21 Amendments of Stelios KOULOGLOU related to 2018/0247(COD)
Amendment 11 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits. The assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to pursue the necessary far-reaching reforms. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to the principle of the 'fundamentals first'15 remains essential. Furthermore, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are also essential elements of the enlargement process. Progression towards accession depends on each applicant's respect for the Union's values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administrative and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices in the Union. In addition, the Negotiating Framework of each and every candidate country conducting accession negotiations sets out clear requirements against which progress in the accession negotiations is being measured. _________________ 15 The 'fundamentals first' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Each of the three fundamentals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizens.
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the Union with the beneficiaries listed in Annex I. Assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. Assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the European Pillar of Social Rights.17 Assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation including across maritime borders, as well as territorial development, including through implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. It should also promote good neighbourly relations, reconciliation and regional cooperation. It should enhance their economic and social development and economic governance, underpinning a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth agenda, including through implementation of regional development, agriculture and rural development, social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society, also in line with the flagship initiative Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. _________________ 17 European Pillar of Social Rights solemnly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Gothenburg Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, Gothenburg 17 November 2017.
Amendment 20 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Strengthening the rule of law, including the fight against corruption and organised crime, and good governance, including public administration reform, and transparency remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the Union and later to fully assume the obligations of Union membership. In view of the longer-term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records, financial assistance under this Regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in Annex I as early as possible.
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In accordance with the principle of participatory democracy, parliamentary oversight and the proactive role of national Parliaments in the EU accession process and compliance with the accession criteria in each beneficiary listed in Annex I should be encouraged by the Commission.
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) To reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels; Better implementation of legislation guaranteeing freedom of expression is needed, including the implementation of the labour code and social rights of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I and demonstrate a positive track record on these matters.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) To support territorial and cross- border cooperation, including across maritime borders.
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The following list of key performance indicators shall be used to help measure the Union’s contribution to the achievement of its specific objectives and the progress made by the beneficiaries:
Amendment 71 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits. The assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to pursue the necessary far-reaching reforms. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to the principle of the 'fundamentals first'15 remains essential. Progression towards accession depends on each applicant's respect for the Union's values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administrative and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices in the Union. _________________ 15In addition, the Negotiating Framework of each and every candidate country conducting accession negotiations sets out clear requirements against which progress in the accession negotiations is being measured. _________________ 15 The 'fundamentals first' approach links The 'fundamentals first' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Each of the three fundamentals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizens.
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits. The assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to pursue the necessary far-reaching reforms. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to the principle of the 'fundamentals first'15. remains essential. Furthermore, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are also essential elements of the enlargement process. Progression towards accession depends on each applicant's respect for the Union's values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administrative and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices in the Union. _________________ 15 The 'fundamentals first' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Each of the three fundamentals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizens.
Amendment 78 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the Union with the beneficiaries listed in Annex I. Assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. Assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the European Pillar of Social Rights.17, as well as in other international and EU human rights policy and legislation, such as the UNCRPD, and should not support any action that contributes to segregation or to social exclusion, such as investments in residential institutions for children. Assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation as well as territorial development, including through implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. It should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance, underpinning a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth agenda, including through implementation of regional development, agriculture and rural development, social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society, also in line with the flagship initiative Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. _________________ 17 European Pillar of Social Rights solemnly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Gothenburg Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, Gothenburg 17 November 2017.
Amendment 153 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) To strengthen the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights including rights of the child, fundamental rights and international law, civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border management;
Amendment 168 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) To strengthen economic and social development including through increased connectivity and regional development, agriculture and rural development and social and employment policies, to promote social protection and inclusion, to reinforce environmental protection, increase resilience to climate change, accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon economy and develop the digital economy and society.
Amendment 175 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) To support territorial and cross- border cooperation, including across maritime borders.
Amendment 193 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Assistance under IPA III may be provided to the type of actions provided for under the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund30 , the European Social Fund Plus31 and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development32 . In such case, actions shall follow the criteria set out in the Regulations for these instruments. _________________ 30 COM(2018) 372 final Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund. 31 COM(2018) 382 final Proposal of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 32 COM(2018) 392 final Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the Common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 221 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. In line with the principle of inclusive partnership, the Commission shall ensure that relevant stakeholders in partner countries, including local authorities, civil society organisations and bodies representing service users, are duly consulted and have timely access to relevant information allowing them to play a meaningful role during the design, implementation and associated monitoring processes of programmes.
Amendment 224 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 b (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. The assistance provided under IPA III must be consistent with international and EU human rights standards and legislation. Activities that do not comply with these standards, such as investments in residential institutions for children, should be excluded from the scope of the Instrument.
Amendment 326 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) Establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary in order to secure the rule of law. Interventions in this area shall aim at: establishing independent, accountable and efficient judicial systems, including transparent and merit-based recruitment and promoting judicial cooperation, evaluation and promotion systems and effective disciplinary procedures in cases of wrongdoing; ensuring the establishment of robust systems to protect the borders, manage migration flows and provide asylum to those in need; developing effective tools to prevent and fight organised crime, trafficking in human beings, migrants smuggling, money laundering/financing of terrorism and corruption; promoting and protecting human rights including the rights of the child, rights of persons belonging to minorities including Roma as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the media and data protection.
Amendment 344 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point g
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) Strengthening access to and quality of education, training and lifelong learning at all levels, and offering support to cultural and creative sectors. Interventions in this area shall aim at: promoting equal access to quality inclusive, non- institutional and community-based early- childhood education and care, primary and secondary education, improving the provision of basic skills; increasing educational attainment levels, reducing early school-leaving and reinforcing teachers’ training. Developing vocational education and training (VET) systems and promoting work-based learning systems to facilitate the transition to the labour market; improving the quality and relevance of higher education; encouraging alumni related activities; enhancing access to lifelong learning and supporting investment in education and training infrastructure particularly with a view to reducing territorial disparities and fostering non-segregated education and including through the use of digital technologies.
Amendment 356 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point i
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) Promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty. Interventions in this area shall aim at modernising social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of a person’s life, fostering social inclusion, promoting equal opportunities and addressing inequalities and poverty. Interventions in this area shall also focus on: integrating marginalised communities such as the Roma; combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; enhancing access to affordable, sustainable and high quality services, such as early childhood education and care, housing, healthcare and essential social services and long term care, including through the modernisation of social protection systems, and the transition from institutions to family- and community-based care.
Amendment 369 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promoting employment, labour mobility and social and cultural inclusion across borders through, inter alia: integrating cross-border labour markets, including cross-border mobility; joint local employment initiatives; information and advisory services and joint training; gender equality; equal opportunities; integration of immigrants' communities and vulnerable groups; investment in public employment services; and supporting investment in public health ans well as family- and community-based social services;
Amendment 377 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The following list of key performance indicators shall be used to help measure the Union’s contribution to the achievement of its specific objectives and the progress made by the beneficiaries: