivalent level of protection to the harmonised European standards. In cases where the later do not exist or the compliance with them is rendered excessively difficult by the disruptions to the Single Market, the Commission should be able to issue common technical specifications of voluntary or of mandatory application in order to provide ready-to-use technical solutions to the manufacturers.
Amendment 246 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In cases where there are substantial risks to the functioning of the Single Market or in cases of severe shortages or an exceptionally high demand of goods of strategic importance, measures at Union level aimed to ensure the availability of crisis-relevant products, such as priority rated orders, may prove to be indispensable for the return to the normal functioning of the Single Market.
Amendment 248 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) In order to leverage the purchasing power and negotiating position of the Commission during the Single Market vigilance mode and the Single Market emergency mode, Member States should be able to request the Commission to procure on their behalf.
Amendment 252 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Additionally, to ensure that crisis- relevant goods are available during the Single Market emergency, the Commission may invite the economic operators that operate in crisis-relevant supply chains to prioritise the orders of inputs necessary for the production of final goods that are crisis relevant, or the orders of such final goods themselves. Should an economic operator refuse to accept and prioritise such orders, following objective evidence that the availability of crisis-relevant goods is indispensable, the Commission may decide to invite the economic operators concerned to accept and prioritise certain orders, the fulfilment of which will then take precedence over any other private or public law obligations. In the event of failure to accept, the operator in question should explain its legitimate reasons for declining the request. The Commission may make such reasoned explanation or parts of it public, with due regard to business confidentiality.
Amendment 257 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission as regards the possibility to adopt supportive measures for facilitating free movement of persons, for establishing a list of individual targets (quantities and deadlines) for those strategic reserves that the Member States should maintain, so that the objectives of the initiative are achieved. Furthermore. Moreover, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission as regards activating the vigilance mode and vigilance measures in order to carefully monitor the strategic supply chains and coordinate the building up of strategic reserves for goods and services of strategic importance. Moreover, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commissionuncil as regards activation of specific emergency response measures at the time of a Single Market emergency, to allow for a rapid and coordinated response. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 269 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The Union framework shall include interregional elements to establish coherent, multi-sectoral, cross-border Single Market vigilance and emergency response measures, in particular considering the resources, capacities and vulnerabilities across neighbouring regions, specifically border regions.
Amendment 271 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
Amendment 273 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) In order to put in place a framework of crisis protocols the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission to supplement the regulatory framework set out in this Regulation by further specifying the modalities of cooperation of the Member States and Union authorities during the Single Market vigilance and emergency modes, secure exchange of information and risk and crisis communication. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 277 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes a framework of measures to anticipate, prepare for and respond toaddress the impacts of crises ondisrupting the Single Market, with the purpose of safeguarding the free movement of goods, services and persons and of ensuring the availability of goods and services of strategic importance andfacilitating access to crisis- relevant goods and services in the Single Market.
Amendment 280 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Amendment 284 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) an advisory group to advise the Commission on the appropriate measures for anticipating, steering board to decide whether sufficient evidence exists in order to trigger measures for preventing or responding to the impact of a crisis on the Single Market;
Amendment 288 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) contingency measures aiming at anticipationto prepare and planning;
Amendment 295 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Amendment 300 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Amendment 307 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The measures set out in this Regulation apply in relation to significant impacts of a crisis on the functioning of the Single Market and its supply chainsternal market.
Amendment 312 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Article 2 – paragraph 6
Amendment 313 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 6 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 6 – point a
Amendment 314 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 6 – point b
Amendment 323 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) ‘crisis’ means an exceptional unexpected and sudden, natural or man- made major event of extraordinary nature and scale that takes place inside or outside of the Uniendangers the general interest objectives of the Union by creating a significant adverse impact on the free movement of goods, services or persons;
Amendment 325 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
(1 a) ‘major event’ means an event which is likely to pose a serious risk to the free movement of goods, services or persons in more than one Member State, to affect the supply of or demand for critical products or services, to lead to shortages in more than one Member State and which necessitates urgent coordination at Union level in order to ensure the freedoms of the internal market;
Amendment 340 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘strategcritically important areas’ means those areas with critical importance to the Union and its Member States, in that they are of systemic and vital importance for public security, public safety, public order or public health, and the disruption, failure, loss or destruction of which would have a significant impact on the functioning of the Single Market;
Amendment 345 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘goods and services of strategiccritical importance’ means goods and services that are indispensable for ensuring the functioning of the Single Market in strategcritically important areas and which cannot be substituted or diversified;
Amendment 350 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) ‘strategic reserves’ means a stock of goods of strategiccritical importance for which building a reserve may be necessary to prepare for a Single Market emergency, under the control of a Member State.
Amendment 354 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Amendment 358 #
Amendment 359 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. An advisory group steering board is established.
Amendment 361 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. The advisory groupsteering board shall be composed of one representative from each Member State. Each Member State shall nominate a representative and an alternate representative, three representatives of the European Parliament and two representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee, respresenting the social partners. The representatives of the European Parliament shall represent the majority of its members. Each steering board member shall also nominate an alternate representative. The representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee shall have no voting rights.
Amendment 370 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall chair the advisory groupsteering board and ensure its secretariat. The Commissionsteering board may invite additional representatives of the European Parliament, representatives of EFTA States that are contracting parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area49 , representatives of economic operators, stakeholder organisations, social partners and experts, to attend meetings of the advisory groupsteering board as observers. It shall invite the representatives of other crisis- relevant bodies at Union level as observers to the relevant meetings of the advisory groupsteering board. __________________ 49 OJ L 1, 3.1.1994, p. 3.
Amendment 380 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. For the purpose of contingency planning under Articles 6 to 8, the advisorysteering group shall assist, with the anid adviseof the Commission as regards, carry out the following tasks:
Amendment 395 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – point b
Amendment 403 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. For the purposes of the Single Market emergency mode as referred to in Article 14, the advisory group shall assist the Commission insteering board shall carry out the following tasks:
Amendment 405 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point -a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point -a (new)
(-a) consulting the representatives of economic operators, including SMEs, and industry to collect market intelligence;
Amendment 407 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point a
(a) analysinge crisis-relevant information gathered by Member States or, EEA states, economic operators and the Commission;
Amendment 409 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point b
(b) establishingdecide whether the criteria for activation or deactivation of the emergency mode have been fulfilled; and that there is sufficient and reliable evidence to support that conclusion;
Amendment 412 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point c
(c) advisinge on the implementation of the measures chosen to respond to Single Market emergency at Union level;
Amendment 413 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point d
(d) performing a review of national crisis measures;
Amendment 415 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 6 – point e
(e) facilitatinge exchanges and sharing of information, including with other crisis- relevant bodies at Union level, as well as, as appropriate, third countries, with particular attention paid to developing countries, and international organisations.
Amendment 418 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 7
Article 4 – paragraph 7
7. The Commissionsteering board shall ensure the participation of all bodies at Union level that are relevant to the respective crisis. The advisory groupsteering board shall cooperate and coordinate closely, where appropriate, with other relevant crisis-related bodies at Union level. The Commission shall ensure coordination with the measures implemented through other Union mechanisms, such as the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) or the EU Health Security Framework. The advisory group shall ensure information exchange with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre under the UCPM.
Amendment 422 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 8
Article 4 – paragraph 8
8. The advisory groupsteering board shall meet at least three times a year. At its first meeting, on a proposal by and in agreement with the Commission, the advisory groupsteering board shall adopt its rules of procedure.
Amendment 426 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 9
Article 4 – paragraph 9
9. The advisory group may adoptsteering board may adopt decisions, opinions, recommendations or reports in the context of its tasks set out in paragraphs 4 to 6.
Amendment 438 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission taking intodue consideration of the opinion of the advisory groupand recommendation of the steering board and the input of relevant Union level bodies, is empowereand after consulting the Member States, is empowered to adopt a delegated act to supplement this Regulation with a framework setting out crisis protocols regarding crisis cooperation, exchange of information and crisis communication for the Single Market vigilance and emergency modes, in particular:
Amendment 444 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) a coordinated approach to risk and crisis communication also vis-à-viswith economic operators and the public with a coordinating role for the Commission;
Amendment 445 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d
Amendment 451 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) consultation of the representatives of economic operators and social partners, including SMEs, on their initiatives and actions to mitigate and respond to potential supply chain disruptions and overcome potential shortages of goods and services in the Single Market;an internal market emergency, who shall be consulted as soon as possible and whose response shall be voluntary.
Amendment 455 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) risk and emergency communication, with a coordinating role for the Commission, adequately taking into account already existing structures;
Amendment 457 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Amendment 467 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The central liaison office of a Member State shall notify the Commission and the central liaison offices of other Member States without undue delay of any incidmajor events that significantly disrupt or hait has reason to believe eithe potential to significantly disrupt the functionr meet or may soon meet the criteria ing of the Single Market and its supply chains (significant incidents)rder to be defined as a crisis or an internal market emergency.
Amendment 470 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. In order to determine whether the disruption or potential disruption of the functioning of the Single Market and its supply chains of goods and services is significant andevents referred to in paragraph 1 should be the object of an alert, the central liaison office of a Member State shall take the following into account:
Amendment 479 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) the geographical area;, the proportion of the Single Market affected by the disruption or potential disruption; the impact on specific geographical areas particularly vulnerable or exposed to supply chain disruptions including the EU outermost region and its cross-border effects;
Amendment 485 #
Amendment 489 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Where the Commission, taking into consideration the opinion provided by the advisory group,duly reflecting the decision provided by the steering board, considers that the threat referred to in Article 3(2) is present, it shall activate the vigilance mode for a maximum duration of six months by means of an implementing act. Where the Commission considers that the threat referred to in Article 3(2) is present, despite the steering board stating otherwise in its decision , it shall activate the vigilance mode for a maximum duration of six months by means of an implementing act adopted by an unanimous decision. Such an implementing act shall contain the following:
Amendment 500 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) an assessment of the potential impact of the expected crisis;
Amendment 503 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) list of the goods and services of strategiccritical importance concerned, and
Amendment 510 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 514 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, if it considers that the reasons for activating the vigilance mode pursuant to Article 9(1) remain valid, and taking into consideration the opinduly reflecting a positive decision provided by the advisory groupsteering board, may extend the vigilance mode for a maximum duration of six months by means of an implementing act.
Amendment 521 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission, taking into consideration the opinduly reflecting the decision provided by the advisory groupsteering board, finds that the threat referred to in Article 3(2) is no longer present, with respect to some or all vigilance measures or for some or all of the goods and services, it shall deactivate the vigilance mode in full or in part by means of an implementing act.
Amendment 525 #
Amendment 536 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall provide for standardised and secure means for the collection and processing of information for the purpose of paragraph 1, using electronic means. Without prejudice to national legislation requiring collected information including business secrets to be kept confidential, confidentiality with regard to the commercially sensitive information and information affecting the security and public order of the Union or its Member States shall be ensured.
Amendment 537 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall, where possible, set up and maintain an inventory of the most relevant economic operators established on their respective national territory that operate along the supply chains of goods and services of strategic importance that have been identified in the implementing act activating the vigilance mode.
Amendment 544 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. On the basis of the inventory set up pursuant to Article 6, national competent authorities shallmay address requests for voluntary provision of information to the most relevant operators along the supply chains of goods and services identified in the implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 9 and other relevant stakeholders established in their respective national territory. Such requests shall in particular states which information about factors impacting the availability of the identified goods and services of strategiccritical importance is requested. Each economic operator/stakeholder that voluntarily provides information shall do so on an individual basis in line with the Union rules on competition governing the exchange of information. The national competent authorities shall transmit the relevant findings to the Commission and the advisory groupsteering board without undue delay via the respective central liaison office.
Amendment 546 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. National competent authorities shall have due regard to the administrative burden on economic operators and in particular SMEs, which may be associated with requests for information and ensure it is kept to a minimum. Any information volutarily provided shall be confidential at all times.
Amendment 550 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6
Article 11 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission mayshall ask the advisory groupsteering board to discuss the findings and prospects of evolution based on the monitoring of supply chains of goods and services of strategiccritial importance.
Amendment 553 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Article 11 – paragraph 7
Amendment 558 #
Amendment 561 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission may, among the goods of strategic importance listed in an implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 9(1),, identify those for which it may be necessary to build a reserve in order to prepare for a Single Market emergency, taking into account the probability and impact of shortages. The Commission shall give a detailed reason for this identification and for the need to build a reserve and inform the Member States thereof.
Amendment 570 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Member States shall report to the Commission the approximate levels of strategic reserves of goods of strategiccritial importance held by them, and the levels of other stocks of such goods held on their territory, where such information is known. Such information shall be confidential.
Amendment 571 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. Taking due account of stocks held or being built up by economic operators on their territory, Member States shall deploy their best efforts to build up strategic reserves of the goods of strategic importance identified in accordance with paragraph 1. The Commission shall provide support to Member States to coordinate and streamline their efforts.
Amendment 580 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. When assessing the severity of a disruption for the purposes of ascertaining whether the impact of a crisis on the Single Mfree movement of goods, services and persons in the internal market qualifies as a Single Market emergency, the Commission shall, based on concrete and reliable evidence, taking e into account at least the following indicators:
Amendment 588 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) an estimation of the number or market share and market demand of economic operations or users relying on the disrupted sector or sectors of the Single Market for the free movement of or provision of the goods or services concerned;
Amendment 592 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the critical importance of the goods or services concerned for other sectors and the likelihood of a disruption to those goods or services causing a crisis of a cross-border nature within those sectors;
Amendment 599 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the impacts in terms of degree and duration on economic and vital societal activities, the environment and public safety;
Amendment 600 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) the economic operators affected by the disruption have not been able to provide a solution in a reasonable time to the particular aspects of the crisis on a voluntary basis.
Amendment 605 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) the geographic area that is and could be affected, including any cross- border impacts on the provision of goods and services as well as on the functioning of systemic supply chains that are indispensable in the maintenance of vital societal or economic activities in the Single Market;
Amendment 612 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) the absence of substitute goods, inputr shortages of substitutes for crisis-relevant goods or services.
Amendment 627 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. The Council may activate the Single Market emergency mode by means of a Council implementing act. The duration of the activation, shall be specified in the implementing act, and shall be a maximum of six months.
Amendment 629 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Amendment 635 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
5. As soon asWhen proposing the activation of the Single Market emergency mode is activatedaccording to paragraph 2, the Commission shall, without delay, adopt a list of crisis-relevant goods and services by means of an implementing actwhich will be included in the implementing act referred to in paragraph 3. The list may be amended by means of implementing acts.
Amendment 645 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Where the Commission considers, taking into consideration the opinion provided by the advisory groupduly reflecting the decision provided by the steering board and based on the same grounds as those in Article 14(2), that an extension of the Single Market emergency mode is necessary, it shall propose to the Council to extend the Single Market emergency mode. Subject to urgent and exceptional changes in circumstances, the Commission shall endeavour to do so no later than 30 days before the expiry of the period for which the Single Market emergency mode has been activated. The Council may extend the Single Market emergency mode by no more than six months at a time by means of an implementing act.
Amendment 649 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Where the advisory groupsteering board has concrete and reliable evidence that the Single Market emergency should be deactivated, it may formulate an opinadopt a decision to that effect and transmit it to the Commission. Where the Commission, taking into consideration the opinduly reflecting the decision provided by the advisory groupsteering board, considers a Single Market emergency no longer exists, it shall propose to the Council without delay the deactivation of the Single Market emergency mode with immediate effect.
Amendment 652 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The measures taken in accordance with Articles 24 to 33 and pursuant to the emergency procedures introduced in the respective Union legal frameworks by means of the amendments to sectorial product legislation set out in Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2016/424, Regulation (EU) 2016/425, Regulation (EU) 2016/426, Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 and Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 and introducing emergency procedures for the conformity assessment, adoption of common specifications and market surveillance in the context of a Single Market emergency and Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 2000/14/EC, 2006/42/EC, 2010/35/EU, 2013/29/EU, 2014/28/EU, 2014/29/EU, 2014/30/EU, 2014/31/EU, 2014/32/EU, 2014/33/EU, 2014/34/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2014/53/EU, and2014/68/EU and introducingas regard emergency procedures for the conformity assessment, adoption of common specifications and market surveillance in the context ofdue to a Single Market shall cease to apply upon deactivation of the duration of the Single Market emergency mode. Goods produced under the emergency procedures may continue to enter the internal market for six months after the deactivation of the emergency mode. The Commission shall submit to the Council an assessment on the effectiveness of the measures taken in addressing the Single Market emergency no later than three months after the expiry of the measures, on the basis of theinputs and exchange of information gathered viaby the monitoring mechanism foreseen by Article 11.steering board. (The list of Regulations and Directive should be amended based on the outcome of negotiations on the omnibus proposals.)
Amendment 657 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16
Article 16
Amendment 681 #
Amendment 683 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 17 – paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Any measures addressing an internal market emergency, taken by a Member State or the Union, shall be limited to the duration of the internal market emergency mode and shall be removed as soon as possible, at the latest once the internal market emergency mode has been deactivated in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 15(2).
Amendment 685 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. During the Single Market emergency mode and when responding to a Single Market emergency, Member States shall refrain from introducingMember States shall be prohibited to adopt at any time, including during a Single Market emergency mode, any of the following:
Amendment 690 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – introductory part
(b) restrictions on the intra-EU export of goods or provision or receipt of services, or measures having equivalent effect, where those restrictions do any of the following;
Amendment 691 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Amendment 692 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b – point ii
Amendment 693 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) discrimination between Member States or between citizens, including in their role as service providers or workers, based directly or indirectly on nationality or, in the case of companies, the location of the registered office, central administration or principal place of business;
Amendment 698 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point d – point ii
(ii) are directly or indirectly discriminatory based on nationality of the person.
Amendment 703 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. During the Single Market emergency mode and when responding to the Single Market emergency, Member States shall refrain from any of the following, unless to do so is inherent to the nature of the crisis: Member States shall be prohibited to adopt at any time, including during a Single Market emergency mode, any measures: (points may also be merged with paragraph 1)
Amendment 706 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. During the Single Market emergency mode and when responding to a Single Market emergency, Member States shall refrain from any of the following unless to do so is inherent to the nature of the crisis/Single Market emergency:Member States shall be prohibited to adopt at any time, including during a Single Market emergency mode, measures: (points may also be merged with paragraph 1)
Amendment 709 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. During the Single Market emergency mode and when responding to the Single Market emergency, Member States shall refrain from any of the followingMember States shall be prohibited to adopt at any time, including during a Single Market emergency mode, measures:
Amendment 711 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) applying of more generous rules to travel to or from one Member State to or from another Member State or group of Member States, as compared to travel to and from other Member States unless to do so is inherent to the nature of the crisis/Single Market emergency;
Amendment 712 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) prohibiting of business travel linked to the research and development, to the production of crisis-related goodevant goods or the provision of crisis-relevant services that are listed in an implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 14, paragraph 5, or their placing on the market or to the related inspections;
Amendment 714 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point d
(d) imposing prohibitions on travel, including travel for imperative family reasons, which are not appropriortionate for the achievement of any legitimate public interest purportedly pursued by such measures or which manifestly go beyond what is necessary to achieve that aim;
Amendment 717 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e
Article 17 – paragraph 4 – point e
(e) imposing restrictions on workers and service providers and their representatives, unless to do so in inherent to the nature of the crisis/Single Market emergency and it does notwhich are not proportionate for the achievement of any legitimate public interest purportedly pursued by such measures or which manifestly go beyond what is necessary for that purpose.to achieve that aim;
Amendment 719 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. When a Single Market emergency has been activated in accordance with Article 14 and the activities exercised by the service providers, business representatives and workers are not affected by the crisis in the Member State and safe travel is possible despite the crisis, that Member State shall not impose travel restrictions on such categories of persons from other Member States that would prevent them from having access to their place of activity or workplace.
Amendment 726 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. During the Single Market emergency mode, the Commission may provide for supportive measures to reinforce free movement of persons referred to in Article 17(6) and 17(7) by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 422(2). On duly justified imperative grounds of urgency relating to the impacts of the crisis on the Single Market, the Commission shall adopt immediately applicable implementing acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 42(3).
Amendment 730 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. During the Single Market emergency mode, where the Commission establishes that Member States have put in place templates for attesting that the individual or economic operator is a service provider that provides crisis- relevant services, a business representative or worker that is involved in production of crisis-relevant goods or provision of crisis- relevant services or a civil protection worker and it considers that the use of different templates by each Member States is an obstacle to the free movement at the time of a Single Market emergency, the Commission may issue, if it considers it necessary for supporting the free movement of such categories of persons and their equipment during the ongoing Single Market emergency, templates for attesting that they fulfil the relevant criteria for the application Article 17(6) in all Member States by means of implementing acts.
Amendment 733 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. The implementing acts referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 42(2). On duly justified imperative grounds of urgency relating to the impacts of the crisis on the Single Market, the Commission shall adopt immediately applicable implementing acts in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 42(3).
Amendment 736 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
During the Single Market emergency and during a vigilance mode, Member States shall notify to the Commission any crisis- relevant draft measures restricting free movement of goods and the freedom to provide services as well as crisis-relevant restrictions of free movement of persons, including workers together with the reasons for those measures.
Amendment 738 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Any measures that are not notified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be deemed null and void.
Amendment 741 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall provide to the Commission a statement of the reasons which makedemonstrating that the enactment of such measures are justified and proportionate, where those reasons have not already been made clear in the notified measure. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the full text of the national legislative or regulatory provisions which contain or are modified by the measure.
Amendment 742 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall communicate the notified measures to the other Member States without delay and shall share them at the same time with the advisory groupsteering board.
Amendment 744 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. If the advisory groupsteering board chooses to deliver an opin recommendation on a notified measure, it shall do so within four working days from the date of receipt by the Commission of the notification concerning that measure.
Amendment 751 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 8
Article 19 – paragraph 8
8. Within 10 days from the date of receipt of the notification, the Commission shall examine the compatibility of any draft or adopted measure with Union law, including Articles 16 and 17 of this Regulation as well as the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination, and may provide comments on the notified measure when there are immediately obvious and serious grounds to believe that it does not comply with Union law. Such comments shall be taken into account by the notifying Member State. In exceptional circumstances, in particular to receive scientific advice, evidence or technical expertise in the context of an evolving situation, the period of 10 days may be extended by the Commission. The Commission shall set out the reasons justifying any such extension, shall set a new deadline and shall inform the Member States about the new deadline and the reasons for the extension without delay.
Amendment 752 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 10
Article 19 – paragraph 10
10. The notifying Member State shall communicate the measures it intends to adopt in order toand justifications on how it complyies with the comments delivered in accordance with paragraphs 8 and 9 to the Commission within 10 days after receiving them.
Amendment 758 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 12 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Where there are clearly obvious and serious grounds to believe that a measure does not comply with Union law, the Commission may adopt a decision to suspend the application of any measures already adopted. Member States shall cease to enforce such measures. The Commission shall notify the Member State of the reasons for its decision. Where a Member State disagrees with the suspension, it shall immediately enter into dialogue with the Commission in order to align measures with Union law.
Amendment 763 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 16
Article 19 – paragraph 16
16. The Commission shall publish the text of the measures adopted by the Member States in the context of the Single market emergency and vigilance mode that restrict free movement of goods, services and the persons, including workers, which have been communicated by means of the notifications referred to in this Article as well as via other sources. The text of the measures shall be published within one working day of its receipt by means of an electronic platform managed by the Commission. It shall also be published on the electronic platform of the Union level single point of contact under Article 22.
Amendment 766 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The Commission shall ensure interoperability between the notification system under this regulation and the Internal Market Information System.
Amendment 775 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall incorporate the national single points of contact into the Your Europe portal as set out in Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724.
Amendment 776 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall set up and operate a Union level single point of contact, which shall use the structure of the Your Europe portal, as set out in Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1724.
Amendment 786 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. BThe Commission may adopt binding measures included in this Chapter may be adopted by the Commission by means of implementing acts in accordance with Articles 24(2), first subparagraph of Article 26 and Article 27(2) may be adopted only after a Single Market Emergency has been activated by means of a Council implementing act in accordance with Article 14 and upon a positive opinion of the steering board.
Amendment 788 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. An implementing act introducing a measure included in this Chapter shall clearly and specifically list the crisis- relevant goods and services identified in the implementing act adopted in accordance with Article 14(5) to which such measure applies. That measure shall apply only for the duration of the emergency mode.
Amendment 790 #
Amendment 794 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. Where there is a severe crisis- related shortages or an immediate threat thereof, the Commission may invite representative organisations or economic operators in crisis-relevant supply chains to transmit on a voluntary basis, within a set time limit, specific information to the Commission on the production capacities and possible existing stocks of crisis- relevant goods and components thereof in Union production facilities and third country facilities which it operates, contracts or purchases supply from, as well as information on any relevant supply chain disruptions withreasonable timeframe, specific internal market emergency relevant information to the Commission including information on any relevant supply chain disruptions within a given deadline. The Commission may only collect this information and exchange it with the steering board in order to support their decisions on implementing a given deadline.cts as referred to in Articles 26 and 27
Amendment 799 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. If the addressees do not transmit the information requested in accordance with paragraph 1 within the time-limita reasonable timeframe and do not provide a valid justification for not doing so, the Commission may, by means of an implementing act, requir recommendation, invite that they transmit the information, indicating in the implementing actternal market emergency relevant information, indicating why it is proportionate and necessary to do so, specifying the crisis-relevant goods and services and addressees concerned by the information request, and the information that is sought, providing where necessary a template with the questions that may be addressed to the economic operators.
Amendment 804 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point b
Amendment 807 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. Following the activation of the mandatory information requests to economic operators by means of an implementing act, the Commission shall address a formal decision to each of those representative organisations or economic operators in crisis-relevant supply chains that have been identified in the implementing act, requesting them to provide the information specified in the implementing act. TWhen inviting economic operators to share on a voluntary basis the internal market emergency-relevant information, the Commission shall rely, where possible, on the relevant and available contact lists of the economic operators active in the selected supply chains of crisis-relevant goods and services, compiled by the Member States. The Commission may obtain the necessary information on the relevant economic operators from the Member States.
Amendment 812 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 5
Article 24 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission Drecisommendations containing individual information requests shall contain a reference to the implementing act referred to in paragraph 2 on which they are based and to the situations of severe crisis-related shortages or an immediate threat thereof which has given rise to them. Any information request shall be duly justified and proportionate in terms of the volume, nature and granularity of the data, as well as the frequency of access to the data requested, and shall be necessary for the management of the emergency or for compiling relevant official statistics. A request shall set out a reasonable time limit within which the information is to be provided. It shall take into account the effort required to collect and make the data available by the economic operator or representative organisation. The formal drecisommedation shall also contain safeguards for protection of data in accordance with Article 39 of this Regulation, safeguards for non-disclosure of sensitive business information contained in the reply in accordance with Article 25, and information on the possibility of contesting it before the Court of Justice of the European Union in line with relevant Union law and the fines provided for in Article 28 for failure to comply and the timeline for a reply.
Amendment 817 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 6
Article 24 – paragraph 6
6. The owners of the economic operators or their representatives and, in the case of legal persons, companies or firms, or associations having no legal personality, the persons authorised to represent them by law or by their constitution may supply the information requested on behalf of the economic operator or the association of economic operators concerned. Each economic operator or association of economic operators shall provide the requested information on an individual basis in line with the Union rules on competition governing the exchange of information. Lawyers duly authorised to act may supply the information on behalf of their clients. The latter shall remain fully responsible if the information supplied is incomplete, incorrect or misleading.
Amendment 819 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 7
Article 24 – paragraph 7
Amendment 822 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 8
Article 24 – paragraph 8
Amendment 825 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. Information received from liaison offices of the Member States, the steering board, economic operators or any other source as a result of the application of this Regulation shall be used only for the purpose for which it was requested.
Amendment 827 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. Member States and the Commission shall ensure the protection of trade and business secrets and other sensitive and confidential information acquired and generated in application of this Regulation, including recommendations and measures to be taken, and any compensation due in the event of unauthorised disclosures in accordance with Union and the respective national law.
Amendment 834 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Amendment 837 #
Amendment 842 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may invite, on a voluntary basis, one or more economic operators in crisis-relevant supply chains established in the Union to accept and prioritise certain orders for the production or supply of crisis-relevant goods (‘priority rated order’).
Amendment 844 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
2. If an economic operator does not accept and prioritise priority rated orders, the Commission may, following a positive decision of the steering board, at its own initiative or at the request of 14 Member States, assess the necessity and proportionality of resorting to priority rated orders in such cases, the Commission shall give the economic operator concerned as well as any parties demonstrably affected by the potential priority rated order, the opportunity to state their position within a reasonable time limit set by the Commission in light of the circumstances of the case. In exceptional circumstances, following such an assessment, the Commission may following a positive decision of the steering board, address an implementing act to the economic operator concerned, requiring it to either accept and prioritise the priority rated orders specified in the implementing act or explain why it is not possible or appropriate for that operator to do so. The Commission’s decision shall be based on objective data showing that such prioritisation is indispensable to ensure the maintenance of vital societal economic activities in the Single Marketthe Single Market emergency and may only be adopted where the crisis-relevent goods cannot be procured in accordance with Articles 34, 37 and 38.
Amendment 849 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 27 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Where the economic operator to which the decision referred to in paragraph 2 is addressed declines to accept the requirement to accept and prioritise the orders specified in the decision, it shall provide to the Commission, within 10 days from the notification of the decision, a reasoned explanation setting out duly justified reasons why it is not possible or appropriate, in light of the objectives of this provision, for it to comply with the requirement. Such reasons include the inability of the operator to perform the priority rated order on account of insufficient production capacity or a serious risk that accepting the order would entail particular hardship or economic burden for the operator, or other considerations of comparable gravityparticularly taking into account the prices and quantities specified by the Commission or other considerations of comparable gravity, including a contractual penalty for the failure to fulfil performance obligations under private or public law.
Amendment 852 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 854 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 6
Article 27 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission shall take the decision to invite one or more economic operators to accept and prioritise certain orders as referred to in paragraph 21 in accordance with applicable Union law, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, and the Union’s and the economic operator's obligations under international law. The decision shall in particular take into account the legitimate interests of the economic operator concerned and any available information concerning the cost and effort required for any change in production sequence. It shall state the legal basis for its adoption, fix the time limits within which the priority rated order is to be performed and, where applicable, specify the product, the price and quantity. It shall state the fines provided for in Article 28 for failure to comply with the decision. The priority rated order shall be placed at a fair and reasonable priceThe priority rated order shall be placed at market price and including compensation for any other costs due to the prioritisation or deprioritisation of other orders, including contractual penalties.
Amendment 858 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28
Article 28
Amendment 862 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – title
Article 28 – title
Fines to operators for failure to comply with the obligation to reply to mandatory information requests or to comply with priority rated orders
Amendment 864 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 28 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 868 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Fines imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1 (a) and (b)(b) shall not exceed 200 000 EUR. The maximum fine imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1(b) for economic operators that are SMEs as defined in Recommendation 2003/361/EC shall not exceed 2005 000 EUR.
Amendment 870 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. Fines imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1 (c) shall not exceed 0.5 % of the average daily turnover in the preceding business year for each working day of non-compliance with the obligation pursuant to Article 27 (priority rated orders) calculated from the date established in the decision not exceeding 0.5 % of total turnover in the preceding business year. The maximum fine imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1(c) for economic operators that are SMEs as defined in Recommendation 2003/361/EC shall not exceed 0.1 % of the average daily turnover in the preceding business year for each working day of non- compliance with the obligation pursuant to Article 27 (priority rated orders) calculated from the date established in the decision but not exceeding 0.1% of total turnover in the preceding business year.
Amendment 874 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29
Article 29
Amendment 878 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 880 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30
Article 30
Amendment 884 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31
Article 31
Amendment 889 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32
Article 32
Amendment 892 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Where the strategic reserves constituted by the Member States in accordance with Article 12 prove to be insufficient to meet the needs related to the Single Market emergency, the Commission, duly taking into consideration the opinion provided by the advisory groupsteering board, may recommend to the Member States to distribute the strategic reserves in a targeted way, where possible, having regard to the need not to further aggravate disruptions on the Single Market, including in geographical areas particularly affected by such disruptions and in accordance with the principles of necessity, proportionality and solidarity and establishing the most efficient use of reserves with a view to ending the Single Market emergency.
Amendment 894 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33
Article 33
Amendment 908 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part V – Chapter I – title
Part V – Chapter I – title
Amendment 910 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1
Article 34 – paragraph 1
1. Two or more Member States may request that the Commission launch a procurement on behalf of the Member States that wish to be represented by the Commission (ʽparticipating Member Statesʼ), for the purchasing of goods and services of strategic importance listed in an implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 9(1) or crisis- relevant goods and services listed in an implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 14(5).
Amendment 912 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 2
Article 34 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall assess the utility, necessity and proportionality of the request. If the Commission decides to launch a procurement on behalf of the Member Strates, it shall inform the steering board and the Member States concerned its intention to carry out such procurement. Where the Commission intends not to follow the request, it shall inform the Member States concerned and the advisory group referred to in Article 4 and give reasons for its refusal. The Commission shall launch a call for other Member States to participate in the request.
Amendment 917 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. If the Commission is unable to award the contract to a suitable economic operator, the Commission shall immediately inform the Member States. Member States shall have a right to initiate their own procurement processes without delay.
Amendment 920 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The agreement [referred to in Article 34(3) shall establish a negotiating mandate for the Commission to act as a central purchasing body for relevant goods and services of strategic importance or crisis-relevant goods and services on behalf of the participating Member States through the conclusion of new contracts.
Amendment 921 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 2
Article 35 – paragraph 2
2. In accordance with the agreement, the Commission may be entitled, on behalf of the participating Member States, to enter into contracts with economic operators, including individual producers of goods and services of strategic importance or crisis- relevant goods and services, concerning the purchase of such goods or services.
Amendment 923 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Article 35 – paragraph 3
Amendment 927 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 4
Article 35 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall carry out the procurement procedures and conclude the resulting contracts with economic operators on behalf of the participating Member States. All participating Member States shall be involved in the procurement process. To that effect, the Commission shall invite participating Member States to nominate representatives to take part in the preparation of the procurement processes as well as the negotations of the purchasing agreements. Representatives of participating Member States shall have the status of experts in the procurement process, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.
Amendment 932 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part V – Chapter III – title
Part V – Chapter III – title
Amendment 940 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 1
Article 39 – paragraph 1
Where the Single Market emergency mode has been activated pursuant to Article 164 and procurement by the Commission on behalf of Member States has been launched in accordance with Articles 34 to 36, the contracting authorities of the participating Member States shall not procure goods or services covered by such procurement by other means. , except where otherwise provided for in Article 34(3a). Or. en (see Amendment to Article 34)
Amendment 948 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 41 – paragraph 1
Article 41 – paragraph 1
The Commission and the Member States may set up interoperable digital tools or IT infrastructures supporting the objectives of this Regulation. Such tools or infrastructures may be developed outside the duration of the Single Market Emergency. The Commission shall primarily make use of already existing IT tools.
Amendment 956 #
2022/0278(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 44 – paragraph 1
Article 44 – paragraph 1
1. By [OP: please insert date = five years from the entry into force of this Regulation] and every five years thereafter, and after every deactivation of the emergency mode, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the functioning of the contingency planning, vigilance and Single Market emergency response system suggesting any improvements if necessary, accompanied, where appropriate, by relevant legislative proposals.
Amendment 17 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) The Instrument has to serve as a precursor for the European Defence Investment Plan (EDIP), a long-term procurement instrument that should enhance the competitiveness, the efficiency, the industrial capacity, the interoperability and the consolidation of the European Defence Industrial Base.
Amendment 18 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
Amendment 22 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) As the instrument aims to enhance the competitiveness and, efficiency and the independence of the Union’s defence industry, to benefit from the instrument, according to the legal basis, common procurement contracts will need to be placed with legal entities which are established in the Union or in associated countries and are not subject to control by non-associated third countries or by non- associated third- country entities. In that context, control should be understood to be the ability to exercise a decisive influence on a legal entity directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediate legal entities. Additionally, in order to ensure the protection of essential security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States, the infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources of the contractors and subcontractors involved in the common procurement which are used for the purposes of the common procurement shall be located on the territory of a Member State or of an associated third country.
Amendment 34 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In certain exceptional circumstances, it should be possible to derogate from the principle that contractors and subcontractors involved in a common procurement supported by the Instrument are not subject to control by non-associated third countries or non associated third- country entities. In that context, a legal entity established in the Union or in an associated third country and controlled by a non-associated third country or a non- associated third country entity may participate as contractor and subcontractor involved in the common procurement if strict conditions relating to the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States, as established in the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), including in terms of strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, are fulfilled.
Amendment 46 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Member States should appoint a procurement agent to conduct a common procurement on their behalf. The procurement agent should be a contracting authority established in a Member State or an associated third country, including Union bodies or international organisations, such as the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'ARmement (OCCAR). The instrument should be without prejudice to the rules laid down in particular by the Directive 2009/81/EC on the coordination of procedures for the award of certain works contracts, supply contracts and service contracts by contracting authorities or entities in the fields of defence and security. Additional eligibility requirements as set out in article 8 in this regulation should be part of the tender documents and prevail over conflicting laws of the Member State in which the procurement agent is established.
Amendment 84 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The guarantees shall be based on a standardised template provided by the Commission and shall be part of the tender specifications to ensure a harmonised use throughout the European Union, reduce the bureaucratic load, specially for SMEs and Mid-caps, and promote a level playing-field.
Amendment 87 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 8
Article 8 – paragraph 8
8. The infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources of the contractors and subcontractors involved in the common procurement which are used for the purposes of the common procurement shall be located on the territory of a Member State or of an associated third country. Where no competitive substitutesthere are no readily available substitutes in the Union or in an associated third country, contractors and subcontractors involved in the common procurement may use their assets, infrastructure, facilities and resources located or held outside the territory of the Member States or of the associated third countries provided that such use does not contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States and is consistent with the objectives set out in Article 3.
Amendment 96 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 9
Article 8 – paragraph 9
9. Common procurement procedures and contracts shall also include a requirement for the defence product to not be subject to a restriction to use, maintain, modify or transfer it by a non- associated third country or a non- associated third country entity.
Amendment 100 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 9 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. In regard of the urgency of the situation, a defence product subject to a restriction to transfer by a non-associated third country or a non-associated third country entity may be declared eligible by the Commission where the Member States or associated countries participating in the common procurement have demonstrated that this derogation only concerns defence products being in use prior to 24 February 2022 within the Armed Forces of all Member States or associated countries participating in the common procurement.
Amendment 106 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 10 – point b
(b) other subcontractors to which at least 105 % of the work share is allocated;
Amendment 110 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 10 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. The proportion of the equipment originating from non-associated third countries shall not exceed 25% of the value of the end product. No components shall be sourced from non-associated third countries that contravene the security and defence interests of the Union and its Member States, including respect for the principle of good neighbourly relations.
Amendment 137 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
7 a. The interplay of the action within the framework of the European Defence Fund.
Amendment 139 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
7 a. the participation of SMEs and Mid-caps.
Amendment 140 #
2022/0219(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point 7 b (new)
7 b. The contribution of the action to diversifying the supply chain by involving SMEs and mid-capitalisation companies in the manufacturing process in the manufacturing process.
Amendment 44 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting upward economic and social convergence, a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as labour markets that are future-oriented, resilient and responsive to economic change, with a view to achieving the objectives ofsustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, balanced growth,and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment laid down in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). Member States are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and are to coordinate their action in that respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.
Amendment 56 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 3
(3) In accordance with the TFEU, the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for economic and employment policies. As part of those instruments, the Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States (the ‘Guidelines’) set out in the Annex to this Decision, together with the Broad Guidelines for the Economic Policies of the Member States and of the Union set out in Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/11845 , form the Integrated Guidelines. They are to guide policy implementation in the Member States and in the Union, reflecting the interdependence between the Member States. The resulting set of coordinated European and national policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall sustainable economic and, employment and social policy mix, which should achieve positive spill over effects for society, labour markets and the workforce. __________________ 5 Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27).
Amendment 61 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 4
(4) The Guidelines are consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, existing Union legislation and various Union initiatives, including Council Directive of 20 July 20016 , Council Recommendations of 10 March 20147 , 15 February 20168 , 19 December 20169 , 15 March 201810 , 22 May 201811 , 22 May 201912 , 8 November 201913 , 30 October 202014 , 24 November 202015 , 29 November 202116 Commission Recommendation of 4 March 202117 , Council Recommendation of 14 June 202118 , Council Resolution of 26 February 202119 ,Commission Communication of 9 December 202120 , Decision of the EU Parliament and the Council of 22 December 202121 [, the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union22 , the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality23 , the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability24 , the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on individual learning accounts25 , the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms26 , the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving working conditions in platform work27, the Proposal for Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a Social Climate Fund27a and the Proposal for a Council Recommendation on learning for environmental sustainability28 ]. __________________ 6 Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof (OJ L 212 , 07/08/2001 P. 0012 – 0023) 7 Council Recommendation of 10 March 2014 on a Quality Framework for Traineeships (OJ C 88, 27.3.2014, p. 1). 8 Council Recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1). 9 Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 on Upskilling Pathways: New Opportunities for Adults (OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1). 10 Council Recommendation of 15 March 2018 on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (OJ C 153, 2.5.2018, p. 1). 11 Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning (OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1). 12 Council Recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High-Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 4). 13 Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1). 14 Council Recommendation of 30 October 2020 on A Bridge to Jobs – Reinforcing the Youth Guarantee and replacing the Council Recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (OJ C 372, 4.11.2020, p. 1). 15 Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 1). 16 Council Recommendation of 29 November 2021 on blended learning approaches for high-quality and inclusive primary and secondary education (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1–21) 17 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 of 4 March 2021 on an effective active support to employment following the COVID-19 crisis (EASE) (OJ L 80, 8.3.2021, p. 1). 18 Council Recommendation (EU) 2021/1004 of 14 June 2021 establishing a European Child Guarantee (OJ L 223, 22.6.2021, p. 14). 19 Council Resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030) (2021/C66/01) (OJ C 66, 26.2.2021, p. 1–21) 20 Commission Communication (EU) 2021/778 of 9 December 2021 on building an economy that works for people: an action plan for the social economy 21 Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022) (OJ L 462, 28.12.2021, p. 1– 9) 22 COM/2020/682 final 23 COM/2021/801 final 24 COM/2021/770 final 25 COM/2021/773 final 26 COM/2021/93 final 27 COM/2021/762 final 27a COM/2021/568 final 28 COM/2022/11 final
Amendment 66 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employ, employment, social and environmental policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester should ensure the integratesion of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and of its monitoring tool, the Social Scoreboard, and provides for strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in particular Goals 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10. The Union’s and Member States’ economic and employment policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s fair transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable and digital economy, improve competitiveness, including through supports for SMEs, including micro- enterprises, ensure adequatecent working conditions and resilient and sustainable social protection systems, foster innovation, promote social justice, gender equality and equal opportunities, as well as tackle inequalities and regional disparities. for all, support and invest in children and young people as well as tackle poverty, social exclusion, inequalities, intersectional discrimination and regional disparities, particularly as regards remote and outermost regions. There is a need to ensure quality and sustainable employment, including initiatives on teleworking, the right to disconnect and the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace in line with the social partners’ role and the European Social Partners Framework Agreement on Digitalisation, a common legal framework to ensure fair remuneration for traineeships and apprenticeships, the rights of platform workers, and a proposal for a comprehensive European anti-poverty strategy with ambitious poverty reduction targets as well as on occupational health and safety.
Amendment 73 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environment- related challenges, the need to accelerate energy independence and ensure Europe’s open strategic autonomy, globalisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, an increase in teleworking, the platform economy and demographic change are transforming European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States are to work together to effectively and proactively address those structural developments and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States’ economies and labour markets, and related policies. This requires coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance, while implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment and competitiveness, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced reforms that enhance economic growth, the creation of quality jobs, productivity, adequatecent working conditions, social and territorial cohesion, upward convergence, reduced inequalities and improved social inclusion, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility, with support from existing EU funding programmes, and in particular the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the Cohesion Policy Funds (including the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund) as well as the Just Transition Fund. It should combine supply- and demand- side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impacts. The activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact in March 2020 allowed Member States to react swiftly and adopt emergency measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of the pandemic. The specific nature of the macroeconomic shock resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the current energy and inflation crises require continued fiscal space for Member States in 2023. The Commission considers that the current context warrants the extension of the general escape clause through 2023 and its deactivation as of 2024. Member States should make use of the potential offered by the general escape clause to support undertakings which are in difficulty or lack liquidity, in particular microenterprises and small and medium- sized enterprises, to safeguard jobs, wages and working conditions and to invest in people and social welfare systems. The potential risk for public finances, caused by the prolongation, as well as the potential social negative consequences of its deactivation should be evaluated ex- ante.
Amendment 86 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 9
(9) Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Council, in its conclusions of 24 February 2022, condemned Russia’s actions, which seek to undermine European and global security and stability, and expressed solidarity to the Ukrainian people, underlining the violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter. In the current context, temporary protection, as granted by the Council Decision of 4 March 202230 activating the Temporary Protection Directive31 , is necessary in light of the scale of the influx of refugees and displaced persons. This allows Ukrainian refugees to enjoy harmonised rights across the Union that offer an adequate level of protection, including residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education and training, access to housing, as well as to social security systems, medical care, social welfare, or other assistance, and means of subsistence. By participating in Europe’s labour markets, Ukrainian refugees can contribute to strengthening the EU’s economy and help support their country and people at home. As the majority of Ukrainian refugees are women and children Member States should ensure sufficient support for housing and childcare provisions to facilitate their participation. Member States should also ensure that their implementation of the European Child Guarantee also ensures access to free services of high quality for children fleeing Ukraine on an equal footing with their EU national peers in the hosting countries. In the future, the acquired experience and skills can contribute to rebuilding Ukraine. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, temporary protection confers the right to legal guardianship and access to childhood education and care. Member States should involve social partners in the design, implementation and evaluation of policy measures aimed at addressing the employment and skills challenges stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Social partners play a key role in mitigating the impact of the war in terms of preserving employment and production. __________________ 30 Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of 4 March 2022 establishing the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine within the meaning of Article 5 of Directive 2001/55/EC, and having the effect of introducing temporary protection. 31 Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof.
Amendment 90 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 10
(10) Reforms to the labour market, including national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue, with a view to providing fair wages that enable a decent standard of living and sustainable growth. They should allow for the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic factors, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, the creation of quality jobs, decent working conditions, the fight against in- work poverty, education, training and skills, gender equality, public health and, social inclusion, and real incomes. In this sense, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other EU funds are supporting Member States in implementing reforms and investments that are in line with the EU’s priorities, making the European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the green and digital transitions. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further aggravated pre-existing socio- economic challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. Member States and the Union should continue to ensure that the social, employment and economic impacts are mitigated and that transitions are socially fair and just, also in light of the fact that increased open strategic autonomy and an accelerated green transition will help reduce the dependence on imports of energy and other strategic products/technologies, notably from Russia. Strengthening resilience and pursuing an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy, are essential. A coherent set of active labour market policies, consisting of temporary hiring and transition incentives, skills policiesfuture- oriented education, training and skills policies including lifelong learning, VET, upskilling and reskilling and improved employment services, is needed to support labour market transitions, also in light of the green and digital transformations, as highlighted in Recommendation (EU) 2021/402 [and the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality]. A thorough evaluation of national policies and support schemes which have been deployed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is needed in order to identify effective instruments to be continued and for future use.
Amendment 94 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 11
(11) Discrimination in all its forms should be tackleliminated, gender equality ensured and employment of young people actively supported. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion, including that of children, older people, people with disabilities and Roma people, should be reduceradicated, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and adequate and inclusive social protection systems32 , and by removing barriers to inclusive and future-oriented education, training and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care, lifelong learning, vocational education and training and in digital and green skills. Timely and equal access to affordable long-term care and healthcare services, including prevention and healthcare promotion, are particularly relevant, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 and in a context of ageing societies. The potential of persons with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised. As new upcoming proposal for a Council Recommendation on long-term care should establish EU level targets comparable to the Barcelona targets for high quality and affordable childcare. The potential of persons with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised including through reasonable accommodation in the workplace and accessible assistive technologies. Member States must ensure a comprehensive approach for lifting children out of poverty and supporting the parents of children in need. The European Child Guarantee should be implemented and mainstreamed across all policy sectors without delay and funding for children’s rights should be prioritised, while making full use of existing Union policies and funds for concrete measures that contribute to eradicating child poverty and social exclusion. There is a need to urgently increase the funding of the European Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least 20 billion euro. As new economic and business models take hold in workplaces throughout the Union, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work are sustainable, maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model while guaranteeing workers' rights, decent working conditions, including health and safety at work, decent wages and work-life balance. Entrepreneurship and self-employment should be encouraged and occupational mobility should be facilitated, including via the portability of rights and the introduction of effective digital solutions. __________________ 32 Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed, 2019/C 387/01
Amendment 106 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Recital 12
(12) The Integrated Guidelines should serve as a basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to Member States. Member States are to make full use of their REACT-EU resources established by Regulation (EU) 2020/222133 , which reinforces the 2014- 2020 Cohesion Policy funds and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) until 2023, and due to the current Ukrainian crisis, has been further enhanced by the Regulation on Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE)34 , and a further amendment to the Common Provisions Regulation35 concerning increased pre-financing for REACT-EU and a new unit cost in order to help accelerate the integration of people leaving Ukraine into the EU36 . In addition, for the 2021-2027 programming period, Member States should fully utilise the European Social Fund Plus established by Regulation (EU) 2021/105737 , the European Regional Development Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/105838 , the Recovery and Resilience Facility, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/24139 , and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund established by Regulation (EU) 2021/105640 as well as the InvestEU established by Regulation (EU) 2021/52341 , to foster employment, social investments, social inclusion and accessibility, and to promote upskilling and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high-quality education and training for all, includingparticularly digital literacy and skills. Member States are also to make full use of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers established by Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of42 to support workers made redundant as a result of major restructuring events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic transformations that are the result of more global trends, and technological and environmental changes. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving the European and national parliaments, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society. __________________ 33 Regulation (EU) 2020/2221 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 December 2020 amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards additional resources and implementing arrangements to provide assistance for fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences and for preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy (REACT-EU) (OJ L 437, 28.12.2020, p. 30). 34 Regulation (EU) 2022/562 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 April 2022 amending regulations (EU) no 1303/2013 and (EU) no 223/2014 as regards cohesion’s action for refugees in Europe (CARE) 35 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159–706) 36 Regulation (EU) 2022/613 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 April 2022 amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 223/2014 as regards increased pre-financing from REACT-EU resources and the establishment of a unit cost 37 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21). 38 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231 30.6.2021,p.60) 39 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17–75) 40 Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1). 41 Regulation (EU) 2021/523 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing the InvestEU Programme and amending Regulation (EU) 2015/1017 (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 30). 42 Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 (OJ L 153, 3.5.2021, p. 48).
Amendment 109 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1
Member States should actively promote a competitive, innovative and sustainable social market economy and facilitate and support investment in the creation of quality jobs, also taking advantage of the potential linked to the digital and green transitions, in light ofwith a view to reaching the 2030 EU headline target on employment. To that end, they should reduce the barriers that businesses face in hiring people, ensure skills and training which help provide opportunities for workers and anticipate labour market shortages, foster responsible entrepreneurship and genuine self-employment and, in particular, support the creation and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to finance, capacity building supports and relevant guidance. Member States should actively promote the development and tap the full potential of the social economy, foster social innovation and social enterprises, and encourage those business models creating quality job opportunities in particular for underrepresented groups often furthest from the labour market and generating social benefits at local level, in particular in the circular economy and in areas most affected by the transitions to a green and digital economy due to their sectoral specialisation,.
Amendment 117 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 5 – paragraph 2
Following the COVID-19 crisis, well- designed short-time work schemes and similar arrangements should also facilitate and support restructuring processes, on top of preserving employment when appropriatre possible, helping the modernisation of the economy, including via associated skills development. Well-designed hiring and transition incentives and lifelong learning, vocational education and training, upskilling and reskilling measures should be considered in order to support job creation and manage transitions, and addresss well as to address and anticipate labour and skill shortages, also in light of the digital and green transformations as well as ofnd the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Amendment 127 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 5 – paragraph 4
Member States, including those with statutory minimum wages, should promote collective bargaining with a view to wage setting and ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner, allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments and fostering fair wages that enable a decent standard of living, paying particular attention to their purchasing power and to lower and middle income groups with a view to strengthening upward socio-economic convergence. Wage-setting mechanisms should take into account socio-economic conditions, including regional and sectoral developments. Respecting national practices and the autonomy of the social partners, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers have fair wages by benefitting, directly or indirectly, from collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation, gender equality and in-work poverty.
Amendment 134 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of the digital and green transitions, demographic change and the Ukrainian warwar in Ukraine, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and investments in human capital, fostering acquisition of skills and competences throughout people’s lives and responding to current and future labour- market needs, in light of the 2030 EU headline target on skills. Member States should also adaptmodernise and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education, including vocational education and training, lifelong learning, entrepreneurial skills, access to digital learning, and language training (e.g. in the case of refugees including from Ukraine). Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour-market relevance, also with a view to enabling the green and digital transitions, addressing existing skills mismatches and skills obsolescence and preventing the emergence of new shortages, in particular for activities related to REPowerEU, such as renewable energy deployment or buildings’ renovation. Particular attention should be paid to challenges faced by the teaching profession, including by investing in teachers’ and trainers’ digital competences. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences, to lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life.formal and informal competences, such as communication and critical thinking to lay the foundations for adaptability and resilience throughout life. In order to foster learners' development and mobility in view of the 2030 target for increasing annual adult participation in training to 60 %, Member States should seek to strengthen the provision of individual training entitlements and ensure their transferability during professional transitions, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts, as well as a reliable system of training quality assessment. Member States should deliver on the potential of micro-credentials to support lifelong learning and employability. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour-market needs, in particular through continuous upskilling and reskilling and the provision of integrated guidance and counselling, with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour-market shortages and skills mismatches, improving the overall resilience of the economy to shocks and making potential adjustments easier.
Amendment 141 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training systems. In particular, children should be provided access to good quality early childhood education and care, in line with the European Child Guarantee and the Barcelona Objectives. Member States should raise overall qualification levels, reduce the number of early leavers from education and training, support access to education of children from disadvantaged groups and remoted areas, increase the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET), access to and completion of tertiary education, facilitate the transition from education to employment for young people through paid quality and inclusive traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and the least qualified. Taking into account the new requirements of digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their VET systems, including through quality and effective apprenticeships, and increase the number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates both in VET and in tertiary education, especially women. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour- market relevance of tertiary education and, where appropriate, research; improve skills monitoring and forecasting; make skills more visible and qualificasimplify the recognitions, comparableility, and validation of qualifications, including those acquired abroad; and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and uptake of flexible continuous VET. Member States should also support low-skilled adults to maintain or develop their long- term employability by boosting access to and uptake of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways Recommendation including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour- market opportunities, and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.
Amendment 147 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people, in particular the long- term unemployed, with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance to improve employment or self-employment prospects based on support for job search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups and people particularly affected by the green and digital transitions. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessments of unemployed people should be pursued as soon as possible, at the latest after 18 months of unemployment, with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long- term and structural unemployment. Youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) should continue to be addressed as a priority, through prevention of early school leaving and structural improvement of the school-to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the reinforced Youth Guarantee and use of relevant EU funding such as ESF+ and the RRF, which should also importantly support quality youth employment opportunities in the post- pandemic recovery. In addition, and in the light of the European Year of the Youth 2022, Member States should boost efforts notably at highlighting how the green and digital transitions offer a renewed perspective for the future and opportunities to counter the negative impact of the pandemic on young people. Member States should consider implementing a youth clause assessing the impact of an initiative on young people when putting forward new initiatives across all policy areas.
Amendment 152 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 6 – paragraph 4
Member States should aim to remove barriers and disincentives to, and provide incentives for, participation in the labour market, in particular for low-income earners, second earners and those furthest away from the labour market including people with disabilities, people with a migrant background and marginalised Roma. In view of high labour shortages in certain occupations and sectors, Member States should contribute to fostering labour supply, notably through promoting adequate wages and decent working conditions, as well as effective active labour market policies. Member States should also support an adapted work environment for persons with disabilities, including through targeted financial support and goods, services and an environment that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society. Remote and distance learning and telework enabled by new technologies can provide opportunities, in particular for learners in more remote areas and people with disabilities but adequate digital infrastructure, which is accessible and affordable must be in place in order to ensure equal access for all.
Amendment 159 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
The gender employment, pay and payension gaps should be tackleradicated. Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities in education and career progression and eliminating barriers to access to leadership at all levels of decision making. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable, quality long-term care and early childhood education and care services and the equal sharing of domestic responsibilities. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family-related leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of those entitlements between women and men.
Amendment 166 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce and new work patterns and business models Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations for both employers and workers. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and bogus self- employment, and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for inclusive recruitment and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while protecting labour rights and ensuring social protection, an appropriate level of security and healthy, safe and well- adapted working environments for all workers. Promoting the use of flexible working arrangements such as teleworking can contribute to higher employment levels and more inclusive labour markets in the context of the post-pandemic environment, especially for single parents, people with disabilities and people living in rural and remote regions. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the workers’ rights in terms of working time, working conditions, occupational health and safety and work- life balance are respected. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in the case of platform workers, especially if low-skilled, and by fighprohibiting abuse of atypical contracts. Access to effective, impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 173 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market participation, matching and transitions, including in disadvantaged regions in particular the outermost regions and OCTs. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market, especially vulnerable groups such as lower- skilled people, people with a migrant background, including persons under a temporary protection status, young people, people with disabilities and marginalised Roma. Member States should strengthen the scope and effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach and coverage and by better linking them with social services, training and income support for the unemployed, whilst they are seeking work and based on their rights and responsibilities. Member States should enhance the capacity of public employment services to provide timely and tailor-made assistance to jobseekers, respond to current and future labour-market needs, and implement performance-based management, supported also via digitalisation.
Amendment 179 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
The mobility of learners and workers should be adequately supported with the aim of enhancing their skills and employability and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, while also ensuring fair conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity and stepping up administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers and the portability of their entitlements, benefitting from the assistance of the European Labour Authority. The mobility of workers in critical occupations and of cross-border workers, including frontier, seasonal and posted workers should be supported and their rights respected, including in the cases of temporary border closures triggered by public health considerations. To that end, Member States should facilitate through their national plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility together with existing EU funds to further digitalise public administration, fully implement the EESSI and facilitate exchanges between social security institutions, speed up the handling of individual cases and improve the enforcement capacity of the ELA and relevant national competent authorities.
Amendment 187 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 5
Member States should also strive to create the appropriate conditions for new forms of work, delivering on their job-creation potential while ensuring they are compliant with existing social rights. Member States should thus provide advice and guidance on the rights and obligations applying in the context of atypical contracts and new forms of work, such as work through digital platforms. In this regard, social partners can play an instrumental role and Member States should support them in reaching out and representing people in atypical and platform work while facilitating the emergence of new legitimate representatives for genuinely self-employed where appropriate. Member States should also provide support for enforcement – such as guidelines or dedicated trainings for labour inspectorates – concerning the challenges stemming from new forms of organising work, such as algorithmic management, data surveillance and permanent or semi- permanent telework.
Amendment 189 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 6
Building on existing national practices, and in order to achieve more effective social dialogue and better socio-economic outcomes, including in crisis times like with the war in Ukraine, Member States should ensure the strengthening of the social partners and their timely and meaningful involvement of the social partners in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic reforms and policies, including by supporting increased capacity of the social partners. Member States should foster social dialogue and promote the extension of collective bargaining coverage. The social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, fully respecting their autonomy and the right to collective action.
Amendment 192 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 7 – paragraph 7
Where relevant, and building on existing national practices, Member States should take into account relevant civil society organisations’ experience of employment and social issues particularly those working closely with disadvantaged groups.
Amendment 198 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 1
Member States should promote inclusive labour markets, openaccessible to all, by putting in place effective measures to fight all forms of discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all, and in particular for groups that are under-represented in the labour market, with due attention to the regional and territorial dimension. They should ensure equal treatment regarding employment, social protection, healthousing, health, childcare and long-term care, education and access to goods and services, regardless of gender, racial, social or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Amendment 202 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Member States should modernise social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient and sustainable social protection for all, throughout all stages of life, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation, supporting social investment, fighting poverty and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems and by assessing the distributional impact of policies. Complementing universal approaches with selectivetargeted ones will improve the effectiveness of social protection systems. The modernisation of social protection systems should also aim to improve their resilience to multi-faceted challenges.
Amendment 205 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 3
Member States should develop and integrate the three strands of active inclusion: adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality enabling services, to meet individual needs. Social protection systems should ensure adequate minimum income benefits for everyone lacking sufficient resources andto ensure a life in dignity at all stages of life and effective access to enabling goods and services, coupled with measures to promote social inclusion by encouraging people to actively participate and reintegrate in the labour market and society, including through targeted provision of social services.
Amendment 210 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, and health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, including in-work poverty, energy poverty and homelessness in line with the 2030 EU headline target on poverty reduction. Especially child poverty should be addressed byto reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030. This includes that at least 5 million of those people be children and Member States should therefore ensure dedicated, comprehensive and integrated measures, in particular through the full implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
Amendment 214 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services of good quality. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should guarantee access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. They should ensure a clean and fair energy transition and address energy poverty as an increasingly important form of poverty due to rising energy prices, partly linked to the war in Ukraine, including, where appropriate, via targeted temporary income support measures. Inclusive, accessible and healthy housing renovation policies should also be implemented. The specific needs of persons with disabilities, including accessibility, should be taken into account in relation to those services. Homelessness should be tackled specifically through a Housing First approach. Member States should ensure timely access to affordable preventive and curative health care, particularly mental health and long-term care of good quality, while safeguarding sustainability in the long term.
Amendment 222 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 6
In line with the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive43 , Member States should offer an adequate level of protection to refugees from Ukraine, including residency rights, access and integration to the labour market, access to education, training and housing, as well as access to social security systems, medical care social welfare or other assistance, and means of subsistence. Children should be ensured access to childhood education and care and essential services in line with the European Child Guarantee on an equal basis with their peers. For unaccompanied children and teenagers, Member States should implement the right to legal guardianship. __________________ 43 Council Directive 2001/55/EC of 20 July 2001 on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons and on measures promoting a balance of efforts between Member States in receiving such persons and bearing the consequences thereof.
Amendment 225 #
2022/0165(NLE)
Annex – Guideline 8 – paragraph 7
In a context of increasing longevity and demographic change, Member States should secure the adequacy and sustainability of pension systems for workers and the self-employed, providing equal opportunities for women and men to acquire and accrue pension rights, including through supplementary schemes to ensure an adequate income in old ageand a mix of all three pension pillars to ensure an adequate income in old age that provides for a decent standard of living and to foster intergenerational solidarity. Pension reforms should be supported by policies that aim to reduce the gender pension gap and measures that extend working lives, such as by raising the effective retirement age, notably by facilitating labour market participation of older persons including those who wish to remain in the workplace past retirement, and should be framed within active ageing strategies. Member States should establish a constructive dialogue with social partners and other relevant stakeholders, and allow for an appropriate phasing in of the reforms.
Amendment 213 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The measures taken by providers of hosting services and providers of publicly available interpersonal communications services to execute detection orders addressed to them should remain strictly limited to what is specified in this Regulation and in the detection orders issued in accordance with this Regulation. In order to ensure the effectiveness of those measures, allow for tailored solutions, remain technologically neutral, and avoid circumvention of the detection obligations, those measures should be taken regardless of the technologies used by the providers concerned in connection to the provision of their services. Therefore, this Regulation leaves to the provider concerned the choice of the technologies to be operated to comply effectively with detection orders and should not be understood as incentivising or disincentivising the use of any given technology, provided that the technologies and accompanying measures meet the requirements of this Regulation. That includes the use of end-to-end encryption technology, which is an important tool to guarantee the security and confidentiality of the communications of users, including those of childrennotably those of children. Any prohibition of encryption could potentially be abused by malicious third parties. The issuance of a detection order should therefore not lead a provider to prohibit encryption. In full accordance and respect of encryption, this regulation encourages the innovation and constant improvement of technology detecting, reporting, and removing of CSAM in all digital spaces that are misused for the purpose of dissemination of such material. When executing the detection order, providers should take all available safeguard measures to ensure that the technologies employed by them cannot be used by them or their employees for purposes other than compliance with this Regulation, nor by third parties, and thus to avoid undermining the security and confidentiality of the communications of users.
Amendment 292 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 a (new)
- Functionalities enabling scanning for known child sexual abuse material on upload;
Amendment 294 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b – indent 4 b (new)
- Functionalities preventing uploads from the dark web;
Amendment 304 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 a (new)
- Enabling users to create usernames that contain a representation about, or imply, the user’s age;
Amendment 306 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 b (new)
- Enabling child users to create usernames that contain location information on child users;
Amendment 307 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 c (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e – point iii – indent 3 c (new)
- Enabling users to know or infer the location of child users.
Amendment 323 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Providers of hosting services and providers of interpersonal communications services shall take reasonable mitigation measures, tailored to the risk identified pursuant to Article 3, to minimise that risk. Such measures shall include, but need not to be limited to, some or all of the following:
Amendment 337 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Amendment 346 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) Providers of hosting services and providers of interpersonal communications services are encouraged to put in place voluntary measures to detect and report online child sexual abuse for those services that have proven to pose a risk of misuse for child sexual abuse, or in cases there is an imminent risk of misue for child sexual abuse, including for the purpose of the solicitation of children;
Amendment 373 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Providers of hosting services and providers of interpersonal communications services that qualify as micro (or small) enterprises within the meaning of Article 3 of Directive 2013/34/EU shall transmit a simplified version of the report under paragraph 1 of this Article.
Amendment 399 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The Coordinating Authority of establishment shall, before requesting the issuance of a detection order, carry out the investigations and assessments necessary to determine whether the conditions of paragraph 4 have been met. Detection orders issued by the coordinating authorities shall serve as a measure of last resort, only enacted when all mitigating measures, including voluntary ones, have proven unsuccessful.
Amendment 425 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) The voluntary measures applied as mitigating measures have not proven successful in preventing the misuse of the service for child sexual abuse.
Amendment 452 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1
The competent judicial authority or independent administrative authority shall specify in the detection order the period during which it applies, indicating the start date and the end date, within which the providers of hosting services and providers of interpersonal communications services shall prove that their service is no longer used for child sexual abuse.
Amendment 467 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the name of the provider and, where applicable, its legal representative, without prejudice to the issuance of detection orders where the legal name of the provider is not readily ascertained;
Amendment 515 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) take all the necessary and proportionate measures to ensure that the technologies and indicators, as well as the processing of personal data and other data in connection thereto, are used for the sole purpose of detecting the dissemination of known or new child sexual abuse material or the solicitation of children, as applicable, insofar as strictly limited to what is necessary to execute the detection orders addressed to them;
Amendment 519 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(c a) ensure privacy and safety by design and by default and, where applicable, the protection of encryption.
Amendment 535 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Where a provider of hosting services or a provider of interpersonal communications services receives a report by the public through, among others, trusted hotline, it shall process and analyse the report in a timely and effective manner as to assess an imminent risk of miuse of the service for child child sexual abuse, without prejudice to the obligation to report to the EU centre pursuant paragraph 1.
Amendment 539 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The report submitted by the provider pursuant paragrah 2, shall never contain information about the source of the report, especially when this stems from the person to whom the material relates.
Amendment 543 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The provider shall establish and operate an accessible, age-appropriate and user-friendly mechanism that allows users to easily flag to the provider potential online child sexual abuse on the service.
Amendment 560 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) the name of the provider and, where applicable, of its legal representative, without prejudice to the issuance of removal orders where the legal name of the provider is not readily ascertained;
Amendment 563 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Providers of hosting services or providers of interpersonal communication services shall be encouraged to extend the effect of the order regarding one or more specific items of material, referred to in paragraph 1, to any provider or services under their control and promptly inform the Coordinating Authority of establishment of this specific measure.
Amendment 670 #
2022/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 85 – paragraph 1
Article 85 – paragraph 1
1. By [five years after the entry into force of this Regulation], and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall evaluate this Regulation and submit a report on its application to the European Parliament and the Council. This report shall address in particular the possible use of new technologies for a safe and trusted processing of personal and other data and for the purpose of combating online child sexual abuse and in particular to detect, report and remove online child sexual abuse. The report shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by a legislative proposal.
Amendment 106 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation will contribute to making products fit for a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and circular economy, reducing waste and ensuring that the performance of frontrunners in sustainability progressively becomes the norm. It should provide for the setting of new ecodesign requirements to tackle products’ premature obsolescence, through improveing product durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability, improveing possibilities for refurbishment and maintenance, addressing the presence of hazardous chemicals in products, increaseing their energy and resource efficiency, reduceing their expected generation of waste materials and increaseing recycled content in products, while ensuring their performance and safety, enabling remanufacturing and high- quality recycling and reducing carbon and environmental footprints.
Amendment 132 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The information requirements set under this Regulation should include the requirement to make available a product passport. The product passport is an important tool for making information available to actors along the entire value chain and the availability of a product passport should significantly enhance end- to-end traceability of a product throughout its value chain. Among other things, the product passport should help consumers make informed choices by improving their access to product information relevant to them, allow economic operators other value chain actors such as professional repairers or recyclers to access relevant information, and enable competent national authorities to perform their duties. To this end, the product passport should not replace but complement non-digital forms of transmitting information, such as information in the product manual or on a label. In addition, it should be possible for the product passport to be used for information on other sustainability aspects applicable to the relevant product group pursuant to other Union legislation.
Amendment 133 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The information requirements set under this Regulation should include the requirement to make available a product passport. The product passport is an important tool for making information available to actors along the entire value chain and the availability of a product passport should significantly enhance end- to-end traceability of a product throughout its value chain. Among other things, the product passport should help consumers make informed choices by improving their access to product information relevant to them, allow economic operators other value chain actors such as repairers or recyclers to access relevant information, and enable competent national authorities to perform their duties. To this end, the product passport should not replace but complement non-digital forms of transmitting information, such as information in the product manual or on a label. In addition, it should be possible for the product passport to be used for information on other sustainability aspects applicable to the relevant product group pursuant to other Union legislation.
Amendment 139 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) To ensure that the product passport is flexible, agile and market-driven and evolving in line with business models, markets and innovation, it should be based on a decentralised data system, set up and maintained by the European Commission via a central data system and/or economic operators. However, fFor enforcement and monitoring purposes, it mayis be necessary that competent national authorities and the Commission have direct access to a record of all data carriers and unique identifiers linked to products placed on the market or put in service.
Amendment 143 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Consumers should be protected from misleading information that could hamper their choices for more sustainable products. For this reasons it should be prohibited to place on the market products bearing a label mimicking the labels provided for in this Regulation. On the other hand, displaying additional labels, such as EU Ecolabel or other existing type 1 - ecolabels, should not be seen as misleading.
Amendment 209 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
When establishing ecodesign requirements in delegated acts referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission shall also supplement this Regulation by specifying the applicable conformity assessment procedures from among the modules set out in Annex IV to this Regulation and Annex II to Decision No 768/2008/EC, with the adaptations necessary in view of the product or ecodesign requirements concerned, in accordance with Article 36. The economic operators shall be provided with sufficient time to prepare for the implementation of new requirements.
Amendment 250 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) carry out an impact assessment based on best available evidence and analyses, andusing a standardised, comprehensive and scientific approach as appropriate on additional studies and research results produced under European funding programmes. In doing so, the Commission shall ensure that the depth of analysis of the product aspects listed in paragraph 1 is proportionate to their significance. The establishment of ecodesign requirements on the most significant aspects of a product among those listed in paragraph 1 shall not be unduly delayed by uncertainties regarding the possibility to establish ecodesign requirements to improve other aspects of that product;
Amendment 252 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 5 – point a
(a) there shall be no significant negative impact on the functionality and safety of the product, from the perspective of the user;
Amendment 285 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) whether the product passport is to correspond to the model, batch, shipping order or item level;
Amendment 288 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) the actors that shall have access to information in the product passport and to what information they shall have access, including customers, end-users, manufacturers, importers and distributors, dealers, and, if data carrier is available in the end of life, also professional repairers, remanufacturers, recyclers, competent national authorities, public interest organisations and the Commission, or any organisation acting on their behalf;
Amendment 292 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) the actors that may introduce or update the information in the product passport, including where needed the creation of a new product passport, and what information they may introduce or update, including manufacturers, professional repairers, maintenance professionals, remanufacturers, recyclers, competent national authorities, and the Commission, or any organisation acting on their behalf;
Amendment 307 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(c a) Improve traceability of products and to ensure free movement in the internal market without compromising data security of economical actors.
Amendment 316 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Information that is required by existing EU databases cannot be required by the Digital Product Passport in the product delegated acts. A link to the relevant item in other databases could be considered to make sure that all relevant information is made available in the Digital Product Passport.
Amendment 329 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the data included in the product passport shall be stored by the economic operator responsible for its creationEuropean Commission via a central data system and/or economic operators or by operators authorised to act on their behalf;
Amendment 331 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) product passports shall be fully interoperable with existing product databases, such as the SCIP database and the EPREL database.
Amendment 332 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
Amendment 361 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. When providing the instructions, referred to in paragraph 7, the manufacturer shall: a) present them in a format that makes it possible to download them and save on an electronic device so that he or she can access them at all times. b) make them accessible online for at least 10 years after placing the product on the market .
Amendment 388 #
2022/0095(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 26 – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) not provide or display other labels, marks, symbols or inscriptions that are likely to mislead or confuse customers with respect to the information included on the label. These restrictions do not comprise the EU Ecolabel and other type 1- ecolabels established in the Member States as long they fulfill the criteria from the Substantiating environmental claims (green claims) Directive (EU) 2022/xxxx.
Amendment 65 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) In order to tackle unfair commercial practices which prevent consumers from making sustainable consumption choices, such as practices associated with the early obsolescence of goods, misleading environmental claims (“greenwashing”), non-transparent and non-credible sustainability labels or sustainability information tools, specific rules should be introduced in Union consumer law. This would enable national competent bodies to address those practices effectively. By ensuring that environmental claims are fair and credible, consumers will be able to choose products that are genuinely better for the environment than competing products. This will encourage competition towards more environmentally sustainable products, thus reducing negative impact on the environment.
Amendment 73 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Comparing or rating products based on their environmental or social aspects, including through the use of sustainability information tools, is an increasingly common marketing technique. In order to ensure that such comparisons or ratings do not mislead consumers, Article 7 of Directive 2005/29/EC should be amended to require that the consumer is provided with information about the method of the comparison or rating, the products which are the object of comparison or rating and the suppliers of those products, and the measures to keep information up to date. This should ensure that consumers make better informed transactional decisions when using such services. The comparison or rating should be objective by, in particular, comparing or rating products which serve the same function, using a common method and common assumptions, and comparing or rating material and verifiable features of the products being compared or rated.
Amendment 76 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The displaying of sustainability labels which are not based on a certification scheme or not established by public authorities should be prohibited by including such practices in the list in Annex I to Directive 2005/29/EC. The certification scheme should fulfil minimum transparency and credibility conditions and be supported by methods to monitor compliance that are proportionate and relevant to the nature of the products, processes, or businesses that are subject to the scheme. The displaying of sustainability labels remains possible without a certification scheme where such labels are established by a public authority, or in case of additional forms of expression and presentation of food in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. This rule complements point 4 of Annex I to Directive 2005/29/EC which prohibits claiming that a trader, the commercial practices of a trader, or a product has been approved, endorsed or authorised by a public or private body when it has not, or making such a claim without complying with the terms of the approval, endorsement or authorisation.
Amendment 77 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Sustainability initiatives, including certification schemes and sustainability labels that foster the uptake of sustainable market practices by SMEs should be encouraged.
Amendment 111 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) In order for consumers to take better informed decisions and stimulate the demand for, and the supply of, more durable goods, specific information about a product’s durability and reparability should be provided for all types of goods before concluding the contract. Moreover, as regards goods with digital elements, digital content and digital services, consumers should be informed about the period of time during which free software updates are available, including both security and other, functionality or features updates, which should be provided independently. Therefore, Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council27 should be amended to provide consumers with pre-contractual information about durability, reparability and the availability of updates. Information should be provided to consumers in a clear and comprehensible manner and in line with the accessibility requirements of Directive 2019/88228 . The obligation to provide this information to consumers complements and does not affect the rights of consumers provided in Directives (EU) 2019/77029 and (EU) 2019/77130 of the European Parliament and of the Council. __________________ 27 Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on consumer rights, amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 85/577/EEC and Directive 97/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 64). 28 Directive 2019/882/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (OJ L 151, 7.6.2019, p. 70). 29 Directive (EU) 2019/770 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services (OJ L 136, 22.5.2019, p. 1). 30 Directive (EU) 2019/771 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 and Directive 2009/22/EC, and repealing Directive 1999/44/EC (OJ L 136, 22.5.2019, p. 28).
Amendment 117 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
Amendment 118 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
Amendment 123 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) To promote competition between producers as regards the durability of goods with digital elements the traders selling those goods should inform consumers about the minimum period of time during which the producer commits towill provide software updates for such goods. However, to avoid overloading consumers with information, such information should only be provided when this period is longer than the period of the producer’s commercial guarantee of durability, as that guarantee entails the provision of updates, including security updates, that are necessary to maintain the required functions and performance of goods with digital elements. Furthermore, information about the producer’s commitment to provide software updates is relevant only where the sales contract regarding goods with digital elements provides for a single act of supply of the digital content or digital service in respect of which Article 7(3), point (a), of Directive (EU) 2019/771 applies. In contrast, there should be no new obligation to provide that information where the sales contract provides for a continuous supply of the digital content or digital service over a period of time, since for those contracts Article 7(3), point (b), of Directive (EU) 2019/771 specifies, by reference to Article 10 (2) or (5), the period of time during which the seller is to ensure that the consumer is informed of and supplied with updates including, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/771.
Amendment 126 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Likewise, traders offering digital content and digital services should also inform consumers about the minimum period during which the provider of thime digital content or digital service, where the provider is different from the trader, commits to provide software updates, including security updates, necessary to keep the digital content and digital services in conformity. Information about the provider’s commitment to provide software updates is relevant only where the contract provides for a single act of supply or a series of individual acts of supply in respect of which Article 8(2), point (b), of Directive 2019/770 applies. In contrast, there should be no new obligation to provide that information where the contract provides for a continuous supply over a period of time, since for these contracts Article 8(2), point (a) of Directive (EU) 2019/770 specifies the period of time during which the trader is to ensure that the consumer is informed of and supplied with updatesuring which the producer will provide software updates for such goods including, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/770.
Amendment 130 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) To allow consumers to make an informed transactional decision and choose goods that are easier to repair, traders should provide, before the conclusion of the contract, for all types of goods, where applicable, the reparability score of the good as provided by the producer in accordance with Union lawor national law. In line with Directive 2005/29/EC and Directive 2011/83/EU, this provision should not apply to business-to-business and consumers-to-consumers transactions.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point s
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point s
(s) ‘certification scheme’ means a third-party verification scheme that is open under transparent, fair and non- discriminatory terms to all traders willing and able to comply with the scheme’s requirements, which certifies that a product, a process, or a business complies with certain requirements, and for which the monitoring of compliance is objective, based on international, Union or national standards and procedures taking into account the nature of the products, processes, or businesses concerned and carried out by a party independent from both the scheme owner and the trader;
Amendment 170 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point w
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point w
(w) ‘software update’ means a free update, including a securityeither a security update, or any other functionality or feature update, that is necessary to keep goods with digital elements, digital content and digital services in conformity in accordance with Directives (EU) 2019/770 and (EU) 2019/771 or which improves or reduces their durability;
Amendment 182 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the main characteristics of the product, such as its availability, benefits, risks, execution, composition, environmental or social impact, accessories, durability, reparability, reusability, recyclability, after- sale customer assistance and complaint handling, method and date of manufacture or provision, delivery, fitness for purpose, usage, quantity, specification, geographical or commercial origin or the results to be expected from its use, or the results and material features of tests or checks carried out on the product.;
Amendment 188 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) making an environmental claim related to future environmental performance without clear, objective and verifiable commitments and targets and without an independent monitoring system that is based on publicly accessible data, including by consumers;
Amendment 191 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) advertising benefits for consumers that are consideto consumers benefits of a product's featured as a common practice in the relevant marketunique selling proposition even though it is a regular feature to all products of the same type.
Amendment 195 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2005/29/EC
Article 7 – paragraph 7
Article 7 – paragraph 7
7. Where a trader provides a service which compares or rates products, including through a sustainability information tool, information about the method of comparison or evaluation, the products which are the object of comparison or rating and the suppliers of those products, as well as the measures in place to keep that information up to date, shall be regarded as material.;
Amendment 207 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 14 e
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 14 e
(14e) ‘software update’ means a free update, includingeither a security update or any other functionality or feature update, that is necessary to keep goods with digital elements, digital content and digital services in conformity in accordance with Directives (EU) 2019/770 and (EU) 2019/771; or which improves or reduces their durability;
Amendment 210 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point -a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point -a (new)
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(-a) in paragraph 1, point (e) is replaced by the following: (e) in addition to a reminder of the existence and duration of a legal guarantee of conformity for goods, the existence and the conditions of after-sales services and commercial guarantees, where applicable; Or. en (Directive 2011/83/EU)
Amendment 222 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e b
Amendment 227 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e c
(ec) for goods with digital elements, where the producer makes such information available, the minimum period in units of time during which the producer provides software updates, unless the contract provides for a continuous supply of the digital content or digital service over a period of time. Where information about the existence of a commercial guarantee of durability is provided in accordance with point (ea), the information on the updates shall be provided if those updatesincluding, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/771, and taking into account the information that the seller was able to collect from the producer in a re supplied for a longer period than the commercial guarantee of durabilityasonable and proportionate manner;
Amendment 229 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e d
(ed) for digital content and digital services, where their provider is different from the trader and makes such information available, the minimum period in units of time during which the provider provides software updates, unless the contract provides for a continuous supply of the digital including, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/770, and taking into accountent or digital service over a period of time the information that the seller was able to collect from the producer in a reasonable and proportionate manner;
Amendment 246 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point -a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point -a (new)
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1– point l
Article 6 – paragraph 1– point l
(-a) point (l) is amended as follows: ‘(l) a reminder of the existence and duration of a legal guarantee of conformity for goods; ’ Or. en (Directive 2011/83/EU)
Amendment 255 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m b
Amendment 261 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m c
(mc) for goods with digital elements, where the producer makes such information available, the minimum period in units of time during which the producer provides software updates, unless the contract provides for a continuous supply of the digital content or digital service over a period of time. Where information about the existence of a commercial guarantee of durability is provided in accordance with point (ma), the information on the updates shall be provided if those updatesincluding, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/771, and taking into account the information that the seller was able to collect from the producer in a re supplied for a longer period than the commercial guarantee of durabilityasonable and proportionate manner;
Amendment 263 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Directive 2011/83/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m d
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point m d
(md) for digital content and digital services, where their provider is different from the trader and makes such information available, the minimum period in units of time during which the provider provides software updates, unless the contract provides for a continuous supply of the digital including, as a minimum, the mandatory period for which the updates shall be provided in accordance with Directive (EU) 2019/770, and taking into accountent or digital service over a period of time the information that the seller was able to collect from the producer in a reasonable and proportionate manner;
Amendment 283 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
By [5 years from adoption], the Commission shall submit a report on the application of this Directive to the European Parliament and to the Council. The Commission shall assess the necessity for developing and introducing mandatory labelling on the estimated lifetime and reparability of a product, which could take the form of an environmental performance index, taking into account multiple criteria throughout the life cycle of products according to product category.
Amendment 291 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 2 a
Annex I – point 2 a
2a. Displaying a sustainability label which is not based on a certification scheme or not established by public authorities., except where no adequate certification scheme exists for the issue addressed by the label, in which case the use of an independent and recognised by authorities third party verification system shall be allowed;
Amendment 316 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23 d
Annex I – point 23 d
23d. Omitting to inform the consumer thatSupplying a software update willthat negatively impacts the use of goods with digital elements or certain features of those goods even if the software update improves the functioning of other features.
Amendment 322 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23e
Annex I – point 23e
23e. Omitting to inform the consumer about the existence of a feature of a good introducedIntroducing a feature to limit itsthe durability of a good.
Amendment 326 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23e a (new)
Annex I – point 23e a (new)
23ea. Any marketing of a good where the trader is aware that this product has a feature introduced to limit its durability.
Amendment 328 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23 g
Annex I – point 23 g
23g. Presenting goods as allowing repair when they do not or omitting to inform the consumer that goods do not allow repair in accordance with legal requirements or failing to inform that these goods are repairable.
Amendment 341 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23i a (new)
Annex I – point 23i a (new)
23ia. Any marketing of a good, which is not compliant with the requirements under the Union products legislation.
Amendment 343 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23i b (new)
Annex I – point 23i b (new)
23ib. Any marketing of a good without fixing a design issue that leads to an early failure of this good, within a reasonable time after it became known.
Amendment 345 #
2022/0092(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2005/29/EC
Annex I – point 23i c (new)
Annex I – point 23i c (new)
23ic. Bundling security updates with functionality, feature or other software updates.
Amendment 13 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) A unitary and exclusive system of geographical indications should contribute significantly to increase awareness, recognition and consumer understanding, both in the Union and in third countries, of the symbols, indications and abbreviations demonstrating participation in the European quality schemes and their added value, complementing Regulation (EU) No 1144/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on information provision and promotion measures concerning agricultural products implemented in the internal market and in third countries.
Amendment 15 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Union has for some time been aiming at simplifying the regulatory framework of the Common Agricultural Policy. This approach should also apply to regulations in the field of geographical indications, without calling into question the specific characteristics of each sector. In order to simplify the lengthy registration and amendment procedures, harmonised procedural rules for geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products should be laid down in a single legal instrument, while maintaining product specific provisions for wine in Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, for spirit drinks in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 and for agricultural products in this Regulation. The procedures for the registration, amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration in respect of geographical indications originating in the Union, including opposition procedures, should be carried out by the Member States and the Commission. The Member States and the Commission should be responsible for distinct stages of each procedure, which should not result in disproportionate burdens nor entail excessive managing costs, especially for small producers. Member States should be responsible for the first stage of the procedure, which consists of receiving the application from the producer group, assessing it, including running a national opposition procedure, and, following the results of the assessment, submitting the application to the Commission. The Commission should be responsible for scrutinising the application in the second stage of the procedure, including running a worldwide opposition procedure, and taking a decision on granting the protection to the geographical indication or not. Geographical indications should be registered only at Union level. However, with effect from the date of application with the Commission for registration at Union level, Member States should be able to grant transitional protection at national level without affecting the internal market or international trade. The protection afforded by this Regulation upon registration should be equally available to geographical indications of third countries that meet the corresponding criteria and that are protected in their country of origin. The Commission should carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries.
Amendment 19 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) To ensure transparency and uniformity across Member States, it is necessary to establish and maintain an electronic Union register of geographical indications, registered as protected designations of origin or protected geographical indications. The register should provide information to consumers and to those involved in trade. The register should be an electronic database stored within an information system, and should be accessible to the public. This register should enable easy access to the product specifications behind each geographical indication and quality schemes, regardless of whether they are from the EU or third- countries, including those recognised via trade agreements or via the mechanism foreseen in the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications1a. Any EU consumer should likewise be able to access the product specifications of all recognised geographical indications and quality schemes in the EU, including those recognised via a trade agreement or via the multilateral recognition system by the Geneva Act. _________________ 1a https://www.wipo.int/publications/en/detai ls.jsp?id=3983
Amendment 27 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) International trade agreements with particular provisions on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications are of particular importance, as they provide market access and opportunities for economic growth and jobs for both EU and third countries right-holders, while protecting against unfair practices and safeguarding consumer safety and health.
Amendment 28 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 b (new)
Recital 16 b (new)
(16b) In order to unlock the full potential of designations of origin and geographical indications in international trade, this Regulation should be complemented with further cooperation and engagement with third countries through trade policy with a view to enhancing legislative frameworks for the protection and enforcement of designation of origin and geographical indications in third country markets, taking due consideration of the level of development of third countries.
Amendment 31 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) The Commission should promote the registration of small-scale geographical indications originating in the EU and in third countries, ensuring that the procedures in place do not result in disproportionate burdens nor entail excessive managing costs for those. In order to ensure fair competition and promote international trade, the rules under this Regulation should not therefore create discrimination nor constitute a barrier for potential applicants, particularly producers in the EU and third countries qualifying as micro, small or medium size enterprises.
Amendment 39 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The added value of the geographical indications is based on consumer trust. The system of geographical indications significantly relies on self-control, due diligence and individual responsibility of producers, while it is the role of the competent authorities of the Member States to take the necessary steps to prevent or stop the use of names of products, which are in breach of the rules governing geographical indications. The role of the Commission is to intervene in case of a systemic failure to apply Union law. Geographical indications should be subject to the system of official controls, in line with the principles set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council30 , which should include a system of controls at all stages of production, processing and distribution. Each operator should be subject to a control system that verifies compliance with the product specification. Taking into account that wine is subject to specific controls defined in the sectoral legislation, this Regulation should lay down controls for spirit drinks and agricultural products only. Any geographical indication and quality schemes should be backed-up with robust verification and control systems, regardless of the origin of the product within or outside the Union. _________________ 30 OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, p. 1.
Amendment 45 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Taking into account that a product designated by the geographical indication produced in one Member State might be sold in another Member State, administrative assistance between Member States, as well as with third-countries, should be ensured to allow effective controls and its practicalities should be laid down.
Amendment 61 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) producers acting collectively have the necessary powers and responsibilities to manage their geographical indication, including to create value and to respond to societal demands for products resulting from sustainable production in its three dimensions of economic, environmental and social value, and to operate in the marketEuropean single market and international markets;
Amendment 74 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. The registration and the protection of geographical indications is without prejudice to the obligation of producers to comply with other Union rules, in particular those relating to the placing of products on the market, sanitary and phytosanitary rules, environmental, social and animal welfare rules, the common organisation of the markets, the competition rules and the provision of food information to consumers. Compliance with these rules shall be verified by appropriate controls.
Amendment 78 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. An authority designated by a Member State or by a third country may be deemed to be an applicant producer group for the purposes of this Title, with respect to geographical indications of a spirit drink, if it is not feasible for the producers concerned to form a group by reason of their number, geographical location or organisational characteristics. In such case, the application referred to in Article 9(2) shall state those reasons.
Amendment 81 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The rules established under this Regulation shall not discriminate nor create barriers for all applicants, particularly for producers in the EU and third countries that qualify as micro, small or medium size enterprises within the meaning of the Annex to Recommendation 2003/361/EC.
Amendment 110 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. The Commission shall also make public the applicable criteria and steps to decide the list of geographical indications protected under international agreements, in order to allow all interested parties, including small-scale geographical indications and those under 5 years of existence, to request the corresponding inclusion in the relevant list for their protection.
Amendment 111 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 5 b (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. In the context of international trade agreements negotiations, the European Commission shall consult recognised producer groups with regard to the protection of their name.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 3
Article 38 – paragraph 3
3. When performing the controls and enforcement activities provided for in this Title, the responsible competent authorities and product certification bodies in the EU Member States and third countries shall comply with the requirements laid down in Regulation (EU) 2017/625. However, Title VI, Chapter 1, of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 shall not apply to controls of geographical indications.
Amendment 162 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 39 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Internal controls in paragraph 2 and third party verification in paragraph 3 will ensure compliance with current sanitary and phytosanitary rules and environmental, social and animal welfare standards.
Amendment 163 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 39 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 39 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. The authority that will verify the specifications and compliance standards in accordance with paragraphs 3, "3-4" and 6, must have knowledge in environmental matters, and specifically in the control of legality in the use of water.
Amendment 171 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 1 a (new)
All geographical indications and quality schemes originating in third countries should be backed-up by an equivalent level of verification of compliance and scrutiny to the level applicable to products originating in the EU, regardless of the specific process that has been followed to register or recognise them in the EU.
Amendment 172 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Within the examination of geographical indications from third countries in paragraph 1, the compliance of these third countries with the environmental, health, social and animal welfare regulations contained in the European standards must be demonstrated.
Amendment 173 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 1 c (new)
Article 46 – paragraph 1 c (new)
The Commission will approve equivalences of third countries with EU Member States once the requirements of paragraph 2 have been met.
Amendment 176 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 47 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) user satisfaction, from both within and outside the EU.
Amendment 185 #
2022/0089(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 73 – paragraph 10
Article 73 – paragraph 10
10. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 84 supplementing this Regulation by additional rules to provide for appropriate cvertification and accreditation procedures to apply in respect ofof compliance by competent authorities and product certification bodies referred to in paragraphs 2 and 5.
Amendment 146 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Member States shall take the necessary measures to provide tailored support and specific guidelines for the companies that are excluded from the scope of this Directive, but might be impacted indirectly. The purpose of the tailored support shall be to incentivize companies of all sizes to conduct due diligence, and enhance their capacity to do so.
Amendment 357 #
2022/0051(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) whether the thresholds regarding the number of employees and net turnover laid down in Article 2(1) need to be lowered, while paying attention to tailored-made measures designed for the specific needs of these companies in view of an effective implementation of the Directive;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to reimagine the way we live together and to create awareness about our built and designed environment, including in terms of quality and sustainability; whereas the NEB intends to make the benefits of the green transition a tangible reality in citizens' everyday lives and at a local and neighbourhood level; whereas New European Bauhaus projects should be in line with the principles of the EPSR and the UN SDGs;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the New European Bauhaus should facilitate and steer the transformation of our societies in line with three interlinked values: inclusion - from valorising diversity, to securing accessibility and affordability, to aesthetics- quality of experience and style, beyond functionality, and sustainability - from climate goals, to circularity, zero pollution, and biodiversity;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the implementation of the New European Bauhaus initiative is guided by the principlfour thematic axes of reconnecting with nature, regaining a sense of belonging, prioritising the places and people that need it most, and fostering long-term, life cycle and integrated thinking in the industrial ecosystem;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a transdisciplinary approach to the opportunities and challenges arising from the green and digital transitions can foster innovative solutions which serve people and communities in a circular and future- proof way; whereas there is a need for such solutions to mainstream a gender- equal and intersectional approach, inclusivity for persons with disabilities as well as inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the New European Bauhaus iswill be initially funded by different EU programmes, such asincluding Horizon Europe, the LIFE programme and the European Regional Development Fund as well as through resources and initiatives at Member State level; whereas around €85 million of EU funds will be dedicated to New European Bauhaus projects in 2021 – 2022;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the New European Bauhaus movement focuses on creating a healthy, sustainable, beautiful and accessible environment, landscape, housing, workplace, society, economy and way of living;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the New European Bauhaus aims to capitalise on social assets (social economy organisations, local associations, etc.), natural assets and cultural assets to regain a sense of belonging;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the New European Bauhaus should ensure design for ability and empowerment, by designing environments that actively welcome everyone;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas inclusive environments such as shared infrastructures and services and public spaces enable a sense of shared identity and belonging;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas the inclusion of local communities and meaningful local ownership play a key role in the process of decarbonisation;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
D e. whereas the New European Bauhaus has been a co-creation process and its implementation should also involve the participation of the communities;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that sustainability and, inclusion and aesthetics are values at the core of the New European Bauhaus and calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure they support the universal right to adequate and healthy, accessible and healthy working and housing conditions, including social housing and housing design that is responsive to everyday life needs; welcomes the fact that the New European Bauhaus initiative acknowledges the importance of the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscapes, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 43 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes that inclusion implies pursuing a Design for All approach to remove accessibility barriers; calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to the groups and individuals who are at risk of exclusion, at greater risk of energy poverty and air pollution, or who are experiencing homelessness; calls on the Commission to ensure that the construction and built environment projected and funded through the New European Bauhaus consider a Design for All approach as a requirement;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to examine how the New European Bauhaus can contribute to the goal of reducing and eradicating homelessness and supporting homeless people's social inclusion; invites the Commission and Member States to explore links between the Housing First approach and the New European Bauhaus; encourages the Member States to draw inspiration from community- designing projects in the field of architecture and sociability such as Home not Shelter, mixed housing and cohousing for young people and refugees, intergenerational cohousing schemes, etc., and promote them in their housing policies;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to continue the green transiformation of the industrial ecosystem through the New European Bauhauson the basis of the principles of the New European Bauhaus, ensuring a fair energy transition in the housing sector, in order to maintain the affordability of the cost of living; stresses the need to equip workers and businesses with the required skills, qualifications and capacity to support a circular economy approach in production, provision and consumption of goods and services as well as infrastructure; stresses the role social economy enterprises and cooperatives can play in improving sectoral sustainability;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 61 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the European Commission’s European Level(s) framework which provides clear priorities and a standardised basis to assess and report on the sustainability of buildings throughout their fully lifecycle; encourages the Member States to use the Davos Baukultur Quality System (DBQS) to determine the Baukultur quality of a spatial intervention, its strengths and weaknesses from a Baukultur perspective;2a _________________ 2a For a definition, please refer to the Council conclusions on culture, high- quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative of 30 November 2021.
Amendment 66 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the New European Bauhaus movement, as it contributes to creatstrengthening a common European identity and a shared sense of belonging by promoting and rehabilitating Europe’s cultural heritage buildings and natural areas while at the same time fostering creativity and innovation in the construction sector;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls that cultural heritage plays an important role in enhancing and creating social capital because it helps to reduce social disparities, facilitates social inclusion, promotes social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue3a;notes that the uptake of digital technologies by cultural heritage sites can offer accessible and innovative experiences for communities; _________________ 3a Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe, Council of the European Union, 20 May 2014
Amendment 73 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to promote and support life-proofand Member States, particularly in the context of the European Year of Youth 2022, to promote and support universal design, resilient housing and solidarity between the generations through the New European Bauhaus, enabling elderly people and persons with disabilities to live at home and to remain active in society for longer and to pass on their experience and knowledge to younger generationindependently and in their community, and to remain active in society in accordance with Article 19 of the UNCRPD and to pass on their experience and knowledge to younger generations; stresses these principles must extend beyond buildings to the built environment for public spaces and goods and services in particular in the transport, ICT and cultural sectors;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that the New European Bauhaus should guarantee the quality of housing and social housing; welcomes the acknowledgement of the need to prioritise reuse, regeneration, life extension and transformation of existing buildings over the construction of new ones whenever these activities are technically, economically and functionally feasible as they contribute to reduced energy needs, carbon emissions and pressure for new buildings, and to an improved health, comfort and well-being; is concerned about the disproportionate impact of the poor energy performance of social housing on those who already have lower living standards;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the authorities to roll out stronger regulatory and fiscal support mechanisms for energy upgrade, repurposing and renovation of existing buildings, which take into consideration the intangible heritage and culture of buildings;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that New European Bauhaus projects promote social and affordable housing as a way to combine social justice, environmental performance and urban aesthetics;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in reviving traditional building techniques and materials which contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal; urges the Commission and the Member States to also invest in high-quality spatial design and landscape and in developing new, sustainable building techniques and designs based on the above-mentioned quality criteria to create a New European Bauhaus way of thinking and to contribute to an EU-wide healthy lifestyle for all Europeans, to nourish cross- sectoral cooperation, participation, co- creation and trans-disciplinary approaches, particularly in terms of sustainability and policy coherence, and to contribute to an EU-wide healthy lifestyle for all Europeans; stresses the need to ensure synergies between the New European Bauhaus and the Renovation Wave;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to define concrete guidelines and guiding principles according to the New European Bauhaus to ensure the quality of the concepts for our built environment in terms of architecture, space and sustainability of the materials used; notes, however, that public space, infrastructure and buildings must be constructed bearing in mind the local planning context, to prevent regional differences and specificities from becoming levelled out;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Believes that craftsmanship ensures the longevity of the infrastructure, buildings and public space; considers that craftspeople facilitate social cohesion and the preservation of rural communities, and, given their deep acquaintance with the raw materials they work with, usually local materials, their production has a lower carbon footprint;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Reiterates the call by the Council on the Commission to ensure that architectural quality and a professional architectural service are taken into account in all its measures, policies and programmes, and to encourage the mobility and training of professionals and students of that field;5a _________________ 5a Council Resolution of 12 February 2001 on architectural quality in urban and rural environments
Amendment 100 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Invites the Member States to incentivise the preservation and revaluation of know-how by finding local craftspeople, promoting their work, creating a network and bringing them closer to relevant VET and higher education curricula; encourages the Member States to launch targeted actions to support the upskilling of workers, innovation, research and education within the entire construction ecosystem with the support of professional organisations that offer continuous professional development; notes that innovative education and training models for architects and professionals in the construction sector are necessary to promote greater synergies between spatial planning, design, arts, landscape and interior architecture, craftsmanship and architecture, and achieve a high-quality built environment;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6 e. Considers that the digital transition can be key in enhancing the use of local resources and competences, as digital fabrication in fablabs or industries allows for a local distribution of production and, in many cases, gives a new life to certain traditions that could otherwise fade away;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6 f. Underlines that Small and Medium Enterprises are important employers at the local level and can adapt quickly to innovate; cautions, however, against the risk that they may be pushed out of markets due to the very rapid transition to large scale solutions in industry such as the construction materials industry; invites the Commission and the Member States to reflect on how to best support SMEs in construction as well as in design and materials production;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6 g. Welcomes initiatives such as Interreg’s CRAFTS CODE to improve the competitiveness of SMEs in the crafts sector by creating a framework stimulating capacity building and policy learning and improving the implementation of regional development policies and programmes aimed at supporting these SMEs across their life cycle;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to require Member States to ensure a minimum of 100 m² of green space per home whReminds the Member States of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, whose aim is to provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, in particular for children and women, planning New European Bauhaus housing projects, and a minimum of one hectare of continuous green space per New European Bauhaus neighbourhood; ersons with disabilities and older persons, by 2030; notes that green infrastructure in urban areas providing public space for exercise and relaxation mitigates stressors such as noise, improves community interactions and mental health, and decreases social isolation, a risk factor for adverse health outcomes4a; _________________ 4a EEA Report No 21/2019 “Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well- being in Europe”.
Amendment 114 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 117 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Notes that empowering local communities to incorporate elements of food security within local areas and regions and to generate energy locally connects to employment and social affairs and can contribute to social equity, resilience and cohesion, ambitions that chime with the New European Bauhaus;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 127 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to recognise the digital dimension as an explicit part of how future spaces are conceived; notes that the values that New European Bauhaus promotes for the development of the built environment should be mirrored in the digital sphere;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Welcomes the so-called 15-minute city model implemented by some European cities and invites Member States to consider replicating that model in more cities; encourages the Member States to cluster rural towns to better share resources and capacities with a view to supporting resilience;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls on the Commission to present a clear NEB roadmap for the next decade with clear objectives; Invites the Commission to work alongside stakeholders to make the New European Bauhaus more understandable and inclusive for communities and local authorities; encourages the Commission to launch a dedicated website with an accessible and user-friendly repository of bottom-up best practices, including best practice adaptive re-use and energy upgrade;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Calls on the Member States who have not done so already to set up and support a state architect team (and similar) within their administration to provide strategic advice to authorities, promote spatial quality, improve the design and sustainability of public interventions, including their social inclusion considerations, and to foster a culture of place-making; calls on the Member States to set up a quality assurance system, an independent advisory body for public authorities, consisting of experts from other geographical areas and who have no personal interest in the place;6a _________________ 6a European Commission, Directorate- General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Towards a shared culture of architecture : investing in a high-quality living environment for everyone : executive summary, Publications Office, 2021, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/502671
Amendment 137 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8 e. Encourages the Member States to appoint a New European Bauhaus contact to coordinate local efforts and participate in an EU wide informal network to exchange best practices in collaboration with the high-level roundtable; calls on the Commission to duly include all levels of governance in the development and implementation of the New European Bauhaus, be it national, regional or local – as the level closest to citizens -, and to build on the movement of civil society organisations and partners created by the New European Bauhaus;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8 f. Calls on the Commission to designate 2023 the European Year of Craft, 40 years after the first European Year, namely the European Year of SMEs and Craft Industry, with a view to making the craft sector more visible, strengthening the principles championed by the New European Bauhaus and taking stock of the evolution of the sector in the last four decades.
Amendment 140 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 g (new)
Paragraph 8 g (new)
8 g. Stresses the importance for Member States to integrate New European Bauhaus projects as part of the reforms and investments foreseen in their national recovery and resilience plans in line with the six pillars of the RRF;
Amendment 154 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas there is a lack of quality, available, accessible and affordable care in nearly all Member States; whereas the monitoring of care is hampered by the lack of disaggregated data and, the lack of quality indicators and the lack of knowledge about certain diseases such as temporary disabling diseases;
Amendment 325 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas in Europe, 33% of long- term care workers have been exposed to some type of adverse social behaviour (including verbal abuse, threats and humiliating behaviour) and only 22% of long-term care workers feel very satisfied with their working conditions;1a _________________ 1a Eurofound, Long-term Care Workforce: Employment and working conditions, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2020b
Amendment 442 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Invites the Commission to study if and how remote care management (e.g. telemedicine) and assistive technologies can be beneficial for older persons;
Amendment 496 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that a substantial proportion of care models, services and facilities are outdated and that care recipients should be placed at the centre of care plans; believes that person-centred and individualised care for all is necessary to ensure the dignity of the recipients of care and carers, as well as the full participation and inclusion in the community;
Amendment 602 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Equal access to quality care services and treatment
Amendment 616 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to reform and integrate their social services and protection systems in such a way as to provide effective, timely and equal access to care services throughout the life course, taking a personalised approach, in order to enhance the continuity of care, preventive healthcare, rehabilitation and, whenever possible, independent living;
Amendment 637 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that accessibility derives from a combination of cost and flexibility; believes that in this respect different forms of care service provision should be available, such as in in-home and, community- based and work-related settings;
Amendment 650 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop the tools required for the regular assessment of the accessibility of care services and treatment and a comprehensive benchmark for monitoring the quality of both formal and informal care services; asks the Commission and the Member States to support research in the field of temporary disabling neurological diseases that impact the quality of life of those affected and those under their care;
Amendment 689 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the prioritisation of mental health and disabling diseases within public health policy at EU level;
Amendment 705 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to establish a framework and a comprehensive set of specific indicators for long-term care quality, and corresponding targets and tools for, tools and evaluation criteria regarding the structure, processes and outcomes applicable to all types of facilities and providers that allow for the monitoring of the accessibility, affordability and quality of care, similar to the Barcelona objectives for childcare; considers that rewarding providers based on the evaluation of those results might help to promote quality;
Amendment 718 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. is concerned about the fact that the choice of the initial care provider tends to be made in a context of stress of users and their close ones, financial constraints and limited availability of services, evidencing a lack of a clear link between personal choice, quality and competition;1a _________________ 1a Social Protection Committee and European Commission (2021), Long-term care report: Trends, challenges and opportunities in an ageing society, vol. 1
Amendment 730 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. takes note of certification systems developed by authoritative non-profit organisations to acknowledge long-term care providers’ performance, such as the certification developed by the Swedish Dementia Centre to recognise providers where 80% of the staff have followed certain courses to strengthen their competence in the field of patients with dementia;
Amendment 734 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Deems interesting the existence of practices within the Member States regarding mandatory consultancy and assistance visits for people receiving informal care, developed to assist informal carers and facilitate access to quality care;
Amendment 821 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the Member States to place adequate staffing levels and investment in care staff, including their training and knowledge acquisition, at the centre of their care policies, and to support the creation of quality jobs in the sector;
Amendment 827 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Regrets that the EU Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications does not set out harmonised minimum training requirements for long- term care workers, hampering the automatic recognition of these workers throughout the Union;
Amendment 893 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that mobile and migrant workers play a significant role in the provision of both residential care and home care in the EU; is concerned about the working conditions of live-in carers and the lack of proper enforcement of their rights, in particular about the often unclear remuneration conditions, and the fact that they may face social isolation;3a _________________ 3a Social Protection Committee and European Commission (2021), Long-term care report: Trends, challenges and opportunities in an ageing society, vol. 1
Amendment 905 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Reiterates its calls on the Member States which have not yet ratified and implemented ILO Convention No. 189 on domestic workers to ratify and implement it without delay;
Amendment 906 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Reiterates its call on the Member States to establish legal frameworks, such as service voucher schemes, facilitating the lawful employment of domestic workers and carers and their enjoyment of their rights;
Amendment 930 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Calls on the Member States to facilitate the labour market reintegration of workers after care leave, temporary disability or longer career breaks;
Amendment 1007 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Member States to formulate and revise their care policies in permanent dialogue with social partners, experts, civil society and representative organisations of care recipients and carers; invites the Commission and the Council to launch a discussion on the link between technology and quality of care;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)2021/2106 of 28 September 2021 on supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility by setting out the common indicators and the detailed elements of the recovery and resilience scoreboard2a, _________________ 2a OJ L 429, 1.12.2021, p. 83.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
— having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)2021/2105 of 28 September 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility by defining a methodology for reporting social expenditure3a, _________________ 3a OJ L 429, 1.12.2021, p. 79.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 c (new)
Citation 1 c (new)
— having regard to the recovery and resilience scoreboard4a, _________________ 4a https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/rec overy-and-resilience-scoreboard/
Amendment 5 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 d (new)
Citation 1 d (new)
— having regard to the European Commission’s Recoveryand Resilience Facility Annual Report of 01 March 20225a, _________________ 5a COM(2022) 75 final
Amendment 10 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 12 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas, according to the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard, Member States have put forward 228 measures with a focus on supporting children and youth; whereas 74% of the measures focus on general, vocational and higher education and training capacity, as well as accessibility, affordability, quality and inclusiveness, including digitisation and infrastructure, the performance of education and increasing capacity in higher education; whereas 14% of the measures that Member States included are dealing with early childhood education and care, early school leaving and child poverty; whereas 12% of the measures focus on tackling youth unemployment through job creation, hiring, job transition incentives and support for self-employment;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the RRF created an unprecedented structure adapted to addressing the complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economy, society and institutions; whereas the RRF will drive Member States' reforms and investments in line with the EU’s priorities as set out in the six pillars;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the release of funds under the RRF is contingent on the satisfactory fulfilment of relevant milestones and targets of reforms and investments by Member States as set out in their recovery and resilience plans (RRPs);
Amendment 25 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social and territorial cohesion is one of the six pillars of the RRF; whereas creating and fostering high- quality employment creation is one of the objectives included in the RRF Regulation; whereas this should be achieved through a comprehensive package of reforms and investments in order to promote social impact investments, as well as stable employments contracts, decent wages, collective bargaining and social protection coverage;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social and territorial cohesion is oneand policies for the next generation are two of the six pillars of the RRF; whereas creating and fostering high- quality employment creation is one ofmitigating the social and economic impact of the COVID crisis, in particular on women, and contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights are among the objectives included in the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 32 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Article 16 of the regulation requires the European Commission to present a review report on the implementation of the Facility to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 July 2022; whereas this report should assess the extent to which the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans is in line with the six pillars and contributes to the general objective of the Regulation;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the methodology for reporting on social expenditure in Member States’ recovery and resilience plans should ensure all reforms and investments with a primary social dimension are associated to one of nine social policy areas under the four broader social categories set out in the delegated act; whereas additionally all measures of a social nature that include a focus on children and the youth, or on gender equality, should be flagged in order to ensure specific reporting on expenditure under the RRF on these areas;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. In this regard welcomes the early disbursement of EUR 56.6 billion in pre- financing by the Commission to 21 Member States in order to ensure the frontloading of financial support to address the crisis andit’s consequent impacts;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that Member States must adopt reforms and includeHighlights that, according to the Commission estimates provided to the European Parliament working group on the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Member States included in their plans measures dedicated to children and youth worth EUR 49.21 billion, representing approximately 11,5% of the total budget of the 22 recovery and resilience plans currently approved; stresses that Member States must include reforms and investments in the next generation, children and the youth in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and reinforced Youth Guarantee; recalls that there is RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills; stresses, further, the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility in order to access financing under the RRF and ensure complementarity between RRF, ESF+ and EU programmes; calls on the Commission to closely monitor Member States' investment in this area via the Semester cycle and the national reform programmes in line with the RRF, while involving social partners in the monitoring and evaluation of the national recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that Member States must adopt reforms and include investments in access and opportunity for the next generation, children and youth related to education, health, nutrition, jobs and housing in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and reinforced Youth Guarantee; recalls that there is RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills and calls on the Member States to ensure such investment in human capital, in particular through up- and re-skilling and requalification of the workforce as well as for reintegration of the unemployed; stresses, further, the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses the need to address skills gaps and skills obsolescence in the EU in order to address labour market shortages which are holding back productivity and economic growth; stresses the need to transform and modernise education and training in light of the digital and green transitions enhancing the acquisition of digital skills and education particularly and promoting VET and lifelong learning; recalls the RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills; further stresses the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility and addressing labour market; demands and welcomes in this regard the Commission proposals for Council Recommendations on individual learning accounts and micro-credentials and urges the Council to adopt and implement the proposals without delay;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes that reforms and investments proposed by many Member States exceed the requirement of at least 20% of total allocation in each RRP to support digital objectives amounting to EUR 117 billion or 26%; stresses in particular the importance of investments in digital skills development for workers and citizens, digitalisation of businesses including SMEs and improving connectivity infrastructure particularly for rural areas to reduce the digital divide;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes that measures supporting social and territorial cohesion amount to EUR 193 billion of estimated expenditure including EUR 17.4 billion for adult learning, employment support and modernisation of labour market institutions, EUR 45.6 billion for accessibility, affordability, quality and inclusiveness, including digitalisation and infrastructure of education and early childhood education and care and EUR 37 billion for healthcare resilience, sustainability, adequacy, availability, accessibility, affordability and quality, including digitalisation and infrastructure; calls on Member States to continue investing in social expenditure under pillar 4 of the regulation to, inter alia, support job creation and entrepreneurship, life-long learning and VET, labour market and social inclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, improved child and long-term care and resilient social protection systems;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes the fact that the Commission has already received first payment requests under the RRF; urges the Commission to ensure a fast deployment of payments and to closely monitor the implementation of reforms and investments;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Notes measures related to the next generation pillar account for EUR 49 billion, representing approximately 11% of estimated expenditure covering early childhood education and care, general primary and secondary school education, initial vocational education and training, and higher education and youth employment support and youth job creation;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CNotes that, according to the Commission estimates provided to the European Parliament working group on the Recovery and Resilience Facility, EUR 188 bln have been allocated for measures related to the social and territorial cohesion in the 22 approved plans; regrets that social investment measures were rather restricted towards social infrastructure and did not allow the development of proper care services and temporary relief measures; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 110 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Notes that, according to the Commission estimates provided to the European Parliament working group on the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the total expenditure on healthcare-related measures is estimated at EUR 37 billion; welcomes the opportunity for investment in health and long-term care systems which are essential in the demographic change; regrets that Member States did not include measures to make mental health care accessible and affordable for all age groups, especially in early ages, and to address health inequalities through the provision of adequate support to vulnerable groups; recalls those living alone, those with lower socio-economic status, and those who were unemployed1a had higher rates of mental distress, while that the mental health of young people has worsened significantly or almost doubling in several Member States compared to the pre-crisis level; highlights that mental health should represent an integral part of the EU’s socio-economic recovery from the pandemic and an occupational health priority, in particular in educational and workplace environments; _________________ 1a OECD Tackling the mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis: An integrated, whole-of-society response https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy- responses/tackling-the-mental-health- impact-of-the-covid-19-crisis-an- integrated-whole-of-society-response- 0ccafa0b/
Amendment 125 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the creation and publication of the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard. steps taken by the Commission in order to ensure full transparency in implementing of the RRF, such as making the Operational Arrangements concluded with the Member States available of the dedicated RRF website as well as launching Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard, that contains data on the plans submitted by Member States, approved by the Commission and endorsed by the Council; Reiterates the importance of the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard in providing a clear framework for the additionality impact, as well as ensuring a qualitative analysis of the reforms and investments proposed; urges the Member States to provide detailed information to the Commission in order to ensure an effective reporting of the impact of the RRF;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 132 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the share of RRF social expenditure under the four social categories of employment and skills (20.4%), education and childcare (33%), health and long-term care (32%) and social policies (14.6%)for the RRPs endorsed thus far; calls on Member States to ensure ambitious social objectives in their investments and reforms;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 137 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Reiterates the importance of a successful implementation by the Member States in order to ensure a long-term impact on the EU economy and society; urges the Commission to use all lessons learned from the creation and implementation of the RRF in shaping the new EU economic governance framework;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Recalls that EUR 220 billion in loans is still available under the RRF; highlights the opportunity that new loans under the Facility could provide to Member States in addressing the current Ukrainian refugee crisis and encourages Member States to make use of the potential funding available to support refugees' needs in particular their educational, care, social and labour market integration in advance of the request deadline for loan support in mid- 2023;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2251(INI)
4 d. Recalls that respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principles of sound financial management and that RRF funds are subject to Regulation 2020/2092;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4 e. Recalls the need to ensure complementarity and coordination of RRF funding with other EU funds in particular ESF+;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Amendment 2 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
— having regard to the Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care (2018),
Amendment 14 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
— having regard to the Action Plan for the Social Economy of 9 December 2021,
Amendment 15 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas inthe European Semester provides a common framework for the surveillance and coordinatingon of economic, budgetary, and employment and social policies inacross the EU Member States, the European Semester must respect rules on sound public finance in order to ensure sound public finances, to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances, to support structural reforms and to boost investment; whereas the Semester has also been following the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility which will drive Member States' reforms and investments in line with the EU’s priorities as set out in the six pillars, while addressing the challenges identified in forthcoming country-specific recommendations;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU and its Member States have committed to upholds the fundamental values of the Treaties and the United Nations, and whereas the consequenceo implement the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights; whereas the 2022 Annual Sustainable Growth Survey must ensure that the continued mitigation of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, social affairs and employmeemployment and society, taking into account, the European Gparticular impact on childreen Deal and poverty must be taken into account in the 2022 annual sustainable growth strategyand youth, as well as the need for a sustainable, digital and resilient recovery which will create jobs and growth and will consolidate our strategic autonomy are the EU's priority in the coming Semester cycle;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas it is crucial to ensure that the Semester coordinates and monitors Member States’ efforts to deliver on the principles of the EPSR in particular the EU headline targets set out in the EPSR Action Plan ensuring that by 2030 at least 78% aged 20 to 64 are in employment, at least 60% of all adults should participate in training every year and that the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion should be reduced by at least 15 million, including at least 5 million children;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas while the economy has experienced a sharp downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas, according to the autumn 2021 European economic forecast, growth is expected to be 5 % in 2021, 4.3 % in 2022 and 2.5 % in 2023, buthigher than previously projected; whereas the recovery will however be heavily dependent on further pandemic developments1 and the restrictions to economic activity to contain it; __________________ 1European Commission institutional paper of November 2021 entitled ‘European Economic Forecast: Autumn 2021’, p. 2.
Amendment 38 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the impact of the crisis presents a stark challenge but also an opportunity to relaunch our economies and societies and accelerate the green and digital transitions in a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive manner; whereas such transformation should reverse increasing inequalities, bolster social cohesion and ensure that no one is left behind;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the Recovery and Resilience Facility created an unprecedented structure adapted to the complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economy, society and institutions; whereas the European Semester, as part of the EU's economic governance framework must adapt and upgrade in order to ensure recommendations to the Member States take into account not only the economic and social objectives, but also the objectives related to the green and digital transitions, consolidation of health systems, and access and opportunity for children and youth;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on familiespeople in the EU, particularly those from more vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, children, young people and the elderly in terms of their everyday lives, working lives and general livelihoods2 ; __________________ 22021 report of the Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung entitled ‘Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie’.
Amendment 49 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 60 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas while attaining the EU’s climate targets represent ais of the utmost importance the challenge to theadapt our economyies and society; whereas they also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to redeploy workers, which will mean that socially vulnerable people, familieies must be managed to ensure a fair and just transition; whereas the emergence of new related sectors also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to re- and up-skill workers for future-oriented and sustainable jobs, which will require support both at EU and national level to manage social impacts on vulnerable households and micro- enterprises will come under pressure;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the increased need for funding to strengthen the economy is placing budgetary constraints on the Member StateMember States, supported by the EU, have extended unprecedented fiscal support and liquidity assistance to their economies to avoid mass lay-offs, preserve incomes and protect businesses in response to the COVID-19 crisis; whereas the activation of the ‘general escape clause’ within the procedures of the Stability and Growth Pact, adoption of the Next Generation EU plan and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the CRII and CRII+ and the introduction of the SURE have been instrumental in this regard; whereas this strong and coordinated policy response highlights the importance of continued strong coordination of economic, employment and social policies through various policy and funding tools;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas demographic change affects social systems and markets3 and requires a comprehensive approach based on a mix of policy solutions in the fields of pensions, social security, child and long-term care services, housing, early childhood schools, health systems, social inclusion, integration of minorities and migrants, work-life balance and gender equality; __________________ 3 Commission report of 17 June 2020 on the impact of demographic change (COM(2020)0241).
Amendment 100 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the well-being of the EU isMember States’ economies and societies must be at the heart of a modern sustainability and economic strategy; points out that the dimensionsfour mutually reinforcing dimensions of competitive sustainability set out in the annual sustainable growth strategy – social and environmental sustainability, productivity, equityfairness and macroeconomic stability – serve as guiding principles for the development of the national rhould be complemented with the six pillars of the Recovery and rResilience plans and necessary reformFacility, and be in line with the objectives of the UN SDGs, EPSR and the Green Deal and serve as guiding principles for Member States' reforms and investments;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the aim of sustainable economic growth must be to weather future crises Member States’ long- term competitiveness and sustainable economic growth prospects can only be assured by ensuring a sustainable and inclusive recovery which leaves no one behind, bolstering the EU economic and social resilience to future shocks and addressing the challenges and reaping the best possible way; nefits of the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the aim of sustainable economic growth must be to weather future crises in the best possible way; welcomes the Action Plan for the Social Economy; believes, as stated in said Action Plan, that the social economy can help implement the European Pillar for Social Rights;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned thatStresses the need for Member States, with EU support, to countries were already heavily indebted before the COVID-19 pandemic, that these debts are to be borne by future generations and that some Member States have little room for manoeuvre to support economic recovery through national measures; is convinced that additional instruments are needed that do not place a lasting burden on national budgetsinue to provide targeted and temporary fiscal support in 2022 while safeguarding fiscal sustainability in the medium term; welcomes the activation of the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact until at least the end of 2023 to provide Member States with the necessary flexibility to weather the economic and social impacts of the pandemic; stresses the need for Member States to enhance investment to achieve the twin transitions, to stimulate economic activity and create quality employment while simultaneously ensuring necessary reforms to enhance their resilience;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights that democratic accountability for the current Semester evaluation process needs to be strengthened; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to ensure that the new economic governance framework will strengthen democratic accountability and the involvement of the European Parliament, strengthen the role and participation of EU and national social partners, and ensure a performance based and results oriented approach for policy objectives;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Considers that references to the gender gap in pensions need to be included in the annual sustainability growth strategy(ASGS), as has been in the case in some past ASGS;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Invites the Commission to reflect on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and existing national disability strategies in the Semester process; encourages the Member States and the Commission to assess the adequacy of social protection and disability measures, including also income protection benefits, against poverty;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that bureaucratic obstacles hinder economic growth; calls on the Commission to recommend reforms to all Member States for immediate implementation to cut red tape and simplify access to funding opportunities, in particular for entrepreneurs, SMEs and social economy enterprises;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the central role inof the EU strategic framework of health and safety at work; notes that p 2021-2027 in ensuring healthy and safe workplaces in particular anticipating and managing change in the context of grevention so as to ensure safe and healthy working conditions contributes to the health of workers in order to maintain, digital and demographic transitions; stresses the importance of improving the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases, eliminating work- related deaths and increasing preparedness to respond to current and future health crises in order to maintain workers' health and safety thereby ensuring productivity and competitiveness;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that increasing purchasing power is a guaranteed means of ensuring further economic recovery; stresses the importance of tackling in- work poverty, energy poverty and long- term unemployment in this regard;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that 22.4 % of the EU population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, of which 24.9 % are children6 ; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makesand its impact on children makes delivering the cChild gGuarantee even more important; calls on the Commission to be more active in combating poverty, especially child povertymore crucial than ever; calls on the Member States to utilise the resources available inter alia under the RRF and the ESF+ to ensure the Guarantee prevents and combats the social exclusion and poverty of children in need and fosters equal opportunities; further calls on the Commission to ensure the robust implementation of Member States' Child Guarantee Action Plans and to carefully monitor progress in this area via the forthcoming country-specific recommendations; __________________ 6European Commission web page entitled ‘Poverty and social exclusion’, accessed on 10 January 2022.
Amendment 180 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that 22.4 % of the EU population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, of which 24.9 % are children6 ; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makes the child guarantee even more important; calls on the Commission to be more active in combating poverty, especially child poverty; is highly concerned that the rate of youth unemployment in the EU is over 15%7a; __________________ 6European Commission web page entitled ‘Poverty and social exclusion’, accessed on 10 January 2022. 7aEurostat, November 2021, Unemployment statistics, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Unemployment _statistics#Youth_unemployment
Amendment 191 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 199 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 200 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Highlights that it is necessary that Member States continue to invest sufficient ESF+ resources in measures supporting targeted actions and structural reforms for quality youth employment, vocational education and training, particularly apprenticeships and entrepreneurial skills; further stresses that Member States must include reforms and investments in the next generation, children and the youth in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and Youth Guarantee in order to access financing under the RRF; calls on the Commission to closely monitor Member States' investment in this area via the Semester cycle and the national reform programmes in line with the RRF;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 211 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 217 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses the importance of well- resourced public employment services; believes public employment services should offer individualised support and needs assessment to job seekers with disabilities, older job seekers and the long-term unemployed;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Believes that more upcoming European Semester recommendations should include a focus on the quality and funding of, as well as working conditions in person-centred, long-term care, including social care and support; reminds Member States of the Declaration of Astana (2018) and their commitment to strengthen primary health care to deliver equitable, accessible, safe, and affordable community-based care for older people;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Is highly concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of workers and society at large; invites the Commission to systematically put forward recommendations to strengthen mental health care systems;
Amendment 220 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Considers that employment policy recommendations should not lose sight of long-term unemployment and inactivity, especially of older persons; welcomes past recommendations addressed to some Member States that refer to the need to review the system of hiring incentives to promote youth employment; in this regard, invites the Commission to extend them to older job seekers;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its recommendations an invitation to all the Member States to invest in the social economy and the circular economy, not only for their job creation potential, but also as enablers for an inclusive economic recovery and the green transition;
Amendment 242 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to address skills shortages; notes that thesegaps and skills obsolescence in the EU in order to address labour market shortages which are holding back productivity and economic growth; expstresses concern that digital skills the need to transform and modernise education and training in light of the digital and green transitions enhancing the EU need to play catch up and that this is reflected in the shortage of IT professionals; emphasises the importance of focusing vocational training on the digital and green transitions; demands that EU training content become more uniform and qualifications more widely recognisedacquisition of digital skills and education particularly and promoting VET and lifelong learning; recalls the RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills; further stresses the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility and addressing labour market; demands and welcomes in this regard the Commission proposals for Council Recommendations on individual learning accounts and micro-credentials and urges the Council to adopt and implement the proposals without delay;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training, education and researchinvestment in the adoption of advanced digital technologies and research and innovation are key to future economic policyies to manage the digital transition; urges the Commission and Member States to address the digital investment gap in both the public and private sectors, in particular supporting SMEs;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points to the need for the principles of production, service and trade with certification to be improved so as to improve quality; stresses, with reference to the Commission’s proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving working conditions in platform work (COM(2021)0762), that adherence to social standards in the context of platform work is necessaryCalls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and protecting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. CRecalls on the Commission to include recommethe role that socially responsible public procurement can play in creating job opportunities, decent work, social and professional inclusion and better condaitions for a social register suitable for the certification of companies; calls on the Commission tovulnerable groups; stresses that Member States should finance reforms in this area, including through the RRF to make procurement rules more dynamic and transparent, address social and labour marke certification mandatory for EU-wide public tenderst policy objectives and foster in particular social economy enterprises' access to public tenders in line with the Social Economy Action Plan;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 a (new)
Citation 35 a (new)
— having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the European Union, on the one part, and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACPS) States, of the other part,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 35 b (new)
Citation 35 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 entitled "The European Green Deal",
Amendment 11 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Indo-Pacific region has become a geopolitical and geoeconomic reality; whereas the global economy’s centre of gravity has shifted from the Atlantic to the PacificIndo-Pacific region has become a major economic power;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe and the Indo- Pacific together represent over 70 % of global trade in goods and services and over 60 % of foreign direct investment (FDI) with their annual trade reaching EUR 1.5 trillion in 2019; whereas the Indo-Pacific region produces 60 % of global gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes to two thirds of global economic growth; whereas the EU is the biggest investor in the areagion, which includes four (China, Japan, South Korea and India) out of the EU’s top 10 global trading partners;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated a number of geopolitical trends that were already under way; whereas it also highlighted the need for international cooperation; whereas it has also shown vulnerabilities in the global supply chains and has made clear the need for more diversification; whereas this has been further accentuated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Amendment 48 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. Whereas, as stated in the Trade Policy Review, the EU works together with its partners to ensure adherence to universal values, notably the promotion and protection of human rights. This includes core labour standards, social protection, gender equality, and the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas the EU outermost regions and overseas countries and territories, constitutionally linked to its Member States, are an important part of the EU’s approach to the Indo-Pacific;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which identifies trade as a priority; believes its main focus on inclusiveness and cooperation based on shared values and principles, including a commitment to respecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law, is essential; calls for the EU’s strategic approach and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region to be developed based on the multilateral, rules- based international order with a modernised World Trade Organization at its core, based on the principles of open environment for trade and investment, a level playing field, reciprocity and mutual benefit; stresses that this new approach should constitute a fundamental reorientation based on shared interests as the region is vital to EU prosperity;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to work closely with its Indo-Pacific like-minded partners to reinforce value chains by strengthening and diversifying trade relations in order to reduce strategic dependencies in critical supply chains with a particular focus on technologies and raw materials, by working towards the full implementation and better enforcement of existing trade agreements, by finalising ongoing trade negotiations and by developing cooperation in strategic sectors; underlines the importance of working together with like-minded Indo-Pacific countries on establishing technical standards, to further promote the EU as a global standard-setter; further calls on the Commission to closely work together with the Indo-Pacific partners in the process of shaping and implementing the planned Due Diligence framework;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to work closely with its Indo-Pacific like-minded partners to reinforce value chains by strengthening and diversifying trade relations in order to reduce strategic dependencies in critical supply chains with a particular focus on technologies and raw materials, especially agricultural products, by working towards the full implementation and better enforcement of existing trade agreements, by finalising ongoing trade negotiations and by developing cooperation in strategic sectors; underlines the importance of working together with like-minded Indo-Pacific countries on establishing technical standards, to further promote the EU as a global standard-setter;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the EU should make better and more strategic use of its economic leverage while respecting the political and economic specificities of its partner countries in order to reach its geopolitical goals, by deploying its full, integrated range of policy instruments, including the requirement of promoting fundamental human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance as part of GSP, for this purpose;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has been instrumental in creating more sustainable trade; welcomes the increase in the preference utilisation rates for EU exports to Japan in 2020; underlinnotes that further progress is needed e has been some progress regarding the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regardsexpansion of the list for GI protection for both parties, the utilisation rates of tariff rate quotas opened by Japan for EU exporters, and the process for ratification of ILO Convention No 105 by Japan; underlines that further progress is needed in the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regards the liberalisation of trade in services and the ratification of ILO Conventions No 105 and No 111;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Call on the Member States to ratify the EU-Vietnam IPA so that it enters into force and creates favourable conditions to boost EU investment in Vietnam and in the region, in particular in areas promoting green transformation and the circular economy; urges Vietnam to guarantee a full implementation of the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions; inviturges Vietnam to complete its key labour reforms in accordance with the agreement and to swiftly ensure the ratification of ILO Convention No 87 by 2023;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for continuing actions oriented at raising awareness among businesses and citizens of existing FTAs in the region and the opportunities they provide; calls for strengthened technical and financial support where necessary to help partner countries to effectively implement FTAs, in particular the chapters on TSD; Calls on the Commission to work together with our Indo-Pacific partners also in the context of the TSD review;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for substantive progress and the conclusion of negotiations on the EU- Australia and EU-New Zealand FTAs by no later than mid 2022 in order for the European Parliament to be able to duly ratify these agreements in the current parliamentary mandate; believes that, especially in the current geopolitical situation, it is of utmost importance that democracies strengthen their mutual relations, also when it comes to trade;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Acknowledges that China’s continued delay in complying with all WTO rules continues to complicate the trade relations between the EU and China. Main issues that must be solved are the multiple barriers European companies face to access the Chinese market, protection of intellectual property rights, counterfeiting, product safety concerns, social and environmental standards, forced technology transfers, obliged Joint Ventures, unfair subsidies and unfair competition by state-owned enterprises;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges that the discussions on the ratification of the Comprehensive Investment Agreement between the EU and China have been put on hold in the European Parliament for the moment; believes, however, that despite our differencesdue to China’s decision to sanction, among others, five Members of the European Parliament and the Human Rights sub-committee for criticizing China’s human rights record; stresses that it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will discuss or ratify the CAI as long as MEPs and one of its committees are under sanctions; further recalls the coercive pressure China has put on member states such as in the case of Lithuania; believes, however, that we should continue to maintain dialogue at all levels and through various channels to be able to understand each others positions and in particular to find a way out of the present situation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reminds that the cooperation with China must go hand in hand with firmness on the issue of human rights and minority; underlines the need for the EU to take a clear stance against the human rights violations in China, notably the forced labour camps and continuous repression against the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, which according to several international organisations amount to crimes against humanity and that some parliaments already have called a genocide; further deplores the oppression of the Tibetan community and the violation of China’s international commitments in Hong Kong;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is looking forward toTakes note of the EU-China Summit taking place in April 2022; trusthopes that it will contribute to calming the recently the de-escalatingon of trade and geopolitical tensions between both parties, that it will allow progress towards developing a much more balanced economic relationship based on reciprocity and, that it will help to resolve the crisis linked tobe the occasion for a frank dialogue on the worrying human rights situation in China as well as that it will help to lift the unjustified Chinese sanctions imposed on EU policymakers, including members of the European Parliament;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the EU to launch a structured dialogue with Taiwan on cooperating in green technology and digital economy, including the semiconductor industry, with a view to signing a memorandum of understanding that benefits both the EU and Taiwan; repeats thatits call on the Commission shouldto begin an impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Philippines, which started in 2015, have been put on hold; acknowledgunderlines that negotiations should only resume once the worrying and critical situation concerning human rights and the rule of law in Philippines has improved;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Malaysia have been put on hold since 2012; invites the Malaysian authorities to take a position on the possible resumption of negotiations and invites both parties to take stock of the findings of the sustainability impact assessment; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations should be preceded by tangible improvement of the human rights situation in the country;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that negotiations for an EU- Thailand FTA were launched in 2013; further notes that they were put on hold in 2014 following the military take-over in Thailand. Acknowledges that the EU in recent years has taken steps towards broadening its engagement with Thailand; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA should be preceded by tangible improvement of the democratic situation in the country;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for further engagement with ASEAN and its member states and for the development and promotion of the EU- ASEAN strategic partnership; calls on both sides to use the momentum of the planned EU-ASEAN Summit in 2022, on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the EU- ASEAN bilateral relationship, to present a new EU-ASEAN action plan for the upcoming period to promote increased multifaceted cooperation in key areas and explore the possibility of resuming negotiations of a region-to-region trade agreement, based on shared values and principles, including fundamental rights and gender equality, once the conditions in terms of human rights and democracy are to the EU’s standards;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a new strategic approach towards the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as a core element of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, stresses that closer cooperation would allow the EU to reap important economic benefits with regard to possible welfare gains, diversification of supply chains and reduction of strategic dependencies, and would give the EU the opportunity to continue to shape standards in the Indo-Pacific region and globally;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. recalls the need to take into account the specificity of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories in these regional and bilateral negotiations and to take and implement specific provisions in their regards;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the consumer Internet of Things (IoT) sector will expand significantly in the coming years but recognises that shortcomings still exist in this sector, such as the lack of interoperability between various IoT products and/or services, which could reduce competition and consumer choice; welcomes the Commission’s sector inquiry into the IoT and calls on the Commission to take further action regarding standards, data portability and access;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation1 and related Vertical Guidelines2 have been inadequately adapted for recent market developments, notably the growth of online sales and online platforms; highlights that there are outstanding concerasks the Commission to ens uregarding the automobile sector, where manufacturers are competing directly with the distribution network by modifying the contractual terms of the vertical distribution relationship, thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage and driving small and medium-sized enterprises out of the market; that any future revision takes the abuse of selective distribution agreements, labelling and other measures to prevent the purchase, distribution and resale of goods across borders into account. _________________ 1 Commission Regulation (EU) No 330/2010 of 20 April 2010 on the application of Article 101(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices (OJ L 102, 23.4.2010, p. 1). 2 OJ C 130, 19.5.2010, p. 1.
Amendment 47 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Notes the continued use of different national product codes and serial numbers for the same or virtually identical products in order to prevent cross-border comparisons of prices and purchase; believes that this has a direct negative effect on consumers and asks the Commission to assess this matter further;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EU economy and the risks and opportunities it poses to the internal market; welcomes the Commission’s decision to prolong the temporary framework for State aid until 30 June 2022, but highlights that these measures should remain in place until gross domestic product and employment return to pre-pandemic levels;; notes, however, that the differing sizes of the Member States means that not all Member States are able to equally take advantage of the temporary framework; asks the Commission to ensure that the measures are proportionate to actual needs and do not distort competition within the single market.
Amendment 62 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to adaptensure competition rules and ensure theirpolicy enforcement in the energy sector to facilitate the creation of industrial giants capable of competing in global markets and to protect the security of energy supplies in the European Union, thus reducing price volatility and combating the rise in energy prices, which accounts for around half of the increase in the inflation rate;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the need for competition policy to support SMEs in Europe and to prevent the consolidation of market dominance in the hands of a few large European and international companies; underlines that the single market depends not only on competition at the international level, but also inside the single market itself;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2185(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of tackling distortive foreign subsidies that are distortingharming the level playing field in the EU’s internal market and ; in this regard welcomes the proposed regulation on foreign subsidies, which is relevant in cases where, for example, a subsidised company intends to participatwill help to promote a fair and competitive sin EU public procurement procedures.gle market;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises the important role of the Committee on Petitions in identifying and flagging possible breaches of the rule of law, taking into account the numerous petitions received from citizens concerned about breaches of the rule of law in several Member States; strongly believes that full protection of all EU citizens can only be ensured throughout the Union if all Member States comply with all principles of the rule of law; stresses that the Rule of Law Report must be objective and assess all Member States according to the same criteria;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the rule of law includes principles such as legality, legal certainty, the separation of powers, the prohibition of the arbitrary exercise of executive power, effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts in full respect of fundamental rights, the fight against impunity, the enforcement of judgments including the permanent subjection of all public authorities to established laws and procedures, and equality before the law;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that judicial accountability and, prosecutorial and judicial independence and the enforcement of judgments are crucial components of the rule of law; calls on the Commission to enforce these core EU values when they are infringed by Member States in order to increase citizens’ trust in the judiciaryor when Member States fail to act on violations carried out by sub-state entities, in order to increase citizens’ trust in the judiciary, and by using all means at their disposal, especially the rule of law conditionality mechanism, where applicable;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that emergency regimes and decree-laws were urgently instated by governments in several Member States because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that this has affected the functioning of the national justice systems and the activity of the courts; draws attention toregrets the lack of participation and the non-involvement of national parliaments in the decision- making and the closure of parliaments in numerous Member States during the pandemic, which has increased the power of governments and has led to a lack of accountability and transparency;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is deeply concerned about the status of Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal, the close connection between prosecutors and the government (in particular the Public Prosecutor General/Minister of Justice) and the complete disregard for not only EU law requirements, but also European Convention on Human Rights and Polish Constitutional requirements2 ; is further concerned about the impartiality of the judiciary in Hungary3 and the iandependence of the judiciary in signs of weakening of the rule of law in Slovakia, Malta, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Spain4 ; _________________ 2 Petitions No 0559/2020, 1154/2020, 1246/2020, 1360/2020 and 0869/2021. 3 Petition No 1512/2020. 4 Petitions No 1180/2020, 1182/2020, 1326/2020, 1367/2020, 1561/2020 and 0353/2021.
Amendment 50 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the indispensability of enforcing court sentences, both at national and EU level; condemns all national and regional governments on EU territory that refuse to follow judgments; emphasises that sentences of the Court of Justice of the European Union have to be implemented in a timely manner and as soon as possible in accordance with the Treaties, which the Member States agreed to comply with5 , in particular, those court sentences that seek to prevent discrimination on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; _________________ 5 Petition No 0858/2017.
Amendment 69 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the fact that that the safety of journalists is not universally guaranteed; underlines the importance of media pluralism and the need to protect journalists against threats and attacks in order to prevent self-censorship and to assure freedom of expression and the right to information and safeguard the journalistic profession; calls on the Commission to improve the instruments for assessing measures taken by governments that may undermine freedom of information and pluralism;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Draws attention to the need for better regulation and more transparency regarding social networking sitemedia platforms9 ; takes note of the insufficiency of the horizontal assessment of the media sector and the lack of representation of online media in the Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law report (COM(2121)700); _________________ 9 Petitions No 1336/2020, 0036/2021, 0137/2021, 0691/2021 and 0719/2021.
Amendment 76 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Observes that fake news and the resulting misinformation aimed at EU citizens are a threat to our EU democracies10 ; notes, however, that overly extensive control of false information and the increased promotion of disinformation campaigns may lead, which must be combated with guarantees and without giving rise to any violation of Article 11(1) of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which guarantees the right to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authorities and regardless of borders11 ; _________________ 10 Petitions No 1310/2019, 0268/2020, 0743/2020 and 1293/2020. 11 Petition No 1336/2020.
Amendment 88 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the increase in hate crimes against minorities, in particular those related to religious beliefs, political ideas and sexual orientation12 ; is aware of the difficult balance between hate speech and freedom of expression and acknowledges that the boundaries are hard to define; calls on the Commission to continue its work to establish effective criteria against this problem, and to do so without affecting the pluralism of the system; _________________ 12 Petitions No 0354/2020, 0657/2020, 1038/2020, 0471/2021, 0480/2021, 0667/2021, 0704/2021, 0725/2021, 0820/2021, 0855/2021 and 0894/2021.
Amendment 101 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that the role of civil society organisations is of particular importance; calls on the Commission to foster debatesopen, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and with civil society organisations in order to take note of all their concerns and involve them more effectively in follow-up meetings; highlights the need to offer longer consultation periods to guarantee proper participation of all civil society organisations; urges the Commission, therefore, to step up and structure its monitoring of the situation of civic space in the Member States by creating a ‘European civic space index’ based on existing frameworks for measuring civic space, and by dedicating to civic space a fully-fledged chapter including country recommendations in its annual rule of law report.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and in particular Article 27 on work and employment;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities, independent of public authorities, as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including charities), foundations, social enterprises, and other legal forms, all characterised by different operating and organisational principles and features such as the primacy of people as well as social and environmental purposes over profit, the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses in the sustainability of the entity and the general interest providing goods and services to their members or society at large, and democratic or participatory governance;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 3 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the EU’s social market, society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to the long- term orientation of the European Pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ; __________________ 12 OECD (2020), Social economy and the COVID-19 crisis: current and future roles.sustainability of this model;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the social economy contributes to and benefits from well- functioning welfare systems; whereas, however, it is the State and public authorities at large which have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring universal, affordable and equal access of citizens to a high standard of public services and welfare, and as such, social economy organisations play, and should continue to do so, a complementary role, not a replacement of, first-line, state/regional-based public service provisions;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 17 February 2022 with recommendations to the Commission on a statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social economy organisationentities have a long, yet heterogeneous history in the majority of Member States, most of which have adopted specific laws in this field, and have established themselves as crucial market playesocial and economic actors, who can play an important role in the market, whereas social economy entities still face significant obstacles that hamper their economic and overall social impact; whereas Member States need to adopt specific legislation to overcome those barriers and enable the consolidation and development of the social economy, and to ensure that social economy entities can compete effectively in all economic sectors;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas social economy organisations operate in key sectors such as health, long-term care, social, education and vocational training, culture and the promotion of cultural heritage, advanced technologies, housing, leisure and circular economy, renewable energy and waste management, and by virtue of their local anchoring and their social and integrative character, are an intrinsic part of the European social model;
Amendment 7 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas social economy entities have traditionally played an important role in the integration and employment of as well as in the provision of services for disadvantaged workers, especially persons with disabilities, including through UNCRPD-abiding Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE), thus improving their wellbeing and mental health;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Amendment 9 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
C d. whereas the Parliament has highlighted in past resolutions1a the importance of facilitating the development of cross-border activities and the access to the internal market for mutual societies, associations and foundations; __________________ 1a 1987 resolution on non-profit-making associations in the European Communities; European Parliament resolution of 14 March 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on the Statute for a European mutual society; European Parliament resolution of 2 July 2013 on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Statute for a European Foundation (FE).
Amendment 10 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s Action Plan for the Social Economy (SEAP), the guiding principles defining the social economy set therein, the political impetus it provides to its development, and the wealth of measures announced therein; notes, however, that certain aspects related to employment and social affairs within the social economy could be further strengthened;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines social economy’s plurality of aims and the important role it plays in improving the resilience of the economy, ensuring a just transition, reducing inequalities, providing quality employment opportunities to vulnerable groups, promoting people’s independent living, enhancing the sense of community, countering depopulation and strengthening the development of rural areas, implementing the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, and achieving upwards social convergence;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee' opinion of 22 September 2016 on 'The External Dimension of the Social Economy';
Amendment 12 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 13 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urgesnderlines that despite the social economy being a considerable source of economic growth and job creation, more needs to be done to promote this model, including the principle of solidarity, social inclusion and social investment which underpins it; urges therefore the Commission and the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to step up efforts to further promote the social economy and mainstream the social economy dimension in relevant policies, programmes and practices, such as those relevant to ongoing transitions such as the green and digital ones, at Union level as well as globally via the EU’s external action;
Amendment 14 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call13 for the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in the drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies, so as to make the Union’s ecosystem more competitive and supportive of micro, small and medium-sized organisations both within and outsidewithout weakening existing rules, standards, and rights, such as environmental and consumer protection so as to, on one hand, make the regulatory frameworks more supportive of micro, small and medium-sized entities in their application of existing rules and regulations, and, on the other, to strengthen the development, sustainability and growth of the social economy; __________________ 13 In, inter alia, its resolution of 16 December 2020 on a new strategy for European SMEs and that of 24 June 2021 on European regulatory fitness and subsidiarity principle.
Amendment 15 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Believes, that concrete strategies and follow-up measures for achieving the objective set out in the SEAP need to be laid out taking into account national law and practices; underlines that the interlinkages between the SEAP and other EU initiatives such as the Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Disability Strategy or the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness need to be further detailed; considers it necessary to establish a calendar for all actions included in the SEAP as well as for their monitoring and evaluation, with a view to guiding the relevant authorities in the implementation of the SEAP and ensuring policy coherence;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds the Member States that the Public Procurement Directive (Directive 2014/24/EU) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives, and, in particular, allows for reserved tender procedures for organisationsentities that respond to quality criteria and whose main aim is the integratclusion of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groupsgroups at risk of social exclusion into the workforce; invitescalls on public authorities to considerrecognise socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio- economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives; points out that the inclusion of environmental and social requirements in tenders can be essential in the development of the social economy sector, calls on the Commission to further promote socially responsible public procurement and good practices to boost socially responsible business practices and encourages Member States to aim at making all public funding disbursed in the form of public procurement contracts, conditional on their compliance with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social and labour law established by Union law, national law, collective agreements or by the international environmental, social and labour law;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities, independent of public authorities, as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including charities), foundations, social enterprises, and other legal forms, all characterised by different operating and organisational principles and features such as the primacy of people as well as social purpose over profit, the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses, and democratic or participatory governance;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Member States to systematically adopt strategies aimed at developing socially responsible public procurement, thus establishing a link across policy areas between the delivery of services and products and the contribution to social objectives; considers that the transposition of the Public Procurement Directive must be coupled with initiatives to increase knowledge about the relationship between public spending and its contribution to achieving the SDGs, and to build capacity among public procurement officers and social economy organisationentities; encourages public procurement officers to carry out pre- market consultations before drawing up tender documents, with a view to better understanding the existing needs and how social economy organisations could meet themwhat social economy entities can offer and how they can meet the tender requirements; calls on procurers not to award contracts based solely on the lowest price but on best value, thus incorporating quality criteria and social impact considerations; calls on the Member States to enhance transparency and prevent corruption in public procurement; highlights the need for the relevant authorities to explore cooperation and partnerships in the access to public procurement by social economy entities, as is the case in some Member States;
Amendment 18 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that a workers’ buyout processes can be one possible solutions toprevent the loss of jobs arising from a restructuring; Welcomes existing initiatives in Member States to provide workers interested in the buyout process and cooperatives emerging from workers’ buyouts with business support structures, including legal counselling, financial support, supporthelp in the preparation of business plans, and data needed for external investors and business support structures; encourages other Member States to implement similar initiatives and to include this topic in the 2023 Council rRecommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regional and national level; highlights the role of workers’ representatives, including trade unions, in the support to and link up with the federations of cooperatives assisting workers’ buyouts in order to enhance the chances of success;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Stresses the need for the Commission to keep on working closely with the Member States to identify tools and solutions to remove obstacles and speed up legal procedures to transfer the ownership of an enterprise to the employees through worker cooperatives or other forms of worker-owned social economy entities; calls on the Commission to set up an EU platform for exchange of best practices between Member States, local and regional authorities and social economy networks;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Underlines the importance of promoting the cooperative model and its principles of workers’ participation/democracy; encourages Member States to create a favourable legal environment for the establishment and functioning of cooperatives, including worker’s cooperatives;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the announced report on the possible extension ofHighlights the current work done by the EU to extend the EU Ttaxonomy for Ssustainable Ffinance to social objectives; considers that the EU taxonomy needs to cover social factors, without creating an excessively disproportionate burden on businesses, as it can be a driver for investment in the fieldbe relevant from a social perspective, while at the same time taking the situation of micro-enterprises and SMEs into account, as it can be a driver for investment in the field of the social economy if said investment is properly aligned with the principles and features of the social economy;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highlights the importance of strengthening the business planning, implementation and evaluation skills of social economy entities, as well as relevant media literacy, management skills, participatory leadership, lifelong learning, resilience and skills required by ongoing transitions, including the green and digital ones, by supporting the Social Economy and Proximity Skills Alliance; looks forward to the forthcoming “Pact for Skills for the Social Economy” to invest in such skills; and calls on the social economy stakeholders to fully align with the targets of the EPSR by making sure that at least 60% of their employees receive training every year by 2030;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 24 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 25 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers it regrettableRegrets that social economy organisationentities do not feature to the same extent as more conventional businessesenough in the curricula of mainstream school education and higher education enterprise and business education14 ; in light of this, invites sector-representative bodies and relevant public authorities, in partnership with the relevant stakeholders, to review and evaluate the curricula and put forward policy recommendations for academic institutiont all educational levels, from primary to higher education, including vocational and educational training and put forward policy recommendations; underlines the necessity to promote social economy among young people; asks the Commission to ensure continuous collaboration between the ‘European Competence Centre for Social Innovation’ and higher education institutions in all Member States with the goal of developing joint projects and raising awareness of the possibilities that the social economy offers to future young entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups such as persons with disabilities, women, older persons and socially vulnerable groups; __________________ 14 Eurofound (2019), Labour market change. Cooperatives and social enterprises: work and employment in selected countries.
Amendment 26 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Highlights that social economy entities have for decades been leaders in implementing circular business models, especially in reusing, repairing and recycling activities, thus accelerating the transition to the circular economy and reinforcing the focus on positive social impact1a, supports the Commission’s initiative to strengthen the capacity of the social economy to further develop greener services and products; __________________ 1a OECD/European Union (2022), Policy brief on making the most of the Social Economy’s contribution to the Circular Economy.
Amendment 27 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Highlights the distinctiveness of renewable energy cooperatives in the social economy, as part of energy communities, in the energy system as they promote sustainable energy production and consumption practices, strengthen community ownership and social innovation, generate widespread benefits and can be used to satisfy security of supply in remote locations and on certain islands;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11 c. Highlights the fundamental role played by social economy entities, including mutuals, in the care sector and underlines the important growth potential social economy has in this area to respond to the increased demand for care services and to address ongoing challenges such as demographic ageing; calls on the European Commission and Member States to support a quality care sector with adequate policies and to ensure that the upcoming revision in the area of state aid ensures greater flexibility to social economy entities providing social and health care services;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11 d. Highlights the importance of attaching greater attention to social impact measurement methodologies and practices; calls on the Commission, with the support of European social economy stakeholders, to carefully assess the development of social impact measurements methodologies, which can suit the diversity of social economy entities and further attract social investments;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11 e. Underlines the importance of the social economy in promoting gender equality and in providing employment opportunities for women, in particular in vulnerable situations, and that it can be an entry point to transition from informal to formal employment; notes that women often make more than 60% of the workforce in the social economy, and gaps in pay and leadership have been reported to be lower; calls on the Commission and the Member States to remove all barriers for women in order to achieve gender equality; calls for the strengthening of the gender dimension in policies and access to funding for women engaged in social economy entities given the greater difficulties experienced by women in accessing finance compared to men; asks the Commission to identify a clear role for social economy in the upcoming European care strategy;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 f (new)
Paragraph 11 f (new)
11 f. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up national, transnational and interregional capacity- building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks and their representative organisations; points out that it is necessary to ensure the conditions for the further development and professionalisation of social economy entities, which can be done through the provision of advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching, financing capacity-building, training and education, skilling and up/re-skilling, incubating services as well as access to legal counselling;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11 g. Highlights the key role that new technologies and artificial intelligence, when accessible to all, can play in creating jobs and developing and scaling up social economy; stresses the importance of giving social economy entrepreneurs and employees, with a specific focus on vulnerable workers, enhanced access to training programmes on digital skills and advanced technologies, both at Union and national level, and calls on the Commission and Member States to explore how mainstream businesses, the public sector and social economy entities can cooperate in that regard; notes that the digital transition in the social economy should be encouraged, inter alia, through taxation, public procurement and state aid;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 h (new)
Paragraph 11 h (new)
11 h. Calls on the Member States to provide targeted funding for social economy entities and to make full use of existing Union funds to promote the social economy sector and to step up their efforts to absorb the funds that are made available to them in the social economy field;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 i (new)
Paragraph 11 i (new)
11 i. Welcomes the proposal to launch a new single EU Social Economy Gateway in 2023; underlines that this initiative has the potential to support social economy entities in providing important information and guidance on relevant Union funding, policies, networks and platforms as well as related initiatives;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes the possibilities offered under InvestEU to support the social economy; urges the Commission and the implementing partners to design financial products tailored to the needs of social economy enterprises under the Social Investment and Skills window and to allocate sufficient resources to these products with an emphasis on projects concurrently dealing with digital transformation and the green transition; notes that sound eligibility criteria should be developed to target financial intermediaries that specifically support the social economy and considers that advisory services should be made available under the InvestEU Advisory Hub in order to maximise the potential of these financial intermediaries to tap into the InvestEU programme; calls on the Commission to ensure that other InvestEU financial products such as those targeting SMEs are made accessible to social economy organisationentities, most of which are micro, small and medium-sized organisaentities in order to allow for the development of a pipeline of projects on key topics and improve the long-term economic sustainability of social economy entities as well as their uptake of innovative solutions;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes in particular the key role of Cohesion Policy Funds, including the European Social Fund (ESF+) and the European Regional Development- Cohesion Fund, in financing social economy projects; recalls the specific objectives of the ESF+ in improving access to employment for all jobseekers, in particular young people, as well as through the promotion of self- employment and the social economy; reminds the Member States that ESF + funding can be used by public authorities in public procurement to fund the set up of “facilitators of social clauses”, i.e. professionals in charge of promoting and supporting the implementation of social clauses at local level, and to advise public authorities on the drafting of tender specifications that are accessible to the social economy;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Acknowledges the great potential that the social economy has in the creation of quality jobs and internships for the youth, which can accelerate their integration into the labour market; encourages Member States to use funds available under the reinforced Youth Guarantee to boost social economy among the young generation as it can enhance the integration of young people into the labour market; welcomes the Commission’s initiative to launch a Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy in 2022 under the ESF+ to foster youth entrepreneurship and calls on the Commission to devote particular attention to social entrepreneurship and to develop targeted initiatives to help other underrepresented entrepreneurs in the social economy;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 39 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the Member States to promote access of social economy entities to Next Generation EU funding, in the context of their Recovery and Resilience national plans, in particular for the promotion of quality employment, of social inclusion and of an inclusive digital and green transition for all;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the EU’s social market, society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to theits long- term orientation of the European Pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ; _________________ 12 OECD (2020), Social economy and the COVID-19 crisis: current and future roles.
Amendment 40 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14 b. Invites the Commission, on the occasion of the next revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), to widen the scope of the Regulation and adequately take into account the specific needs of social economy entities in terms of access to finance and market development; calls on the Commission to better include social considerations in the area of State Aid such as the promotion of the recruitment of disadvantaged workers, including persons with disabilities, especially in the context of the post-COVID-19 recovery, to explore different evidence-based options, after consulting relevant stakeholders, to support the development of social economy entities and to provide clarity and guidance to national authorities on the legal basis to be used to support social economy entities via state aid;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14 c. Urges the national, regional and local authorities to better tap into the potential of existing rules regarding the specific provisions offered to services of general economic interest (SGEI) to access public finance support in the EU state aid regulation, not least by making full use of the possibility to recognise social economy entities carrying out an economic activity as SGEI where relevant;
Amendment 42 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14 d. Welcomes the idea of launching a new initiative under the Single Market Programme 2022 to support the creation of partnerships between social economy entities and mainstream businesses, enabling a “buy social” business-to- business market that can strengthen- the social economy;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2179(INI)
14 e. Believes that existing labels and certifications for social economy entities could serve as an inspiration to Member States; welcomes the commitment in the SEAP to launch a study on national social economy labels and certification systems with a view to increasing the visibility of the social economy and enabling a well- functioning single market, and, based on the results, exploring the possibility of laying the ground for a more standardised system at Union level; underlines that this study should build on previous findings and involve social economy stakeholders;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly welcomes the proposal of a Council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believstresses that it should serve as a compass tothe recommendation should provide a common definition of the social economy at Union level based on its main principles and features as presented in the SEAP and that both the Recommendation and definition need to take into account the diversity of social economy entities within and across member states; highlights that the Recommendation shall have the primary objective of strengthening the social economy legal and policy frameworks, especially in Member States where the social economy ecosystem is less developed, and; believes that the Recommendation should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the EU and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as suitable legal frameworks for different social economy entities, public procurement, state aid employment and, social and health policies, taxation, education, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy andongoing transitions with the social economy agendas;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the importance of workers’ participation and democratic governance, principles recognised in the SEAP, in achieving the objectives of the social economy; stresses that all workers in the social economy must have decent working and employment conditions and career progression perspectives, ideally, based on collective agreements; highlights in this context that social economy entities have to respect trade union rights, social dialogue and collective bargaining; calls on the Commission to ensure that all EU financial support to social economy entities should be made conditional on their compliance with the applicable working and employment conditions and/or employer obligations set by law and/or resulting from collective agreements; stresses that social economy entities, due to the characteristic of their model based on workers’ participation, and are well-placed to promote social dialogue and collective bargaining; stresses therefore the need to further develop social dialogue, both at national and European level, and collective bargaining in the social economy;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to promote the social economy at international level and to increase the visibility of the sector in the external dimension of Union policies, inter alia, by acknowledging and including its specific nature in future association agreements and providing information and training on social economy to the staff working in EU delegations, and by assessing how such actions can contribute to the development of social economy in third countries;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers it regrettableRegrets that Parliament’s past calls on the Commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies, associations and foundations to act on a European and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes, thus undermining the European social model and hindering the completion of the single market; reiterates Parliament’s call to introduce common minimum standards for non-profit organisations throughout the EU and establish a statute for a European association and calls on the Commission to publicly explain the reasons why the Parliament’s calls have not been heard, suggests, in view of the window of opportunity opened by the SEAP, as well as the activities of the Monitoring Committee of the Luxembourg Declaration, which comprises a majority of Member States, that enhanced cooperation, including cross-border activities, be explored as a tool to overcome the aforementioned decades-long deadlocks;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that the full potential of the social economy sector for addressing socio-economic challenges requires a clear identification of social priorities by public authorities and social economy entities; highlights that social economy projects do generallyoften require a close partnership with public entities, and calls therefore on the Commission and Member States to develop, within the macro- economic governance framework provided at EU level, a new social investment strategy where social priorities are clearly identified, in line with the EPSR, and which can provide a framework for cooperation between public authorities and social economy organisationentities;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all Member States; calls for this study to cover the different types of social economy entities and disaggregated data on workers, notes that detailed, standardised, comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions, future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to EU economic and social goals; calls on the Commission, as part of this work, to update the 2012 study on mutuals in the Union to identify opportunities and barriers for their development, particularly in the area of healthcare and insurance; and calls on the Commission and national statistical authorities to work with Eurostat to collectstandardised data and to regularly update and analyse it;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Welcomes the Commission’s work on a transition pathway for the social economy and proximity industrial ecosystems, notes, however, that additional information is required to understand how it will interact with other regional and local initiatives and ensure an effective implementation on the ground;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to designate social economy coordinators and to set up local social economy contact points with a view to raising awareness of and facilitating access to support and funding, including EU funding; calls on the Commission to set up a single online EU platform for exchange of best practices between Member States, local and regional authorities and social economy networks, underlines that this platform needs to be managed in cooperation with European social economy networks and the Commission Expert group on social economy and social enterprises (GECES); considers that there is a need to ensure a close coordination between the national coordinators, the local contact points, the EU online platform and the EU Social Economy Gateway in order to maximise knowledge exchange and synergies as well as the visibility of opportunities for social economy actors and avoid possible duplication of work;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to further collaborate with GECES and to set up an implementation taskforce for the SEAP including the GECES as well as national coordinators in charge of monitoring and regularly reporting to the European Parliament, the Council and the relevant stakeholders, including social partners, and to disseminate its composition and timeline for action;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social economy organisations have a long history in the majority of Member States, most of which have adopted specific laws in this field, and have established themselves as crucial market players; whereas regulatory frameworks must ensure that social economy enterprises can compete effectively in all economic sectors;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 72 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas social economy organisations strengthen the sense of community and social capital, especially at the local level;1a _________________ 1a https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/docserver/e9eea313- en.pdf?expires=1643295376&id=id∾cna me=guest✓sum=BF1226E6C5CBB1858A 3F36DBF5F48577
Amendment 73 #
2021/2179(INI)
Cc. whereas the social economy contributes to a well-functioning welfare state as it focuses on social and labour needs; whereas, however, it is the State and public authorities at large which have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring universal and equal access of citizens to a high standard of welfare, and as such, social economy organisations should play a complementary role, not a replacement of, first-line, state/regional-based provisions;2a _________________ 2a European Economic and Social Committee Milan declaration, cited in the Council conclusions of 7 December 2015 on ‘The promotion of the social economy as a key driver of economic and social development in Europe’.
Amendment 76 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas social economy organisations operate in key sectors such as health, long-term care, pensions, education, culture, tech for good, housing, leisure and circular economy, renewable energy and waste management, and by virtue of their local anchoring and their social and integrative character, are an intrinsic part of the European social model;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas a legal and policy framework that adequately protects and promotes worker cooperative enterprises, a set of policy measures aimed at facilitating business transfers to employees and a high level of organisation and consolidation of worker cooperatives in organisations/federations contribute to successful business transfers to employees;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Amendment 82 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
Cg. whereas social economy organisations are perceived by investors as high risk due to the information asymmetries in the market or the investors’ limited understanding of this model;5a _________________ 5a European Commission, Directorate- General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Hayday, M., Varga, E., A recipe book for social finance : a practical guide on designing and implementing initiatives to develop social finance instruments and markets, Publications Office, 2017
Amendment 84 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
C h. whereas social economy organisations and enterprises have traditionally played an important role in the employment and service provision for persons with disabilities, including through UNCRPD-abiding Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE);
Amendment 97 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes, however, that concrete measures and follow-up measures for achieving each objective need to be laid out and the interlinkages between measures and other EU-level initiatives further detailed; considers it necessary to establish a calendar for all actions included in the SEAP, with a view to guiding the relevant authorities in the implementation;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call13 for the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in the drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies, so as to make the Union’s ecosystem more competitive and supportive of micro, small and medium-sized organisations both within and outside the social economy and ensure that its role is strengthened to support the development of social economy; _________________ 13 In, inter alia, its resolution of 16 December 2020 on a new strategy for European SMEs and that of 24 June 2021 on European regulatory fitness and subsidiarity principle.
Amendment 144 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds the Member States that the Public Procurement Directive (Directive 2014/24/EU) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives, and, in particular, allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to considerrecognise socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reminds the Member States that the Advisory Platform for Social Outcomes Contracting created by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank Group can provide expert advice and technical support to public sector organisations wishing to address key social inclusion challenges through outcomes-based approaches;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes existing initiatives in Member States to provide workers interested in the buyout process and cooperatives emerging from workers’ buyouts with legal counselling, financial support, support in the preparation of business plans, data needed for external investors and business support structures; encourages Member States to include this topic in the 2023 Council recommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regional and national level and to work closely with workers' representatives to support and link up with the federations of worker cooperatives in assisting workers’ buyouts ; also urges the Commission to keep on working closely with the Member States to identify tools and solutions to remove obstacles and speed up legal procedures to transfer the ownership of an enterprise after its closure to the employees through worker cooperatives or other forms of worker-owned social economy enterprises; invites the Member States to share and exchange best practices in this regard;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. highlights that social economy organisations have for decades been leaders in implementing circular business models, especially in reusing, repairing and recycling activities, thus accelerating the transition to the circular economy and reinforcing the focus on positive social impact;3a supports the Commission's initiative to strengthen the capacity of the social economy to further develop greener services and products; _________________ 3a OECD/European Union (2022), Policy brief on making the most of the Social Economy’s contribution to the Circular Economy
Amendment 179 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Commission to encourage social impact investing and to assess existing measures to increase citizens’ participation in social impact finance initiatives with a view to increasing the funding of social economy entities and the visibility thereof;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Highlights the importance of attaching greater attention to social impact measurement and management methodologies and practices; calls on the European social economy stakeholders to carefully assess the development, together with the support of the Commission, of social impact measurement methodologies apt for the diversity of social economy organisations, as well as a strategy to further access and attract social investments;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Invites the European Commission to examine carefully together with social economy stakeholders and academics the feasibility and practicality of social impact bonds;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching, financing capacity-building, training and education, incubating services and networking for capacity-building; in this regard, brings to the attention of regional and local authorities committed to initiating or upgrading their capacity building measures for the social economy the Guidelines for Local Governments on Policies for Social and Solidarity Economy published by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development in 2021;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up national, transnational and interregional capacity- building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks and their representative organisations in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching, financing capacity-building, training and education, incubating services and networking for capacity-building; welcomes concrete projects such as the European Business School on Social Economy promoted by the Smart specialisation platform partnership on social economy, formed by six European regions and supported by European Social Economy Networks;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the social economy stakeholders to fully align with the targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan by making sure that at least 60% of social economy employees and relevant public authorities' officials receive training every year by 2030;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make sure that social economy organisations and enterprises comply with the relevant legislation against discrimination at work and ensure decent working conditions, fair remuneration and career growth perspectives;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the key role that new technologies, if accessible to all, can play in developing and scaling up social economy projects and, as well as the importance of giving social economy entrepreneurs priorityenhanced access to training programmes on digital skills and advanced technologies, both at EU and national level, and calls on the Commission and Member States to explore how mainstream businesses and social economy organisations can cooperate in that regard;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Highlights the importance of strengthening the support to cooperatives in the field of digital transformation, access to finance, test-before-invest and training, capacity building; notes that the digital transition in the social economy should be encouraged, inter alia, through taxation, public procurement and state aid;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Highlights the distinctiveness of renewable energy cooperatives, as part of energy communities, in the energy system, as they promote sustainable energy production and consumption practices, strengthen community ownership and social innovation, generate widespread benefits and can be used to satisfy security of supply in remote locations and on certain islands;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Highlights the importance of strengthening the business planning, implementation and evaluation skills of social economy organisations by setting up a Social Economy and Proximity Skills Alliance; looks forward to the forthcoming “Pact for Skills for the Social Economy”;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines the importance of promoting the cooperative model among young people in various training systems; notes that workers' cooperatives can create quality jobs and boost youth entrepreneurship;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Urges the national, regional and local authorities to deepen their knowledge of existing rules regarding the possibility offered by services of general economic interest(SGEI) to access public finance support and to make the most of the margin of discretion in the definition and organisation of SGEI, while exploring the possibility of recognising social economy organisations as SGEI;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes the idea of launching a new initiative under the Single Market Programme 2022 to support the creation of partnerships between social economy entities and mainstream businesses, enabling a “buy social” business-to- business market;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 264 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Invites the Member States to promote the access of social economy organisations and enterprises to Next Generation EU funding, through the Recovery and Resilience national plans, in particular for the promotion of employment, socioeconomic inclusion and the adaptation to the digital and green transitions of disadvantaged groups, such as persons with disabilities;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Invites the Member Sates to exchange knowledge and experience on social economy entrepreneurship through the EU Mutual Learning Programme;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Highlights the importance of obtaining data and information on the challenges and experiences faced by the social economy in partner countries; regrets that non-EU social economy organisations are not always eligible for EU programmes; invites the Commission to explore how to overcome those barriers;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly welcomes the proposal of a Council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should provide a common definition of the social economy based on its principles and features -as per the SEAP-, a definition that, taking into consideration the diversity of the social economy, applies to all policies, programmes and measures that the European Commission develops and operates for the social economy7a,as it would also ensure that support measures are granted to all social economy organisations and enterprises; notes that the Council Recommendation should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks, especially in Member States where the social economy ecosystem is less developed, and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the EU and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement, employment and social policies, taxation, education, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas; _________________ 7a The approach to follow could be the one followed for the SME Recommendation.
Amendment 275 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly welcomes the proposal of a Council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks, especially in Member States where the social economy ecosystem is less developed, and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the EU and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement, state aid, employment and social policies, taxation, education, social and care services, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers it regrettable that Parliament’s past calls on the Commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies, associations9a and foundations to act on a European and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes, thus undermining the European social model and hindering the completion of the single market; suggests, in view of the window of opportunity opened by the SEAP, as well as the activities of the Monitoring Committee of the Luxembourg Declaration, which comprises a majority of Member States, that enhanced cooperation be explored as a tool to overcome the aforementioned decades-long deadlocks; _________________ 9a Resolution on non-profit making associations in the European Communities of 13 April 1987
Amendment 284 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Supports the setting up of national competence centres for social innovation aimed at social economy entrepreneurs, as well as a European competence centre for social innovation; looks forward to the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy to be developed together with the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development; calls on social economy organisations to support the emergence of Youth Social Economy Entrepreneurs; believes, however, that the Commission, together with the Member States, should launch targeted initiatives to help other social economy entrepreneurs from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to update the 2012 Study on the current situation and prospects of mutuals in Europe to identify opportunities and barriers for their development in Europe, particularly in healthcare and insurance;
Amendment 304 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all Member States; notes that detailed, standardised, comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions, future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to EU economic and social goals; reminds the Member States of the 2015 Council conclusions’ invitation for national statistical authorities to develop and implement social economy satellite accounts;
Amendment 308 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the Commission’s work on a transition pathway for the social economy and proximity industrial ecosystems; notes, however, that additional information is required to explain how such a pathway will be implemented on the ground and how it will interact with other regional and local initiatives;
Amendment 311 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Urges the Commission and the European External Action Service to provide information and training on the social economy to the staff working in EU delegations and to increase the visibility thereof in EU external action;
Amendment 312 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls on the Commission to promote the social economy in the external dimension of EU policies, inter alia, by acknowledging and including its specific nature in future association agreements and the revision of the current ones, and by assessing how it can contribute to its development outside EU borders;
Amendment 314 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to designate social economy coordinators and to set up local social economy contact points with a view to facilitating access to funding, including EU funding; invites the Commission and the social economy organisations to also use the announced Social Economy Gateway to raise awareness of the funding opportunities at EU level; calls on the Member States to properly and effectively implement the SEAP in collaboration with the social economy stakeholders;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2179(INI)
19a. Reiterates Parliament’s support to the fact that the components of the social economy should be recognised in the EU sectoral and inter-sectoral social dialogue and suggests that the process should be encouraged by both the Member States and the Commission9a; and calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the mechanisms and instruments to support the European, national and regional representative organisations of the social economy as they are crucial for the creation of favourable ecosystems for the social economy; _________________ 9a European Parliament Resolution of 19 February 2009 on Social Economy
Amendment 323 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to set up an implementation taskforce for the SEAP, which regularly reports to the European Parliament, the Council and the relevant stakeholders, and to disseminate its composition and timeline for action;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU and Africa have an important and longstanding political, economic and cultural relationship; whereas the 6th Summit of the EU and the AU in 2022 led to an agreement on ‘A Joint Vision for 2030’, to drive our common priorities, shared values and international law, by preserving together our interests and common public goods, the security and prosperity of our citizens, the protection of human rights for all, gender equality and women’s empowerment in all spheres of life; whereas both Unions recognised the importance of food security and nutrition;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas strengthening the intra- continental trade in Africa is essential for its sustainable economic development; whereas the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives new momentum to pan-African trade and investment opportunities; whereas the EU’s trade policy has an important role in strengthening EU-Africa, as well as intra- African trade;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas AfCFTA aims to be beyond a trade liberalising instrument an enabler of inclusive growth and sustainable development; whereas the AfCFTA can contribute to the advancement of women and youth-lead SMEs; whereas the effective implementation of the AfCFTA is essential for enhancing intra-African trade, notably through enhanced trade facilitation, removal of tariff and non- tariff barriers, and better customs procedures;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Africa is a continent of hope and opportunity and perceived as such by a growing number of its young population; whereas empowering the economic position of women and youth in Africa contributes to both economic growth, and advancing their position in society;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2178(INI)
L. whereas the 6th EU-AU-Summit committed to engage constructively towards an agreement on a comprehensive WTO response to the pandemic, which includes trade-related as well as intellectual-property-related aspects; whereas the EU, the United States, India and South Africa, the ‘quad’, reached a compromise in the WTO to facilitate a waiver of certain Intellectual Property provisions, but a broader discussion in the WTO is yet to commence;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas EU-Africa trade in agricultural products needs to be revised to advance sustainable agriculture on both continents;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas the war in Ukraine demonstrates the interconnectedness of food security and the global market, and the dependency of some African countries on food imports from a small number of exporting countries or regions; whereas an overdependence can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that EU-Africa trade and investment relations form part of our joint endeavour to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030 and the objectives of the Paris Agreement; stresses that the modernisation of EU-AU trade and investment relations must adhere to the principle of policy coherence for development and contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by means of, and to the green and digital transformation of the economies in both the EU and the AU, as well as among our global trading partners;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of creating a resilient, competitive and solid infrastructural and industrial basis in Africa, as laid down in the AU Agenda 2063, aiming at the development of resilient value chains and high added value processing of raw materials in Africa as a major avenue towards quality job creation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the EU needs an entirely new foundation for itsmust engage in a renewed, mutually beneficial economic partnership with Africa, based on equal grounds and based on mutual respectity, mutual respect and understanding of the challenges African partners face in the context of trade and investment relations; underlines that the EU-Africa trade relationship should take into consideration commitments towards promoting human rights, good governance, the rule of law and ugenderstanding; equality; calls on the Commission to advance these elements within the context of EU-Africa trade relations;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the need for the further development of infrastructure that contributes to better interconnectedness of the African continent, most notably for rural areas; stresses that Global Gateway should contribute to the development of infrastructure to increase intra-African trade; Calls on the Commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in Africa;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that a rules-based multilateral trading system contributes to advancing economic growth in the EU, and on the African continent; Notes that the future of the international trading system depends on the revitalising of the WTO and finalising the Doha Round, on which African countries have placed their hopes;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls the Parliament’s commitment to the European Green Deal and welcomes trade initiatives that contribute towards achieving its objectives, including but not limited to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the legislative proposal on mandatory due diligence, and the proposal on deforestation-free products; insists that the Commission must carefully monitor the impact of these initiatives on EU- Africa trade and present accompanying measures to mitigate any short-term disruption; is convinced that in the long- term, these legislative initiatives will result in more resilient and sustainable global value chains, benefitting citizens and businesses in the EU and Africa;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the EU should deepen its economic and trade relations with Africa through investments and the creation of jobs; underlines the discrepancy of access to finance within African regions and countries due to various factors; underlines that the emphasis of investments should be placed on new infrastructures, such as digital and green infrastructures, and renewable energy production; Calls on the Commission to foster investment in the African continent through innovative financial instruments to increase capital flows and reduce risks; encourages the Commission to propose sustainable investment initiatives- as announced in its communication “Trade Policy Review - An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy” - with African countries;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that least developed countries (LDCs) have an interest in and are strong supporters of rules-based multilateral trading systems; is aware of the fact that special and differentiated treatment is a founding principle of the WTO; calls on the Commission to ensure that developing countries can fully exercise their rights under the WTO special and differential treatment provisions, most notably to ensure their food security; is of the opinion that an overdependence on a single country or geographic region for any given product can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks, which could have a hugely damaging impact on the food security of developing countries; believes therefore that the Commission should support our African partners in diversifying their trade flows, to increase their resilience;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 232 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates that the different EPAs should contribute to developing intra- African integration and to the development of a fair and sustainable trade model; stresses that EPAs should contribute to and promote sustainable development in line with the SDGs and Agenda 2030, foster intra-African trade flows, contribute to trade facilitation and the removal of unnecessary barriers to trade, market access for businesses, most notably SMEs, to the European and African market, promote public and private investments in Africa, and foster trade relations between the EU and Africa, taking into account the outcomes of the EU-AU summit; calls on the Commission in the revision of EPAs to address, mitigate and avoid any potential effect that could impair the objectives of the development of the intra-African market, in close cooperation with our African partners; calls on the Commission to ensure EPAs are a basis for the strengthening of economic relations between the parties in a mutually beneficial way, taking into account their respective levels of development; calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs, and to support African SMEs who export to the EU with technical assistance;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2178(INI)
18. Is committed to strengthening fair and sustainable trade and investment relations between Europe and Africa as part of a wider advanced cooperation framework, including increased investments in research and development related to green goods and technologies; in this context, calls on the Commission to work with our African partners to advance fair and sustainable trade, notably through TSD chapters in EPAs, and to work with our partners in the upcoming TSD review;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Welcomes the reform of the GSP and its role in increasing trading opportunities for developing countries, advancing sustainable development and ensuring adherence to human rights, good governance and gender equality; underlines that the GSP has the potential for African countries to foster sustainable and resilient economic growth and interconnectedness in the global economy; stresses that countries benefitting from the GSP must adhere to international conventions, such as the Paris Agreement and ILO conventions; calls on the Commission to ensure GSP is complementary to other trade policy initiatives on the African continent;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the agreement of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers on common rules of origin for the bloc for 87.7 % of goods or 3 800 tariff lines covered by AfCFTA; calls on the European Commission to harmonise the rules of origin in all the different EU agreements with regions and countries in Africa with the common AfCFTA rules; calls on the EU to engage with the AfCFTA Secretariat to advance capacity building and technical support for the implementation of the AfCFTA;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Appreciates the initiative by the Council and the Commission to organise the first Africa-Europe Week, which was held in February 2022 in Brussels; stresses that better European engagement with young Africans and the African diaspora in Europe can structurally improve the EU-Africa relationship on the long-term; calls on the Commission to organise the Africa-Europe week on an annual basis, and to include young people, especially women and girls, in discussions organised during the Africa-Europe Week;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that transport networks are critical enablers of trade and prosperous economies; stresses the need to better connect African rural and urban areas to ensure greater interconnectedness within African countries, and on the African continent; Notes that a functioning transport network and investments in infrastructural projects can contribute to the development of African economies; calls on the Commission through its trade and investment instruments for Africa to facilitate public and private investment for African infrastructural projects;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Shares the long-term vision of creating a comprehensive EU-Africa continent-to-continent trade and cooperation agreement, building on the AfCFTA; underlines that a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement must be preceded by the meaningful development of a robust and resilient intra-African market; Stresses in this regard the role of the EU’s trade policy engagement with Africa in the development of the intra-African market; calls on the Commission to regularly update the European Parliament on the long-term objective of a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement, notably through the various policy instruments related to Africa;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the responsible and swift implementation of the commitments on trade and investment agreed at the 2022 EU-Africa Summit, and calls on the Commission to structurally report to the European Parliament on the implementation of the commitments on trade and investment in the relevant committees;
Amendment 286 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that knowledge-sharing and skills development within Africa can contribute to the development of a sustainable trade relationship; underlines the possibilities digital infrastructure has in stimulating the African economy, as well as driving innovation on the continent; Calls for reinforced cooperation on EU-AU digital agendas based on the principles of democratic governance, effective regulatory mechanisms across the digital domain and global-to-local governance mechanisms for data and digital infrastructures that place people- centred development at the core;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Underlines that human rights and gender equality must be at the centre of the reinforced cooperation between the EU and the AU, with a special focus on the impact of emerging and innovative technologies on human rights and the inclusion of women in the economy; Stresses the potential digital trade can have for advancing and improving trade facilitation in Africa, and calls on the Commission to advance digital capabilities in light of the implementation of EPAs, and the implementation of the AfCFTA; calls on the Commission to include the EU-AU digital agenda in the engagement with its global strategic partners;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Underlines that effective engagement with civil society groups, businesses, most notably SMEs, and disadvantaged groups, such as women, are a vital element in advancing the EU’s equal partnership with Africa; stresses in this regard that the EU should further facilitate and include civil society dialogues in its trade relations with Africa to better understand the position of African interest groups, and their specific needs in trade relations with the EU; calls on the Commission to structurally advance its engagement with African civil society to advance inclusive engagement and economic growth across the continent;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Underlines the importance of including gender equality and gender mainstreaming in EU-Africa trade relations as an essential component to foster inclusive and sustainable growth; Stresses that trade and investment relations have the potential to promote gender equality, contribute to economic and social empowerment of women and to more equal, as well as resilient economies and societies; welcomes the Commission’s work on data collection and analysis to better understand the impact of trade policy on women; calls on the Commission to engage with African partners to promote gender equality and women empowerment in EU-Africa trade relations; calls on the Commission to gender mainstream EU-Africa trade and investment relations; Calls on the Commission to include standalone gender chapters in EPAs;
Amendment 8 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas women in the EU make up most of the ageing population and the gender gap in poverty levels affecting women is the highest in the 75 and older age group;2a _________________ 2aEIGE (2016), Poverty, gender and intersecting inequalities in the EU.
Amendment 17 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on labour income and wealth and is halting improvements in AROPE; whereas the pandemic has increased the pressure on mothers, who have grappled with an increase in "double shifts/double burdens"; whereas support measures have cushioned to some extent the negative effects of the crisis in the short run;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for an overarching European anti-poverty strategy, with ambitious targets for reducing poverty, coherent measurements and a focus on breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty risks; highlights that said strategy should be in line with the EU’s commitment towards SDGs 1and 10 and the Agenda 2030;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the importance of encouraging an equal share of caring responsibilities between women and men through a combination of minimum non- transferable paid and transferable paid leave periods between the parents; calls on the Member States for the rapid and proper implementation of the Work-life balance directive;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to reduce the burden of women by ensuring affordable and quality care and services for peoplersons with disabilities, the elderly and other dependantpersons in need of care and support, including older persons; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adequately fund public services and social infrastructure, as this would allow more women to participate in the labour market and would also contribute to reducing the risk of women falling into poverty;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that universal access to public, solidarity-based and adequate retirement and old age pensions must be granted to all; underlines the importance of public and occupational pension systems that provide an adequate retirement income above the poverty threshold and allow pensioners to maintain their standard of living; asks the Member States to consider factoring child-raising responsibilities into pension schemes when women are not able to work and make suitable contributions during such periods; underlines the importance of survivors’ pensions and minimum pensions to tackle social exclusion and poverty among older women; stresses the importance of addressing the need to ensure the adequacy of minimum pensions in the planned Council recommendation on minimum income in 2022; calls on the Member States to further break down data regarding old-age pensions by gender and different age groups;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth, and the resilience and fairness of our societies, and should be complemented by a strong social dimension, paying attention to women who have a disability or who stay at home to care for a family member, as they are particularly at risk of falling into poverty and isolation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Looks forward to the European care strategy and the upward revision by Member States of the Barcelona targets for childcare; urges Member States to prioritise the ambitious revision of the target of children under 3 years old in childcare and to invest in accessible, affordable and quality childcare for all; calls on the Member States to address the shortage of afterschool care and holiday childcare;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the EU has planned a period of unprecedented levels of spending and investment under NextGenerationEU, which will also create significant links with the private sector, therefore making it even more crucial for the EU institutions to have a decision-making process founded on full transparency and on the most stringent ethical rules in order to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption cases;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas according to the Ombudsman, the Commission’s failure to finalise a ‘sustainability impact assessment’ (SIA) before concluding the negotiations on a trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur constituted maladministration; whereas the Ombudsman’s findings confirmunderlined that the Commission had disregarded its own guidelines on the use of SIAs and violated the principles set out in Article 21 TEU, which also apply to trade policy;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas the Commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 Communication entitled ‘EU law: Better results through better application’, whose rules establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions; whereas the Commission’s approach, resulting in its systematic refusal to take action on individual petition issues and on petitions concerning areas under Article 6 TFEU can amount to maladministrationis at odds with the provisions of Article 227TFEU and is creating frustration and disappointment for citizens, undermining at the same time the possibility to identify systematic shortcomings regarding EU law occurring in Member States;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the Commission did not provide adequate explanations to the Ombudsman’s requests on key elements of its work during the COVID-19 crisis; criticises the fact that in relation toalls on the Commission to clarify its decision-making on emergency public procurement, the Commission did not clarify its approach on how it ensured transparency on the appointments procedure of the members of the various committees, as well as on their independence, and on how it monitored the use of the negotiatedin order to ensure full transparency of the proceduress;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to ensure full transparency on all details of the research into, and the development, purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, by publishing non-redacted versions of the Advance Purchase Agreements and the Purchase Agreement and by making the disclosure of all details in future contracts concerning COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 technologies mandatory; acknowledges the competitive nature of the market for vaccines, as well as the request of the manufacturers to introduce non-disclosure clauses; points out that these realities must be weighed against the interest of the European citizens to have clarity and transparency concerning these agreements; emphasises that any lack of transparency in the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic is at odds with citizens’ right to information and fuels disinformation and distrust;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. EncourageSupports the Ombudsman to continue performingin her work to ensure that citizens can fully exercise their democratic rights by, inter alia, directly participating in and following in detail the decision-making process within the EU institutions, as well as by having access to all the relevant information as also stipulated by the CJEU’s case law;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Ombudsman to adoptWelcomes the Ombudsman’s action when it comes to requests on the Commission to provide public access to documents related to recovery and resilience plans of Member States, which are of significant public interest, relating to unprecedented amount that will be allocated under Next GenerationEU; welcomes that the Commission has already made extensive material about the Recovery and Resilience Facility available; stresses that more transparency and strengthened oversight ofby the implementation of the rules and procedures concerningrelevant authorities is needed in this respect, including strengthened oversight by EU Ombudsman of the administrative procedures concerning the EU funds; calls on the EU Ombudsman to explore, together with ENO members, other possible actions within their competence on supervision of the allocation and use of EU funds under NextGenerationEU, in order to protect Union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases, as well as violations of the rule of law, contributing to ensuring the integrity, full transparency and democratic accountability of the EU institutions;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. DeeplyUnderlines that the transparency of the legislative process represents a core element of any representative democracy; regrets the fact that the Council’s current practices with regard to its decision- making process are still marred by a lack of transparency; deplores the fact that the Council is persisting in preventing citizens from having direct and timely access to its legislative documents, while the legislative process is ongoing, in breach of citizens’ right to participate effectively in the decision-making process;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates its call for the publication of all trilogue documencalls that the European Parliament in its resolution of 17 January 2019 on the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry OI/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council of the EU 1a supported the Ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency; calls on the Council to improve further legislative transparency, particularly by recording and publishing Member State positions and by making available more trilogue documents; urges the Council to step up its transparency efforts in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights, as full transparency at all stages of the legislative process, including in the informal negotiations between the three main EU institutions, is crucial to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; _________________ 1a P8_TA(2019)0045
Amendment 64 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 68 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to ensure an approval process for ‘active substances’ in pesticides, which is fully transparent and free from conflicts of interest, committing to put an end to the use of all synthetic pesticides by 2035 at the latest, as well as immediately prohibiting the export of pesticides that have been banned in the EU and stopping the import of foodstuffs produced outside the EU using such unsafe chemicals; notes that the European Citizens' Initiative entitled 'Save Bees and Farmers' has gathered over 1 million signatures across the EU and that this initiative calls for a phase- out of synthetic pesticides in the EU, for measures to restore biodiversity, and for support for farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture; asks the Ombudsman to continue investigating the systems in place at EU level to make sure that the current policies and procedural safeguards in this field guarantee the highest levels of human health and environmental protection, and that the collection and examination of scientific evidence is fully transparent, accurate and free from conflicts of interest;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Ombudsman to launch an inquiry on the Commission’s strategic approach in dealing with petitions, as its action is only limited to issues it considers of strategic importance or which reflect structural problems, founded on an arbitrary methodology and vague criteria, which can breach citizens’ right to good administration and is at odds with the Commission’s duty to oversee the correct application of EU law throughout the Union, arising from Article 17 TEUtherefore excluding individual cases;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly criticises the Commission for its failure to finalise the SIA before concluding the EU-Mercosur trade negotiations; underlines that this meant that the Commission concluded the negotiations without appropriate and updated informarecalls the Parliament’s position abouthat the potential social, environmental and economicsocial impacts of the proposed agreement and without properly taking into account the views of all stakeholders, which must represent an additional reason to stop the adoption offree trade agreements must be thoroughly assessed prior to the conclusion of trade negotiations; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts with regards to the shared pre-ratification commitments between the EU and the EU-Mercosur trade agreementcountries, particularly in the area of climate change and deforestation ;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Criticises the decision of those Member States, which held the Presidency of the Council, to use corporate sponsorship, as it causedentails serious damagereputational risks to the EU’s image, stressing the importance for the future to refrain from any sponsorship; considers paramount the adoption of the most stringent rules preventing such practices from taking place with a view to safeguarding the reputation and integrity of the Council and of the EU as a whole;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the Ombudsman’s work to protect EU citizens’ right to access documents held by the EU institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the EU institutions in order to ensure the highest levels of protection of the democratic rights of citizens and their trust in EU institutions; believes that revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that EU legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete, thereby also hampering the Ombudsman’s activities on this matter; _________________ 2 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
Amendment 85 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the Ombudsman’s work to protect EU citizens’ right to access documents held by the EU institutions; and to provide citizens with documents in all EU official languages ; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the EU institutions;, believes that revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that EU legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete, thereby also hampering the Ombudsman’s activities on this matter; _________________ 2 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
Amendment 98 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that there was a slight increase of the number of complaints addressed to the European Ombudsman during the past years, which shows that more citizens are now aware of the existence of the institution and the very useful work it does to defend public interest;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Welcomes the fact that in 2020, the average length of the inquiries of cases closed by EU Ombudsman was 5 months, an improvement compared to the previous year where it stood at 7 months;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20 c. Notes with satisfaction that 57% of the cases were closed in 2020 in less than 3 months and the cases for which it takes up to 18 months to be solved represented only 1% , while it was 10% in the previous year and 27% in 2013; appreciates therefore the efforts to solve the issues raised by the citizens and calls on all concerned institutions to respond to requests from the Office of the European Ombudsman in a timely manner;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20 d. Notes that the number of complaints that are outside the European Ombudsman’s mandate has remained relatively stable throughout the years (1420 in 2020, 1330 cases in 2019, 1300 cases in 2018); notes that, according to the 2020 Report, most of these complaints do not concern the EU administration; welcomes the efforts of the Office to better inform citizens about the European Ombudsman’s mandate; points out at the same time the need to improve communication and awareness about the various forms of complaints citizens can use at national and European level; stresses the role the Parliament and its Members should also play in this regard;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20 e. Takes note that pandemic also affected the work of European Network of Ombudsmen(ENO); appreciates the initiative of the European Ombudsman to organise online meetings with a view to sharing experiences and promoting best practices in the crisis response; encourages further cooperation between the members of EON, including in the area of promoting future parallel inquiries;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 4 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030,
Amendment 5 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the Expert Panel on effective ways of investing in health of 23 June 2021 entitled “Supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers”,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to its report of 12 June 2018 on pathways for the reintegration of workers recovering from injury and illness into quality employment (2017/2277(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas a high level of human health protection is to be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well- being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” according to the World Health Organisation3a; __________________ 3a https://www.who.int/about/governance/co nstitution
Amendment 20 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” according to the World Health Organisation3b; __________________ 3b https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- sheets/detail/mental-health- strengthening-our-response
Amendment 24 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas 20 % of jobs in Europe are of poor quality 3c and put workers at increased risk regarding their health; whereas 14 % of workers have been exposed to a high level of psychosocial risks4 ; whereas 23 % of European workers believe that their safety or their health is at risk because of their work; __________________ 3c Five distinct profiles of job quality Patterns in job quality suggest that the picture is more nuanced than a straightforward polarisation between high and low quality jobs. The analysis groups workers into five job quality profiles: ‘high flying’ jobs (comprising 21% of workers); ‘smooth running’ jobs (25%); ‘active manual’ jobs (21%); ‘under pressure’ jobs (13%); and ‘poor quality’ jobs (20%). The pattern of the job quality scores between the profiles is dissimilar, reinforcing the premise that job quality comprises different dimensions 4 ‘Sixth European Working Conditions Survey – Overview report (2017 update)’, Eurofound, 2017, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 43 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas in the workplace, workers can be exposed to a cocktail of substances, which can increase health risks, cause adverse effects on their reproductive systems and impaired fertility or infertility, and have a negative impact on foetal development and lactation;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas it is important to apply a gender perspective to health and safety at work as workers can be more exposed and more vulnerable to different types of substances or risks depending on their gender;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas tackling exposures to dangerous substances and other risk factors at the workplace is particularly relevant to address health inequalities, as some categories of workers among the most vulnerable can be overexposed;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas estimates show that for every euro invested in occupational safety and health, the return for the employer is around twice as much;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas workplaces can play an important role in public health, according to their logistical resources, to promote healthy lifestyles, to encourage the practice of sports and physical activities and to promote health in all its aspects more widely among employees;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
Cg. whereas Commission Recommendation 2003/670/EC recommends that Member States introduce into their national laws, regulations or administrative provisions concerning scientifically recognised occupational diseases liable for compensation and subject to preventive measures; whereas Member States should guarantee, in their national laws, that every worker has the right to compensation in respect of occupational diseases if he or she is suffering from an ailment which can be proved to be occupational in origin and nature;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
Ch. whereas the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in the European Union in 2011 states that “States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures, including through peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life”, and “recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others, including the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities”;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C i (new)
Recital C i (new)
Ci. whereas EU citizens are unequal in their ability to return to work during or after an injury or illness with, according to Eurofound 7a , only one in three workers in the EU whose daily activities are severely or somewhat limited by a chronic disease are reporting that their workplace has been adapted to accommodate their health problem; whereas Eurofound also pointed out that workers with low educational attainment and those in low-skilled occupations are not only more likely to have a chronic disease and experience limitations in their daily activities but are also less likely to benefit from workplace accommodation; __________________ 7a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/news/ne ws-articles/just-one-in-three-workers- with-limiting-chronic-disease-in-adapted- workplace
Amendment 52 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas over a quarter, according to Eurofound and EU-OSHA, in Europe 25% of workers in Europesay they experience excessive work- related stress; whereas 51 % of EU workers say stress is common in their workplace and nearly 80 % of managers are concerned about work-related stress8 for all or most of their working time and nearly 80 % of managers are concerned about work-related stress, which shows that psychosocial risks are of concern to a majority of companies8 ; whereas a European opinion poll conducted by EU-OSHA shows that about a half of workers consider the problem with work-related stress to be common in their workplace 8a ; whereas there are significant variations between the Member States’ legislation on psychosocial risks; __________________ 8‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’, Eurofound and EU-OSHA, 2014, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 8a‘Psychosocial risks and stress at work’, EU-OSHA [URL: https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/psychos ocial-risks-and-stress
Amendment 58 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas mental health and wellbeing of the European population can be positively affected by paying attention to strategies implemented in the workplace; whereas preventing mental health problems and promoting mental health will also contribute to reducing associated health risk behaviours such as alcohol, drug and tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor diet;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the European Union must learn from the COVID-19 crisis and put in place an effective system for coordinating the response to any kind of future threat to public health, including prevention, preparedness and response planning at work;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas health literacy plays a fundamental role in preparing and mitigating the impact of health threats and contributing to a better understanding on the part of the population of the countermeasures and risk assessment of different threats to health;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas platform workers may be subject to increased health and safety risks which are not limited to physical health but can also affect psycho-social health with unpredictable working hours, intensity of work, competitive environments, information overload and isolation;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
Ic. whereas persons with disabilities, following the COVID-19 crisis, have seen their psychosocial well-being and physical health negatively affected; whereas at a time of an increasing use of telework and hybrid work arrangements, full accessibility of work-related digital tools for people with disabilities has not yet been achieved;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategic framework and, in particular, the introduction of the Vision Zero approach to work-related accidents and diseases; calls on the Commission to expand the Vision Zero approach to other injuries and accidents, as well as physical and mental attrition; stresses however that the Vision Zero should not lead to under-reporting of work-related accidents and diseases; calls on the Commission to significantly increase the focus on prevention strategies; calls for the ambitious implementation of the 7-year plan, also in the light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and believes that strong cooperation with social partners and legislative action isare needed on several aspects of EU policy on occupational health and safety in order to complement the variety of soft measures envisaged in order to make Vision Zero a reality; calls for a clear focus on workers’employers’ and employees' participation in the Vision Zero approach;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the announcement by the Commission to prepare an EU-level initiative related to mental health at work; believes the said initiative should be based on the principles of prevention, early identification, support and rehabilitation; calls on the Commission to also reflect on the impact of unemployment on mental health;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for Directive 2004/37/EC of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work to be updated on a continual basis and in an ambitious timeframe, ensuring that occupational exposure limits contained in the directive exist for a minimum of 50 priority substances by 2024; calls for the inclusion of reprotoxic substances and hazardous medicinal products in the scope of the directive; stresses in that regard the need for the Commission to increase the capacity for reviewing occupational exposure limits and adding new ones, including through increased staffing in relevant units and authorities; reminds the opportunity of the ongoing negotiations on the fourth revision of Directive 2004/37/EC to include hazardous medicinal products in Annex 1 in order to ensure the best possible general and individual protection measures for workers handling these drugs as well as to include reprotoxic substances in the scope of the directive; reiterates its call for a new coherent, transparent and risk-based system to be established for setting exposure limits and to better take into account workers' exposure to a combination of substances;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to give particular attention to segments of the population that are particularly exposed to hazardous chemicals such as workers in the chemical and agriculture industries, or particularly vulnerable such as pregnant or breastfeeding workers;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present in 2022 a legislative proposal to further reduce workers’ exposure to asbestos; calls on the Commission to be ambitious in its endeavours to achieve the total ban of asbestos and with regard to its zero accidents at work vision, and to update the exposure limit for asbestos to 0.001 fibres/cm3 (1 000 fibres/m3); stresses the need for an EU framework directive for national asbestos removal strategies, including public asbestos registersVision Zero approach, reiterates in this regard all the Parliament’s requests formulated in its report on protecting workers from asbestos (2019/2182(INL);
Amendment 135 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that radiation from the sun contains invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can lead to skin cancer; supports the strengthening of protection against exposure to UV radiation at EU level, especially in the framework of occupational health and safety legislation for outdoor workers; calls therefore on the Commission to revise Directive 2006/25/EC on the exposure of workers to risks from physical agents and to include solar radiation into the scope;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to assess the implementation and effectiveness of current measures to protect workers exposed to ionising radiation and review them where necessary, in order to set proportionate measures;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Highlights the need for further action to prevent, detect and better recognise occupational cancers related to nightshift work;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Asks Member States to facilitate recognition of and compensation for proven work-related diseases;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that Council Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work has not proven effective enough forshould be complemented to strengthen the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; recalls its request that the Commission include in the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health the right to disconnect and, explicitly, that it develop new psychosocial measures as part of the framework; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to step up the ambition of the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on psychosocial risks and well-being at work aimed at the efficient prevention in the workplace of, inter alia, anxiety, depression, burnout and stress; calls on the Commission and the Member States to aim for the recognition of anxiety, depression and burnout as occupational diseases, to establish mechanisms for their prevention and the reintegration into the workplace of affected employees, and to shift from individual- level actions to a work organisation approach; calls on the Commission to define EU recommendations on minimum standards as regard the number of occupational physicians and psychologists per number of workers;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to guarantee that all workers, including non- standard workers, workers in platform companies and the self-employed are covered by occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation and policies; reiterates, in this regard, its recommendations formulated in the report on fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers – new forms of employment linked to digital development (2019/2186(INI)); stresses that all platform workers should be entitled to receive compensation in case of work accidents and occupational diseases, and be provided with social protection, including sickness and invalidity insurance coverage;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to guarantee that all workers, including non- standard workers, workers in platform companies and the self-employed are covered by occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation and policies; urges the Commission to take into consideration the needs of workers with disabilities in its initiatives to promote OSH;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to include health and safety in all EU strategies and policies on the green and digital transitions, including on artificial intelligence (AI); specifically, calls on the Commission to assess the OSH opportunities and challenges of automation and robotics in the workplace as well as the adverse health effects of exposure to climate- related hazards in the workplace;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 198 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Member States to actively support reintegration, non- discrimination and the adaptation of working conditions of people with disabilities, with chronic diseases, or recovering from a disease; stresses the need to define and implement tailored and individualised strategies to facilitate the worker's recovery and rehabilitation process; notes the need to ensure the worker's autonomy in the workplace by providing reasonable accommodation at all stage of work; stresses that special attention should also be given to caregivers; calls on the Member States to encourage employers to introduce early assessments of the person's remaining capacities and rehabilitation programmes, as well as psychological, social and vocational counselling; and to promote employment and career advancement opportunities within the company;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Amendment 208 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to launch an in-depth assessment of the effects of the pandemic and the efficiency of the EU and national OSH frameworks to develop emergency procedures and guidance for the rapid deployment, implementation and monitoring of measures in potential future health crises, in close cooperation with public-health actors;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Considers that enhancing the communication of verified information should be at the core of any health preparedness plan in order to strengthen adherence to prevention measures, to fight against disinformation, and therefore to mitigate the impact of health threats, including at work;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Supports the call on the Member States to draw up preparedness plans for future crises in their national OSH strategies, including implementation of EU guidelines and tools; stresses the need for effective EU coordination mechanisms of these plans;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Calls on the Member States to draft their national OSH preparedness plans in consultation with national social partners and to give particular attention to cross-border regions, including neighbouring border regions, to enhance the cooperation;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 g (new)
Paragraph 8 g (new)
8g. Considers that protection and promotion of mental health should be an integral part of OSH preparedness plans for future health crises, stresses that specific attention should be paid to the mental health of health care workers and of other essential workers; welcomes, in this regard, the contribution of the expert panel on effective ways of investing in health (EXPH) in its opinion on supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers ; calls on the Commission and Member State to ensure adequate follow-up and implementation of these recommendations;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 h (new)
Paragraph 8 h (new)
8h. Considers that in cross-border regions, joint cross-border trainings and sharing of best practices for healthcare staff and public health staff should be promoted;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 i (new)
Paragraph 8 i (new)
8i. Considers that the declaration of a Union Public Health emergency situation provided by Regulation 2020/0322 on serious cross-border threats to health should trigger the implementation and EU coordination of the measures provided in the national OSH preparedness plans;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls the commitment by the Commission to assess the need for further actions to improve the functioning of the existing EU regulatory framework for health and safety and the need to amend the Biological Agents Directive; calls on the Commission to conduct, without delay, a targeted revision of the Biological Agents Directive, drawing on the lessons learned from the unprecedented crisis with a view to better preparedness and, response planning and increasing resilience in all workplaces;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve research and data collection and to conduct a detailed assessment of problems with health and safety associated with teleworking, with a particular focus on the situation of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve research and data collection and to conduct a detailed assessment of problems with, as well as opportunities and challenges, related to health and safety associated with teleworking;
Amendment 238 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to establishing minimum requirements for remote work across the Union; stresses that such a framework should clarify working conditions, including the access to insurance coverage, as well as the provision, use and liability of ergonomic equipment, including as regards existing and new digital tools, and that it should ensure that such work is carried out on a voluntary basis and that the rights, workload and performance standards of teleworkers are equivalent to those of comparable workers;
Amendment 240 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to establishing minimum requirements for remote work across the Union; stresses that such a framework should clarify working conditions, including the provision, use and liability of equipment, including as regards existing and new digital tools, and that it should ensure that such work is carried out on a voluntary basis and that the rights, workload and performance standards of teleworkers are equivalent to those of comparable workers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to include prevention measures on accessibility and inclusive technology for people with disabilities in the transition to teleworking and/or undergoing remote vocational training;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on minimum standards and conditions to ensure that workers are able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes; in line with its resolution of 21 January 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on the right to disconnect (2019/2181(INL));
Amendment 253 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. WBelieves that in light of the link between public health and OSH, healthy work environments that support health and prevent diseases through organisational improvements should be supported; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to revise Directive 90/270/EEC laying down minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment; calls on the Commission to be more ambitious in this regard and to propose a directive on work- related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); recalls that the Council recommended that Member States monitor physical activity levels and health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies by using as an indicator the existence of company schemes for companies to promote physical activity at the work place, among others; 1a __________________ 1aCouncil recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health- enhancing physical activity across sectors
Amendment 261 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Repeats its call on the Commission to undertake an urgent study of the situation of the employment and health and safety conditions of cross-border and seasonal workers, including the role of temporary work agencies, recruiting agencies, other intermediaries and subcontractors, with a view to identifying protection gaps and the need to revise the existing legislative framework in order to close the identified gaps as well as ensuring pandemic-proofing;
Amendment 268 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to implement the ILO recommendation of one labour inspector per 10 000 workers; calls on the Commission to conduct and disseminate the results of a survey on how labour inspectorates conduct the inspections of OSH and on their scope and content;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that all workers should be adequately protected no matter the size of the enterprises and that support should be provided in particular to micro enterprises and SMEs to help them in the correct applications of OSH rules; highlights the role of the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work to provide micro enterprises and SMEs with the right tools and standards of practices to assess the risks for their workforce and implement adequate prevention measures; considers that the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work should be strengthened in order to better promote healthy and safe workplaces across the Union and further develop initiatives to improve workplace prevention in all sectors of activity;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the WHO Framework for Action on Mental Health,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the 2008 European Mental Health Pact,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
— having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of October 2019 on the Economy of Well-being, calling for a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 c (new)
Citation 9 c (new)
— having regard to the Council Conclusions of June 2020 on Well-being at work,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the Eurofound report of 9 November 2021 entitled ‘Impact of COVID-19 on young people in the EU’, and the Eurofound report of 10 May 2021 entitled ‘Living, working and COVID-19: Mental health and trust decline across EU as pandemic enters another year’,
Amendment 18 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24
Citation 24
— having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) health policy study of 2021 entitled ‘A New Benchmark for Mental Health Systems: Tackling the Social and Economic Costs of Mental Ill Health’, and the study of OECD of 2021 entitled ‘Fitter Minds, Fitter Jobs: From Awareness to Change in Integrated Mental Health Skills and Work Policies’,
Amendment 19 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25
Citation 25
— having regard to EU-OSHA and Eurofound report of 2014 entitled ‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’,
Amendment 21 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to physical and mental health is a fundamental human right and also links to other fundamental rights such as the right to human dignity in Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the right to the integrity of the person, including mental integrity in its Article 3; whereas the WHO defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being in which people cope well with the many stresses of life, can realise their own potential, can function productively and fruitfully, and are able to contribute to their communities’10 ; __________________ 10 WHO, Mental Health: strengthening our response (Fact sheet, No. 220), 2018.
Amendment 23 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the understanding of mental health issues in the workplace concerns both non-clinical aspects such as well-being, stress, burnout, and clinical aspects, mental disorders such as depression, drug addiction, alcohol disorders; whereas there needs to be a clear distinction between non-clinical and clinical mental health issues in order to avoid misunderstanding and stigmatisation, and in order to design and implement the right measures and treatments to manage them;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the pandemic hasEurofound research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped organisational and managerial practices1a; whereas the pandemic has also changed working conditions for many workers in Europe, highlighting new and current issues related to psychological well-being in the workplace; and aggravating pre-existing ones; __________________ 1a Eurofound (2021a), ‘Monitoring and surveillance of workers in the digital age’ (Research digest) in The digital age: Implications of automation, digitisation and platforms for work and employment, Challenges and prospects in the EU series, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 30 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Amendment 44 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental well-being of those facing financial uncertainty, as well as of vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTI+ community, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young people; healthcare and long-term care workers -the majority of whom are women-, young people (particularly LGBTQ youth)2a and people with lower socio-economic status, as well as of persons with disabilities and pre-existing mental health issues, and the unemployed; __________________ 2a Hawke LD Hayes E Darnay K Henderson J Mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth: an exploration of effects during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2021; 8: 180-187; Fish JN McInroy LB Paceley MS et al. “I'm kinda stuck at home with unsupportive parents right now”: LGBTQ youths' experiences with COVID-19 and the importance of online support. J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 450-452;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Amendment 64 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas workplace issues that affect non-clinical mental health aspects include job burnout and stress, harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination; whereas one in four European workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ; __________________ 12 Eurofound, 6th European Working Condition Survey, 2017.
Amendment 70 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the costs of mental ill health are estimated at more than 4 % of GDP across all EU Member States;6a whereas the cost of work-related depression has been estimated at EUR 620 billion a year, resulting in EUR 240 billion lost economic output13 ; __________________ whereas the calculated costs of all headache in the EU are over EUR 110 billion annually, of which, about EUR 50 billion correspond to the costs of migraine;7a __________________ 6a OECD/European Union (2018), Health at a Glance: Europe 2018: State of Health in the EU Cycle, OECD Publishing, Paris/European Union, Brussels, https://doi.org/10.1787/health_glance_eur -2018-en. 7a Linde M, Gustavsson A, Stovner LJ, Steiner TJ, Barré J, Katsarava Z, Lainez JM, Lampl C, Lantéri-Minet M, Rastenyte D, Ruiz de la Torre E, Tassorelli C, Andrée C. The cost of headache disorders in Europe: the Eurolight project. Eur J Neurol. 2012 May;19(5):703-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03612.x. Epub 2011 Dec 5. PMID: 22136117. 13 Opinion of the Expert Panel on Effective Ways of Investing in Health (EXPH): ‘Supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers‘, 2021.
Amendment 88 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that during the COVID-19 pandemic mental health has been affected by many factors including education, health, economic, employment and social inclusion policies and poverty, poverty, social support and more limited access to treatment; calls for mental health to urgently be tackled by cross-sectional policieand integrated policies, as part of a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy that is supplemented by national action plans;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have caused a huge strain on the well-beingmental health of EU citizens, with higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Regrets that mental health has not had the priority awarded to physical health, has been deprived of funds and has been short of qualified staff across Member States, despite the intrinsic benefits associated with improved health and wellbeing and the large economic productivity gains and higher levels of work participation that derive from investments in public mental health; believes that rapid actions are needed to improve the current situation;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for a follow-up on the implementation of the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health and Well-Being 2021-2025;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the TEU allows for more EU action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the next health crisis and that the Commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this, including the urgent creation of an comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy, in line with the Council Conclusions of October 2019 on the Economy of Well-being;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the TEU allows for more EU action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the nexta health crisis and that the Commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this, including the urgent creation of an EU Mental Health Strategy;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that an EU Mental Health Strategy should aim to require Member States to integrate mental health services with physical services given the interlinkages between the two, to deliver evidenced-based, effective and compassionate care, to expand the services so that more adults can access treatment, to support people to find or stay in work, inter alia;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the pandemic demonstrated the need for coordinated EU- level action to respond to health emergencies, revealing shortcomings in foresight, including in preparedness and response tools; believes that the current mental health crisis should be considered a health emergency;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. AIs concerned about the greater work-related mental health risk among health and long-term care workers, sectors suffering from growing staff shortages; applauds the frontline staff who sacrificed their own well-being to perform life-saving work during the pandemic; calls for Member States to ensure that they have immediate access to adequate mental health resources, preventing mental ill health and supporting their mental health;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that employment can be one of the elements that provides individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; notes, however, that the purpose and sense of identity can be challenged in a context of increasing digitalisation of work; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health and, well-being at work productivity;14 and adequate working conditions; __________________ 14 OSHWiki, Mental Health at Work
Amendment 139 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation, such as flexible work hours negotiated between employers and employees, a human-centric design and use of technologies; and establishing employee assistance programmes, can help to mitigate work- related stress; notes that more research is needed on whether and how artificial intelligence systems mayor digital applications can provide further options for this;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers as it provides flexibility and alleviates work-related issues; stresses however, that women continue to be disproportionately affected; take up the bulk of family-related leave, which continues to negatively impact career progression, pay and pension entitlements;7a __________________ 7a Eurofound (2018); Striking a balance; Reconciling work and life in the EU
Amendment 157 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the flexibility it provided to employees could improvean impact work- life balance; encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements; calls on the Commission to present a legislative framework establishing a set of minimum standards and conditions for remote work across the Union ensuring decent working conditions; in the meanwhile, encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements to avoid risks such as longer working hours,8a social and professional isolation, or the blurring of work and home time; __________________ 8a Eurofound and ILO (2017), Working anytime, anywhere - the effects on the world of work
Amendment 189 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the disconnect between current policy on mental health and attitudes in the workplace creating stigma; emphasises that due to stigma and discrimination, employees often feel unable to discuss mental health issues; recognises that employees who return after mental health leave are often poorlynot always well accommodated; calls for workplaces to provide clear information about their in- house mental health support services;15 __________________ 15 WTW, 2021 Employee Experience Surveyset up in-house mental health support services to facilitate early recognition and access to treatment, increase their tools to identify employees who may suffer from depression and direct them towards treatment, support reintegration, help to prevent relapses, be prepared to deal with suicidal events with a view to avoiding cluster suicides;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers are not effective for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; calls on the Commission to recogniseregrets that the data currently available from population-based surveys is often limited to a few specific mental health disorders, or specific age groups10a; calls on the Member States to collect data in a harmonised way on the self-reported work-related anxiety, depression and burnout in their labour force surveys; asks the Commission to assess, together with the EU-OSHA and the relevant scientific authorities, whether and how work-related anxiety, depression and burnout can be recognised as occupational diseases (i.e. where a direct link is established between the exposure to risk factors arising from work activities and the mental health issue contracted by the worker), to establish mechanisms for their prevention, treatment, and the reintegration into the workplace of those affected and to move from individual-level actions to a workhole organisational approach16 ; __________________ 10a Source OECD (2018) Health at a Glance: Europe 2018 State of Health in the EU Cycle, https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/docserver/health_glance_eur- 2018- en.pdf?expires=1646167976&id=id&accn ame=ocid194994&checksum=380B3DA9 576D002F760CA6331F350BF2, P. 21. 16 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2021), Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications, 2021.
Amendment 208 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for an EU wide information campaign on mental health awareness to address the stigma, misperceptions, and social exclusion that is often associated with poor mental health;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to propose, in consultation with the social partners, a directive on the management of psychosocial risks and well-being at work aiming to effectively prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace (also online), train management and workers, periodically assess progress and improve the work environment; considers that occupational safety and health prevention policies should also involve employees in the identification and prevention of psychosocial risks; notes that employee- attitude surveys can provide useful information on stress levels and sources, making it easier for the management to identify issues and make adjustments needed;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that it is essential for managers to be provided with the psychosocial training required to adapt to work organisation practices and foster a deep understanding of negative mental health and the workplacemental health training to be able to take appropriate and timely action to support employees experiencing mental health issues and foster a deep understanding of the interlinkages between mental health and the workplace; believes that enterprises should explore the designation and training of a mental health reference employee or the creation of an informative section on the workplace’s internal communication platform to signpost employees to mental health services;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to acknowledge and raise awareness on the impact on the mental health of workers of highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorders such as migraine; notes the importance of raising awareness in the workplace on the importance of identifying and avoiding triggers to prevent migraines;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the labour inspectorates to target the psychosocial working environment in inspections; invites the Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee to put forward a new campaign on psychosocial risks building on the findings of the 2012 campaign and the recent developments;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underlines that given the lack of sufficient mental health support and policies in the workplace, employees often have to rely on services provided by non- governmental organisations (NGOs) who often lack support and resources themselves; calls for workplaces to ensure employees have access to in-house mental health support and remedies and information to steer the employees to healthcare professionals able to provide evidence-based treatment; calls on the Member States to ensure that public healthcare includes easy access to remote counselling;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages the Commission to launch education and awareness initiatives on mental health in the workplace; urges the Commission to makdesignate 2023 the EU Year of Good Mental Health to achieve this;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises that the lack of statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace especially within SMEs and among SME owners and the self-employed, undermines the need for urgent intervention; calls for Eurostat to gather statistics which include mental ill health and its negative impactsdata on the effectiveness of the different types of interventions to promote a better mental health in the workplace;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Is concerned that entrepreneurs and SMEs in particular are in need of support to manage the impact of everyday pressures and stressors, as well as the challenges of running a business on their mental health, as well as to promote mental health awareness in the workplace and calls for EU-level efforts to assist them in risk assessment and the implementation of good practices;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Member States to assess the possibility of creating local and/or regional level intermediation services for psychosocial risks to provide advice and technical support to the self- employed, employers/managers and workers (especially from micro- enterprises and SMEs), organisations and social partners on psychosocial risk prevention, on psychosocial conflicts in the workplace, as well as to disseminate information on psychosocial risks and their prevention;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. PMental health of young people has worsened significantly during the pandemic11a ; regrets that young people are not the centre of mental health research investments, in spite of the predictable long-term benefits of early intervention;12a; points out that 64 % of young people between 18 and 34 were at risk of depression in 2021 due to lack of employment, financial and educational prospects, as well as loneliness and social isolation; calls on the Commission to address the disruption in access to the labour market which has put young people at greater risk of experiencing mental health issues17 ; __________________ 11a https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy- responses/supporting-young-people-s- mental-health-through-the-COVID-19- crisis-84e143e5/ 12a Woelbert, Eva; White, Rory; Lundell- Smith, Kierstin; Grant, Jonathan; Kemmer, Danielle (2020): The Inequities of Mental Health Research (IAMHRF). Digital Science. Report. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13055 897.v1 17 OECD, Supporting young people’s mental health through the COVID-19 crisis, 2021, and European Youth Forum, ‘Beyond Lockdown: The ‘Pandemic Scar’ on Young People’.
Amendment 260 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Amendment 20 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the fight against climate change, regardless the COVID-19 crisis, persist and require a just transition so as to leave no one behind;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the socio-economic consequences sparked by the pandemic have aggravated pre-existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting persons with disabilities;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that according to the treaties the Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, the promotion of scientific and technological progress, combatingeradicating poverty, combating inequalities, social exclusion and discrimination, and promoting up-ward social convergence, social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child; insists that these goals must be the overarching priorities for the EU’s long-term sustainable growth strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EPSR, the Green Deal, and underpin Member States’ recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Member States to make full use of the potential offered by the general escape clause, the new MFF and Next Generation EU to support companies which are in difficulty and are lacking liquidity, particularly by improving access for SMEs to funding, safeguarding the jobs and working conditions of people working in the EU and accompanying enterprises and workers in the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Is concerned about the serious social and employment effects of the COVID-19 crisis, especially for young people; calls on the Member States and the Commission to make sure that every young European has access to education, training and the labour market; calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise the fight against youth unemployment, particularly in the context of the European ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery; to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus +; and to take appropriate measures to tackle youth unemployment and improve the employability of young people; highlights also that the new European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for displaced workers (EGF) could be mobilised in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on employment; calls therefore on the Member States to rapidly submit to the Commission applications for funding to support European workers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 in their retraining, requalification and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that economic policy cannot only be analysed from a purely macroeconomic perspective focused on traditional indicators of growth, debt, deficit and employment rate; insists that the SustainableEuropean Semester must be based on an integrated approach combining, on an equal footing, economic, social and environmental policies, that together ensure coordination between Member States, make sure that they go in the same direction towards a climate neutral and more digital economy leaving no one behind as well as address structural change for social progress, sustainable development and well-being;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes EU leaders’ commitment to the implementation of the EPSR and to the three new EU headline targets to be achieved by 2030; warns, however, that the ambition remains insufficientcalls on the Commission to follow its Action Plan on how to implement the EPSR with concrete steps and achievements and to make sure that each proposal delivers and reaches its goal;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to draw lessons from this crisis and work towards the implementation of a differentrenewed sustainable governance architecture in the EU; warns againstcalls on the Commission to takinge the decision, at least after 2022, to deactivate the general escape clause based onlyin the light onf an overall assessment of the state of the economy based on quantitative criteria, with the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis levels as the key quantitative criterion; is concerned that this criterion will not properly reflectand of the employment, social and health context as well as in light of the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis levels; is of the opinion that all these aspects taken together will help to reflect also the underlying inequalities;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that excessive and inflexible fiscal disciplincertain political choices and fiscal policies made in the wake of the financial and economic crisis may have led to health and social systems in manysome Member States being ill-not enough prepared to face the pandemic; stresses that it is essential to take into account otheradditional criteria, especially those that take into consideration the need for sustained public, social and environmental investment, public sector economic activity, and preventing jeopardisingencourage social progress towards the implementation of the EPSR in the Member States; believes that merely reaching pre-crisis economic activity levels might not be sufficient to consolidate a sustainable recovery; believes that the Stability and Growth Pact and Euro Plus Pact should be revised to reflect the increased need for social investment before any deactivation of the general escape clause; stresses that temporary exemptions or different treatment regarding country-specific situations willhe current instruments might not be enough to overcome risks of economic stagnation, increasing inequalities and social and territorial divergence;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2062(INI)
6. Recalls that the President of the Commission has committed to placing sustainability, social inclusion and citizens’ well-being at the heart of the EU economic strategy; deplores the fact that this is not reflected in the Commission’s analysis; calls on the Commissioninvites Member States to participate in the review of the EU fiscal rules in order to encourage sustainable growth-enhancing social investment while maintaining fiscal sustainability; calls on the Commission, especially in the COVID- 19 crisis and in the green and digital transitions context, to integrate more social and environmental imbalances into its analysis in the framework of the Semester;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets thatCalls on the Commission is stillto make sure that any proposinged measures that might put at risk supports the adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in Member States by continuing, for instance, to promote reforms aiming to ensure fair taxation and a shift of taxation from labour to the environment, especially in a context of serious macroeconomic imbalances; warns about the risks of replacing stable taxes with others from more volatile sourceswards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth and employment levels ; stresses that the EU should first consolidate the minimum corporate tax of 15 % to avoid tax dumping and ensure fairness for the middle class and working people in the EU;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that well-designed labour taxation systems are essential to ensuring high standards of worker protection against risks and illness, and the provision of old age pensions; believes that tax sysMember Statems should focus on taxing high- income, and especially high-wealth, property, capital income and gains, and wealth at the same level as labour income in order to make the systems fairer, to reduce inequalities anddesign their national tax and benefit systems in a way that reduces inequalities, promotes fairness, protects households and provides incentives for education and labour market participation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to sfignificantly increase the revenuht tax evasion and tax avoidance; stresses that this revenue could be used to fund key priorities and help address Member States’ fiscal challenges, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of public finances, including by strengthening the coverage, adequacy of health and social protection systems for all, and ensuring their long- term funding;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of better integrating sustainable well-being in the EU budgetary planningocial objectives, including on sustainability, inclusion, social progress and well-being, accros all EU policies, especially in the EU budgetary planning; calls on the Commission to give prominence to the social impact of EU policy measure in its impact assessment;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
EU sustainable well-beingand inclusive governance framework 2022
Amendment 156 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Plans, skyrocketing public debt levels and the upcoming reform of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Semester process, Parliament’s proposal for the adoption of a sustainable well-being and social progressinvestment pact making social and sustainable targets mandatory in order to achieve the Green Deal objectives, the EPSR and the UN SDGs has become more relevant than ever;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that this pact could define thesocial and sustainable well-being related policy objectives in an improv renewed fiscal policy framework ensuring that the EU economic and fiscal governance would be viable on the long run and work towards the achievement of these objectives; points out that this pact would contain legally binding provisions under a comprehensive surveillance procedure within a renewed sustainable well-beingand inclusive governance system; considers that the pact’s fiscal components should comprise a set of provisions which clearly take account of qualitative aspects of fiscal policies, reward sustainable well- being-oriented, social and inclusive investments and reforms, and thus contain incentives for related action at the national level; points out that the sustainable well-being pact should consider the use of fiscal standards instead of fiscal rules, committing government spending to the pursuit of sustainability and well-being-related policy objectivand social investment pact should maintain fiscal objectives to ensure sound and sustainable budgetary policies, and set out an effecpublic finances over tivme methodology to assess and ensure the sustainability of public finances over timewhile ensuring and permitting the necessary investments for building a sustainable, innovative, inclusive and socially fair society;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
From protecting to creating sustainablegreen and quality jobs: the role of public investments and the care dealneed for an ambitious European social agenda
Amendment 184 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges that the Member States are projected to reach their pre-crisis level of quarterly output by the end of 2022; warnunderlines that for the recovery to be sustainable, it is essential that quality jobs are also created for medium- and low- skilled workers and especially for women, as it has been proved that they are essential for the resilience of our societies and economies; welcomes the Commission’s proposal on strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms; welcomes the fact that this proposal introduces binding pay transparency measures; urges the swift adoption of these measures in order to avoid further gender-based inequalities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them; calls on the Member States to unblock, urgently, the negotiations on the Women on Boards Directive in the Council;
Amendment 188 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges that the Member States are projected to reach their pre-crisis level of quarterly output by the end of 2022; warns that for the recovery to be sustainable, it is essential that quality jobs are also created for medium- and low- skilled workers and especially for women, as it has been proved that they are essential for the resilience of our societies and economies; highlights the importance of ensuring that labour markets are inclusive and offer equal opportunities for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the importance of ensuring that workers in the EU are protected by adequate minimum wages defined by law or collective agreements, according to national tradition and practices, ensuring they have a decent standard of living wherever they work; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, which aims to increase collective bargaining coverage, fight against in-work poverty and increase up- ward social convergence;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Believes that the financial and human resources of Public Employment Services (PES) need to be increased; calls on the Member States to put in place effective performance management mechanisms in PES in order to assess the impact of their labour market programmes and explore ways of improvement; invites Member States to equip their PES with technological solutions to allow them to efficiently streamline the intake of jobseekers and better assess and match the skills thereof;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Reminds the Member States that independent living, quality social and employment services, adequate social protection and a strengthened social economy are indispensable for decent living for all persons with disabilities, as highlighted in the EU strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree on a quality job creation target with a tracker system on public investments at all levelmonitor, with a specific system, the creation of quality jobs in all sectors, including a dedicated section on green jobs, digital jobs and the gender perspective, and to agree on a system of quality and green job creation conditionalities for companies accessing public funds;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Member States to take measures to remedy the lack of access to social protection systems, in particular by following the Council Recommendation of 8 November2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed; welcomes, once again, the adoption of this recommendation as a first measure and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Europe, but stresses the need to make universal access to social protection a reality, especially in the current difficult situation; calls on the Commission to present a European regulatory framework aimed at strengthening and ensuring decent working conditions, rights and access to social protection for platform workers and non-standard workers;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses that implementing the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for tackling skills shortages, especially for people in new fields of work; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts to invest in affordable, accessible, inclusive and high- quality vocational education and training, to reinforce upskilling and reskilling measures, including digital and transferable skills, and to promote lifelong learning to prepare workers for the needs of the labour market affected by the green and digital transformations; underlines that the mutual recognition of qualifications is key for overcoming skills shortages and skills mismatches;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Underlines that homelessness is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion; welcomes the launch of the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness with the ultimate objective of ending homelessness by 2030; calls on Member States to adopt ambitious national strategies, with adequate national and EU funding, based on the housing first principle promoting the prevention of homelessness and providing access to adequate, safe and affordable housing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to come up with specific proposals to adequately address the problem of energy poverty in the context of our Green Deal objectives;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Underlines the importance of the intra-EU labour mobility and that free movement of workers contributes to economic growth and cohesion in the Union and creates job opportunities; underlines also that labour mobility must go hand in hand with fair and common rules based on the principle of equal treatment; calls, in that sense, on the Commission to establish clear quantitative and qualitative indicators for the purposes of the European Semester and the publication of country-specific recommendations in order to monitor the implementation and enforcement of the rules on the free movement of workers; calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; calls on the Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems; therefore asks the Commission to put forward an ambitious proposal for a digital EU Social Security Pass;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Underlines that the COVID-19 crisis has shown the necessity to develop an EU common approach towards health, including health at work ; calls for the creation of the European Health Union based on the principles of solidarity, strategic autonomy and cooperation, placing public health considerations at the core of the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities, as enshrined in the Treaty, with systematic health impact assessment of all relevant policies; welcomes the ambitious target to "zero work related death" in the new EU Strategic framework for Health and Safety at work; recalls, once again, the need for the inclusion of substances toxic to reproduction in the scope of the Carcinogens and Mutagen Directive, and for Hazardous Medicinal Products to be included in Annex 1 of the Directive to better protect healthcare workers;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. WarnUnderlines that onlythe country- specific recommendations (CSRs) that contribute to the social objectives established in the RRF Regulation canmust be taken into account in national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), and that for NRRPs CSRs have to be interpreted in a way that contributes to the achievement of the Regulation’s social objectives; demands a revision of the CSRs in order to ensure coherence between them CSRs and the general and specific objectives of the RRF Regulation; insists that the NRRPs, in line with the RRF Regulation, contribute to achieving the UN SDGs, implementing our growth strategy as set out in the Green Deal and fulfilling the principles of the EPSR;
Amendment 234 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Recalls that as per the RRF Regulation, reforms and investments “should lead to the creation of high- quality and stable jobs [as well as] the inclusion and integration of disadvantaged groups”;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas fragmentation, restrictive national regulations, red-tape and gold- plating are creating unjustified barriers within the single market which deprive citizens of jobs, consumers of choices, and entrepreneurs of opportunities;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2043(INI)
G a. whereas the Professional Qualifications Directive is a key instrument to ensure the proper functioning of the single market but the lack of automatic recognition instruments for qualifications and skills between Member States is impeding the mobility of professionals and thereby creating unjustified barriers to the freedom of movement;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Points out that the price for inadequate implementation is paid by both businesses and consumers and encourages the Commission to prioritise adequate enforcement actions;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Regrets that Member States frequently use overriding reasons of public interest to isolate their domestic markets; highlights that requirements such as unfounded territorial restrictions, unnecessary language requirements and economic needs tests create unjustified barriers within the single market and calls on the Commission to improve the monitoring of Member States in this regard;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Highlights that the rule of law must be upheld under any circumstances and reminds Member States of their legal notification obligations;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point a a (new)
a a) inadequate enforcement of EU legislation as well as long and complex procedures to resolve breaches of EU law, which result in barriers faced by businesses remaining unaddressed;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point d a (new)
d a) a lack of transparency and information and complex procedural requirements which increase difficulties to access cross-border procurement, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 102 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that the most effective way to reduce fragmentation of the single market and to avoid gold-plating is to aim for further harmonisation in the single market; stresses that this harmonisation should not lead, however, to more regulatory burden for companies;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recognisegrets the insufficient use of the notification procedure under the Services Directive and the TRIS notification system (Directive (EU) 2015/1535); calls on Member States to fulfil their notification obligations; calls on the Commission to reflect on improvinge this framework, possibly by means of a new initiative which would increase clarity and transparency on the measures that need to be notified, while remaining cautious in order to not undermine the Services Directive and avoiding the situation which led to the withdrawal of the previous proposal;
Amendment 122 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that barriers also derive from limited national administration capabilities to provide services in other languages, and from shortages of skills and infrastructure; calls on Member States to ensure that information and documents relating to market access are not only available in the official language of the Member State but also in English and other EU languages;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. ConsiderRegrets that mutual recognition of professional qualification is seriously afferestricted by administrative barriers imposed by Member States; underlines that the automatic mutual recognition of diplomas, qualifications, skills and competences between Member States would strengthen the free movement of workers and services and urges Member States to extend mutual recognition to all levels of education and training and to improve or introduce the necessary procedures for that as soon as possible; encourages the Commission to eliminate undue restrictions on professional qualifications and to remain vigilant in pursuing infringement policies where Member States do not comply with EU legislation on the recognition of qualifications;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned by the insufficient access to information on mobility of services, as well as by the burdensome procedures in certain Member States to obtain essential documents such as the A1 form; calls on Member States to commit to providing the A1 form at short notice and, where possible, digitally; underlines that access to information, such as on domestic collective agreements where universally applicable and relevant, is obligatory under Directive 2014/67/EC and should be improved to facilitate compliance for businesses, this information should be available via the single digital gateway; calls on Member States to avoid creating disproportionate burdens for companies in the implementation of posting legislation and on the Commission to further harmonise existing rules;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recognises that numerous barriers stem from the limited capacity of administrations to deliver high quality services in cross-border settings; calls on the Commission to promote the use of digital tools and urges Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services; believes that digitalisation of public services and fully-fledged eGovernment capabilities remain essential to eradicate some of the onerous NTBs; recalls, in this regard, that the key provisions of the single digital gateway had to be in force in all EU Member States by 12 December 2020; underlines the importance of the ‘digital-by-default’ and ‘once only’ principles, which will save citizens and businesses time and money, in particular if used more widely; welcomes the proposal to add a single market obstacles tool to the single digital gateway;
Amendment 156 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates its repeated calls to speed upgrets that the implementation and broadenof the sSingle dDigital gGateway so as to provide to all users acis moving slowly; calls on Member States to dedicate sufficient resourcess to comprehensive information on single market rules and administrative procedures through a one- stop-shopswiftly implementing the Single Digital Gateway in an SME-friendly way by providing user-centered information on single market rules and administrative procedures in order to make it a virtual one-stop shop as far as possible; calls on Member States and the Commission to extend the scope of the Single Digital Gateway to all business relevant administrative procedures;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Commission proposal to make SOLVIT the default tool for single market dispute resolution; Highlights the potential of making SOLVIT the default tool for single market dispute resolution; notes that despite awareness-raising activities by the Commission and Member States, SOLVIT is still unknown to many citizens and businesses; stresses that further measures should be taken by the Commission and Member States to increase its profile; notes that SOLVIT is based on recommendation rather than law and cannot make legally binding decisions; underlines that substantial improvements can be made to SOLVIT’s operations; regrets that some Member States fail to ensure adequate and stable staffing, continuity of service and an adequate level of knowledge of EU law in their SOLVIT centres as requested by the Commission in its Communication COM(2017) 255 final; notes that before giving SOLVIT more responsibilities, it must be ensured that Member States allocate sufficient resources to it;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the international road haulage sector is subject to a number of NTBs restricting access to national markets, which limit its competitiveness, discriminate against transport companies from certain Member States and increase emissions; calls on Commission and Member States to abolish unnecessarpply restrictions on cabotage, and calls for the opening of the only when necessary, and calls for a fair and open freight and passenger transport services sector within the EU;
Amendment 172 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes in principle the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET), which aims to assess compliance of national law with single market rules and to prioritise the most pressing barriers; points out that the SMET should not just identify problems, but also provide solutions; calls on Commission and Member States to ensure the inclusion of stakeholders in the workings of SMET;
Amendment 175 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that so far the Commission’s plan to step up enforcement of EU law by means of the SMET has only delivered limited results; calls on the Commission to present in due time concrete outcomes of the work of SMET, including information on barriers that have been abolished as a result of its actionsregrets that SMET lacks transparency in its ways of work; calls on Commission and Member States to ensure that SMET publishes lists of participants, agendas and minutes of its meetings on the Commission website; notes that the Commission in its “long term action plan for better implementation and enforcement of single market rules” (COM(2020) 94 final) stated that “the SMET will regularly inform the Competitiveness Council and the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee”; urges on the Commission to present concrete outcomes of the work of SMET, including information on barriers that have been abolished as a result of its actions, by the end of 2021; calls on Commission and Member States to publish an annual report about the workings of SMET and deliver it to the European Parliament’s Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Competitiveness Council;
Amendment 203 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Urges Member States to set annual national targets for the eradication of non-tariff and non-tax barriers; recommends the Commission to use the Single Market Scoreboard to rank Member States according to their intra- EU trade openness, as exemplified in the European Innovation Scoreboard, since this would encourage credible, concrete and measurable commitments to remove remaining obstacles in the single market;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Calls on the Commission to make full use of its powers to act against any disproportionate and unjustified national labelling requirements on products that are not in compliance with the free movement of goods’ principles and legislation;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Calls on the Commission to further assess allowing and encouraging the use of digital solutions which can help to provide mandatory product or packaging information without the need to increase packaging size or to repackage;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Calls for the European Qualifications Framework to be promoted and its application to be facilitated throughout the European Union, so that it becomes a widely accepted recognition instrument;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recalls that the initial response to the pandemic by Member States and the Commission did not take into account the needs of the single market, and recalls the serious impact this has had on the free cross-border movement of persons, goods and services;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2043(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to present a Single Market Emergency Instrument; calls on the Commission to develop it as a legally binding structural tool to ensure the free movement of persons, goods and services in case of future crises;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. Whereas the EU has the strictest toy safety legislation in the world that is widely regarded as a global benchmark.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. Whereas play is recognised as every child’s right by the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which all EU member states are signatories; playing contributes to children’s development, health and wellbeing and is an essential part of growing up; studies show toys have can enrich play and keep children playing for longer;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. Whereas the EU’s strict toy safety framework is designed to ensure children enjoy the safest play experience possible;
Amendment 6 #
2021/2040(INI)
B a. Whereas the effectiveness of the EU’s TSD is too often undermined by the actions of rogue traders and by the online sale of non-compliant products.
Amendment 8 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, despite the lack of comprehensive data on its full impact, the number of companies operating in the market since the full application of the TSD increased by 10 % from 2013 to 2017, while the turnover of the EU toy industry has constantly increased since its entry into force; whereas 99 % of companies in the sector are SMEs; and the majority of these companies are micro-enterprises; whereas the Joint Research Centre has estimated that the TSD has led to a 13% increase of costs for materials for small & medium sized EU manufacturers.
Amendment 11 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the toy safety directive requires that toys, including the chemicals they contain, are safe, specific requirements and standards can be adapted in case of scientific and technological developments that show the constant emergence of previously unknown risks and challenges related to toys that call for quick adaptations;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas improved sustainability is important, the safety of toys should always take precedence; whereas requirements to improve sustainability should not compromise safety.
Amendment 18 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s evaluation report on the TSD, aiming at assessing its functioning since its entry into force; regrets the lack of harmonization in the elaboration of the reports and also in data gathering; stresses the need for transparency and urges the Member State and the Commission to publish the periodic reports from all the MS;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges the added value of the TSD in improving the safety of children and ensuring an equal level of protection across the single market, compared to the previous directive, and its role in providing legal certainty and a level playing field for the businesses from European Union; regrets that a big part of the third country manufacturers that are selling their products in theSingle Market, especially through the on-line market, do not comply with the European legislation and many toys sold in the EU are still posing significantly, sometimes deadly, threats to children;
Amendment 23 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the key role of standards in allowing for the efficient and agile application of the directive by manufacturers, as well as the role of notified bodies in ensuring compliance when standards are not available or are not applied; regrets the scarcity of the notified bodies insome regions or Member States;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes, however, that inconsistencies that call for a revision of the TSD remain; further efforts are needed to ensure the strict safety requirements that are applied by all economic operators and that children enjoy a similar level of protection in relation to other products designed for their use; invites the Commission to continue its evaluation process before a possible revision of the TSD to have targeted updates on the legislation, if needed.
Amendment 35 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Highlights the need for toys that are placed on the EU market to comply with the TSD, as well as the relevant EU legislation on chemicals, in particular the REACH Regulation , the Cosmetics Regulation, the Food Contact Material Regulation, the Batteries Directive, the CLP Regulation, POPs Regulation and the RoHS Directive;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that spreading out requirements across several pieces of legislation, and providing for different limit values, can be burdensome and can in some cases necessitate duplicate the measuring of substances, as in the case of migration and content limit value can be burdensome and can even lead to contradicting provisions; calls on the Commission, therefore, to consider consolidating all applicable limits for toys in one piece of legislation in order to streamline conformity assessment;o establish a database that clarifies what is required in which circumstances for both market surveillance, economic operators and consumers.
Amendment 46 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that the derogation from the prohibition of chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMRs) set out in the TSD allows in specific cases for the presence of those chemicals in concentrations that are too high to ensure the protection of children; calls on the Commission urgently to substantially reduce the generic limits for derogated CMRs in the TSD; insists that, in line with the Chemito continue to set lower limits through Appendix C restrictions for toys for children below 36 months old and other toys intended to be placed in the mouth; calls Strategy for Sustainability, the possibility to derogaton the Commission to provide a risk assessment of the derogation clause from the rules on the presence of CMRs in parts of the toy that are inaccessible to the child should be deleted, in line with the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that lower limit values for chemicals such as nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances set out at national level compared to those established in the TSD create inconsistencies, even when justified by the Commission; notes, however, that all EU children should enjoy the same high level of protection; acknowledges that this limit value cannot be amended by an implementing act but would require a legislative procedure; calls on the Commission, therefore, tocalls on the Commission to ensure a level playing field in the Internal Market to the benefit of consumers and economic operators; considers in this regard that any measures adaopted under the licomit value to the strictest value in force at national level in a revision of the TSDology procedure shall be subject to strictest legislative scrutiny by the European Parliament;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned that the stricter provisions for chemicals in toys intended for children aged under 36 months do not take into account the fact that older children remain vulnerable to dangerous substances; notes that this distinction can result in manufacturers circumventing the provisions by indicating that the toy is intended for children above 36 months even when it is clearly not the case; stresses that several stakeholders and Member States have indicated that this distinction is clearly inadequate and asked for it to be eliminated; calls on the Commission, therefore, to do so in its revision of the TSDcalls on the Commission, therefore, for reinforced market surveillance that ensures strict compliance with safety requirements;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is concerned that the stricter provisions for chemicals in toys intended for children aged under 36 months do not take into account the fact that some older children remain vulnerable to dangerous substances; notes that this distinction can result ine need of regulations that will prevent manufacturers from circumventing the provisions by indicating that the toy is intended for children above 36 months even when it is clearly not the case; stresses that several stakeholders and Member States have indicated that this distinction is clearly inadequate and asked for it to be eliminacorrectly implemented; calls on the Commission, therefore, to do so in its revision of the TSDmake an extensive inquiry and in full accordance with the latest scientific evidence of the neuro-motor and psychologic developments of the children according to their age to evaluate if an elimination is needed and to proceed accordingly;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, which aims to improve market surveillance by strengthening controls by national authorities to ensure that products entering the single market, including toys, are safe and comply with the rules, and; calls on the Member States to implement it fully and to equip customs and market surveillance authorities with sufficient human, financial and technical resources to increase the number and effectiveness of controls;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, which aims to improve market surveillance by strengthening and harmonising controls by national authorities to ensure that products entering the single market, including toys, are safe and comply with the rules, and calls on the Member States to implement it fully also by making available the necessary resources (budget and staff);
Amendment 87 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Considers that EU-designated inspectors should help with the market surveillance of toys, including for example on cybersecurity and chemicals;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to explore possibilities for using new technologies such as e-labelling, blockchain and artificial intelligence to facilitate the work of market surveillance authorities by providing easily accessible and structured information on products and their traceability;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the importance of well- trained market surveillance officers, including customs officials. Calls on the Commission to finance and coordinate EU-wide training on applying the TSD
Amendment 102 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to step up coordination of their market surveillance activities; and to fully digitalize their procedures; calls on the European Commission to organise and finance joint market surveillance actions on toys.
Amendment 103 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Member States to step up coordination of their market surveillance activities;, and to strengthen the collaboration between market surveillance authorities and other relevant authorities, such as customs authorities.
Amendment 106 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Is concerned that counterfeit toys can put children at risk and have a negative impact on toy companies that apply all safety requirements; believes it is essential that Know Your Business Customer Requirements are adopted for all types of online intermediaries; welcomes specific operations from law enforcement authorities targeting counterfeit toys, such as Operation Ludus from Europol (2020).
Amendment 111 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is concerned by the new vulnerabilities and risks posed by connected toys in terms of children safety, security, privacy and mental health; calls on the Commission to explore different options for action, such as extending the scope of the TSD to include provisions on information security or reinforcing the relevantin particular the adoption of a horizontal legislation, such as the Radio E on cyber-security requiprement Directive and the Cybersecurity Act, as well as the GDPR, while keeping Parliament informed of its chos for connected products and associated services;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Highlights that the significant divergences in controls of products from third countries and in customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the customs union often result not only in distortions and the entrance of counterfeit toys, but also in a considerable health and child safety risks in the single market;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Insists that the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of harmonised and standardised controls, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity; urges the Commission, furthermore, to increase collaboration between the relevant competent authorities so as to guarantee harmonised and uniform controls at all points of entry into the Union and thus ensure the traceability of products and a high level of safety of toys;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Highlights concerns that rogue traders can exploit loopholes that may result in unsafe toys being placed on the market, particularly when a seller is based outside the EU and there is usually no EU-based manufacturer, importer or distributor who is liable for the safety of a toy;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that online marketplaces should take additional steps to ensure the safety and compliance of toys sold on their platforms and to prevent the reappearance of unsafe toys in their listings; insists in the strongest terms, in this sense, that it is fundamental to ensure consistency between the TSD and different instruments such as the Digital Services Act and the future legislative act revising the GPSD when it comes to the responsibility of online marketplaces, under the principle ‘what is illegal offline is illegal online’;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses that online marketplaces should take additional steps to ensure the safety and compliance of toys sold on their platforms; insists in the strongest terms, in this sense, that it is fundamental to ensure full consistency between different instruments such as the Digital Services Act and the future legislative act revising the GPSD when it comes to the responsibility of online marketplaces and the liability of traders, under the principle ‘what is illegal offline is illegal online’;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights the need to step up cooperation with non-EU countries; to fight more effectively against unsafe and non-compliant toys while ensuring a levelplaying field for European companies; calls on the Commission to publish information on its monitoring activities;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission to clarify the definition of ‘grey zone’ products in the future revision of the TSD; stresses the need for an opened and constructive dialog with all the stakeholders to redefine toys so to eliminate confusion and grey-zones as much as possible.
Amendment 154 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission to clarify the definition of ‘grey zone’ products in the future revision of the TSD, as well as in the corresponding guidelines;
Amendment 155 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Considers that clear and up-to date guidance documents are essential for harmonized implementation of the TSD. Guidance helps both market surveillance authorities and economic operators to deal with ‘grey zone’ cases, such as when there is doubt about the correct age classification; calls on the Commission to keep Guidance documents updated, with priority given to revisions of guidance document No. 11 on age classification and of the TSD technical documentation guidance.
Amendment 156 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26 b. Highlights the important role of the toys in the development and formation of the children, the support from the pedagogical point of view in performing new tasks and improvement of learning skills from a very young age; calls on the Commission to revise the toy directive considering improving the safety of toy and in the same time reducing the burden and the administrative and legal costs of the manufacturers in order to ensure a clear path to safe and affordable toys for all children in the European Union.
Amendment 164 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27 b. Urges the Commission to foster the use of innovative and digital solutions to make information available to consumers and minimise packaging materials while ensuring that safety information is clearly identifiable.
Amendment 166 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27 d. Is concerned by the proliferation of national legislation impacting labelling and information requirements to be displayed on packaging; considers that consumers and the value chain need information to drive more sustainable behavior but measures should be proportionate and not restrictive in a manner contrary to Article 34of the TFEU; believes a single EU-approach should be considered for example through the upcoming revision of the EU Packaging & Packaging WasteDirective
Amendment 168 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Highlights that the lack of consistent EU-wide statistics on toy-related accidentaccidents caused by toys makes it impossible to quantitatively assess the level of protection granted by the TSD; believes that a lack of coordination and funding at EU level is a root cause of the absence of consistent data and calls on the Commission to address this in a future revision through the establishment of a pan-European accident and injury database; for all the products sold in the Union, with a special section for toys, public, user friendly and accessible for consultation for public authorities, consumers and manufacturer; the introduction of the data in the data base shall be made in real time and shall be mandatory for all the injuries and accidents from all the Member States
Amendment 173 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Calls on the Commission to introduce in the revision of the TSD a data base and templates regarding the data needed for the evaluation of the Regulation that shall beused by all the Member States, all the marketing surveillance authorities and all the notified bodies allowing to gather the same information at the European level and ensuring a harmonized data collection.
Amendment 174 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Commission to use the opportunity provided by the TSD revision to introduce indicators to monitor its implementation and effectiveness; urges the Commission to establish a harmonized report comprising the same type of data and the same sections to be submitted regularly by all the Member States to ensure a high quality, non-biased and fact based evaluation of the Regulation.
Amendment 176 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Commission to use the opportunity provided by the TSD revision to introducedevelop indicators to monitor itsthe correct implementation and overall effectiveness of the TSD by Member States;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. The Commission shell elaborate the general report at the Union level based on the reports gathered from all the Member States. The final report and the reports from the Member State shall be public and easily accessible by all the interested parties.
Amendment 1 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the European Union and the United States have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, which is also the largest and deepest bilateral trade and investment relationship with bilateral trade in goods and services accounting for more than 1 trillion euros per year; emphasises the importance of reinvigorating our Transatlantic relationship as historic allies and trading partners with the aim of promoting multilateralism, an open rules- based trading system and finding common solutions to pressing global challenges, including the global health crisis; stresses that improved trade relations between the EU and the US will benefit citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Highlights that the Covid-19 crisis has not reduced but reinforced the need for closer cooperation between the EU and the US, including on the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Identifies trade policy as a strategic geopolitical tool for the transatlantic agenda; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; stresses that ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains should be at the core of such an agenda taking into account that our economic relations are also intertwined with our security interests; therefore welcomes the positive signals from the Biden administration to strengthen bilateral relations with the EU, and calls for renewed cooperation that should bring lasting and concrete results in the years to come; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; emphasises the need to reform the global trading system, so that it improves the global level-playing field and to work together to develop new rules, in particular with regard to unfair trade practices, as unfair competition is heavily affecting our companies and workers; notes that the US trade policy agenda focuses on ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the US support for the new Director-General of the WTO, the US’s return to the Paris Agreement, the WTO tariff rate quota agreement and the temporary suspension of Airbus Boe's return to the Paris Agreement; also welcomes, the swift conclusion of the WTO TRQ agreement, which was the first agreement with the US under the new Biden administration and demonstrates the willingness of this new administration to seek agreements with the EU ing tariffshe WTO framework;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the four-month temporary suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs as a positive step to finding a lasting solution to removing additional tariffs and proposing new rules for civil aircraft subsidies; notes that the suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs will end in July, and urges that these tariffs are permanently lifted;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that the US retaliatory tariffs from October 2019 following the Airbus ruling have had a disproportionate negative effect on EU agri-food products; urges the Commission to work towards a negotiated permanent solution that ensures the permanent removal of the tariffs;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises at the same time that some diverging interests remain; in this regard, urges both sides to resolve bilateral disputes; urges the US to remove unilateral trade measures and refrain from taking further ones; urges the removal of section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidias European companies cannot be considered a national security threat; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidies; and calls for the EU-US Summit in June to be used to seek progress and potentially solve these issues;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2038(INI)
3a. Expresses concerns at the United States Trade Representative's list of preliminary retaliation from the 301 investigations on the different EU Digital Services Taxes, which include particularly sensitive manufacturing sectors such as footwear and leather industries, which could potentially end up being excluded from the US market if additional tariffs are adopted;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Urges the Commission and the Member States to speed up and conclude as soon as possible the negotiations in the framework of OECD proposal on Digital Taxation and pursue all necessary means so as to avoid further economic damages to EU companies, particularly SMEs, especially in the context of the COVID-19 recovery strategies;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Considers that given the exclusive competence of the EU in the field of the common commercial policy and the US retaliation threats with regards to Digital Taxation laws, a common EU approach is preferable to individual ones at national level, particularly in order to avoid further transatlantic tariff cross-escalation;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform, including reinstating the appellate body,Welcomes the US support for the new WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform to make the WTO ready for the green and digital transitions, and address the paralysis of the WTO appellate body as an urgent matter; calls for the need to regulatinge trade in health products, settingdevelop rules for digital trade, set an ambitious environmental agenda, and agreeing on concrete deliverables for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12); encourages both sides to stick topromote multilateral agreements and trade based on rules;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates for a joint strategic approach towards China, addressing the roots of unfair trade practices and tackling industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprises and human rights concern in order to tackle unfair trade practice that lead to market distortions and a lack of a level-playing field as a matter of urgency; calls for the EU and the US to find an approach to tackle industrial subsidies and SOEs, forced technology transfers, theft of intellectual property, obliged joint ventures, market barriers and address human rights concerns; urges to build upon the trilateral agreement on industrial subsidies with the US and Japan whilst also developing an autonomous instrument against unfair foreign subsidies; calls for the EU and the US to exchange information on foreign investments in strategic sectors, including on potential hostile takeovers;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. While promoting dialogue and common action, calls on the Commission to assertively promote the EU’s interests and react to US unwarranted duties, extraterritorial sanctions and market barriers, including in public procurement; calls for a dialogue on the Buy American Act and address market access issues for EU companies in public procurement and enhance access to markets for services;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages both sides to engage in an ambitious dialogue and find a framework for joint action and look for selective agreements, such as on trade & technology as well as conformity assessments which will particularly benefit SMEs; calls for a stronger regulatory, green and digital partnership through the Trade and Technology Council and a coordinated approach to critical technologies, a carbon border adjustment mechanism andsetting international standards for critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and digital trade more broadly; welcomes the proposal by the Commission for a Transatlantic AI Agreement to set such standards and develop ethical guidelines; and find common grounds for a CBAM as well as digital and global taxes.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that in 2020, in the COVID- 19 context, China for the first time ranked as the EU’s largest partner for trade in goods, with the trade balance further deteriorating to the EU’s detriment; calls on the Commission to deeply analyse the EU's dependency on China in certain strategic and critical sectors, as the pandemic has revealed, using all our policies and setting out plans to make our supply chains more resilient, more diversified and reduce dependency;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that the EU-China bilateral trade and investment relationship is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the notion of reciprocity at its core;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned about the increasingly unbalanced EU-China bilateral economic and trade relationship; stresses that rebalancing and a more level playing field are vital to EU interests; recalls the overall objective for the European Union to build its open strategic autonomy;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Repeats its deep concern about the many barriers that European businesses face when accessing and operating on the Chinese market; is worried that China’s ‘dual circulation strategy’ referred to in its 14th Five Year Plan will further deteriorate the business environment for EU companies; is extremely concerned that several international companies, notably in the apparel and textiles sector, have been subject to an extensive and widespread boycott after expressing concern about the reports on forced labour in Xinjiang and taking the decision to cut supply-chain ties with Xinjiang; strongly condemns the aggressive political coercion exercised against them by the Chinese Government; highlights again its particular concern about the market distorting practices of Chinese state-owned enterprises, forced technology transfers and data localisation, industrial overcapacity in sectors such as steel and the related dumping of exports, and other unfair trading practices; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their cooperation at WTO-level with like-minded allies to develop a joint approach to tackle these Chinese unfair trading practices, including a new initiative on fighting counterfeiting;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. calls on China to play a more active part in multilateral initiatives at WTO-level such as the Trade and Climate, Trade and Health and the implementation of the SDGs; calls on China to play a more active role in the WTO reform, especially in restoring all the WTO dimensions, from monitoring, creating new rules and solving disputes; urges China to fully comply with all its WTO obligations;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. calls on the Member States to allow for a swift adoption of an International Procurement Instrument to ensure reciprocal access to third country public procurement markets, in order to help European businesses which are facing discrimination and lack of access to the Chinese public procurement markets that remain largely closed;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WBelcomes theieves that while working on improving EU companies’ conditions on the Chinese market to better reflect benefits of Chinese companies on the Single Market, the reception of the sudden conclusion at the political level of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) proves that the trade relations do not take place in a vacuum; recalls that the CAI has to be considered in the context of a strengthened assertive EU toolbox of unilateral measures; underlines it will thoroughlystrongly welcomes the the Commission’s support to suspend efforts to ratify the EU-China CAI; underlines that as long as the countersanctions have not been lifted and as long as the Chinese authorities have not respected the commitment to ratify the ILO core conventions on forced labour they expressed in the EU-China CAI, and before the adoption and implementation by the EU of an assertive trade toolbox, it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will proceed to any vote of any kind on this agreement; underlines it will thoroughly, once the conditions are met, scrutinise the agreement, including its sustainable development section, and take stock of the human rights context, before determining its position;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the urgent need to re- balance EU-China relations through the adoption of a more assertive toolbox of autonomous measures while recognising the need to maintain an open dialogue with Chinese government on other common challenges such as the global fight against climate change;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission to propose an EU mandatory and horizontal due diligence legislation as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that EU companies and non-EU companies operating in the Single Market respect human rights, social and environmental standards through their supply chain as well as to eliminate the risk of forced labour and human rights abuses from their supply chains;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Is extremely concerned by the recent unilateral trade-related measures taken by China against Australia in retaliation to the Australian critics on the Chinese COVID-19 crisis management; calls on the Commission, in this very worrying context, to propose urgently its instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries in order to be able in future to respond to any illegal and unilateral measures adopted against the EU interests and international law;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Urges the Commission to present a blacklist and to propose an instrument to ban on the importation of goods produced using child labour or any other form of forced labour or modern slavery;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Reiterates its full support to the EU FDI Screening Regulation, putting in place for the first time an EU-level mechanism to coordinate the screening of foreign investments in strategic sectors; calls on Member States to adopt urgently a national screening mechanism if they do not have one yet, in line with the Commission guidelines from March 2020; recalls the importance to strengthen the existing EU FDI Screening Regulation in order to make sure that any potential investments which could be a threat to the EU security and public order, in particular with regard to Chinese state- owned and state-controlled enterprises in European strategic sectors, are blocked;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. welcomes the Commission regulation proposal on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market; calls for a swift adoption of this regulation, making sure that thresholds and the procedures allow for an efficient instrument, in order to tackle the Chinese unfair trading practices in the European Single Market;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5 g. Takes note of the recently agreed Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) and highlights the absence of provisions on trade and sustainability, including labour and social standards, environmental and climate objectives; calls on the Commission to analyse the impacts of the RCEP on the EU presence in the region;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5 h. Reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to start the scoping exercise and formally launch the negotiations with Taiwan for an Investment Agreement;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the entry into force of the EU-China Agreement on geographical indications (GIs), and reiterates the importance of effective and exemplary implementation of the Agreement; underlines that this limited agreement on GIs could serve as a model and basis for future GIs agreements; highlights the crucial role that the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) will play in monitoring and improving compliance with this Agreement; calls on the CTEO to react immediately in the event that the Agreement is not implemented correctly.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas 45% of the GDP comes from IPR intensive industries, only 9% of the EU SMEs have registered IP rights, the lack of information on the registration and management of the IP hinders the full use of the opportunities offered by IP and data sharing; whereas the small number of IP registrations of micro and SMEs might be the result of high costs and administrative burden.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas there is a lack of information in some Member States regarding the benefits and the intrinsic value of IPR that increases total value of the company leading to a more resilient and stronger position on the single market.
Amendment 9 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the registrations for IP slightly increased in the first months of 2021 compared with the same period of the 2020, it is estimated that the Intellectual Property registration is still affected by the Covid-19 pandemics, with visible effect in the period to come especially in the development and innovation areas;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the innovative solutions that will ensure a sustainable and digital post-COVID economic recovery are based on Intellectual Property rights, few micro and SMEs benefit from their IP when trying to get access to finance.
Amendment 28 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the importance of the IPR intensive industries in the green and digital recovery and resilience strategies; calls on the European Commission to strengthen the single market by cooperating with the Member States in finding a common approach to solving the infringements and minimizing the hold- backs, avoiding multiple judiciary procedures in case of European registered patents.
Amendment 29 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Underlines that the open system and the technological transfer in the single market is crucial in having a real digital and green economy and a fast recovery; calls on the Commission to cooperate with the industry and the stakeholders to find solutions for a better differentiation between the essential and the additional patents and fora clearer approach on the obligations for licencing on the intermediate and final product;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that owning IPR leads to stability and economic growth of the companies, studies show that these companies pay their employees up to 19% higher salaries overall and tend to be more stable; calls on the Commission and the Member States to create a strategy to accelerate and support the research and development leading to the transformation of the R&D results into valuable economic enterprises through the registration and valorisation of IP at the European level increasing the number of the micro and SMEs using IPR thus creating a more resilient economy and single market.
Amendment 44 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines the importance of the IPR in a resilient economy and in a green recovery and urges the Commission and the Member States to extend the eligibility for European funds to all the economic operators for the registration and valorisation of the IP leading to an increase of the added value of the product through the integration of licenses.
Amendment 47 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Emphasises the potential of Intellectual Property Rights with regards to incentivising research and innovation in the EU, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Reiterates the mission of the European Union as a global standard- setter in IP and its important role to address unfair practices and ensure a balanced approach at both EU and global level;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to make collective efforts to ensure that implementation of the Action Plan will result in strong and effective reforms and application of the of IP regulation, with the ultimate aim of securing competitiveness in the Single Market;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Welcomes the Action Plan’s aim to strengthen support to the EUs Geographical Indication system by protecting both agricultural geographical indications (GIs) as well as non- agricultural products, in order to improve their competitiveness, enable producers to fully benefit from their opportunities, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability in the Single Market;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Stresses that the initiative should effectively support and build upon the EU’s efforts to set strong AI regulation to improve citizen trust and safety in issues linked to AI, blockchain and Internet of Things, specifically in the areas of healthcare, education, migration and green technology, while protecting consumers’ fundamental rights;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Underlines that counterfeit products placed in the Internal Market and failures in market surveillance have negative implications to the detriment of consumers and overall trust in the Single Market; calls in this regards for an updated impact assessment of the overall functioning of the Enforcement Directive (2004/48/EC);urges the Commission to effectively enforce the implementation of the customs legislation and harmonise customs controls throughout the EU;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Considers the Single Market can and should be further consolidated by means of its own unitary patent system; calls on the Member States to renew the impetus towards the introduction of the unitary patent system and the Unified Patent Court;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that through loopholes, the EU Statute for a European Company (Societas Europeae – SE) is inadvertently enabling companies to circumvent national regulations, particularly on board-level employee representation; regrets the fact that the 2019 Company Law Package24 is serving to perpetuate these shortcomings rather than resolve them; notes that cross- border mergers are also used to avoid representation rights; stresses that companiesletterbox companies and companies that use complex corporate structures and supply or subcontracting chains to circumvent social standards; __________________ 24Directive (EU) 2019/2121 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 as regards cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions (OJ L 321 12.12.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 164 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes that European Works Council engagement can develop and promote corporate culture and cohesion; however, the country of origin, sector and legal underpinning can influence the extent to which management uses European Works Councils to support that goal;1a __________________ 1a Pulignano V. and Turk J., KU Leuven, European Works Councils on the Move: Management Perspectives on the Development of a Transnational Institution for Social Dialogue, 2016, p. 24.
Amendment 174 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights the need to address the short and medium-term thinking, and the differences in industrial relations traditions among European Works Council representatives to strengthen European Works Councils;2a __________________ 2aPulignano V. and Turk J., KU Leuven, European Works Councils on the Move: Management Perspectives on the Development of a Transnational Institution for Social Dialogue, 2016.
Amendment 183 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. States that much remains to be done to ensure gender equality and proper representation of employees with disabilities and chronically ill employees in all aspects of worker participation across the EU;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Regrets that the financial and material resources needed to enable the European Works Councils to perform their duties in an appropriate manner are not always provided by the central management, as per Annex I of the European Works Council Directive;3a __________________ 3aEuropean Commission (2018), Evaluation accompanying the Report on the implementation of the Works Council Directive.
Amendment 202 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Notes that the common understanding of a European Works Council's role as a transnational body and the application of legal restructuring practices vary greatly depending on the level or intensity of industrial relations, the size of the company and policy frameworks;4a __________________ 4a https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId =738&langId=en&pubId=8153&furtherP ubs=yes
Amendment 171 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, the objectives of the Union are, amongst others, to promote the well-being of its peoples and to work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress.
Amendment 172 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) This Directive respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’). In particular, Article 31 of the Charter provides for the right of every worker to fair and just working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. Article 27 of the Charter protects the workers’ right to information and consultation within the undertaking. Article 8 of the Charter provides that everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning him or heras well as access to data which has been collected concerning him or her and the right to have it rectified. Article 12 of the Charter provides that everyone has the right to freedom of assembly and of association at all levels. Article 15 recognises that everyone has the right to engage in work and to pursue a freely chosen or accepted occupation. Article 16 of the Charter recognises the freedom to conduct a business.
Amendment 179 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Principle No 5 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed at Gothenburg on 17 November 201753 , provides that, regardless of the type and duration of the employment relationship, workers have the right to fair and equal treatment regarding working conditions, access to social protection and training; that, in accordance with legislation and collective agreements, the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context is to be ensured; and that innovative forms of work that ensure quality working conditions are to be fostered, that entrepreneurship and self-employment are to be encouraged and; that occupational mobility is to be facilitated and that employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions shall be prevented, including by prohibiting abuse of atypical contracts. The Porto Social Summit of May 2021 welcomed the Action Plan accompanying the Social Pillar54 as guidance for its implementation. __________________ 53 Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). 54 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’, COM(2021) 102 final, 4.3.2021.
Amendment 182 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
Amendment 186 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Digitalisation is changing the world of work, bringing workers and employers advantages such as creating new employment and business opportunities, improving productivity and enhancing flexibility as well as increasing consumer choice, while also carryposing some risks for employment and working conditions including lack of or difficult access to adequate social protection and a lack of occupational health and safety. Algorithm-based technologies, including automated monitoring and decision-making systems, have enabled the emergence and growth of digital labour platforms but can produce power imbalances and opacity about decision-making, as well as technology-enabled surveillance which could exacerbate discriminatory practices and entail risks for privacy, workers´ health and safety and human dignity.
Amendment 193 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) New forms of digital interaction and new technologies in the world of work create opportunities for access to the labour market generally as well as in specific fields, in particular for people who traditionally lacked such access, including people with disabilities, young people and people with lower skill levels and this access should be fostered in the future in order to support a sustainable income and a decent standard of living for disadvantaged groups.
Amendment 194 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Platform work is performed by individuals through the digital infrastructure of digital labour platforms that provide a service to their customers. It is characterised by a high level of heterogeneity in the sectors covered and activities carried out, and the profiles of individuals performing platform work and types of digital labour platforms vary widely. By means of the algorithms, the digital labour platforms may control, to a lesser or greater extent – depending on their business model – the performance of the work, its remuneration and the relationship between their customers and the persons performing the work. Platform work can be performed exclusively online through electronic tools (‘online platform work’) or in a hybrid way combining an online communication process with a subsequent activity in the physical world (‘on-location platform work’). Many of the existing digital labour platforms are international business actors deploying their activities and business models in several Member States or across borders.
Amendment 201 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Platform work occurs in a wide variety of fields ranging from delivery services and passenger transport to child care and care services, IT as well as design and creative industries and provision of technical expertise. As such, action taken at both national and European level must ensure a balanced approach without one-size-fits-all measures.
Amendment 208 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Platform work canreates employment, provideing opportunities for accessing the labour market more easily, gaining additional income through a secondary activity while also balancing caring responsibilities, education or vocational training or enjoying sommore flexibility in the organisation of working time. It can also facilitate efficiencies in the matching of supply and demand, optimisation of resources and increase consumer choice. At the same time, platform work brings challenges, as it can blur the boundaries between an employment relationship and self- employed activity, and the responsibilities of employers and workers. Misclassification of the employment status has consequences for the persons affected, as it is likely to restrict access to existing labour and social rights. It also leads to an uneven playing field with respect to businesses that classify their workers correctly, and it has implications for Member States’ industrial relations systems, their tax base and the coverage and sustainability of their social protection systems. While such challenges are broader than platform work, they are particularly acute and pressing in the platform economy.
Amendment 224 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Court cases in several Member States have shown the persistence of misclassification ofMore than 100 court decisions and 15 administrative decisions dealing with the employment status in certaof people working types ofhrough platform work, in particular in sectors where digital labour platforms exert a certain degree of control over the remuneration and performance ofs have been observed in the Member States, with varying outcomes but predominantly in favour of reclassifying people working through platforms as workers. While digital labour platforms frequently classify persons working through them as self-employed or ‘independent contractors’, many courts have found that the platforms exercise de facto direction and control over those persons, often integrating them in their main business activities and unilaterally determining the level of remuneration. Those courts have therefore reclassified purportedly self-employed persons as workers employed by the platforms. However, national case law has resulted in diverse outcomes and digital labour platforms have adapted their business model in various ways, thus increasing the lack of legal certainty for people working through platforms over their employment status as well as hampering a level playing field both within the single market and between digital labour platforms and traditional businesses.
Amendment 240 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Automated monitoring and decision-making systems powered by algorithms increasingly replace functions that managers usually perform in businesses, such as allocating tasks, giving instructions, evaluating the work performed, providing incentives or imposing sanctions. Digital labour platforms use such algorithmic systems as a standard way of organising and managing platform work through their infrastructure. Persons performing platform work subject to such algorithmic management often lack information on how the algorithms work, which personal data are being used and how their behaviour affects decisions taken by automated systems. Workers’ rRepresentatives and labour inspectoratof persons performing platform work, labour inspectorates and competent supervisory authorities do not have access to this information either. Moreover, persons performing platform work often do not know the reasons for decisions taken or supported by such automated systems and lack the possibility to discuss those decisions with a contact person or to contest them.
Amendment 246 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) When platforms operate in several Member States or across borders, it is often unclear where the platform work is performed and by whom. Also, national authorities do not have easy access to data on digital labour platforms, including the number of persons performing platform work, their employment status, and their working conditions. This complicates the enforcement of applicable rules, including in respect of labour law, taxation and social protection.
Amendment 258 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Social protection is a solidarity- based safety net that is beneficial not only to the individual but also to society as a whole. Council Recommendation 2019/C 387/0158 on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed recommends Member States to take measures ensuring formal and effective coverage, adequacy and transparency of social protection schemes for all workers and self-employed. Member States currently have had varying degrees of success in improviding social protection to the self- employed and should ensure the full implementation of the Recommendation. Persons performing platform work face unique challenges in satisfying eligibility requirements and qualifying for social security benefits, which in turn impacts their future prospects and the financial viability and solidarity of social security systems. __________________ 58 Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed (2019/C 387/01) (OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 261 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) With respect to the powers of the Member States to organise their social protection systems, it is essential to ensure, and where necessary extend, access to social protection to persons performing platform work who do not have an employment relationship including for people transitioning from one status to another or who have both statuses in order to guarantee the portability of accumulated social rights and entitlements and for schemes covering maternity and equivalent parental benefits, and unemployment, accident, long-term care, invalidity, sickness, healthcare and old-age benefits.
Amendment 262 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 b (new)
Recital 11 b (new)
(11b) Particular attention should be given to young people, many of whom perform platform work alongside their studies or training and whose personal situations can greatly differ. Young people performing platform work should be able to be involved in both education and part-time platform work while ensuring the highest possible level of social protection in accordance with their employment status.
Amendment 278 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) This Directive should apply to persons performing platform work in the Union who have, or who based on an assessment of facts may be deemed to have, an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States, with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. This should include situations where the employment status of the person performing platform work is not clear, so as to allow correct determination of that status. The provisions on algorithmic management which are related to the processing of personal data should also apply to genuine self-employed and other persons performing platform work in the Union who do not have an employment relationship.
Amendment 289 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Digital labour platforms differ from other online platforms in that they organise work performed by individuals at the request, one-off or repeated, of the recipient of a service provided by the platform. Organising work performed by individuals should imply at a minimum a significant role in matching the demand for the service with the supply of labour by an individual who has a contractual relationship with the digital labour platform and who is available to perform a specific task, and can include other activities such as processing payments. Online platforms which do not organise the work performed by individuals but merely provide the means by which service providers can reach the end-user, for instance by advertising offers or requests for services or aggregating and displaying available service providers in a specific area, without any further involvement, should not be considered a digital labour platform. The definition of digital labour platforms should not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assets, such as short-term rental of accommodation or the resale of goods/services as they do not rely primarily on personal labour for the provision of the services concerned. It should be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual, such as transport of persons or goods or cleaning, constitutes a necessary and essential and not merely a minor and purely ancillary component.
Amendment 307 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In its case law, the Court of Justice has established criteria for determining the status of a worker62 . The interpretation by the Court of Justice of those criteria should be taken into account in the implementation of this Directive. Genuinely self-employed persons should not fall within the scope of this Directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. The abuse of the status of self-employed persons, as defined in national law, either at national level or in cross-border situations, is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. False self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self- employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship, in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. Such persons should fall within the scope of this Directive. __________________ 62 Judgments of the Court of Justice of 3 July 1986, Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Württemberg, C-66/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:284; 14 October 2010, Union Syndicale Solidaires Isère v Premier ministre and Others, C-428/09, ECLI:EU:C:2010:612; 4 December 2014, FNV Kunsten Informatie en Media v Staat der Nederlanden, C-413/13, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2411; 9 July 2015, Ender Balkaya v Kiesel Abbruch- und Recycling Technik GmbH, C-229/14, ECLI:EU:C:2015:455; 17 November 2016, Betriebsrat der Ruhrlandklinik gGmbH v Ruhrlandklinik gGmbH, C-216/15, ECLI:EU:C:2016:883; 16 July 2020, UX v Governo della Repubblica italiana, C- 658/18, ECLI:EU:C:2020:572; and order of the Court of Justice of 22 April 2020, B v Yodel Delivery Network Ltd, C-692/19, ECLI:EU:C:2020:288.
Amendment 327 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) When digital labour platforms control certain elements of the performance of work, they act like employers in an employment relationship. Direction and control, or legal subordination, is an essential element of the definition of an employment relationship in the Member States and in the case-law of the Court of Justice. Therefore contractual relationships in which digital labour platforms exert a certain level of control over certain elements of the performance of work should be deemed, by virtue of a legal presumption, to be an employment relationship between the platform and the person performing platform work through it. As a result, that person should be classified as a worker having all the rights and obligations in accordance with that status, as laid down in national and Union law, collective agreements and practice. The legal presumption should apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings and should benefitIt is important to stress that the legal presumption of an employment relationship must not lead to an automatic classification of all persons performing platform work as workers and must ensure theat persons performing platform work who are genuinely self-employed are able to remain so and can continue to access work through platforms. The legal presumption should apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings. Authorities in charge of verifying the compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation, such as labour inspectorates, social protection bodies or tax authorities, should also be able to rely on that presumption as well as persons performing platform work who dispute the classification of their employment status. Member States should put in place a national framework of measures, in accordance with their national legal and judicial systems, to reduce litigation and increase legal certainty.
Amendment 344 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Criteria indicating that a digital labour platform controls the performance of work should be included in the Directive in order to make the legal presumption proportionate, operational and facilitate the enforcement of workers’ rights. Those criteria should be inspired by Union and national case law and take into account national concepts of the employment relationship. The criteria should include concrete elements showing that the digital labour platform, for instance, determines in practice and not merely recommends the working conditions or the remuneration or both, gives specific binding instructions on how the work is to be performed or prevents the person performing platform work from developing business contacts with potential clients. In order for it to be effective in practice, two and future-proof, a majority of criteria should be always fulfilled to trigger the application of the presumption,. At the same time, the criteria should not cover situations where the persons performing platform work are genuine self-employed. Genuine self- employed persons are themselves responsible vis-à-vis their customers for how they perform their work and the quality of their outputs. The freedom to choose working hours or periods of absence, to refuse tasks, to use subcontractors or substitutes or to work for any third party is characteristic of genuine self-employment. Therefore, de facto restricting such discretions by a number of conditions or through a system of sanctions, should also be considered as an element of controlling the performance of work. Closely supervising the performance of work or thoroughly verifying the quality of the results of that work, including through electronic means, which does not merely consist in using reviews or ratings by the recipients of the service, should also be considered as an element of controlling the performance of work. At the same time, digital labour platforms should be able to design their technical interfaces in a way to ensure good consumer experience. Measures or rules which are required by law or which are necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service should not be understood as controlling the performance of work.
Amendment 348 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Effective implementation of the legal presumption through appropriate measures, such as disseminating information to the public, developing comprehensive guidance and, strengthening controls and field inspections and their resourcing and mechanisms for persons performing platform work and digital labour platforms to consult relevant authorities is essential to ensure legal certainty and transparency for all parties involved. These measures should avoid capturing the genuine self-employed and take into account the specific situation of entrepreneurs and start-ups to support the entrepreneurial potential and the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the Union.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The relationship between a person performing platform work and a digital labour platform may not meet the requirements of an employment relationship in accordance with the definition laid down in the law, collective agreements or practice in force of the respective Member State with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, even though the digital labour platform controls the performance of work on a given aspect. Member States should ensure the possibility for any of the parties to rebut the legal presumption in legal or administrative proceedings or both by proving, on the basis of the aforementioned definition, that the relationship in question is not an employment relationship. TheA shift in the burden of proof to digital labour platforms is justified by the fact that they have a complete overview of all factual elements determining the relationship, in particular the algorithms through which they manage their operations. Legal proceedings and administrative proceedings initiated by the digital labour platforms in order to rebut the legal presumption should not have a suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption. A successful rebuttal of the presumption in administrative proceedings should not preclude the application of the presumption in subsequent judicial proceedings. When the person performing platform work who is the subject of the presumption seeks to rebut the legal presumption, the digital labour platform should be required to assist that person, notably by providing all relevant information held by the platform in respect of that person. Member States should provide the necessary guidance for procedures to rebut the legal presumption.
Amendment 381 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In addition to rights and obligations provided in this Directive, rights and obligations provided in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 continue to apply when personal data are processed. Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 require data controllers to ensure transparency towards data subjects on the collection and processing of personal data. Articles 16, 17 and 20 provides for the right to rectification, the right to be forgotten and the right to data portability respectively. Moreover, Article 22(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 provides for the data subjects’ right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, subject to the exceptions provided for in paragraph 2 of that article. Those obligations and rights apply also to digital labour platforms and persons performing platform work.
Amendment 385 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Digital labour platforms should be subject to transparency obligations in relation to automated monitoring and decision-making systems that are used to monitor, supervise or evaluate the work performance through electronic means; and automated decision-making systems which are used to take or support decisions that significantly affect working conditions, including access of persons performing platform work to work assignments, their earnings, their occupational safety and health, their working time, their promotion and their contractual status, including the restriction, or suspension or termination of their account. In addition to what is provided in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, information and consultation concerning such systems should also be provided where decisions are not solely based on automated processing, provided that they are supported by automated systems. It should also be specified which kind of information should be provided to persons performing platform work regarding such automated systems, as well as in which form and when it should be provided. The obligation of the controller under Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 to provide the data subject with certain information in relation to the processing of personal data concerning the data subject as well as with access to such data should continue to apply in the context of platform work. Information on automated monitoring and decision-making systems should also be provided to representatives of persons performing platform work and to national labour authorities and the competent supervisory authorities at their request, in order to enable them to exercise their functions.
Amendment 397 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Digital labour platforms should not be required to disclose the detailed functioning of their automated monitoring and decision-making systems, including algorithms, or other detailed data that contains commercial secrets or is protected by intellectual property rights in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/943. However, the result of those considerations should not be a refusal to provide all the information required by this Directive.
Amendment 404 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Digital labour platforms make extensive use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems in managing their human resources. Monitoring by electronic means can be intrusive and decisions taken or supported by such systems directly affect the persons performing platform work, who might not have a direct contact with a human manager or supervisor. Digital labour platforms should therefore ensure human oversight to regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision- making systems on working conditions. Digital labour platforms should ensure sufficient human resources for this purpose. The persons charged by the digital labour platform with the function of monitoring should have the necessary competence, training and authority to exercise that function and should be protected from dismissal, disciplinary measures or other adverse treatment for overriding automated decisions or suggestions for decisions. In addition to obligations under Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Article 7(1) and (3) of this Directive provides for distinct obligations of digital labour platforms in relation to human monitoring of the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated systems, which apply as specific rules in the context of platform work, including to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms in respect of the processing of employees' personal data within the meaning of Article 88 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 406 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In that context, persons performing platform work should have the right to obtain an human review and explanation from the digital labour platform for a decision, the lack of decision or a set of decisions taken or supported by automated systems that significantly affect their working conditions. For that purpose the digital labour platform should provide the possibility for them to discuss and clarify the facts, circumstances and reasons for such decisions with a human contact person at the digital labour platform. In addition, digital labour platforms should provide the person performing platform work with a written statement of reasons for any decision to restrict, suspend or terminate access to work assignments, to restrict or suspend that person’s account, to refuse the remuneration for work performed by that person, or affecting his or her contractual status, as such decisions are likely to have significant negative effects on persons performing platform work, in particular their potential earnings. A decision to terminate the account of a person performing platform work may be supported but never taken by an automated decision-making system unless necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service. Such decisions should be notified to the person prior to the decision coming into effect. Where the explanation or reasons obtained are not satisfactory or where persons performing platform work consider their rights infringed, they should also have the right to request the digital labour platform to review the decision and to obtain a substantiated reply within a reasonable period of time. Where such decisions infringe those persons’ rights, such as labour rights or the right to non- discrimination, the digital labour platform should rectify such decisions without delay or, where that is not possible, provide adequate compensation.
Amendment 413 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38 a (new)
Recital 38 a (new)
Amendment 422 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Persons who do not have an employment relationship constitute a significant part of the persons performing platform work. The impact of automated monitoring and decision-making systems used by digital labour platforms on their working conditions and their earning opportunities is similar to that on platform workers. Therefore, the rights in Articles 6, 7, 8 and 811a of this Directive pertaining to the protection of natural persons in relation to the processing of personal data in the context of algorithmic management, namely those regarding transparency on automated monitoring and decision-making systems, restrictions to process or collect personal data, human monitoring and review of significant decisions, should also apply to persons in the Union performing platform work who do not have an employment contract or employment relationship. The rights pertaining to health and safety at work and information and consultation of platform workers or their representatives, which are specific to workers in view of Union law, should not apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 provides safeguards regarding fairness and transparency for self-employed persons performing platform work, provided that they are considered business users within the meaning of that Regulation. Where such safeguards conflict with elements of specific rights and obligations laid down in this Directive, the specific provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 should prevail in respect of business users.
Amendment 424 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) In order to ensure that digital labour platforms comply with labour legislation and regulations, taxation and social security contribution obligations, social security coordination and other relevant rules, in particular if they are established in another country than the Member State in which the platform worker is performing work, digital labour platforms should declare work performed by platform workers to the competent labour and social protection authorities of the Member State in which the work is performed, in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in the law of the Member States concerned.
Amendment 430 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Information on the number of persons performing platform work through digital labour platforms on a regular basis, their contractual or employment status, average duration of activity and average income from activity and the general terms and conditions applicable to those contractual relationships is essential to support labour inspectorates, social protection bodies and other relevant authorities in correctly determining the employment status of persons performing platform work and in ensuring compliance with legal obligations as well as representatives of persons performing platform work in the exercise of their representative functions and should therefore be made accessible to them. Those authorities and representatives should also have the right to ask digital labour platforms for additional clarifications and details, such as basic data on working conditions regarding working time and remuneration.
Amendment 432 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) An extensive system of enforcement provisions for the social acquis in the Union has been developed, elements of which should be applied to this Directive in order to ensure that persons performing platform work have access to timely, effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation. Specifically, having regard to the fundamental nature of the right to effective legal protection, persons performing platform work should continue to enjoy such protection even after the end of the employment or other contractual relationship giving rise to an alleged breach of rights under this Directive.
Amendment 437 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Platform work is characterised by the lack of a common workplace where workers can get to know each other and communicate with each other and with their representatives, also in view of defending their interests towards the employer. In some areas prevalent in platform work, such as digital remote services or design work, many Member States lack established workers’ organisations or trade unions. Persons performing platform work should be free to organise, choose representatives and be taken into account in social dialogue and collective bargaining processes, regardless of their employment status. Persons performing platform work can also be exposed to the increased risk of violence, including gender-based violence and harassment. It is therefore necessary to create digital communication and reporting channels, in line with the digital labour platforms’ work organisation, where persons performing platform work can exchange with each other and be contacted by their representatives and report incidents of violence or harassment. Digital labour platforms should create such communication channels within their digital infrastructure or through similarly effective means, while respecting the protection of personal data and refraining from accessing or monitoring those communications.
Amendment 446 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) Given that Article 6, Article 7(1) and (3) and Article 8 of this Directive provide for specific rules in the context of platform work to ensure the protection of employees' personal data within the meaning of Article 88 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and that Article 10 of this Directive applies those safeguards also in case of persons without employment contract or employment relationship, the national supervisory authorities referred to in Article 51 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 should be competent to monitor the application of those safeguards and well as the communication channels established in Article 15. Chapters VI, VII and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 should apply in terms of procedural framework for the enforcement of those safeguards, in particular as regards supervision, cooperation and consistency mechanisms, remedies, liability and penalties, including the competence to impose administrative fines up to the amount referred to in Article 83(5) of that Regulation.
Amendment 464 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. The purpose of this Directive is to improve the working conditions and social protection of persons performing platform work by ensuring the correct determination of their employment status, by promoting transparency, fairness, human oversight and accountability in algorithmic management in platform work and by improving transparency in platform work, including in cross-border situations, while supporting the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the Union.
Amendment 470 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. This Directive lays down minimum rights that apply to every person performing platform work in the Union who has, or who based on an assessment of facts may be deemed to have, an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice.
Amendment 471 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
In accordance with Article 10, rights laid down in this Directive pertaining to the protection of natural persons in relation to the processing of personal data in the context of algorithmic management also apply to every person performing platform work in the Union who does not have an employment contract or employment relationship. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners, as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements.
Amendment 514 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘representatives’ means the platform workers’ organisations or representatives including trade unions, provided for by national law or practices, or both or the organisations or representatives of persons performing platform work who do not have an employment relationship;
Amendment 538 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The definition of digital labour platforms laid down in paragraph 1, point (1), shall not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assetgoods or assets or the resale of goods or services. It shall be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual constitutes not merely a minor and purely ancillary component.
Amendment 548 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall have appropriate procedures in place to verify and ensure the correct determination of the employment status of persons performing platform work, with a view to ascertaining the existence of an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, and ensuringe that they enjoy the rights deriving from Union law applicable to workers.
Amendment 554 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The determination of the existence of an employment relationship shall be guided primarily by the facts relating to the actual performance of work, taking into account the use of algorithms in the organisation of platform work, irrespective of how the relationship is classified in any contractual arrangement that may have been agreed between the parties involved. Where the existence of an employment relationship is established based on such facts, the party assuming the obligations of the employer shall be clearly identified and shall duly fulfil them in accordance with national legal systems.
Amendment 573 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The contractual relationship between a digital labour platform that controls, within the meaning of paragraph 2, the performance of work and a person performing platform work through that platform shall be legally presumed to be an employment relationship. To that effect, Member States shall establish a framework of measures, in accordance with their national legal and judicial systems, in order to ensure that the legal presumption can be relied upon by competent authorities verifying compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation as well as persons performing platform work who dispute the classification of their employment status.
Amendment 593 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The legal presumption shall apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings. Competent authorities verifying compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation shall be able to rely on that presumption.
Amendment 608 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Controlling the performance of work within the meaning of paragraph 1 shall be understood as fulfilling at least two majority of the following:
Amendment 619 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) effectivelyde facto determining, or setting upper limits for the level of remuneration;
Amendment 626 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) requiring the person performing platform work to respect specific binding rules with regard to appearance, conduct towards the recipient of the service or performance of the work beyond what is required by law or necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service;
Amendment 639 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) closely supervising the performance of work or thoroughly verifying the quality of the results of the work including by electronic means beyond what is required by law or necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service;
Amendment 647 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) effectivelyde facto restricting the freedom, including through sanctions, to organise one’s work, in particular the discretion to choose one’s working hours or periods of absence, to accept or to refuse tasks, including from other digital platforms or to use subcontractors or substitutes;
Amendment 658 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) effectivelyde facto restricting the possibility to build a client base or to perform work for any third party.
Amendment 667 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States shall take supporting measures to ensure the effective implementation of the legal presumption referred to in paragraph 1 while taking into account the impact on entrepreneurs and start-ups, avoiding capturing the genuine self-employed and supporting the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms. In particular they shall:
Amendment 684 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) develop comprehensive guidance for digital labour platforms, persons performing platform work and social partners to understand and implement the legal presumption including on the procedures for rebutting it in accordance with Article 5;
Amendment 694 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) develop guidancecapacity building, guidance, training for enforcement authorities to proactively target and pursue non-compliant digital labour platforms;
Amendment 701 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) strengthen the controls and field inspections conducted by labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of labour law, while ensuring their sufficient resourcing so that such controls and inspections are effective, proportionate and non-discriminatory.
Amendment 707 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(da) develop a consultation mechanism under which persons performing platform work or digital labour platforms can request the relevant authorities to pre- emptively assess, verify and justify the employment status of persons performing platform work on the basis of the control of the performance of work within the meaning of paragraph 2.
Amendment 747 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Where the digital labour platform argues that the contractual relationship in question is not an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in the Member State in question, with consideration to the case- law of the Court of Justice, the burden of proof shall be on the digital labour platform. Such proceedings shall not have suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption.
Amendment 755 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Where the person performing the platform work argues that the contractual relationship in question is not an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in the Member State in question, with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, the digital labour platform shall be required to assist the proper resolution of the proceedings, notably by providing all relevant information held by it. Member States shall provide the necessary guidance for procedures to rebut the legal presumption.
Amendment 769 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work Ensuring correct determination of the employment status shall not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides, either on a purely voluntary basis or in agreement with the persons concerned, to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self- employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such shall not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
Amendment 776 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to the obligations and rights of digital labour platforms and platform workers under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Directive (EU) 2016/943 and Directive (EU) 2019/1152, Member States shall require digital labour platforms to inform platform workers of and consult platform workers and their representatives on:
Amendment 791 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The information and consultation referred to in paragraph 1 shall concern:
Amendment 793 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) the categories of data and actions monitored, supervised or evaluated by such systems, including evaluation by the recipient of the service;
Amendment 800 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
(iv) the grounds for decisions to restrict, or suspend or terminate the platform worker’s account, to refuse the remuneration for work performed by the platform worker, on the platform worker’s contractual status or any decision with similar effects.
Amendment 803 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Digital labour platforms shall provide the information referred to in paragraph 2 in the form of a document which may be in electronic format. They shall provide that information at the latest ons soon as possible and at the latest within a calendar week from the first working day, as well as in the event of substantial changes impacting working conditions or monitoring of work performance and at any time upon the platform workers’ request. The information shall be presented in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language.
Amendment 806 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Digital labour platforms shall make the information referred to in paragraph 2 available to platform workers’ representatives and national labour, national labour authorities or national competent supervisory authorities upon their request.
Amendment 813 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Digital labour platforms shall not process any personal data concerning platform workers that are not intrinsically connected to and strictly necessary for the performance of the contract between the platform worker and the digital labour platform in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679. In particular they shall not:
Amendment 845 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – title
Article 7 – title
Human monitoringoversight of automated systems
Amendment 850 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that digital labour platforms regularly monitor and evaluateoversee and periodically evaluate, at least annually the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision-making systems, as referred to in Article 6(1), on working conditions.
Amendment 854 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) evaluate the risks of automated monitoring and decision-making systems in replicating gender, racial and other social biases in the selection and treatment of different groups;
Amendment 855 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) introduce appropriate preventive, corrective and protective measures.
Amendment 861 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
(a) They shall not use automated monitoring and decision-making systems in any manner that puts undue pressure on platform workers or otherwise puts at risk the physical and mental health of platform workers.
Amendment 866 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to ensure sufficient human resources for monitoringeffective oversight of the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision- making systems in accordance with this Article. The persons charged by the digital labour platform with the function of monitoringsuch oversight shall have the necessary competence, training and authority to exercise that function. They shall enjoy protection from dismissal, disciplinary measures or other adverse treatment for overriding automated decisions or suggestions for decisions.
Amendment 879 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Digital labour platforms shall provide the platform worker, in writh a written statement ofing or where appropriate, by electronic means, with the reasons for any decision taken or supported by an automated decision- making system to restrict, suspend or terminate access to work assignments, to restrict or suspend the platform worker’s account, any decision to refuse the remuneration for work performed by the platform worker, any decision on the platform worker’s contractual status or any decision with similar effects.
Amendment 881 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Where platform workers are not satisfied with the explanation or the written statement of reasons obtained or consider that the decision referred to in paragraph 1 infringes their rights, they shall have the right to request the digital labour platform to review that decision. The digital labour platform shall respond to such request by providing the platform worker with a substantiated reply without undue delay and in any event within one week of receipt of the requestat the latest within one month of receipt of the request. That period may be extended where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The digital labour platform shall inform the platform worker of any such extension as soon as possible and latest within one month of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
Amendment 890 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
With regard to digital labour platforms which are micro, small or medium-sized enterprises, Member States may provide that the deadline for reply referred to in the first subparagraph is extended to two weekfurther months.
Amendment 892 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. A decision to terminate a platform worker’s account may be supported but not taken by an automated decision- making system unless necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service. The digital labour platform shall provide a reasoned notification to the platform worker in due time prior to the decision coming into effect. Where platform workers are not satisfied with the reasons provided or consider that the decision infringes their rights, they shall have the right to request the digital labour platform to review that decision in line with the procedure set out in paragraph 2.
Amendment 896 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Member States shall ensure that platform workers have the right to data portability, the right to be forgotten and the right of rectification.
Amendment 898 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. This Article shall be without prejudice to dismissal procedures laid down in national law and practice.
Amendment 907 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the rights and obligations under Directive 2002/14/EC and Directive 2009/38/EC, Member States shall ensure timely information and consultation of platform workers’ representatives or, where there are no such representatives, of the platform workers concerned by digital labour platforms, on decisions likely to lead to the introduction of or substantial changes in the use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems referred to in Article 6(1), in accordance with this Article.
Amendment 918 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The platform workers’ representatives or the platform workers concerned may be assisted by an expert of their choice, in so far as this is necessary for them to examine the matter that is the subject of information and consultation and formulate an opinion. Where a digital labour platform has more than 2500 platform workers in a Member State, the expenses for the expert shall be borne by the digital labour platform, provided that they are proportionate.
Amendment 924 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Article 6, Article 7(1), 2(a) and (3), Article 8 and Article 811a shall also apply to persons performing platform work who do not have an employment contract or employment relationship.
Amendment 936 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Amendment 940 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to Directive(EU) 2016/943, where labour, social protection and other relevant authorities exercise their functions in ensuring compliance with legal obligations applicable to the employment status of persons performing platform work and where the representatives of persons performing platform work exercise their representative functions, Member States shall ensure that digital labour platforms make the following information available to them:
Amendment 942 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the number of persons performing platform work on a regular basis through the digital labour platform concerned on a regular basis and their contractual or employment status;
Amendment 944 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) the average duration of activity and average income from activity of persons performing platform work on a regular basis through the digital labour platform concerned;
Amendment 953 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. The information shall be provided forto each Member State in which persons are performing platform work through the digital labour platform concerned. The information shall be updated at least every six months, and, as regards paragraph 1, point (b), each time the terms and conditions are modified.
Amendment 954 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. Labour, social protection and other relevant authorities and representatives of persons performing platform work shall have the right to ask digital labour platforms for additional clarifications and details regarding any of the data provided. The digital labour platforms shall respond to such request within a reasonable period of time by providing a substantiated replyby providing a substantiated reply without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receipt of the request.
Amendment 966 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to Articles 79 and 82 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Member States shall ensure that persons performing platform work, including those whose employment or other contractual relationship has ended, have access to timely, effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in the case of infringements of their rights arising from this Directive.
Amendment 981 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – title
Article 15 – title
Communication and reporting channels for persons performing platform work
Amendment 982 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
In order to foster collective representation and social dialogue, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that digital labour platforms create the possibility for persons performing platform work to contact and privately and securely communicate with each other, and to be contacted by representatives of persons performing platform work, through the digital labour platforms’ digital infrastructure or similarly effective and visible means, while complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to refrain from accessing such channels other than for their functional maintenance or from accessing or monitoring those contacts and communications.
Amendment 987 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
In order to safeguard persons performing platform work from violence, including gender-based violence and harassment, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that digital labour platforms create effective reporting channels through the digital labour platforms’ digital infrastructure or similarly effective means, while complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to have effective and timely preventative and follow-up procedures to address such reports.
Amendment 992 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that national courts have the power to order the disclosure of evidence containing confidential information where they consider it relevant to the claim. They shall ensure that, when ordering the disclosure of such information, national courts have at their disposal effective measures to protect such information as laid down in Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2016/943.
Amendment 995 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal or measures witsh equivalent effect and all preparations for dismissal or measures witsh equivalent effect of persons performing platform work, on the grounds that they have exercised the rights provided for in this Directive.
Amendment 1000 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The supervisory authority or authorities responsible for monitoring the application of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 shall also be responsible for monitoring the application of Article 6, Article 7(1) and (3) and Articles 8, 10 and 105 of this Directive, in accordance with the relevant provisions in Chapters VI, VII and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. They shall be competent to impose administrative fines up to the amount referred to in Article 83(5) of that Regulation.
Amendment 1019 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20a Dissemination of information Member States shall ensure that the national measures transposing this Directive, together with the relevant provisions already in force relating to the subject matter as set out in Article 1, are brought to the attention of persons performing platform work and digital labour platforms, including SMEs as well as to the general public. This information should be provided in a comprehensive and easily accessible way, including to persons with disabilities and where necessary in the most relevant language(s), as determined by the Member State.
Amendment 148 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4 a) Providers of advertising services which are intermediary service providers within the meaning of Regulation XXX [the DSA] involved in the presentation of political advertising on their interface or the interface of another service provider, including providers of programmatic advertising services, should establish, implement and publish tailored policies and measures to prevent the placement of political advertising together with disinformation. Such policies and measures should be subject to independent audits and should include review of targeting and amplification criteria, screening of the interfaces through which political advertising is to be presented, enhanced transparency to sponsors or providers of political advertising services acting on behalf of sponsors with regards to the placement of their advertising, as well as participation in wider disinformation demonetisation initiatives such as the Code of practice on disinformation.
Amendment 149 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
(4 b) Publishers of political advertising should establish, implement and publish tailored policies and measures to prevent the publication of political advertising containing disinformation.
Amendment 169 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) The specific needs of micro, small and medium-size enterprises should be taken into account in the application and enforcement of this Regulation, in line with the principle of proportionality. The notion of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises should be understood within the meaning of Directive 2013/34/EU.
Amendment 173 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14 a) The specificities of the medium of publication or dissemination of the political advertisement should be taken into account in the application of this Regulation, in particular to adapt the modalities to television, radio and newspapers as the case may be, in compliance with EU law.
Amendment 186 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Political views expressed in the programmes of audiovisual linear broadcasts or published in printed media without direct payment or equivalent remuneration should not be covered by this Regulation. and opinions expressed for journalistic purposes or under the editorial responsibility of a service provider, in the programmes of audio and audiovisual media including linear and non-linear broadcasts or published in print or in online media, should not be considered political advertising and should not be covered by this Regulation, if no payment is provided specifically for the expression of the views or opinions. Such political views and opinions which are additionally promoted, published or disseminated by service provider should in any case be considered to be political advertising. Journalistic practices established either in national law or by media and press councils in accordance with Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, should apply. Any form of surreptitious advertising should be prohibited.
Amendment 227 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) The information to be included in the transparency notice should be provided in the advertisement itself or be easily retrievable on the basis of an indication provided in the advertisement. The requirement that the information about the transparency notice is to be inter alia clearly visible should entail that it features prominently in or with the advertisementPolitical advertising publishers should ensure that each political advertisement contains a clear indication of where the transparency notice could be easily retrieved. The presentation of the information may vary depending on the means used. The requirement that the information about the transparency notice is to be inter alia clearly visible should entail that it features prominently in the advertisement - use could be made, for example, of a dedicated webpage link, a Quick Response code (or “QR code”), or equivalent clear and user-friendly technical measures. The requirement that information published in the transparency notice is to be easily accessible, machine readable where technically possible, and user friendly should entail that it addresses the needs of people with disabilities. Annex I of Directive 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) contains accessibility requirements for information, including digital information that should be used to render political information accessible for persons with disabilities.
Amendment 281 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Political views and opinions expressed under the editorial responsibility of a service provider, in the programmes of audio and audiovisual media, or published in print or online media shall not be considered political advertising unless specific payment or other remuneration is provided for their preparation, placement, promotion, publication or dissemination.
Amendment 375 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Providers of advertising services which are intermediary service providers within the meaning of Regulation XXX [the DSA] involved in the presentation political advertising on their interface or the interface of another service provider, including providers of programmatic advertising services shall establish, implement and publish policies and measures to prevent both the presentation of political advertising together with disinformation and the publication of political advertising containing disinformation.
Amendment 437 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Political advertising publishers shall make reasonablebest efforts to ensure that the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is complete, and where they find this is not the case, they shall not make available the political advertisement. accurate. Where the political advertising publisher becomes aware that the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is incomplete or inaccurate, it shall make best efforts, including by contacting the sponsor or the providers of political advertising services concerned to complete or correct the information. Where the information cannot be completed or corrected, the political advertising publisher shall not make available or shall discontinue without undue delay the promotion, publication or dissemination of the political advertisement. Political advertising publisher shall inform without undue delay sponsors or providers of political advertising services concerned about any decisions taken in connection with this paragraph. When the sponsor or the providers of political advertising services becomes aware that information transmitted to or published by the political advertising publisher is incomplete or inaccurate, it shall contact, without undue delay, the political advertising publisher concerned and, as relevant, shall transmit completed or corrected information to the political advertising publisher.
Amendment 573 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. Service providers that provide political advertising services in the Union but do not have an establishment in the Union shall designate, in writing, and register with the national single points of contact, a natural or legal person as their legal representative in one of the Member States where the provider offers its services. Member States shall keep publicly available registers of all legal representatives registered on their territory under this Regulation. The Commission shall keep a publicly available register of legal representatives registered at Union level under this Regulation.
Amendment 587 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The European Commission shall have exclusive competence to monitor the compliance of very large online platforms and very large search engines within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2021/xxx [DSA] with the obligations laid down in this Regulation.
Amendment 651 #
2021/0381(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a (new)
Amendment 39 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Obligations concerning relevant commodities and products should be laid down by this Regulation in order to effectively combat deforestation, forest degradation, and to promote deforestation- free supply chains, while maintaining the competitiveness in the single market and a level playing-field among operators and traders. Obligations should be proportionate and feasible to achieve these objectives and should take into consideration the administrative burden that it entails for operators and traders.
Amendment 40 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29 a) The share of smallholders in the production of the commodities concerned can be as high as 80 %. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to the challenges that smallholders will face with the implementation of this Regulation. The new rules should aim to minimise the burden on smallholders and prevent barriers to their access to the single market. It is therefore crucial that the operators buying from smallholders provide timely financial and technical support to help smallholders meet the new Union market access requirements.
Amendment 42 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) To strengthen the Union’s contribution to halting deforestation and forest degradation, and to ensure that commodities and products from supply chains related to deforestation and forest degradation are not placed on nor exported from the Union market, relevant commodities and products should not be placed or made available on the Union market, nor exported from the Union market unless they are deforestation-free and have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production. To confirm that this is the case, they relevant commodities and products should always be accompanied by a due diligence statement.
Amendment 44 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32 a) Where necessary, the Commission should therefore develop guidelines laying down sector specific rules on due diligence requirements, traceability tools and liability rules in the supply chain for the different commodities. Those rules should also be harmonised as much as possible with the due diligence rules set out in [the forthcoming Sustainable Corporate Governance Directive]1a. _________________ 1a COM(2022)0071 final.
Amendment 50 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) Operators placing a commodity or product concerned for the first time on the Union market or exporting a product to a third country should formally assume responsibility for the compliance of the relevant commodities or products that they intend to place on the Union market or to export by making available due diligence statements. A template for such statements should be provided by this Regulation. This is expected to facilitate enforcement of this Regulation through competent authorities and courts as well as increase compliance by operators.
Amendment 52 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37 a) The setting up and operating a due diligence system can be more challenging for SMEs, particularly due to the number and complexity of supply chains and the risks associated with the sourcing country. Therefore, Member States should provide technical and other assistance and guidance to operators, specially to SMEs, in order to facilitate compliance with this Regulation. In addition, from the entry into force of this Regulation, the due diligence requirement combined with benchmarking should allow SME operators and traders to benefit from lower costs of the simplified due diligence by opting for products stemming from low-risk supply chains.
Amendment 53 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) To ensure that there is no undue administrative burden placed on operators and traders, this Regulation should be adapted so as to be harmonised with any future general due diligence requirements. Other EU legislative instruments that set out due diligence requirements in the value chain with regard to adverse human rights or environmental impacts, such as Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and [the forthcoming Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence]1b should apply in so far as there are no specific provisions with the same objective, nature and effect in this Regulation which may be adapted in the light of future legislative amendments. The existence of this Regulation should not exclude the application of other EU legislative instruments that lay down requirements regarding value chain due diligence. Where such other EU legislative instruments provide for more specific provisions or add requirements to the provisions laid down in this Regulation, such provisions should be applied in conjunction with those of this Regulation. Furthermore, where this Regulation contains more specific provisions, they should not be interpreted in a way that undermines the effective application of other EU legislative instruments on due diligence or the achievement of their general aim. _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13). 1b COM(2022)0071 final.
Amendment 54 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) Operators falling within the scope of other EU legislative instruments that set out due diligence requirements in the value chain with regard to adverse human rights or environmental impacts should be in a position to fulfil the reporting obligations under this Regulation by including the required information when reporting under the other EU legislative instrument, in order to avoid supply chain disruptions and reduce negative impacts on third countries, trade partners, and in particular smallholders.
Amendment 55 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 44 a (new)
Recital 44 a (new)
(44 a) The customs union has been a cornerstone of the European Union, which is one of the largest trading blocks in the world. The customs union is fundamental for successful Union integration and for the proper functioning of the internal market, for the benefit of businesses and consumers. Thus, a fully coordinated and efficient clearance process of relevant commodities and products requires a streamlined Union regulatory environment for international trade that delivers long-term benefits to the Union and its residents in all policy areas, supports the effectiveness and good-functioning of the internal market and safeguards consumer protection. In this context, problems concerning the interoperability of authorities responsible for Union non-customs regulatory formalities and customs authorities are major obstacles to progress on completing the digital single market and achieving integrated and coordinated customs and border management.
Amendment 56 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) In order to optimise and unburden the control process of relevant commodities and products entering or leaving the Union market, it is necessary to set up electronic interfaces that allow the automatic data transfer between customs systems and the Information System of competent authorities. The EU Single Window environment for customs is the natural candidate to support such data transfers. The interfaces should be highly automated and easy-to-use, and additional burden for customs authorities and costs for economic operators should be limited. Moreover, in view of the limited differences between the data to be declared respectively in the customs declaration and the due diligence statement, it is appropriate to propose also a ‘business-to- government’ approach whereby traders and economic operators make available the due diligence statement of a relevant commodity or product via national single window environment for customs and this statement is transmitted automatically to the Information System used by competent authorities. Customs authorities and competent authorities should contribute to determine the data to be transmitted and any other technical requirement.
Amendment 60 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) The risk of non-compliant commodities and products being placed on the Union market varies depending on the commodity and product as well as on its country of origin and production. Operators sourcing commodities and products from countries or parts thereof that present a low risk of growing, harvesting or producing relevant commodities and products in violation of this Regulation should be subject to fewer obligations, thereby reducing compliance costs and administrative burden, while preventing barriers to the access of smallholders in third countries to the market and maintaining the competitiveness of the Single Market. Commodities and products from high-risk countries or parts thereof should be subject to enhanced scrutiny by the competent authorities.
Amendment 70 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Operators shall exercise due diligence prior to placing relevant commodities and products onfor the first time on the Union market or prior to their export from the Union market in order to ensure their compliance with Article 3(a) and (b). To that end, they shall use a framework of procedures and measures, hereinafter referred to as a ‘due diligence’, as set out in Article 8.
Amendment 72 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. BThe operator who places a product for the first time on the Union market, by making available the due diligence statement, the operator assumes responsibility for the compliance of the relevant commodity or product with the requirements of this Regulation. Operators shall keep record of the due diligence statements for 5 years from the date of making available via the information system referred to in Article 31.
Amendment 73 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The operator who places a product for the first time on the Union market shall share the due diligence statements with subsequent operators and traders in the supply chain.
Amendment 76 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
6. Operators that have received new information, including substantiated concerns verified by the operator as referred to in paragraph 5a, that the relevant commodity or product that they have already placed on the market is not in conformity with the requirements of this Regulation shall immediately inform the competent authorities of the Member States in which they placed the relevant commodity or product on the market. In the case of exports from the Union market, the operators shall inform the competent authority of Member State which is the country of production.
Amendment 83 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
In case a natural or legal person established outside the Union places on the Union market relevant commodities and products intended for commercial use, the first natural or legal person established in the Union who buys or takes possession of such relevant commodities and products shall be considered operator within the meaning of this Regulation. This first placer is responsible to ensure that it is deforestation-free, and that any operator downstream is able to check its origin via a robust chain of custody.
Amendment 96 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Operators which intend to place the relevant commodities and products for the first time on the Union market or export them from the Union market shall verify and analyse information collected in accordance with Article 9 and any other relevant documentation, and on this basis carry out a risk assessment to establish whether there is a risk that the relevant commodities and products intended to be placed on or exported from the Union market are non- compliant with the requirements of this Regulation. If the operators cannot demonstrate that the risk of non- compliance is negligible, they shall not place the relevant commodity or product on the Union market nor export it.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point j a (new)
(j a) certification or other third-party- verified schemes covering the commodities or products in the scope of the regulation;
Amendment 120 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Amendment 126 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a Guidelines 1. From the entry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall present sector specific guidelines on how due diligence systems as referred to in Article 11(1) can be established and make due diligence statements as referred to in Article 4(2) available in order to be compliant with all the requirements of this Regulation. 2. The Commission shall, for each sector covered by this Regulation, provide guidance on how operators and traders can fulfil the conditions referred to in Article 3 of this Regulation. 3. The guidelines shall be developed in cooperation with stakeholders from the Union and trading partners. 4. The guidelines shall be clear and understandable for all operators and traders and provide the suitable information on the use of the simplified due diligence as referred to in Article 12. 5. The Commission shall regularly, and at least every two years, review and if appropriate update those guidelines.
Amendment 135 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, the corrective action required to be taken by the operator or trader shall include at least one or more of, as the first step, be to immediately seek to rectify any formal non-compliance, in particular with the requirements of Chapter 2 of this Regulation, and as the following steps where non-compliance has not been rectified, the corrective action shall be in the following order:
Amendment 141 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) destroyonating the relevant commodity or product or donating it to charitable or public interest purposes.
Amendment 144 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) destroying the relevant commodity or product.
Amendment 156 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 10
Article 24 – paragraph 10
10. Customs authorities may destroy ashould donate the non-compliant relevant commodity or product to charitable or public interest purposed and only may destroy it, as a last resort measure, upon the request of the competent authorities or where they deem it necessary and proportionate. The cost of such measure shall be borne by the natural or legal person holding the relevant commodity or product. Articles 197 and 198 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 shall apply accordingly. Upon request of competent authorities, non-compliant relevant commodities and products may alternatively be confiscated and placed by customs at the disposal of the competent authorities.
Amendment 157 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall develop an electronic interface based on the EU Single Window Environment for Customs to enable the transmission of data, in particular the notifications and requests referred to in Article 24, paragraphs 5 to 8, between national customs systems and the information system referred to in Article 31, including automatic transmission of data when changes are made in either system. This electronic interface shall be in place at the latest fourtwo years from the date of adoption of the relevant implementing act referred to in paragraph 3.
Amendment 162 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) Traders and oOperators to make available the due diligence statement of a relevant commodity or product via national single window environment for customs referred to in Article 8 of Regulation [PO to check the reference number and article number after the proposal is adopted] and receive feedback thereon from competent authorities; and
Amendment 164 #
2021/0366(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) The transmission of information on any subsequent changes relating to operators, traders and their authorized representatives as well as to commodities or products originating from a specific geo-location to the information system referred to in Article 31 of this Regulation in order to ensure that all Member States have access to and get notifications about the latest updated information.
Amendment 116 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The general objectives of the GSP are to support eradication of poverty in all its forms, in line with Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 17.12 and, to promote the sustainable development agenda and to encourage exports diversification from GSP beneficiary countries, while averting harm to EU industry’s interests. The 2018 GSP Mid- term Evaluation and the 2021 supporting Study for the Impact Assessment underpinning this Regulation concluded that the GSP framework under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 has delivered on these main objectives, which were at the core of the 2012 overhaul of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/200815 . _________________ 15 Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 of 22 July 2008 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences from 1 January 2009 and amending Regulations (EC) No 552/97, (EC) No 1933/2006 and Commission Regulations (EC) No 1100/2006 and (EC) No 964/2007 (OJ L 211, 6.8.2008, p. 1).
Amendment 119 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Those objectives remain relevant in the current global context and they are consistent with the analysis and perspective of the recent Commission Communication Trade Policy Review “An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy”16 (‘TPR’). According to the TPR, the Union has a “strategic interest to support the enhanced integration into the world economy of vulnerable developing countries” and it “must fully use the strength provided by its openness and the attractiveness of its Single Market” to support multilateralism and to ensure adherence to universal values. For GSP specifically, the TPR notes its important role in “promoting respect for core human and labour rights” and sets the objective for the GSP “to further increase trading opportunities for developing countries to reduce poverty and create jobs based on international values and principles”. Together with openness to trade, the scheme should support GSP beneficiary countries to develop a strong industrial base and to create an infrastructure that facilitates access to knowledge and information to foster diversification of trade flows. Moreover, the scheme should assist beneficiaries in recovering from the COVID-19 impact and in re-building their economies in a sustainable manner, including with respect to international human rights, labour, environmental and good governance standards. By prioritising diversification of exports from GSP beneficiary countries, the scheme should focus preferences on less competitive products which should ultimately contribute to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Coherence should be ensured between the GSP and its objectives and the assistance provided to beneficiary countries, in line with Union’s Policy Coherence for Development (PCD), which constitutes a key pillar of Union’s efforts to enhance the positive impact and increase effectiveness of development cooperation17 . _________________ 16 COM(2021) 66 final, 18 February 2021 17 Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU concerning PCD reads: “The Union shall take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries”.
Amendment 124 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) In addition, the TPR notes that it is appropriate for the Union to require that imported products comply with certain production requirements established by Union regulation and standards. Therefore, the scheme should be revised to support this objective and encourage the progressive introduction of reciprocal environmental and health production standards, so-called mirror clauses, for European products and products imported from beneficiary countries under the standard GSP regime and GSP+, where necessary and feasible, to strengthen the protection of health or the environment on the largest possible scale, in compliance with WTO rules.
Amendment 125 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) The Commission should reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the GSP and GSP+ schemes on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones which facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards, which may be part of a future trade agreement that could offer further benefits to parties in commercial terms and not limited to market access for goods.
Amendment 126 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 c (new)
Recital 6 c (new)
(6 c) The Commission, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, should monitor the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under GSP in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products. This monitoring should aim to improve the targeting of sensitive products under the product graduation mechanism, provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences under GSP are withdrawn from competitive products in order to provide further opportunities in the Union market for the exports of countries most in need.
Amendment 127 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 d (new)
Recital 6 d (new)
(6 d) Preferential Trade Agreements by their nature, offer substantially more benefits to parties beyond market access for goods and thus, are significantly more advantageous in commercial terms than unilateral preferences which are limited to goods. Consequently, the scheme's tariff preferences should provide incentives for the swift graduation of beneficiary countries, in accordance with the conditions set in this Regulation, in order to focus on countries most in need and to encourage the conclusion of trade agreements with those most advanced and reaching upper middle-income status.
Amendment 135 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The Union has set ambitious goals to promote sustainable development in its human, social, economic and environmental dimensions, notably through the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Farm to Fork Strategy, or in the areas of sustainable corporate governance and de- forestation, which will trigger fundamental changes in trade patterns with relevant impacts on the GSP scheme during the next decade. The GSP could play an important role in promoting trade in sustainably-produced goods, as long as it is compatible with WTO rules, and targeted development and technical assistance should be designed and provided in order to ensure that beneficiary countries can also fully take part in sustainable trade.
Amendment 145 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) is based on the integral concept of sustainable development, as recognised by international conventions and instruments such as the 1986 UN Declaration on the Right to Development, the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the 1998 International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the 2000 UN Millennium Declaration, the 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work of 2019, the Outcome Document of the UN Summit on Sustainable Development of 2015 "Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Consequently, the additional tariff preferences provided for under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should be granted to those developing countries which, due to a lack of diversification, are economically vulnerable, have ratified core international conventions on human and labour rights, climate and environmental protection and good governance, and commit to ensuring the effective implementation thereof. The special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should help those countries to assume the additional responsibilities resulting from the ratification and effective implementation of these conventions. The list of conventions relevant for GSP should be updated to better reflect the evolution of core international instruments and standards and take a proactive approach to sustainable development in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 203018 . In this regard, the following conventions are added: the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015) – replacing the Kyoto Protocol; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OP-CRC-AC); ILO Convention No 81 on Labour Inspection; ILO Convention No 144 on Tripartite Consultation; and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime; the First Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention of 1930; the Occupational Safety and Health convention No 155 and the Promotional Framework for Occupational safety and health convention No 187. Moreover, the additional tariff preferences provided for under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should be granted to those developing countries which take a clear commitment and adopt a roadmap with concrete steps towards the ratification and effective implementation of the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. _________________ 18 United Nations (2015). Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, Transforming our World: the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (A/RES/70/1), available at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post 2015/transformingourworld
Amendment 161 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In July 2020, the Commission appointed the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer with the role of enforcing trade rules. In this connection, in November 2020, the Commission launched a new complaints mechanism, the Single Entry Point (‘SEP’), as part of its increased efforts to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of trade commitments. Through the SEP, the Commission receives complaints on various matters related to trade policy, including breaches of the GSP commitments. The SEP is accessible to citizens, entities, stakeholders or civil society. Such new system of complaints should be integrated within the framework of this Regulation.
Amendment 170 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23 a) Safeguards are essential mechanisms to reduce beneficiary countries’ dependency on a few products, to focus preferences on less competitive products and to stimulate economic growth and SMEs. The scheme should reinforce the Union’s financial and economic interests by providing effective and enforceable safeguards to sensitive products which should at the same time improve the implementation of social and environmental rights in beneficiary countries.
Amendment 172 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Product graduation should be based on criteria related to sections and chapters of the Common Customs Tariff. Product graduation should apply in respect of a section or sub-section in order to reduce cases where heterogeneous products are graduated. The graduation of a section or a sub-section (made up of chapters) for a beneficiary country should be applied when the section meets the criteria for graduation over three consecutive years, in order to increase predictability and fairness of graduation by eliminating the effect of large and exceptional variations in the import statistics. Product graduation should not apply to the beneficiary countries of the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) and the beneficiary countries of the special arrangement for the least-developed countries (EBA) as they share a very similar economic profile rendering them vulnerable because of a low, non-diversified export base.- To prevent the misuse of this clause and ensure a diversified economy, the Commission reserves the right to withdraw this exception from those GSP+ countries whose economy depends from a limited number of products, that in this case could be subject to product graduation according to the criteria set up under the standard GSP arrangement. The tariff preferences provided for in this Regulation apply to products originating in the beneficiary countries in accordance with the rules of origin laid down in the Union Customs Code and the legal acts adopted in accordance with the powers conferred by that Code, in particular Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/244619 . and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/244720 . Regional cumulation between countries of different regional groups and extended cumulation should be granted provided that the applicant beneficiary country brings sufficient evidence that cumulation responds to its development, financing and trade needs, thus leading, amongst others, to economic growth, elimination of poverty, diversification of exports and industrialisation, and provided that it does not impact negatively on the situation of other countries, especially EBA beneficiary countries. When assessing whether granting cumulation responds to the requesting country’s development, financing and trade needs, the Commission should take into account the beneficiary country’s dependency on the supplying country and future perspectives with regard to the products in question. _________________ 19 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards detailed rules concerning certain provisions of the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 1). 20 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558–893).
Amendment 212 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘complaint’ means a complaint submitted to the Commission through the Single Entry Point relating to conditions and reasons referred to in Articles 9 and 19.
Amendment 214 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a The Commission shall make information available on any changes made to the status of GSP beneficiaries by publishing a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, and by notifying relevant Member State authorities, whenever a GSP beneficiary is brought under investigation for violating its GSP commitments, and, ultimately, if the GSP country in question has its GSP benefits withdrawn as a last-resort measure.
Amendment 225 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a 1. The Commission shall monitor, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, the development and export potential of Standard GSP beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status and the economic impact of imports in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products. 2. By 1 January 2027, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the aspects referred to in paragraph 1 and provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences are withdrawn from competitive products.
Amendment 237 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, every three years, review the list referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article and adopt an implementing act in the year preceding the review year, in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), in order to suspend or to re-establish the tariff preferences referred to in Article 7. That implementing act shall apply as of 1 January of the year following its entry in force.
Amendment 239 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. The list referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be established on the basis of the data available on 1 September of the year in which the review is conducted and of the two years preceding the review year. It shall take into account imports from GSP beneficiary countries listed in Annex I as applicable at that time. However, the value of imports from GSP beneficiary countries, which upon the date of application of the suspension no longer benefit from the tariff preferences under Article 4(1), point (b), shall not be taken into account.
Amendment 241 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. The Commission shall reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the Standard GSP on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones that facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards.
Amendment 244 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) it has taken a clear commitment and has adopted a roadmap with concrete steps in time and in law towards the ratification and effective implementation of the convention as set in Annex VI, subheading 1a, and the Commission has identified, based on available information, in particular the most recent available conclusions of the monitoring body under this convention, a clear commitment and a concrete roadmap to effectively implement this convention;
Amendment 247 #
2021/0297(COD)
(d) it gives a binding undertaking to maintain ratification of the relevant conventions and to ensure the effective implementation thereof, accompanied by a plan of action for the effective implementation of the relevant conventions referred to in Annex VI; the beneficiary country and the Commission shall reach a common understanding on the plan of action, which shall be time-bound and thereafter be made public;
Amendment 251 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the Commission considers, based on examination of the request, including but not limited to the plan of action, that the requesting country fulfils the conditions laid down in Article 9.
Amendment 261 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall monitor, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under the GSP+ in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products.
Amendment 272 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under GSP+ in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products, and provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences are withdrawn from competitive products;
Amendment 279 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a The Commission shall reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the GSP+ on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones that facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards.
Amendment 280 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Amendment 282 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The burden of proof for compliance with its obligations resulting from binding undertakings as referred to in Article 9, points (ba), (d), (e) and (f), and its situation as referred to in Article 9, point (c), shall be on the GSP+ beneficiary country.
Amendment 296 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 9
Article 15 – paragraph 9
Amendment 320 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) serious and systematic unfair trading practices including those affecting the supply of raw materials, which have an adverse effect on the Union industry and which have not been addressed by the beneficiary country. For those unfair trading practices, which are prohibited or actionable under the WTO Agreements, the application of this Article shall be based on a previous determination to that effect by the competent WTO body; Commission following a Trade Barrier investigation under Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community's rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization. For the other unfair trading practices, including - but not limited to – breaches of intellectual property rights, trade distorting investment practices, trafficking and smuggling, breaches of competition rules and any other unfair trading practices that may hinder market access and the national treatment principle, the application of this Article shall be based on a previous determination to that effect under the conditions laid down in Paragraph3;
Amendment 334 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission, acting upon a complaint or on its own initiative, considers that there are sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article it shall adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2). The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the adoption of that implementing act. Sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article are prima facie deemed to exist in case a trade barrier investigation has already been concluded by the Commission in relation to the unfair trading practices at stake.
Amendment 341 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall provide the beneficiary country concerned with every opportunity to cooperate during the monitoring and evaluation period of six months from the date of publication of the noticmonitoring and evaluation period will be of six months from the date of publication of the notice. During this period, the Commission shall provide the beneficiary country concerned with every opportunity to start engaging and cooperate any time.
Amendment 346 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 7
Article 19 – paragraph 7
7. Within three months from the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 5, the Commission shall submit a report on its findings and conclusions to the beneficiary country concerned. The beneficiary country has the right to submit its comments on the report. The period for comments shall not exceed one month. This paragraph does not apply in case a trade barrier investigation has already been concluded in relation to the unfair trading practices at stake.
Amendment 348 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Within sixtwo months from the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b)5, the Commission shall decide:
Amendment 360 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 16
Article 19 – paragraph 16
16. Where the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence to justify temporary withdrawal for the reason set out in paragraph 1, point (a) and the exceptional gravity of the violations calls for a rapid response in view of the specific circumstances in the beneficiary country, it shall initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (15). However, the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b)5 is reduced to 2 months and the deadline referred to in paragraph 8 is reduced to 5 months. Where the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence to justify temporary withdrawal for the reason set out in paragraph 1 point (d) and where the Commission already concluded in a trade barrier investigation that unfair trading practices have taken place, it shall initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with paragraphs 3 to 15. However, the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b) and paragraph 5 is reduced to 21 months and the deadline referred to in paragraph 8 is reduced to 52 months.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. “directly competing products” means a product which, after or prior to an industrial transformation, can be compared to another product.
Amendment 375 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. An investigation, including the procedural steps referred to in Articles 25, 26 and 27, shall be concluded within 129 months from its initiation.
Amendment 382 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter VI – Section II – title
Chapter VI – Section II – title
II Safeguards in the Textile, Footwear, Leather, Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors
Amendment 385 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to Section I of this Chapter, on 1 January of each year, the Commission, on its own initiative and in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), shall adopt an implementing act in order to remove the tariff preferences referred to in Articles 7 and 12 with respect to the products from GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-11b2a or to products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006, 1701, 2207 10 00, 2207 20 00, 2909 19 10, 3814 00 90, 3820 00 00, 38249956, 38249957, 38249992, 38248400, 38248500, 38248600, 38248700, 38248800, 38249993, and 38249996 and 4302- 1980 where imports of such products, originate in a beneficiary country and their total value:
Amendment 392 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 2207 10 00, 2207 20 00, 2909 19 10, 3814 00 90, 3820 00 00, and 38249956, 38249957, 38249992, 38248400, 38248500, 38248600, 38248700, 38248800, 38249993, and 38249996 their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 1 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of the same products from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, columns A and B C, during a calendar year
Amendment 396 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006 and 1701 their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 2 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of the same products from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, column C, during a calendar year;
Amendment 400 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) for products under GSP sections S- 11a and S-11b8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-12a their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 3 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of products in GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-11b2a from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, columns A and B C, during a calendar year.
Amendment 408 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to EBA beneficiary countries, nor shall it apply to countries with a share for the relevant products referred to in paragraph 1 not exceeding 6 % of total Union imports of the same products.
Amendment 416 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 2027 and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the effects of the scheme covering the most recent three- wo-year period and all of the preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2).
Amendment 419 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – subheading 1
Annex IV – subheading 1
Modalities for the application of Article 8 and Article 29
Amendment 425 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1
Annex IV – point 1
1. Article 8 and Article 29 shall apply when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of thatose Articles exceeds 470 %.
Amendment 432 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2
Annex IV – point 2
2. Article 8 shall apply for each of the GSP sections S-2a, S-3 and S-5 of Annex III, when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article exceeds 17,5 0 %. Article 29 shall apply and for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006 and 1701 when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article exceeds 10%.
Amendment 435 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 3
Annex IV – point 3
3. Article 8 and Article 29 shall apply for each of the GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S- 11a, S-11b and S-11b2a of Annex III, when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of thatose Articles exceeds 370 %.
Amendment 439 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – subheading 1 a (new)
Annex VI – subheading 1 a (new)
Convention referred to in Articles 9, point (ba) 1. Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (1989)
Amendment 39 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Digital skills, basic and advanced, are essential to reinforce the collective resilience of the Union’s society. Digitally empowered and capable citizens will be able to take advantage of the opportunities of the Digital Decade. Moreover, digital training and education should support a workforce in which, through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning, should provide workers with the necessary skills with regard to literacy, numeracy and STEM subjects as well as digital skills with a particular focus on the inclusion of young people can acquire specialised digital skilld disadvantaged groups, especially women, persons with disabilities, older persons and those who live in depopulated, rural and remote areas to get quality jobs and rewarding careers in much greater numbers than today, with convergence between women and men. In addition, an essential enabler for taking advantage of the benefits of digitisation, for further technological developments and for Europe’s digital leadership is a sustainable digital infrastructure for connectivity, microelectronics and the ability to process vast data. Excellent and secure connectivity for everybody and everywhere in Europe including in rural and remote areas40 is needed. Societal needs for upload and download bandwidth are constantly growing. By 2030, networks with gigabit speeds should become available at accessible conditions for all those who need or wish such capacity. Moreover, microprocessors which are already today at the start of most of the key, strategic value chains are expected to be in even higher demand in the future, in particular the most innovative ones. Climate neutral highly secure edge node guaranteeing access to data services with low latency wherever businesses are located and quantum capacity are also expected to be critical enablers. _________________ 40 Long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas. COM(2021) 345 final.
Amendment 51 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The right to mental health is a fundamental human right that links to other fundamental rights such as the right to human dignity(Article 1 of the Charter Fundamental Rights of the EU) and the right to the integrity of the person, including mental integrity (Article 3 of the abovementioned Charter). Regrettably, mental health has not been awarded the priority physical health has. New working methods, working environments, connection patterns and issues with the delineation of private and work spaces have increased the pressure on Union citizens to remain permanently connected to virtual environments, a practice that has been shown to be detrimental to mental health in the absence of preventative and precautionary measures because it prompts longer working hours, work-life imbalance and, with it, experiences of isolation. The “Path to the Digital Decade” should include robust mental health prevention, management, recovery and after-care components in order to face what we should consider a health emergency.
Amendment 94 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29 a) Early digital education, updated digital education curricula and lifelong learning are paramount for the development of the qualifications necessary in the digital age to tackle digital exclusion and overcome the digital divide in society, starting with children, younger, older people, persons with disabilities, as well as people in rural, depopulated and remote areas in the Union;
Amendment 99 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 b (new)
Recital 29 b (new)
(29 b) The digital era and the wide- ranging impact of the digitalisation process on society, the economy and employment in the Union presents both opportunities and challenges as well as the need for a broad and democratic digital policy dialogue with Union citizens, social partners and other relevant stakeholders in order to develop principles, frameworks and instruments that address the impacts of digitalisation on workers and society.
Amendment 101 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 c (new)
Recital 29 c (new)
(29 c) Vocational education and training (VET) should be given more weight. There is a need for some Member States to address the lack of attractiveness and prestige deficit of VET and dual education systems for it is recognised as promoting excellence in line with the Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience1a. Member States should develop quality dual education systems and vocational systems based on flexible curricula, strong career guidance and connections to the labour market needs; There should also be a willingness to increase adult learning participation and apprenticeships in order to promote lifelong learning, which in turn ensure equal opportunities in the labour market. This education should involve teachers, learners, parents and civil society organisations in the future for a successful digital education, with a view to ensuring inclusive and accessible education and closing the gap between the most disadvantaged and those with sufficient resources. _________________ 1a OJ C 417, 2.12.2020, p. 1.
Amendment 103 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 29 d (new)
Recital 29 d (new)
(29 d) The Union must become a global leader in promoting the socially responsible, ethical, transparent and accountable use of artificial intelligence. The Union’s employment and social acquis fully apply to artificial intelligence and it is of utmost importance that proper enforcement of employment law relating to digital services be ensured in order to protect the health and safety of workers and to prevent, inter alia, the exploitation of workers and the abuse of undeclared work to protect the health and safety of workers and to ensure decent working conditions, including the respect of working hours, leave, work-life balance and the right to disconnect;
Amendment 123 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promote a human-centered, inclusive, accessible, secure and open digital environment where digital technologies and services respect and enhance Union principles and values; and allow citizens to acquire and maintain skills through education and training in line with the first principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights in order to empower them and allow them to prosper, specially including persons with disabilities in the work market by removing barriers to the opportunities that digital work offers for their inclusion and creating initiatives for their employment;
Amendment 139 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) reinforce Member States’ collective resilience and bridge the digital divide notably by promoting basic and specialised digital skills for all, with a particular focus on younger and older people, disadvantaged groups, persons with disabilities and persons who live in rural, remote and depopulated areas, and fostering the development of high- performing digital education and training systems through vocational and professional training, reskilling, upskilling and lifelong learning;
Amendment 157 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) propose concrete mental health measures to safeguard the human sustainability of the digital transition such as the set up of in-house mental health support services to facilitate early recognition and access to treatment.
Amendment 171 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) ensure that digital infrastructures and technologies become more sustainable and energy- and resource efficient, and contribute to a sustainable, just and fair circular and climate-neutral economy and society with energy-efficient housing, affordable energy, and free of energy poverty, in line with the European Green Deal; and the New European Bauhaus.
Amendment 273 #
2021/0293(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(e a) promoting digital skills for citizens and workers through high-quality training and reskilling and upskilling to align them with the labour market demands, including those close to the age of retirement and other disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities and the youth;
Amendment 94 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Porto Declaration of 8 May 2021 reaffirmed the European Council’s pledge to work towards a social Europe ensuring a fair transition, and its determination to continue deepening the concrete implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights at EU and national level, with due regard for respective competences and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Amendment 132 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The increase in the price for fossil fuels may disproportionally affect vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users who spend a larger part of their incomes on energy and transport, who, in certain regions, including in rural, insular, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or for less developed regions or territories, including the outermost regions and less developed peri-urban areas, do not have access to alternative, affordable mobility and transport solutions and who may lack the financial capacity to invest into the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.
Amendment 163 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Mobility poverty has no clear Union-level or national definitions are available. However, the problem is becoming more pressing to address as a result of the increasing phase-out requirements for combustion engine vehicles, high fuel prices, or high dependencies on transport availability, accessibility and costs to go to work or for daily mobility needs due to living in rural, insular, outermost regions, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri-urban areas.
Amendment 179 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) A Social Climate (‘the Fund’) should therefore be established to provide funds to the Member States to support their policies to address the social impacts of the emissions trading for buildings and road transport on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users. This should be achieved notably through temporary income support and measures and investments intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through increased energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improved access to zero- and low- emission mobility and transport to the benefit of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users.
Amendment 198 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) For that purpose, each Member State should submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’rogramme (‘the Programme). Those Planrogrammes should pursue two objectives. Firstly, they should provide vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users the necessary resources to finance and carry out investments in energy efficiency, decarbonisation of heating and cooling, in zero- and low-emission vehicles and mobility. Secondly, they should mitigate the impact of the increase in the cost of fossil fuels on the most vulnerable and thereby prevent energy and transport poverty during the transition period until such investments have been implemented. The Plansrogramme should have an investment component promoting the long- term solution of reduce fossil fuels reliance and could envisage other measures, including temporary direct income support to mitigate adverse income effects in the shorter term.
Amendment 210 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) For that purpose, each Member State should prepare together with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as the social partners, regional and local authorities and submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’). Those Plans should contribute to the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring that no one is left behind as well as pursue two objectives. Firstly, they should provide vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users the necessary resources to finance and carry out investments in energy efficiency, decarbonisation of heating and cooling, in zero- and low-emission vehicles and mobility. Secondly, they should mitigate the impact of the increase in the cost of fossil fuels on the most vulnerable and thereby prevent energy and transport poverty during the transition period until such investments have been implemented. The Plans should have an investment component promoting the long-term solution of reduce fossil fuels reliance and could envisage other measures, including temporary direct income support to mitigate adverse income effects in the shorter term.
Amendment 218 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
Amendment 230 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Member States, in consultation with the stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (CPR) such as social partners, local and regional level authorities, are best placed to design and to implement Plans that are adapted and targeted to their local, regional and national circumstances as their existing policies in the relevant areas and planned use of other relevant EU funds. In that manner, the broad diversity of situations, the specific knowledge of local and regional governments, research and innovation and industrial relations and social dialogue structures, as well as national traditions, can best be respected and contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall support to the vulnerable.
Amendment 258 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Pending the impact of those investments on reducing costs and emissions, well targeted direct income support for the most vulnerable would help the just transition. Such support should be understood to be a temporaryas a measure accompanying the decarbonisation of the housing and transport sectors. It would not be permanent as it does not address the root causes of energy and transport poverty. Such support should only concern direct impacts of the inclusion of building and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, notas well as the electricity or heating costs related to the inclusion of power and heat production in the scope of that Directive. Eligibility for such direct income support should be limited in time.
Amendment 278 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Taking into account the importance of tackling climate change in line with Paris Agreement commitments, the commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights and the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the actions under this Regulation should contribute to the achievement of the target that 30% of all expenditure under the 2021- 2027 multiannual financial framework should be spent on mainstreaming climate objectives and should contribute to the ambition of providing 10% of annual spending to biodiversity objectives in 2026 and 2027, while considering the existing overlaps between climate and biodiversity goals. For this purpose, the methodology set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council33 should be used to tag the expenditures of the Fund. The Fund should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 . Only such measures and investments should be included in the Plans. Direct income support measures should as a rule be considered as having an insignificant foreseeable impact on environmental objectives, and as such be considered compliant with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’. The Commission intends to issue technical guidance to the Member States well ahead of the preparation of the Plans. The guidance will explain how the measures and investments must comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852. The Commission intends to present in 2021 a proposal for a Council Recommendation on how to address the social aspects of the green transition. _________________ 33 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 34 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
Amendment 293 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Member States should submit their Plans together with the update of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 ofrogrammes in accordance to Regulation (EU) 2018/199921/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council35 . The Plans should include the measures to be financed, their estimated costs and the national contribution. They should also include key milestones and targets to assess the effective implementation of the measures of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy together with the update of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council35. _________________ 35 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 299 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Member States should submit their Plans together with the update of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council35 , after the consultation with stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional level authorities. The Plans should include the measures to be financed, their estimated costs and the national contribution. They should also include key milestones and targets to assess the effective implementation of the measures. _________________ 35 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 308 #
2021/0206(COD)
(21) The Fund and the Planrogrammes should be coherent with and framed by the reforms planned and the commitments made by the Member States under their updated integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, under Directive [yyyy/nnn] of the European Parliament and the Council [Proposal for recast of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency]36 , the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan37 , the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council38 , the Just Transition Plans pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council39 the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the Member States long-term buildings renovation strategies pursuant to Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council40 . To ensure administrative efficiency, where applicable, the information included in the Plans should be consistent with the legislation and plans listed above. _________________ 36 [Add ref] 37 Endorsed by the European Council on 24 and 25 June 2021. 38 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21). 39 Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1). 40 Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings (OJ L 153, 18.6.2010, p. 13).
Amendment 312 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Union should support Member States with financial means to implement their Plans through the Social Climate Fund. Payments from the Social Climate Fund should be made conditional on achievement of the milestones and targets included in the Plans. This would allow efficiently taking into account national circumstances and priorities while simplifying financingrogrammes, simplify financing and administrative burden, and facilitatinge its integration with other national spending programmes while guaranteeing the impact and the integrity of EU spending.
Amendment 322 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) In order to reduce administrative burden, the Member States at the appropriate territorial level, and the Commission shall implement the budget of the Fund under shared management. In doing so, the Commission and Member States shall respect the principles of sound financial management, transparency and non-discrimination and shall ensure the visibility of the Union action. The Union and Member States should refrain from imposing unnecessary rules resulting in excessive administrative burden for beneficiaries.
Amendment 335 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The financial envelope of the Fund should, in principle, be commensurate to amounts corresponding to 25% of the expected revenues from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC in the period 2026-2032. Pursuant to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/205341 , Member States should make those revenues available to the Union budget as own resources. Member States are to finance 50% of the total costs of their Plan themselves. For this purpose, as well as for investment and measures to accelerate and alleviate the required transition for citizens negatively affected, Member States should inter alia use their expected revenues from emissions trading for buildings and road transport under Directive 2003/87/EC for that purpose. Moreover, the financial envelope should be reinforced by using additional revenues from a higher carbon price generated by the extension of the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport. In the event of a higher carbon price, additional revenues should automatically finance the Fund. _________________ 41 Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom (OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 342 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) To ensure that financial support provided by the Fund can reach vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, vulnerable transport users in the initial years of the entry into force of the Fund, Member States, upon a request submitted together with the Social Climate Plan, can receive an amount of up to 13% of their financial allocation in the form of pre-financing within two months after the adoption by the Commission of the legal commitments;
Amendment 363 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) In order to facilitate the preparation of the Social Climate Plan and to ensure transparent rules for monitoring and evaluation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of setting out the template based on which Member States shall prepare their Social Climate Plans and the common indicators for reporting on the progress and for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Plans. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 368 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The implementation of the Fund should be carried out in line with the principle of sound financial management, including the protection of the Union budget in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law, the effective prevention and prosecution of fraud, tax fraud, tax evasion, corruption and conflicts of interest.
Amendment 395 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
The measures and investments supported by the Fund shall benefit households, micro-enterprises and transport users, which are vulnerable and particularly affected by the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty and citizens without public transport alternative to individual cars (in remote and rural areas)in mobility poverty.
Amendment 413 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
The general objective of the Fund is to contribute to thea socially fair transition towards climate neutrality notably by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC. The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users through temporary direct income support and through measures and investments intended to increase energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improved access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport with the objective to gradually phase out fossil fuels dependence.
Amendment 419 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
The general objective of the Fund is to contribute to the transition towards climate neutrality by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC. The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users through temporary direct income support and through measures and investments intended to increase energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improved access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport.
Amendment 444 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘energy poverty’ means energy povertya household’s lack of access to essential energy services that underpin a decent standard of living and health, including adequate warmth, cooling, lighting, and energy to power appliances, in the relevant national context, existing social policy and other relevant policies as defined in point [(49)] of Article 2 of Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council50 ; _________________ 50 [Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ C […], […], p. […]).] [Proposal for recast of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency]
Amendment 447 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
(2a) ‘mobility poverty’ means households that have a disproportionate share of mobility expenditure to their disposable income or a limited availability of affordable public or alternative modes of transport required to meet essential socio-economic needs, with a particular focus on households in rural, insular, outermost regions, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or less developed regions or territories, including less developed (peri-)urban areas, caused by one or a combination of factors: high fuel prices, the phase-out of internal combustion engine cars, high costs for the replacement of internal combustion engine cars with zero-emission cars, high- costs or lack of availability of adequate, affordable public or alternative modes of transport;
Amendment 451 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Amendment 452 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Amendment 468 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
(11) ‘vulnerable households’ means households in energy poverty or households, including lower middle- income onehouseholds, that are significantly affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, especially the price impacts of the incluextension of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy;
Amendment 479 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘vulnerable micro-enterprises’ means micro-enterprises that are significantly affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, especially the price impacts of the incluextension of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy or to purchase zero- and low-emission vehicles;
Amendment 500 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘vulnerable transport users’ means transport users, including from lower middle-income households, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of the inclusion of road transport intotransition towards climate neutrality and at risk of mobility poverty, especially because of the price impacts of the extension of the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to road transport and lack the means to purchase zero- and low- emission vehicles or to switch to alternative sustainable modes of transport, including public transport, particularly in rural and remote areas and outermost regions.
Amendment 507 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter II – title
Chapter II – title
II SOCIAL CLIMATE PLANOPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES
Amendment 516 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall prepare, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities and submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’) together with the update to the integrated national energy and climate plan referred to in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in accordance with the procedure and timeline laid down in that Article. The Plan shall contain a coherent set of measures and investments to address the impact of the transition towards climate neutrality, especially energy and mobility poverty including the impact of carbon pricing on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users in order to ensure affordable heating, cooling and mobility while accompanying and accelerating necessary measures to meet the climate targets of the Union.
Amendment 533 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Plan may include nationalrogramme shall include measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and households that are vulnerable transport users to reduce the impact of the increase in the price of fossil fuels resulting from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC.
Amendment 535 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Plan may include national measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and households that are vulnerable transport users to reduce the impact of the increase in the price of fossil fuels and especially resulting from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC.
Amendment 537 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Member States that have ongoing national or regional programmes in the are as of energy renovation of buildings and zero and low emissions mobility and transport may allocate up to 100% of the fund's allocation to direct income support.
Amendment 539 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Plan shallrogramme may include national projects to:
Amendment 581 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) detailed quantitative and qualitative information on energy and mobility poverty concerning the following: a mapping of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users identified at the start of the Plan, on the basis of the definition in Article 2;
Amendment 599 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an estimate of the likely effects of that increase in prices on households, and in particular on incidence of energy poverty and mobility poverty, on micro- enterprises and on transport users, comprising in particular an estimate and the identification of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users; these impacts are to be analysed with a sufficient level of regional disaggregation, taking into account elements such as access to public transport and basic services and identifying the areas mostly affected, particularly territories which are remote such as outermost regions and rural;
Amendment 602 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) indicative national targets and objectives to reduce the number of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users over the duration of the Plan, including an indicative timetable with intermediary targets and objectives;
Amendment 609 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where the Plan provides for measures referred to in Article 3(2), the criteria for the identification of eligible final recipients, the indication of the envisaged time limit for the measures in question and their justification on the basis of a quantitative estimate and a qualitative explanation of how the measures in the Plan are expected to reduce energy and transportmobility poverty and the vulnerability of households, micro-enterprises and transport users to an increase of road transport and heating fuel prices;
Amendment 612 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where the Plan provides for measures referred to in Article 3(2), the criteria for the identification of eligible final recipients to the extent possible, the indication of the envisaged time limit for the measures in question and their justification on the basis of a quantitative estimate and a qualitative explanation of how the measures in the Plan are expected to reduce energy and transport poverty and the vulnerability of households, micro- enterprises and transport users to an increase of road transport and heating fuel prices;
Amendment 614 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point e
Amendment 630 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) the arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Planrogramme by the Member State concerned, in particular of the proposed milestones and targets, including indicators for the implementation of measures and investments, which, where relevant, shall be those available with the Statistical office of the European Union European Statistical Office and the European Energy Poverty Observatory as identified by Commission Recommendation 2020/156354 on energy poverty; _________________ 54 OJ L 357, 27.10.2020, p. 35.
Amendment 632 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) the arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Plan by the Member State concerned, to be undertaken in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU)2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities, in particular of the proposed milestones and targets, including indicators for the implementation of measures and investments, which, where relevant, shall be those available with the Statistical office of the European Union European Statistical Office and the European Energy Poverty Observatory as identified by Commission Recommendation 2020/156354 on energy poverty; _________________ 54 OJ L 357, 27.10.2020, p. 35.
Amendment 645 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, within three months after the entry into force of this Regulation, a delegated act in accordance with Article 25 to supplement this Regulation in order to set out a template based on which Member States shall prepare their Social Climate Plan.
Amendment 668 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) greenhouse gas emissions reductions and gradually ending the fossil fuel dependence;
Amendment 675 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) reductions in the number of vulnerable households, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, of vulnerable micro-enterprises and of vulnerable transport users, including in rural and remote areas and outermost regions.
Amendment 710 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may include the costs of measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and vulnerable households that are transport users to absorb the increase in road transport and heating fuel prices. Such support shall decrease over time and be limited to the direct impact of the emission trading for buildings and road transport. Eligibility for such direct income support shall cease within the time limits identified under Article 4(1) point (d).
Amendment 726 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) support building renovations, especially for those occupying worst- performing buildings, with a special attention to tenants, including in the form of financial support or fiscal incentives such as deductibility of renovation costs from the rent, independently of the ownership of the buildings concerned and support for renovation of social housing;
Amendment 782 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) support public and private entities in developing and providing affordable zero- and low-emission mobility and transport services and the uptake of attractive active mobility options for rural, insular, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas, including the outermost regions or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri- urban areas.
Amendment 819 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States may include into the estimated total costs financial support provided to public or private entities, strictly excluding financial intermediaries, other than vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport uses, if those entities carry out measures and investments ultimately benefitting vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users. Such entities shall comply with the requirements on visibility set out in Article 22a.
Amendment 851 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Each year, the programmed baseline allocation in the EU budget should be reinforced in case there is any increase of the carbon price, as this raise would create additional burden on the vulnerable households and microenterprises as well as vulnerable transport users. Such annual reinforcements should correspond to the carbon price increase and be accommodated within the MFF by means of an automatic ‘upward adjustment’ of the ceiling of Heading 3 and the payment ceiling, the mechanism for which is to be provided for in the MFF regulation according to Article 312 TFEU.
Amendment 869 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may entrust the managing authorities of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 and of the cohesion policy operational programmesmanaging authorities of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) established under Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 with the implementation of measures and investments benefitting from this Fund, where applicable in view of the synergies with those Union funds and in conformity with the objectives of the Fund. Member States shall state their intention to entrust those authorities in their Planrogrammes.
Amendment 870 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Amendment 875 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a Technical Assistance to Member States 1. At the initiative of the Member State, the Fund may support actions necessary for the effective administration and use of the Fund, as well as to provide financing to carry out, among others, functions such as preparation, training, management, monitoring, evaluation, visibility and communication. 2. The Member State may propose to undertake additional technical assistance actions to reinforce the capacity and efficiency of public authorities and bodies, beneficiaries and relevant partners necessary for the effective administration and use of the Fund. 3. The amount of technical assistance will be limited to 6% of the total amount of the Fund. 4. Support for technical assistance may take any of the forms envisaged in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.
Amendment 879 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
The FundMember States and the Commission shall be implemented by the Commission in direct management in accordance with the relevant rules adopted pursuant to Article 322 TFEU, in particular Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council59 . _________________ 59 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the Union budget (OJ L 433I, 22.12.2020, p. 1) the budget of the Union allocated to the Funds under shared management in accordance with Article 63 of the Financial Regulation. Member States shall prepare and implement programmes at the appropriate territorial level in accordance with their institutional, legal and financial framework.
Amendment 886 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. Support under the Fund shall be additional to the support provided under other Union and national funds, programmes and instruments. Measures and investments supported under the Fund may receive support from other Union funds, programmes and instruments provided that such support does not cover the same cost.
Amendment 898 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Amendment 930 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) whether the Plan represents a response to the social impact on and challenges faced by vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users in the Member State concerned from establishthe transition towards climate neutrality, especially from extending the emission trading system forto buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, duly taking into account the challenges identified in the assessments of the Commission of the update of the concerned Member State’s integrated national energy and climate plan and of its progress pursuant to Article 9(3), and Articles 13 and 29 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, as well as in the Commission recommendations to Member States issued pursuant to Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in view of the long-term objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 2050. This shall take into account the specific challenges and the financial allocation of the Member State concerned;
Amendment 952 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) whether the Plan is expected to have a lasting impact on the on the EU’s 2030 target, on climate neutrality and on the challenges addressed by that Plan and in particular on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, in the Member State concerned;
Amendment 957 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) whether the arrangements proposed by the Member State concerned are expected to ensure the effective monitoring and implementation of the Plan, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets,measures and the related indicators;
Amendment 978 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. On the basis of the assessment in accordance with Article 15, the Commission shall decide on the Plan of a Member State, by means of an implementing act, within sixthree months from the date of the submission of that Plan pursuant to Article 3(1) of this Regulation.
Amendment 992 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Where a Social Climate Plan, including relevant milestones and targets, is no longer achievable, either in whole or in part, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, in particular because of the actual direct effects of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC, the Member State concerned may, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities, submit to the Commission an amendment of its Plan to include the necessary and duly justified changes. Member States may request technical support for the preparation of such request.
Amendment 1028 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. In implementing the Fund, the Member States, as beneficiaries of funds under the Fund, shall take all the appropriate measures to protect the financial interests of the Union and to ensure that the use of funds in relation to measures and investments supported by the Fund complies with the applicable Union and national law, in particular regarding the protection of the Union budget in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law, the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption and conflicts of interests. To this effect, the Member States shall provide an effective and efficient internal control system as further detailed in Annex III and the recovery of amounts wrongly paid or incorrectly used. Member States may rely on their regular national budget management systems.
Amendment 1030 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In implementing the Fund, the Commission shall take all the appropriate measures in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 to ensure the protection of funds in relation to measures and investments supported by the Fund in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the Member States. The Commission shall provide, to that effect, an effective and efficient internal control system and the recovery of amounts wrongly paid or incorrectly used.
Amendment 1058 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) detailed quantitative information on the number of households in energand micro- enterprises in energy poverty and mobility poverty;
Amendment 1063 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) when applicable, detailed information on progress towards the national indicative targets and objectives to reduce the number of households in energand micro-enterprises in energy poverty and mobility poverty;
Amendment 1088 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 July 20287, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with an evaluation report on the implementation and functioning of the Fund.
Amendment 1103 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 4(2a) and 23(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time.
Amendment 123 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) A number of Member States have applied Directive 2008/48/EC to areas not covered by its scope to enhance the level of consumer protection. In fact, several of the credit agreements not falling within the scope of that Directive can be detrimental for consumers, including short-term high cost loans whose amount is typically lower than the minimum threshold of EUR 200 set out in Directive 2008/48/EC. In this context, and with the aim to ensure a high level of consumer protection and to facilitate the cross-border consumer credit market, the scope of this Directive should cover some agreements that were excluded from the scope of Directive 2008/48/EC, such as consumer credit agreements below the amount of EUR 200. Likewise, other potentially detrimental products, because of the high costs they entail or high fees in case of missed payments, should be covered by this Directive, albeit subject to a strict application of the principle of proportionality in order to avoid an undue administrative burden, to ensure increased transparency and better consumer protection, resulting in higher consumer confidence. To this extent, leasing agreements, credit agreements in the form of an overdraft facility and where the credit has to be repaid within one month, and credit agreements where the credit is granted free of interest and without any other charges, including Buy Now Pay Later schemes, i.e. new digital financial tools that let consumers make purchases and pay them off over time, and credit agreements under the terms of which the credit has to be repaid within three months and only insignificant charges are payable should not be excluded from the scope of application of this Directive. Moreover, all credit agreement up until EUR 100 000 should be included in the scope of application of this Directive. The upper threshold of credit agreements under this Directive should be increased to take into account indexation to adjust for the effects of inflation since 2008 and in coming years.
Amendment 140 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Specific provisions should be laid down on advertising of credit agreements or crowdfunding credit services and certain items of standard information to be provided to consumers in order to enable them, in particular, to compare different offers. Such information should be given in a clear, concise and prominent way by means of a representative example. The standard information should be shown upfront and saliently, in a clear way and in an engaging format. It should be clearly legible and adapted to take into account the technical constraints of certain media such as mobile telephone screens and/or digital channels. Temporary promotional conditions, such as a teaser rate with lower interest rate for the initial months of the credit agreement or crowdfunding credit services, should be clearly identified as such. Consumers should see all essential information at a glance, with further information made available on the consumer by clicking or swiping even when they watch it on the screen of a mobile telephone. The creditor and, where applicable, credit intermediary and provider of crowdfunding credit services’ telephone number and email address should also be communicated to the consumer to enable him or her to contact the creditor, the credit intermediary or provider of crowdfunding credit services quickly and efficiently. A ceiling should be provided where it is not possible to indicate the total amount of credit as the total sums made available, in particular where a credit agreement gives the consumer freedom of drawdown with a limitation with regard to the amount. The ceiling should indicate the upper limit of credit which can be made available to the consumer. In specific and justified cases, in order to improve consumer understanding of information disclosed in advertising of credit agreements or crowdfunding credit services where the medium used does not allow to visually display it, such as in radio advertising or digital channels, the amount of information disclosed could be reduced. General and generic information should be provided through an appropriate medium which may include digital channels such as the undertaking's websites, etc. In addition, Member States should remain free to regulate information requirements in their national law regarding advertising of credit agreements or crowdfunding credit services which does not contain information on the cost of the credit.
Amendment 149 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In order to be able to make their decisions in full knowledge of the facts, consumers should receive adequate information, for careful consideration at their own leisure and convenience, at least one dayin good time prior to the conclusion of the credit agreement or of the agreement for the provision of crowdfunding credit services, including information on the conditions and cost of the credit and on their obligations, as well as adequate explanations thereof. These rules should be without prejudice to Council Directive 93/13/EEC29 . _________________ 29 Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts (OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29).
Amendment 175 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) It is essential that the consumer’s ability and propensity to repay the credit is assessed and verified before a credit agreement or an agreement for the provision of crowdfunding credit services is concluded. That assessment of creditworthiness should be done in the interest of the consumer and in keeping with the principle of proportionality, to prevent irresponsible lending practices and over- indebtedness, and should take into consideration all necessary and relevant factors that could influence a consumer’s ability to repay the credit. Member States should be able to issue additional guidance on additional criteria and methods to assess a consumer’s creditworthiness, for example by setting limits on loan-to-value or loan- to-income ratios.
Amendment 274 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘credit agreement’ means an agreement whereby a creditor grants or promises to grant to a consumer credit in the form of a deferred payment, loan or other similar financial accommodation, except for: I) agreements for the provision on a continuing basis of services or for the supply of goods of the same kind, where under which the consumer pays for for such services or goods for the duration of their provision by means of instalments; , (II) rental or leasing contracts in which the obligation to purchase the object to which the contract relates is not established either by the contract itself or by any other contract;such an obligation shall be deemed to exist if the creditor so decides unilaterally; (III) deferred payment of an invoice where the trader grants the consumer time to pay the invoice, free of interest and free of any other charge, including penalties, as agreed between the parties, as set out in the supplier’s invoice or as established by law, and where this payment is to be made within 30 days of the issuing of the invoice;
Amendment 284 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘total cost of the credit to the consumer’ means all the costs, including interest, commissions, taxes and any other kind of fees which the consumer is required to pay in connection with the credit agreement or crowdfunding credit services and which are known to the creditor, in the case of credit agreements, or to the crowdfunding credit services provider, in the case of crowdfunding credit services, except for notarial costs; costs in respect of ancillary services relating to the credit agreement or crowdfunding credit services are also included in the total cost of the credit to the consumer where, in addition, the conclusion of a contract regarding such ancillary services is compulsory in order to obtain the credit or to obtain it on the terms and conditions marketed as well as costs incurred for services and functions fundamentally similar to those performed by a notary;
Amendment 341 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Where the means used to communicate the standard information does not allow the information to be displayed visually in a simple manner, the consumer shall be able to access additional information through a hyperlink.
Amendment 358 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall require that the creditor and, where applicable, the credit intermediary or the provider of crowdfunding credit services provide the consumer with the pre-contractual information needed to compare different offers in order to take an informed decision on whether to conclude a credit agreement or crowdfunding credit services on the basis of the credit terms and conditions offered by the creditor or by the provider of crowdfunding credit services and, where applicable, the preferences expressed and information supplied by the consumer. Such pre-contractual information shall be provided to the consumer at least one dayin good time before he or she is bound by any credit agreement or offer, or by any agreement or offer for the provision of crowdfunding credit services.
Amendment 494 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that creditors and, where applicable, credit intermediaries and providers of crowdfunding credit services are required to provide adequate explanations to the consumer on the proposed credit agreements or crowdfunding credit services and any ancillary services that make it possible for the consumer to assess whether the proposed credit agreements or crowdfunding credit services and ancillary services are adapted to his or her needs and financial situation. The explanations shall include the following elements:
Amendment 516 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. By way of derogation from paragraph 1 and without prejudice to the application of competition law, Member States may allow tying practices where the creditor or the provider of crowdfunding credit services can demonstrate to the competent authority that the tied products or categories of product offered, on terms and conditions similar to each other, aresult in a clear of benefit to the consumers taking due account of the availability and the prices of the relevant products offered on the market.
Amendment 536 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 5
Article 16 – paragraph 5
5. When advisory services are provided to the consumer, Member States shall require that creditors and, where applicable, credit intermediaries or providers of crowdfunding credit services to warn a consumer when a credit agreement or crowdfunding credit services may induce a specific risk for the consumer considering his or her financial situation.
Amendment 542 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to the creditor’s ability to make offers to consumers, Member States shall prohibiensure that any sale of credit to consumers, withou is carried out at their prior request and with their explicit agreement.
Amendment 682 #
2021/0171(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The withdrawal period shall expire 12 months after the end of the initial withdrawal period.
Amendment 212 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Online marketplaces play a crucial role in the supply chain - allowing economic operators to reach an indefinite number of consumers - and therefore also in the product safety system. Online marketplaces may also enable the sale of products on the EU market for which no EU manufacturer, no importer or no other party based in the EU takes responsibility for the safety. For products sold by third-party sellers based outside the Union, through online intermediary service providers (such as online marketplaces), the online intermediaries enable targeting EU consumers.
Amendment 247 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Member States should notify in the Safety Gate both compulsory and voluntary corrective measures that prevent, restrict or impose specific conditions on the possible marketing of a product because of a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers or, in case of products covered by Regulation (EU) No 2019/1020, also to other relevant public interests of the end- users. The responsible person should be informed prior to their product is notified in the Safety Gate to be able to take action expeditiously, to be able to provide additional information and to have the opportunity to present evidence in case they deem the notification unjustified. This can also happen at the moment of notification in case of urgency.
Amendment 410 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. Manufacturers shall keep distributors, importers and online marketplaces in the concerned supply chain informed of any safety issue that they have identified. When deemed appropriate with regard to the risks presented by a product, manufacturers shall, to protect the health and safety of consumers, carry out sample testing of marketed products.
Amendment 471 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Where an importer considers or has reason to believe that a product is not in conformity with Article 5 and Article 8(4), (6) and (7), he or she shall not place the product on the market until it has been brought into conformity. Furthermore, where the product is not safe, the importer shall inform the manufacturer and ensure that the market surveillance authorities are informed. When deemed appropriate with regard to the risks presented by the product, importers shall, to protect the health and safety of consumers and other end-users, carry out sample testing of products made available on the market, investigate, and, if necessary, keep a register of complaints, of non-conforming products and product recalls, and shall keep other economic operators informed of any such monitoring.
Amendment 553 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The manufacturer and importer shall ensure that, through the Safety Business Gateway referred to in Article 25, an accident that requires medical treatment above first aid caused by a product placed or made available on the market by them is notified, within twofive working days from the moment it knows about the accident, circumstances have been clarified and a causal effect has been established as to the manufacturing and/or design defect, to the competent authorities of the Member State where the accident has occurred. The notification shall include the type and identification number of the product as well as the circumstances of the accident, if known. The manufacturer shall notify, upon request, to the competent authorities any other relevant information.
Amendment 562 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. The importers and the distributors which have knowledge of an accident caused by a product that they placed or made available on the market shall inform the manufacturer or importer, which can instruct the importer or one of the distributors to proceed to the notification.
Amendment 564 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Online marketplaces which have knowledge of an accident caused by a product or a safety related issue caused by a dangerous product made available on the market through their marketplace shall inform the manufacturer or importer, which can instruct the online marketplace to proceed to the notification.
Amendment 565 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. For the purpose of paragraphs 1 and 2 it shall be considered that knowledge is obtained through a notification to the contact details indicated by the economic operator.
Amendment 629 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Online marketplaces shall periodically carry out sample testing to identify possible non-compliance and safety issues of randomly chosen products made available on the market of which they facilitate the transaction.
Amendment 650 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Member States should inform the responsible person as defined in Article 15 prior to submitting the notification. This may be done simultaneously in case of urgency.
Amendment 652 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 24 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States may notify in the Safety Gate corrective measures taken by their authorities or by economic operators on the basis of provisions of Union harmonisation legislation and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 in relation to products presenting a less than serious risk. Member States should inform the responsible person as defined in Article 15 prior to submitting the notification.
Amendment 655 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
3. On receiving a notification, the Commission shall check whether it complies with this Article and with the requirements related to the operation of Safety Gate defined by the Commission on the basis of paragraph 7, and shall transmit it to the other Member States if the requirements are complied with. The Commission should ensure that responsible person as identified in Article 15 has the opportunity to provide additional information prior to the finalisation of the check. In case of urgency, the Commission may tentatively approve a notification and transmit it to the other Member States. In these cases, the notification will be reviewed and can be withdrawn or updated based on input submitted by the responsible person.
Amendment 660 #
2021/0170(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall maintain a web portal enabling the economic operators to provide market surveillance authorities and consumers with the information referred to in Articles 8(11), 9(2) point c), 10(8), 11(3), and 11(4) and market surveillance authorities with the information referred to in Article 19.
Amendment 100 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Sustainability reporting standards should take account of the Commission guidelines on non-financial reporting60 and the Commission guidelines on reporting climate-related information61 , including the KPIs already featured in the guidelines. They should also take account of other reporting requirements in Directive 2013/34/EU not directly related to sustainability, with the aim of providing the users of the reported information with a better understanding of the development, performance, position and impact of the undertaking, by maximising the links between the sustainability information and other information reported in accordance with Directive 2013/34/EU. _________________ 60 2017/C 215/01. 61 2019/C 209/01.
Amendment 110 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Sustainability reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose on social factors, including employee factors and human rights. Such information should cover the impacts of undertakings on people, including on human health. The information that undertakings disclose about human rights should include information about forced labour in their value chains where relevant. Reporting standards that address social factors should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that are relevant to businesses, including equal opportunities for all and working conditions. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan adopted in March 2021 calls for stronger requirements on undertakings to report on social issues. The reporting standards should also specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 116 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Directive 2013/34/EU does not require that the financial statements or the management report are provided in a digital format, which hinders the findability and usability of the reported information. Users of sustainability information increasingly expect such information to be findable and machine- readable in digital formats and fully accessible, including for persons with disabilities, as per the Directive 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services. Digitalisation creates opportunities to exploit information more efficiently and holds the potential for significant cost savings for both users and undertakings. Undertakings should therefore be required to prepare their financial statements and their management report in XHTML format in accordance with Article 3 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815,63 and to mark- up sustainability information, including the disclosures required by Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, in accordance with that Delegated Regulation. A digital taxonomy to the Union sustainability reporting standards will be necessary to allow for the information reported to be tagged in accordance with those standards. These requirements should feed into the work on digitalisation announced by the Commission in its Communication A European strategy for data64 and in the Digital Finance Strategy for the EU.65 These requirements also complement the creation of a European single access point for public corporate information as envisaged in the capital markets union action plan, which also considers the need for structured data. _________________ 63 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/815 of 17 December 2018 supplementing Directive 2004/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the specification of a single electronic reporting format (OJ L 143, 29.5.2019, p. 1). 64 https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single- market/en/european-strategy-data 65 https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/2009 24-digital-finance-proposals_en
Amendment 194 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. The sustainability reporting standards referred to in paragraph 1 shall require that the information to be reported is understandable, accessible to persons with disabilities, relevant, representative, verifiable, comparable, and is represented in a faithful manner.
Amendment 197 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) equal opportunities for all, including gender equality and equal pay for equal work, training and skills development, and employment and inclusion of people with disabilities;. With regards to the inclusion of a disability perspective, reporting should cover, inter alia, all management areas of the undertaking, data on employment, information on the accessibility measures that have been taken to give response to the different types of disabilities identified, employee satisfaction surveys to measure the relative satisfaction of employees with disabilities compared to those without, and awareness-raising campaigns.
Amendment 216 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point iii
(iii) respect for the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO fundamental conventions and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 224 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the undertaking's social purpose, where applicable.
Amendment 232 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19d – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19d – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Electronic financial statements and reports shall draw inspiration from the relevant access requisites laid down in the Directive 2019/882 on the accessibility requirements for products and services in order to become accessible to wider audiences;
Amendment 235 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 – point a
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 20 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) a description of the diversity policy applied in relation to the undertaking's administrative, management and supervisory bodies with regard to gender and other aspects such as, age, disabilities, or educational and professional backgrounds, the objectives of that diversity policy, how it has been implemented and the results in the reporting period. If no such policy is applied, the statement shall contain an explanation as to why this is the case.;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Commission has listed a number of problems relating to the implementation of the former regulation, Regulation (EU) 2019/78811/2011, and whereas it has undertaken to take a closer look at the impact those problems have on the effectiveness of the ECI as an instrument, and to improve the way it operates;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. EmphasisesIs strongly in favour of the development of the role of the Ombudsman, who can use own- initiative powers to help to tackle systemic problems in EU administration and make efforts to promote good administration, i.e. ensuring the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union meet the very highest standards; with that in mind, considers the role of the Ombudsman to be more important than ever in view of the fact that the administration of the EU, via its agencies, is taking on an increasingly important role in citizens’ lives when it comes to issues such as migration and health;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses the importance of the Ombudsman's transparency-related tasks for European democracy, in particular those concerning the accessibility of documents for European citizens, in order to enable them to fully exercise their right to information and to increase citizens' confidence in the European project;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers it essential for European democracy that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the Union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ECIs in order to take citizens’ input seriously, including redirecting citizens to the Committee on Petitions, as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearingsnd with a view to avoiding their disengagement;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls for public awareness, particularly among young people, of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the European institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about, and are encouraged to participate in, the instruments;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers it essential for European democracy that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the Union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ECIs in order to take citizens’ input seriously, including redirecting citizens to the Committee on Petitions, as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearingsnd with a view to avoiding their disengagement;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls for public awareness, particularly among young people, of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the European institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about, and are encouraged to participate in, the instruments;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the fact that the Commission’s impact assessments attempt to cover a wide and comprehensive range of potential impacts to the Single Market; believes however that the system could still be strengthened by improving its transparency and accountability with the European Parliament;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2262(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Considers that the Commission should further use ex-ante evaluation and provisional impact assessments accompanying the communications and strategies in the legislative process, in order to provide detailed and preliminary analysis of their consequences for the functioning of the Single Market, thus forming an intelligible and consistent process for stimulating growth and competitiveness in the EU;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the trade aspects of the Farm to Fork Strategy in order to ensure consistency of the EU trade policy with the requirements placed on EU producers in terms of traceability, animal welfare and sustainable development; Stresses that EU trade policy has a major role to play in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, in line with the Paris Agreement and, the European Green Deal; and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); Insists on the importance of multilateral dialogue in achieving those objectives by establishing a sound governance framework for fair and sustainable trade and ensuring nobody is left behind;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 15 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Underlines that the objectives and development of the Farm to Fork Strategy should be built on a science-based approach focused on coherent and evidence-based policy instruments; ; notes in this regard that its implementation must take into account the needs of the outermost regions1a to allow them to compete in a level-playing field; __________________ 1a Article 349 TFEU
Amendment 16 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Points out the economic and social added value of food in the EU, which not only entails providing citizens with a sufficient supply of healthy and affordable food and improved lifestyles, but also allows business opportunities, employment and growth; highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has made us acutely aware of the interrelations between our health, supply chains, consumption patterns and production capacity, which evidence the importance of strengthening the resilience and overall sustainability of food production in the EU;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the Commission to adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach and carefully assess the short-term and long-term global impact of the Farm to Fork Strategy and its targets on the functioning of the Single Market, as well as of each legislative proposal, including the consequences for the supply and demand balance, price fluctuations and consumers’ affordability, producers’ profitability, competitiveness performance and cost-effectiveness analysis of the transition, among others; stresses that, as regards production methods and the goal of increased organic production, demand must be equally stimulated to take up production growth and market realities must be considered together with the overall environmental performance, in order to foster a seamlessly functioning of the organic market in the EU;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the EU internal market is the world’s biggest importer and exporter of agri-food products; is convinced that the EU should use this position to set and acknowledges the well-established international reputation of EU agri-food quality and standards; is convinced that the EU should use this position to set, with the help of its Promotion Policy including all EU agricultural products but also of its GIs policy, the benchmark in terms of standards for sustainable food systems, based on fair competition, the precautionary principle, environmental protection and animal welfarethe respect of human rights and international labour standards, environmental protection and animal welfare, as a way to steer international standards towards European ambitious goals;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that promoting healthy and sustainable food consumption calls for changes to diets, production systems and internal tradeoherent and innovative policies that guarantee the access, affordability and diversity of high-quality and fresh products available to consumers, intra EU-trade and the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the different production systems;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the EU internal market is the world’s biggest importer and exporter of agri-food products; is convinced that the EU should use this position to set the benchmark in terms of aiming at negotiated and equivalent standards for sustainable food systems, based on the precautionary principle, environmental protection and animal welfare;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the utmost importance of fostering the engagement and cooperation of all actors in the food supply chain, as well as in the assessment, implementation and monitoring of this Strategy, for effective collective action towards a just transition; stresses that this process should entail a more equal redistribution of value among all operators in the food supply chain, strengthening farmers’ bargaining power and particularly improving the marketing relations between small businesses and producers with wholesale and retail companies, while also addressing unfair trading practices;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses that in the process towards food sustainability it is crucial to secure product quality at source, with the objective of preventing distortions in the Single Market; calls on the Commission in this regard to further simplify and harmonize the raw material production standards and rules in the EU and to better implement the current legislation as a means to address unfair competition and reduce administrative burdens for companies of all sizes;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the utmost importance of fostering the multilateral engagement and international cooperation of all EU food operators and trade partners for an effective just transition towards an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable global food system that allows for a level playing field;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to not only step up its support for regional food systems and short supply chains, which act as a source of fresh, sustainable and better quality producshort supply chains, whenever it is possible and in full respect of the freedoms of the Single Market, but also to increase its effor consumersts to achieve further integration of food markets across the EU; takes the view that legislation on European public procurement should be revised in order to foster local, high-qualitysustainable food supply systems, together with the use of EU funding opportunities to support innovation in national and local public food procurement policies;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that sustainable productionility should become a key characteristic of EU agri- food products, ensuring competitiveness and a sustained income to EU producers and expanding the concept of quality to social and environmental aspects;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Urges the Commission to promote alternative and existing business models, such as consumer-friendly cooperative schemes; that are able to advance sustainability and compete in the most efficient manner according to market realities, in full respect of the freedom of association of producers1a; acknowledges the role that producers associations and organisations in the form of partnerships, agricultural processing companies or agri-food cooperatives may play in ensuring a sustainable food chain, a fair share for farmers and fostering the competitiveness of rural areas; __________________ 1aRegulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007
Amendment 62 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that sustainable and resilient production should become a key characteristic of EU agri-food products, expanding the concept of quality to social and environmental aspects;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that the EU food sector is characterised by a very high presence of SMEs, which despite their efforts face many barriers to improve their sustainability performance, such as lack of information, access to financial resources or technical skills; calls therefore on the Commission to ensure that all actions in the Farm to Fork Strategy enable a transition that creates real opportunities and a level playing- field, gives enough flexibility and further reduces and simplifies administrative burdens for micro and small food businesses, as well as for social economy enterprises; stresses in this regard the utmost importance of providing concrete measures for the just transition, such as further support in the management of EU funding, improving capacity building and delivering significant resources for the effective use of innovative and digital solutions, in order to strengthen their competitive position in the EU food system;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Welcomes the work on agri-food research, innovation and education made by the European Commission through initiatives such as the EIT Food, established by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology, which helps to identify promising and innovative solutions for a more sustainable food products and bring together a food community with the diverse food sectors partners, entrepreneurs, SMEs and consumers, which drive innovation across Europe;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports the establishment of a governance framework and a code of conduct for food and retail businesses, in order to make them accountable and aware of the importance of sustainability and healthresponsible business and marketing practices for food and retail businesses, in order to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and health; considers that these initiatives should be sufficiently and properly defined, adjusted to the size and type of businesses and recognise the existing best practices and commitments already achieved by European companies; welcomes the Commission’s steps to particularly support the implementation of sustainable business practices by SMEs and develop both initiatives with all relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underlines the relevance of harmonised EU marketing standards which serve the purpose of taking into account consumer expectations and helping to improve the quality and economic conditions for producing and marketing agricultural products; supports the improvement and development of coherent, consistent and effective EU marketing standards which better address the new needs and contribute to the further integration of the Single Market; stresses that strengthening consumer education is fundamental to raise awareness of the benefits of updated marketing standards, ensure correct consumer understanding and encourage critical and responsible consumption; calls on all actors involved in food supply chain management to step up transparency in the overall food supply chain and to increase consumer information in order to enable consumers to make fully-informed choices about available products and to act accordingly;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Recognizes in this regard the role that consumers can play in the implementation of the Farm to Fork Strategy and how innovation can help them; underlines that the strategy should remain inclusive for consumers in order for them to support the improvement for more healthy and sustainable food products;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to promote healthier diets by introducing nutritional profiles, accompanied by mandatory and harmonised labelling of the nutritional value of foods on the front of packaging; considers that any such measure has to take into account the impacts on the Single Market and especially avoid any burden for micro, small and medium enterprises, by devising appropriate consumer-friendly schemes and product and sector-tailored, based on the most up-to-date scientific research data, with the aim of securing and promoting the competitiveness of all actors involved;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Considers that any type of labelling must not lead to unjustified distinctions between foodstuffs and should provide clear, non-misleading, understandable, unambiguous and comprehensive information, as well as take into consideration the needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities and the elderly;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Asks the Commission to explore the necessity to apply specific conditions to and exemptions for certain food categories or foodstuffs, such as olive oil, or for those covered by Protected Designations of Origin, Protected Geographical Indications or Traditional Specialities Guaranteed, as well as for single ingredient products; highlights the need for suitable and tailored measures to support micro, small, medium and social economy enterprises when implementing such labelling;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regards it as essential, further, to keep consumers better informed by introducing mandatory origin labelling of foodabout healthy and sustainable food dietary choices; calls on the Commission to further investigate and carefully assess the impact, needs and options for the harmonisation and extension of mandatory origin and provenance indications to certain products, which wshould be broadened to cover animal welfare, sustainability and pesticide residue leclear, easily understandable, verifiable, traceable and not result in trade barriers within the Single Market; asks therefore the Commission to work in close cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority for this purpose and thoroughly analyse the economic, environmental and social impact on the Single Market, consumer benefits, price aspects and the associated consumer behaviour changes of these initiativels;
Amendment 124 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the risk of putting the EU agri-food sector at a competitive disadvantage in the absence of global convergence of standards, and of leading to increased costs for consumers; calls on the Commission to build on a science-based approach and present a comprehensive global impact assessment of the targets envisaged in the Strategy and of each legislative proposal, as well as proportionate measures to maintain the competitiveness of the EU agri-food sector and ensure reciprocity of standards;
Amendment 133 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Considers that additional labelling schemes could be incentivized for certain products of added value and cover animal welfare, sustainability, carbon footprint and social aspects of food products such as the share of value going to farmers, with the objective of empowering consumers to make informed, healthy and sustainable food choices, and especially for maintaining their competitiveness from both environmental and health points of view;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Amendment 140 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Stresses the key role that research, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and secured access to the most advanced technologies play in the global transition towards a more sustainable food system, while ensuring the competitiveness, profitability and food production in the EU; urges the Commission to create an encouraging policy and regulatory environment that fosters further investment in innovation, the development and usage of technologies and the improvement of existing ones, including a common agriculture data space and the promotion of precision farming and knowledge-based farming, with a view to bringing benefits to consumers, workers and society as a whole;
Amendment 144 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Underlines that a coordinated and harmonised approach as regards unfair competition practices and the need for equivalent food standards, with due regard to the precautionary principle, is of vital importance in view of ensuring both an uninterrupted flow of supplies of foodstuffs in all Member States and effective and efficient security and customs checks;
Amendment 145 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Insists that the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, incoordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, thereby respecting a high standard of security checks that can detect and prevent sanitary, phytosanitary and biologic risks from third country imports;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2260(INI)
6d. Calls for the structural agronomic and trade constraints of the outermost regions referred to in Article 349 TFEU to be systematically taken into account during the implementation of the Farm to Fork Strategy and in its subsequent legislative proposals, to allow them to compete in a level playing field and ensure the availability of viable alternative solutions to the agri-food sectors in these regions if their means of production and trade flows are restricted;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the proposed new initiative on climateenvironment and trade at the WTO and u; calls on the Commission to use this framework to raise the importance of developing comprehensive sustainable agri-food systems, based on common and ambitious standards and standards of production; Urges the Commission to continue to develop an ambitious, WTO- compatible sustainable trade policy, and urges to tend towards more agri-food diplomacy -no longer making agri-food products the adjustment variable or collateral victims of trade conflicts- which would make it easier to avoid situations such as the one between Airbus and Boeing.
Amendment 148 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls, with a view to protecting consumers, for full enforcement of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 25 July 2018 in Case C-528/16, Confédération paysanne, which stipulates that food crops modified by genome editing armay be subject to the requirements of GMO legislation, including risk assessment, traceability and labelling; calls on the European Commission to take note of the latest developments in this regard and study the feasibility of a new legislative framework of new genetic modification techniques, based on scientific evidence, that provides sufficient predictability, flexibility and proportionality to respond to rapid technological and scientific developments in this field; acknowledges in this context the importance to build on the scientific advice of the European Food and Safe Authority and underlines its continuous contribution to ensuring the safety of the EU food chain and a high level of consumer protection;
Amendment 153 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights that tax incentives and levies and any other measures related to food packaging should contribute to the transition to a more sustainable EU food system and encourage healthy dietary choices, whilst at the same time allowing for consumer-friendly and commercially viable and competitive solutions which preserve the competitiveness of all actors in the Single Market; points out that further financing and promotion of research on renewable and recyclable packaging is needed for this purpose;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for consistency and coherence between the measures of the Farm to Fork Strategy, EU trade policies and the Customs Union Action plan, as well as other related EU Policies and Strategies, in full respect of the WTO rules;
Amendment 157 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Asks the Commission to explore the necessity to apply specific conditions to and exemptions for certain food categories or foodstuffs, such as olive oil, and for those covered by Protected Geographical Indications, in the assessment of a harmonised nutritional labelling, considering their key role in our trade agreements and protecting local value at global level;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to clarify and further harmonise the current legislation on use-by dates, in order to reduce food waste and provide more clarity, consistency and understanding among consumers, in order to reduce food waste; notes that measures envisaged for this purpose and waste management should not entail disproportionate costs and administrative burdens that smaller businesses are not able to comply with;
Amendment 166 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Supports the Commission in its efforts to combat food fraud, which misleads consumers and distorts competition in the internal market, and regards it as essential to make the penalties imposed on fraudsters more dissuasive and, to earmark sufficient resources so that checks can be stepped upeffective and efficient checks can be stepped up, to properly staff market surveillance and customs authorities and to continue strengthening exchanges of information in the Single Market;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Stresses that the large amount of divergences in controls of products from third countries and in customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union often result, not only in food supply chains distortions, but also in large health and safety risks for consumers in the Single market; underlines that a coordinated and harmonised approach as regards unfair competition practices and the need for equivalent food standards, with due regard to the precautionary principle, is of vital importance in view of ensuring an uninterrupted flow of supplies of foodstuffs in all Member States, whilst respecting a high standard of security checks that can detect and prevent sanitary, phytosanitary and biologic risks from third country imports;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Insists that the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity; furthermore, urges the Commission to increase, at EU and international level, cooperation between consumer protection, market surveillance and customs authorities and other relevant competent authorities so as to guarantee harmonised and uniform controls at all points of entry into the Union and thus secure the traceability of all food products;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States for more effective implementation of Directive 2005/29/EC1 , in order to better address the problem of misleading environmental claims in food.and the timely and correct transposition of Directive 2019/633/EC2a, as well as to better address the problem of misleading environmental claims in food; believes that when clarifying competition rules, the Commission must create the conditions for a more efficient food market that enables consumers to benefit from a wide range of quality products at competitive prices, while ensuring that primary producers have the incentives to invest and innovate; __________________ 1 Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to- consumer commercial practices in the internal market and amending Council Directive 84/450/EEC, Directives 97/7/EC, 98/27/EC and 2002/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22. 2aDirective (EU) No 2019/633 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agricultural and food supply chain.
Amendment 24 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas improved productivity is crucial for retaining the EU's competitive position and for improved wellbeing; whereas reforms that can lead to enhanced productivity should be welcomed in light of the mixed results to date, including the pre-pandemic slow pace of economic recovery, continuing concerns over productivity in some Member States relative to competitors and the increase in precarious employment;
Amendment 77 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas in 2018, 9.6 % of the EU- 27 population lived in households that spent 40 % or more of their equalised disposable income on housing, although substantial differences between Member states were recorded;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the inclusion of the EPSR in the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy (ASGS) 2021; calls for fairness and social rights to be given the same importance in the new economic model as macro-economic stability; emphasises the central role of the Social Scoreboard in the European Semester18 ; notes with satisfaction that the Commission is looking into the possibility of developing a Sustainable Development Goal expenditure tracking methodology for the EU budget;19a _________________ 18Social Score of Indicators. Eurostat 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/european -pillar-of-social-rights/indicators/social- scoreboard-indicators 19aCommission staff working document “Delivering on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals- A comprehensive approach”, SWD (2020) 400 final.
Amendment 158 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. EHighlights that social progress is one of the EU’s goals as stipulated in Article 3.3 of the Treaty on the European Union; emphasises the need to integrate social progress as an investment priority, together with green and digital transitions, in order to protect vulnerable people against the negative impact of the current crisis; recalls that social progress plans must be included in national recovery and resilience plans, outlining the implementation of the EPSR and of social investment;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the upcoming Child Guarantee guarantees children’s equal access to free healthcare, free education, free childcare, decent housing and adequate nutrition;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Stresses the need for the Commission and the Member States to collect better and more harmonised data on the number of homeless people in Europe as this constitutes the basis of any effective public policy;
Amendment 168 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that fiscal flexibility to support investment in social rights is vital, as is the mainstreaming, effectively and at all stages, of all principles enshrined in the EPSR; demands that any proposed fiscal measures be ex-ante assessed and monitored against the provisions of Article 9 of the TFEU to evaluate their social impact, and that they only be considered when they will be beneficial for upward social convergence and increasing wellbeing standards in Member States; encourages the Commission and the Member States to assess the use of financial rewards instead of sanctions to achieve higher fiscal responsibility;
Amendment 196 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a quality employment package and nNotes that macroeconomic policies that guarantee high levels of employment, as well as fair taxation, are essential for the sustainability of our national pension systems in a demographic context of ageing European populations; calls on Member States to develop and strengthen incentives to continue working at an older age including the promotion of phased retirement, and to increase employment opportunities for older workers including by putting in place schemes to make it easier to work and enjoy retirement, whilst concurrently ensuring adequacy and sustainability of pension payments;
Amendment 209 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare and, to refocus health systems on preventive care, notably byto put an end to precariousness and the abuse of temporary work in the health sector, and to depoliticise the management of public health, by, inter alia, implementing relevant country- specific recommendations;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; asks Member States to assess the use of fiscal incentives to encourage people and companies to settle in areas at risk of depopulation;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Articles 14 and 15 thereof,
Amendment 7 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4,
Amendment 8 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘achieving the European Education Area by 2025’, (COM(2020)0625) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document (SWD(2020)0212),
Amendment 12 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience’(COM(2020)0274) and to the accompanying Commission staff working documents(SWD(2020)0121) and (SWD(2020)0122),
Amendment 14 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
— having regard to the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (2020/C417/01),
Amendment 16 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 e (new)
Citation 2 e (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Digital Education Plan 2021-2027. Resetting education and training for the digital age’, (COM(2020)0624) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document (SWD(2020)0209),
Amendment 18 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 f (new)
Citation 2 f (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM/2020/0102),
Amendment 19 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 g (new)
Citation 2 g (new)
— having regard to Decision (EU) 2018/646 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 April 2018 on a common framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass) and repealing Decision No 2241/2004/EC,
Amendment 20 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 h (new)
Citation 2 h (new)
— having regard to Eurofound research on the impact of digitalisation on skills use and skills development,
Amendment 21 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 i (new)
Citation 2 i (new)
— having regard to the Cedefop study entitled ‘Empowering adults through upskilling and reskilling pathways’, volumes 1 and 2,
Amendment 22 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 j (new)
Citation 2 j (new)
— having regard to Cedefop’s report entitled ‘Skills forecast - trends and challenges to 2030',
Amendment 27 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas everyone has the right to inclusive and quality education, training and lifelong learning in order to acquire and maintain the skills and competences that will enable them to develop their professional and personal potential to the fullest extent;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the European Education Area (EEA), spurred by the past crises, has been a driving force for a socially-just society, prosperity and the economy and has contributed to fostering common European values1a; _________________ 1aKushnir,I. (2021). The Role of the European Education Area in European Union Integration in Times of Crises. European Review, 1- 21.doi:10.1017/S1062798721000016
Amendment 45 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
B b. whereas the results of dual VET across Member States has been uneven, and many national systems in Europe lack the institutional capacity for this type of skill formation;2a _________________ 2aŠćepanović, V., & Martín Artiles, A. (2020). Dual training in Europe: a policy fad or a policy turn? Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 26(1), 15–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/102425891989831 7
Amendment 46 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
B c. whereas the OECD Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies shows a constant high share of adults and teenagers with insufficient basic skills;3a _________________ 3aCouncil Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on key competences for lifelong learning ST/9009/2018/INIT
Amendment 47 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
B d. whereas progress over the past decade in adult learning participation has been slow and very uneven across Member States and the target for 2020 has not been reached;4a _________________ 4aEducation and Training Monitor (2020), European Commission
Amendment 53 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas investing in education, training and the effective use of skills will beis crucial for the EU’s economic and social prosperity, particularly in the light of the green and digital transitions, demographic change and globalisation, which are changing the nature of work, the content of jobs and the skills and qualifications required;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has drastic consequences for the EU social market economy and the changing nature of our labour market needs; whereas education and training, up- skilling and re-skilling, is essential for leveraging opportunities and addressing the challenges generated by the crisis;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the COVID crisis exacerbated existing divides and inequalities in access to education and skills; whereas these have a significant impact on citizen’s employment prospects, earnings and inclusion in society; whereas policies aimed at building inclusive educational systems and labour markets should be intersectional;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas digital skills but also non- formal and informal skills have taken increased importance for citizens to actively participate in the labour market and society as a whole; including media literacy, critical and innovative thinking;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Insists on considering education and training as a common investment for not only the recovery, resilience and competitiveness of the Union, but also for ensuring its social cohesion and allow all people to find their life-course; welcomes the efforts of the European Commission and Member States to ensure pedagogical continuity during the COVID-19 crisis; highlights the need for greater cooperation and exchange of practice at the Union level on common opportunities and challenges related to education and training; urges the European Commission to ensure via Next Generation EU and Member States in their national recovery and resilience plans, to devote a substantial part of resources and reform to education, training and research; calls for a modernised and fully-fledged governance system for the implementation of the European Education Area, building on the ET 2020 framework;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive and quality education, and promoting lifelong learning, including vocational education and training (VET), for all across the Union, to ensure equal opportunities in the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the development of a European approach to micro-credentials and individual learning accounts the launch of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027programme; calls the European Commission and Member States to promote and facilitate increased mobility for teachers and learners of all age; calls for the European Education Area, Skills Agenda, Council Recommendation on VET and interlinked policy initiatives to complement and mutually reinforce each other;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of ensuring learner-centred inclusive and, quality education and apprenticeships, and promoting lifelong learning, including vocational education and training (VET), for all across the Union, to ensure equal opportunities in the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the development of a European approach to micro- credentials and individual learning accounts;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Insists on the valorisation of vocational education and training as a path of excellence leading to employment, fully integrated in the European Education Area and recognised on the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the initiative of Centres of Vocational Excellence and the development of a European approach to micro-credentials, modularisation and individual learning accounts; encourages the European Commission and Member States to work towards longer periods of mobility in vocational education and training, with a genuine European apprenticeship statute, and in partnership with the private sector; encourages the European Commission to work with Member States on an action plan to remove the remaining obstacles to European mobility, such as linguistic and administrative;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes that the new initiatives that will see the light as a result of the Communication of 30 September 2020 should build upon systems and tools already developed such as the ECTS, the EQF, the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education, and the qualifications framework adopted for the European Higher Education Area;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls for the European Education Area to support the Pact for Skills, requiring collective action of Member States, companies, social partners and other stakeholders; reiterates the need to unlock public and private investment in the up- and re-skilling of the European workforce; calls for more public-private partnerships in VET to strengthen the efficiency of educational systems and to match labour market needs, for instance in supporting teachers and trainers education, setting up training centres and contributing to research on labour market trends; urges Member States to support the private sector with education and training incentive measures;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. UHighlights the role of the European Education Area in fostering citizen’s sense of being part of European savoir-faire; underlines that basic, soft and cross- cutting skills, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); insists on the short and long term benefits of the practice of mentoring in educational systems, businesses and our society as a whole; encourages Member states to incentivise associations and companies using mentoring programmes with thorough policies and resources; encourages the European Commission to promote mentoring and ultimately work with Member States towards the development of mentoring certification and labelling;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that basic and cross- cutting skills, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs);
Amendment 124 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the recent changes in the platform EPALE and invites the European Education and Culture Executive Agency to assess how to further increase the visibility, continue the development and strengthen the impact of the adult learning community;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Notes that the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships should be upheld; highlights, in this regard, the need for some Member States to address the lack of attractiveness and the prestige deficit of VET5a and dual education systems; _________________ 5aWhy vocational education matters more than you might think - OECD Education and Skills Today (oecdedutoday.com); Pintsuk-Christof, J and Moritsch S (2019), Training Needs of SMEs in the Skilled Crafts and Trades Regarding Dual Education. SME needs assessment report.
Amendment 129 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Calls on Member States to develop quality dual education systems and vocational systems based on flexible curricula, strong career guidance and connections to the labour market needs;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate and promote transparent mobility through the full implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive1 , and better useimprove the use and visibility of tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) job mobility portal, the Europass online platform and the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification system; highlights, in this context, the need to improve the recognition of third-country nationals’ competences on the Union’s labour market; _________________ 1Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22.
Amendment 144 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Encourages Member States to take up the 2018 Council Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning to promote opportunities for young learners to undertake at least one practical entrepreneurial experience during their school years;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Encourages the relevant authorities to develop policies to recognise and reward entrepreneurship among higher education faculty (i.e. academic entrepreneurship), such as the development of open science, licensing of academic inventions, intellectual property rights or the founding of start-ups, with a view to further contributing to the development of an entrepreneurial mind- set among students;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on Member States to involve teachers, learners, parents and civil society organisations in the future implementation of the upcoming Council Recommendation on the enabling factors for successful digital education, with a view to ensuring inclusive and accessible education and closing the gap between the most disadvantaged and those with sufficient resources;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the need to guarantee fair competition in sectors that are essential to the everyday life of citizens, such as food and health sectors, for the benefit of consumers; calls on the Commission to carefully assess the extent and effect of its plans to clarify competition rules within the Farm to Fork Strategy on the economic functioning of the agricultural and food supply chain, taking particular account of the effects on small-scale suppliers and farmers, to make all operators more competitive and fully benefit from the Single Market;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Underlines the risk of market distortions and of generating an uneven playing field due to increased divergences between the levels of State aid support granted by Member States when applying the Temporary State aid Framework during the COVID-19 pandemic; calls on the Commission to undertake in a timely manner a detailed evaluation of its impact on the Single Market and to put forward medium and long term measures with the aim of bridging the gap and supporting European companies, with a particular focus on SMEs;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2223(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Is concerned that the recently revised EU Emission Trading System State aid guidelines may adversely affect the competitiveness of key SME participation-intensive sectors; calls therefore on the Commission to review the methodology and use of certain indicators to guarantee the fair participation of European companies of all sizes in the process towards a cost-effective decarbonisation of the economy;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to create a genuine single market for data as it will be the backbone of Europe’s data economy, while promoting and protecting European data processing rules and standards, in full compliance with EU legislation; considers that ensuring trust in digital services is fundamental for the digital single market and should be at the heart of both public policy and business models;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to create a genuine single market for data as it will be the backbone of Europe’s data economy and EU's competitiveness; considers that ensuring trust in digital services is fundamental for the digital single market and should be at the heart of both public policy and business models;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission to empower consumers to putwith particular attention to vulnerable groups, with the objective of putting them in control of their data, and to ensurelso by ensuring digital literacy gaps are addressed and guaranteeing the non- burdensome exercise of their rights and ensuring that the single market for data is grounded in European values and fairness in competition, as well as to prevent lock- in effects and risks of discrimination; believes that citizens’ data could help in developing innovative green solutions and services that would benefit European consumers and companies; asks the Commission to consider how to support data altruism in full compliance with European legislation;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges the Commission to empower consumers to put them in control of their data and to ensure that the single market for data is grounded in European values and fairness in competition; believes that citizens’ data could help in developing innovative green solutions and services that would benefit European consumers and companies; asks the Commission to consider how to support data altruismprovide a specific legal basis and a clear definition of "data altruism" and consider how to support it in full compliance with European legislation;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that the current fragmentation of the single market and diverging rules between Member States are hampering the development of a genuine common European data space and calls for effective and coordinated actions to leverage the scale of the EU single market;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that ensuring access to data is crucial for citizens but also for our businesses' innovation and growth, especially for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and welcomes the actions foreseen by the European Commission in its communication to tackle the current lack of data availability;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Asks the Member States to fully implement the Directive on open data and the re-use of public sector information ("Open Data Directive") and the Commission and Member States to promote a culture of wide reuse of available data; furthermore, highlights the need to ensure easy access to data to all relevant institutional and societal actors and to economic operators, especially to SMEs and start-ups, tackling the existing barriers and promoting the use of modern web and API-based services for convenient and fast retrieval, browsing and processing of available data;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the need to create a single European data space with the aim of ensuring the free flow of non-personal data across borders and sectors; stresses the importance to extend the flow of data also to third countries, provided that the compliance with the EU data protection legal framework is ensured; underlines the principle of the free flow of non-personal data as imperative for a single market for data, providing a level playing field for data sharing between stakeholders; considers that business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) data sharing should be voluntary, while participation in data spaces should be incentivized, and while mandatory access to data should also be envisaged to remedy potential market failures;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that consistent and adequate mechanisms for international transfer of personal data are essential to allow European companies to operate with secured confidence and legal certainty worldwide; welcomes in this regard the Commission's international approach to minimise the fragmentation of the global digital markets by pushing joint standards and fostering the sharing of data between trusted countries, while protecting and promoting EU's fundamental values and data protection rules;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that a safe and trusted ecosystem where storing, processing and exchanging data under the highest cybersecurity standards is a precondition for the development of a truly single market for data and for the creation of the new data spaces; recalls that increased connectivity brings about increased cyber threats and welcomes the announced revision of the Directive on security of network and information systems ("NIS Directive") to improve the current EU Cybersecurity legal framework;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses the economic and societal importance of easily accessible and free of charge public sector data in the view of their re-use; calls for clear rules for business-to-government (B2G) data sharing, in particular with regards to possible fees to be derived from the costs related to the processing of requests for re-use of data;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Calls on the Member States for an effective implementation of the Regulation on the free flow of non- personal data, with the objective to allow data to be stored and processed everywhere in the EU without unjustified restrictions; recalls that data localisation requirements within the Union are prohibited unless justified on grounds of public security in compliance with the principle of proportionality and reminds that any such existing requirements must be repealed by 30 May 2021;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need to improve access to European cloud services and to address interoperability issues, which now constitute a significant barrier for an effective data sharing, by including codes of conduct, certification and standards, in a ‘cloud rulebook’; considers proportionality to be the guiding principle for data quality and interoperability requirements; calls on the Commission to consider promoting existing standards to avoid unnecessary transaction costs and to provide high quality standards for sectors and data spaces of high importance for significant societal challenges.;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recognises the rise of the edge computing paradigm, especially considering the ongoing rollout of 5G networks and subsequent business models, and stresses the need to make sure that technical and legal solutions for providing effective access to data on the edge are found; emphasises the urgent need to address the emerging cybersecurity and data interoperability challenges that the unprecedented scale and the distributed nature of edge computing brings along, including the challenges in machine authentication, data provenance, privacy, and integrity;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Welcomes the intention to address the current limitations of the data portability and to enhance the portability rights for individuals under the Article 20 of the GDPR;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2217(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Underlines the close link between data and AI and stresses that data availability and data quality are crucial for the development of effective, well- functioning and unbiased systems of artificial intelligence;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) reports of 2020 and to the Special Eurobarometer results “Attitudes towards the impact of digitalisation on daily lives”1a, __________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/publ icopinionmobile/index.cfm/survey/getsurv eydetail/instruments/special/surveyky/222 8;jsessionid=0A2965AA1C68AA476CBA2 02BE3EE7448.cfusion07001?CFID=949 8722&CFTOKEN=32cd2e310977224c- A882F889-08D5-0E55- 6CDA27376F14C4BE
Amendment 5 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the European Union needs to take urgent steps to close the gap with the US and China to be at the forefront of ensuring a competitive data- driven global economy and to become a leader in setting digital standards;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SNotes the risks of incompatibility between approaches of different trading partners when it comes to the regulation of digital trade; strongly supports multilateral solutions for digital trade rules and calls for the plurilateral WTO negotiations on e- commerce to be concluded as a matter of urgency; regrets that, in the absence of global rules, EU companies are faced with non-tariff barriers in digital trade such as unjustified data localisation and mandatory technology transfer requirements; supports making the WTO moratorium on electronic transmissions permanent; calls for the EU to further work with partners, for instance within the OECD and WTO, to set global standards for AI, in the interest of reducing trade barriers and promoting trustworthy AI in line with the EU's values;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NStresses the centrality of data flows to digital trade, and that apart from being a means of production, data itself has become a tradable asset; notes that data access and processing are often indispensable to providing competitive digital services, notably in AI; calls on the Commission to adopt digital trade rules that increase the competitiveness of EU business and facilitate the free transfer of data flowsflow of non- personal data across borders while respecting EU data protection rules; highlights that in line with the GDPR, personal data can be transferred to third countries via adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules; calls for data protection considerations to be raised in future trade agreements, with the aim to facilitate the adequacy decision process with trading partners;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas General Protection Data Regulation (EU) 2016/679 recital 71 recognises the right to not be subjected to e-recruiting practices where there is no human intervention;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the conclusion of the rules-based Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, which deepens the economic integration of the region; regrets, however, the lack of a robust sustainable development chapter in the RCEP; believes that the conclusion of the RCEP should encourage the EU to help set global rules for the digital economy; supports in this regard the establishment of an EU-US Trade and Technology Council and the work on a Transatlantic AI Agreement to help facilitate trade and the development of compatible rules and common standards in digital trade; calls on both parties to use the momentum of the new Biden administration to begin working on these issues urgently, and to find an agreement at the OECD on fair taxation for the digital economy;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the role of digital trade and the use of blockchain for instance in facilitating access to global value chains for SMEs and contributing to women’s economic empowerment. making cross-border trade processes and commercial transactions more efficient and less costly; Highlights in particular the benefits these could bring to contributing to women’s economic empowerment and also using blockchain to facilitate due diligence for companies; Calls for Digital Trade to be a pillar of the EU's new Trade Strategy; Further calls for Digital Trade Chapters to be included in all future FTAs;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to follow the ‘one in, one out’ principle in its future legislative proposals, and to address the fragmentation of the digital single market, remove any existing unjustified barriers, and support innovation by reducing red tape, and use the appropriate incentives that create a level playing field, such as stimulus-inducing fiscal policies and equal access to investment opportunities;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to increase support for key enablers of the digital economyaim at an innovation-friendly regulatory environment for enablers of the digital economy and to strengthen the financial and institutional support for the European digital economy in close coordination with Member States and stakeholders;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that AI systems and algorithms must serve exclusively as an aid to human performance and comply with all rules ensuring respect for fundamental rights, including the protection of personal data and privacy, and the prohibition of arbitrary profiling; stresses that in no way must AI undermine autonomous rational choice by using data to manipulate behaviour and deceit;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen their support to start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMS), via the Single Market Programme, Digital Innovation Hubs and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in the development and application of digital technologies, in order to further drive digital transformation and thus enable them to fully develop their digital potential and competitiveness for growth and jobs in Europe;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to work to position the EU as leader in the adoption and standardisation process for new technologies; highlights the need to work with industry and also with international partners on setting global standards; in this regard, welcomes the Commission’s proposal from December 2020 for a new transatlantic agenda, which highlights the importance of cooperating with the US on technology and standards;
Amendment 79 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the implementation of AI enforces the dialogue between social partners and to allow trade unions access to the work floor, albeit in digital form, in order to promote collective bargaining and guarantee a human-centred and intersectional approach to AI at work;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to develop specific institutional support programmes to boost the digital transformation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMS) and the self-employed, especially for the lowest paid categories where jobs can be routinized or where technical expertise lies elsewhere, as they are potentially at highest risk for computerisation;1a __________________ 1aTerri L.Griffith, Chester Spell and Katerina Bezrukova (2019), The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Self- Employment, CRSE.
Amendment 86 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on Member States to assess the technological and non-technological barriers that hinder access to robots and wearable robotic devices such as occupational exoskeletons and active prosthetics by workers, especially ageing workers, workers with disabilities and those in physically demanding jobs;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the New Consumer Agenda proposed by the Commission, and encourages the Commission to update consumer protection legislation, where appropriate, to take better account of new technologies and potential consumer harm, especially for the most vulnerable groups and considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Welcomes the New EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade, which is indispensable to secure citizens’ trust and fully benefit from innovation, connectivity and automation in the digital transformation, while safeguarding fundamental rights, and calls for the effective and speedy implementation of the measures outlined;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Member States to implement without delay the European Accessibility Act, in order to effectively remove barriers for citizens with disabilities and ensure the availability of accessible digital services, as well as the suitability of the conditions under which they are provided, with the objective of achieving a fully inclusive and accessible Digital Single Market that ensures the equal treatment and the inclusion of people with disabilities; recalls the possibility of Member States and encourages the extension of the application of the Directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies to areas that are open for public use, especially in the health, transport, postal or telecommunications sector1a; __________________ 1aDirective(EU) 2016/2102 of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, par. 34.
Amendment 97 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the use of AI applications, algorithms and process development affecting all aspects of work and workers’ rights, such as recruitment processes or people management through algorithmic management, must not discriminate against workers and vulnerable groups or reinforce inequalities on the pretext of gender, age, disability or nationality; encourages technology companies to involve disadvantaged persons in the development of their products and services to enhance inclusiveness in the digital sphere and bridge the digital divide;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Encourages the Commission, Member States and companies to assess and balance the potential risks of algorithmic management of people and workers, in particular its lack of transparency, the potential feeling of loneliness and isolation and the potential challenges to workers’ right to privacy3a against the potential benefits such the early identification of stress, health problems and fatigue, the reduction of the exposure to harassment and violence, and the overall support of evidence-based prevention, risk assessment and targeted occupational safety and health (OSH) and inspections;3b __________________ 3aM van Rijmenam (2020), Algorithmic Management: What is it (and what's next)?, available at https://vanrijmenam.nl/algorithmic- management-what-is-it-whats-next/; M Möhlmann and L Zalmanson (2017), Hands on the wheel: Navigating algorithmic management and Uber drivers' autonomy, proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2017), December 10-13, Seoul 3bOSHA (2021), Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Occupational Safety and Health, Policy Brief
Amendment 109 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Notes that managerial decisions suggested by AI should be subject to checks by human beings who should remain legally responsible for the decision and the outcomes; stresses the need to work out the enforceability of the “right not to be subject to a decision which is based solely on automated processing and which produces legal effects or significantly affects data subjects” as well as of the right to obtain an explanation of the decision based solely on automated processing where the data subject has given his or her explicit consent recognised in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 recital 71;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its call for legal protection for platform workers and teleworkers, as well as recognition of their status as such, to ensure that their entitlement to full social security protection is upheld; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to regulating telework conditions across the EU and ensure decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to update the European Skills Agenda and the Digital Education Action Plan, so that workers can upskill andskills and qualifications needed to enhance employability, work efficiently and effectively alongside machines and boost digital skills are looked into and promoted and workers given a speedy access to training and retraining that allows them to become qualified for the challenges of the future world of work; calls on the Member States to update their national vocational and professional training and upskilling programmes so as to ensure digital literacy and promote digital inclusion (οn average, 16 % of EU workers fear that digitalisation will render their skills outdated2 ); __________________ 2 Cedefop, ‘Artificial or human intelligence? Digitalisation and the future of jobs and skills: opportunities and risks’, p. 3.
Amendment 146 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Believes the regulatory framework needs to build public trust in AI while allowing companies to develop automated systems without losing the confidence of their customersupport the development of trustworthy AI systems and should ensure high consumer protection standards in order to strengthen consumer’s confidence in AI enabled products; believes also that the regulatory framework should ensure transparency, and provide for clear communication of the relevant requirements to both consumers and regulatory authorities;
Amendment 147 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Commission to promote the exchange of information related to algorithmic systems between the Member States’ authorities and to support the development of a common understanding of algorithmic systems in the Single Market by issuing guidance, opinions and expertise;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Considers that an examination of the current market surveillance legislation might be necessary to avoid its obsolescence and ensure that it responds ethically to the emergence of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies and effectively protects European consumers in the Single Market; urges therefore the Commission to pursue a thorough analysis on this important matter in cooperation with Member States’ responsible authorities;
Amendment 154 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve occupational health and safety regulations in the context of human-machine synergies and to safeguard workers’ psychological and mental balance through expert support and an EU directive on work-related stress.by, inter alia, communicating with transparency about the changes in business needs, through expert support and an EU directive on work-related stress; calls on EU-OSHA to include these aspects in the EU-wide Healthy Workplaces Campaign dedicated to digitalisation and OSH to be launched in 2023;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Highlights the importance of funding and delivering digital literacy programmes for persons with disabilities and calls on Member States to facilitate the access of persons with disabilities to assistive devices and connectivity, as well as digital upskilling and reskilling programmes;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Invites Member States to extend the application of the Directive on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies to “private entities that offer facilities and services which are open or provided to the public” as stated in recital 34 of said Directive.
Amendment 171 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. cCalls on the Commission and the Member States to make use of innovative regulatory tools such as ‘regulatory sandboxes’ to help provide a clear path to scale-up for start-ups and small companies, regardless oftaking the risk profile and the possible welfare gain of their product into account; believes that these tools can help encourage innovation without any detriment to consumer protection;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Believes that the use of AI in a high-risk AIcontext should be limited to specific and clearly warranted purposes, in full respect of the applicable law and subject to transparency obligations; underlines that thisonly a clear and legally certain legislative framework will be decisive for ensuring public trust and support for the necessity and proportionality of the deployment of such technologies; calls on the Commission to carefully consider whether there are certain use cases, situations or practices for which specific technical standards, including underlying algorithms, should be adopted; deems necessary, should such technical standards be adopted, that these are regularly reviewed and re-evaluated, given the fast pace of technological development;
Amendment 181 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Calls on the Member States to encourage and support the establishment of specialised review boards for AI products and services Commission and the Member States to ensure close cooperation and mutual recognition of decisions when enforcing the Member States to assess the potential benefits and potential harm stemming from high-risk, impactful AI-based projectsregulatory framework in order to prevent a fragmented Single Market;
Amendment 187 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the importance of education and research for AI; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish an EU centre of excellence for AI; considers that this should be done with the involvement of universities, companies and research institusupports the establishment of the European Network of Artificial Intelligence Excellence Centres; believes that this network should help to strengthen the exchange of knowledge on AI, support AI related talent within the EU and attract new talent, foster the cooperations; believes that such a centre can help totween science and AI developers as well as provide specialised training and development for regulatory authorities;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the importance of education and research for AI; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish an EU centre of excellence for AI; considers that this should be done with the involvement of universities, companies and research institutions; believes that such a centre can help to provide specialised training and development for regulatory authorities, with the aim of ensuring the proper use of these technologies and protecting European citizens from potential risks and damages to their fundamental rights;
Amendment 197 #
2020/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Commission to update the existing liability framework in order to address new challenges posed by emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, especially in the context of mode 5 services;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the European Parliament does not conduct satisfaction surveys among petitioners, making it difficult to assess the petitions process and its accessibility for persons with disabilities and to draw lessons therefrom; whereas Parliament has not yet developed an index of effectiveness of its petition system nor collected and published statistical data on the treatment of petitions;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas principle 17 of the European Pillar of Social Rights states that people with disabilities have the right to income support that ensures living in dignity, services that enable them to participate in the labour market and in society, and a work environment adapted to their needs;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas Member States signed ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities whose Article 24 stipulates that signatories shall ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access lifelong learning, adult education, vocational training, general tertiary and secondary education as well as free and compulsory primary education;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas, in 2019, 28.4% of the EU population with a disability (aged 16 or over) was at risk of social exclusion or poverty1a; _________________ 1a Eurostat 2021 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/product s-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210208-1
Amendment 22 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the collection of EU Statistics on Population (ESOP) overlooks the nature of a person's disability as well as the number of persons with disabilities living in residential care, hampering compliance with Article 31 of the UNCRPD;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2209(INI)
C. whereas it is generally acknowledged that persons with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles and discrimination in everyday life and that they do notwhich prevents them from enjoying the fundamental freedoms and rights laid down in numerous EU and UN documentlegislation and conventions on an equal basis with others, such as mutual recognition of disability status between Member States, access to public transport, physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility of the built environment, use of sign languages, financing of and equal access to education and vocational training, access to personal assistance and community inclusionproducts, services and programmes, use of hearing assistive devices, haptic aids, sign languages and all other means and formats of accessible communication and information, financing of and equal access to inclusive education, vocational training and employment;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas civil society and Third Sector organisations working in the disability sector have shown, yet again during the COVID-19 crisis, their paramount importance and resilience; whereas their role should be acknowledged by the EU institutions and Member States;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas persons with disabilities face numerous hurdles in their everyday life, inter alia, when trying to access personal assistance and community inclusion; adequate and affordable accessible housing; access to affordable and accessible health; person-centred social and health care;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Urges the EU institutions and Member States to introduce workplace quotas for persons with disabilities in order to foster an inclusive workplace;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the employment rates of persons with disabilities, especially of women and those with primary education remains unacceptably low;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas the COVID-19 crisis and its economic and social consequences has exacerbated existing obstacles and inequalities for people with disabilities; whereas the EU through NextGenerationEU must support a disability-inclusive COVID-19response and recovery;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas several petitions were submitted in regard to the misuse of EU funds for deinstitutionalisation of persons with disabilities; whereas Member States must speed up the process of deinstitutionalisation and the Commission must carefully monitor their progress;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets the fact that access to the built environment and physical accessibility were not included within the scope of the European Accessibility Act; calls on the Commission to use the European Accessibility Act as a basis for adopting a robust EU framework for an accessible and inclusive environment with fully accessible public spaces, services, including public transport, communication and financial services, and the built environment; welcomes the Commission initiative of the "Access City Award";
Amendment 61 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Regrets that in some Member States inaccessible emergency numbers meant that some persons with disabilities were unable to communicate with essential support and emergency services; urges, therefore, Member States to carefully implement Directive 2018/1972 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the Member States comply with theall relevant EU and UN obligations on the rights of persons with disabilities, in particular the UN CRPD and the CRPD Committee’s General Comments to the Convention, and with the relevant EU measures and funding rules, and to provide support to them in this regardand their families in this regard; calls for the EU and those Member States who have not yet done so to ratify the Optional Protocol to the UNCRPD; highlights that a social model where disability is mainstreamed across public policies is necessary;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Urges Member States to transpose into national legislation the long overdue Audiovisual Media Services Directive and, in line with Article 7 thereof, to provide accessible audiovisual media services to persons with a visual or hearing disability;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need for Member States to provide primary health care; programmes for the prevention of accidents, including adaptation of workplaces to prevent occupational diseases and injury2a; _________________ 2aKhasnabis C, Heinicke Motsch K, Achu K, et al., editors. Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. Prevention. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK 310943/
Amendment 77 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support Social Economy organisations as they are a lever to boost the creation of decent jobs including for people with disabilities; invites the Commission to develop a crosscutting disability approach and adequate supports within the European Action Plan for the Social Economy;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly condemns all medical discrimination against persons with disabilities; recalls that the relevant measures adopted by the Member States must comply with the CRPD and must ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to healthcare and social services; stresses that the response to future health crises (from preparedness to treatment) must ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind; in this regard, urges the relevant authorities to offer persons with disabilities deserve the same medical treatment as any other person, including intensive medical care, also during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 81 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Highlights that job-matching, vocational profiling, concurrent employment and training, in-work induction and training support, as well as career development opportunities play an important role in persons with disabilities securing and retaining paid employment;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Recalls that Parliament has asked the Member States to examine the introduction of quotas for persons with disabilities to foster inclusive workplaces; invites Member States and the EU institutions to lead by example by introducing them in their administrations;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Urges Member States to develop national action plans that address the shortcomings in the access to public safety-related information, distance and online learning, personal assistance, care and support services for people with disabilities;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Invites the Commission to ensure that the design of the Europass Digital Credentials Infrastructure is accessible to all individuals; regrets the very limited attention paid to the needs of persons with disabilities in the Final Report on a European Approach to Micro-credentials published by the Commission’s Higher Education Consultation Group; calls on the Commission to ensure that the upcoming EU approach to micro- credentials for lifelong learning and employability is accessible and reflects on how to improve the employability of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Calls on the Member States to use incentives and financial support for micro and small and medium enterprises that recruit and train persons with disabilities, as well as to ensure that general self- employment schemes are accessible to and supportive of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Invites the Commission and the Member States to ensure that rural development programmes and strategies include specific outreach measures for rural persons with disabilities and involve them in the design and implementation of said programmes and strategies;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Calls on the Member States to improve the accessibility of information provided by the public administration in open and accessible formats;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the cognitive, sensory and physical accessibility of EU initiatives on the digitalisation of the labour market;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 k (new)
Paragraph 1 k (new)
1k. Calls on the Member States to uphold the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community by enabling the transition from institutional to quality, accessible, affordable and person-centred community-and family-based care;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2209(INI)
1l. Encourages Member States to facilitate early access to public pension schemes for persons with significant and severe disabilities to combat the risk of poverty and social exclusion in old age;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 m (new)
Paragraph 1 m (new)
1m. Invites the Committee on Petitions to collect and provide publicly statistical data on the treatment of petitions, including on the satisfaction of petitioners with the petitions process; calls on the Committee of Petitions to develop an index of conformity and successful implementation of the recommendations issued to national authorities by the Committee of Petitions; stresses the need for the Committee on Petitions to ensure the possibility of interpreting in sign language in relevant hearings;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 107 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that Article 27 of the UNCRPD recognises the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others and to gain a living by work freely chosen; calls on the Member States to ensure that the labour market and work environments are open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Looks forward to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ upcoming General comment No. 8 on Article 27 of the CRDP on the right to work and employment; urges the Member States to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory working environment for persons with disabilities taking into consideration their low rate of employment;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Calls on the Member States to address the underdevelopment and underfunding of public employment services with a view to improving the employment rate of persons with disabilities; urges the Member States to strengthen the links of public employment services with referring agencies;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Highlights the positive role played by UNCRPD-compliant sheltered workplaces in the transition of persons with disabilities to the open labour market;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 e (new)
Paragraph 2 e (new)
2e. Urges the Member States to support rights-based, inclusive and decent Individual Placement and Support (“Supported Employment”) models as a means of transition, when possible, into the open labour market for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 f (new)
Paragraph 2 f (new)
2f. Reiterates Parliament's call on the Member States to support inclusive companies that provide employment for workers with disabilities in the open labour market through public procurement, as well as Social Economy organisations;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the fact that as part of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, an EU-wide Disability Card will be available by the end of 2023to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and benefits related to conditions of service provision will be available by the end of 2023; and calls on the Commission and the Member States to be bold regarding the scope of entitlements the Card will afford its users as well as in ensuring that it is implemented in every Member State, by way of binding EU legislation;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to undertake national disability awareness campaigns promoting the UN CRPD and the EU Disability Strategy 2021-2030, that are accessible for all and which involve persons with disabilities, their representative family members and organisations; stresses that those national disability awareness campaigns should place a special focus on the business environment as a lever for inclusion as well as the public administration and to ensure compliance with the obligations and commitments outlined in these documents;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to undertake national disability awareness- raising campaigns promoting the UN CRPD and the EU Disability Strategy 2021-2030, and to ensure compliance with the commitments outlined in these documents;
Amendment 139 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to fully implement without delay Directive (EU) 2019/882 (the Europeanand continuously monitor all accessibility-related legislation, including the European Accessibility Act, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the Telecoms Package and the Web Accessibility Act)Directive in order to effectively remove barriers for workerand prevent barriers and to improve accessibility to products and services for persons with disabilities, ands well as to ensure the availability of accessible services and the suitability of the conditions under which these services are provided;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to step up research and innovation in the field of accessible technology, including solutions for broadening teleworking opportunities, in order to strengthen the inclusiveness of labour markets for persons with disabilities; reiterates Parliament's call on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to regulating telework conditions across the EU and ensure decent and accessible working and employment conditions;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Urges the Member States to ensure adequate social security coordination for persons with disabilities, including through the ongoing revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004.Reminds the Member States of Action line No.5 ix of the Council of Europe Disability Action Plan whereby disincentives to work in disability benefit systems shall be removed and beneficiaries encouraged to work when they can; urges the Member States to ensure adequate social security for persons with disabilities, including by ensuring they continue to receive disability supports covering their disability-related extra costs even when entering the labour market or when surpassing a certain income threshold in order to support their labour market integration and help guarantee their dignity and equality as well as improving social security portability for persons with disabilities through the ongoing revision of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and working alongside representative organisations of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Urges Member States to develop employment prospects for persons with disabilities by improving their implementation of Council Directive 2000/78/EC on non-discrimination in employment, particularly Article 5 on reasonable accommodation; calls on Member States to invest EU funds and Recovery and Resilience Facility funding in job creation and training for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 169 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Welcomes the efforts to revise Regulation 1260/2013 on European demographic statistics; invites the Commission to include in its modernisation of European population statistics the need to disaggregate data according to the nature of a person's disability, building on the Washington Group on Disability Statistics; highlights the importance of up-to-date, quality, disaggregated data for policy-making;
Amendment 176 #
2020/2209(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Council to unblock the proposed horizontal anti- discrimination directive without any further delay, thereby extending EU protection of people with disabilities beyond the sphere of employment;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the Protocol) is the only solution found with the UK, after four years of intense negotiations, to address the specific consequences for Northern Ireland of the UK’s decision to leave the EU single market and the customs union, and to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, the functioning of the all- island economy without a hard border and the integrity of the EU’s single market for goods, consumer protection and other areas;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Agreement’), whose full compliance was a precondition for the ratification of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), allows both EU citizens and affected families residing in the UK and UK nationals residing in the EU-27 to continue to live in the host state and exercise their rights, as guaranteed by EU law; in this regards, regrets that so far the United Kingdom has not fully implemented the Withdrawal Agreement, in particular with regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Agreement protects the rights of those EU citizens and their family members who exercised their right of free movement in the UK in accordance with EU law before the end of the transition period and who have continued to reside there following its end, as well as those UK citizens who are exercising the same right in a Member State of the EU- 27; reiterates the need for the public authorities in both the United Kingdom and the EU to ensure this principle; it is therefore necessary to remain vigilant regarding any decisions or attempts by British authorities to weaken these rights or the enforcement thereof or to exclude parts of the UK from the scope of the Agreement, Northern Ireland in particular;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas it is necessary to preserve a level-playing field and legal certainty for businesses and citizens;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas a lack of implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement will have serious consequences for the entire EU- UK relationship, extending beyond the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the role of the European Commission in monitoring the implementation of this agreement and welcomes the Commission's proposal for a Regulation 2022/0068 allowing the Union to act promptly in the event of violations of the withdrawal agreement including any violations of the citizens' rights guaranteed by the Agreement;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas it is paramount to uphold international law and strengthen cooperation with likeminded countries and democratic allies on the basis of mutual trust, in particular given the current geopolitical and security context;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. HighlightWelcomes the role of the Independent Monitoring Authority in receiving complaints and conducting inquiries regarding alleged breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement; therefore highlights the case launched in December 2021 against the home office in the interest of protecting the rights of European citizens residing in the UK;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the Independent Monitoring Authority focuses on systemic failings in the implementation or application of Part Two of the Agreement and that individuals filing complaints must seek redress by other means without suffering unjustified discrimination;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the consistent EU position that the Protocol will not be renegotiated and highlights that EU Member States and institutions remain united in this view; points out that renegotiation would only further increase legal uncertainty and lack of predictability for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that the absence of a physical document creates the risk that many EU citizens and, in particular, the elderly and vulnerable and digitally challenged people will struggle to prove their rights; points out that the complexity of proving digital status may lead to the risk of discrimination against EU citizens; calls on the United Kingdom to facilitate the implementation of non-digital procedures to facilitate the application of the Agreement;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes the recent resumption of talks between the EU and the UK following a pause in the talks since February 2022; regrets that the UK has not been willing to accept a satisfactory negotiated solution yet, despite the flexibility of the EU to engage on the Northern Ireland Protocol;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DStrongly deplores the publication on 13 June 2022 of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by the UK; calls on, which is an attempt to unilaterally override most parts of the Protocol; highlights the need to preserve the role of the European Court of Justice, which is necessary to interpret the applicable EU law; strongly rejects the proposed removal of the obligation for businesses in Northern Ireland to align with provisions in EU law; reaffirms the need for a level-playing field in the field of state-aid; and therefore urges the UK Parliament not to adopt the bill and calls on the UK Government to engage constructively with the Commission toand address practical trading issues within the legal framework of the Protocol.
Amendment 39 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 6 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and; demonstrate compliance with environmental, social and safety standards in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and promote the achievement of the SDGs;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers, even in high-risk sectors; notes that publicly listed companies, unlisted public companies and private companies registered in the EU may have different obligations under national law in regards to sustainable corporate governance; recalls the importance of levelling the playing field vis-a-vis companies registered outside of the EU;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls upon the Commission to review the impact of sustainable corporate governance obligations on financial institutions providing trade finance;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains.; calls on the Commission to explore an EU-level certification scheme for supply chains as part of its legislative proposal on due diligence; calls on the Commission to rapidly assess, following the principle of “one in, one out”, which existing regulation could be updated or replaced;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in theall EU institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the EU’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the Union while restoring confidence in the European integration process; ; highlights that all EU institutions should abide by high standards of ethics and transparency and calls on all EU institutions to conclude an agreement on establishing a common ethical framework, to reflect these standards; recalls that, in her Political Guidelines for the 2019- 2024 Commission, the President of the Commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the EU, its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics, transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the EU institutions and thus contributes to improving openness, responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and EU institutions;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that a high level of transparency of the legislative process is essential to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; reiterates, therefore, its call on the Council to improve its rules and practices on transparency of its legislative process in line with the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors and the European Ombudsman, which have been overwhelmingly supported by Parliament in its resolution of 17 January 2019 on the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry OI/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council of the EU4 , which was based on the joint report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the Committee on Petitions; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0045. 4
Amendment 33 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that the current self- regulatory ethical framework has proven insufficient, has led to a fragmented approach and to different ethical standards within the different EU institutions; highlights that in order to restore and maintain high levels of confidence in the EU institutions, all EU institutions must abide by the highest ethical standards; recalls in this respect the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors concerning the establishment and implementation of a common ethical framework for all EU institutions;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Underlines that public officials are not in a position to self-declare themselves out of conflict of interest or to provide self-assessment with regards to respecting ethical standards; highlights that this task should fall under the competence of an independent specialised third party, in the form of an Independent Ethics Body (IEB) for all the EU institutions, agencies, bodies and offices;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the EU institutions should apply the highest ethical standards to prevent any episodes of revolving doors and any conflicts of interests, also with regard to the appointments to senior positions in the EU institutions and agencies; expresses its concern that any such episodes, even if legally admissible, are undermining the overall credibility of the EU institutions and often used by anti- European propaganda as a means of introducing euro-scepticism to the public; calls for the establishment of an Independent Ethics Body for all EU institutions that would overlook the implementation of a future common ethical framework, and have competence over the common rules on the content and publication of declarations of interests, avoidance of conflicts of interest and revolving doors, acceptance of gifts and entertainment, protection of whistle- blowers and victims of harassment, transparency of lobby meetings, public procurement and meeting calendars of senior staff, and use of transparent bank accounts for public funds;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the important role that the European Ombudsman plays in ensuring high standards of transparency and integrity in the EU institutions; calls on its Committee on Constitutional Affairs committee to consider and to take into account the experience provided by the European Ombudsman when reflecting on the possible establishment ofing an independent ethics body; suggests the setting up of an EU interinstitutional working group that is tasked with discussing and formulating recommendations on all aspects related to the subject matter;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 76 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 87 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers, as the committee most directly engaged with the public opinion and public response to the institutions’ transparency and integrity, that the democratic approach and political responsibility remains the strongest control mechanism in any constitutional democracy, as well as in the EU; stresses the need for further strengthening of the democratic accountability mechanisms at EU level and in this regard encourages the establishment of a common ethical framework for all EU institutions and of an Independent Ethics Body in charge of its implementation.
Amendment 15 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that the SME strategy should go hand in hand with the European Industrial Strategy, in order to facilitate the adoption of new policy measures which promote their internationalisation and ensures their full involvement, while fostering economic growth and job creation within the Single Market;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the recent amendment of the State Aid Temporary Framework enabling Member States to provide public support to all micro and small companies; expresses its concern, however, about the uneven distribution of state aid and Member States’ access to liquidity and fiscal space, which is likely to result in disruptions in the Single Market and thus create inequalities as regards the ability to preserve domestic jobs;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises the support of the State Aid Temporary Framework in the context of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomes its recent amendment enabling Member States to provide public support to all micro and small companies; expresses its concern about the uneven distribution of state aid and Member States’ access to liquidity and fiscal space, which is likely to result in distortions to competition, creating unfair competitive advantages and possible breakdowns in the Single Market;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the EU recovery instruments and the relevant MFF programmes should complement national schemes, supporting SMEs, particularly in the sectors most affected by the pandemic, and striving to ensure the EU’s industrial independencestrategic autonomy and global leadership;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for a European horizontal strategy for SME recovery in order to support them by reducing red tape, improving access to finance and by fostering investments in strategic value chains, start-ups and micro SMEs in line with the European Green Deal;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Amendment 48 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses, however, that equal access to investment remains a challenge in the EU, considering the greater difficulties of access to finance in some Member States, thus leading to discrepancies in competitiveness between SMEs in the Single Market; calls on the Commission to address this financial access gap and ensure that SMEs compete on a level playing field;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Highlights that women remain under-represented across occupation and management levels1a and welcomes the European Commission’s initiatives with a particular focus on empowering women and improving gender balance within the European SMEs ecosystem; __________________ 1a The Missing Entrepreneurs 2019, Policies for inclusive entrepreneurship, OECD, https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/sites/d23b6508- en/index.html?itemId=/content/componen t/d23b6508-en
Amendment 62 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the systematic application of health and safety measures in the workplace, and welcomes the guidelines of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) on adapting workplaces and protecting workers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic; considers that such guidelines should be further developed in order to provide a coordinated and efficient response in case of future cross-border threats to public health; encourages Member States to raise awareness of Occupational Safety and Health and to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety and health of workers, including through strengthening inspections, where and when necessary;
Amendment 77 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to urgently support businesses, especially SMEs, by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and by facilitating their access to liquidity; welcomes in this respect the temporary SURE initiative, proposed by the Commission; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that alternative financing options, such as credit unions and private equity investors are available to SMEs; calls for the establishment of capacity building programmes, within the Recovery plan, aimed at helping SMEs, particularly micro SMEs to readjust their businesses to COVID-19 affected markets;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights the importance for SMEs of achieving the transition to digitalisation, as well as of considering the employment opportunities and benefits associated, such as flexible patterns of work organisation, enhanced opportunities for people with disabilities and a better work-life balance; calls on the European Commission to put forward a European Teleworking Agenda with a view to developing a legislative framework laying down clear minimum standards and conditions for remote work across the EU, while supporting European SMEs’ productivity and competitiveness;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Believes that the digitalisation provides an abundance of opportunities for SMEs and can significantly improve their productivity, business management and resilience; considers that an ambitious timetable is needed to harmonise digital aspects of the single market and foster e-Government solutions; calls for standardisation and digitalisation of procedures and forms which will help SMEs in the long-term;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to ensure complementarity between the objectives of the European SMEs Strategy, the new Circular Economy Action Plan, the updated Skills Agenda for Europe and the European Industrial Strategy, in order to secure the subsistence and development of SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis and thereby counter the rising unemployment rates, particularly in those sectors seriously impacted such as the tourism and hospitality industries;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Believes that EU’s entrepreneurs will be at the heart of the recovery process and stresses that promoting entrepreneurship is an important driver for social inclusion, smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and competitiveness; calls on the Commission and the Member States to foster and support the development of entrepreneurial spirit and skills and to facilitate the establishment of new business models for SMEs;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Underlines the importance of SME friendly legislative environment; calls on the Commission for a strict application of the ‘SME test’, which would help implementing the important ‘Think Small Principle’; supports Commission’s plans to appoint an EU SME envoy to address and facilitate SMEs related issues and solutions;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Emphasises the need to support social and solidarity-based enterprises by creating a favourable environment for their development; stresses that the Commission and Member States should promote the establishment of social and solidarity-based enterprises;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Article 41(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that “every person has the right to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union”;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
Bb. whereas Article 43 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights states that “any citizen of the Union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a Member State has the right to refer to the European Ombudsman cases of maladministration in the activities of the institutions, bodies, offices or agencies of the Union, with the exception of the Court of Justice of the European Union acting in its judicial role”;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas it is essential that European citizens have enough information to be able to follow EU policy and law making, and participate meaningfully in the European democratic processes; whereas people’s trust in public administrations is enhanced when they can see that institutions are working for the public good and maintain high ethical standards;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the European Ombudsman; whereas since its opening, the Office has dealt with 57000 complaints leading to over 7300 inquiries; whereas the continuous efforts of the Office and its staff towards respecting and upholding transparency, ethics and accountability in the EU administration should be duly recognized and commended;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas in 2019 the European Ombudsman opened 458 inquiries, of which 2 were opened on its own-initiative, while closing 560 inquiries (552 complaint-based and 8 own-initiative); whereas the greater part of the inquiries concerned once again the Commission (274 inquiries or 59,7 %), the next largest number concerned the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) (44 inquiries or 9,6 %), the EU agencies (33 inquiries or 7,2 %) and the rest were distributed as follows: Parliament (21 inquiries or 4,6 %), the European External Action Service (EEAS) (17 inquiries or 3,7 %), the European Investment Bank (7 inquiries or 1,5 %), and other institutions (54 inquiries or 11,8 %);
Amendment 36 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovWelcomes the annual report for 2019 presented by the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 77 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the Commission has committed itself to implementing many of the European Ombudsman’s proposals on the issue of ‘revolving doors’, and endorses the recommendation to take a firmer approach; deems it essential, in the light of the publication of the NGO Corporate Europe Observatory’s recent report1a revealing that 99% of transfer requests into the private sector were approved by the European Commission, with a rejection rate of only 0,62%, to strengthen oversight and ensure proper respect of ethical rules on this issue; emphasizes that such transfers cannot be taken lightly, as they could lead to conflicts of interest when former public officials take up a job with a firm to lobby on policies they previously legislated or worked on; recalls that ethical rules are not a mere formality and should be adhered to by all institutions; _________________ 1a https://corporateeurope.org/en/2020/10/fa cebook-friends-lobby-consultants
Amendment 99 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Acknowledges the raise in the number of people helped by the European Ombudsman Office compared to 2018 (19619, up from 17996), as well as the efforts to find practical solutions to citizens' problems, either through advice given through the interactive guide on the website, replying to requests for information or handling of new complaints (2201 such complaints in 2019); points out the need to ensure the Office has the necessary budgetary and personnel resources so that it continues to help adequately and efficiently the European citizens;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes that the number of complaints falling outside the Ombudsman mandate has remained relatively stable (1330 cases in 2019, compared to 1300 cases in 2018); takes the view that better and coordinated communication at the level of all EU institutions as to the competencies of the European Ombudsman could help reduce the number of complains falling outside its mandate and streamline the response to citizens’ problems;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes that, on average, the length of inquiry of cases closed by the European Ombudsman in 2019 was less than 7 months; notes, however, that for some cases it can take up to 18 months before they are closed; calls on all EU institutions to improve their cooperation with the office of the Ombudsman in the interest of the European citizens who expect swift answers to their problems;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Acknowledges the important contribution made by the European Network of National and Regional Ombudsmen to the exchange of best practices and information on the remit and competences of its members and the proper implementation of European law; suggests that this network could be more closely involved in overseeing the proper use of EU funds; suggests that it could also offer support to national or regional ombudsmen who come under strong pressure from their governments, particularly in connection with violations of fundamental rights, including LGBTI rights; stresses that the Network could also contribute to the edification of a culture of good administration at the level of the Member States by enhancing cooperation and raising the awareness of the national ombudsmen to the importance of defending the rights of citizens; points out that resources allocated to the Network should be strengthened;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that as Asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest- growing economies, increasing efficient and sustainable connectivity between the EU and Asia, with an open, rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field, will and reciprocity, can play a key role in mutual economic growth and will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the EU-Asia connectivity strategy should go hand in hand with efforts to increase access to respective markets, including public procurement, and promote an open and transparent investment environment, unlocking opportunities and contributing to global competitiveness; Regrets that many countries in Asia still apply protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for European businesses; notes that allowing free trade flows will buildcontributes to strengthening economic resilience and to ensure the global availability of products through the diversification of supply chains;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2115(INI)
3. Believes that efficient and sustainable connections and networks between Europe and Asia through priority transport corridors, including air, sea and land transport, and high-capacity network links as well as more efficient and reliable customs procedures, that build on digitalisation and administrative simplification, will increase trade flows between the EU and Asia; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors, national and international institutions, and multilateral development banks; Stresses that the facilitation of trade between the EU and Asian partners through improved connectivity should at the same time result in the strengthening of customs performance and management, notably in enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), as a tool to fight against fraud and prevent counterfeit goods entering the single market;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the potential of New Arctic shipping routes of reducing by up to 40 percent the time and distance between Europe and Asia, creating new trading hubs, with a significant impact on trade flows; Stresses that the management of these new routes should be sustainable and in line with international rules and norms, preventing any additional pressure on the Arctic ecosystem;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Asian partners, with successful examples of strategic partnerships in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as ongoing negotiations, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments with China; calls on the Commission to start a scoping exercise for the investment negotiations with Taiwan;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious, in particular by promoting sustainable EU norms and standardsand international environmental and social norms and standards, such as the respect of ILO Conventions and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that EU and Asia are important partners on sustainable development, notably on the delivery of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and that the promotion of efficient and sustainable connectivity is an essential element, together with trade, of a broader strategic partnership with Asian partners.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the rules-based multilateral trading system has been a key driver of global trade liberalisation, which has poweradvanced economic growth, job creation and the promotion and advancement of sustainable economic development; stresses that multilateral engagement with global partners can advance and address universal global rules related to trade and sustainability within the global trading system; notes furthermore its role in fostering a predictable trade environment through the development of more transparent trade rules and regulations, as well as reciprocity of trade rules in a consistent, enforceable and coherent manner for all parties involved; believes, however, that there is a need to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions in the face of global challenges and shifting world power dynamics; reiterates the role the EU has within this process to advance open, rules-based and reciprocal trade relations;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the rules-based multilateral trading system has been a key driver of global trade liberalisation, which has powered economic growth, job creation and the promotion of sustainable economic development; notes furthermore its role in fostering a predictable trade environment through the development of more transparent trade rules and regulations; believes, however, that there is a need to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions in the face of global challenges and shifting world power dynamics; reiterates the role the EU has within this process, as a mechanism for action, to advance open, rules-based and reciprocal trade relations;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the growing tendencies towards protectionism and trade weaponisationusing trade as a tool of coercion by certain actors that have developed in parts of the global economy; welcomes the strengthening of the EU’s trade enforcement efforts and the development of a toolbox of autonomous trade instruments, such as the anti- coercion instrument, distortive subsidies instrument and international procurement instrument, to respond to these emerging challenges; stresses the need, however, to remain fully engaged in efforts to reinvigorateform the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the cornerstone of a liberalised global economyn open, fair and sustainable global economy based on rules, and to deal with the challenges posed by non-market economies; calls on the Commission to engage with partners in the WTO to advance multilateral negotiations; underlines role of other multilateral institutions such as the OECD, the IMF, the World Bank, and the G7 in advancing an open, rules-based trading system; stresses that for the advancement of rules-based global trade, effective engagement of the EU must be based on a forward-looking approach to trade;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the need to work closely with like-minded partners, and to engage with all members of the WTO that are committed to a positive agenda for reform; recognises that historically it has beencalls on the Commission to explore lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to engage with global partners to address these lessons in the agenda for reform; recognises that EU- US cooperation that has been the maina driving force for progress within multilateral trade negotiations, and therefore welcomes the positiv; stresses, however, that the statements on WTO reform made by the current US administration, which sh should lead to tangible results on WTO reform; underlines the statements by the US could provide a basis for renewed engagement on actionable outcomes; supports a forward- looking transatlantic agenda based on common interests and shared values, aiming to achieve meaningful WTO reform, including of dispute settlement; welcomes the engagement by the EU with its strategic partners in Latin America, the Indo-Pacific region, and Africa to advance and reform the global trading system; calls on the Commission to take into account developing countries and the advancement of the incorporation of their economies into the global trading system;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2114(INI)
3. Notes the need to work closely with like-minded partners, an for a more effective and integrated multilateralism; stresses the need to engage with all members of the WTO that are committed to a positive agenda for reform; recognises that historically it has been EU- US cooperation that has been the main driving force for progress within multilateral trade negotiations, and therefore welcomes the positive statements on WTO reform made by the current US administration, which should provide a basis for renewed engagement on actionable outcomes; supports a forward- looking transatlantic agenda based on common interests and shared values, aiming to achieve meaningful WTO reform, including of dispute settlement;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that accountable and transparent global governance should feature greater participation of parliamentary bodies, as directly elected parliamentarians can function as a crucial link between citizens and the multilateral system; emphasises the importance of the work of the joint European Parliament and Inter-Parliamentary Union parliamentary conference on the WTO; underlines the need to ensure that parliamentarians have better access to trade negotiations and are involved in the formulation and implementation of WTO decisions, as well as negotiations on trade related matters within other multilateral bodies and institutions.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that accountable, modernized and transparent global governance should feature greater participation of parliamentary bodies, as directly elected parliamentarians can function as a crucial link between citizens and the multilateral system; emphasises the importance of a horizontal and coherent multilateralism, as well as of the work of the joint European Parliament and Inter- Parliamentary Union parliamentary conference on the WTO for this purpose; underlines the need to ensure that parliamentarians have better access to trade negotiations and are involved in the formulation and implementation of WTO decisions.
Amendment 43 #
2020/2114(INI)
4 a. Highlights that there should be a multilateralism culture based on the promotion of favourable attitudes to international cooperation through education, information and the promotion of the values associated;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Condemns the fact that, according to these petitions, individuals with disabilities continue to encounter many challenges related to accessibility, participation in employment and mobility within the EU, and continue to encounter discrimination; considers it unacceptable that many employers are still not taking appropriate measures to tackle these issues, despite such measures being crucial to the economic and social inclusion of the 100 million persons with disabilities in the EU;, highlights that this leads to a large unused percentage of potential workforce.
Amendment 9 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take specific measures with a view to ensuring full equality in practice to prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to disabilities, and recommends that the Member States ensure the employment of people with disabilities is addressed in their national reform programmes; Member states shall ensure that Enterprises should receive incentives for a better inclusion of disabled people within their business. In this context, financial support and technical measures for the hiring of the disabled people should be simplified, and enterprises should be encouraged to adapt recruitment procedures so that people with disabilities have easier access to job offers and application procedures.
Amendment 18 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that a reasonStresses that considerable efforts should be made to adapt all workplaces to accommodate special needs with a view to potentiallyimprove their accessibility and accommodate special needs so as to promote a supportive environment for employing persons with all types of disabilities and insists on promotadvancing dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment, including through the monitoring of workplace practices, collective agreements, codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and goodat legislative level where appropriate, and through constant exchange of best practices;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on all Member States to take appropriatand the Commission to take effective action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled peoplepeople with disabilities, to raise awareness, to share research and best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment, as unemployment can lead to poverty, social exclusion and mental health problems;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on all Member States to take appropriate action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people, to raise awareness, to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment, as unemployment can lead to poverty, social exclusion and mental health problems; calls on member states to ensure access for people with disabilities to quality education, employment measures like the Youth Guarantee and exchange programmes as Erasmus+.
Amendment 40 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 41 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the role of women, who usually have primary responsibility for taking care of children and dependants with disabilities; stresses that this has a direct effect on women’s access to jobs and their professional development and may negatively affect their conditions of employment; Member states should promote research on this topic, as data is scarce. Calls on member states to establish a flexible parental leave system, with a job guarantee once the parental leave is over, which is equally accessible regardless of gender.
Amendment 48 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Insists on updating and renewing the post-2020 European Disability Strategy, with the aim of further reducing inequalities for disadvantaged personpeople with disabilities, and promoting their social and economic inclusion and independence, taking into account the challenges and issues relating to disabilities that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that confinement measures taken by governments and teleworking may have affected persons with disabilities.;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Highlights that the challenges prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly affected people with disabilities; urges Governments to consider the impact that confinement requirements and teleworking have on persons with disabilities.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the Joint Research Centre Technical Report entitled “The COVID confinement measures and EU labour markets” published in 2020 and, in particular, its analysis of the most recent evidence available of the patterns of telework in the European Union,
Amendment 27 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU GDP is forecast to contract by about 7.5 % in 2020, while the euro area GDP is forecast to experience an even sharper drop of about -8,7% in the same period;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 crisis is a symmetric shock affecting all Members States, though the impact of the crisis is set to be uneven; whereas the COVID-19 crisis requires a coordinated European response ensuring social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas effective European economic, social and health policy coordination with the European Semester at its core is crucial for mitigating the effects of the crisis and ensuring a recovery which is economically innovative, socially fair and environmentally responsible;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the urgency of the recovery must go hand in hand with the commitments of the European Union and its Member States to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the objectives of the Green Compact and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 62 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas auexcessively resterity policctive spending policies and investment priorities resulted in less protective and underfunded social and healthcare systems, which aggravated the effects of the pandemic in certain Member States;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the euro area unemployment rate is expected to increase from 7,.5 % in 2019 to about 9,.5 % in 2020, with substantial differences among Member States; whereas many companies have either been forced to close or are likely to have to do so; whereas national short-time working systems, supported by European measures, enable jobs to be maintained and salaries to be broadly kept unchanged; whereas many jobs remain at very high risk in the medium term;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the crisis will have a significant impact on social conditions, in particular for vulnerable groups;; whereas the COVID-19 crisis affects vulnerable groups in particular, resulting in increased inequalities, fragility, poverty, unemployment and social divergences, as well as undermining social and employment standards in Europe; whereas young people and non- standard workers are at greatest risk of losing their jobs and falling into poverty,
Amendment 97 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the pay and pension gaps between men and women remain and are likely to widen with the COVID-19 crisis; whereas across the EU, women still earn on average 16% less than men and the gender gap for pensions is around 37.2% in the EU;
Amendment 108 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas fair living wages, strong collective bargaining systems, andflexible sectoral agreements and company-by- company arrangements, as well as social protection can reduce in-work poverty, decrease inequalities and generate demand;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 118 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence and their promotion in an inclusive, secure and neutral way are crucial for all industry sectors, increasing competitiveness, creating job opportunities and economic prosperity;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the fight against climate change persist and require a just transition so as to leave no one behind;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s 2020 country-specific recommendations (CSRs); expresses its concern that Member States have made limited or no progress in six out of 10 CSRs addressed to them in 2019; regrets the fact that too many CSRs are not implemented and urges the Member States to implement them, particularly those concerning employment and social aspects;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the devastating social effects of the COVID-19 crisis, in particular on vulnerable groups, especially workers who were in the front line during the crisis; stresses that only a decisive and coordinated European response will offset the consequences of the current crisis; calls in this context on the Member States to use the REACT-EU package to ensure aid for the most deprived by guaranteeing adequate funding for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), to support retention and the return to employment by prioritising young people in the funding provided by the European Social Fund (ESF), and to take specific action in support of cohesion and the territories of the Union, in particular the outermost regions;
Amendment 143 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the devastating social effects of the COVID-19 crisis, in particular on vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities; stresses that only a decisive and coordinated European response will offset the consequences of the current crisis;
Amendment 160 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that in the current crisis, the Stability and Growth Pact has proven to be inadequatesufficient on its own, not allowing Member States the fiscal space they need to absorb imbalances and mitigate the social consequences thereof, which made the activation of the escape clause necessary; demands that social and ecological objectives be given the same legal enforceabilityrelevance as fiscal consolidation and financial stability where applicable;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that, despite the importance of sound and responsible fiscal policies, and in general budgetary stability should not be detrimental toare the key to sustained, robust public investment, especially in education, social and healthcare systems, always bearing in mind the need to ensure enough flexibility to respond to unforeseen events or crises;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Next Generation EU, the EU’s recovery plan; insists that the recovery plan must contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, implementing our growth strategy as set out in the Green Compact, and fulfilling the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights; calls on the Member States to make full use of the general escape clausepotential offered by the general escape clause to support companies which are in difficulty and lack liquidity, particularly SMEs; safeguard the jobs, wages and working conditions of European workers; and invest in people and social welfare systems; calls for specific social progress plans to ensure more effective and stronger welfare states;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission’s SURE proposal as an emergency measure in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and calls on the Member States to reach a swift agreement to allow its urgent implementation and, as a result, to increase the chances of companies obtaining the liquidity necessary for resuming economic activity and safeguarding jobs;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines the Commission’s commitment to mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on employment; calls therefore on the Member States to rapidly submit to the Commission applications for funding to support European workers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 in their retraining, requalification and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 227 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Is concerned about the unfold impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the supply chains in European strategic sectors, which is resulting in demand disruptions and unprecedented job losses that risk of negatively affecting the European labour market in the long-term;
Amendment 231 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the increased rate of unemployment and the associated rise of poverty and divergences of living standards, which will especially affect youth, women1a and workers in low- skilled positions and precarious employment; calls on the Commission to propose a permanent EU unemployment reinsurance scheme and a more effective and inclusive Youth Guarantee; calls on the Member States to adequately invest in effective active labour market policies to prevent long-term unemployment;, especially in those regions which suffer significant demographic disadvantages, such as depopulated or sparsely populated regions and rural areas; __________________ 1a OECD, Employment Outlook 2020
Amendment 241 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise the fight against youth unemployment, particularly in the context of the European ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery; to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus +; and to take appropriate measures to tackle youth unemployment and improve the employability of young people;
Amendment 242 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes with great concern the high level of youth unemployment in a number of Member States and the fragility of young workers’ employment contracts, particularly in sectors seriously impacted by the COVID-19, such as the tourism and hospitality industries; calls on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment a priority by, among others, fostering youth employability and tackling job polarisation;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the successful implementation of the EU Recovery Plan requires a proper social dialogue and effective involvement of the social partners; calls on the Commission and Member States to support capacity building of the social partners in order to strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining, flexible sectoral agreements and company-by-company arrangements;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Commission’s second phase consultation of the social partners on an EU framework for minimum wages; calls on the Commission to present a European framework for minimum, national, adequate wages to eliminate in- work poverty by ensuring decent living wages above the poverty threshold for all workers through collective agreements or through national law, flexible sectoral agreements or company- by-company arrangements; calls for EU- level safeguards for decent old-age pensions for all workers;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes with concern the inadequacy of access to social protection systems and the lack of such access for non-standard and self-employed workers; calls on the Member States to take measures to remedy these problems, in particular by following the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed; welcomes, once again, the adoption of this recommendation as a first measure and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Europe, but stresses the need to make universal access to social protection a reality, especially in the current difficult situation;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to propose legal instruments to ensure decent working conditions for all workers, strengthen collective bargaining coverageverage for social agents for collective bargaining, flexible sectoral agreements or company-by-company arrangements, ban zero- hour contracts, end bogus self- employment, set strict limits on subcontracting practices, and improve social protection standards; calls on the Commission to present a European directive on decent working conditions for platform workers and non-standard workers where clear, simple guidelines are set on price setting, contract conditions, ownership of means of work, and differences between business activities and those of service providers;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to propose legal instruments to ensure decent working conditions for all workers, strengthen collective bargaining coverage, bancombat the improper use of precarious and non- standard contracts, particularly zero- hour contracts, end and cases of bogus self- employment, set strict limits on subcontracting practices, and improve social protection standards; calls on the Commission to present a European directive on decent working conditionsconduct a comprehensive assessment of the working conditions of non-standard workers and to present a European regulatory framework aimed at strengthening and ensuring decent working conditions, rights and access to social protection for platform workers and non-standard workers;
Amendment 292 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls fonsiders that the recent pandemic has shown the importance of digital solutions, particularly telework an EU teleworking agenda, including a legislative proposal tod the need to establish guidelines and regulations at European level; believes that telework offers opportunities such as better work-life balance, reduced CO2 emissions related to the daily commute, and enhanced employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and may serve as a tool to tackle rural depopulation; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to regulate telework conditions across the EU and ensure decent working conditions, including respect for working hours, leave and the right to disconnect;
Amendment 310 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. ACalls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the portability of rights and ensure fair and just working conditions for mobile, cross- border and seasonal workers in the EU; calls on the Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems; therefore asks the Commission to put forward a proposal for a digital EU Social Security Number;
Amendment 324 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to present an EU child guarantee in 2020, a rights- based, comprehensive and integrated anti- poverty strategy, an EU framework on national homelessness strategies, to conduct a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes in the Member States, and to highlight best practice cases with a view to presenting a framework in this regard; as rapidly as possible, considering the enormous impact of the crisis caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic; stresses, moreover, the need for the Commission and the Member States to collect better and more harmonised data on the number of homeless people in Europe, as this constitutes the basis of any effective public policy;
Amendment 329 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to present an EU child guarantee in 2020, a rights- based, comprehensive and integrated anti- poverty strategy, an EU framework on national homelessness strategies by adopting the ‘Housing First’ principle, to conduct a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes in the Member States, and to highlight best practice cases with a view to presenting a framework in this regard;
Amendment 338 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put forward specific proposals to ensure a just transition in terms of improving the energy efficiency of housing and to adequately address the problem of energy poverty in relation to the objectives and principles of the Green Compact;
Amendment 342 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce binding pay transparency measures, andincluding a male- female wage equality index; urges their swift adoption of these measures in order to avoid further gender-based inequalities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them; calls on the Member States to unblock the negotiations on the Women on Boards Directive in the Council;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as short- and long-term care services, including for the elderly and people with disabilities; calls, in this regard, on the Member States to swiftly and fully implement the Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers;
Amendment 360 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to put forward a comprehensive and long-term post-2020 EU Disability Strategy, including concrete measures to take into account the needs of persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers with the opportunities that digital work offers for their inclusion and creating incentives for their employment;
Amendment 361 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to put forward a comprehensive and long-term post-2020 EU Disability Strategy; notes that the guiding principles underlying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, such as full and effective participation and inclusion in society, equal opportunities and accessibility, must be fully applied at both EU and national level;
Amendment 368 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to improve the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of their education systems, and to ensure high-quality basic skills training with tailored support, especially for the most marginalised groups in society; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their efforts to invest in quality, accessible education and training, strengthening requalification and retraining measures, in particular the acquisition of digital skills, and to promote lifelong learning; stresses that matching qualifications with skills on the one hand and job opportunities on the other is a prerequisite for the creation of a competitive European labour market and that this should be achieved by facilitating closer cooperation of education systems with businesses, for example by promoting learning, work experience and lifelong learning;
Amendment 378 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to update the Skills Agenda for Europe in order to meet the skills requirements of the EU labour market and of the ecological and digital transiWelcomes the Updated Skills Agenda for Europe, which provides the tools to meet the skills requirements of the EU labour market and to support the green and digital transition; welcomes the Pact for Skills announcement and stresses that its works should have a forward-looking action plan, with a particular focus on young people, long-term unemployed persons, victims of gender violence, people with disabilities and other groups at risk of discrimination;
Amendment 384 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses the opportunities that the digital transition may offer to companies, SMEs and start-ups, as well as for new business models, to foster employment growth and new employment positions; calls on the Commission for a coordinated EU initiative to ensure that workers who experience new forms of work, in particular platform workers, have access to a social protection system and are guaranteed all their social rights, regardless of their employment status, and to extend collective agreement coverage to platform workers;
Amendment 385 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth and job creation in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen their support for SMEs and their workers in the resumption of economic activity and in the transition towards a more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Circular Economy Action Plan and the intention of the Commission to come up with specific measures to address the need to improve product durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability, as well as to tackle the premature obsolescence of products; stresses the need to empower consumers to better guide their consumption patterns by providing them with clear and reliable information on lifespan, environmental performance and reparability of products; calls on the Commission to support and develop economic tools that give an economic advantage to sustainable choices;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Stresses that completing and deepening the Single market is a precondition for the success of Europe’s transition to sustainable and circular economy; calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the existing regulatory and non-regulatory barriers stemming from restrictive and complex national rules, limited administrative capacities, and inadequate transposition and enforcement of EU rules; calls for more flexible and transparent governance of the internal market with more effective peer reviews and improved monitoring and performance tools.
Amendment 13 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that placing sustainable products on the internal market should be the norm and; calls for a horizontal Sustainable Product Framework Directive settingthat sets mandatory minimum requirements for durability, interoperability, reparability, upgradability, reusability and recyclability for all products alongside further product- specific requirements; while differentiating between different categories of products and taking into account market and technological developments; stresses the importance of ambitious sectoral EU policies, as well as the proper implementation and effective enforcement of existing rules for a well- functioning sustainable single market;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to empower consumers to further engage in sustainable consumption practices; calls for mandatory labelling on product durability and reparability, and the development of a repair score, in addition to minimum information requirements; asks for both the legal guarantee rights and the reversed burden of proof rules to be extended based on the lifespan of products, the introduction of following Commission assessment of the impact of these proposals on the level of prices, the estimation of products' lifespan, the system of commercial guarantees, and independent repair services; calls for measures that will encourage manufacturers to consider the durability and reparability of products from design stage, and assessing the feasibility of introducing direct producer liability, and; calls for legislative measures to ban practices resulting in premature obsolescence;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the establishment of an EU-wide ‘right to repair’; calls, in this context, for measures to provide unrestricted and free access to repair and maintenance information and to spare parts to all market participants, to define a mandatory minimum period of time for the availability of spare parts and/or updates, a maximum time-limit for their delivery, and for repair to be given priority under the legal guarantee regime; asks the Commission to assess the existing barriers preventing repairs, resales, donations and reuse and to propose measures to address those; calls for a clear definition of reconditioned goods and for the possibility to extend guarantees after a product is repaired; stresses that sellers should always inform consumers of the option of repair as well as the associated right of guarantee; highlights the role of the service sector in increasing accessibility and affordability of repairs and stresses that completing the internal market for services will contribute to the transition to a more sustainable market;
Amendment 77 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Insists that for this purpose the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the importance of clear, transparent and reliable information on product characteristics for consumers, businesses and market surveillance authorities, and; calls for developing a multi- criteria life cycle environmental performance index, which will provide information to consumers on the reparability, durability and recyclability of products, including its packaging; welcomes the Commission’s intention to develop a digital product passport; calls, in this regard, for mandatory information requirements to apply throughout the supply chain, covering not only aspects such as durability and reparability, but also social and environmental conditions;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses the importance of online platforms and online marketplaces for promoting sustainable products and services and encouraging sustainable consumption; notes that online platforms could further deliver on their responsibility to provide consumers with reliable information on sustainability of products and services they offer; calls for proactive measures to tackle misleading practices and disinformation regarding products and services offered online, including false ‘environmental claims’;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance of mobilising sufficient funding to finance R&D in sustainable products and circular economy business models, that will minimise destruction of products and promote repair and reuse;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the New Industrial Strategy for Europe, especially its focus on ensuring fair competition and level playing field globally and on the tools to make EU industry fit to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges worldwide;
Amendment 3 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that the Industrial Strategy, prepared prior to the outbreak and published at an early stage of the pandemic in Europe, will require substantial revision, to reflect the change in fundamentals at European and global level and the new mission of the Von Der Leyen Commission: to return economies across the EU to growth and, to strengthen allthe economies of the Member States, both north and south and east and west, to the benefit of citizens and businesses, and to consider mechanisms that will ensure the resilience and strategic autonomy of the European industries as well as the proper functioning of the Single Market;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s initiatives to support European SMEs’ access to international markets; stresses, however, that SMEs have to deal with too many regulations and burdens and excessive bureaucracy; stresses that SMEs are kept at a competitive disadvantage by investing in cEncourages the Commission to strengthen and improve its initiatives to support European SMEs in overcoming barriers that prevent their access to international markets, among others, through negotiating dedicated chapters in trade agreements; calls on the Commission for an effective implementation of the SME strategy in order to reduce burdens and excessive bureaucracy for our businesses abroad and facilimtate neutrality to comply with the Green Deal while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export marketstheir internationalisation;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Underlines that the Commission must act to remedy the disruption of the Single Market that affected the industries across the European Union, due to the measures taken by the Member States in order to protect their citizens; calls on the Commission to consider how to ensure a fully functioning single market even in emergency situations: welcomes in this respect the Solvency Support Instruments presented by the Commission as part of the Next Generation EU Package which aims at addressing market distortions caused by the crisis;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that our industries are asked to contribute actively to achieving the European Green Deal’s objectives, by investing in climate neutrality and comply with new standards, while confronted with competitors from third countries that are less ambitious on emissions reduction; stresses that European companies, in particular SMEs, risk to be kept at a competitive disadvantage while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export markets; Calls on the Commission for the swift adoption of the Carbon border adjustment mechanism;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Highlights that EU industrial policies must provide the tools to fully restore the Single Market to its functioning before COVID-19, removing the remaining unjustified barriers, including in services, and ensuring the effective and fair implementation, application and enforcement of Single Market rules;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU industrial strategy must serve as a vector for creating more and better jobs and achieve an inclusive and balanced job market, accompanying the twin transitions towards a digital and carbon- neutral industry; whereas the implementation of the Green Deal and the Digital Strategy should boost sustainable growth towards a greener and more circular industry and create new job opportunities;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence and their promotion in an inclusive, secure and neutral way are crucial for all industry sectors, increasing competitiveness, creating job opportunities and economic prosperity;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to focus on domestic productivity within Europe, in order to establish less dependStresses the importance of diversification to improve the resilience onf vulnerable supply chainsalue chains as well as of smart reshoring in core industry sectors such as the tech and telecommunications, medical products and pharmaceuticals sectors, and raw materials, to achieve an open strategic autonomy especially in times of global crisis, and to remain competitive on the global markets, at the same time taking into account the needs of developing countries;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. In the context of the New Industrial Strategy, calls on the Commission to revise the Schengen agreement on free movement in order to ensure a proper functioning of the Single Market and to guarantee all freedoms of movement offering the same opportunities to all Member States, including Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Croatia, eliminating the long hours of waiting at the Schengen borders of EU citizens and EU products;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Emphasises that it is vital to strengthen the resilience of the European industrial ecosystems of the Single Market, which requires an ambitious legislative framework, including addressing competition, reviewing state aid regulations and promoting the digital transformation;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Supports, in principle, the initiative to reinforce a rule-based multilateral trading system; expresses its concern, however, about the functRecalls the commitment of the European Union to a rule-based multilateral trading system and underlines that the EU should be at the forefront of defending and reinforcing it; supports the Commission ing of the WTO, owing to some international actors abusing their market power its overall efforts to modernize the WTO and urges to continue engaging with WTO Members to find a long-term multilateral solution to overcome the current deadlock of the Appellate Body; welcomes the multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines the importance of the ongoing plurilateral WTO negotiations on e-commerce, and calls for a comprehensive and ambitious set of rules, guaranteeing European data protection standards, to address digital trade barriers and ensure that companies, especially SMEs, can compete worldwide in a level playing field;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work towards effective and opuncil to move on the ‘International pProcurement that allows the EU to take swift, targeted and compelling measures and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market openingInstrument’; emphasizes the need for an instrument that targets discriminatory practices against EU businesses in third country procurement markets and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market opening; Calls on the Commission to start a reflection on a possible framework for monitoring third country bidders’ access to EU procurement markets in strategic sectors;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to finalise and share its White Paper on an Instrument on Foreign Subsidies, to address the distortive effects caused by foreign subsidies within the single market as part of the European trade defence toolbox; recalls that it should be coherent with the possible modernization or update of targeted EU competition rules, with the aim of ensuring a level playing field for EU companies;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the significant role public procurement plays in shaping the trajectory of European industry and calls on the Commission to continue working on the correct implementation of EU public procurement legislation in order to create a well-functioning and harmonised Single Market across sectors;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the adoption of the review of Regulation 654/2014 (Enforcement Regulation), in order to strengthen it; stresses that this is an important tool to protect the Union’s interests under international trade agreements in situations when third countries adopt illegal measures that can negatively hit our businesses;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2076(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission to consider the urgent enforcement of intellectual property rights and the involvement of all actors in the fight against infringement and counterfeiting as key objectives of the intellectual property action plan; Calls on the Commission to promote and ensure the protection of Geographical indications (GIs) both at international and bilateral level and to resume the debate on GIs for non- agricultural products that could support innovation, sustainable production and jobs in the EU, improving the attractiveness and reputation of our quality productions worldwide;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that the rules that govern competition in the EU should be further reflected upon, so as to be adequate for both the European market and the global economic context; in the interim, calls on the Commission to ensure that the temporary frameworks approved for state aid do not distort competition within the Single Market in the medium to long term; stresses that competition distortions must also be addressed to avoid long-term fragmentations and effectively protect consumers’ choices and fundamental rights;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to strengtheWelcomes the guidelines on the screening of fForeign dDirect iInvestment and to protect access to(FDI) and calls on the Commission to strengthen it, also in light of the current crisis, in order to protect strategic industries, infrastructure, key enabling technologies, or any other assets in the interests of security and cybersecurity.
Amendment 80 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls for a swift endorsement of an inclusive EU Recovery Plan, which establishes a coordinated European post- pandemic recovery strategy funded by public and private investments in the twin transitions towards a digitalised and low carbon-neutral economy;
Amendment 83 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Underlines that a revision of the EU Industrial Strategy must promote the creation and entry of SMEs in the Single Market, and calls for a stable, predictable and properly regulated environment in which to conduct their businesses and keep their competitiveness and market share, as well as overall growth, investment and job creation;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to integrate in the New Industrial Strategy mechanisms that level the costs of the EU’s industrial sustainable production, ensuring the competitiveness of EU industry on the global market;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Considers all Next Generation EU programmes and instruments have to be focused on facilitating active employment policies in EU Member states, particularly in the industrial sector, as well as on promoting remote work whenever it is possible by investing in digital competencies and digital infrastructures, especially for our SMEs and self- employed people;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises that the Industrial Strategy should support free trade and the EU’s commitment to working with our global partners; calls on the Commission to clarify how it intends to maintain these commitments while promoting the emergence of global leaders originating in Europe; calls on the Commission to further clarify where it considers autonomy necessary and in the economic interests of the EU, and to prevent the over- dependency of EU industry on third countries for critical products;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that EU industrial policy must embrace relocation strategies that promote the recovery of quality employment and manufacturing opportunities back to the EU, while ensuring balanced regional development reinforcing cohesion policy and the European structural and investment funds (ESIF), in order to increase competitiveness and avoid excessive dependency on foreign providers, particularly in strategic sectors such as health, digitalisation and energy, thus strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that the high degree of divergence in controls of products from third countries and in customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union often results not only in trade flow and supply chain distortions, but also in significant health and safety risks for consumers in the European single market; insists that the Commission ensure that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the increase of resources allocated to the Just Transition Fund considering that 160,000 jobs in the coal mining sector might be lost by 2030 as part of the long-term industrial transition process while other sectors such as the energy-intensive industries or the automotive industry will also be confronted with deep structural changes;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Emphasises that the New Industrial Strategy should support innovation in the automotive and machinery sectors, which will help the industry meet its emissions goals with cleaner combustion and electric vehicles and equipment with longer life-spans and lower carbon footprints; believes that such actions can increase the confidence of the consumer in the quality of the products purchased and made in the Internal Market and strengthen our economy going forward;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Calls on Member States and the European Commission to ensure a just transition to sustainable economic systems as an indispensable facet of the new EU industrial strategy, particularly for SMEs, which are the backbone of the European economy; in this regard, supports complementarity with the new Circular Economy Action Plan which is expected to create up to 700 000 new jobs across the EU by 2030, many of which will particularly benefit SMEs;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Stresses that a priority of the New Industrial Strategy for Europe should be to foster a European entrepreneurial spirit, lifelong education and training culture and concrete reskilling measures aimed at creating strong and resilient workforce; asks that the EU industrial strategy takes into account the different regions in the EU and the different EU Member States labour markets in order to ensure coherence across the Internal Market and equal employment conditions;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Encourages the necessity of setting up an EU forecasting group composed by industry, social partners and other relevant stakeholders to identify future skills gap and shortages with the help of artificial intelligence and big data capabilities;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Supports, in the absence of a global carbon price and a multilateral solution, a market-based EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) on condition that it is compatible with EU free trade agreements (FTAs) and WTO rules (by being non- discriminatory and not constituting a disguised restriction on international trade) and EU free trade agreements (FTAs), and that it is proportionate, based on the polluter pays principle and fit for purpose in delivering the climate objectives;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. notes that any revenue from a EU CBAM must contribute to the aim of reducing global carbon emissions and to ensure WTO compatibility;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Believes that the implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism would fill an essential gap in the EU climate policy and is therefore essential to delivering on the EU’s climate ambition to tackle its carbon footprint;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the general exception clause of Article XXprovisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), such as Articles I, III and XX GATT, should be the basis for any CBAM design and its only rationale should be an environmental one – reducing global CO2 emissions and preventing carbon leakage;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for thorough impact assessments and for the utmost transparency of the process leading to the CBAM, as well as engagement with the EU’s trading partners to build coalitions and avoid any possible retaliations; notes that the impact assessment must be conducted with the goal of reducing total global emissions, and that is must include the effects on sustainable innovation and changing trade flows and supply chains;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that international trade and trade policy, as key enablers of the transition towards a climate neutral, resource efficient, circular global economy, need to support global efforts towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international environmental commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, including efforts to reduce pollution, combat climate change and carbon leakage, and promote more sustainable production and consumption;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Amendment 104 #
2020/2043(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Urges the Commission to advance environmental sustainability in the WTO, with the UN SDGs and the Paris Agreement at the core of its work, also by updating the multilateral rules;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that, while there are a number of dynamic middle income countries on the African continent, its economic development is still relatively weak in comparison to other parts of the world; stresses that many of its countries will therefore face almost insurmountable challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and the effects of climate change; highlights that due to their economic situation, not all of these countries are able to take lockdown measures similar to those taken in developed countries and therefore the containment of the COVID- 19 virus has been impeded;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the announcement from the G20 on a temporary moratorium on debt repayments for the weakest developing countries; and encourages the G20 to go further on debt relief to ensure that the basic human needs of citizens can be provided for;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the European Union still has important economic ties with African states, and that China has intensified its economic engagement in Africa;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that the role of many African states in the international division of labour does not promote their sustainable development; calls on the Commission to create a strategy aimed at assisting the African nations with value chain development in order for more added value to be generated within the African continent;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to reformappropriately revise its current version of its strategy entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ with a view to addressing the needs of the African countries and regions in the wake of this health and economic crisis;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CUnderlines the vital importance of meeting the goals as set by the Paris Climate Agreement; calls for a concrete proposal that establishes common initiatives on a renewable energy supply on the African continent;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the need for substantial sustainable investments that enable leapfrogging in the African states; calls for an investigation on how leapfrogging can contribute to sustainable development;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls that the position of women can be strengthened with strong provisions on Gender & Trade in Trade Agreements; calls in this regards on the European Commission to assist the African Union with the implementation of it Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and implement measures that contribute to the achievement of gender equality in its trade agreements with the African countries;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences will have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals; calls on the Commission to make the achievement of the SDGs a guiding principle in all its policies with regard to the African countries and urges the Commission to have full regard for these goals when negotiating the post-Cotonou Agreement in order to ensure balanced and free trade with the African continent;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Highlights that around 60% of the population of the African countries is under 25 years old; calls on the Commission to assist the African youth with dedicated education programs under for example Erasmus+ and to increase educational and professional mobility by means of a dedicated strategy in cooperation with the African Union, the private sector and financial institutions (for example by making available micro- credit for start-ups) with the aim of improving economic and trading opportunities;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Highlights that the future partnership between the European Union and the African Union should be one that is built upon shared values with respect for human rights and good governance;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
10 e. Underlines that Africa and sub- Saharan Africa in particular will have the highest population growth in the coming decades; calls in this respect for the EU to follow the Task Force for Rural Africa (TFRA) conclusions on the need of investments to Africa food chains with a focus to be given to value-added commodities;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the fundamental principle of protection of citizens’ rights; stresses, furthermore, that our aim should be to maintain the closest possible links between British and European citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas an agreement with the UK must ensure a balance of rights and obligations, respect the full integrity and proper functioning of the EU’s internal market and customs union, and guarantee a level playing field for businesses as well as a high level of consumer protection;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union does not exempt the United Kingdom from its responsibilities to safeguard EU citizens’ rights as guaranteed by the EU- UK Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Agreement’); notes that the Agreement lays down provisions for safeguarding the status and rights stemming from Union law for EU and UK citizens and families affected; calls on the Commission to ensure that these provisions are included in the future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the Union is the world’s leading commercial power and the biggest single market in the world, acting as a major driver of economic prosperity;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. calls on the Ombudsman to continue her work, which began at the time of the negotiations on the withdrawal agreement, to ensure that the negotiations concerning a future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom are transparent;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the system proposed by the UK Home Office (‘the registration procedure’) for EU-27 nationals to apply for residence status is not as transparent and simple as it should be; considers that it creates unnecessary and unfair administrative burdens on citizens of the EU-27; considers that the system should be changed to an automatic registration procedure, which is the only way of reducing the administrative burden and of guaranteeing that EU citizens' status and rights are recognised;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the United Kingdom has decided that the principle of free movement of persons between the Union and the United Kingdom will no longer apply after the transition period; insists on the need for the future partnership to include ambitious provisions on the movement of persons, based on full reciprocity and non-discrimination among Member States; wishes to emphasise that rights with regard to the free movement of persons go hand in hand with the other three freedoms; reiterates the fact that access by the United Kingdom to the Single Market must be conditional on its compliance with the principle of free movement of persons;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that under no circumstance a third country can have the same rights or enjoy the same benefits as a Member State; stresses that the rights and privileges associated with the access to the internal market go hand in hand with strict obligations for full respect of and compliance with internal market rules; recalls, therefore, that a balanced, ambitious and wide-ranging free trade agreement can only be agreed if a level playing field is secured through stipulation, proper implementation and effective enforcement of robust commitments;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that mobility agreements, including visa-free travel for short stays, should be based on non-discrimination between Member States of the Union and full reciprocity; considers, furthermore, that such agreements should include European acquis on mobility, specifically concerning workers and, in particular, the rules on the posting of workers and on the coordination of social security systems;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that better regulation of the conditions of entry and residence for purposes such as research, study, training and youth exchanges should be taken into account; regrets, for this reason, the statements made by the British authorities that the United Kingdom wishes to pull out of mobility programmes such as Erasmus+; calls on the Commission to continue to allow the United Kingdom to participate in European programmes for the benefit of European and British citizens, fulfilling the necessary financial commitments in return.
Amendment 33 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that dynamic regulatory alignment on the market surveillance of products and robust product standards should be an essential and irreplaceable part of any future agreement so as to ensure a level playing field for EU businesses and a high level of protection for EU consumers through effective market surveillance; underlines that a level playing field requires a horizontal mechanism, such as an overall governance framework covering all areas of cooperation, to ensure effective implementation, enforcement and dispute settlement through adequately resourced domestic authorities and effective administrative and judicial proceedings, and to provide the Union with adequate mechanisms to compensate for the UK’s possible non-compliance in every covered area;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that in any event a new agreement will lead to customs checks and verification before goods enter the internal market and insists that safeguarding the compliance of goods with internal market rules is of the utmost importance; considers that operational procedures aimed at safeguarding the internal market for goods and the customs union must keep ‘red tape’ to a minimum, especially for SMEs; underlines that European SMEs must not be adversely affected by the agreement with the UK and calls for a stable, predictable and properly regulated environment in which to conduct their businesses and keep their competitiveness and market share, as well as growth, investment and job creation;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes and insists that the Commission continues its practice to provide timely information to the Parliament on the negotiations, in line with the information that is shared with the Member States;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Strongly believes that transparency benefits the negotiation process and is also beneficial to citizens and businesses as it allows them to better prepare for the post-transition phase;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the importance of an overarching chapter on the needs and interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to market access facilitation issues including, but not limited to, compatibility of technical standards, and streamlined customs procedures with the aim of preserving and generating concrete business opportunities and fostering their internationalisation; emphasizes the need to enhance the ability of SMEs to benefit from trade in the future EU-UK economic partnership, including through the sharing of information on laws, regulations, and customs; encourages the Parties to set up SME contact points;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that ambitious arrangements should be included to facilitate electronic commerce and data flows, such as the alignment of rules with the General Data Protection Regulation, to address unjustified barriers to trade by electronic means, and to ensure an open, secure and trustworthy online environment for businesses and consumers;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that ambitious arrangements should be included to facilitate electronic commerce and data flows, to address unjustified barriers to trade by electronic means, and to ensure an open, secure and trustworthy online environment for businesses and consumers, in conformity with EU rules on data protection;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that the covid-19 pandemic directly affects the negotiation process; recognizes the willingness by both parties to continue negotiations during the covid-19 pandemic through virtual means in order to limit the extent of the delay; acknowledges that negotiations through virtual means pose additional challenges; calls on the parties to hold face-to-face meetings once this is deemed safe;
Amendment 54 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that the public procurement market should remain equally open on both sides, provided there is an effective level playing field covering every relevant aspect; regrets that the public procurement sector is not mentioned in the UK mandate for the negotiations and calls in this regard for the inclusion of additional rules and commitments that provide for the same level of access to procurement markets for both parties, which should be drawn up in full compliance with the EU acquis;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Strongly believes that the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on global trade and economic relations serves as an additional incentive to make substantial progress in the negotiations and work towards a comprehensive and ambitious partnership;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Underlines that the future agreement with the UK must preserve the current high levels of protection of intellectual property, with mechanisms for cooperation and exchange of information, and it must keep the same level of protection for the existing geographical indications as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement, as well as for the recognition of new ones, which are of great economic and cultural value to both parties to the Agreement;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. UPoints out that the large amount of non-tariff barriers, divergences in the level and quality of controls, and differences in customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union often result in distortion of trade flows and put at risk the integrity of the European single market; underlines the importance of preserving the integrity of the customs union and its procedures, which guarantee the safety of consumers and the economic interests of the EU and of EU undertakings; stresses the need for greater investment in customs controls facilities at common transit points;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Insists that the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Parties to work towards simplification of their requirements and formalities for customs procedures in order to reduce the time and costs thereof for traders or operators, including small and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Emphasises the importance of making substantial progress on all topics in parallel, including on those that showed limited to no progress such as the level-playing field, governance, law enforcement as well as the timely conclusion of a fisheries agreement;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Insists that the European Parliament is regularly informed regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Emphasises the need to proceed with the necessary measures for the introduction of customs procedures for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, as well as necessary sanitary and phytosanitary controls and other regulatory checks;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes note that the UK has chosen to establish its future economic and trade partnership with the EU on the basis of a ‘Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement’ as laid down in the UK’s Approach to Negotiations; emphasises that, while the European Parliament is supportive of the EU constructively negotiating a balanced, ambitious and comprehensive FTA with the UK, by its nature an FTA will never be equivalent to ‘frictionless’ trade; expresses concern at the intention of the UK government to move away from zero tariffs and zero quota and avoid any commitments on the level playing field; emphasizes, in this regard, that the agreement should ensure open and fair competition, and prevent distortions in trade and unfair competitive advantages; shares the Commission’s negotiating position whereby the scope and ambition of an FTA that the EU would agree to is conditional on the UK agreeing to provisions related to the level playing field, given the geographical proximity and integration of markets, as well as on the conclusion of an agreement on fisheries;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2023(INI)
(-i) a level playing field;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point ix
Paragraph 13 – point ix
(ix) an overarching chapter on the needs and interests of micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to market access facilitation issues including, but not limited to, compatibility of technical standards, and streamlined customs procedures with the aim of preserving and generating concrete business opportunities and fostering their internationalisation; noteregrets that the UK’s approach to the negotiations does not include specific provisions reflecting these objectives;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
16. Recalls its determination to prevent any kind of ‘dumping’ in the framework of the future EU-UK relationship; considerspoints out that a key outcome of the negotiations is to guarantee a level playing field through robust commitments and enforceable provisions on:
Amendment 249 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point i
Paragraph 16 – point i
(i) competition and State aid, which should prevent undue distortion of trade and competition and include provisions on state-owned enterprises; regrets, with regard to State aid, that the UK approach does not reflect the same ambition and only covers subsidies;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that specific attention be paid to ensure that no measures adopted affect or weaken the protection of freedom of expression;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Believes that the Digital Services Act should respect the broad framework of fundamental European rights of users and consumers, such as the protection of privacy, non-discrimination, dignity, and free speech;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. States that limited liability provisions as set out in the e-Commerce Directive1 must be maintained and strengthened in the Digital Services Act, including the long-established principle prohibiting general monitoring obligations, particularly in order to protect freedom of expression and the freedom to provide services; underlines the importance of these protections to the growth of European SMEs, as well as to better protect users’ fundamental rights in the digital environment and to tackle the spread of illegal content, with the purpose of fostering the creation of an open and competitive online ecosystem; _________________ 1 Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (‘Directive on electronic commerce’), OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1.
Amendment 28 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises that SMEs and large players have differing capabilities with regard to the moderation of content; warns that overburdening businesses with disproportionate new obligations could further hinder the growth of SMEs and require recourse to automatic filtering tools, which may often lead to the removal of legal content and may prevent them from entering the market, undermining the freedom to provide services; underlines in this regard the importance of stimulating the emergence of SMEs by lowering and removing market access barriers, accordingly;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that ex ante competition rules could complement the enforcement of ex post competition rules to address abusive behaviours and other market distortions, which hamper a fair competition and a level playing field in the digital single market, with the ultimate aim of protecting the consumers’ freedoms and fundamental rights;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2022(INI)
3a. Recalls that the e-commerce directive is the legal framework for online services in the Internal Market that regulates content management; stresses that any fragmentation of that framework, resulting from the revision of the e- commerce directive should be avoided;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the fact that misinformative and harmful content is not always illegal and that not all types of illegal content are harmonised at EU level; calls, therefore, for the establishment of a well-defined notice-and-takedown process; supports an intensive dialogue between authorities and relevant stakeholders with the aim of deepening the soft law approach based on good practices such as the EU- wide Code of Practice on Disinformation, in order to further tackle misinformation;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to distinguish between ‘illegal’, ‘harmful’, and other content; notes that while some content linked to religious belief or political positions for instance might be considered harmful without being illegal; considers that harmful legal content should not be regulated or defined in the Digital Service Act;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2022(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes the importance of adopting further rules on digital advertising and ensuring full compliance with GDPR provisions, in order to avoid intrusive business models, behavioural manipulation and discriminatory practices, which have major effects on the Single Market and users’ fundamental rights, privacy and data security;
Amendment 58 #
2020/2022(INI)
6a. Believes that allowing new innovative business model to flourish and strengthening the Digital Single Market by removing barriers to the free movement of digital content, barriers which creates national fragmented markets and a demand for illegal content, have been proven to work in the past, especially in relation to the infringements of Intellectual Property rights;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the principle of equal treatment is enshrined in Article 45(2) of the TFEU, forbidding any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas the free movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the European Union and essential to the proper functioning of the Internal Market;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union stipulates that the Union is to promote social justice and protection; whereas the principle of equal treatment is enshrined in Article 45(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and prohibits any kind of discrimination on grounds of nationality between European workers as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the free movement of services must under no circumstances undermine workers’ rights, social protection or the principle of subsidiarity, and whereas digital technology can facilitate the supervision and enforcement of the rules safeguarding the rights of mobile workers; and should therefore be promoted and used to improve information exchange and control systems and fight abuses of any kind as well as to inform workers about the rules applicable to them;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the role of the European Labour Authority is in particular to ensure the effective, consistent and efficient application of European rules and to monitor compliance with Union law in the field of labour mobility in the context of the free movement of workers and the freedom to provide services in the internal market;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the social implications of the free movement of services mean the EU needs a robust cohesion policy and a fair and geographically balanced industrial policy and equally mean that the free movement of services should go hand in hand with quality job opportunities and upward social convergence within the European Union;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Opposes the introduction of the country-of-origin principle, and considers that the free movement of services must be achieved without undermining workers’ rights and social rights; underlines that the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights would contribute to enhance European workers’ rights and protection and thus to a fair mobility within the European Union;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to work together with the social partners to devise strategies to guarantee and, facilitate the voluntary – rather than enforced –and promote mobility of workers, by implementing the right public policies and providing high- quality job opportunities which match workers skills;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to work together with the social partners to devise strategies to guarantee and facilitate the voluntary – rather than enforced – mobility of workers, by implementing the right public policies and providingsupporting the upskilling and reskilling of workers so that they are equipped with up-to-date skills and thus can reap the full benefit of high-quality job opportunities which match workers skills; ;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to work together with the social partners to devise strategies to guarantee and facilitate the voluntary – rather than enforced – mobility of workers, by implementing the right public policies and providing high-quality job opportunities which match workers skills; therefore calls on the Member States to guarantee fair and equitable conditions for mobile workers by boosting the portability of their rights and allowances and intensifying administrative cooperation between national and local administrations;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to ensure compliance with European rules on labour mobility, in particular those on posting, in order to ensure fair working conditions for workers and to contribute to upward social convergence; calls also on the Commission and the Member States to provide the European Labour Authority, as soon as possible, with resources which are both adequate and necessary to enable it to fulfil its mission and ensure fair labour mobility within the Union;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 112 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. In light of the COVID-outbreak Member States should rapidly establish specific burden free and fast procedures to ensure swift passage for frontier workers and seasonal workers, while ensured safe working conditions.;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls for the full implementation of Services and the Professional Qualifications Directive built on mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services and workers, while reducing the amount of regulated occupational standards;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Stresses the importance of supporting and updating workers’ skills, in particular digital skills, through existing mechanisms for recognition and compatibility of skills and qualifications, such as EURES, Europass online platform and ESCO.
Amendment 127 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the use of digital tools and provide labour inspectorates with sufficient resourcessuch as the introduction of a digital European Social Security Number and the swift completion of the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information in order to enhance cooperation between Member States and allow for a smooth and fair mobility of European workers; equally calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the European Labour Authority becomes quickly fully operational and to provide labour inspectorates with sufficient resources so as to tackle fraud and the lack of enforcement of the European legislation.
Amendment 131 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the use of digital tools and provide national labour inspectorates with sufficient resources; in this context, urges the Member States to commit themselves fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems.
Amendment 135 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that workers with disabilities continue to face multiple obstacles that make it difficult or impossible to fully benefit from the free movement of services; calls on the Member States to implement without delay the European Accessibility Act, in order to effectively remove barriers for workers with disabilities and ensure the availability of accessible services, as well as the suitability of the conditions under which services are provided; highlights the paramount importance of achieving a fully accessible Single Market that ensures the equal treatment and economic and social integration of workers with disabilities;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes that the European Single Market constitutes the largest integrated market in the world, which has raised real GDP per capita by between 12 % and 22 %s since its inception; highlights the large economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic, undermining the free movement of services and workers; stresses the need for a European Teleworking Agenda that provides for minimum and clear standards for remote work, thus minimising the negative effects on economic growth and jobs creation, as well as ensuring legal certainty throughout EU1a; __________________ 1aEuropean Parliamentary Research Service, "Single market and the pandemic: Impacts, EU action and recovery" June 2020
Amendment 78 #
2020/2019(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that any future legislative proposals should seek to remove current and prevent potentially new barriers in the supply of digital services by online platforms; underlines, at the same time, that new Union obligations on platforms must be proportional and clear in nature in order to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens or unnecessary restrictions; stresses in this regard the importance of establishing a well-balanced Union approach with the ultimate aim of ensuring responsible and non- discriminatory behaviour of online platforms, in line with the Union values and fundamental rights; underlines the need to prevent gold-plating practices of Union legislation by Member States.
Amendment 83 #
2020/2019(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that any future legislative proposal adapting new commercial and civil rules for commercial entities operating online should combat anti- competitive uses of digital advertising and enable a level playing field market; underlines that providing such a framework is essential to boost innovation and foster growth of SMEs in the Union and start-ups, enabling them to profit from the Digital Single Market;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the evolving development and use of internet platforms for a wide set of activities, including commercial activities and sharing goods and services, have changed the ways in which users and companies interact with content providers, traders and other individuals offering goods and services, and makes difficult to elaborate a single definition of online platforms; whereas the digital single market cannot succeed without users’ trust in online platforms that respect all applicable legislation and the legitimate interests of users; whereas any future regulatory framework should also address intrusive business models, behavioural manipulation and discriminatory practices, which have major effects to the detriment of the functioning of the Internal Market and users’ fundamental rights;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that recent scandals regarding data harvesting and selling, Cambridge Analytica, fake news, political advertising and manipulation and a host of other online harms (from hate speech to the broadcast of terrorism) have shown the need to revisit the existing rules and reinforce fundamental rights; stresses that users’ fundamental rights should be protected from online intrusive business models, including those conducting digital advertising, as well as from behavioural manipulation and discriminatory practices;
Amendment 308 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Acknowledges that it would be very difficult to arrive at a single, legally relevant and future-proof definition of online platforms at EU level, owing to factors such as the great variety of types of existing online business models and their areas of activity; notes that in any case one single EU definition would not help the EU succeed in the platform economy, considering the fast-changing environment of the digital world;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to address the increasing differences and fragmentations of national rules in the Member States and to propose concrete legislative measures including a notice- and-action mechanism, that can empower users to notify online intermediaries of the existence of potentially illegal online content or behaviour; is of the opinion that such measures would guarantee a high level of users' and consumers' protection while promoting consumer trust in the online economy; considers that a notice and take down regime should be technology-neutral to be fit for the diversity of digital services provided by online platforms, as well as accessible to all actors and easy to use;
Amendment 424 #
2020/2018(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Draws attention to the fact that the size of online platforms varies from multinationals to micro-enterprises; stresses the importance of fair and effective competition between online platforms in order to promote consumer choice and avoid the creation of monopolies or dominant positions that distort the markets through abuse of market power;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the Commission has proposed to rapidly deploy products and services that rely on AI in areas of public interest and the public sector; highlights the added value of promoting public private partnerships to secure this objective and deploy the full potential of AI in the education, culture and audiovisual sector; emphasises that in the education sector, this deployment should involve educators, learners and wider society and take their needs and the expected benefits into account in order to ensure that AI is used purposefully and ethically; points out that the legal framework governing AI in the education sector should particularly provide for legally binding measures and standards to prevent practices from the different private and public actors involved that would undermine fundamental rights and freedoms, and to ensure the development of trustworthy, ethical and technically robust AI applications;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to include the education sector in the regulatory framework for high-risk AI applications given the importance of ensuring that education continues to contribute to the public good and given the high sensitivity of data on pupils, students and other learners; underlines that data sets used to train AI should be reviewed to avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes andnotes that education is a sector where significant risks are likely to arise from certain uses of AI applications, which may potentially undermine fundamental rights and result in high costs in both human and social terms; underlines that data sets used to train AI should comply with reasonable and comprehensive mandatory requirements in order to ensure that they are sufficiently broad so as to avoid biased outputs and discrimination based on social, economic, ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, disability status or other biasefactors;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its concern that schools and other public education providers are becoming increasingly dependent on educational technology services, including AI applications, provided by just a few technology companies; stresses that this may lead to unequal access to data and limit competition by restricting consumer choice; calls for this data to be shared with the relevant public authorities so it can be usedstresses in this regard the importance of supporting the uptake of AI by SMEs in the education, culture and audiovisual sector through financial support and other appropriate incentives that do not entail a disproportionate burden and create a level playing field; calls for the data used by AI applications in the education sector to be shared with the relevant public authorities so it can be used, in accordance with the European data protection and privacy rules, and ethical, democratic and transparency standards, in the development of curricula and pedagogical practices (in particular sincewhen these services are purchased with public money or offered to public education providers for free, and becauseconsidering that education is a common good);
Amendment 86 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the unreliability of the currenat automated means of removing illegal content from online platforms on which audiovisual content is shared; calls for a ban on genera must not hamper legitimate uses of copyrighted material; recalls the long- established moderation and automated content filtersprinciple prohibiting general monitoring obligations under Article 15 of Directive 2000/31/EC;
Amendment 98 #
2020/2017(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for recommendation algorithms and personalised marketing on audiovisual platforms, including video streaming platforms and news platforms, to be transparent, in order to give consumers insight into these processes and ensure that personalised services are not discriminatory; stresses the need to guarantee and properly implement the right of users to opt out from recommended and personalised services.; points out in this regard that clear and understandable explanations should be provided to the users, notably on the data used, the purpose of the algorithm, personalisation, its outcomes and potential dangers, in respect with the principles of explicability, fairness and responsibility; calls on the Commission to consider tailored product safety and liability rules when AI applications are deployed for educational purposes, considering the high risks to which the addresses, such as pupils, students and other learners, are exposed;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that AI used by police and judicial authorities has to be generally categorised as high-risk, given that the role of these authorities is to defend the public interest; considers that the EU should take the lead in laying down basic rules on the development and use of AI by public institutions to ensure the same high level of consumer protection across the EU;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that AI should help to ease the administrative burden on public authorities, without ever fully replacing human decisions, and that AI systems should rely on human oversight;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that data collection and the monitoring of individuals should be limited to criminal suspects and court approved surveillance;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that the use of AI by public authorities in criminal matters must be done with utmost precaution, only if there is thorough evidence of the trustworthiness of the algorithm, and in accordance with ethical standards in order to prevent misuses in the public sector, such as mass surveillance and breaches of due process rights;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Highlights that national authorities should receive training and basic skills to deal with algorithmic systems and responsibly use AI technologies in criminal matters, with the aim of protecting European citizens from potential risks and damages to their fundamental rights;
Amendment 65 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls for exchanges of information and best practices regarding the application of AI techniques and tools by judicial and police authorities in Member States to avoid a fragmented approach in the Single Market, as well as to face in a coordinated manner the risks associated with AI technologies, such as vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, and ensure the protection of citizens in the Union;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2016(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Recalls the right of rectification established in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation) and stresses the particular importance of accurate data sets, when these are used to assist administrative decisions; calls on the Commission to examine the benefits of ensuring transparency regarding the individual data included in the particular calculation and an accompanying procedure for rectification.
Amendment 1 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the potential that AI has to deliver innovative services to businesses, consumers and the public sector; stresses the key role that AI technologies can play in the digitisation of the economy in many sectors, such as industry, healthcare, construction and transport, leading to new business models; highlights that the Union must actively embrace developments in this area to advance the digital single market; underlines that the development and use of AI in the internal market will depend on a balanced and effective system of intellectual property rights (IPRs);
Amendment 8 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that disruptive technologies such as AI offer both small and large companies the opportunity to develop market-leading products; considers that all companies should benefit from equally efficient and effective IPR protection for the development and application of AI technologies, in order to foster the emergence of European SMEs and result in a significant competitive advantage in the Union;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that disruptive technologies such as AI offer both small and large companies the opportunity to develop market-leading products; considers that all companies shouldcan benefit from equally efficient and effective IPR protection;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. CStresses the importance of measures and information channels to help small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to effectively use IPR protection in AI technologies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to offer support to start-ups and SMEs via the Single Market Programme and Digital Innovation Hubs to protect their products and thus enable them to fully develop their potential for growth and jobs in Europe;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that besides protecting IPRs, it is in the interest of consumers to have legal certainty about allowed uses of protected works, especially when it comes to complicated algorithmic products;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2015(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that the challenge of assessing AI applications requires the development of new methods; notes, for instance, that adaptive learning systems may recalibrate following each input, making certain ex ante disclosures alone ineffective;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, software updates, limited predictability and self-learning operations of AI may hamper compensations for claims in cases where this seems justified;
Amendment 61 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to evaluate whether and to what extent the burden of proof should be reversed in order to empower harmed consumers while preventing abuse and providing legal clarity for businesses, as well as to ensure fairness and to mitigate the informational asymmetries impairing the situation of injured parties;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the Commission should consider tailored liability rules in sectors where significant risks are likely to arise, which may potentially undermine fundamental rights and result in high costs in both human and social terms, such as where AI applications are deployed for educational purposes;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2014(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission to study the suitability of compulsory liability insurance for AI applications, which could provide protection to third parties exposed to an increased risk of harm and better access to compensation for victims; notes, however, that insurance offers for certain risks might be difficult to calculate due to missing experience in the particular case of AI; considers therefore that any legal provisions in this regard should be introduced with careful analysis and be balanced enough not to impede the deployment of AI technology in the Single Market and to effectively foster innovation.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that it follows from Directive (EU) 2018/958AI should be a human-centric technology and that humans must always bear ultimate responsibility for decision-making that involves risks to the achievement of public interest objectives; stresses that machines should not be enabled to harm the physical integrity of human beings nor to confer rights or impose legal obligations on individuals; welcomes international efforts to ban lethal autonomous weapon systems without meaningful human control and calls upon the Commission to be in the lead to support these efforts;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Commission to increase cooperation at the international level on AI, coordinating work on AI with the OECD and promoting our future EU model on AI on the international scene; believes that the G7 and G20 are also major fora where the EU can play a determining role, as a first step to reaching a global consensus in the UN;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that in the COVID-19 health crisis, several Member States have launched the development of mobile apps to protect public health by alerting citizens to past contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus; calls for a common EU approach to AI-enabled mobile apps, the development of which must remain under state control, open source-powered approach within the EU that stores data locally and is always voluntarily; stresses that contract tracing mobile apps must strictly respect international human rights, rules on privacy and freedom of association; considers that AI technology should not be used in the apps in order to limit privacy and security risks;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the principle of proportionality needs to be respected and that questions of causality and liability need to be clarified to determine the extent to which the State as an actor in public international law, but also in exercising its own authority, can actually transfer that authority to systems based on AI, which have a certain autonomy, without breaching obligations stemming from international law, such as due process;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls that the first offensive use of weapons based on artificial intelligence have been cyberattacks which directly or indirectly affect EU citizens and companies, with techniques ranging from political hacking to stealing of trade secrets; therefore urges the Member States and the Commission to take those threats seriously and invest heavily to achieve a high level of overall digital literacy, security research and use of open-source technology to reduce dependencies on third-country vendors and strengthen the single market;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underlines that self-driving cars, ships and other means of transportation may ultimately operate transnationally and that this can raise new questions of interpretation and application of international law; urges the Commission to engage with international partners on this matter;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2013(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that Member States and the Commission should promote AI technologies that work for people; calls on the Member States, in close cooperation with the Commission, to develop AIopen- source applications aimed at automating and facilitating e-government services, for example in the area of tax administration; underlines that explainable algorithms, open data and public source-codes are important to ensure that businesses and consumers benefit from betterinnovative, non- discriminatory and reliable public services at a lower cost all over Europe in a compatible way.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. Wwhereas the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and related technologies in everyday life and in the workplace is increasing;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the importance of an EU regulatory framework of ethical aspects being applicable where consumers within the Union are users of or subject to an algorithmic system, irrespective of the place of establishment of the entities that develop, sell or employ the system;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas AI, robotics and related technologies can make a huge contribution to achieving the common goal of improving the lives of citizens and fostering prosperity within the EU as well as managing the twin transitions towards a green and digital economy, if harnessed correctly;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the framework should apply to algorithmic systems, including the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, automated and assisted decision making processes and robotics;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas according to CEDEFOP’s European Skills and Jobs survey about 43% of EU adult employees have experienced new technologies at work, such as the introduction of machines and ICT systems; whereas about seven in ten EU workers require at least moderate digital skills to do their job;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas on average, about one quarter of EU citizens have no or low- level digital skills; whereas the digital divide also has specific gender, accessibility, age and geographic aspects, which must be addressed;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. Wwhereas AI offers economic and societal benefits and opportunities for both businesses and workers, while at the same time raising a number of challenges;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. Wwhereas AI solutions and robotics are expected to have a strongmarked impact on the labour market1 and increase the need for skills and specialized labour.2 __________________ 1 STOA, “The ethics of artificial intelligence: issues and initiatives” March 2020 2European Parliament “Encouraging STEM Studies for the labour market” March 2015
Amendment 28 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that a framework of ethical aspects should include provisions serving as a reference for engineers, developers, companies and other operators, with the ultimate aim of promoting responsible and ethical deployment, selling and use of AI, robotics and related technologies, as well as for the development of technical standards and certification procedures in the Union;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the employment landscape is rapidly evolving and it is estimated that 65% of today´s children entering primary school will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that still do not exist1a; __________________ 1aThe World Economic Forum, “The future of jobs” September 2018
Amendment 33 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas AI constitutes a strategic priority, considering that it should benefit citizens and society, by increasing competitiveness, creating job opportunities and economic prosperity;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of an ethical and regulatory framework framework of ethical aspects including in particular provisions on the quality of data sets used in algorithmic systems, especially regarding the representativeness of training data used, on the de-biasing of data sets, as well as on the algorithms themselves, and on data and aggregation standards;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas AI not only easily replaces jobs across indefinite fields, but also creates opportunities for positions that require more training and skills;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that a framework of ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, robotics and other technologies should particularly provide for legally binding measures and standards to prevent practices from private and public actors involved that could undermine fundamental rights and freedoms, in order to provide the highest level of consumer protection and to ensure the development of trustworthy, ethical and technically robust applications in the Single Market;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the need to thoroughly assess the effects or implications of AI applicationsStresses that the scope of any framework on the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies should be adequate, proportionate and thoroughly assessed to avoid hampering future innovation and job creation; highlights in particular the need to thoroughly assess the opportunities and challenges that AI, robotics and related technologies can present in companies and in public administration, including in relation to workers, jobs and workflows; considers it indispensable as part of this assessment that workers and their representatives are consulted and receive sufficient information before AI applications are put to use; the social partners are consulted on any European or national legislative or non-legislative frameworks regarding use of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies which impacts workplaces and invites them to include the ethical aspects of AI and its effects on the economy and employment, including in their joint work programmes at sectoral and cross-sectoral level where relevant;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that AI solutions have the potential to improve working conditions and the quality of life, yet they can also lead to disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, for all workers particularly as regards employment and social inclusion of, and accessibility for, workers with disabilities as well as improving work-life balance, while they can also in the context of the workplace raise concerns as regards privacy and occupational health and safety such as the right to disconnect and discriminatory treatment or recruitment processes due to biased algorithms, including gender and racially biased algorithms3 - and they can undermine ; stresses the need to ensure that people from diverse backgrounds, including women, young people and people withe dignity and autonomy of peoplesabilities are included in inclusive development, deployment and use of AI; __________________ 3European Parliament “Education and employment of women in science, technology and the digital economy, including AI and its influence on gender equality”, April 2020
Amendment 63 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that AI solutions have the potential to improve working conditions and the quality of life, yet they can alsoand points out that these technologies remain subject to legislation on the use of data and privacy such as the General Data Protection Regulation, to avoid situations leading to disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, discriminatory treatment due to biased algorithms, including gender biased algorithms3 - and they can undermine the dignity and autonomy of people; __________________ 3 European Parliament “Education and employment of women in science, technology and the digital economy, including AI and its influence on gender equality”, April 2020
Amendment 70 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that AI and robotics should respect human dignity and autonomy, and calls for clear rules to avoid potential misuse such as disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, deviant use of the so-called “socio-genomics” or bypassing systems for social dialogue;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that it should be mandatory for users and consumers to receive all relevant information on the ethical aspects of AI applications so that they may make informed decisionsbe informed when a system uses AI and related technologies, particularly AI systems which personalise a product or service to its users, whether they can switch off or limit such personalisation and in cases where they are faced with an automated-decision making technology so that they may make informed decisions; stresses the need to ensure that professionals using algorithms understand how data is used and valued; considers that workers should receive adequate training and education on the various issues involved in the use and implication of the AI tools they use;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that it should be mandatory for users and consumers to receive meaningful and all relevant information on the use of AI applications that affect them, on the ethical aspects of AI applications so that they may make informed decisions;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of ensuring that the interests of marginalised and vulnerable consumers and groups, such as persons with disabilities, are adequately taken into account and represented in any future regulatory framework; notes that for the purpose of analysing the impacts of algorithmic systems on consumers, access to data should be extended to appropriate parties notably independent researchers, media and civil society organisations, while fully respecting Union data protection and privacy law; recalls the importance of training and giving basic skills to consumers to deal with algorithmic systems in order to protect them from potential risks and detriment of their rights;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the opportunities of AI solutions rely on Big Data, with a need for a critical mass of data to train algorithms and refine results; welcomes in this regard the Commission proposed creation of a common Data Space in the EU to strengthen data exchange and support research in full respect of data protection for workers and employers;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that a European Teleworking Agenda must take into account the impact of AI and related technologies on remote work;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights the importance of education and continuous learning to develop the skills of tomorrow, to ensure the complementarity between human and machine at work, and to ensure the re- skilling of workers in the sectors heavily impacted by the risk of automation; calls therefore for a Programme for European AI teaching posts, a Europe-wide academic AI exchange programme for university networks;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need to ensure that productivity gains due to the development and use of AI and robotics do not only benefit company benefit society at large, including companies and workers by driving EU growth and competitiveness and the creation of quality employment; notes that sectors and occupations requiring medium-or lowners and shareholders, but also society at-level skills are more prone to automation; considers it essential that the Member States, with the support of the Commission and in co- operation with relevant actors such as businesses and academia, invest in high quality, responsive and inclusive education, vocational training and lifelong learge, especially where such gains coning systems and up- and re- skilling policies in order to equip students and workers with basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills as well as competences in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and transversal soft skills such as entrepreneurship, creativity and critical thinking to avoid skills obsolescence and ensure employability in transformed at the expense of jobs; nd future-oriented sectors; calls for the Updated Skills Agenda for Europe and the reinforced MFF for 2021- 2027 to play a strong role in this regard;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the importance of achieving a high-level of overall digital literacy and of training highly skilled professionals in this area ands well as ensuring the mutual recognition of such qualifications across the Union;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds that the EU employment and social acquis remains fully applicable irrespective of the involvement of AI and believes the Commission and Member States should ensure it is enforced adequately where AI is used and address any potential legislative gaps;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for the adoption of an updated Skills Agenda for Europe and Digital Education Action Plan in order to provide digital literacy to workers across all sectors;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the application of the precautionary principle with regard to new technologies based on AI; underlines that humans must always be in control of AI and that AI decisions must be reversiblethere should be adequate and sensible human oversight and control relative to the AI use case, ensuring that there is accountability over AI decision-making;
Amendment 103 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for the Union to establish a European market surveillance structure for algorithmic systemsCommission to promote the exchange of information related to algorithmic systems between market surveillance authorities, and to support the development of a common understanding in the Single Market by issuing guidance, opinions and expertise to Member States’ authorities;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to carefully preserve the direct relations between employers, professionals, users and client in sensitive sectors;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that it is essential for the software documentation, the algorithms and data sets used to be fullyshould be explainable and accessible to market surveillance authorities, whil to the grespecting Union lawatest possible extent, in accordance with Union law and particularly a future regulatory framework of ethical aspects; invites the Commission to assess if additional prerogatives should be given to market surveillance authorities in this respect; considers that an examination of the current market surveillance legislation might be necessary to avoid its obsolescence and ensure that it responds ethically to the emergence of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies;
Amendment 111 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for a legislative framework on the ethical aspects of AI applications in the workplace, especially with regard to workers’ rights and working conditions, in line with a proportionate and risk-based approach such as outlined in the Commission White Paper on Artificial Intelligence;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for any European legislative framework on the ethical aspects of AI applications in the workplaceartificial intelligence and applications, robotics and related technologies to address the world of work, especially with regard to workers’ rights and working conditions;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the establishment of a European marketimproved and effective cooperation of national surveillance board fordies as regards algorithmic systems, to ensure a level playing fi across the Union, as weldl and to avoid frs harmonised risk managementation of the internal market, to decide with a qualified majority and by secret vote in case of different decisions on algorithmic systems used strategies for artificial intelligence, in more than one Member State, as wder to ensure a level playing fielld as at the request of the majority of the national authoritiesnd to avoid fragmentation of the internal market;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the establishment ofa strong coordination of Member State’s authorities, for instance through instruments such as a European market surveillance board for algorithmic systems, to ensure a level playing field and to avoid fragmentation of the internal market, to decide with a qualified majority and by secret vote in case of different decisions on algorithmic systems used in more than one Member State, as well as at the request of the majority of the national authorities;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority of which approximately 6 million lives in the EU; whereas about 80 % of Roma live below their country’s at-risk-of-poverty threshold; 43 % of Roma are in some form of paid employment1 ; whereas 63 % of young Roma (aged 16-24) are not in education, employment or training (NEET)2 ; whereas the increasing share of Roma NEETs was an area where the situation had deteriorated in 2016 compared to 20113 ; _________________ 1European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 3. 2Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies – 2019, COM(2019)0406, p. 4. 3 Roma inclusion measures reported under the EU framework for NRIS, SWD(2019) 320 final, PART 1/2, p. 18.
Amendment 19 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas one third of Roma households do not have tap water, just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Roma live in overcrowded housing4 ; _________________ 4European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6.whereas the majority of Roma communities, in particular in Central and Eastern Europe, live in segregated settlements, facing spatial segregation and many of these communities are disproportionally exposed to environmental degradation and pollution stemming from waste dumps and landfills, contaminated sites, or dirty industries4a; _________________ 4European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6. 4aEuropean Environmental Bureau report, 2020, Pushed to the wastelands. Environmental racism against Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe, p 6
Amendment 20 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Roma communities are most vulnerable, they are often live in slum settlements excluded from society and in substandard conditions whereas one third of Roma households do not have tap water, just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Roma live in overcrowded housing4 ; _________________ 4European Commission, 2019 Report on National Roma Integration Strategies: Key Conclusions, p. 6.
Amendment 28 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 32 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Roman women and girls are faced with a specific situation of vulnerability due to the intersectional discrimination, leading to high levels of school failure and unemployment rates;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas poor transport infrastructure, a dearth of public administrative bodies and services, in particular of high-quality educational institutions and health provision aggravate regional disparities and ghettoisation;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the fact that Roma are one of the minority groups in Europe that face the highest rates of poverty and social exclusion; notes with regret that despite measures introduced in the last decade,economic prosperity in the EU and despite the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies and the Cohesion Funds measures introduced in the last decade, the overall situation of the Roma in the EU has stagnated; progress in the areas of housing, employment, education and healthcare has been very limited; calls on local authorities and governments to single out a and in some fields even regressed often due to the lack of political will; therefore calls on the Commission to lead by example and introduce a “Roma mainstreaming policy” in order to integrate the Roma perspective at all stages and levels of policies, programmes and priority the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS)ojects particularly the Recovery Plan, the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, the European Green Deal, the new Common Agricultural Policy, the Just Transition Fund, the New Skills Agenda for Europe, the European Digital Strategy, the SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe; calls on the Commission to prevent discrimination in EU policies in general and to facilitate affirmative action; calls on the Member States also to to follow this path and create policies which help the active inclusion of Roma into our societies;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the fact that Roma are one of the minority groups in Europe that face the highest rates of poverty and, social exclusion and structural discrimination; notes with regret that despite measures introduced in the last decade, progress in the areas of housing, employment, education and healthcare has been limited; calls on local authorities and governments to single out as a priority the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS);
Amendment 48 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Commission to set out binding objectives, measures and targets for the Member States, a clear timeline and clear and binding progress requirements, as well as success indicators and adequate funding for the implementation of the next EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategy; calls on local authorities and governments to single out as a priority the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS);
Amendment 55 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Calls on the Commission to ensure the equal participation of Roma civil society organisations, experts and community members, particularly those active at local and regional level in the policy debate and in decision-making;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the most critical points to address in the area of Roma employment are effective transition from education to the open labour market, hampered by the high rate of scholar failure which affect in particular Roma children and youth, tackling discrimination by employers, matching labour demand with labour supply, and the growing rates of Roma youth not in education;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that EU budget planning is firmly linked to the Roma inclusion process at EU levelthe Recovery Plan and the new Mulitannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027 is firmly linked to the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, to its binding targets and to their execution by National Roma Integration Strategies;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for an urgent and thorough commitment by the relevant state authorities to the desegregation of Roma pupils in schools, as Roma children are often educated in segregated environments, while the misdiagnosis of Roma children as having special educational needs is still a common discriminatory practice; reminds that the Commission opened infringement procedures on segregation of Roma children in relation to 3 Member States; is of the opinion that the last years have shown no improvement despite the Commission's efforts; therefore calls on the Commission to take further steps and refer these cases to the European Court of Justice;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls for a redesigned CAP which would enable and promote innovative forms of agricultural work, including social cooperatives for Roma communities, which could also play and important role in creating a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system, would contribute to the realisation of the objectives of the and European Green Deal; calls for the promotion and exchange of best practices in this domain among the Member States;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights that Roma often work under precarious employment conditions or in atypical employment situations; is strongly of the opinion that the new instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) should be targeting the most vulnerable in the Member States;
Amendment 125 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls the fact that the Racial Equality Directive6 provides protection and guarantees for equal treatment with regard to access to and supply of goods and services, including housing, which is primarily within the remit of national and regional governments; calls on the Council to unblock negotiatons on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieve equality in the EU; _________________ 6 Article 3(1)(h) of Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.
Amendment 126 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls the fact that the Racial Equality Directive6 provides protection and guarantees for equal treatment with regard to access to and supply of goods and services, including housing, which is primarily within the remit of national and regional governments; stresses the necessity to ensure proper and effective transposition and appropriate implementation of such a Directive; _________________ 6 Article 3(1)(h) of Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.
Amendment 133 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Member States to promote spatial desegregation and engage Roma beneficiaries in the design and implementation of housing projects, to reduce and prevent forced evictions, to address the issue of homelessness and to provide sufficient and appropriate halting sites for non-sedentary Roma;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to ensure the integration of policies to combat antigypsyism in all its forms and to recognize environmental discrimination as a specific manifestation of antigypsyism. Environmental justice must be integrated as a stand-alone area in the post-2020 framework and should address the different forms of environmental discrimination such as the problem of forced evictions to polluted or contaminated areas, the systematic denial of environmental services, as well as the health risk associated with poor environment.
Amendment 140 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls on the Member States to address the issues of housing and homelessness, through developing the social housing stock and through promoting non-discriminatory access to social housing;
Amendment 142 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Highlights the promising approaches of "housing first" initiatives to prevent and combat homelessness and housing in segregated areas and calls on Member States to consider shifting from staircase model of service provision to housing-led services, complementing provision of housing with accompanying support combining elements of employment, education, health and community development;
Amendment 156 #
2020/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the Member States to strengthen the independence, resources, mandate and powers of their national equality bodies to step up against discrimination, including institutional discrimination, against Roma by implementing the European Commission Recommendation on standards for equality bodies;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas mutual recognition of skills and qualifications is key to support mobility, long-life learning and career opportunities for all across the EU, including people with disabilities, thereby contributing to the free movement of services in the Single Market;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the need to guarantee the comprehensive and efficient application of EU rules on the free movement of workers and services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect both businesses and consumers, and stimulate innovation and competitiveness under fair and balanced conditions, upholding the principles of the Single Market;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 58 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the Services Directive and the PQD build on the principle of mutual recognition to facilitate free movement of services; calls on the Member States to extend mutual recognition to more levels of education and training, and to improve or introduce the necessary procedures as soon as possible;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to improve tools such as the Points of Single Contact and the Single Digital Gateway and on the Member States to use such toolsensure compliance with the requirements of making available information and online procedures for the effective use of such tools, in order to provide workers, consumers and businesses with accurate and easily accessible information regarding their rights and obligations related to free movement within the single market., and with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2007(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls therefore for greater promotion, application and enforcement of the European Qualifications Framework to guarantee a widely used recognition instrument throughout the European Union;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. emphasises the need to further improve the implementation and enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation to best preserve sustainable trade in imported and domestically produced timber and timber products;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU borders in order to ensure that the imported products do indeed comply with the criteria for entry into the EU; stresses that the Commission needs to ensure that customs controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, incoordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. notes with concern that research continues to affirm a worrying link between zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, and deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. welcomes the EU communication of 23 July 2019 on stepping up EU action to protect andrestore the world’s forests; recalls that sustainable and inclusive forest management and governance is essential to the achievement of the objectives set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal; underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals, as the EU is a significant importer of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, which are often drivers of global deforestation;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. highlights the fact that commodities like cocoa offer an early chance to make progress on such an approach, learning lessons from the FLEGT VPA process;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. believes that the EU needs to ensure that it only promotes global supply chains and financial flows which are sustainable and deforestation-free and which do not result in human rights violations;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Amendment 22 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3 h. underlines the fact that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous people, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; recalls that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy framework, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; believes that gender equality in forestry education is a key point in the sustainable management of forests which should be reflected in the EU Action Plan;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 i (new)
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3 i. recalls the importance of respecting the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; supports the ongoing negotiations to create a binding UN instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights and stresses the importance of the EU being proactively involved in this process;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 j (new)
Paragraph 3 j (new)
3 j. calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to extend the due diligence obligations provided by the EU Timber Regulation so as to cover conflict timber in the framework of the upcoming review;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. considers that trade and international cooperation are important tools for consolidating higher standards of sustainability, especially with regards to sectors that are linked to forests and the value chains derived;
Amendment 45 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. considers that special attention must be paid to measures that affect developing countries and particularly to potential detrimental effects such as job or income loss; calls on the Commission and Member States to strengthen cooperation with third countries through technical assistance, exchange of information and good practices in the preservation, conservation and sustainable use of forests, with a special focus on the linkage between organised crime and commodities associated with deforestation;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. the proposal should ensure that there is legal certainty for all relevant stakeholders on any new EU wide measure and framework relating to the current use of FLEGT VPAs and licencing, in order to secure the interest in investing in deforestation free export to the EU;
Amendment 21 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the COVID-19 outbreak has claimed thousands of lives in Europe and has led to an unprecedented crisis with disastrous consequences for people, families, workers and businesses, and therefore requires an unprecedented response; highlights that 2021 will be a critical year for the budget, as the first year of the 2021-2027 MFF and the first “post- COVID-19 recovery” year; highlights in particular that the budget should help improving the situation in the social and employment area, in time of unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomes in this regard that the 2021 budget will be complemented by €211 billion in grants and approximately €133 billion in loans under Next Generation EU which must also help to address the social and economic impacts of the crisis;
Amendment 23 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that the budget for 2021 should primarily focus on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting Member States' recovery, while also building on the European Green Deal and digital transformation; stresses that the Union and all Member States must show full solidarity with those most in need and ensure that no country is left on its own to fight the pandemic;
Amendment 24 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recalls that the European Parliament, in its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, called on the Commission and the Member States to prioritise aid and crisis-mitigation measures for the Overseas Countries and Territories and outermost regions by means of a dedicated exceptional support fund;
Amendment 35 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recalls the commitment by the Commission to present a legislative proposal for a European Unemployment Benefit Reinsurance scheme as soon as possible;
Amendment 64 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines that, in the context of ongoing budgetary constraints and of the post-COVID-19 recovery, it will be critical to make the best use of the 2021 general budget, including future skills policies and measures to support labour market transition and better adjustment to demographic change, automatisation and digitalisation, particularly by improved integration of potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the labour market; further underlines the importance of addressing social inequalities pertaining to youth unemployment and young people's access to the labour market;
Amendment 82 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises the importance to include the Overseas Territories and Counties in its budgeting; urges the Commission to implement measures and funding to address the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the Overseas Territories and Countries.
Amendment 199 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) To safeguard the fairness and contestability of core platform services provided by gatekeepers, it is necessary to provide in a clear and unambiguous manner for a set of harmonised obligations with regard to those services. Such rules are needed to address the risk of harmful effects of unfair practices imposed by gatekeepers, to the benefit of the business environment in the services concerned, to the benefit of users and ultimately to the benefit of society as a whole. Given the fast-moving and dynamic nature of digital markets, and the substantial economic power of gatekeepers, it is important that these obligations are effectively applied without being circumvented. To that end, the obligations in question should apply to any practices by a gatekeeper, irrespective of its form and irrespective of whether it is of a contractual, commercial, technical or any other nature, including through product design or by presenting end-user choices in a non-neutral manner, or by otherwise subverting or impairing user autonomy, decision-making, or choice via the structure, function or manner of operation of a user interface or a part thereof, insofar as a practice corresponds to the type of practice that is the subject of one of the obligations of this Regulation.
Amendment 255 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 46
Recital 46
(46) A gatekeeper may use different means to favour its own services or products on its core platform service, to the detriment of the same or similar services that end users could obtain through third parties. This may for instance be the case where certain software applications or services are pre-installed by a gatekeeper. To enable end user choice, gatekeepers should not prevent end users and business users, including device manufacturers and device providers, from un- installing any pre-installed software applications on itstheir core platform service and thereby favour their own software applications.
Amendment 261 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) The rules that the gatekeepers set for the distribution of software applications may in certain circumstances restrict the ability of business users and end users to install, set as defaults, and effectively use third party software applications or software application stores on operating systems or hardware of the relevant gatekeeper and restrict the ability of end users to access these software applications or software application stores outside the core platform services of that gatekeeper. Such restrictions may limit the ability of developers of software applications to use alternative distribution channels and the ability of end users to choose between different software applications from different distribution channels and should be prohibited as unfair and liable to weaken the contestability of core platform services. To ensure contestability, the gatekeeper should prompt the end user to decide whether the downloaded application or app store should become the default. In order to ensure that third party software applications or software application stores do not endanger the integrity of the hardware or operating system provided by the gatekeeper the gatekeeper concerned may implement proportionate technical or contractual measures to achieve that goal if the gatekeeper demonstrates that such measures are necessary and justified and that there are no less restrictive means to safeguard the integrity of the hardware or operating system.
Amendment 289 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Gatekeepers can hamper the ability of end users to access online content and services including software applications. Therefore, rules should be established to ensure that the rights of end users to access an open internet are not compromised by the conduct of gatekeepers. Gatekeepers can also technically limit the ability of end users to effectively switch between different Internet access service providers, in particular through their control over operating systems or hardware. This distorts the level playing field for Internet access services and ultimately harms end users. It should therefore be ensured that gatekeepers do not unduly restrict end users in choosing their Internet access service provider.
Amendment 366 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 75
Recital 75
(75) In the context of proceedings carried out under this Regulation, the undertakings concerned should be accorded the right to be heard by the Commission and the decisions taken should be widely publicised. While ensuring the rights to good administration and the rights of defence of the undertakings concerned, in particular, the right of access to the file and the right to be heard, it is essential that confidential information be protected. Furthermore, while respecting the confidentiality of the information, the Commission should ensure that any information relied on for the purpose of the decision is disclosed to an extent that allows the addressee of the decision to understand the facts and considerations that led up to the decision. Finally, under certain conditions certain business records, such as communication between lawyers and their clients, may be considered confidential if the relevant conditions are met. Natural or legal persons with sufficient interest should also have a right to be heard. Parties that are directly affected by the obligations contained in Articles 5 and 6 should be considered to have sufficient interest. Consumer associations that apply to be heard should be regarded as having a sufficient interest, where the proceedings concern products or services used by end users.
Amendment 370 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 75 a (new)
Recital 75 a (new)
(75 a) In addition, the Commission should keep the European Parliament fully and regularly informed of the proceedings carried out under this Regulation, with due regard to the principle of good administration and accountability, in order to ensure democratic scrutiny of the measures carried out by the Commission.
Amendment 576 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 8
Article 3 – paragraph 8
8. The gatekeeper shall comply with the obligations laid down in Articles 5 and 6, and notify the Commission of the terms of its compliance, within six months after a core platform service has been included in the list pursuant to paragraph 7 of this Article.
Amendment 725 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) allow end users and business users to un-install any pre-installed software applications on its core platform service without prejudice to the possibility for a gatekeeper to restrict such un-installation in relation to software applications that the gatekeeper can prove are essential for the functioning of the operating system or of the device and which cannot technically be offered on a standalone basis by third- parties;
Amendment 728 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) allow the installation, setting as default, by business users and end users, and effective use of third party software applications or software application stores using, or interoperating with, operating systems of that gatekeeper and allow these software applications or software application stores to be accessed by means other than the core platform services of that gatekeeper. The gatekeeper shall prompt the end user to decide whether the downloaded application or application store should become the default. The gatekeeper shall not be prevented from taking proportionate measures to ensure that third party software applications or software application stores do not endanger the integrity of the hardware or operating system provided by the gatekeeper where the gatekeeper can prove that such measures are necessary and justified and there are no less restrictive means to safeguard the integrity of the hardware or operating system;
Amendment 930 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. A gatekeeper shall ensure that the obligations of Articles 5 and 6 are fully and effectively complied with. While the obligations of Articles 5 and 6 apply in respect of core platform services designated pursuant to Article 3, their implementation shall not be undermined by any behaviour of the gatekeeper or any part of the undertaking to which the gatekeeper belongs, regardless of whether this behaviour is of a contractual, commercial, technical or any other nature, including through product design or by presenting end user choices in a non- neutral manner, or by otherwise subverting or impairing user autonomy, decision-making, or choice via the structure, function or manner of operation of a user interface or a part thereof.
Amendment 946 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. A gatekeeper shall not degrade the conditions or quality of any of the core platform services provided to business users or end users who avail themselves of the rights or choices laid down in Articles 5 and 6, or make the exercise of those rights or choices unduly difficult, including by presenting end-user choices in a non-neutral manner, or by otherwise subverting or impairing user autonomy, decision-making, or choice via the structure, function or manner of operation of a user interface or a part thereof.
Amendment 1091 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In any non-compliance decision under paragraph 1 the Commission shall further be entitled to specify the measures the gatekeeper shall implement to ensure effective compliance with its obligations laid down in Articles 5 or 6. This may include any proportionate measures to restore the contestability of the market where this has been harmed by the gatekeeper’s non-compliance. The Commission shall, where appropriate, be entitled to require the measures to be tested to optimise their effectiveness;
Amendment 1124 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. If the Commission considers it necessary, it may also hear other natural or legal persons before taking the decisions as provided for in paragraph 1. Applications to be heard on the part of such persons shall, where they show a sufficient interest, be granted. Member State authorities assisting the Commission in the enforcement of this Regulation may also ask the Commission to hear other natural or legal persons with sufficient interest.
Amendment 1128 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 2
Article 30 – paragraph 2
2. Gatekeepers, undertakings and, associations of undertakings and interested third persons concerned may submit their observations to the Commission’s preliminary findings within a time limit which shall be fixed by the Commission in its preliminary findings and which may not be less than 14 days.
Amendment 1130 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 3
Article 30 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall base its decisions only on objections on which gatekeepers, undertakings and, associations of undertakings concerned and interested third persons have been able to comment.
Amendment 1131 #
2020/0374(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Natural or legal persons who can show a legitimate interest shall be entitled to lodge complaints with regard to the non-designation of gatekeepers and non- compliance and systematic non- compliance by gatekeepers with their obligations under this Regulation.
Amendment 193 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) As Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), provisions of the Convention are integral part of the Union legal order and binding upon the Union and its Member States. The UN CRPD requires its Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, on an equal basis with others, to information and communications technologies and systems, and other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas. General Comment No 2 to the UNCRPD further states that “The strict application of universal design to all new goods, products, facilities, technologies and services should ensure full, equal and unrestricted access for all potential consumers, including persons with disabilities, in a way that takes full account of their inherent dignity and diversity1a”.Given the ever-growing importance of digital services and platforms in private and public life, in line with the obligations enshrined in the UN CRPD, the EU must ensure a regulatory framework for digital services which protects rights of all recipients of services, including persons with disabilities. Declaration 22 annexed to the final Act of Amsterdam provides that the institutions of the Union are to take account of the needs of persons with disabilities in drawing up measures under Article 114 TFEU. __________________ 1aGeneral comment No. 2 (2014) on Article 9: Accessibility of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Amendment 197 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Given the cross-border nature of the services at stake, Union action to harmonise accessibility requirements for intermediary services across the internal market is vital to avoid market fragmentation and ensure that equal right to access and choice of those services by all consumers and other recipients of services, including by persons with disabilities, is protected throughout the Union. Lack of harmonised accessibility requirements for digital services and platforms will also create barriers for the implementation of existing Union legislation on accessibility, as many of the services falling under those laws will rely on intermediary services to reach end- users. Therefore, accessibility requirements for intermediary services, including their user interfaces, must be consistent with existing Union accessibility legislation, such as the European Accessibility Act1a and the Web Accessibility Directive1b, so that no one is left behind as result of digital innovation. This aim is in line with the Union of Equality: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 and the Union’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. __________________ 1aDirective (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services 1bDirective (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies
Amendment 225 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to achieve the objective of ensuring a safe, predictable and trusted online environment, for the purpose of this Regulation the concepts of “illegal content” and “illegal goods” should underpin the general idea that what is illegal offline should also be illegal online. The concepts should be defined broadly and alsto covers information relating to illegal content, products, services and activities. In particular, thate concepts should be understood to refer to information, irrespective of its form, that under the applicable law is either itself illegal, such as illegal hate speech or terrorist content and unlawful discriminatory content, or that is not in compliance with Union law since it relates to activities that are illegal, such as the sharing of images depicting child sexual abuse, unlawful non- consensual sharing of private images, online stalking, the sale of non-compliant or counterfeit products, the non-authorised use of copyright protected material or activities involvingsale of products or the provision of services in infringements of consumer protection law, the non-authorised use of copyright protected material. In this regard, it is immaterial whether the illegality of the information or activity results from Union law or from national law that is consistent with Union law and what the precise nature or subject matter is of the law in question.
Amendment 610 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) set out uniform rules for a safe, accessible, predictable and trusted online environment, where fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter are effectively protected.
Amendment 623 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. This Rregulation and its exception of liability of digital operators is without any prejudice to and does not hinder future regulation of in the rules laid down by the following:
Amendment 628 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new)
(ba) Audiovisual Services Directive (EU) 2018/1808.
Amendment 630 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b b (new)
(bb) Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act).
Amendment 740 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point q a (new)
(qa) ‘persons with disabilities’ means persons within the meaning of Article 3 (1) of Directive (EU) 2019/882.
Amendment 892 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter III – title
Chapter III – title
Due diligence obligations for a transparent, accessible and safe online environment
Amendment 906 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 a (new)
Article 10 a (new)
Amendment 1223 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the dispute settlement is easily accessible, including for persons with disabilities, through electronic communication technology;
Amendment 1233 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) it is capable of settling dispute in a swift, efficient, accessible for persons with disabilities, and cost-effective manner and in at least one official language of the Union;
Amendment 1825 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) accessibility of elements and functions of online platforms and digital services for persons with disabilities aiming at consistency and coherence with existing harmonised accessibility requirements when these elements and functions are not already covered by existing harmonised European standards.
Amendment 1900 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 37 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) displaying prominent information on the crisis situation provided by Member States’ authorities or at Union level which are accessible for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 1902 #
2020/0361(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 37 – paragraph 4 – point f a (new)
Article 37 – paragraph 4 – point f a (new)
(fa) measures to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities during implementation of crisis protocols, including by providing accessible description about these protocols.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Access to correct and timely information on vulnerabilities affecting ICT products and services contributes to an enhanced cybersecurity risk management. In that regard, sources of publicly available information on vulnerabilities are an important tool for entities and their users, but also national competent authorities and CSIRTs. For this reason, ENISA should establish a vulnerability registrydatabase where, essential and important entities and their suppliers, as well as entities which do not fall in the scope of application of this Directive may, on a voluntary basis, disclose vulnerabilities and provide the vulnerability information that allows users to take appropriate mitigating measures.
Amendment 171 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – title
Article 6 – title
Coordinated vulnerability disclosure and a European vulnerability registrydatabase
Amendment 209 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) measures for supply chain security risk assessment including on security- related aspects concerning the relationships between each entity and its suppliers or service providers such as providers of data storage and processing services or managed security services;
Amendment 210 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) policies and procedures (testing and auditing) and regular cybersecurity exercises to assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity risk management measures;
Amendment 215 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(ga) security training and awareness.
Amendment 220 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
6. The Commission, is empowered to adopt delegated actn cooperation with the Cooperation Group and ENISA, shall provide guidance and best practices ion accordance with Article 36 to supplement the elthe compliance by entities in a proportionate manner with the requirements, laid down in paragraph 2 to take account of new cyber threats, technological developments or sectorial specificitie, and in particular to the requirement in point (d) of that paragraph. In developing delegated acts, the Commission shall also consult all relevant stakeholders.
Amendment 225 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that essential and important entities notify, without undue delay, the competent authorities or the CSIRT in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of any incident having a significant impact on the provision of their services. Where appropriate, those entities shall notify, without undue delay, the recipients of their services of incidents that are likely to adversely affect the provision of that service. Member States shall ensure that those entities report, among others, any information enabling the competent authorities or the CSIRT to determine any cross-border impact of the incident. Member States shall establish a single entry point for all notifications required under this Directive and under other Union law, such as Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Directive 2002/58/EC. ENISA, in cooperation with the Cooperation Group shall develop common notification templates for the reporting information requested by Union law.
Amendment 249 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. In order to demonstrate compliance with certain requirements of Article 18, Member States may requirafter having consulted the Cooperation Group, with the aim of ensuring harmonisation at Union level, shall encourage essential and important entities to certify certain ICT products, ICT services and ICT processes under specific, either developed by the essential or important entity or procured from third parties, under European cybersecurity certification schemes adopted pursuant to Article 49 of Regulation (EU) 2019/881. The products, services and processes subject to certification may be developed by an essential or important entity or procured from third parti or under similar internationally recognised certification schemes.
Amendment 252 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts specifyingregularly assess the efficiency and use of the adopted European cybersecurity certification schemes under Article 49 of Regulation (EU) 2019/881 and shall identify which categories of essential entities shall be requirencouraged to obtain a certificate and under which specific European cybersecurity certification schemes pursuant to paragraph 1. The delegated acts shall be adopted in accordance with Article 36.
Amendment 255 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – title
Article 23 – title
Databases infrastructure of domain names and registration data
Amendment 258 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1
Article 23 – paragraph 1
1. For the purpose of contributing to the security, stability and resilience of the DNS, Member States shall ensure that TLD registries and the entities providing domain name registration services for the TLD shallare required to collect and maintain accurate, verified and complete domain name registration data in a dedicated database facility with due diligence subject to Union data protection law as regards data which are personal data.
Amendment 260 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that the databases infrastructure of domain name registration data referred to in paragraph 1 contains relevant information, which shall include at least the registrants’ name, their physical and email address as well as their telephone number, to identify and contact the holders of the domain names and the points of contact administering the domain names under the TLDs.
Amendment 266 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 3
Article 23 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the TLD registries and the entities providing domain name registration services for the TLD have policies and procedures in place to ensure that the databases infrastructure includes accurate, verified and complete information. Member States shall ensure that such policies and procedures are made publicly available.
Amendment 278 #
2020/0359(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall set out rulguidelines specifying the procedure, operational elements (including the use of dedicated ICT platforms), content and conditions of the information sharing arrangements referred to in paragraph 2. Such rulguidelines shall also lay downinclude the details of the involvement, where relevant, of public authorities and independent experts in such arrangements, as well as operational elements, including the use of dedicated IT platforms. Member States shall offer support to the application of such arrangements in accordance with their policies referred to in Article 5(2) (g).
Amendment 25 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Building on lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, this Regulation should create a more robust mandate for coordination at Union level. The declaration by the WHO of a public health emergency, formally recognised at Union level, would bring about increased coordination and exceptionally allow for joint procurement procedures for the development, stockpiling, distribution and donation of medical countermeasures, to the most recommendable needs and where their purchase and supply cannot be ensured as efficiently by other means.
Amendment 26 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 b (new)
Recital 8 b (new)
(8b) The primary purpose of joint procurement should be to improve the preparedness and response to serious cross-border threats to health, and particularly to improve the security and capacity of supply of medical countermeasures in the participating countries throughout their existence, ensure equitable access to patients and provide increased visibility and predictability for actors involved.
Amendment 30 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) As serious cross-border threats to health are not limited to Union borders, joint procurement of medical countermeasures should be extended to include European Free Trade Association States and Union candidate countries, in accordance with the applicable Union legislation. The Joint Procurement Agreement, determining the practical arrangements governing the joint procurement procedure established under Article 5 of Decision No 1082/2013/EU, should also be adapted to include an exclusivity clause regarding negotiation and procurement for participating countries in a joint procurement procedure, to allow for better coordination within the EU and for security and capacity of supply of the medical countermeasure in question. The Commission should ensure coordination and information exchange between the entities organizing and participating in any action under different mechanisms established under this Regulation and other relevant Union structures related to procurement and, stockpiling and distribution of medical countermeasures, such as the strategic rescEU reserve under Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council16 . __________________ 16Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924).
Amendment 34 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The Joint procurement should be carried in a transparent, timely and effective way to prevent market disruption and to ensure actors involved fulfil their contractual responsibilities. In this respect, it is crucial to define clear and transparent steps since the beginning of the procedure in terms of process, scope, tender specifications, timelines and formalities. A preliminary consultation phase involving participating actors should be guaranteed, as well as a clear and mutual communication throughout the whole procedure.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9b) The functioning of the Joint Procurement Agreement and rescEU should abide by high standards of transparency, provided it does not jeopardize the negotiation and compliance of purchase agreements, including in relation to the disclosure of the exact amount provided to each participating country, details regarding supply chains, production and delivery of procured products, and details of the liability of participating countries, as well as information on the existence of no-fault compensation systems in those participating countries.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 c (new)
Recital 9 c (new)
(9c) During the existence of a cross- border health threat situation, manufacturing is often needed rapidly and with short notice. It is therefore crucial that the joint procurement lead times are aligned and coherent with manufacturers’ lead times to ensure clarity and expectations from both organizing and participating entities.
Amendment 47 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 d (new)
Recital 9 d (new)
(9d) In order for this regulation to fulfil its main objectives, mainly to ensure a rapid response in the case of serious cross-border health threats, a priority conditionality binding the undertaking of the joint procurement procedures should be provided for, in order to ensure that the delivery and scheduled commitments to the participating countries are respected under all circumstances.
Amendment 50 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 e (new)
Recital 9 e (new)
(9e) In addition, suitable regulatory flexibilities should be considered and allowed by Member States’ authorities in the framework of joint procurement procedures and including, where relevant, for marketing authorisations, to ensure faster and timely supply in the European Single Market.
Amendment 51 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 f (new)
Recital 9 f (new)
(9f) Joint procurement implies shared responsibilities and a fair approach with rights and obligations for all parties involved, relevant authorities and manufacturers. In this respect, commitments should be defined since the beginning and respected, from the manufacturers to deliver on the production, and from the authorities to purchase their agreed reserved volumes.
Amendment 53 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 g (new)
Recital 9 g (new)
(9g) If used, in order for joint procurement to be sustainable, the Commission should ensure accessible, transparent, proportionate and non- discriminatory technical specifications, selection and award criteria by placing a significant and priority value and consideration on the highest safety and quality standards of the medical countermeasures, in accordance with the applicable legislation, and beyond the price and costs of those. Such criteria should also include the ability of the bidder to ensure security and capacity of supply in a cross-border health threat situation, as well as provide for adequate flexibility to allow for a wider selection of successful suppliers and the effective participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the awarding process.
Amendment 54 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 h (new)
Recital 9 h (new)
(9h) To facilitate the negotiation of joint procurement procedures, Member States should establish no-fault compensation systems which should be used in the event of a cross-border health threat declared by the EU, allowing citizens who may suffer an adverse reaction to a particular medical countermeasure, subject to a joint procurement procedure, to receive fair compensation by proving solely the causal link between the medical countermeasure in question and the damages caused. These possible damages should not be borne individually by each injured person, but should be considered as a social burden shared by society as a whole. Therefore, equal access to fair compensation through no-fault compensation schemes should be provided.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission and any Member States which so desire may engage in a joint procurement procedure conducted pursuant to Article 165(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council29 with a view to the advance purchase of medical countermeasures for the purpose of preparedness and response to serious cross-border threats to health only. __________________ 29Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 113 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a (new)
(-a) the joint procurement shall be time-limited to the existence of a serious cross-border threat to health and be used for the purchase and supply of each medical countermeasure to the most recommendable needs, as long as it cannot be ensured as efficiently by other means;
Amendment 114 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a a (new)
(-aa) the commitments and contractual obligations defined by the corresponding purchase agreement shall be respected by all parties involved;
Amendment 115 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point -a b (new)
(-ab) a priority conditionality binding the undertaking of the joint procurement procedures should be provided for, in order to ensure that the delivery and scheduled commitments to the participating countries are respected;
Amendment 122 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) Member States, EFTA States and Union candidate countries participating in a joint procurement shall procure the medical countermeasure in question through that procedure and not through other channels, and shall not run parallel negotiation processes for that product; running parallel negotiation processes shall lead to being excluded from the group of participating countries, without prejudice to participating countries from honouring existing contractual agreements, nor existing procurement procedures implemented by participating countries;
Amendment 124 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(ca) the joint procurement shall be conducted in such a way so as to improve the security and capacity of supply of medical countermeasures against serious cross-border threats to health in the participating countries, ensure equitable access to the largest extent possible, and strengthen the purchasing power of participating countries;
Amendment 129 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) the joint procurement shall not affect the internal market, shall not constitute discrimination or a restriction of trade and shall not cause distortion of competition or concentration of demand; the joint procurement shall not risk impacting supply flows negatively by increasing the risk of shortages in the EU;
Amendment 131 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) the joint procurement shall be carried in a transparent, timely and effective way defining clear steps since the start of the procedure in terms of process, scope, tender specifications, timelines and formalities;
Amendment 133 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)
(db) the joint procurement lead times shall be aligned with manufacturers lead times;
Amendment 134 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d c (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d c (new)
(dc) a preliminary consultation phase involving participating actors shall be guaranteed, as well as a clear mutual communication throughout the whole procedure;
Amendment 135 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d d (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d d (new)
(dd) Member States’ authorities shall apply regulatory flexibilities, where relevant and with due regard to EMA’s guidance, to ensure the timely supply of medical countermeasures through joint procurement procedures during the existence of a cross-border health threat;
Amendment 137 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
(ea) the joint procurement shall be subject to high transparency standards, provided it does not jeopardize the negotiation and compliance of purchase agreements, including in relation to the disclosure of the exact amount provided to each participating country, details regarding supply chains, production and delivery of procured medical countermeasures, and details of the liability of participating countries, as well as information on the existence of no- fault compensation systems in those participating countries.
Amendment 139 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Joint public procurement procedures shall include accessible, transparent, qualitative and non- discriminatory technical specifications and selection criteria, which shall be considered in the awarding process of the joint procurement bids and comply with the following conditions and order of priority: 1. They shall rely on the verification and compliance of the medical countermeasure forming the subject of the joint procurement procedure in question, with the highest safety and quality standards, as required by the relevant legislation; 2. They shall evaluate the ability of the bidder to ensure the security and capacity of supply of the medical countermeasure in question in a cross- border health threat situation; 3. They shall provide for sufficient and adequate flexibility of technical and economic solvency requirements, and lots shall accordingly be adjusted to those in the corresponding tender documents, thereby allowing the involvement and participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in joint procurement procedures and a wider selection of successful suppliers in the awarding process. 4. They shall evaluate lastly the price and costs of the medical countermeasure in question.
Amendment 140 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Amendment 140 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) To this end, Member States should provide the Commission with an update on the latest situation with regard to their preparedness and response planning and implementation at national level, including information on their strategic stockpiles and medical countermeasures available. Information provided by the Member States should include the elements that Member States are obliged to report to the World Health Organization (WHO) in the context of the International Health Regulations (IHR)15 . In turn, the Commission should report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the state of play and progress with preparedness, response planning and implementation at Union level, including on corrective actions, every 2 years to ensure that national preparedness and response plans are adequate. In order to support the assessment of these plans, EU audits in Member States should be conducted, in coordination with the ECDC and Union agencies. Such planning should include in particular adequate preparedness of critical long-term healthcare and critical sectors of society, such as energy, transport, communication or civil protection, which rely, in a crisis situation, on well-prepared gender-sensitive public health systems that are also in turn dependent on the functioning of those sectors and on maintenance of essential services at an adequate level. In the event of a serious cross-border threat to health originating from a zoonotic infection, it is important to ensure the interoperability between health and veterinary sectors for preparedness and response planning. _________________ 15World Health Organization. International Health Regulation (IHR, 2005) https://www.who.int/ihr/publications/9789 241596664/en/
Amendment 142 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Participating Member states shall ensure an adequate stockpiling and distribution of procured medical countermeasures, whose main details and characteristics shall be set out in national plans. In addition, national plans shall address potential bottlenecks and capacity obstacles that may jeopardise the delivery of medical countermeasures acquired through joint procurement mechanisms to their final destination.
Amendment 146 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Member States shall establish no- fault compensation systems which shall be used in the event of a cross-border health threat declared by the EU, allowing citizens who may suffer an adverse reaction to a particular medical countermeasure subject to a joint procurement procedure, to receive fair compensation by proving solely the causal link between the medical countermeasure in question and the damages caused.
Amendment 146 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) The role of frontline health professionals has also become apparent during the pandemic as they have been key to ensuring access to medicine and continuity of care, providing moral support and being a source of trusted information against false information,. For future emergencies, it is necessary to strengthen health professionals by laying down rules to provide training for workers in the fields of health care and public health. It is also necessary to integrate them through their professional organisations in the definition of public health policies as well as in the digital transformation in order to improve the quality and efficiency of health systems and ensure their sustainability for health, social and territorial cohesion work they carry out.
Amendment 148 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. The Commission and Member states shall provide up-to-date, accessible and clear information to consumers on their rights and duties regarding jointly procured medical countermeasures, including details on liability for damages, access to legal protection and access to consumer representation.
Amendment 181 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In case of cross-border health threats due to a communicable disease, the blood and transplant services, pharmacies and other licensed health care establishments in the Member States can provide a means for rapid testing of the donor population and assessing exposure to and immunity from the disease in the general population. These services in return are dependent on rapid risk assessments by the ECDC to safeguard patients, in need of a therapy from a substance of human origin, from a transmission of such communicable disease. Such risk assessment serves then as basis to allow for the appropriate adaptation of measures setting standards for quality and safety of such substances of human origin. The ECDC should therefore set up and operate a network of national blood and transplant services and their authorities, as well as pharmacy services and other licensed health services and establishments, to serve this dual purpose.
Amendment 184 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) In order to improve early preparedness and response to the emergence of cross-border health threats, it is crucial to enable continuous and rapid access to data on the availability of the necessary medical countermeasures Therefore, a network of Member States' services providing up-to-date information on national strategic stockpiles and the availability of medical countermeasures, stockpiles of medical products, essential health products and diagnostic tests should be established, operated and coordinated by the ECDC. Strengthening coordination and information with Member States on strategic stockpiles and medical countermeasures available is necessary to enhance the collection, modelling and use of prospective data that allows early alert notifications in the EU.
Amendment 223 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) a network of national strategic stockpiles and medical countermeasures available;
Amendment 347 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
(i a) strategic stockpile: including information on the volumes and availability of medical countermeasures and other essential medical products and devices, which shall be limited to those provided by accredited medical suppliers included in the European register referred to in Article 14 paragraph 2, as well as on the capacity for their safekeeping and storage.
Amendment 430 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission may support organising programmes, in cooperation with the Member States, for the exchange of healthcare staff and public health staff between two or more Member States and for the temporary secondment of staff from one Member State to the other. In organising these programmes, account shall be taken of the contribution made by professional health organisations in each of the Member States.
Amendment 489 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point i a (new)
(i a) contribute to the improvement of coordinated surveillance at the different levels of care, enhancing common working models for all health professionals and enhancing their involvement, including through the collaboration of health professional organisations.
Amendment 502 #
2020/0322(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
1. The ECDC shall ensure the further development of the digital platform through which data are managed and automatically exchanged, to establish integrated and interoperable surveillance systems enabling real-time surveillance where appropriate, and to regularly monitor information on medical countermeasures available in the EU in collaboration with the Member States, for the purpose of supporting communicable disease prevention and control.
Amendment 96 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, the aims of the Union are, inter alia, to promote the well-being of its peoples and to work for the sustainable development of Europe based on a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union36 provides for the right of workers and employers, or their respective organisations, in accordance with Union law and national laws and practices, to negotiate and conclude collective agreements at the appropriate levels and, in cases of conflicts of interest, to take collective action to defend their interests, including strike action. Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union367 provides for the right of every worker to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. __________________ 36Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, 2012/C 326/02 OJEU C326/391 of 26.10.2012. 37 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, 2012/C 326/02 OJEU C326/391 of 26.10.2012.
Amendment 113 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) TArticle 2 of the European Social Charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. ItArticle 4 recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. Article 4 of the Charter recognises and the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory minimum wage setting mechanisms, to ensure the effective exercise of this right. Article 5 recognises the right of workers and employers to form local, national or international organisations for the protection of their economic and social interests and to join those organisations. Article 6 recognises the right to bargain collectively.
Amendment 120 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Chapter II of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed at Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, establishes a set of principles to serve as a guide towards ensuring fair working conditions. Principle No 6 of the European Pillar of Social Rights reaffirms the workers’ right to fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living. It also provides that adequate minimum wages shall be ensured, in a way that provides for the satisfaction of the needs of the worker and his/her family in the light of national economic and social conditions, whilst safeguarding access to employment and incentives to seek work. Furthermore, it recalls that in-work poverty shall be prevented and that all wages shall be set in a transparent and predictable way according to national practices and respecting the autonomy of the social partners.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Better working and living conditions, including through adequate minimum wages, benefit both workers and businesses in the Union and are a prerequisite for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. Addressing large differences in the coverage and adequacy of minimum wage protection contributes to improving the fairness of the EU labour market and promote economic, social progress and upward convergence. Competition in the Single Market should be based on high social standards, creation of quality jobs, innovation and productivity improvements ensuring a level playing field.
Amendment 145 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) When set at adequate levels, minimum wages protect the income of disadvantaged workers, help ensure a decent living, and limit the fall in income during bad times, as recognised in Convention 131 of the International Labour Organisation on the establishment of a system of minimum wage fixing. Minimum wages contribute to sustaining domestic demand, strengthen incentives to work, boost economic resilience, reduce wage inequalities and help to prevent and combat in- work poverty.
Amendment 156 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Women, young and low-skilled and migrant workers and persons with disabilities have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners than other groups. During economic downturns, such as the Covid-19 crisis, the role of adequate minimum wages in protecting low-wage workers becomes increasingly important and is essential to support a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. AddressingEnsuring and improving the adequacy of the minimum wage contributes to gender equality, closing the gender pay and pension gap as well as elevating women and children out of poverty.
Amendment 168 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the labour market generally and in particular the services sector and small and micro firms, which both have a high share of minimum wage earners. In addition, minimum wages are also important in view of the structural trends that are reshaping labour markets and which are increasingly characterised by high shares of non-standard and precarious work. These trends have led to an increased job polarisation resulting in an increasing share of low-paid and low- skilled occupations in most Member States, as well as to higher wage inequality in some of them.
Amendment 192 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Not all workers in the Union are protected by minimum wages. In some Member States some workers, even though they are covered, receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect ofcompliance with existing rules. In particular, such non- compliance has been found to affect notably women, young workers, people with disabilities and agricultural workers. In Member States where minimum wage protection is provided only through collective agreements, the share of workers not covered is estimated to vary from 2% to 55% of all workers.
Amendment 194 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) To avoid the proliferation of sheltered employment opportunities that do not comply with minimum wage legislation and to avoid discrimination against persons with disabilities, the directive should ensure that sheltered employment facilities are governed by the standards, laws or agreements in place in the sector in which they operate.
Amendment 203 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) While strong collective bargaining at sector or cross-industry level contributes to ensuring adequate minimum wage protection, traditional collective bargaining structures have bseen erodinga declining trend during the last decades, in part due to structural shifts in the economy towards less unionised sectors and to the decline in trade union membership related to inter alia the increase of atypical and new forms of work.
Amendment 223 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) This Directive establishes minimum requirements at Union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and thatboth improve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages and workers have access to minimum wage protection, in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this Directive.
Amendment 262 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In a context of declining collective bargaining coverage, it is essential that the Member States protect the right to engage in and promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. Member States with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. Member States with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. Similarly, the majority of the Member States with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. While all Member States should bare encouraged to promote collective bargaining and increase collective bargaining coverage, those who do not reach this level of coverage should, in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners, provide for or, where it already exists, strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. Such a framework should be established by law or by tripartite agreement.. Member States should establish and implement an action plan to promote collective bargaining in cooperation with the social partners. This action plan should be made public, notified to the European Commission, reviewed and, where necessary, revised at least every three years. It must be acknowledged that Member States’ collective bargaining coverage rates differ significantly owing to a number of factors including national tradition and practice and their historic contexts and this must be taken into account when assessing progress with regard to the enabling framework and action plan to promote collective bargaining.
Amendment 265 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In a context of declining collective bargaining coverage, it is essential that the Member States promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. Member States with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. Member States with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. Similarly, the majority of the Member States with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. While all Member States should be encouraged to promote collective bargaining, those who do not reach this level of coverage should, in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners, provide for or, where it already exists, strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. Such framework should be established by law or by tripartite agreement. For the calculation of the collective bargaining coverage, the appropriate reference to adjusted coverage should include only workers in an employment contract or employment relationship excluding, for the purposes of this calculation, those that according to national practices are in statutory or in a public administration contractual relationship.
Amendment 285 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Sound rules,, clear rules, transparent procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to delivfoster adequate minimum wages, while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. They include a number of elements to preservomote the adequacy of statutory minimum wages, including guiding criteria and indicators to assess adequacy, regular and timely updates, the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners. A timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process.
Amendment 295 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Minimum wages arcan be considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living taking into account general economic conditions in the country. The adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio- economic conditions, including employment growth, competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. Their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power, to the productivity develop taking into account the cost of living and the contribution of taxes and social benefits in kind or in cash, to the requirements of economic development, national labour productivity levels, attaining and maintaining a high level of employments and to their relation to the gross wage levels, distribution and growth. The use of indicators commonly used at international level, such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage, can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.
Amendment 322 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers, variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be provided for by law and strictly limited to a minimum, while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition and continuous assessment. Some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim, including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. Others, such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind, such as accommodation, may bare unjustified orand disproportionate and should not be permitted.
Amendment 331 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) An effective enforcement system, including reinforced controls and field inspections, is necessary to ensure the functioning of and compliance with national statutory minimum wage frameworks particularly in at-risk sectors. To strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities, a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed, including to address critical challenges such as those related to abusive sub- contracting, bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime. Moreover, workers should havebe able to easily access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions. and enforcement of their rights. Member States should ensure this through, inter alia, the establishment of dedicated public websites and awareness raising campaigns.
Amendment 341 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The effective implementation of minimum wage protection set out by legal provisions or provided by collective agreements is essential in the performance of public procurement and concession contracts. Non-respect of collective agreements providing for minimum wage protection in a given sector may indeed occur in the execution of such contracts or in the sub-contracting chain thereafter, resulting in workers being paid less than the wage level agreed in the sectoral collective agreements. To prevent such situations, economic operators and their subcontractors have to apply to their workers the wages set byapplicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law concerning wages and working conditions including the right to organise and collectively bargain set by Union and national law, collective agreements including for the relevant sector and geographical area in order to abide by applicable obligations in the field of labour lawor by the relevant international social and labour law provisions listed in their respective annexes, in accordance with Articles 18(2) and 71(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on public procurement40 , Articles 36(2) and 88(1) of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and the Council41 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and Articles 30(3) and 42(1) of Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and the Council42 on the award of concession contracts. __________________ 40Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65). 41 Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243). 42Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contract (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 349 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages protection. The Commission should report every year to the European Parliament and to the Council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages and the coverage of collective bargaining on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by Member States in consultation with social partners. In addition, progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at Union level. In that context, the Employment Committee should examine every year the situation in the Member States on the basis of the reports produced by the Commission and Eurofound as well as other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking.
Amendment 355 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Workers and their representatives and trade union members should be in a position to exercise their right of defence when their rights relating to established minimum wage protection are violated. In order to prevent that workers are deprived from their rights, and without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for in collective agreements, including systems of collective dispute resolution, Member States should take the necessary measures to ensure that they have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including to adequate compensation, as well as effective protection from any form of detriment in case they decide to exercise their right of defence.
Amendment 361 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The reforms and measures adopted by the Member States to promote adequate minimum wage protection of workers, while being steps in the right direction, have not been comprehensive and systematic. Moreover, individual countries may be little inclined to improve the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages because of the perception that this could negatively affect their external cost competitiveness. Since the objectives of this Directive cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, but can rather, by reason of their scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on the European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.
Amendment 383 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The Technical Support Instrument43 and the European Social Fund plus44 (ESF+) are available to Member States to develop or improve the technical aspects of minimum wage frameworks, including on assessment of adequacy, monitoring and data collection, broadening access, as well as on enforcement and on general capacity building related to the implementation of said frameworks. The ESF+ also obliges all Member States to allocate an appropriate amount for the capacity building of social partners, which should be mobilised inter alia to promote collective bargaining coverage. __________________ 43Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 May 2020 on the establishment of the Technical Support Instrument, COM(2020) 409 final 44Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund Plus, COM/2018/382 final.
Amendment 388 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. With a view to improving working and living conditions, upward social convergence and gender equality in the Union, this Directive establishes a framework for:
Amendment 459 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘collective bargaining’ means all negotiations which take place between an employer, a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations, on the one hand, and one or more workers’ organisations,trade unions or group(s) of legally recognised workers’ representatives on the other, for determining working conditions and terms of employment; and/or regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a worker organisats, their trade unions or worker organiss’ representationves;
Amendment 487 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. With the aim to increase the collective bargaining coverage Member States shall take, in consultation with the social partners, and, where applicable, representative organisations of the most vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, at least the following measures:
Amendment 525 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States, where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of Article 2, shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions foror, where it already exists, strengthen a framework of enabling conditions to protect the right to engage in and promote collective bargaining, either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them, and. Member States shall establish and implement an action plan to promote collective bargaining in cooperation with the social partners in order to progressively increase collective bargaining coverage across the Union. The action plan shall be made public and, shall be notified to the European Commission and be reviewed and where necessary revised at least every three years.
Amendment 549 #
Amendment 558 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that their setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions, social cohesion and upward convergence and prevent and combat in-work poverty. Member States shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices and socio- economic conditions, either in relevant national legislation, in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. The criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way.
Amendment 574 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements whose relative weight shall be decided by Member States:
Amendment 627 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall use indicative reference values to guide their assessment of adequacy of statutory minimum wages in relation to the general level of gross wages, such as those commonly used at international level.
Amendment 637 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the regular, transparent and timely updates of statutory minimum wages in order to preservcontinue to promote their adequacy.
Amendment 647 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Updates to statutory minimum wages must be done without prejudice to other income support mechanisms, such as disability allowances or State Aid for disadvantaged workers and workers with disabilities as defined in Regulation No 651/2014.
Amendment 655 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall destablishignate relevant consultative bodies, or establish them where they do not exist, to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages.
Amendment 668 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Amendment 684 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Where Member States may allow for different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers or for deductions by law that reduce the remuneration paid to workers to a level below that of the relevant statutory minimum wage. Member States shall ensure that these deductions from statutory minimum wages are necessary, objectively justified and proportionate, they shall keep these variations and deductions to a minimum and ensure that they are non-discriminatory, proportionate, limited in time if relevant, and objectively justified by a legitimate aim. Furthermore, Member States shall not apply deductions to vulnerable and precarious workers.
Amendment 685 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. Member States may only allow deductions by law that reduce the remuneration paid to workers to a level below that of the statutory minimum wage where provided by law. Member States shall ensure that these deductions from statutory minimum wages are necessary, objectively justified and proportionate. Deductions for the value of equipment needed to perform work or the cost of travel, board or lodging and accommodation shall not be permitted.
Amendment 716 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the establishment and continuous assessment of variations and deductions in statutory minimum wages referred to in Article 6;
Amendment 727 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Amendment 729 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall, in cooperation with social partners, take the following measures to monitor compliance of, and enhance the access of workers to, statutory minimum wage protection as appropriate:
Amendment 739 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) strengthen the controls and field inspections conducted by labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of statutory minimum wages and ensure their adequate resourcing. The controls and inspections shall be proportionate and non- discriminatory;
Amendment 743 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) develop capacity-building, training and guidance for enforcement authorities to proactively target and pursue non- compliant businesses;
Amendment 758 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
In accordance with Directive 2014/24/EU, Directive 2014/25/EU and Directive 2014/23/EU, Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that in the performance of public procurement or concession contracts economic operators comply with the wages set out byand their subcontractors comply with the applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law concerning wages and working conditions including the right to organise and collectively bargain set out by Union and national law, collective agreements including for the relevant sector and geographical area and with the statutory minimum wages where they existor by the relevant international social and labour law provisions listed in their respective annexes.
Amendment 773 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall task their competent authorities, in consultation with social partners, with developing effective data collection tools to monitor the coverage and adequacy of minimum wages and the coverage of collective bargaining.
Amendment 790 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) the existing variations, the objective justifications provided and the share of workers covered by them;
Amendment 796 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
(iii) the existing deductions and the objective justifications provided;
Amendment 813 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) measures provided for under the national action plans to promote collective bargaining referred to under Article 4.2;
Amendment 834 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection, including universally applicable collective agreements and wage provisions therein, is transparent and publicly accessible.
Amendment 867 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that, without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for, where applicable, in collective agreements, workers, including those whose employment relationship has ended, have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in the case of infringements of their rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements, without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for, where applicable, in collective agreements.
Amendment 878 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall take the measures necessary to protect workers, including those who are workers’ representatives or trade union members, from any adverse treatment by the employer and from any adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or resulting from any proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements.
Amendment 888 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the scope of this Directive. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 892 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Member States may entrustshall, in accordance with their national law and practice, take adequate measures to ensure the effective involvement of the social partners with the implementation of this Directivea view to implementing this Directive and may entrust the social partners with its implementation, where the social partners jointly request to do so. In so doing, the Member States shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the results sought by this Directive are guaranteed at all times.
Amendment 899 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that the national measures transposing this Directive, together with the relevant provisions already in force relating to the subject matter as set out in Article 1, are brought to the attention of workers and employers, including SMEs and made publically available.
Amendment 900 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall conduct an evaluation of the Directive by [five years after the date of transposition]. The Commission shall, after consulting the Member States and the social partners at Union level, submit thereafter a report to the European Parliament and the Council reviewing the implementation of the Directive and propose, where appropriate, legislative amendments.
Amendment 38 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Trade facilitation, and safety and security, concern all authorities involved in the goods clearance process across Union borders. The rapid rise in international trade has increased the need for better cooperation and coordination among those authorities. The ongoing process of digitalisation allows this situation to be addressed more efficiently by connecting the systems of customs and partner competent authorities and enabling a n integrated, accessible and systematic automated exchange of information between them, with the objective of strengthening verification of certificates and establishing regular cooperation on customs procedures. As such, the current framework of regulatory compliance is insufficient to support an effective interaction between customs and partner competent authorities, whose systems and procedures are characterised by fragmentation and redundancy. A fully coordinated and efficient goods clearance process requires a streamlined Union regulatory environment for international trade that delivers long-term benefits to the Union and its residents in all policy areas, supports the effectiveness and well- functioning of the single market and safeguards consumer protection.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) To achieve a fully digital environment and an efficient goods clearance process for all parties involved in international trade, it is necessary to establish common rules for a harmonised and integrated European Union Single Window Environment for Customs (EU Single Window Environment for Customs). This environment should include a set of fully integrated electronic services delivered at Union and national level to facilitate information sharing and digital cooperation between customs and partner competent authorities and to streamline goods clearance processes for economic operators. The EU Single Window Environment for Customs should be developed in alignment with the possibilities for trustworthy identification and authentication offered by the eIDAS Regulation37 and the once-only principle where appropriate, as reiterated in the Single Digital Gateway Regulation38 . To implement the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, it is necessary to establish, on the basis of the pilot project, a certificates exchange system, the EU Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System (EU CSW-CERTEX), that interconnects national single window environments for customs and Union non- customs systems managing specific non- customs formalities. It is also necessary to harmonise national single window environments for customs, integrate those environments into the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, and establish a set of rules on digital administrative cooperation within the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. This Regulation should ensure the harmonisation of interfaces between trade systems and the different national single windows, as well as between the national single windows themselves, to provide for technological neutrality that facilitates digital cooperation. __________________ 37Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73). 38 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 46 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) To achieve a fully digital environment and an efficient goods clearance process for all parties involved in international trade, it is necessary to establish common rules for a harmonised and integrated European Union Single Window Environment for Customs (EU Single Window Environment for Customs). This environment should include a set of fully integrated electronic services delivered at Union and national level to facilitate effective information sharing and digital cooperation between customs and partner competent authorities and to streamline goods clearance processes for economic operators. The EU Single Window Environment for Customs should be developed in alignment with the possibilities for trustworthy identification and authentication offered by the eIDAS Regulation37 and the once-only principle where appropriate, as reiterated in the Single Digital Gateway Regulation38 . To implement the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, it is necessary to establish, on the basis of the pilot project, a certificates exchange system, the EU Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System (EU CSW-CERTEX), that interconnects national single window environments for customs and Union non- customs systems managing specific non- customs formalities. It is also necessary to harmonise national single window environments for customs, integrate those environments into the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, and establish a set of rules on digital administrative cooperation within the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. __________________ 37 Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC (OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73). 38 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 50 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The exchanges of digital information through EU CSW-CERTEX should cover Union non-customs formalities laid down in Union legislation that customs authorities are entrusted to enforce. Those formalities impose different obligations for the import, export or transit of certain goods, and their verification through customs controls is fundamentally important to the effective functioning of the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. EU CSW-CERTEX should cover digitalised regulatory formalities laid down in Union legislation and managed by partner competent authorities in electronic Union non-customs systems, storing the relevant information from all Member States required for goods clearance. It is therefore appropriate to identify the relevant Union non-customs formalities which should be subject to digital cooperation through EU CSW-CERTEX. In particular, EU CSW- CERTEX should initially cover sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, rules regulating the import of organic products, environmental requirements in relation to fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances, and formalities related to the import of cultural goods.
Amendment 51 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) EU CSW-CERTEX should facilitate information sharing between the national single window environments for customs and Union non-customs systems. This means that when an economic operator submits a customs declaration requiring the compliance of Union non- customs formalities, customs authorities and partner competent authorities may automatically and effectively exchange and verify the required information for the customs clearance process. An improved digital cooperation and coordination between customs authorities and partner competent authorities should lead to more integrated, faster and simpler paperless processes for goods clearance and better enforcement of and compliance with Union non-customs formalities. The configuration, implementation and compliance with the framework for an EU Single Window Environment for Customs should also lead to a strengthened control and safeguard mechanisms against fraudulent activities, particularly tax fraud and counterfeit goods.
Amendment 58 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Any processing of personal and non-personal data in EU CSW-CERTEX should be without prejudice to the GDPR and other relevant legislation and facilitate information sharing in a safe environment between the national environments for customs and Union non- customs systems without any storing of data. It should also transform data, where necessary, to enable information exchange between both digital domains. The information technology facilities used for data transformation should be located in the Union.
Amendment 73 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States is essential to coordinate all activities associated with the effective functioning of the EU Single Window Environment for Customs. This will also help to bridge Europe’s digital divide, which has become even more apparent during the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Commission should provide appropriate technical and financial support, including training and skills, to Members States and relevant authorities to ensure proper implementation of the Single Windows for Customs, with cautious attention to Member States’ diverging levels of digitalisation and digital preparedness, thereby preventing potential distortions. Given the broad and diverse scope of those activities, it is necessary for each Member State to appoint a competent authority as national coordinator. The national coordinator should be the contact point for the Commission, and should promote cooperation at national level, while ensuring system interoperability. The Commission should provide coordination where necessary, and help ensure the efficient enforcement of Union non- customs formalities.
Amendment 77 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Detailed planning isand timelines are required to progressively integrate various Union non- customs formalities from diverse policy areas into EU CSW- CERTEX. To that end, the Commission should prepare a work programme to incorporate those formalities into EU CSW-CERTEX and to develop connections between the Union non- customs systems processing those formalities and EU CSW-CERTEX. The main objective of the work programme should be to support the operational requirements and implementation timeline of these activities. The work programme should be reviewed regularly to assess overall progress in applying the provisions of this Regulation.
Amendment 79 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The Commission should regularly monitor the functioning of the EU Single Window Environment for Customs to evaluate the performance of EU CSW- CERTEX and to ensure the efficient enforcement of Union non-customs formalities covered by EU CSW-CERTEX. The Commission should submit regular assessment reports on the functioning of the EU Single Window Environment for Customs to the European Parliament and to the Council. Those reports should take stock of progress, identify areas for improvement and in need for investment, indicate measures to be taken by Member States' authorities, and propose recommendations for the future in light of progress made towards an improved digital collaboration between customs and partner competent authorities involved in goods clearance to ensure simplified processes for economic operators and the efficient enforcement of Union non-customs formalities. For the purpose of monitoring and reporting, the Commission should organise and maintain a continuous dialogue with all the relevant economic operators, civil society actors and other relevant parties.
Amendment 82 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To ensure an efficient and effective functioning of the EU Single Window Environment for Customs, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amendments toto expand the list of Union non- customs formalities covered by EU CSW- CERTEX; specification of the data elements to be exchanged through EU CSW-CERTEX and identifying the data elements that are common to both the customs declaration and the application for supporting documents together with the PCA data set for each of the relevant Union act applicable to Union non-customs formalities integrated into EU CSW- CERTEX. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making41 . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. __________________ 41Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on Better Law-Making (OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 83 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
This Regulation establishes a European Union Single Window Environment for Customs that provides an integrated set of harmonised and interoperable electronic services at Union and national level through the European Union Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System to support interaction and enhance information exchange between the national single window environments for customs and the Union non-customs systems referred to in the Annex.
Amendment 85 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
It lays down rules for the national single window environments for customs and non-customs formalities and rules on digital administrative cooperation and information sharing within the European Union Single Window Environment for Customs with the aim of better protecting citizens and reducing administrative burden on economic operators.
Amendment 88 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) ‘Union non-customs system’ means any Union electronic system that stores information from all relevant partner competent authorities, which is needed by customs authorities to verify compliance with the respective Union non-customs formalities or which is in any case related to border formalities under Union law.
Amendment 90 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
A European Union Single Window Environment for Customs is hereby established. It shall include the European Union Customs Single Window Certificates Exchange System, national single window environments for customs and the Union non-customs systems referred to in the Annex as well as the Union non-customs systems which will be connected to the EU Single Window Environment.
Amendment 95 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 21 amending the Annex, in particular to cover otherexpand the list of Union non- customs formalities covered by EU CSW- CERTEX.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – title
Article 6 – title
Processing of personal data and non- personal in EU CSW- CERTEX
Amendment 101 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Processing of personal and non-personal data in EU CSW-CERTEX shall be without prejudice to the GDPR and other relevant legislation. The Commission, in collaboration with Member States, shall develop appropriate measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for data exchanges.
Amendment 108 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The national single window environments for customs shall enable the easy, standardised and interoperable exchange of information and cooperation by electronic means between customs authorities, partner competent authorities and economic operators for the purposes of compliance with and efficient enforcement of customs legislation and the Union non- customs formalities listed in the Annex.
Amendment 111 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) provide a single communication channel for economic operators to easily fulfil the relevant customs formalities and Union non-customs formalities subject to additional digital cooperation in accordance with Article 12.
Amendment 115 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Each Member State shall notify the Commission of any personal data breach or economic operator's data breach that compromises the security, confidentiality, availability or integrity of the personal data processed within its single window environment for customs.
Amendment 120 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. For each of the Union non-customs formalities listed in the Annex, EU CSW- CERTEX shall enable information to be effectively exchanged between the national single window environments for customs and the relevant Union non-customs systems for the following purposes:
Amendment 124 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) allowing economic operators to easily submit the relevant information required for the fulfilment of the applicable customs formalities and Union non- customs formalities;
Amendment 133 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, adopt a work programme to support the implementation of the provisions of this Regulation related to the connection of the Union non- customs systems referred to in the Annex to EU CSW-CERTEX and the integration of the respective Union non-customs formalities. The work programme shall be kept regularly up to date. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 22(2).
Amendment 140 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3
Article 20 – paragraph 3
3. By 31 December 20276 and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the implementation across Member States of this Regulation. The report shall also include information on the monitoring and evaluation carried out in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2, respectively.
Amendment 141 #
2020/0306(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 24 – paragraph 3
Article 8(3), point (c), Article 11, Article 13(1), (2) and (3), Article 14 and Article 15(1) and (2) shall apply from 1 January 203129.
Amendment 18 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to redress huge shocks to the economy and society stemming from the exceptional restrictions put in place by Member States to contain the COVID-19 spreading and the risks of an asymmetric recovery stemming from the different national means available in different Member States resulting in serious impacts on the functioning of the Internal Market, the European Council endorsed on 23 April 2020 the “Roadmap for recovery” with a strong investment component, called for the establishment of the European Recovery Fund and mandated the Commission to analyse the needs so that the resources would be targeted towards the sectors and geographical parts of the Union most affected, while clarifying also the link with the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027.
Amendment 24 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In order to allow maximum flexibility to Member States for tailoring crisis repair actions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic or preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy, allocations should be established by the Commission at Member State level. Furthermore, the possibility for using any additional resources to support aid for the most deprived should also be provided for. In addition, it is necessary to establish ceilings concerning the allocation to technical assistance at the initiative of the Member States while allowing maximum flexibility to the Member States as to its allocation within operational programmes supported by the ERDF or the ESF. It should be clarified that there is no need to respect the ESF minimum share for the additional resources. Taking account of the expected quick spending of the additional resources, the commitments linked to those additional resources should only be decommitted at the closure of the operational programmes.
Amendment 31 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the ERDF, as extended by Regulations (EU) 2020/460 and (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council5, Member States should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services, for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, especially micro- and small enterprises, in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis as well as helping the most deprived. Technical assistance should also be supported. It is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, which should also constitute a single investment priority, to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. __________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L99, 31.3.2020, p. 5); Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, (OJ L 130, 23.4.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 41 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) For the ESF, Member States should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed, job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, support to youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular for disadvantaged groups and carers, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children. It should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self- employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. Union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.
Amendment 72 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 11
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 11
Amendment 81 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
Article 92b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
For the ESF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self- employed, even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. The additional resources shall also support job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular for disadvantaged groups and carers, to support the twin green and digital transitions, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children.
Amendment 91 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 4
Article 92b – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 4
The elements set out in point (b)(v) and (vii) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, in paragraph 4, in point (b) and (c) of paragraph 6 and in paragraph 7 of Article 96 shall not be required for such new operational programme. The elements set out in Article 96(3) shall only be required where corresponding support is provided.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as labour markets that are dynamic, future-oriented and responsive to economic change, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, balanced growth and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States shall regard promoting employment based on equality of opportunity and social justice as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate their action in this respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The COVID-19 crisis is having, and will have, many effects on employment, social justice and working conditions. As a result of the cessation of economic activity, many workers are on short-time working and businesses, in particular SMEs, face liquidity problems. Workers in insecure employment and those of them who are the most deprived have often been frontline workers whose working conditions have entailed high risks to health. Many workers and businesses have resorted to teleworking and extensive use of digital tools. To respond to this unprecedented crisis in terms of employment and social justice policies, the Union and the Member States must commit to a massive European recovery plan to support businesses by providing them with the support they need to gain access to liquidity and workers, in particular by financing their short-time working and guaranteeing jobs. The aim must be to protect and develop the European labour market in order to guarantee not only jobs and wages but also working conditions. At the time of this crisis and in response to it, the Union and the Member States must undertake to uphold their commitments. Social and employment policies must contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals, be consistent with the objectives set out by the Green Deal and contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 55 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child and of the most deprived sections of the population. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of a decent standard of living and adequate social protection for all, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 58 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union is to combat social exclusion, poverty, material deprivation and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 62 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for economic and employment policies. As part of these instruments, the present Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States, together with the Broad Guidelines for the Economic Policies of the Member States and of the Union set out in Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 (), form the Integrated Guidelines. They are tomust accord with the overall strategy of the Union determined by the Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights, and guide policy implementation in the Member States and in the Union, reflecting the interdependence between the Member States. The resulting set of coordinated European and national policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall sustainable economic and employment policy mix, which should achieve positive spill-over effects. __________________ 5Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27).
Amendment 67 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Guidelines for the Employment Policies aremust contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals, to the implementation of our growth strategy set out in the Green Deal, and to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. These Guidelines are also consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, the existing Union legislation and various Union initiatives, including the Council recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (6), the Council Recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (7), the Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 on Upskilling Pathways (8), the Council Recommendation of 15 March 2018 on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (9), the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on Key Competences and Lifelong Learning (10), the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (11) and the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on Access to Social Protection (12). __________________ 6 OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1. 7 OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1. 8 OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1. 9 OJ C 153, 2.5.2018, p. 1. 10 OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1. 11 OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 4. 12 OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1–8
Amendment 75 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (13). The Union and Member States’ employment and economic policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable and digital economy which exploits innovation and technology, while improving competitiveness, supporting SMEs, fostering innovation, promoting social justice and equal opportunities and investing in youth, as well as tackling inequalities and regional disparities. __________________ 13 UN Resolution A/RES/70/1
Amendment 78 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (13). The Union and Member States’ employment and economic policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s transition to a climate neutral, inclusive, environmentally sustainable and digital economy, ensuring upward social convergence while improving competitiveness, fostering innovation, promoting social justice and equal opportunities as well as tackling inequalities and regional disparities. __________________ 13 UN Resolution A/RES/70/1
Amendment 86 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change will transform European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States should work together to effectively address these structural factors and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets and related policies. This requires a coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, economic growth, the creation of sustainable jobs, social and territorial cohesion, upward social convergence, measures to combat poverty and insecure employment, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
Amendment 87 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change willare profoundly transforming European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States should work together to effectively address these structural factors and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets and related policies. This requires a coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, economic growth, social and territorial cohesion, upward social convergence, measures to combat poverty and insecure employment, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
Amendment 94 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission signed an inter-institutional proclamation for a European Pillar of Social Rights (14). The Pillar sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems, structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion. The principles and rights give direction to our strategy makingand must be so acted upon as to make sure that the transitions to climate- neutrality and environmental sustainability, digitalisation and demographic change are socially fair and just. The Pillar constitutes a reference framework to monitor the employment and social performance of Member States, to drive reforms at national, regional and local level and to reconcile the “social” and the “market” in today’s modern economy, including by promoting the social economy. __________________ 14 OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, growth, innovation, job creation, lifelong learning and training policies, working conditions, education and skills, public health and inclusion and real incomes. These reforms must ensure a certain flexibility in the labour market, as well as guaranteeing fair wages for European workers, a decent standard of living and an adequate social protection system for all.
Amendment 104 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Member States and the Union should ensure that the transformations are fair and socially just, strengthening the drive towards an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy. Discrimination in all its forms should be tackled. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (including that of children) should be reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and of social protection systems and by removing barriers to education, training and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care. Timely and equal access to affordable healthcare services, including prevention and health promotion are particularly relevant in a context of ageing societies. The potential of people with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised. As new economic and business models take hold in Union workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model. These new forms of work, including platform work, present not only many opportunities in terms of employability and access to the labour market, but also challenges in terms of fair working conditions and access to social protection.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Integrated Guidelines should form the basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to the Member States. Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund Plus and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund and InvestEU, to foster employment, social investments, social inclusion, and accessibility, accompany the transition to a green, digital economy, and promote up- and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high quality education and training for all, including digital literacy and skills. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society.
Amendment 123 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a The Member States call on the Commission to present as soon as possible a new proposal for a decision on guidelines for employment policies that takes into account the COVID-19 crisis and its social and employment consequences.
Amendment 132 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The COVID-19 crisis is having, and will have, many social effects and effects on employment policy. In response to this unprecedented crisis, Member States should protect and develop the European labour market and work towards greater European solidarity by protecting the most vulnerable and leaving no one behind. Member States should work towards European coordination to protect European workers and businesses, particularly with the aid of a massive European recovery plan, with the possibility for the Member States to provide direct support to the sectors most affected. Member States should continue and strengthen the establishment of systems to support businesses in difficulty and those suffering from a lack of liquidity, in particular SMEs, as well as to support workers on short-time working schemes to guarantee not only jobs and wages but also working conditions. Support should be given to all workers, particularly those in the most insecure employment, who have been at the forefront of this crisis. Member States should encourage health authorities to introduce measures to address the difficult psychological conditions affecting many workers and reduce general anxiety and the negative impact of social isolation. Member States should provide workers with the best standards of health and safety at work. Member States should facilitate the use of teleworking while guaranteeing workers their working conditions. Member States should ensure the involvement of the social partners in the planning and implementation of such measures. Cross-border workers, who have been hit hard by border closures, must be guaranteed their rights and their jobs. Member States should make use of all the funds at their disposal, such as the European Social Fund and the Fund for European Aid to the Deprived, and should do so extensively to respond to the crisis. The aim must be to ensure safety at work, support for the most deprived and the recovery of economic activity. Member States should also increase their sustainable investment in many sectors such as health, education and the sectors of the future, such as the digital and green economy sectors. Member States should undertake to ensure that the recovery plan contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals, is consistent with the objectives set out by the Green Deal and contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 3
Member States having in place national mechanisms for the setting of statutory minimum wages should ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments and providing fair wages for a decent standard of living, paying particular attention to lower and middle income groups with a view to upward social convergence. These mechanisms should take into account economic performance across regions and sectors. Member States should promote social dialogue and collective bargaining with a view to wage setting. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers are entitled to adequate and fair wages through collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages which can provide a decent standard of living and make it possible to combat job insecurity and in-work poverty, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.
Amendment 156 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of technological and environmental transitions, as well as demographic change, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and human capital, fostering relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to current and future labour market needs. Member States should also adapt and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education, including vocational education and training. Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour market relevance, with particular reference to the needs of sectors with a chronic skills shortage, also with a view to enabling the environmental transition. Particular attention should be paid to challenges of the teaching profession. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences to lay the foundations for adaptability later in life. Member States should seek to ensure the transfer of training entitlements during professional career changes, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs notably through continuous reskilling and upskilling, with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour market shortages and improving the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.
Amendment 160 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of technological and environmental transitions, as well as demographic change, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and human capital, fostering relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to current and future labour market needs. Member States should also adapt and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education that is accessible for all, including vocational education and training. Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour market relevance, also with a view to enabling the environmental and digital transitions. Particular attention should be paid to challenges of the teaching profession. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences to lay the foundations for adaptability later in life. Member States should seek to ensure the transfer of training entitlements during professional career changes, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs notably through continuous reskilling and upskilling, with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour market shortages and improving the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.
Amendment 169 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training systems, including by providing access to good quality early childhood education. They should raise overall education levels, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, increase access to and completion of tertiary education and increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, the least qualified. Taking into account new requirements in digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their vocational education and training systems (VET) (including through quality and effective apprenticeships) and increase the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, particularly women, both in medium-level VET and in tertiary education. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary education and research, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, make skills more visible and qualifications comparable, including those acquired abroad, and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take- up of flexible continuing vocational education and training. Member States should also support low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long-term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour market opportunities, and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.
Amendment 174 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job-search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessment of unemployment should be pursued as soon as possible with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long-term and structural unemployment. YMember States must make fighting unemployment and insecure employment of young people an absolute priority. In particular, youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training, should continue to be addressed through prevention of early school leaving, privileged access to training for future- oriented sectors linked to the green and digital economies, and structural improvement in the school- to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the Youth Guarantee (15). __________________ 15 ()OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Member States should adopt and enforce strict rules imposing high standards of health and safety at work. This includes reducing to zero the number of fatal accidents at work and cases of occupational cancer, establishing binding occupational exposure limit values, and taking into account occupational psycho- social risks and occupational diseases.
Amendment 181 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities and career progression and eliminating barriers to participation in leadership at all levels of decision-making. The gender pay gap should be tackled. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay- transparency should be ensured, including by establishing a wage equality index comparing women and men. Member States should take measures to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them. Member States should take measures to increase the number of women on company boards. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable quality long-term care and early childhood education and care services. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men.
Amendment 189 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce, new work patterns and business models, Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for recruitment, and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while preserving appropriate security and healthy, safe and well-adapted working environments for workers, protecting labour rights and ensuring social protection. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in the case of platform workers, who should be guaranteed social rights, decent working conditions, increased access to social protection and improved representation arrangements, and by fighting the abuse of atypical contracts. Access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 190 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce, new work patterns and business models, Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for recruitment, and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while preserving appropriate security and healthy, safe and well-adapted working environments for workers, protecting labour rights and ensuring social protection. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in the case of platform workers and by fighting the abuse of atypical contracts. Member States should ensure that these workers genuinely enjoy fair working conditions and access to adequate social protection. Access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 196 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market participation, matching and transitions, particularly the digital and ecological transitions. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach, coverage and better linking them with income support for the unemployed, whilst they are seeking work and based on their rights and responsibilities. Member States should aim for more effective and efficient public employment services by ensuring timely and tailor-made assistance to support jobseekers, supporting labour- market demand and implementing performance-based management.
Amendment 199 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide the unemployed with adequate unemployment benefits of reasonable duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. Such benefits should ensure decent living conditions for the unemployed. They should not dis- incentivise a prompt return to employment and should be accompanied by active labour market policies
Amendment 205 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
The mobility of learners and workers should be adequately supported with the aim of enhancing employability, skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, while also ensuring fair conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity, by stepping up the portability of rights and allowances, and stepping up administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers. Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions and in the recognition of qualifications should be removed and recognition of qualifications made easier. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not an unnecessary obstacle to workers from other Member States taking up employment, including for cross- border workers. Member States should commit themselves fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems. Member States should also prevent abuse of the existing rules and address underlying causes of ‘brain drain’ from certain regions including through appropriate regional development measures.
Amendment 208 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
In order to cope with major shocks, Member States should adopt common long-term instruments with a view to preserving jobs and skills and reducing pressure on national public finances, in particular by setting up a permanent European unemployment reinsurance scheme.
Amendment 211 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 5
Building on existing national practices, and in order to promote and achieve more effective and intensive social dialogue, and better socioeconomic outcomes, Member States should ensure the timely and meaningful involvement of the social partners in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic reforms and policies, including by supporting increased capacity of the social partners. Member States should foster social dialogue and collective bargaining. The social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, fully respecting their autonomy and the right to collective action.
Amendment 225 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Member States should modernise social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient, and sustainable social protection for all throughout all stages of an individual's life, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems. Complementing universal approaches with selective ones will improve effectiveness of social protection systems. The modernisation of social protection systems should lead to better access, quality, adequacy and sustainability.
Amendment 230 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, including in-work and child poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. Member States should also take measures to ensure a just transition as regards improving the energy efficiency of existing housing and to tackle the problem of energy poverty in the right way in the context of the Green Deal. The specific needs of people with disabilities including accessibility should be taken into account in relation to these services. Homelessness should be tackled specifically, taking the Housing First approach as a basis.
Amendment 235 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attentionGreater efforts should be givenmade to fighting poverty, material deprivation and social exclusion, including in-work and child poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. The specific needs of people with disabilities including accessibility should be taken into account in relation to these services. Homelessness should be tackled specifically.
Amendment 73 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to avoid leaving anyone behind and to address the economic and social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions. __________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 78 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social and economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels - especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale - or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. Special consideration should be given NUTS 3 areas with a population below 12.5 hab/km2 or with an average annual population decrease of more than -1% between 2007 – 2017, and shall be subject to specific regional and national plans to attract more people to the region and encourage them to stay, as well as to increase business investment and digital and public services accessibility.
Amendment 93 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all and go hand in hand with the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring upward social convergence and avoiding leaving anyone behind. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences and accompany that transition by creating new sustainable, quality jobs. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 94 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard. When it comes to the implementation and use of the Just Transition Fund, the Member States should pay particular attention to the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 105 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social and economic consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level, focusing on social impact investment and targeting the regions and areas of society which will be at the greatest risk of economic instability due to the transition.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social and economic consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality and creating sustainable jobs by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned and creating a balanced socio-economic transition that avoids creating or furthering the risks of social precarity or an unstable business environment. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 118 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment, particularly by means of continuing training and retraining of workers. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 122 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and, modernisation and reconversion of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 133 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully to the achievement of this target, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 135 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully tomplement the achievement of this target.
Amendment 137 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) As the JTF is part of the European Green Deal, financial allocation under the JTF should be conditional on the Member State having a commitment to a target of climate neutrality by 2050.
Amendment 140 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. and focus specifically on the issue of transitioning to a green economy in the regions most heavily dependent on coal or other such unsustainable fuels, for example the Jiu Valley Region, prioritising social impact investment that fosters both business development and the positive development of social indicators, with a care to avoid social shocks or sudden closures of businesses or the loss of human capital and the depopulation of the vulnerable regions.
Amendment 148 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality, including their promotion of alternatives to the fossil economy through bio-based circular economy, which offers opportunities for new jobs, regional economic development, improved territorial cohesion and boosting local rural economies.
Amendment 154 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The transitioning to a climate- neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States, as well as providing opportunities for sustainable and quality job creation in future-oriented sectors. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 157 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member Statesstarting positions of Member States in the energy transition process as well as their capacity to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 164 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and social innovation and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate- neutral and circular economy which creates sustainable jobs. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and, avoiding environmental degradation and promoting energy efficiency with a particular focus on the risk of energy poverty. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 172 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to social impact investment and activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 173 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment levelstrategy of phasing out being clearly outlined in the territorial just transition plan. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity and smart mobility, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 176 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) With a view to tackling climate change and to achieving a climate-neutral economy, the JTF should support the development of a strong circular bioeconomy and the necessary skills, knowledge, innovation and new business model.
Amendment 189 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance and counselling to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
Amendment 199 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to enhance the economic diversification, modernisation and reconversion of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and if they result in the protection of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU. __________________ 14Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 205 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self- standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources should be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.
Amendment 233 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities or activities whose final industrial products are directly impacted by the transition to carbon neutrality. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.
Amendment 235 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent withprioritise the alleviation of any socio- economic shocks from the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.
Amendment 240 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to enhancoptimise the result orientation of the use of JTF resources and to enhance the result orientation of the JTF, the Commission, in line with the principle of proportionality, should be able to apply financial corrections in case of serious underachievement of targets established for the JTF specific objective.
Amendment 248 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving fromin the transition process towards a climate-neutral and circular economy of the Union by 2050.
Amendment 268 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR 7.5 billion in 2018 prices, which may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act.
Amendment 269 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 271 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Access to the JTF shall be conditional on the Member State having a commitment to a target of climate neutrality by 2050.
Amendment 272 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Amendment 277 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The JTF shall only support activities that are directly linked to its specific objective as set out in Article 2 and which contribute to the implementation of the territorial just transition plans established in accordance with Article 7.
Amendment 285 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productive investments in SMEs, including start-ups and businesses active in the field of social innovation, leading to economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 297 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) social impact investments which foster the development of businesses that can have a positive social impact in their immediate area, providing alternative income sources to citizens affected by the transition to a greener economy;
Amendment 301 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy, with the aim of combating energy poverty;
Amendment 311 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects, while ensuring full compliance with the ‘polluter pays principle’;
Amendment 313 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
(fa) investment in smart, energy efficient local transportation infrastructure;
Amendment 319 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h
(h) upskilling and reskilling of workers and job seekers employed or formerly employed in fields of activity facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process;
Amendment 321 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point h a (new)
(ha) investments in the circular bioeconomy;
Amendment 323 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) job-search assistance to jobseekers, with a particular focus on young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs);
Amendment 327 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) job-search assistance toand counselling for jobseekers;
Amendment 334 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Additionally, the JTF may support, in areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) of the TFEU, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2), that they accord with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and that they permit the creation of sustainable, quality jobs and better social inclusion. Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan and that they do not perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels.
Amendment 340 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan and that they do not perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels.
Amendment 368 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The Commission shall only approve a programme where the identification of the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan, is duly justified and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned, and corresponds to the objectives of the European Green Deal.
Amendment 370 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Amendment 385 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant authorities of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected adaptation of workers or job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. and sectors whose final industrial products are directly impacted by the transition to carbon neutrality. __________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 389 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant authorities and stakeholders of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 868/201417 or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. __________________ 17 Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).
Amendment 394 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a description of the transition process at national level towards a climate- neutral economy, including a timeline for key transition steps; which are consistent withtakes into account the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’);
Amendment 398 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the needs in terms of new skills, the development needs and the objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the tgransformation ordual disengagement from activities that depend on fossil fuels or the closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 404 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the development needs and objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 407 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans, as well as with other Union funds such as the [ESF+], the ERDF and the EGF, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 417 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) a description of the type of operations envisaged and their expected contribution to alleviate the impact of the transition in terms of creating sustainable, quality jobs and the need for new skills;
Amendment 454 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in NUTS level 23 regions where the carbon intensity, as defined by the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions of industrial facilities as reported by Member States in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council28 compared to the gross value added of the industry, exceeds by a factor of two the EU-27 average. Where that level is not exceeded in any NUTS level 23 regions in a given Member State, greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in the NUTS level 23 region with the highest carbon intensity is taken into account (weighting 49%), __________________ 28Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register and amending Council Directives 91/689/EEC and 96/61/EC (OJ L 33, 4.2.2006, p. 1).
Amendment 455 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in NUTS level 23 regions where the carbon intensity, as defined by the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions of industrial facilities as reported by Member States in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council28 compared to the gross value added of the industry, exceeds by a factor of two the EU-27 average. Where that level is not exceeded in any NUTS level 23 regions in a given Member State, greenhouse-gas emissions of industrial facilities in the NUTS level 23 region with the highest carbon intensity is taken into account (weighting 49%), __________________ 28Regulation (EC) No 166/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 concerning the establishment of a European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register and amending Council Directives 91/689/EEC and 96/61/EC (OJ L 33, 4.2.2006, p. 1).
Amendment 463 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) employment and job seekers employed or formerly employed in fields of activity facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process in industry in the NUTS level 23 regions taken into account for the purposes of point (i) (weighting 25%),
Amendment 8 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights, particularly to principle 17 on inclusion of people with disabilities, principle 3 on equal opportunities and principle 10 on healthy, safe and well-adapted work environment and data protection;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 14 January 2020 on a strong social Europe for just transitions (COM(2020)0014),
Amendment 53 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 23 a (new)
- having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the situation of women with disabilities,
Amendment 91 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020 failed to include and address the specific situation of women and girls with disabilities, who constitute an important group facing multiple and intersectional discrimination based on both their gender and their disability;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas deafblind people suffer from unique dual disabilities, combining two sensory deficiencies, visual and hearing, which restricts their full participation causing specific problems such as access to communication, information, mobility and social interactions;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the burden of major chronic diseases is calculated on the basis of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) but that frameworks addressing chronic diseases vary across Europe and may be part of broader disability schemes in some countries;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas Eurofound1a pointed out that there is a lack of clarity regarding the inclusion of the concept of (chronic) ‘sickness’ in the definition of disability; whereas the agency recommends that a review of the European Disability Strategy should seek to address this issue; _________________ 1a Eurofound (2019), How to respond to chronic health problems in the workplace ?, Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 169 #
Amendment 225 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses the need for coherence between the post-2020 Strategy and frameworks targeting people with chronic diseases, including around employment activation, considering that strategies targeting persons with disabilities do not necessarily always adress the needs of these specific patients;
Amendment 247 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to prepare the post-2020 Strategy with the close and systematic involvement of persons with disabilities and, of their representative organisations and supporting families who have an active role in fulfilling the rights of their relatives with disabilities, and to ensure their accessible and meaningful participation in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the post-2020 Strategy also through funding their capacity-building;
Amendment 257 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Stresses that deafblind persons need additional care provided by professionals with specialist and qualified knowledge as well as deafblind interpreters; calls on the Member States to recognize the red-white cane as the symbol of the deafblind pedestrian in order to make deafblind people more visible in traffic;
Amendment 263 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to include a review of the post-2020 Strategy every 53 years with a clearly defined role for the EU CRPD Framework;
Amendment 287 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that the potential of social economy enterprises and organisations in facilitating labour market inclusion for persons with disabilities should be acknowledged in the new EU Disability Strategy post 2020;
Amendment 295 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to systematically mainstream the rights of persons with disabilities in all the relevant EU laws, policies and programmes; calls on the Commission to ensure disability- specific measures are included in the Country Specific Recommendations , especially with the upcoming proposals for the implementation of the principles of European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 303 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the post-2020 Strategy will especially guarantee access to employment, trainings, inclusive education, to affordable quality healthcare services, to digital services, to sport activities for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Commission to propose concrete measures in order to ensure that all economically active persons with disabilities can exercise their freedom of movement;
Amendment 317 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to safeguard the UNCRPD-compliant use of EU funds and to ensure that EU funds will not contribute to the construction or refurbishment of institutional care settings; believes EU funds must be addressed towards promoting inclusive environments, services, practices and devices, and deinstitutionalization, through, among other measures, determined support for personal assistance and independent living;
Amendment 322 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to safeguard the UNCRPD-compliant use of EU funds and to ensure that EU funds will not contribute to the construction or refurbishment of institutional care settings, but services in the community that foster inclusion;
Amendment 331 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure coherent implementation of the European funds, with concurrent strategies in the Member States, to develop universal accessibility, truly achieving a Europe free of barriers by the end of the next European Strategy post 2020 period;
Amendment 342 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the European Strategy and national actions are fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as a major global framework for action which includes disability as a horizontal issue in SDGs 4, 8, 10,11 and 17;
Amendment 366 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to develop a comprehensive campaign in accessible format, including an easy-to- read version, to raise awareness of the UN CRPD among the persons with disabilities and the society in general;
Amendment 375 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on all Member states to support and increase the prestige of social work -social workers and people being active in social services;
Amendment 376 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Calls on the Commission to create a clear mechanism of responsibility, control and sanctions for the set strategies;
Amendment 378 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9 b. Calls on all Member states to solve the question of homeless people with disabilities- a specific group of which are people on the autism spectrum;
Amendment 379 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Calls on all Member states to ensure sufficient support - financial as well as professional - for people taking care of their family members with disabilities who live in the same home. The fact that they have to take care of their relatives often has a negative impact on their family and professional life, they face exclusion and discrimination. It is essential that even they can enjoy all their rights in all areas of life.
Amendment 383 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Member States to affirm their commitment to promoting, protecting and ensuring the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, especially by granting them the right to vote in European and local elections in line with article 12 of the UNCRPD, and to promoting respect for their inherent dignity also by implementing the post-2020 Strategy and to allocate adequate human and financial resources to its implementation;
Amendment 426 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure all projects and infrastructure supported by EU funds in third countries are accessible for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and that EU funds invest in the implementation and monitoring of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and capacity building of organisations of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 442 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that the post 2020 Disability Strategy includes a gender- based and intersectional approach to combat the multiple forms of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities;
Amendment 453 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that the post 2020 Disability Strategy includes violence against persons with disabilities as one of its main focus areas, paying particular attention to gender-based violence and children with disabilities;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas improved productivity is crucial for retaining the EU's competitive position and for improved wellbeing; whereas reforms that can lead to enhanced productivity should be welcomed in light of the mixed results to date, including the slow pace of economic recovery, continuing concerns over productivity in some Member States relative to competitors and the increase in precarious employment.
Amendment 28 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas across the EU women earn on average 16 % less than men; whereas the gender pensions gap is around 37,2 % in the EU;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas in the digital era, digital skills are essential for all personal or professional tasks and yet more than 40 % of adults in the EU do not have basic digital skills;
Amendment 85 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas adequate minimum wages and other instruments such as refundable tax credits are essential to reduce in-work poverty, decrease inequalities and generate demand;
Amendment 91 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the environmental transition underline the urgent need for a common EU strategy to accompany workers and businesses in order to leave no one behind ; whereas these global challenges affect regions and territories in different ways;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas adequate and affordable housing is still a growing problem in many Member States and in 2017 one in ten Europeans spent 40% or more of household income on housing costs.
Amendment 106 #
2019/2212(INI)
1. WelcomesNotes that the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategurvey (ASGS) 2020 and the refocusing of the European Semester by including the SDGs and the European Green Deal as the basis of the new European growth modelhas now been renamed the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy (ASGS); reiterates the need to put sustainability and social inclusion at the heart of the Union’s economic policy- making, ensuring that social and ecological objectives are treated at the same level as fiscal disciplinewithout weakening the current framework, by complementing the European Semester´s current approach, based on fiscal and budgetary discipline, with climate and environmental discipline through the introduction of new climate indicators;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the inclusion of the EPSR in the ASGS 2020; emphasises the central role of the Social Scoreboard in the European Semester; calls on the Commission to reinforce the Scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the EPSR such as inclusive access to education, health, nutrition, employment, housing, and preserving social rights and to ensure such indicators are analysed on a disaggregated basis e.g. children, youth, seniors, gender, migrants and persons with disabilities;
Amendment 130 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Regrets that too many country- specific recommendations (CSRs) are not implemented, calls on the Member States to implement these CSRs, especially those on employment and social aspects;
Amendment 140 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some Member States; calls for a new financial instrument to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment, especially regions that suffer demographic disadvantages, such as depopulated or sparsely populated regions as well as rural areas;
Amendment 144 #
2019/2212(INI)
4. Is concerned that rates of unemployment, youth and long-term unemployment are still high in some Member States; calls for a new financial instrumentdynamic measures to tackle youth and long-term unemployment as well as the issues faced by the NEETs by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average youth and long-term unemployment;
Amendment 148 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the creation of a Just Transition Fund in order to ensure that the transition to a climate neutral economy does not leave no one behind; strongly believes that the challenges of climate change and the transition to a greener economy demand decisive support for workers and businesses in order to help them cope with these crucial transformations, with a particular emphasis on the regions most affected, including Outermost Regions, by improving training and education with a view to adapting skills and creating new jobs in sustainable sectors;
Amendment 149 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes with great concern the high level of youth unemployment in a number of Member States and the fragility of young workers´employment contracts; calls on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment a priority and to fully exploit the financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, Erasmus + and tailored measures to tackle youth unemployment and to foster youth employability;
Amendment 177 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission consultation of social partners on a European framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law, in line withwith due respect to all the different national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at EU level in order to achieve real wage growth, avoid the downward spiral of unhealthyvoid labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making, including for the European Semester;
Amendment 192 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in- work poverty; calls on the Commission to present a comprehensive European anti- poverty strategy and establish a European Child Guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support servicesto propose legislation with adequate funding under the European Social Fund Plus for the implementation of a European Child Guarantee as no child should be left behind as well as well-designed support services in order to ensure children’s equal access to free healthcare, free education, free childcare, decent housing and adequate nutrition;
Amendment 194 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in- work poverty; calls on the Commission to present a comprehensive European anti- poverty strategy and, notably by increasing the financing to the most deprived persons under the new ESF+, and also to establish a European Child Guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services;
Amendment 199 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment a priority and to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and tailored measures for tackling youth unemployment and fostering youth employability;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for an integrated response to tackleprevent the lack of affordable housing, poor housing conditions, housing exclusion and homelessnessto eradicate homelessness; calls on the Commission to propose a European Framework for Social and Affordable housing for the efficient coordination of Member State policies action in line with recommendation 19 of the EPSR; notes that the Commission should explore the implementation of existing successful models namely Housing First through adequate funds such as the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund; stresses, moreover, the need for the Commission and the Member States to collect better and more harmonised data on the number of homeless people in Europe as this constitutes the basis of any effective public policy;
Amendment 234 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is concerned about the stagnating share of early school leavers, especially amongst marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities or with a migrant background, and the increasing share of underperforming pupils; calls on the Member States to improve their education systems and to invest in upskilling through the European Structural and Investment Funds to ensure that education and training match employment needs; stresses that educational outcomes are also negatively affected by social exclusion, poverty and segregation, which equally must be addressed;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts in investing in accessible and high-quality education and training, reinforcing upskilling and reskilling measures including digital skills, and to promote lifelong learning; stresses that convergence between qualifications and skills with job opportunities is a precondition for creating a competitive EU labour market and should be tackled by facilitating closer cooperation between education systems and businesses, for example by promoting apprenticeships, work-based learning and lifelong training; expects a lot from the updated Skills Agenda for Europe announced by the Commission to respond holistically to the challenge of adapting skills to the ecological and digital transition;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses the need to improve training and education in order to adapt skills and create new jobs in the environmental and digital sectors;
Amendment 254 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps, and to tackle disincentives for women to work; callsin this regard, welcomes the Commission's commitment to propose a directive on pay transparency in the first 100 days in order to quickly close the gender pay gap and calls on Member State to swiftly and fully implement the EU directive on work-life balance; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps, and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for policies that support entrepreneurship among women, giving them access to financing and business opportunities; calls also for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as care services for those reliant on care, including the elderly;
Amendment 256 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more effortsby quickly implementing the Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; welcomes the recent Commission consultation on the Directive on pay transparency in order to close the gender pay and consequent pensions gaps, and to tackle disincentives for women to work by providing adequate flexibility that can promote higher employment rates among women; calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as care services for those reliant on care, including the elderly;
Amendment 265 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes with concern the inadequacy of and lack of access to social protection systems for atypical workers and the self- employed; calls on Member States to implement measures to address these issues, notably following the Council recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed agreed on 6 December 2018; welcomes this recommendation as a first step and the Commission's commitment to strengthen social protection systems in Europe, but stresses that more needs to be done to ensure access to social protection for all;
Amendment 269 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve the working conditions offor a coordinated EU initiative to ensure that workers who experience new forms of work, in particular platform workers, have access to a social protection system and are guaranteed all their social rights, regardless of their employment status, and to extend collective agreement coverage to platform workers;
Amendment 273 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve theensure fair working conditions of, rights and social protection for platform workers;
Amendment 286 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment, ensuring them access to education and training, and creating incentives for their employment and employability; recalls that the guiding principles which underlie the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), such as full and effective participation and inclusion in society, equality of opportunity and accessibility, must be fully implemented at both EU and national levels;
Amendment 287 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employmenwith the opportunities that digital work offers for their inclusion and creating incentives for their employment in line with the principle 17 of the EPSR on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In this regard, the European Disability Strategy post 2020 should be aimed at facilitating employment of persons with disabilities in the labour market;
Amendment 304 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Underlines that certain funds, namely the ESF+, the EGF and the JTF, will share the same objective in terms of accompanying workers and entreprises in the transition to a more digital and greener economy; calls on the Commission to ensure coherent implementation and articulation of these funds, while underlining the importance to maintain and strengthen each of them;
Amendment 315 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls onwelcomes the announcement of Commission President1a that the Commission towill present a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; _________________ 1aA Union that strives for more - My agenda for Europe, Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2019- 2024
Amendment 321 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. In times of demographic change and shortages of skilled workers in various sectors, notes with concern the low level of mobility of workers in the European Union and asks the Commission to analyse the root causes and ways to enhance mobility, including the portability of rights and entitlements; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure fair, equitable and loyal conditions for the mobility of workers in the EU; underlines that digitalisation, especially in the public services, can provide solutions to it;
Amendment 323 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Underlines that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are extremely important for sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth and job creation in the EU; calls on the Commission and Member States to strengthen their support to SMEs in order to accompany them and their employees in the transition to a more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 327 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that decisive support is needed for society, workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’, the implementation of the EPSR and the achievement of the SDGs, by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital, skills and healthand to allow more investment in human capital, health, education, training, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning schemes to fully benefit from the opportunities brought by the transition to a climate-neutral economy and to ensure that no one is left behind;
Amendment 331 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that decisive support is needed for society, workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’, the implementation of the EPSR and the achievement of the SDGs, by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules‘; stresses that this can be achieved by using appropriate flexibility within the Stability and Growth Pact and thereby allowing more investment in human capital, skills and health;
Amendment 333 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that decisive support is needed for society, workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’, the implementation of the EPSR and the achievement of the SDGs, by exempting social spending from; calls on Member States to use the existing flexibility in the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing morein order to investment more in human capital, skills and health;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Defence Procurement Directive seeks to introduce fair and transparent rules for defence procurement in an effort to make it easier forto make sure that defence companies in the Member States tocan access other Member States’' defence markets;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Defence Package Directives are needed to further develop a common European security and defence culture, based on the European Union's shared values and objectives, with respect to the specific character of the security and defence policies of the Member States;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EPRS study pointed out the limitedinsufficient effect of the Defence Procurement Directive on the Europeanisation of defence value chains;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas an important reason for the lack of participation of SMEs is the lack of cross-border access to supply chains; whereas, defence supply chains have a substantial national focus, which adds challenges for SMEs that wish to enter defence supply chains in other European countries; whereas, moreover, OEMs continue and limit themselves to subcontract SME's they have a pre- existing working relationship with, due to financial reasons;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes, in this regard, that the Commission should take a more proactive roleits responsibility in monitoring the exclusions used by the Member States in their awarding of contracts outside the scope of the Defence Procurement Directive, and should not be mainly reliant on received complaints filed by the industry;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Member States to properly implement the Defence Procurement Directives and those with a large established defence industry to lead by example;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Observes, further, that there was a slower and lower than expected uptake of certification, and that there are still barriers to effective application of the directive, with low levels of awareness, particularly among SMEs, of the tools available under the directive, and the system used by the Member States in their export controls, in addition to the lack of harmonisation in the implementation of GTLs, which act as major barriers to the effective application of the directive; underlines the fact that an introduction of the ‘de Minimis’ rule principle, known from the Schmidt-Debré harmonisation agreement, in bilateral and/or multilateral agreements between Member States has the potential to further stimulate participation of SMEs in joint ventures and common export licenses throughout the internal market;
Amendment 50 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to further improve the directive’s implementation in individual Member States by continuing its dialogue withinsisting on national authorities in order to resolve outstanding issues;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for increased development of contacts and exchanges between the national transfer control communities across the EU to address the existing divergences of transfer control practices and the lack of trust among Member States, as well as to assess the appointment of unique national points of contact for intra-EU transfers related issues1a; __________________ 1aResearch Paper on the implementation of Directive 2009/81/EC, concerning procurement in the fields of defence and security, and of Directive 2009/43/EC, concerning the transfer of defence-related products, written by Jean-Pierre Maulny and Dr Edouard Simon, Institut des Relations Internationales et Stratégiques (IRIS); and Dr Alessandro Marrone, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)
Amendment 56 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and Member States to improve the quality, transparency and availability of data, such as TED data, in order toand reduce the disparities of publication practices, thereby facilitateing the monitoring on implementation of these two directives;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to study the feasibility of establishing common standardised administrative forms with the objective of lowering businesses' administrative burden, particularly for SMEs, and build a European approach to transfers of defence-related products;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission to be boldstrong in enforcing the directives, including, where necessary, by making use of infringement proceduresby making use of their right laid down in Article 258 TFEU to start infringement procedures; asks the Commission to initiate infringement procedures instead of solely acting on complaints filed by the industry;
Amendment 63 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Considers, therefore, that the goal of increasing SME participation has onlynot been partially achieved;
Amendment 64 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Is of the opinion that the subcontracting provisions of the directive had no or a very limited impact on the cross-border access of sub-suppliers and defence SMEs; calls on the Member States to ascertain that their internal procedures are not blocking SMEs’llow for SME cross border participation and to simplify access for companies that fall within the EU definition of SMEs for the participation in tendering processes in the fields of defence and security;
Amendment 69 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Considers that Member-State action could significantly improve cross-border market access for SMEs and sub-suppliers in the defence sectors, and therefore, calls on the Member States to seriously take into consideration and follow when possibleimplement the Commission recommendations as much as possible;
Amendment 70 #
2019/2204(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the Commission to improve access to finance for SMEs such as European guarantee funds;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document Report (SWD(2019)370) of 14 October 2019, accompanying the Commission’s report on the Implementation of Free trade Agreements, 1 January 2018 - 31 January 2018 (COM(2019)455),
Amendment 2 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication entitled “Trade for All: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2019-2024 of the President of the Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen16 July 2019,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
- having regard to the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015, entitled ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’,
Amendment 9 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
- having regard to Articles 2 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to Chapter V, Title II of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), as well as article 218 TFEU.
