Activities of John HOWARTH
Plenary speeches (11)
Institutions and bodies in the Economic and Monetary Union: Preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (B9-0047/2020)
Implementing and monitoring the provisions on citizens’ rights in the Withdrawal Agreement (B9-0031/2020)
“Housing First” as urgent action to address the situation of homeless people in Europe (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Effects of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook Group (RC-B9-0118/2019, B9-0118/2019, B9-0119/2019, B9-0120/2019, B9-0121/2019, B9-0122/2019, B9-0124/2019)
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (debate)
Draft amending budget No 2/2019: reinforcement of key programmes for EU competitiveness: Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ (A9-0004/2019 - John Howarth) (vote)
The UK’s withdrawal from the EU (B9-0038/2019, B9-0039/2019)
Presentation by the Council of its position on the draft general budget - 2020 financial year (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Reports (5)
REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision (EU) 2019/276 as regards adjustments to the amounts mobilised from the Flexibility Instrument for 2019 to be used for migration, refugee inflows and security threats PDF (160 KB) DOC (51 KB)
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2019 of the European Union for the financial year 2019: Reduction of commitment and payment appropriations in line with updated needs of expenditure and update of revenue (own resources) PDF (186 KB) DOC (89 KB)
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 3/2019 of the European Union for the financial year 2019 accompanying the proposal to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Romania, Italy and Austria PDF (145 KB) DOC (56 KB)
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 1/2019 of the European Union for the financial year 2019: Entering the surplus of the financial year 2018 PDF (144 KB) DOC (53 KB)
REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2019 of the European Union for the financial year 2019 – Reinforcement of key programmes for EU competitiveness: Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ PDF (164 KB) DOC (55 KB)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020
Written questions (1)
The potential impact of Brexit on the transportation of CITES listed species for use in conservation breeding programmes across the EU PDF (40 KB) DOC (18 KB)
Amendments (204)
Amendment 1 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, as a result of Parliament position on Draft amending budget No 4/2019, the proposed adjustments have become void;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 5 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 6 #
Amendment 7 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 8 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 9 #
2019/2039(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.
Amendment 1 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s proposal; reiterates its position considering that the Union budget is too small to respond to pressing needs and challenges it faces as well as its citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Notes the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2019;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2019; Considers that a draft amending budget should follow one purpose only; notes that Draft amending budget No 4/2019 has two purposes, namely to release commitment and payment appropriations of budget lines for headings 1a - Competitiveness for growth and jobs, 1b - Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, 3 - Security and Citizenship, 4 - Global Europe as well as for the European Union Solidarity Fund, and to increase the budget 2019 of some institutions as a result of the postponement of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union to 31 October 2019; notes that the most urgent purpose of Draft amending budget No 4/2019 is to increase the budget 2019 of some institutions as a result of the postponement of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union to 31 October 2019; approves, therefore, these adjustments but rejects the proposed release of commitment appropriations;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Decides to amend the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2019 as shown below;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Asks the Commission to put forward a new proposal, the aim of which would be to redeploy the potential savings identified both in its proposal for Draft amending budget No 4/2019, as well as any newly identified appropriations which would not be used, to fund key Union programmes in lack of funding;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 7 #
2019/2037(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, together with Parliament’s amendments, to the Council, the Commission, the other institutions and bodies concerned and the national parliaments.
Amendment 1 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the internal market remains one of the Union’s greatest and most tangible achievements, bringing benefits to businesses, consumers and citizens across Europe; further deepening the Single Market and developing the Digital Single Market should be prioritised in the 2020 Budgetternal market should be prioritised in the 2020 Budget and particular attention should be paid to the completion of the Digital Single Market, for the continued competitiveness of EU business and the protection of consumers throughout the Union;
Amendment 4 #
Amendment 6 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that household consumption accounts for 54.4% of EU GDP (in 2017), hence the importance of a robust consumer policy that gives protection and predictability to consumers both offline and online, and confidence to businesses to provide their goods and services across the internal market; stresses that consumer challenges remain, both in the digital and physical spheres, and therefore it is of utmost importance to increase the education and awareness of consumers and citizens;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission, for management and reporting purposes, to establish a way of recording Union budgetary expenditure that will make it possible to report on all funding related to the refugee and migration crisiissues, as well as for the future Union policy on management of migration flows and integration;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Highlights the significant budgetary and organisational risk associated with major expansion of agencies such as that proposed under the 2021-27 MFF for Frontex. To manage this budgetary risk, urges the development, reporting and scrutiny of a detailed, phased expansion programme within the legal basis approved for the next MFF from which budgetary arrangements over the coming years will follow and, with regard to 8 (above), be held to account.
Amendment 16 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Believes that the operation and accountability of Union Trust funds is best achieved by their being transparently managed as part of the General Budget of the Union.
Amendment 18 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that in its Draft Budget the Commission has allocated an appropriate budget to most of IMCO’s main priorities and invites the Council to confirm, including the internal market for goods and services, support to SMEs, consumer protection and competitiveness, and invites the Council and the Parliament to agree these appropriations; in the 2020 budget;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the increase in appropriations for “operation and development of the internal market of goods and services” (budget line 02 03 01), for the purpose of market surveillance and the establishment of the EU Product Compliance Network, as well as for “improving access to finance for SMEs” (budget line 02 02 02), and for “support expenditure for COSME” (budget line 02 01 04 01), as thoese three actions are crucial for boosting economic growth in the Union; strongly regrets the Council’s reduction in budget lines 02 03 01 and 02 02 02;
Amendment 23 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reminds that the Commission and the Member States have already accumulated delays in the scheduled implementation of the Union Customs Code, and consequently strongly regrets the reduction in the budget appropriations for “supporting the functioning and modernisation of the customs union” (budget line 14 02 01), which could lead to further delays, and hamper the functioning of the internal market; recalls that the full and uniform implementation of the Code is essential to better protect citizens and the financial interests of the Union and e-customs constitutes a priority policy for the better functioning of the internal market;
Amendment 1 #
2018/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the common agricultural policy (CAP) is the most integrated policy in the Union, and has successfully fulfilled its original objectives by supporting European farmers and responding to citizens’ demands regarding food security and safety, and quality and sustainability; whereas there are new challenges ahead, in particular linked to planetary boundaries of climate change, nitrogen and phosphorus cycle and loss of biodiversity as these are approaching a threshold beyond which there is a risk of irreversible change; whereas it is important that CAP is aligned with the Paris agreement and other international agreements which protect the climate and the environment;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas in the light of the excessive administrative burden of the ineffective greening measures, the control and audit system, and the growing number of overlaps between pillars I and II, it is important to reduce the overall burden of the CAP, to improve its value for money and to achieve simplification and transparency;
Amendment 29 #
2018/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas as outlined in the Commission communication on the future of food and farming, the future CAP will have common objectives and the Member States, whether at national or regional level, will need to pick from those options in order to achieve the goals set at EU level, the future CAP delivery model should be result-driven as regards resource efficiency, environmental care and climate action;
Amendment 73 #
2018/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports the move towards increased efficiency of farming while strengthening animal welfare, public health, climate and environmental protection provisions and EU added value.
Amendment 57 #
2018/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Recalls the 2014 ECA analysis which estimated the costs of the geographic dispersion of the Parliament to be EUR 114 million per year; furthermore, notes the finding from its resolution of 23 October 2013 on the location of the seats of the European Union's institutions1a that 78% of all missions by Parliament statutory staff arise as a direct result of the Parliament's geographic dispersion; emphasises that the report also estimates the environmental impact of the geographic dispersion to be between 11 000 and 19 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions; emphasises the potential savings to the European Parliament's budget of a single seat and therefore calls for a roadmap to a single seat; __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0498.
Amendment 70 #
2018/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the abovementioned resolutions of 5 April 2017 on Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 201812 and of 25 October 2017 on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 201813 ; reiterates the appeal for transparency regarding the General Expenditure Allowance (GEA) for Members and the decisions of Parliament in October 2017 in favour of greater transparency; calls on Parliament's Bureau to work on better guidance regarding the accountability of the expenditure authorised under this allowance in line with these decisions, without generating additional net costs or administrative burden to Parliament´s administration or to Members and their offices; __________________ 12 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0114. 13 Texts adopted, P8_TA_PROV(2017)0408
Amendment 76 #
2018/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Urges the Parliament's Bureau Working group on the General Expenditure Allowance to complete their work to enable recommendations based on the view of Parliament expressed in October 2017 to be considered prior to the election of the 9th Legislature;
Amendment 102 #
2018/2001(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 30 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Welcomes the European Parliament's resolution on combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU 1a; is of the opinion that the resolution is an important step to more effectively combat sexual harassment in the European Union and its institutions, including the European Parliament; demands that adequate resources are allocated to implement the demands of the resolution; __________________ 1a Text adopted: P8_TA(2017)0417
Amendment 8 #
2018/0299(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Ensuring the connection between Ireland and the other Member States on the North Sea – Mediterranean Core Network Corridor is crucial for ongoing and future infrastructure investments and for providing legal clarity and certainty for infrastructure planning. This does not prejudice the future consideration of the appropriate positioning of the Republic of Ireland within the Core Network Corridor or the consideration of that positioning and future relationship with ports currently outside of the Core Network so as to improve connectivity between the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the Union as part of subsequent instruments under the Connecting Europe Facility.
Amendment 10 #
2018/0299(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Ensuring that transport policy on the island of Ireland contributes to the continued facilitation of the provisions of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement in line with the policies of the Union.
Amendment 40 #
2018/0254(COD)
(41) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Fund will contribute to mainstream climate action in the Union's policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 2530 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Fund's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of its mid-term evaluation.
Amendment 57 #
2018/0254(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
The Fund shall be open to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EEA agreement. The Fund shall also be open to countries with which the EU has signed a security treaty including on defence industry collaboration.