Amendment 10 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 c (new)
Citation 17 c (new)
- having regard to its resolution in June 2015 on the EU strategy for equality between women and men post-2015;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 d (new)
Citation 17 d (new)
- having regard to its own- initiative resolution on gender equality in trade agreements, March 2018;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 e (new)
Citation 17 e (new)
- Having regard to the gender equality strategy of the European Commission in March 2020;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
Amendment 17 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. Whereas the EU’s common commercial policy is an exclusive competence of the EU that is carried out together by the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. Whereas the Common Commercial Policy comprises a body of trade agreements and legislative measures which aims to ensure that the EU continues to safeguard its existing social and regulatory model, while using trade policy to promote EU values around the world; whereas the EU should step up its efforts to promote fair competition, ensuring a level playing field and addressing contemporary trade issues; whereas fulfilling these objectives requires good orientation of Union trade policy and full and efficient implementation and monitoring thereof in a fairer and more transparent manner;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. Whereas the Union is the world’s leading commercial power and the biggest single market in the world, acting as a major driver of economic prosperity; whereas the Union is the world’s leading exporter of goods and services, sustaining more than 36 million jobs in Europe; whereas the last indicators reveal that in 2019 the EU exports on goods rose to €2.132.3 billion, which amounts to an increase of 3,5% from the previous year, being the largest exporter of agri-food products in the world; whereas despite the current global challenges the main trading partners are the US and China;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. Whereas the EU trade and investment policy also provides investors with market access and investment protection through legal certainty and a stable, predictable and properly regulated environment in which to conduct their economic activities;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
A e. Whereas since the European Commission adopted in 2015 the Communication entitled ‘Trade for All: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy’, the EU has concluded and started applying a number of new trade agreements.
Amendment 22 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
A f. Whereas EU trade agreements should represent opportunities for growth through market access and the lifting of trade barriers; whereas it is of fundamental importance that negotiations are conducted in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit, in order to tackle unfair trade practices and secure EU rules and standards; whereas the Union should continue safeguarding EU geographical indications, which are of great economic and cultural value, in multilateral and bilateral negotiations;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent Eurobarometer figures show that around 60 % of the EU citizens believe that the EU’s trade policy bringsy benefits for themrom international trade; whereas part of the public opinion is strongly vocal against trade policy and trade agreements; whereas the European Commission and the Member States must continue to develop a proper communication strategy on trade policy and trade agreements, which aims to tackle misconceptions, erroneous perceptions and distorted interpretations, as well as fake news on trade and to transmit as much information as possible, while targeting specific stakeholders and raising economic operators’ awareness about trade agreements;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 37 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Amendment 52 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 69 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that choices in our relationship with the two other trade superpowers, China and the USA, which represent approximately 30 % of our trade exchanges, are key when it comes to driving EU trade policy;
Amendment 77 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 82 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. 5. Stresses its support for an open, fair, balanced, sustainable, and valued based and multilateral trading system, considering that it has been under pressure over the last years;
Amendment 85 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for a substantive reform of the WTO, based on modernising its rule- book in order to make it more effective by providing structural and long-term solutions; encourages WTO members to reach an ambitious and balanced agreement on the long-standUnderlines the primary political and economic importance of the multilateral system and calls the international trading partners to work towards the achievement of a well- functioning dissue of fishery subsidies during the ministerial summit in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan and send out a clear signal that the WTOpute settlement system at the WTO, based on modernising its rule- book in order to guarantee its still able to deliver on its negotiating funceffectiveness and provide structural and long-term solutions;
Amendment 101 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note ofIs very concerned with the dramastic change in the US trade strategy over the past three years, which is focused on bilateral trade, the rise of protectionist measures and often legally questionable unilateral trade measures; takes note ofpoints out the limited progress made towards implementing the joint US-EU Statement of 25 July 2018; stresses the importance of relaunching the EU-US talks on the basis of the existing negotiating mandates adopted in April 2019 by the Council;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses deep concern at the damages that the EU agri-food sector is facing as a result of the Airbus-Boeing dispute; stresses that it has been a long- standing conflict whose implications the European Commission had to foresee, ahead of the tariffs applied by the US, in the most thorough and comprehensive manner; deplores the lack of timely solutions and effective preventive measures to counter the negative impact experienced, and therefore urges the European Commission to take its responsibility and increase its efforts for a coordinated and unified EU response;
Amendment 120 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Points out that in light of the continued application of US tariffs, some actions that have already been taken at EU level for the protection of some sectors could also be taken in order to safeguard other sectors; calls therefore on the European Commission to revise the measures carried out as regards agricultural products, such as table olives, which have been suffering a significant loss of competitiveness and market share, as well as growth, investment and job creation;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that China remainpresents a market of opportunities because of its size and growth, but that great challenges remain for EU businesses due to the consolidation of the state-lere are many barriers for EU businesses to access and operate in this market, due to the state-led and state- sponsored Chinese economy, where state- owned businesses benefit from exclusive or dominating market access; condemns all types of discriminatory measures facing EU companies in China and calls on the Commission to constantly monitor the persistent acts of discrimination and work with the Chinese authorities in order to put an end to such actdismantle such acts and barriers;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges the promising outcome presented in the Commission’s report regarding the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs), in particular South Korea, Central and Latin America, Canada, Eastern partners, and African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) countries; stresses that EU trade agreements have a clear track record of, in most cases, reaching their primary objective of creating significant opportunities for EU exporters on third- country trade markets;
Amendment 156 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges the promising outcome presented in the Commission’s report regarding the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs), in particular South Korea, Central and Latin America, Canada, Eastern partners, and African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) countries; stresses that EU trade agreements have a clear track record of, in most cases, reaching their primary objective of creating significant opportunitpoints out however that the European Commission has estimated an increase of negative economic impact of trade and investment barriers for EU exportersas a result onf third- country trade marketse protectionist trend;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Points out that the large amount of trade and non-trade barriers, the current divergences in the level and quality of controls, customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union, often result in distortion of trade flows, which puts at risk the integrity of the single market; therefore urges the European Commission to address this issue, ensuring that companies can compete fairly on a level playing field;
Amendment 183 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. NotWelcomes the progress made towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which aims to provide a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of people and investments; welcomes the EU’s support in setting up the new African Union Trade Observatory; calls for continued EU support for ACFTA in line with the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investments and Jobs;
Amendment 186 #
Amendment 187 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Recalls that the European Union and Latin America maintain close cooperation with each other on the basis of their historical, cultural and economic ties, with the LAC region representing the EU's fifth largest trade partner. Believes that the EU's presence in the region is fundamental in terms of both enhancing cooperation based on shared values as well as a vector for pursuing the EU's external action policy, notably in terms of strengthening the multilateral rules-based trade system;
Amendment 188 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Welcomes the conclusions of the trade negotiations with Mexico and the Mercosur countries, which have both the potential to deepen our strategic partnership with Latin America and to create additional opportunities in our trade relations with those countries; notes that such opportunities would also give EU companies access to an increasingly growing market;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Is convinced that the modernisation of the Association Agreement with Chile will serve to further boost the EU's presence in the wider region and help promote an international trade agenda based on sustainable development, stronger protection for environmental and labour standards and respect for human rights; call on the Commission to ensure the on-going negotiations deliver on these principles and an agreement can be reached in a timely manner;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Considers that the Association Agreement between the EU and Mercosur represents the first "block to block" deal of its nature, with the potential to create a free market area encompassing approximately 800 million citizens, and placing the EU in a unique position given its "first mover advantage" in an otherwise highly-protectionist market;
Amendment 195 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the entry into force of the EU-Singapore trade agreement of 21 November 2019; welcomes its consent on the EU-Vietnam agreement and calls for its quick implementation; notes that in 2018 the EU exported to Vietnam around 13.8€ billion worth of goods and points out that the rules-based FTAs and IPAs will ensure predictability and rule-of-law for investors, as well as positively increase exports in both ways and create stability and trust for SMEs; views these agreements as a step towards concluding an FTA with the entire Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8 a (new)
Subheading 8 a (new)
Stresses that the European Commission and Member States must work on a better communication strategy of EU trade policy benefits and awareness-raising in order to effectively engage with society and stakeholders; recalls that roadmaps provide the opportunity for the European Commission to communicate and explain the reasons behind a particular initiative and its objectives, as well as to engage with them and receive feedback; points out that the European Commission should ensure the full transparency of roadmaps and other consultation activities to maximise their impact and guarantee the involvement of stakeholders;
Amendment 216 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 239 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Welcomes in this regard the inclusion of the Paris Agreement and its binding nature in the TSD Chapter of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement, which represents a clear commitment with the fight against climate change, deforestation and to the multilateral approach that is needed in order to reduce global warming.
Amendment 273 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Notes that rules under EU trade agreements should be effectively enforced in order to ensure their effectiveness and address market distortions; stresses the urgency on this matter and welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to amend the Enforcement Regulation, with the aim of reinforcing the Union’s tools on compliance and enforceability of trade rules; points out that sanctions should only be used as a measure of last resort, as they have proven to be inefficient; asks the European Commission to further clarify the role of the proposed Chief Trade Enforcement Officer;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Points out that the share of trade in services in the overall trade picture is underestimated; sStresses that the EU is by far the world’s biggest exporter of services and that services represent about 70 % of the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP);
Amendment 290 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Notes that SMEs account for approximately 30 % of the EU goods exports; supports the idea that a specific chapter on SMEs should be part of all proposed FTAs, as done in the EU-Japan agreement, and that they should be included when revising existing FTAs, as is the case of the modernised Agreement with Mexico; notes that trade barriers and bureaucracy are especially problematic for SMEs that cannot afford the extra work to overcome them;
Amendment 307 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Is convinced of the importance of including gender provisions in free trade agreements, in order to promote gender equality; insist on strengthening the economic position of women in third countries and calls on the European Commission to combat the exploitation of women;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)
Paragraph 39 b (new)
39 b. Believes that trade agreements should become vectors for achieving gender equality and improving living standards for women across all industries covered by the EU's FTAs, especially with regards to equal pay. Notes that women receive less than two-fifths of the benefits of free trade agreements in terms of jobs generated; Insists on the need to start collecting gender-disaggregated data to formulate the provisions necessary to strengthen the position of women and to monitor the progress of women;
Amendment 309 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 c (new)
Paragraph 39 c (new)
39 c. Welcomes the introduction of gender aspects in the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement and the recommendations on gender and trade issued by the EU-Canada Joint Committee, setting out a platform that can promote understanding on how trade agreement can contribute to gender equality.
Amendment 2 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and on information and communications technology cybersecurity certification and repealing Regulation (EU) No 526/2013 (Cybersecurity Act),
Amendment 45 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance but highlights that, with the exception of customs checks, it only applies to products subject to Union harmonisation legislation, while around one third of all products circulating in the EU are non-harmonised products; urges the Commission to update and establish aligned market surveillance rules, including those for for offline and online, for both harmonized and non-harmoniszed products, and make them fit for purpose in the digital age;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out the need to adapt product safety rules to the digital worldnew market realities and the imperatives of the green and digital transition; asks the Commission to address the challenges of emerging technologies such as 3D-printingartificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and, robotics and others in its revision of the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), and to identify and close gaps within existing legislation such as the Machinery Directive and Radio Equipment Directive, while avoiding duplicating legislation;
Amendment 58 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to redefine the term ‘product’ as part of the revision of the GPSD in coordination with potential revision of other legislative frameworks such as the Product Liability Directive (PLD), so that it reflects the complexity of emerging technologies, including stand-alone software and software or updates which entail substantial modification to the product leading to a de facto new product;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Stresses that the Commission should screen the existing AI standards in place and consult with businesses and other stakeholders to understand which new standards are needed, should carry out a periodic assessment of the European regulatory framework related to AI in order to ensure the product safety, consumer and data protection;
Amendment 86 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. EncourageAsks the Commission to assess the feasibility of developing measures, such as risk-based assessment schemes and conformity assessment mechanisms, where they do not yet exist, tothat ensure the safety and security of products with embedded emerging technologies, and to provide support to SMEs to reduce the burden such measures can creat; underlines that products with embedded emerging technologies such as AI may evolve with the time via updates and self- learning processes and that these measures that apply only at the time of the placing of the product on the market may therefore not be fit for purpose;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. underlines that European SMEs must not be adversely affected by obligations and rules on product safety that may entail a disproportionate burden, and calls the Commission to support them and to explore solutions that ensure a stable, predictable and properly regulated environment in which SMEs can conduct their businesses and keep their competitiveness in the European Single Market;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Highlights the fact that the connectivity of products can lead to new safety and security risks; urges the Commission to thoroughly reassess the potential risks of connected products and adapt the application of conformity assessment modules for those products with a substantially increased risk level;
Amendment 100 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Commission to evaluate, in case of a necessary reassessment of products, whether more flexibility could be considered for low-risk products for the purposes oftake into account the 'think small first' principle when assessing the feasibility of such measures; considers that such measures should take due account of the need to provide support to SMEs to reduce the burden these measures can create; urges the Commission to use the existing legal framework for low-risk products and allow for the least stringent conformity assessment schemes to be used in order to reduce the administrative burden and facilitate product refurbishment;
Amendment 115 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages economic operators to integrate safety mechanisms in emerging technologies, including self-repair mechanisms, to prevent the upload of unsafe software, raise awareness of safety problems of their products, and ensure and improve safety throughout their lifecycle;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Highlights that the risks derived from software updates, faulty data and loss of connectivity of emerging digital technologies can result in risks safety and health damages and urges the Commission to update the current legislation in order to address those risks;
Amendment 147 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Encourages Member States to increase the resources and expertise of their market surveillance authorities, to enhance cooperation among them, including at cross-border level, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of checks, and properly staff custom authorities so as to be able to identify unsafe products, in particular from third countries, and prevent their circulation in the internal market; calls on the Commission and Market Surveillance authorities (MSAs) to specifically identify unsafe products as also including counterfeit products in the RAPEX system, in order to help get a better and clearer picture of this concerning counterfeiting phenomenon and consequently better protect the health and safety of EU consumers, in particular the categories of consumers which can be particularly vulnerable, such as children and the elderly;
Amendment 159 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that the introduction of counterfeit products resulting from failures in market surveillance has also negative implications for many other policy areas that are important for EU citizens, such as intellectual property protection, which are of great economic and cultural value, and urges the Commission to effectively enforce the implementation of the customs legislation and harmonise customs controls throughout the EU;
Amendment 162 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Stresses that the large amount of divergences in the level and quality of controls of products from third countries, and differences in customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union often result, not only in trade flows’ distortions, but also in large health and safety risks for consumers in the European single market; underlines that a coordinated and harmonised approach is of vital importance in view of ensuring an uninterrupted flow of supplies of goods in all Member States, in order to address any possible shortages in an efficient and speedy manner, whilst respecting a high standard of security checks that can detect and prevent sanitary, phytosanitary and biologic risks from third country imports; insists that the Commission ensures that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 189 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Asks the Commission to cooperate with the regulatory authorities of third countries, to exchange market surveillance- related information on dangerous products with them, and to include market surveillance in all bilateralFree trade agreements;
Amendment 190 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Asks the Commission to explore the option, that suppliers, which are established in a third country, have to designate a legal representative, established in the Union, who can beheld accountable for the selling of products, to European consumers, which do not comply with Union rules of safety;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Urges the Commission to further harmonise the methodology and criteria for assessing risks in all Member States in order to ensure a level playing field for all economic operators;
Amendment 219 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. EncouragesNotes that while online platforms, such as online market places, have benefited both retailers and consumers by improving choice and lowering prices, at the same time, an increasing number of non-compliant sellers - especially from third countries – are offering unsafe or illegal products in the European market, therefore urges the Commission to establish regulations in order to ensure the cooperation of the online marketplaces to react as quickly as possible to notifications from Rapex, and to cooperate effectively with the Member States’ competent authorities by immediately withdrawing unsafe products, and taking measures to avoid that they reappear; asks the Commission to create guidelines for online marketplaces on how to react effectively to unsafe products;
Amendment 228 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Asks onlinStresses that the Commission should establish clear guide lines for the marketplaces to enhance their cooperation, consult Rapex before placing products on their websites, exchange information on sellers that break the rules, take effective measures against them and their supply chain, and develop an easily accessible tool for consumers to report unsafe products;
Amendment 283 #
2019/2190(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Urges the Commission to develop legislation obliging online marketplaces, given their direct communication with consumers, to inform consumers in case they bought an unsafe or otherwise non- compliant product from their online marketplace;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the high number of petitions received by Committee on Petitions alerting it to the precarious nature and abusive use of fixed-term contracts in both the public1 and private2 sectors; calls on the Commission to examine these petitions and to provide a better response, in line with its competences and those of the Member States, in order to effectively tackle in-work poverty, social exclusion and precarious work; _________________ 1These include petitions 0240/18, 0328/18, 0365/18, 0374/18, 0396/18, 0419/18, 0829/2018, 0897/2018, 1161/2018, 0290/19, 0310/2019, 0335/2019, 0579/19, 0624/19, 0652/19, 0683/2019, 0737/2019, 1017/19, 1045/2019, 1241/2019, 1318/2019 and 0036/2020. 2These include petitions 1378/2013, 0019/2016, 0020/2016, 0021/2016, 0099/2017, 1162/2017, 0110/2018 and 0335/2019.
Amendment 14 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to monitor in particular sectors characterised by a high degree of job insecurity, in order to prevent the abuse of workers in areas such as temporary work in the agricultural sector, where seasonal workers face abusive employment conditions that in some cases violate not only labour rights, but also workers’ fundamental rights; calls on the Member States to take measures, in line with the Council recommendation of 2018, to ensure that all workers and self-employed persons have access to adequate social protection;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that these new forms of work, including platform work, present not only opportunities in terms of employability and access to the labour market, but also challenges in terms of fair working conditions and access to social protection; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to work to improve the working conditions of these workers;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that, according to the European Social Policy Network, some 9.4 % of workers in the EU are at risk of poverty, representing some 20.5 million people; highlights the important differences between the Member States, and underlines the need to establish policies and law at EU level to reverse this situation, in order to prevent further social polarisation in the EU; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s consultation with the social partners on a European framework for minimum wages; calls on the Commission, therefore, to present as soon as possible a legal instrument for upward social convergence in accordance with national traditions, so that every worker in the European Union benefits from a fair minimum wage; warns that this situation will be aggravated as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and urges the Commission to protect these workers by guaranteeing their jobs and wages and also their working conditions;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that women continue to earn 16 % less than men in the EU and have the highest rates of job insecurity; calls on the Member States to put legislation and strategies in place to ensure equality, and urges the Commission to pay particular attention to compliance with EU labour law; calls on the Member States and the Union to ensure pay transparency, including by introducing a wage equality index comparing women and men;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make fighting unemployment and insecure employment of young people a priority and to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus+ in order to tackle youth unemployment and enhance the employability of young people;
Amendment 131 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas privatisation and outsourcing are reducing job security, and this is also an indicator of the increase incan contribute to increased efficiency and reduced costs in labour, and this could sometimes lead to precarious employment;
Amendment 135 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas public administrations have too often relied on temporary workers to replace civil servants, although they usually have more precarious working conditions and are equally exposed to abuse and harassment from third parties;
Amendment 196 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that a legislative framework with a view to regulating telework conditions across the EU is necessary to ensure decent working and employment conditions in the digital economy, thereby contributing to reducing inequalities and addressing the issue of in-work poverty;
Amendment 221 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, on the basis of their obligations under the ILO Conventions, the revised European Social Charter and the European Pillar of Social Rights, to promote collective bargaining, as well as the right to associate, negotiate and conclude collective agreements at company level, and to respect and enforce the right to fair minimum wages when applicable;
Amendment 237 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to update its framework for the establishment and development of cooperatives and social economy enterprises, which by nature place a stronger emphasis on fair working conditions and empowerment of workers;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission’s plan to adopt the Directive on platform work, which is intended to ensure that platform workers are covered by existing labour law, arbour relations between workers and platforms are clarified, allowing for them to be socially insured and arto be able to form workers’ representations and organise in unions in order to conclude collective or company-level agreements;
Amendment 337 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that the autonomy of social partners is a valuable asset; welcomes the Commission’s plan to adopt an action programme to protect and strengthen collective bargaining systems at national level, in particular sectoral, and company- level, and recommends taking measures under Articles 151 and 153 TFEU; stresses that collective agreements must not be subject to regulations and interpretations at European level;
Amendment 363 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and Member States to enforce, effectively and through sanctions, the right of workers to organise and to negotiate and conclude collective and company-level agreements, and to ensure that unions can enter plants, speak to workers at work and organise them;
Amendment 371 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges the Commission and the Member States to work to change European competition rules so that public service institutions, for instance, hospitals and care facilities, can remain under, or revert to, public controlensure that public service institutions, whether privately or publicly managed, respect at least minimum working conditions for their staff, in particular the freedom to negotiate and conclude collective or company-level agreements and the right to adequate wages;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the lack of proper housing, which entails both the absence of the material aspect of minimally adequate housing and of the social aspect of a secure place to establish a family or social relationships and participate in community life1a, constitutes a serious challenge for many citizens in the EU; whereas there are currently no precise figures on the number of homeless people in the EU and rigorously collected data constitutes the basis of any effective public policy; __________________ 1aReport of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context, A/HRC/31/54
Amendment 83 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas by2050, the proportion of people aged 65 or over is expected to reach 29% of the total EU population[1], and whereas the Covid-19 crisis has shown the precarious situation in which many older people live;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensurwork together in order to promote access for all to shelter, decent housing, including clean and high- quality drinking water and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, and to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, hence contributing to eradicating poverty in all its forms; reaffirms its call for EU- wide action for a winter heating disconnection moratorium; calls on the Member States to meet the standards laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) for adequate housing temperature; demands that the revision of the air quality regulation be aligned with WHO standards;
Amendment 183 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that the Commission should explore further the implementation of existing successful models namely Housing First through adequate funds such as the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund;
Amendment 231 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with deep concern that the living conditions of Roma continue to be extremely worrying; calls on the Member States to promote spatial desegregation and engage Roma beneficiaries in housing projects, to prevent forced evictions, and to provide halting sites for non-sedentary Roma; emphasises the urgent need for public investment and awareness in this regard;
Amendment 252 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the importance of setting transparent eligibility criteria for social and publicly funded housing to ensure equal access to housing; encourages Member States to put in place national strategies to prevent social segregation, through a wider geographical distribution of social housing, available to all citizens regardless of status, gender, religion or ethnicity;
Amendment 272 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Encourages Member States to collaborate and finance social investments aimed at solving housing problems with the social partners, civil society and the private sector, many of who play and can play a key role in the development and maintenance of adequate housing solutions for those in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 275 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the of States Members to invest more in accessible nursing homes for the elderly, with quality care services, accessible to a wider range of the elderly population;
Amendment 279 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States and regional and local authorities to put in place legal provisions to protect tenants and owner-occupiers from eviction and to ensure security of tenure by favouring long-term rental contracts as the default option, together with rent transparency and rent control measurebalanced measures of mutual interest that reconcile the rights of and foster security between owners and tenants;
Amendment 335 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to close the investment gap for affordable housing as a matter of priority; calls in this regard for a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact allowing for increased fiscal space for sustainable public investments, in particular in affordable housmeasures which provide enhanced access to investments aimed at increasing the access to affordable housing, in particular social housing renting; calls, furthermore, for a harmonised accounting for amortisation methodology for affordable housing investments;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas platform work has also raised concerns about precariousness or poor working conditions, lack of access to adequate social protection, fragmentedunderemployment, skill mismatch and lack of career advancement, lack of access to adequate social protection, lack of a reliable dispute resolution mechanism, fragmented, unpredictable and unstable income and work schedules, and a lack of occupational health and safety measures, especially for lower-skilled on-location platform workers and workers performing micro-tasks, as highlighted during the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 48 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 201 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 2 a (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 2 a (new)
– assess the impact of labour market monopsony on workers' earnings;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 6 – indent 3 a (new)
– anticipate and address the potential impact of the geographical relocation of online platform work to non- EU lower-income countries on the labour force, wages and social security systems of EU Member States;
Amendment 236 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that platform workers should be given clear information on whether the tasks they will be performing may be psychologically stressful or damaging and should receive access to counselling or support paid for by the platform in those cases; believes that all platform workers should receive compensation in case of work accidents and occupational diseases, and be offered sickness and invalidity insurance coverage; welcomes, in this respect, the initiatives of some platforms to provide insurance as well as occupational health and safety measures;
Amendment 253 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls in particular the importance of extending social protection rights to self-employed platform workers, including people transitioning from one status to another or who have both statuses, for schemes covering maternity and equivalent parental benefits, and unemployment, sickness, healthcare and old-age benefits; stresses that platform workers face unique challenges in satisfying eligibility requirements and accumulating social security allowances, which in turn impacts the financial stability and solidarity of social security systems;
Amendment 268 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recognises that freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are fundamental rights for all workers, and believes a directive on platform workers should ensure that these rights are effective and enforced; notes the potential for imbalanced relationships between digital labour platforms and workers, who may lack the individual bargaining power to negotiate their terms and conditions; notes further that there are also practical issues such as a lack of common means of communication and opportunities to meet online or in person, which can prevent collective representation in practice; considers that platform workers are particularly exposed to psycho-social risks stemming from the lack of face-to-face contact with colleagues and isolation2a; calls on the Commission to address such impediments in its proposal; stresses the need for platform workers and platforms to be properly represented in order to facilitate social dialogue; __________________ 2aSmith R, Leberstein S. (2015), Rights on Demand: Ensuring Workplace Standards and Worker Security in the On- Demand Economy. New York, NY: NELP.
Amendment 281 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Invites the Commission to reflect on whether and how a platform worker can move clients off the platform in case of changes to its terms of service;
Amendment 282 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Strongly believes that the directive should foresee communication processes that ensure that platform operators respond to worker communications substantively and promptly;
Amendment 291 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that basic training must be provided to platform workers by the platform at least on the use of their website or the application; as well as on applicable taxes, cross-border arrangements, business registration and social welfare implications and on dispute resolution mechanisms4a; believes further that platform workers, in particular less qualified workers, should be offered training enabling skilling and re-skilling to improve their employability and career paths; calls for the facilitation of the recognition, validation and portability of attainments in the field of non-formal and informal learning; believes in this regard that a ‘certificate of experience’ should be issued for platform workers who have participated in such training, which could be uploaded on individual learning accounts; __________________ 4aAdapted from Cedefop (2020). Developing and matching skills in the online platform economy: findings on new forms of digital work and learning from Cedefop’s CrowdLearn study. Luxembourg: Publications Office. Cedefop reference series; No 116.
Amendment 304 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers that platform workers should be entitled to transparent, non- discriminatory and ethical algorithms; notes that algorithmic management decisions should be subject to checks by human beings who should remain legally responsible for the decision and the outcomes; believes that algorithm transparency should apply to task distribution, ratings and interactions, while respecting trade secrets, and that an intelligible explanation of the functioning of the algorithm on the way tasks are assigned, ratings are granted, the deactivation procedure and pricing should always be provided, as well as information in a clear and up-to-date manner on any significant changes to the algorithm; is of the opinion that ethical algorithm implies that all decisions are contestable and reversible, and that incentive practices or exceptional bonuses in particular should not lead to risky behaviours; is convinced that non-discriminatory algorithms are those which prevent gender and other social biases;
Amendment 312 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Believes that workers should be informed of client reviews; stresses that workers should have the right to contest non-payment and to have that contestation reviewed by a platform employee;
Amendment 318 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that all online platforms must ensure full compliance with EU non- discrimination and data protection law; believes further that platform workers should have access to all personal data concerning their own activities as provided in Article 20 of the GDPR, understand how their personal information is processed, and have the right to export their ratings; believes that the possibility of a portable worker skills, client feedback and reputation ratings certificate, recognised between similar platforms, should be explored; considers that measures should be put in place to prevent ratings from impacting working time;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19
Citation 19
— having regard to Articles 12, 27, 28, 30, 31 and 3147 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 4 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas social dialogue is a key element of the European social model and whereas EWCs reflect the importance attached to workers’ representation, thus reinforcing social dialogue;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas EWCs play a significant role in ensuring the proper management of multinational companies;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas EWCs do not have direct access to justice in many Member States13 but only in four Member States, allowing EWC representatives to initiate judicial proceedings on behalf of EWCs; __________________ 13 Commission Staff Working Document of 14 May 2018, p. 34.
Amendment 26 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the Commission has received only one formal complaint on the implementation of Directive 2009/38/EC; whereas litigation cases are limited at national level;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there is evidence that early consultation can have a substantial impact on job security during restructuring processes and that thisworkers’ consultation and participation is essential in ensuring workers’ well-being and can have a positive impact on job quality15 ; __________________ 15 Parliament’s European added value assessment of November 2012.
Amendment 30 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the success and positive impact of EWCs require a relation of trust between the EWC and the management based on a constructive dialogue that is often influenced by the industrial relations culture in each Member State;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the extensive use of confidentiality clauses, although justified in certain cases, based on Article 8 of Directive 2009/38/EC can constitutes an obstacle for effective information and consultation rights17 ; __________________ 17 Commission Staff Working Document of 14 May 2018, p. 27-28.
Amendment 56 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that participinformation, participation and consultation rights play a crucial role in a functioning of the social market economy; stresses that EWCs are one of the instruments that enhance democracy at the workplace;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the definition and consequent interpretation of what matters are to be regarded as ‘transnational issues’ remains vague and subject to interpretation, thus resultsing in a fragmented implementation by the Member States; highlights that the definition needs to be precise and further detailed; stresses in this regard that the scope of possible effects is a missing element which needs to be considered while determining the transnational character of a matter;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets that the timely manner of consultation remains an issue where the employees’ representatives opinion may be requested or delivered at a point in time where no meaningful consideration can be taken or when the management decision on the proposed measure has already been taken; regrets that the lack of management obligation to take an opinion into account often results in the input being disregarded or failing to have an actual impact on the proposed measure at hand; and stresses the need to implement meaningful consultation processes while ensuring that the undertaking or group of undertakings can take decisions effectively;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights that it is important to ensure great communication between the EWCs and the company’s management, not least based on board level employee representation, to avoid potential missed opportunities for EWCs as regards information, participation and consultation and encourages Member States to set up the right conditions ensuring a good communication and cooperation between the EWCs members and the board level employee representatives;
Amendment 86 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that the three-year timing provision of situations governing the entry into force of subsidiary requirements in the event of a failure to conclude an agreement is excessive and to the disadvantage of workers; underlines that the right of EWCs to have an annual meeting with the central management is insufficient and should be increased provide forto biannual meetings in order to improve the practical functioning , impact and running of EWCs;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that in cases of disagreement on whether to undertake an information or consultation procedure, there is a lack of guidance on how to resolve the current negative effects on EWCs and workers representatives; stresses, therefore, the added value that Union initiatives could have in providing such guidance and calls on the new platform for exchange of knowledge to disseminate good practices on how information and consultation procedures need to be carried out;
Amendment 106 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is concerned about the fragmented and insufficient compliance with Directive 2009/38/EC across the Union; calls in this regard for reinforced procedures and other measures to ensure proper, effective and timely compliance, including the temporary suspension of the implementation of management decisions;
Amendment 111 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Regrets that in many Member States penalties for non-compliance are not effective, dissuasive or proportionate as required by Directive 2009/38/EC; stresses that the provisions governing Member State penalties needs to be strengthened in order to improve compliance with Directive 2009/38/EC, while at the same time ensuring that it does not create disproportionate financial burden to the business, especially in the case of medium-sized companies;
Amendment 113 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines that incentives need to be created in favour of the development of EWCs, their wider use and effective enforcement, thus not limiting the scope of Union and national actions to a punitive approach;
Amendment 122 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. CDeplores the fact that EWCs experience difficulties with protecting their rights of consultation as defined in Directive 2009/38/EC; calls on the Member States to ensure facilitated administrative and legal proceedings for an easy access to justice for EWCs and forasks the specifCommission to explore what implication ofs the legal status of EWCs and Special Negotiating Bodies as legal actorsabsence of a legal personality for EWCs in certain Member States has on the access to justice and to look into whether it constitutes an important factor limiting workers’ access to justice;
Amendment 127 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on Member States to increase the visibility of EWCs and their potential benefits; notes the significant contribution that the exchange of knowledge and best practices can play in the further development of EWCs and in improving their functioning, especially in Member States where their existence is limited; regrets that the handbook initiative undertaken by the Commission could not be finalised as it could be instrumental in providing with more guidance on EWCs’ implementation and proper functioning;
Amendment 130 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on Member States to organise specialised trainings on EWCs’ rights, with the commitment of national trade unions to properly inform their members about the functionality of the EWCs, and to allocate resources to awareness raising campaigns;
Amendment 133 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Calls on the Commission to raise awareness about the challenges faced by EWCs and the benefits they can bring to undertakings, especially in the case of restructuring and anticipation of changes, and highlight the need to use them in a proactive manner in order to better accompany companies and workers through the adaptation path;
Amendment 134 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Calls on the Commission to put in place a platform to ensure a structured and regular exchange of knowledge across Member States and sectors, including the revival of the expert group established by the Commission during the transposition period of Directive 2009/38/EC, and highlights the importance for this platform to reflect the diversity of EWCs;
Amendment 136 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Calls on the Commission to organise a high level conference in 2023 to mobilise undertakings falling under the scope of Directive 2009/38/EC, social partners within various sectors as well as national labour market institutions on the importance of EWCs in order to put this topic high on the policy agenda;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
“7a. In order to determine the transnational character of a matter, the scope of its possible effects must be taken into account. This includes matters which, irrespective of the number of Member States involved, are of concern to European workers in terms of the scope of their potential impact, as well as matters which involve the transfer of activities between Member States.”;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1
1. Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the information and consultation requirements under this Directive or under agreements concluded pursuant thereto. The penalties shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive and take into account the nature, gravity and duration of the undertaking’s infringement.
Amendment 241 #
2019/2183(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1 a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7 – paragraph 2 – point 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall ensure that undertakings receiving public money abide by the provisions of this Directive in the performance of their public contracts in line with the social clause of the public procurement Directive 2014/24/EU.
Amendment 1 #
Amendment 1 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the use of asbestos fibres and products containing these fibres added intentionally has been prohibited as from January 20051a __________________ 1aEU Regulation No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006
Amendment 2 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas Member States must ensure the complete phase-out of Asbestos fibres at the latest by 20251a __________________ 1aEU Regulation No 2016/1005 of 22 June 2016 amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 as regards asbestos fibres (chrysotile)
Amendment 9 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas exposure to asbestos combined with tobacco use increases considerably the risk to develop lung cancer;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas breast cancer is among the main causes of cancer death for women in the Union, together withthe International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), recognized asbestos as a proven carcinogen (group 1) responsible for lung cancer,s and whereas occupational exposure to asbestos is rarely considered to be a priority imesothelioma as well as larynx and ovarian cancers; whereas research on othe prevention of breast cancerr cancers induced by asbestos should be promoted;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the most harmful health effects of inhaled asbestos fibres appear decades after exposure;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in some Member States, despite existing regulations, asbestos- related diseases are usuallytoo often not recognised as an occupational diseases and victims are therefore not eligible for work- related compensation, adding to the physical suffering from the disease; whereas associations representing victims should be consulted when drafting provisions to facilitate the recognition of occupational diseases linked to asbestos;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the extensive use of asbestos in constructionasbestos residues in buildings and constructions containing asbestos poses a threat to building users and occupants;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the management of asbestos in buildings and its’ safe removal requires the full consideration of health and safety at work aspect in relation to the Union’s plan to improve the thermal insulation of its’ built environment with a view to energy savings and becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the removal of asbestos places a financial burden on building owners; whereas the introduction of requirements for the safe removal of asbestos must be socially fair and must be accompanied by appropriate measures to support owners to finance the needed renovations, as well as accompanying measures for SMEs conducting works;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas delivering asbestos waste to landfills is only a temporary solution to the problem and risks of releasing asbestos fibres into the environment should be avoided;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present a legal proposal to further reduce workers exposure to asbestos in 2022;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the existing binding occupational exposure limit value (OEL) for asbestos is 0,1 fibres/cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and should be reviewed to take account of the latest scientific and technical developments, and revised accordingly; whereas the Risk Assessment Committee of ECHA is preparing an opinion for a reduction of the binding OEL for asbestos; whereas an OEL is only a limit value and exposure should always be reduced as far as technically possible, especially when no safe threshold exists;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas improving early diagnosis, treatments and rehabilitation are priorities of the EU Beating Cancer Plan and should benefit patients suffering from asbestos related diseases;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
a. the screening shall consists of a diagnosis of the presence of any asbestos or the lack thereof and must be followed by actionrecommendations on what actions are needed to reduce the risk posed by any asbestos detected, including if encapsulating or total removal is necessary;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas estimates suggest that the cost of occupational cancer in the Union accounts for between EUR 270 and EUR 610 billion per year, or 1,8% to 4,1 % of GDP, and whereas 98 % of the human costs, including the impact on life quality and workers’ families, are endured by workers, and whereas direct and indirect costs account for between EUR 4 and EUR 10 billion per year; whereas actions to enhance prevention are therefore major public health investments for healthier lives but also for the cost/benefits balance in the management of healthcare systems;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
b. the screening shall be validated by an asbestos risk certificate detailing the areas screened and, where appropriate, the action taken, the presence or lack thereof of any asbestos and, where appropriate, by recommendations on what actions are needed to reduce the risk posed by asbestos;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I f (new)
Recital I f (new)
If. whereas the removal of asbestos places a financial burden on building owners; whereas the introduction of requirements for the safe removal of asbestos must be socially fair and must be accompanied by appropriate measures to support owners to finance the needed renovations, as well as accompanying measures for SMEs conducting works;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Commission communication of 3 February 2021 entitled ’Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’ states that 52 % of annual occupational deaths in the Union can be attributed to work-related cancers, and whereas the Commission envisages presenting a legislative proposal in 2022 to further reduce worker exposure to asbestos as part of its plan;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L e (new)
Recital L e (new)
Le. whereas research and innovation should be fostered to improve asbestos screening, identification of other asbestos- related cancers than lung cancer and mesotheliomas, safe removal techniques, waste management and the safety of exposed workers and occupants of buildings;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L m (new)
Recital L m (new)
Amendment 52 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to develop a list of certified operators, which shall be made available by the competent national body; the certified operator shall communicate the results of the screening to the owner in a certificate, which should be reported to a competent national body (a one-stop shop).
Amendment 54 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L o (new)
Recital L o (new)
Lo. whereas robust registries of people with past and/or current exposure to asbestos are important to ensure medical surveillance and to facilitate the recognition of occupational diseases;
Amendment 56 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes the additional administrative burden of such new requirements; encourages Member States to grant potential fund and financial support for owners of the buildings to undertake the significant costs induced by the screening for the presence of asbestos and avoid the risk of abandon of buildings; this could include funding for the purchase of a building by the Member States.
Amendment 57 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present a legal proposal to further reduce workers exposure to asbestos in 2022;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the safe removal of asbestos is an example of the need to apply the principle of Health in all policies, as it is directly connected to the following recent and upcoming Union policy initiatives: the new Union framework for health and safety, the Green Deal with the Renovation Wave, Next Generation EU and the Multiannual Financial Framework, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU waste strategy and the circular economy package;
Amendment 61 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on the Commission to take into account in its proposal specificities of SMEs; insists on the need to develop standardisation process to remove asbestos fibres to reduce the burden of the procedure and ease administrative burden on companies, especially for SMEs.
Amendment 64 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Calls Member States for accompanying measures for SMEs; insists on the need to facilitate their work on the implementation of regulations related to asbestos, notably through guidance on the best practices to implement; encourages Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns accompanying measures for SMEs; insists that the transition toward a European Union free of asbestos should be socially fair and include support for private owners and SMEs;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Encourages Member States to keep a register of all recognised cases of asbestos-related occupational diseases.
Amendment 70 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Calls on Member States to facilitate the free of charge access of this register for owners, buyers, renters, workers and SMEs; the certificate shall be annexed to the sale agreement and shall be made available to the tenants.
Amendment 72 #
2019/2182(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Encourages Member States cooperate on the development of coordinated registration systems and databases and to share good practises related to asbestos issue in the single market.
Amendment 74 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that better preventive measures and risk-management of asbestos-related risks require access to relevant information adapted to the needs of those directly concerned;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that any Union initiative supporting energy renovation should be socially fair and include binding measures for the protection of the health of occupants and workers, including through support for the safe removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials;
Amendment 78 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses that, as the demand for asbestos-related work is likely to grow significantly with the Renovation Wave, there is a crucial need to support Research & Development in order to strengthen the protection of workers and of the environment, and to improve the reliability and speed of asbestos screening, measurement, removal, and safe waste management;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Highlights that the waste management of asbestos is a challenge of strategic significance for the EU given the amount of asbestos still to be removed and already in landfills; calls on the Commission and Member States to use all the tools to support investments in sustainable treatment technologies, including channelling public spending through dedicated Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs); highlights that the treatments of asbestos should fully apply the precautionary principle;
Amendment 81 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a framework directive for Member States to set up national asbestos removal plans that include clear and realistic timelines, including possible priorities and interim targets, detection and registration of asbestos, financing and support to homeowners and SMEs, protection measures for workers against the risk of asbestos exposure in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC as well as the safe disposal of asbestos in order to prevent asbestos from entering into recycling processes;
Amendment 82 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Insists on the need to carry out long-term epidemiological surveillance to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken; highlights that mesothelioma is a disease whose main risk-factor is asbestos and that the number of mesotheliomas diagnosed is a relevant indicator for epidemiological surveillance; calls therefore for the declaration of mesothelioma to competent authorities to be made mandatory;
Amendment 93 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Insists that asbestos containing parts and materials already in use should be removed and disposed of safely and should not bpriority should be given to the safe removal and disposal of asbestos containing parts and materials rather than to the repaired, maintained, sealedenance, encapsulated,ion or coveredsealing, as these practices only lead to a hidden asbestos problem bearing risks for inhabitants and workers years later; calls for the prohibition of encapsulation and sealing of asbestos and for the identification and registethe postponement of the removal; calls for an impact assessment of the prohibition of encapsulation and sealing of asbestos; insists on the importance of identification, registering and regular monitoring of asbestos containing parts which cannot be removed in the short term (such as concrete walls in buildings);
Amendment 97 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Insists on the need to support SMEs and facilitate their work on the implementation of regulations related to asbestos, notably through guidance on the best practices to implement; highlights that the provision of standardised processes for operations on asbestos materials would help reduce the levels of asbestos fibre dust and the costs of these operations;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that employowners, but also main contractors, contracting authorities, and ownemployers commissioning work should be required to carry out an asbestos diagnosis before the start of any work in buildings, ships, aircraft, on equipment, or products;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Insists on the need to ensure the availability of adequate waste facilities for the safe and sustainable disposal of asbestos materials, located in the vicinity of construction sites;
Amendment 113 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Recalls that the synergistic effect of smoking and asbestos exposure considerably increases the risk of developing lung cancer; calls on Member States to propose a smoking cessation program to all workers exposed to asbestos;
Amendment 115 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Insists on the need to consult associations representing asbestos victims and their relatives with a view to facilitate and simplify recognition procedures;
Amendment 116 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that asbestos-related diseases are a cross-border challenge due to free movement, thereby particularly taking into consideration the role of mobile workers in this regard; recalls that occupational diseases and workplace- related health risks are always linked to a specific profession, working activity, workplace and time; calls on the Commission to present, after consulting the social partners, a proposal for a Directive on the basis of Article 153(1)(a) and (b) TFEU laying down Union minimum standards for the recognition and compensation of occupational diseases, including asbestos- related diseases;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Insists that the transition toward a European Union free of asbestos should be socially fair and include support for private owners and SMEs;
Amendment 129 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal for the mandatory screening of buildings before sale or rent and for the establishment of asbestos certificates for buildings constructed before 2005 or the year of the national asbestos ban;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) A timeline for asbestos removal, including possible priorities (such as schools, gyms, healthcare facilities or social housing), milestones, and regular evaluations of the progress made at least every 5 years;
Amendment 147 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) A financial framework, including the possible use of Union funds, for the support of building owners and linking the removal of asbestos to other public policies and programmes (such as energy efficiency, improvements of the living environment, social housing, health prevention) for reasons of efficiency and the use of synergies;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) A strategy for the control and enforcement of the measures foreseen, including awareness-raising campaigns, accompanying measures for SMEs, inspections and effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties in the event of non-compliance;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – paragraph 2
Amendment 169 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 8 – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 8 – paragraph 2
The Member States shall regulate the details of explorations and investigations for the detection of asbestos-containing materials, in accordance with their national building regulations. When the complete absence of asbestos cannot be guaranteed, works shall be conducted according to the procedures to be followed when asbestos is present.
Amendment 179 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 3
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 3
3. The asbestos-related diseases recognised in the Member StatMember States shall keep a register of all recognized cases of asbestos-related occupational diseases. Annex 1b gives an indicative list of diseases sthall as a minimum encompass those listed in Annex 1bn can be caused by asbestos exposure according to current knowledge.
Amendment 187 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – introductory part
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – introductory part
Amendment 190 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 7
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 7
- colorectal cancer caused by asbestos,positive associations have been noted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer between asbestos exposure and the following diseases: - pharyngeal cancer, - colorectal cancer, and - stomach cancer.
Amendment 192 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 8
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 8
Amendment 197 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – subparagraph 8
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – subparagraph 8
Member States shall make it mandatory to screen buildings for asbestos and other hazardous materials, and, in an orderly and safe manner, to remove and dispose of those materials before the start of renovation works, before the start of renovation works. The result of the screening shall be reported in a certificate specifying the presence or absence of asbestos or other hazardous materials. In the first case, the certificate shall specify the types of containing materials found and their exact location. When the result of exploration and investigations cannot exclude the presence of asbestos in a material, the precautionary principle shall apply. The removal and disposal of materials which will be affected by the renovation shall be done in an orderly and safe manner in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC, Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, and other relevant legislative acts.”
Amendment 199 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 1
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) an obligation for owners of buildings (public and private) constructed before 2005 or the year of the national asbestos ban to commission a screening of the building to locate and identify allthe presence or absence of asbestos containing materials before the building (or a part of it) is sold or rented out;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 2
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) screenings shall be carried out by qualified and certified operators only, in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC, national law and practice, and under the supervision of a competent national body; a list of certified operators shall be made available by the competent national body;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 3
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) the certified operator shall communicate the results of the screening to the owner in a certificate which should be reported to a competent national body (a one-stop shop), which should issue a certificate,. This competent body should keep a national registry of the certificates, and give adviceinformation to owners about applicable laws and regulation, including on the correct and safe removal of asbestos detected, and financial support available;
Amendment 203 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) the asbestos certificates shall contain the result of the screening, including a list of the types of asbestos containing materials found, their exact location, their current state of conservation together with a notification of the work and surveillance required to avoid damage to the health of occupants and a concept for the safe removal;
Amendment 205 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
(4a) when the result of exploration and investigations cannot exclude the presence of asbestos in a material, the certificate shall state that the presence of asbestos is possible;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
(4b) a certificate specifying the presence of asbestos containing materials shall have a maximum validity period of three years;
Amendment 207 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
(4c) the certificate shall be annexed to the sale agreement and shall be made available to the tenants;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 7
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) sellers or lessors of the property shall be liable if they do not commission the mandatory screening and report the results to the competent national body, with a period of liability of 30 yearsadequate liability regimes shall be established in case of non-compliance.
Amendment 21 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas gender equality is one of the common and fundamental principles of the European Union, enshrined in Articles 2 and 3(3) of the TEU, Article 8 of the TFEU and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; whereas Article 157 of the TFEU expressly states that the Member States must ensure that the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value is applied;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas according to the latest figures from the Commission, the EU gender gap in hourly pay is 16%, although this varies significantly across Member States; whereas only 67% of women in the EU are employed, compared to 78% of men; whereas the gender pension gap stands at 37% and on average women’s pensions are 30.1% lower than men’s;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A m (new)
Recital A m (new)
Am. whereas women’s economic empowerment is key to achieving gender equality, combatting poverty and social exclusion and improving the European economy; whereas the economic loss resulting from the gender employment gap amounts to around EUR 370 billion per year1a;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A x (new)
Recital A x (new)
Ax. whereas one in three women in the EU has experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A y (new)
Recital A y (new)
Ay. whereas the participation of women in the labour market continues to grow; whereas women work more frequently in jobs that they are over- qualified for;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 e (new)
Paragraph -1 e (new)
-1e. Welcomes the new EU Strategy for Gender Equality 2020-2025, in particular the inclusion of the horizontal principles of gender mainstreaming and intersectionality; stresses the importance of ensuring that all women, including those from minority groups such as women with disabilities, migrant, women of colour and ethnic minority women, older women, single mothers and LGBTIQ people, benefit from its objectives and actions;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 f (new)
Paragraph -1 f (new)
-1f. Is concerned about the limited social mobility that hinders labour mobility amongst women; stresses the need to improve opportunities for labour mobility within the EU;
Amendment 56 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to amend Directive 2006/54/EC by including a binding definition of ‘work of equal value’ across all occupational sectors which, on the basis of its recent evaluation of the functioning and implementation of the EU’s equal pay laws, to present a timely revision of Directive 2006/54/EC inc orporates the gender perspectiveder to update and improve existing legislation and improve enforcement in line with ECJ case law;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its call on the Commission to present a legal instrument on gender pay transparency as soon as possibleWelcomes the Commission's commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency in order for workers to have the necessary information about pay levels in order to detect gaps and discrimination and take action where necessary; stresses the importance of delivering the proposal by the end of 2020 as promised; believes these measures should build upon the 2014 Recommendation on strengthening the principle of equal pay between men and women through transparency1b; stresses the importance of the social partners in efforts to improve gender employment, pay and pension gaps, in particular for the forthcoming pay transparency proposal;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure equal participation and opportunities in the labour market for men and women and to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthen collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment;
Amendment 98 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into availability of and access to pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the need to combat such stereotypes and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthenpromote the role of social partners and collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment;
Amendment 102 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthen collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment; stresses the need for strategies to encourage and support women entrepreneurial initiatives as it can provide women the confidence they need to start their own businesses;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement policies that promote the employment of women and their financial independence, including policies that promote the integration of women from marginalised groups into the labour market; calls on the Member States to combat gendered labour market segmentation by investing in education and training to ensure women's access to high-quality employment in future oriented sectors, in particular in the areas of entrepreneurship, STEM and digital education;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls the Commission, the Members States and regional and local authorities to support projects and offer advice, especially addressed to women, on creating innovative agricultural activities in rural and depopulated areas in order to enhance their competitiveness in agriculture that are able to provide new jobs;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on Members States to reduce regulatory burden for companies and high levels of labour taxes in order to stimulate job creation and participation of women in the labour market;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to put forward a Care Deal for Europe to covern EU framework for care services to set minimum standards and quality guidelines to address all care needs throughout the lifecycle in the context of demographic change; calls on the Member States to ratify ILO Convention No 189 on domestic workers and to fully implement and go beyond the Barcelona care targets as well as long- term care services and progressive working arrangements to facilitate women’s participation in the labour markets, ensuring the coverage of those needs through quality universal public, accessible and affordable care services; urges Member States to fully transpose and implement the Work-Life Balance Directive1 as quickly as possible and invites them to go beyond the Directive’s minimum standards; __________________ 1 OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79.
Amendment 146 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is deeply worried about violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on a holistic approach to combatting violence against women; calls on the Council to urgently conclude the EU ratification of the Istanbul Convention and to advocate its ratification and implementation by all Member States; calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention and ILO Convention No 190 on combating violence and harassment in the world of work without delay;
Amendment 154 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is deeply worried about violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on a holistic approach to combatting violence against women; calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention and ILO Convention No 190 on violence and harassment; further calls on the European institutions to lead by example and introduce preventive and reactive measures to better combat harassment in the workplace;
Amendment 173 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to adopting an action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights; underlines the need to emainsutream the gender sensitive rightsperspective using an intersectional approach in line with Principles 2 and 3 of the Pillar; calls on the Commission, to that end, to develop and include ainclude the EIGE's Gender Equality Index in the Social Scoreboard and CSRs in order to feed into the European Semester toprocess and monitor the gender effects of macroeconomic policies as well as of the green and digital transitions.;
Amendment 183 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the Commission's commitment to gender mainstreaming throughout the Multiannual Financial Framework and in particular the European Social Fund Plus, in order to finance, inter alia, actions to promote women's participation in the labour market, work-life balance and female entrepreneurship;
Amendment 196 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls the importance of improving the collection of gender- disaggregated data, in particular on the participation of women in the labour market and the underlying causes of gender inequality;
Amendment 204 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Calls on the Member States to create a formal Council configuration on gender equality to provide Ministers and Secretaries of State in charge of gender equality with a dedicated forum for discussion and to better facilitate gender mainstreaming across all EU policies, including employment and social policy;
Amendment 207 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Calls on the European Commission to further strengthen the role of the EU as a catalyst for gender equality worldwide;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the progress made through Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs), especially in Indonesia, and the increased dialogue between governments, industry and civil society in several countries resulting from the VPA process; Notes that to date, seven countries have ratified VPAs with the EU (Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, the Republic of the Congo and Vietnam), among which Indonesia is the first and so far the only VPA partner with FLEGT licencing since 2016, and that the EU has concluded negotiations and initialled VPAs with Honduras and Guyana, while negotiations are ongoing with six other countries (Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia); is convinced that the EU should continue to engage with VPA countries to ensure it remains an attractive alternative to export markets with less stringent environmental standards; welcomes the Commission’s upcoming fitness check of the FLEGT Regulation and the EU Timber Regulation;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes with deep concern the recent developments in Indonesia regarding the discussion to lift FLEGT licensing, which will seriously undermine the VPA and the export advantages it provides to the EU market; calls on the Commission to take immediate action and through dialogue with the Indonesian government find a way to continue with the licensing, without jeopardising the integrity of the commitments under the agreement;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to step up capacity support to VPA countries in order to accelerate the implementation of the commitments made, including combatting corruption and greenwashing, enhancing good governance, and exploring the inclusion of more ambitious sustainable forestry provisions in trade and sustainable development chapters in free trade agreements;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to streamline and better coordinate its efforts in fighting illegal logging within the different EU policies and its services involved in the policies; calls on the Commission to negotiate timber import standards in future bilateral or multilateral trade-related agreements, in order to avoid undermining the successes achieved through the FLEGT Action Plan with timber-producing countries;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the EU to more closelystrengthen international cooperation by increasing efforts in key international fora, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD); calls on the Commission to investigate avenues for multi-, pluri-, or bilateral cooperateion with like-minded importing countries in the fight against deforestation and climate change as a consequence of imports while safeguarding avenues for legal trade;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals, such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, as the EU is a major importer of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, which are often drivers of global deforestation;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Is convinced that green public procurement policies can play an important role in encouraging trade in legal and sustainable timber; notes however that most EU Member States have mandatory purchasing policies for central government departments and voluntary policies for local authorities that undertake the majority of public spending; calls on the Member States to improve their statistics on the volume of wood they purchase including the indication of how much sustainable, legal or FLEGT-licensed material might be included within their procurement;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2156(INI)
5 b. Repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU borders, to ensure that the imported products comply with the criteria necessary to enter the EU; stresses that the Commission needs to ensure that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity; believes that the EU needs to ensure imports to and production within the EU only support global supply chains and financial flows which are sustainable and deforestation-free and do not result in human rights violations by reinforcing private sector efforts through policies and appropriate measures;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Calls for the EU to address global deforestation also by regulating European trade and consumption of forest-risk commodities, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, based on lessons learned from the FLEGT Action Plan, the Timber Regulation, the Conflict Mineral Regulation, the Non-Financial Reporting Directive, legislation on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and other EU initiatives to regulate supply chains;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Underlines that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous people, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; recalls that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy frame, i.e. by ensuring effective recognition and respect of land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities, particularly in case of EU development funding, as well as in the screening process of the FLEGT-VPAs, and in such a way as to enable subsistence in local community forestry, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; believes that gender equality in forestry education is a key point in the sustainable management of forests, which should be reflected in the EU Action Plan;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that ensuring the effective and uniform application of EU law is crucial for upholding the rule of law, which is one of the founding values of the Union and its Member States, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union; is, therefore, worried about the increasing number of petitions expressing citizens’ concerns over violations of the rule of law in the Member States, including regarding disputed reforms of national judiciaries; stresses that non-compliance with the rule of law, including by sub-national entities, has a direct impact on citizens’ lives, as demonstrated in petitions received and by the outcome of Special Eurobarometer 489; calls on the Commission to respect the commitments made in its 2019 communication entitled ‘Strengthening the rule of law within the Union: A blueprint for action’ (COM(2019)0343), in order to promote a culture of respect for the rule of law, reinforce cooperation with national authorities and ensure an effective common response to actual threats within the Union; reminds the Commission that the work done to ensure the effective enforcement of existing EU law is of equivalent importance to the work devoted to developing new legislation;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that a lack of enforcement not only undermines the efficiency of the internal market, but also has a direct impact on individual rights and consequently affects the credibility and image of the Union; notes with concern the growing populisms and Euroscepticism and therefore calls the Commission to redouble its efforts to safeguard the integrity of the EU legal order; underlines, in this regard, that implementation and enforcement are founded on the distribution of powers conferred by the Treaties, and that the Member States and the Commission therefore have a shared responsibility to implement and enforce European law, with the Commission as the ultimate guardian of the treaties; points out, at the same time, that all EU institutions share the responsibility of ensuring implementation and enforcement of EU law, as provided for in the 2016 Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Points out that the European Parliament is the institution directly chosen by the citizens and, considering its paramount role of scrutiny, reminds the Commission’s obligation of accountability to the European Parliament, especially within the framework of the Committee on Petitions; notes furthermore the role of scrutiny of the European Parliament in calling the Commission’s attention to shortcomings in the application to EU law in Member States by means of petitions; reiterates its call on the Commission for more transparency, as well as to effectively use and further improve the existing monitoring mechanisms and periodic assessment tools, in order to duly monitor and assess the correct and timely implementation of EU law as Guardian of the Treaties, in full respect for the principles of good and effective administration laid down by Articles 298 of the TFEU and Articles 41 and 47 of the CFREU;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; underlines the importance of petitions as a means for citizens and residents to feel involved in the activities of the Union, as it is one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the EU institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of EU law and on potential lacunae; recalls that the right to petitions are is the cornerstone of participatory democracy and European citizenship and that as such, ithey contributes to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the EU political debate; calls for the Commission’s commitment to take an active role in actions required by petitioners in order to achieve real change in citizens’ lives;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 22 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment, as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (COM(2018)0540), to placing great value on the contributions of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of EU law; notes, in this regard, the Commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment, migration, taxation and the internal market; deplorunderlines, however, the large amount of petitions received referring to violations and misapplication of EU law in those fields, in addition to many other areas of activity; deplores the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the Commission and the number that lead to the initiation of EU Pilots and infringement procedures;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes, in this regard, the increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the Commission and about its follow-up actions; notes, however, that in the large majority of cases the Commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned, in this respect, about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national, regional or local level; calls on the Commission to improve, in this respect, its handling of petitions addressed by providing timely and in- depth answers; considers insufficient the Commission’s replies merely stating that it does not have competence to take further actions at EU level; calls on the Commission to work collaboratively with Member States for the effective resolution of petitions; acknowledges that this practice reflects the Commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘EU Law: Better Results through Better Application’ (C(2016)8600), which aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with EU law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its concern that this approach may cause citizens to believe that their voice goes unheard by the EU institutions and may ultimately deprive them of legal protection should a remedy at EU level prove more effective due to the national circumstances or the nature of the interests involved; stresses the disappointment that the Commission’s practice causes to citizens who look up to the EU for the protection of their rights and to the Commission, in particular, as guardian of the Treaties under Article 17 TEU; calls for the above enforcement policy to be reconsidered, so as to ensure that it by no means jeopardises the handling of certain cases whose effective resolution might be better achieved at EU level; calls on the Commission to clarify how it intends to address the gap between citizens’ expectations and reality regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at EU level, and to explain how its approach fits with its role as a guardian of the Treaties and its oversight responsibilities under Article 17(1) of the TEU;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recognises, in this regard, that it is essential to continue fostering closer cooperation and strengthening the links with the national parliaments in the law- making process; stresses that delays in implementation are detrimental to legal certainty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take stronger action against late and faulty transposition of directives to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of EU law, thus guaranteeing the rule of law and democracy; underlines the importance of petition-based fact-finding missions to Member States so as to improve the investigation of petitioners’ claims, and as a unique means of getting closer to citizens and demonstrating that their concerns are taken seriously; urges the Commission, therefore, to take due consideration of Parliament’s fact-finding visit reports and resolutions based on petitions;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. StressDeplores that, despite its efforts over recent years to enhance the transparency of its monitoring and enforcement activities (e.g. through a centralised platform providing infringement-related information), the Commission has not yet responded to Parliament’s repeated calls to be regularly informed about every EU Pilot opened and infringement procedure initiated, especially when they result from petitions; stresses the importance of receiving regular updates on developments in infringement procedures related to open petitions, while respecting the confidentiality requirements laid down in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU); regrets the still existing lack of commitment shown by the Commission when responding to the concerns raised in EU Pilot procedures; reminds the Commission about citizens’ high expectations of transparency with respect to its oversight activities; urges the Commission, therefore, to share this information with Parliament in a spirit of sincere cooperation in order to enable Parliament to exercise its scrutiny over the executive under Article 14 of the TEU and, ultimately, to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the Commission’s enforcement action, build trust in the EU project and, ultimately, enhance the legitimacy of the EU Pilot procedure;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the number of new complaints registered by the Commission in 2018 and 2017 reached its highest level since 2011, with a record 3 850 new complaints in 2018; welcomes citizens’ increasing empowerment as regards the process of monitoring and enforcing EU law, as evidenced by the significant flow of complaints and petitions; points out, however, that, as is the case for petitions, the number of complaints leading to investigations remained very low in 2018 and in 2017 as a proportion of the total number of complaints received; asks the Commission to clarify how it intends to address thcalls for a more transparent implementation of the enforcement policy; encourages the Commission to take a more active gap in citizens’ expectations regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at EU levelproach when collecting information and responding to citizens’ concerns, in particular to tackle the “Blame Brussels” culture;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the Commission’s efforts in improving the enforcement of EU rules on labour mobility with the creation of the European Labour Authority; calls, however, for the timely adoption of the legislative and non- legislative initiatives required to make the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality for citizens;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission to examine the discrimination practised on the basis of official language(s) of a Member State in schools and public administration within territories that have more than one official language, which hampers free movement and breaches the internal market (Article 26(2) TFEU);
Amendment 2 #
2019/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the high completion rate of its planned activities (91 %) while noting that it slightly decreased in comparison to 2017 (93 %); notes the considerable improvement in timely delivery rate in 2018 (94 %) compared to the previous year (88 %);
Amendment 5 #
2019/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates the Foundation’s activities to support the reform of vocational training and human capital development in the Union’s partner countries to improve the employability and employment prospects of their citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2071(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 96 % in 2017 and the very high implementation of the annual work programme of 93 %, above the established target; welcomes the results of the 2018 independent stakeholders’ survey which showed that stakeholders’ overall satisfaction with the Agency’s work across all stakeholders’ groups is high (89 %);
Amendment 4 #
2019/2067(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses its satisfaction that the budget implementation rate stood at 99.6 % in 2018 (100 % in 2017) and the programme delivery rate at 83 %;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2067(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates Eurofound’s work to provide knowledge and expertise to support policies on improving living and working conditions across the Unionscientifically sound, unbiased, timely and policy-relevant knowledge and expertise to support better informed policies for upward convergence of living and working conditions across the Union; particularly welcomes the publication of the Foundation's overview report from the most recent European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) and its publications related to the future of work and digitalisation, particularly in the area of platform work;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2066(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the exemplary budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 99.95 % in 2017 and the 96% occupation rate of the establishment plan;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2066(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Centre’s continued high-quality work to provide research, analyses and technical advice into assist the development of European lifelong learning and vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies in particular through the Skills Panorama and its role in supporting the participants of the Copenhagen process;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that the complexity of the rules can contribute to a higher risk of error and notes that a significant source of complexity arises for beneficiaries where national eligibility requirements go beyond what is required by EU legislation;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the findings of ECA Special report No 05/2019 (‘FEAD-Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived: Valuable support but its contribution to reducing poverty is not yet established’), in particular the ECA conclusion that FEAD is a significant instrument in ensuring the provision of food and material support and, in addition to alleviating poverty through food aid (which represents 83 % of FEAD budget), the innovative social policy elements of FEAD offer possibilities to Member States to foster social inclusion;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes with concernBelieves that EU committed action for the most deprived is of paramount importance having in mind that, on average, more than one out of five persons and one out of four children are still at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the European Union; notes that, due to limitations in its monitoring and lack of EU-wide data, FEAD’s contribution to reducing poverty has not yet been established, and deplores in particular that the Commission does not have data which demonstrates the relative importance of FEAD in overall support to deprived people in the Union; quantitatively demonstrated; nonetheless recalls that available data presented in the European Court of Auditors' special report1a indicate that this fund represents a significant share of the total social support activities in some Member States and that, according to food banks, one third of the food they provide is financed by FEAD, and that FEAD allows to be less dependent on the irregular flow of donation and therefore enables to better plan the redistribution of specific foods; _________________ 1aEuropean Court of Auditors, Special report No 5/2019: FEAD-Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived: Valuable support but its contribution to reducing poverty is not yet established, April 2019, p. 19.
Amendment 23 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Network aims at reinforcmodernising Public Employment Services (PES) and reinforcing their capacity, effectiveness and efficiency through providing a platform for comparing their performance at European level, identifying good practices and establishing a mutual learning system. It also aims at giving the PES more opportunities to help develop innovative, future-oriented evidence-based policies in line with relevant Union policy initiatives.
Amendment 34 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Network should continue to organise cooperation and contacts with other labour market stakeholders to promote synergies between them, including in particular cooperation with Union Agencies in the area of employment, social policy, education and training, to ensure a consistent policy framework. More systematic and structural cooperation between PES and other service providers in social and employment fields should be enhanced in order to better respond to the needs of the jobseekers.
Amendment 38 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The role of the PES in guaranteeing more effective services for jobseekers and companies has to be properly supported at national level with sufficient human resources and financial support for staff training and IT and technical equipment relevant to the opportunities and challenges posed by the digitalisation, changing work patterns, including emerging platform economies, and societal and demographic developments.
Amendment 45 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 3 – introductory part
Article 3 – introductory part
The aim of this Decision is to encourage cooperation between Member States through the Network in the field of employment, within the areas of PES responsibility, in order to contribute to the implementation of the Union’s employment policies. This will also help implementing the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and, pursue the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 13, and the European Green Deal, thereby supporting:
Amendment 47 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(2a) the mostIn Article 3(1), point (a) is replaced by the following: “(a) all vulnerable social groups with high unemployment rates, especially older workers and young persons not in employment, education or training (‘NEETs’); and people with disabilities, especially women and girls facing multiple and intersectional discrimination based on both their gender and their disability;”
Amendment 48 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(2a) the mostIn Article 3(1), point (a) is replaced by the following: “(a) all vulnerable social groups with high unemployment rates, especially older workers and young persons not in employment, education or training (‘NEETs’); and people with disabilities;”
Amendment 55 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(2b) In point (a) of Article 4 (1), point (i) is replaced by the following: “(i) contribution to reducing unemployment for all age and gender groups and for all vulnerable groups;”
Amendment 58 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) contribute to modernising and strengthening PES in key areas, in line withdentified in the Union’s employment policies, taking into account the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal and the opportunities and challenges posed by the digitalisation, changing work patterns, including emerging platform economies, and societal and demographic developments;
Amendment 68 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 5
Article 5
Amendment 75 #
2019/0188(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Decision No 573/2014/EU
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 97 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of the Commission’s 2019 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) and welcomes the stronger focus on investment; notes that almost one third of the CSRs issued until 2018 have not been implemented; welcomes the fact that considerable progress has been achieved in legislation governing labour relations and employment protection; is concerned that progress on the 2018 CSRs is worse than performance in previous years and urges the Commission to put the necessary pressure on Member States to implement the recommendations; believes that strong reform implementation is crucial to strengthen the growth potential of EU economies and to foster social inclusion;
Amendment 103 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that considerable divergences in employment persist between countries, regions and population groups; the Member States and the Commission should ensure the implementation of specific employment policies in order to address the constraints and difficulties experienced by regions that suffer demographic handicaps, such as depopulated regions or sparsely populated regions, with a special focus on the agricultural sector, with the aim to foster its capacity to create employment and added value in rural areas; considers it necessary to increase employment rates and promote decent job creation in order to achieve the Europe 2020 goal of an employment rate of at least 75 %;
Amendment 114 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for well- designed labour market policies and reforms that create quality employment, promote equal opportunities and the equal treatment of workers, facilitate equal access to the labour market and social protection, facilitate labour mobility, reintegrate the unemployed and tackle inequalities and gender imbalances; calls, in this respect, on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment their priority and to fully use the financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, the EU programs such as Erasmus + and tailored measures to tackle youth unemployment and to foster youth employability;
Amendment 122 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that participation of women in the labour market continues to grow but that gender inequalities in terms of employment and pay persist; takes the view that efforts should be strengthened to reduce the gender pay gap, the gender pension gap and disincentives to work, improve work-life balance and provide access to affordable childcare, early childcare and long-term care facilities; calls on the Member States to fully and quickly implement the recently adopted directive on work-life balance for parents and carers;
Amendment 131 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out the need to fight ageism in labour markets including through an intergenerational equity perspective, thus bridging the gap between youth and older generations, including by raising awareness of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and by securing access to life-long learning opportunities, and fostering mobility and skills exchange programs among senior EU citizens;
Amendment 133 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the Commission to draw- up a long-term planning strategy for the integration of ethnical minorities groups into the labour market, in order not only to mitigate the risk of exclusion but also to help them become active members of society;
Amendment 143 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen efforts against discrimination based on ethnicity, membership of a minority or minority language by raising awareness, implementing national diversity strategies and collecting and analysing reliable disaggregated data on discrimination;
Amendment 157 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that a transformation of the education and training systems is necessary in order to make full use of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies and the media and to develop the skills and competences required to meet the demands of the labour market of the future; considers that skills shortages and mismatches can be major investment obstacles; emphasises that in order to acquire adequate skills it is necessary to improve the quality, availability, affordability and accessibility of education and training, including vocational training, and improve the mutual recognition of qualifications; calls on the Member States to prioritise comprehensive training in digital and entrepreneurial skills, taking into account the shift towards the digital economy and to a greener economy; believes that the challenges of climate change and the transition to a greener economy demand support to help workers to adapt, especially in the most affected regions by improving training and education in order to adapt skills and create new jobs in the environmental and digital sectors;
Amendment 179 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises that the Union’s social and economic goals should have equal priority and that the European Semester process should be enhanced to include a social dimension all throughout its period, involving the competent bodies of the EU and member states which deal with social policies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reinforce social rights by delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights and including its components and implementing theits social aspects with the help of the Country Specific Recommendations;
Amendment 187 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 g (new)
Paragraph 10 g (new)
10 g. Calls on the Member States to ensure that workers who experience new forms of work, in particular platform workers, have access to a social protection system and are guaranteed all their social rights;
Amendment 188 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 h (new)
Paragraph 10 h (new)
10 h. Urges the European Commission to enhance the Country Specific Recommendations for the eurozone members by creating a matrix framework where social policies related to the European Pillar of Social Rights such as inclusive acces to education, health, nutrition, employment, housing, and preserving social rights are analysed per social segments such as children, youth, seniors, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities therefore creating a much more accurate image of the economic and social health of the member states and examine extending this new component of the CSRs to the non-eurozone members;
Amendment 189 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 i (new)
Paragraph 10 i (new)
10 i. Welcomes the inclusion in CSRs of various social indicators but notes that they are currently insufficient and that solely annual reporting leads to a loss of tempo; calls on the Commission to produce trimestrial reports on the evolution and implementation of finalized European Pillar of Social Rights policies, making note of the progress of the member states and including recomendations for the future period;
Amendment 191 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the social situation continues to improve and that poverty is in decline, but that it still remains unacceptably high; stresses that while the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) in the EU continued to decrease in 2017, some 113 million people in the EU and 74 million in the euro area were AROPE in 2017; urges the Commission and the Member States to take the necessary steps to reduce poverty, including child and in-work poverty, in order to achieve the Europe 2020 goal; stresses the need to reduce poverty and situations of exclusion of children in the EU, in particular through the implementation of a child guarantee; emphasises that decent job creation, access to social protection regardless of employment relationship or contract type, wage growth and well-resourced, quality public education systems have a significant impact on reducing inequalities, the risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 208 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 m (new)
Paragraph 11 m (new)
11 m. Notes that as there is a significant number of EU citizens coming from non- eurozone members who are living, working or studying for short to medium- term in eurozone member states, they should be reflected as a special chapter of the Country Specific Recommendations, taking into account the need to provide assistance and care to the families they leave behind in non-eurozone member states;
Amendment 209 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 n (new)
Paragraph 11 n (new)
11 n. Considers that as a number of member states are yet to join the eurozone, this enlargment should be coordinated in such a manner that social indicators and dynamics promoted in eurozone members are already put into place for candidate countries; underlines that the CSR are an useful tool for this action;
Amendment 33 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the agreement will ensure a high level of investment protection and legal certainty while safeguarding the right of the Parties to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives, such as public health and environmental protection; emphasises that the agreement will ensure transparency and accountability; asks the Commission to further take into account the fight against climate change and the respect of the Paris Agreement in safeguarding the right of the parties to regulate, as it has been done with CETA;
Amendment 56 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) does not contain a separate trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapter, as the latter applies to investment by virtue of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) that liberalises it; stresses that the EVIPA also contains a provision establishing a legal link to the PCA, as well as specific references in its preamble to the TSD values and principles as enshrined in the EUVFTA and to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; points out that the provisions of the EVIPA and the EUVFTA must be implemented in a complementary manner, especially with regard to human, environmental and social rights and sustainable development;
Amendment 59 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes with concern that the Vietnamese penal code still allows for serious human rights violations, which have intensified since the entry into force of the PCA; calls on a Vietnam to revise the penal code in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respects; regrets that the Commission has failed to undertake a comprehensive human rights impact assessment of the EVIPA; calls on the Commission to carry out such an assessment;
Amendment 61 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Points out that a new Vietnamese Cyber Security Law, that entered into force at the beginning of 2019, has attracted a lot of criticism, as an intensified crackdown on human rights activists in the country has been documented, linked to the provisions of this new law which gives the authorities licence to censor content, control information and silence online dissidents; notes with regret that the legislation also raises concerns for EU economic interests, including forced data localisation provisions which are at odds with the EU's liberalisation agenda in this respect; calls on Vietnam to revise this law in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respect;
Amendment 62 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Underlines the need for close monitoring of the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam; Calls for a joint parliamentary scrutiny board, basing itself on the monitoring Group for Vietnam in the European Parliament and its equivalent in the Vietnamese National Assembly, which will be tasked to monitor the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam;
Amendment 67 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ECalls on the Commission to take accompanying measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with this agreement in order to make it transparent and accessible; encourages the Commission to continue its work on making the ICS more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 70 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on both Parties to undertake to develop programmes of cooperation activities to improve capacity and conditions for women to benefit from opportunities created by the agreement, including encouraging capacity building and skills enhancement of women at work and in business, fostering women's representation in decision making and positions of authority; improving women's access to, and participation and leadership in, science, technology and innovation; conducting gender-based analysis and gender-focused statistics relating to investments;
Amendment 75 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Welcomes the agreement which will create more free and fair trade opportunities between the EU and Vietnam; urges the European Parliament to give it consent to the agreement, given that Vietnam takes steps to improve the civil and labour rights situation as to move in the direction of its commitments;
Amendment 1 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the Framework Participation Agreement, signed on 17 October 2019, which will facilitate Vietnam's participation in European Union-led civilian and military crisis management operations and show strong commitment from both sides to a rules- based multilateral approach to international peace and security
Amendment 19 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the 2019 Universal Periodic Review on Vietnam undertaken by the UN Human Rights Council
Amendment 30 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas 90 % of future world economic growth is predicted to be generated outside Europe, and notablya significant part of this occurs in Asia;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Vietnam is a founding member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and a party to the ongoingrecently concluded negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP);
Amendment 40 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas it is important to maximise the opportunities offered by this agreement in the most inclusive manner for businesses, in particular SMEs;
Amendment 74 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the economic and strategic importance of this agreement, as the EU and Vietnam share a common agenda and common values – to stimulate growth and employment, boost competitiveness, fight against poverty and make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and champion a rules-based multilateral international trade system;
Amendment 85 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that the agreement will make further strides towards setting high standards and rules in the ASEAN region, helping to pave the way for a future region-to-region trade and investment agreement; stresses that the agreement also sends a strong signal in favour of open and free trade at times of protectionist tendencies and the questioning of multilateral rules-based trade; highlights that the agreement helps the EU to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region, and allows the EU to promote its standards and values in the region; recalls its full support to multilateralism and the importance to achieve a sustainable and ambitious reform of the WTO able to ensure a rules-based international trade;
Amendment 110 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the strong SPS chapter which will set up a single and transparent procedure for the approval of EU exports of food products into Vietnam in order to accelerate the approval of EU export applications and avoid discriminatory treatment; commends Vietnam's commitment to applying the same import requirements to like products coming from all EU member states;
Amendment 131 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the EVFTA includes a robust, comprehensive and binding chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) dealing with labour and environmental matters; stresses that the TSD chapter is designed to contribute to broader EU policy objectives, notably on inclusive growth, the fight against climate change and more generally in upholding EU values; emphasises that it is also an instrument for development and social progress in Vietnam to support Vietnam in its efforts to improve labour rights and to enhance protection at work and protection of the environment; calls on the EU to offer its support where necessary to help Vietnam advance in this regard; stresses the importance to ensure a specific and adequate monitoring of the TSD chapter in order to see it respected and implemented;
Amendment 134 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Points out that a new Vietnamese Cyber Security Law, that entered into force at the beginning of 2019, has attracted a lot of criticism, as an intensified crackdown on human rights activists in the country has been documented, linked to the provisions of this new law which gives the authorities licence to censor content, control information and silence online dissidents; notes with regret that the legislation also raises concerns for EU economic interests, including forced data localisation provisions which are at odds with the EU's liberalisation agenda in this respect; calls on Vietnam to revise this law in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respect;
Amendment 140 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Notes with concern that the Vietnamese penal code still allows for serious human rights violations, which have intensified since the entry into force of the PCA; calls on a Vietnam to revise the penal code in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respects; regrets that the Commission has failed to undertake a comprehensive human rights impact assessment of the FTA; calls on the Commission to carry out such an assessment;
Amendment 153 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses, however, that despite this progress, important challenges remain; welcomes in this regard the ratification of fundamental ILO Convention 98 (collective bargaining) on 14 June 2019 and the commitment by the Vietnamese Government to ratify two remaining fundamental Conventions, namely 105 (abolition of forced labour) in 2020 and 87 (freedom of association) in 2023, following the imminent adoption of the new Labour Code; commends the EU with regards to the pre-ratification conditionality stance it has taken in order to ensure the TSD provisions on labour are in place before the EVFTA enters into force.
Amendment 158 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Welcomes the envisaged cooperation on the trade/related aspects of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, in particular the inter-linkage between trade and full and productive employment for all, including youth, women and people with disabilities; calls for a swift and meaningful start of this cooperation;
Amendment 167 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the commitment to effectively implement multilateral environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, and to act in favour of the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, biodiversity and forestry; recalls that the Agreement provides for specific measures to fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) and to promote a sustainable and responsible fishery sector, including aquaculture; stresses that it is crucial for the EU and Vietnam to ensure full respect and implementation of the Paris Agreement, notably through the EVFTA;
Amendment 182 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the crucial importance of effectively implementing all provisions and chapters of the agreement, ranging from market access to sustainable development and enforcement of all commitments; considers that all of the TSD provisions should be read as providing for legal obligations in international law; highlights in this context the new post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer, who will work directly under the guidance of the Trade Commissioner; underlines that European companies, especially SMEs, should be encouraged to make full use of the benefits of the agreement and that any hurdle regarding the implementation should be remediated immediately;
Amendment 189 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for enhanced monitoring of the agreement and efforts to ensure that shortcomings are addressed rapidly with our trading partner; calls for specific technical assistance in order to help Vietnam implement some of their commitments via projects and expertise, notably linked to environmental and labour provisions;
Amendment 191 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that the involvement of civil society in monitoring the implementation of the agreement is crucial, and calls for the swift establishment of domestic advisory groups following the entry into force of the agreement and for the balanced representation of civil society therein; notes with concern that the Vietnamese independent civil society has been harshly repressed and largely operates underground for fear of persecution and retaliation; encourages the EU institutions to support the independent civil society in Vietnam; calls on appropriate measures to be put in place to ensure that advisory groups can exercise their mandate independently, impartially, thoroughly and safely;
Amendment 200 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on both Parties to undertake to develop programmes of cooperation activities to improve capacity and conditions for women to benefit from opportunities created by the agreement, including encouraging capacity building and skills enhancement of women at work and in business, fostering women's representation in decision making and positions of authority; improving women's access to, and participation and leadership in, science, technology and innovation; conducting gender-based analysis and gender-focused statistics relating to trade;
Amendment 202 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Underlines the need for close monitoring of the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam; Calls for a joint parliamentary scrutiny board, basing itself on the monitoring Group for Vietnam in the European Parliament and its equivalent in the Vietnamese National Assembly, which will be tasked to monitor the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam;
Amendment 210 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Welcomes the agreement, which will create more free and fair trade opportunities between the EU and Vietnam; urges the European Parliament to give it consent to the agreement, given that Vietnam takes steps to improve the civil and labour rights situation as to move in the direction of its commitments;
Amendment 135 #
2018/0213(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Payment of financial contributions to the Member State concerned under this Article could include pre-financing payment if requested by the Member State and shall be made in accordance with the budget appropriations and subject to the available funding.