Amendment 64 #
2018/0254(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. By derogation from paragraph 1, an applicant established in the Union or in an associated country and controlled by a non- associated third country or a non- associated third country entity mayshall be eligible for funding if this is necessary for achieving the objectives of the action and provided that its participation will not put at risk the security interests of the Union and its Member States. In order to ensure protection of the security interests of the Union and its Member States, the call for proposals shall require the applicant to provide information demonstrating notably that:
Amendment 76 #
2018/0254(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. The results of actions receiving support from the Fund shall not be subject to any control or restriction by non- associated third countries or by non- associated third country entities, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate legal entities, including in terms of technology transfer unless this is justified by inclusion of a non-associated third country entity where there is no EU entity alternative.
Amendment 82 #
2018/0254(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 34 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Where a Member State or undertaking invokes national security as a reason for withholding information from OLAF where there is a risk of fraud or other unlawful activity, the national security concerns shall be interpreted strictly.
Amendment 22 #
2018/0236(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. The access of third countries or international organisations to the Public Regulated Service provided by Galileo shall be governed by Article 3(5) of Decision No 1104/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council28 . based on the following principles: Third countries or international organisations may become PRS participants only where, in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, they enter into both of the following agreements between the Union and the third country or international organisation concerned: a) a security of information agreement defining the framework for exchanging and protecting classified information and providing a degree of protection at least equivalent to that of the Member States; b) an agreement laying down the terms and conditions of the detailed rules for access to the PRS by the third country or international organisation; such an agreement could include the manufacturing of PRS receivers. __________________ 28 OJ L 287, 4.11.2011, p. 1–8.
Amendment 7 #
2018/0230(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the European Solidarity Corps are accessible to all young people, notably the most disadvantaged ones. Special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion, the participation of disadvantaged young people, as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories. Accordingly, the monitoring of the Programme shall report upon the extent to which the Programme meets its aspiration to reflect the diverse make up of European Society in terms of ethnicity, gender, (dis)ability, social background and the geography of the Union. Similarly, the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the European Solidarity Corps. This should resolve, where possible, and without prejudice to the Schengen acquis and Union law on the entry and residence of third-country nationals, administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits, as well as the issuing of a European Health Insurance Card in the case of cross-border activities within the European Union.
Amendment 8 #
2018/0230(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) The financial contributions made by and expected from third countries to the Programme shall, once sufficient information is available, be reported to both arms of the Budgetary Authority as part of the annual/or interim reporting of the Programme.
Amendment 10 #
2018/0230(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) (c) percentages of gender balance, ethnicity, (dis)ability and geography of the Union.
Amendment 60 #
2018/0230(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Special attention should be given to ensuring that the activities supported by the European Solidarity Corps are accessible to all young people, notably the most disadvantaged ones. Special measures should be in place to promote social inclusion, the participation of disadvantaged young people, as well as to take into account the constraints imposed by the remoteness of a number of rural areas and of the outermost regions of the Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories. Accordingly, the monitoring of the programme shall report upon the extent to which the programme meets its aspiration to reflect the diverse make up of European Society in terms of ethnicity, gender, (dis)ability, social background and the geography of the Union. Similarly, the participating countries should endeavour to adopt all appropriate measures to remove legal and administrative obstacles to the proper functioning of the European Solidarity Corps. This should resolve, where possible, and without prejudice to the Schengen acquis and Union law on the entry and residence of third-country nationals, administrative issues that create difficulties in obtaining visas and residence permits, as well as the issuing of a European Health Insurance Card in the case of cross-border activities within the European Union.
Amendment 139 #
2018/0230(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) percentages of gender balance, ethnicity, (dis)ability and geography of the Union
Amendment 15 #
2018/0225(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of the Specific Programme, implementingdelegated powers should be conferred on the Commission to adopt work programmes for the implementation of the Specific Programme. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 ofFor the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and of the Council4 . _________________ 4 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parlia receive all documents and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member Statet the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of the Commission's expercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13)t groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 16 #
2018/0225(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a frontrunner, this Specific Programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the swift achievement of an overall target of 2530 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Actions under this Specific Programme are expected to contribute 35% of the overall financial envelope of the Specific Programme to climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Specific Programme's preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review processes.
Amendment 28 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) To deliver scientific, economic and societal impact in pursuit of this general objective, the Union should invest in research and innovation through Horizon Europe - a Framework Programme for Research and Innovation 2021-2027 (the ‘Programme’) to support excellence in research, fundamental research and the creation and diffusion of high-quality knowledge and technologies, to strengthen the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing Union policies, to support the uptake of innovative solutions in industry and society to address global challenges and promote industrial competitiveness; to foster all forms of innovation, including breakthrough innovation, and strengthen market deployment of innovative solutions; and optimise the delivery of such investment for increased impact within a strengthened European Research Area.
Amendment 30 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The conception and design of the Programme should respond to the need for establishing a critical mass of supported activities, throughout the EU Union and through international cooperation, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Programme implementation should reinforce the pursuit of this aimmainstreaming of the SDGs into all EU policies and the EU's commitment in implementing the SDGs.
Amendment 33 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The activities developed under the Programme should aim at eliminating gender inequalities and promoting equality between women and men in research and innovation, in compliance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 8 of the TFEU. The gender dimension and gender mainstreaming should be adequately integrated in research and innovation content and followed through at all stages of the research cycle.
Amendment 36 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a frontrunner, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate actions and to the swift achievement of an overall target of 2530 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives as well as to the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals into all Union policies.
Amendment 42 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. The conditions determining the level of financial contribution shall ensure an automatic correction of any significant imbalance compared to the amount that entities established in the associated country receive through participation in the Programme, taking into account the costs in the management, execution and operation of the Programme. The balance of the financial contribution of associated countries shall be considered over the life span of the Programme. Associated countries and the Commission shall review the balance at the interim evaluation of the Programme referred to in Article 47(2) and any adjustment shall be indicated in the subsequent statement of appropriations for the Programme.
Amendment 43 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The financial contribution made by and expected from third countries to the Programme shall, once sufficient information is available, be reported upon to both arms of the Budgetary Authority as part of the annual and/or interim reporting of the Programme.
Amendment 44 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
5. For actions related to Union strategic assets, strategic interests, autonomy or security, the work programme may provide that the participation can be limited to those legal entities established in Member States only subject to due justification, or to those legal entities established in specified associated or other third countries in addition to Member States.
Amendment 45 #
2018/0224(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Beneficiaries having received Union funding shall use their best efforts to exploit their results, in particular in the Unioncountries that have contributed to the Programme. Exploitation may be done directly by the beneficiaries or indirectly in particular through the transfer and licensing of results in accordance with Article 36.
Amendment 17 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) In its Communication on Strengthening European identity through education and culture, the Commission highlighted the pivotal role of education, culture and sport in promoting active citizenship and common values amongst the youngest generations. Strengthening European identity and fostering the active participation of individuals in the democratic processes is crucial for the future of Europe and our democratic societies. Going abroad to study, learn, train and work or to participate in youth and sport activities contributes to strengthening this European identity in all its diversity and the sense of being part of a cultural community as well as to fostering such active citizenship, among people of all ages. Accordingly, the Programme aspires to reflect the diverse make-up of European society in terms of ethnicity, gender, ability, social background and the geography of the Union. Those taking part in mobility activities should get involved in their local communities as well as engage in their host country local communities to share their experience. Activities linked to reinforcing all aspects of creativity in education, training and youth and enhancing individual key competencies should be supported.
Amendment 20 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate action in the Union's policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 2530% of the Union budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme's preparation and implementation and reassessed in the context of the relevant evaluations and review process.
Amendment 24 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Financial contributions to the Programme received from third countries and/or other Union instruments will be reported on an annual basis to the Council and Parliament as the Union’s budgetary authority.
Amendment 25 #
2018/0191(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. The evaluation of the Programme will include analysis of participation in the Programme on the basis of gender, ethnicity, ability, social background and geography of the Union so as to better determine the value for money, reach and take up of the Programme and its reflection of the diverse make-up of European society.
Amendment 10 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Artistic freedom is at the core of vibrant cultural and creative industries, including the news media sector. The programme should promote cross-overs and collaboration between the audiovisual sector and the publishing sector to promote a, support and help maintain a more pluralistic media environment.
Amendment 11 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In line with Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Programme in all its activities should support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non-discrimination objectives and, where applicable, should define appropriate gender balance criteria. Participation in and projects of the Programme should seek to reach and to reflect the diversity of European Society and the activities of the Programme should be monitored and reported upon, in order to ascertain the performance of the Programme in this respect and enable policy makers to make better informed decisions over future programmes.
Amendment 13 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 – 2027 shall be EUR 1 8502 806 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 3 566 000 000 in current prices).
Amendment 14 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 1
– up to EUR 609 000 00032.92% of the amount referred to in paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 for the objective referred to in Article 3 (2)(a) (strand CULTURE);
Amendment 15 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 2
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 2
– up to EUR 1 081 000 00058.43% of the amount referred to in paragraph 1,subparagraph 1 for the objective referred to in Article 3(2)(b) (strand MEDIA);
Amendment 16 #
2018/0190(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 3
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – indent 3
– up to EUR 160 000 0008.65% of the amount referred to in paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 for the activities referred to in Article 3(2)(c) (CROSS SECTORAL strand).
Amendment 26 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas removing bottlenecks can have additional benefits such as dramatically improving air quality locally; whereas effective investment can also result in modal shifts, encouraging - for example - people to move from air travel to rail travel, especially over distances where rail travel is much more sustainable;
Amendment 30 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas investment in transport infrastructure will increasingly need to take into account the effect of transitions towards more environmentally friendly vehicles, greener transport networks and will have implications for investment in enabling power network infrastructures;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that infrastructure requires objective quantification of demand prior to setting the budget and the delivery methods; underlines that it should be possible for the ERDF and CF eligibility criteria to consider existing demand at NUTS 3 level; Notes also that cross– European, regional and local transport network modelling can be effective in demonstrating where investment would best deliver European added value;
Amendment 88 #
2017/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses the view that the less developed regions with negative demographic trends or remote ones with low accessibility should be targeted more intensively by ERDF and CF transport infrastructure investments, while additional sources and delivery methods should be expanded in the transition and more developed regions; notes that in some cases the most effective way to benefit less developed regions may be to invest in reducing bottlenecks that occur in better- off regions on key TEN-T corridors or strategic linking routes; bottlenecks in more developed regions can significantly impact the ability of people in less developed regions to travel and move goods efficiently and gain access to markets;
Amendment 8 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
Paragraph 3 – indent 1
- be at the service of an ambitious and overarching EU global strategy; match the EU’s political ambitions in size, flexibility between and within the EFIs, and overall political coherence, and be based on EU values;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
- strengthen Parliament's democratic scrutiny role;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
- strengthen the promotion of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality; is convinced that the EU external financing instruments should support practical measures to improve the health and lives of women and girls including financial support for voluntary, modern sexual and reproductive health services, including access to birth control and safe and legal abortion;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is of the opinion that EFI architecture could be simplified if it increases the coherence and visibility of Union action, efficiency, flexibility and accountability; believes that streamlining the EFIs in order to reduce the barriers between geographic and thematic programmes will lead to synergies and efficiency gains, for instance by facilitating the transfer of funds within and between instruments when dealing with emergency situations; warns, however, that an excessively radical simplification of the structure would not be without risks; calls for the new architecture to reflect EU values and clear political objectives;
Amendment 17 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Believes that performance does not depend solely on the architecture of the EU external financing instruments themselves, but also on partner countries' political will, admistrative capacity and ability to implement the necessary reforms and policies that the instruments encourage;
Amendment 21 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Deplores the redeployment of funds envisaged in the 2018 draft budget from development (DCI) to finance the new Capacity Building for Security and Development under the IcSP; highlights in this regard that military actors should never be financed from development funds and calls on the Commission to adhere to this stance during this year's budgetary procedure;
Amendment 22 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Deplores that important revenues are lost through tax evasion and agressive tax avoidance by multinational companies and very wealthy individuals in partner countries around the world; points out that strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilisation (DRM) has been recognised as essential to sustainable development by all major international texts and conferences on financing for development including the conference in Addis Ababa in 2015; calls for a stronger emphasis on support for DRM in the programming of EU's external financial instruments, especially those focused on development;
Amendment 23 #
2017/2280(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Takes the view that mid-term review and budgetary control processes should be sufficiently rigorous and transparent to ensure the maximum absorption of funds possible and to enable appropriate redeployment of funds where events render absorption impractical;
Amendment 4 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the crucial role cohesion policy has played in the achievement ofimproving economic and social convergence in the EU and the delivery of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals; expresses concern, however, that inequalities persist between and within rich and poor regions and between the salaries of the social categories of citizensthat inequalities have increased in and between many regions, in particular since the financial crash of 2008; stresses that neither the objectives nor the EU funding of cohesion policy should be watered down;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the shortcomings of the financial planning and implementation system, which have led to the accumulation of unpaid bills; expresses concern at the significant delays in the adoption of operational programmes and in the designation of management, payment and certification authorities for cohesion policy, which have led to extremely low absorption rates of cohesion policy in the current programming period; stresses that the level of payment appropriations should match past commitments; calls for the early adoption of the recommendations of the High Level Group on Simplification;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that infrastructure projects within cohesion policy will frequently involve time scales that extend beyond the scope of a 7 year MFF and therefore acknowledges the requirement to develop budgeting frameworks that enable effective long term planning to take place;
Amendment 19 #
2017/2279(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that financial instruments in EU cohesion policy should not replace direct grants and aid, but should be treated as complementary tools that extend the scope of the project or where projects generate income; and also stresses that the logic of the Commission’s December 2017 report “Financial instruments under the European Structural and Investment Funds” should be followed and therefore financial instruments should be used less in those programmes where they have the least impact, i.e. the ESF and the European Fund for Agricultural Development;
Amendment 20 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls the importance to the budgetary resources of the EU and its Member States of fighting tax evasion, tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning;welcomes the EU's blacklist of tax havens but regrets that the Council has watered down listing criteria;underlines that the blacklist has to be accompanied by strong, deterrent sanctions against listed countries;calls for public country-by-country reporting and the introduction of a common corporate tax base (CCCTB) to promote tax transparency and a level playing field;
Amendment 25 #
2017/2226(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Stresses that youth unemployment stands at 17% in the EU and welcomes that the EU has committed budgetary resources to tackle this issue, namely the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI);recalls that 75% of the total YEI Budget till 2020 has been allocated to projects and 19% has already been spent by the Member States which makes the YEI Budget implementation rate the highest among the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds);given the importance of the issue, calls on the Commission and the Member States to take action to further improve take up;
Amendment 26 #
2017/2225(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes it desirable that, post- 2020, Northern Ireland should be able to continue to participate in the EU’s general cohesion funds if possible, as that would benefit economic and social development, particularly in disadvantaged and rural areas; urges, furthermore, in the context of the post-2020 MFF, that all possible financial instruments be explored for enabling the continuation of the objectives of cohesion policy in re- enforcing the conditions for the development of prosperity and the continuation of peace;
Amendment 7 #
2017/2121(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to fully reflect the growing security challenges in its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework; considers that both the size and the flexibility of the CFSP budget must match, inter alia, EU citizens’ expectations on the EU’s role as a security provider, and the likely challenges and opportunities for the EU’s standing as a strategic actor following Brexit; recognises in this regard the importance to continue strong cooperation between the EU and the UK to provide security for the citizens of Europe; insists on the need for a global vision for EU policy and instruments in the field of security, including fruitful coordination with the proposed European Defence Fund;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2053(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the need to link revenues to policy objectives, in particular to the single market, the energy union, and the environment, climate and transport policies; is convinced in this respect that the EU budget should focus on policies with real European added value; as defined by the parameters of the European Parliament resolution on the Reflection Paper on the Future of EU Finances1a; _________________ 1a P8_TA(2017)0401
Amendment 97 #
2017/2053(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the Commission has already put forward legislative proposals for a major reform of the EU’s VAT rules, and that additional initiatives are expected in 2018; welcomes the fact that the new proposal entails the possibility for all member states to adopt a zero rate on sanitary products; insists on the necessity to complete the VAT reform as soon as possible and at the latest before the start of the next MFF;
Amendment 133 #
2017/2053(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Calls, in principle, for the creation of a new own resource for the Union budget to be levied on transactions in the digital economy; considers, however, that in view of the importantwelcomes that there are ongoing negotiations at bothon EU and OECD level, it is about how too early to decide on the exact arrangements for the establishment of such a resourcensure that multinational digital companies pay their fair share of tax; is of the opinion that in the absence of global solutions the EU should implement its own solutions; calls on the Commission to come forward with a strong, practical and ambitious proposal for future implementation;
Amendment 94 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls, therefore, for continuous support for existing policies, in particular the long-standing EU policies enshrined in the Treaties, namely the common agricultural and fisheries policies, and the cohesion policy; rejects any attempt to renationalise these policies, as this would neither reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and consumers, nor achieve better results, but would instead hamper growth and, the functioning of the single market whileand the EU's and its member states ability to address supranational challenges, while also widening the disparities between territories and economic sectors; intends to secure the same level of funding for the EU-27 for these policies in the next programming period while further improving their added value and simplifying the procedures associated with them;
Amendment 182 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines, therefore, the need for the MFF’s duration to move progressively towards a 5+5 period with a mandatory mid-term revisionto a 5+5 period; calls on the Commission to elaborate a clebring forward proposal setting out the methods ofs for the practical implementation of a 5+5 financial frameworkthis principle;
Amendment 187 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Acknowledges, however,Stresses that the timing of the next European Parliament elections in spring 2019, given that the current MFF runs until December 2020, does not allow for a 5+5 solution to be implemented immediately, as no satisfactory alignment of the different cycles would be achieved; takes the view, therefore, that the next MFF should be set for a period of seven years (2021-2027), including a mandatory revision, by way of a transitional solution to be applied for one last timeand the conclusion of the current MFF at the end of 2020 represent the best opportunity for change and bringing the MFF into synchronisation with the political cycle of Parliament and appointment cycle of Commissioners and concludes that the post 2020 MFF be in force from 2012-2025 with a forward planning framework from 2026 to 2030;
Amendment 188 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Considers that under this 5+5 architecture the MFF would be prepared prior to the conclusion of legislature, allowing for the revision and/or confirmation of the framework following the election of the next legislature, thus providing both the stability necessary for programmes such as agriculture, infrastructure and long term research, improving political accountability and transparency and streamlining the budgetary process of the Union by removing the need for mid-term revision;
Amendment 215 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Considers that the use of the EGF, providing EU solidarity and support to workers losing their jobs as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns arising from globalisation or as a result of the global economic and financial crisis, has not lived up to expectations and needs to be improved in order to refocus on the purpose it was originally intended, to improve its coordination with the structural funds, and to integrate its activation within a structuring, long-term strategy ; points out, inter alia, that the procedures for implementing support from the EGF are too time- consuming and cumbersome; believes that a revised EGF should be endowed with at least an identical annual allocation under the new MFF; is moreover convinced that the scope of the EGF should be widened to encompass workers losing their jobs as a result of structural changes in the production patterns due to the need to fight against climate changes and to implement the COP21 objectives
Amendment 285 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Believes that, under the next MFF, the Union budget should display with greater accuracy the extent of assigned revenues and their impact on actual expenditure, in particular those stemming from third countries’ contributions; underlines that this is even more relevant in view of the UK’s wish to participate in some Union budgetary programmes of the new MFF post-2020 as a non-Member State, as expressed in the context of the negotiations on its withdrawal from the Union; highlights in this regard that third country participation in EU programmes should be supported where participation brings substantial benefits to the EU as well as the third country/countries;
Amendment 401 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75
Paragraph 75
75. Considers it essential to secure a sustainable and affordable energy supply in Europe; calls, therefore, for continuous support for investments ensuring the diversification of energy sources, increasing energy security and enhancing energy efficiency, including by CEF Energy; asks to focus the support towards the objectives of Article 194(1) TFEU; stresses therefore the need to reorient CEF Energy support in gas infrastructure to investments aimed at decarbonizing the gas supply (biogas, green hydrogen, synthetic methane,...); stresses in particular the importance of providing for comprehensive support, especially for carbon-intensive regions, energy transition, transition to a low- carbon economy, the modernisation of power generation and grids, carbon capture storage and utilisation technologies, and the modernisation of district heating; considers that the transformation of the energy sector in the light of the climate objectives should be supported by the creation of an Energy Transition Fund under the next MFF that would facilitate the structural changes in energy-intensive industries and carbon-intensive electricity production plants, and create incentives for low-carbon investments and innovative solutions;
Amendment 409 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 a (new)
Paragraph 75 a (new)
75a. Emphasises the need for a European wide investment plan in favour of energy efficiency in light of the ambitious objectives the EU has set itself for 2030; is convinced that such an investment program would have a very positive effect in terms of job creation, affordable housing and fight against energy poverty ; is therefore convinced that the next MFF should encompass a visible and "easy to access" Energy Efficiency EU wide investment program that would enable local public authorities to get administrative and financial support to carry out energy efficiency plans in the housing and building sector;
Amendment 411 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 b (new)
Paragraph 75 b (new)
75b. Considers that under the next MFF, the transition of the energy sector in the light of the climate objectives should be supported by the creation of a Just Transition Fund with the aim of supporting workers and communities adversely affected by this transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy; in this respect urges the Commission to set up a financing platform at Union level for this initiative, drawing lessons from the current experiences and ensuring sufficient additional resources to cover needs in the affected areas; furthermore stresses that this fund should focus on the creation of decent and sustainable jobs together with retraining and new skills in clean processes and technologies, and on enhancing social protection schemes, including active labour market policies;
Amendment 447 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78
Paragraph 78
78. Expects the global amount of direct payments to be kept intact under the next MFF, as they generate clear EU added value and strengthen the single market by avoiding distortions of competition between Member States; opposes any renationalisation and any national co- financing in that respect; stresses the need to increase funding in line with responses to the various cyclical crises in sensitive sectors, to create new instruments that can mitigate price volatility and to increase funding for Programmes of Options Specifically Relating to Remoteness and Insularity (POSEI); concludes, therefore, that the CAP budget in the next MFF should be at least maintained at its current level for the EU-27; subject to an examination of the basis of CAP payments to more effectively address agricultural, rural, and environmental issues and obligations on the sector;
Amendment 504 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Considers maintaining the financing of cohesion policy post-2020 for the EU-27 at least at the level of the 2014- 2020 budget to be of the utmost importance; stresses that GDP should remain one of the parameters for the allocation of cohesion policy funds, but believes that it should be complemented by an additional set of social, environmental and demographic indicators to better take into account new types of inequalities between and within EU regions; supports, in addition, the continuation under the new programming period of the elements that rendered cohesion policy more modern and performance-oriented under the current MFF; calls for more synergies and complementarity between public investment policies by the Member States budgets and the Union budget and invites the Commission to assess ways to achieve that;
Amendment 514 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 82
Paragraph 82
82. Considers maintaining the financing of cohesion policy post-2020 for the EU-27 at least at the level of the 2014- 2020 budget to be of the utmost importance; stresses that GDP should remain one of the parameters for the allocation of cohesion policy funds, but believes that it should be complemented by an additional set of social, environmental and demographic indicators to better take into account new types of inequalities between and within EU regions; supports, in addition, the continuation under the new programming period of the elements that rendered cohesion policy more modern and performance-oriented under the current MFF;
Amendment 674 #
2017/2052(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 96
Paragraph 96
96. Welcomes initiatives by the institutions, bodies and agencies to further enhance efficiency through increased administrative cooperation and the pooling of certain functions, thereby generating savings to the Union budget; highlights that, for certain agencies, further efficiency gains could be made, especially through increased cooperation among agencies with similar tasks, such as in the field of the financial market supervision and of agencies and institutions with multiple locations including the European Parliament;
Amendment 167 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62 a (new)
Paragraph 62 a (new)
62 a. Welcomes the creation of the Parliament's Bureau Working group on the General expenditure allowance; recalls the expectations of a greater transparency regarding the general expenditure allowance and a need to work on a definition of more precise rules regarding the accountability of the expenditure authorised under this allowance, without generating additional costs to Parliament;
Amendment 173 #
2017/2044(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65 a (new)
Paragraph 65 a (new)
65 a. Recalls the 2013 Fox-Häfner report, which estimated the costs of the geographic dispersion of the Parliament to be between EUR 156 million and EUR 204 million and equivalent to 10 % of the Parliament's budget; notes the finding that 78 % of all missions by Parliament statutory staff arise as a direct result of the Parliament's geographic dispersion; emphasises that the report also estimates the environmental impact of the geographic dispersion to be between 11,000 to 19,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions; reiterates the negative public perception caused by this dispersion and calls therefore for a roadmap to a single seat and a reduction in the relevant budget lines;
Amendment 56 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) A number of amendments are to be made to Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . Iin order to provide improved protection for passengers and encourage increased rail travel, with due regard to Articles 11, 12 and 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in particular. In view of these amendments and in the interests of clarity, that Regulation should1371/2007 should therefore be recast. _________________ 24 Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 14).
Amendment 64 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
Amendment 77 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
Amendment 78 #
2017/0237(COD)
Amendment 81 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Users’ rights to rail services include the receipt of information regarding those services and related matters both before and during the journey. Whenever possible, railway undertakings and ticket vendors should provide this information in advance and as soon as possible. That information should be provided in accessible formats for persons with disabilities or persons with reduced mobility.
Amendment 91 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In the context of the sale of tickets for the transport of passengers, Member States should take all necessary measures to prohibit discrimination on the basis of nationality or residence, regardless whether the passenger concerned is present, permanently or on a temporary basis, in another Member State. Those measures should cover all covert forms of discrimination which, by the application of other criteria, such as residence, physical or digital location, may have the same effect. In light of the development of online platforms selling passenger transport tickets, Member States should pay special attention to ensuring that no discrimination occurs during the process of accessing online interfaces or purchasing tickets. However, transport schemes involving social tariffs should not be automatically precluded, provided that they are proportionate and independent of the nationality of the persons concerned.
Amendment 95 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The increasing popularity of cycling across the Union has implications for overall mobility and tourism. An increase in the use of both railways and cycling in the modal split reduces the environmental impact of transport. Therefore, railway undertakings should facilitate the combination of cycling and train journeys as much as possible, in particular by allowing the carriage of bicycles on board trainand providing adequate capacity for the carriage of bicycles on board all types of trains, including on long-distance services and cross-border journeys.
Amendment 103 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Railway undertakings should facilitate the transfer of rail passengers from one operator to another by the provision of through-tickets. In this respect, wthenever possibley should also cooperate with ticket vendors providing combined journeys.
Amendment 124 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In the event of delay, passengers should be provided with continued or re- routed transport options under comparable transport conditions. The needs of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility should, in particular, be taken into account in such an event.
Amendment 131 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) However, a railway undertaking should not be obliged to pay compensation if it can prove that the delay was caused by severe weather conditions or major natural disasters endangering the safe operation of the service. Any such event should have the character of an exceptional natural catastrophe, as distinct from normal seasonal weather conditions, such as autumnal storms or regularly occurring urban flooding caused by tides or snowmelt. Railway undertakings should prove that they could neither foresee nor prevent the delay even if all reasonable measures had been takenIn view of the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Case C 509/111a (ÖBB- Personenverkehr AG) and the need for legal certainty, protection of passengers, continued high levels of investment in railway rolling stock and infrastructure and good contingency planning, a railway undertaking should be obliged to pay compensation to a passenger for a delay or cancellation that is not the fault of that passenger, regardless of the cause of the delay or cancellation concerned. _________________ 1a Case C-509/11, ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG (EU: C2013:613).
Amendment 133 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) This Regulation should not restrict the rights of railway undertakings to seek compensation where applicable from any person, including third parties, in accordance with applicable national lawfor meeting their obligations under the provisions of this Regulation to passengers.
Amendment 135 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
Amendment 138 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) To maintain a high level of consumer protection in rail transport, Member States should be required to designate national enforcement bodies to monitor closely and enforce this Regulation at national level. Those bodies should be able to take a variety of enforcement measures. Passengers should be able to complain to those bodies about alleged infringements of the Regulation. To ensure the satisfactory handling of such complaints, the bodies should also cooperate with each other. , and to provide the option for passengers of binding alternative dispute resolution, in line with Directive 2013/11/EU1a. Passengers should be able to complain to those bodies about alleged infringements of the Regulation, and to use online dispute resolution established under Regulation 524/2013/EU1b where agreed. It should also be provided that complaints may be made by organisations representing groups of passengers. To ensure the satisfactory handling of such complaints, the bodies should also cooperate with each other and the Regulation should continue to be listed in the Annex to the revised Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation 2017/2394/EU 1c. Enforcement bodies shall each year publish reports on their websites detailing the number and type of complaints that they have received, detailing the outcome of their enforcement actions. In addition, these reports shall be made available on the website of the European Union Agency for Railways. _________________ 1aDirective 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 14). 1bRegulation 524/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p.1). 1cRegulation 2017/2394/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (OJ L 345, 27.12.2017, p. 1).
Amendment 140 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Member States should lay down penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and ensure that these penalties are applied. The penalties, which might include the payment of compensation to the person in question, should be effective, proportionate and dissuasive and should include, but not be limited to, a minimum fine or a percentage of the relevant undertaking’s or organisation’s annual turnover, whichever is the higher.
Amendment 141 #
Amendment 142 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
This Regulation establishes rules applicable to rail transport to provide for effective protection of passengers and encourage rail travel as regards the following:
Amendment 146 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) passengers’ rights in the event ofand compensation in the event of disruption, such as cancellation or delay;
Amendment 149 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) minimum, accurate, timely and accessible information to be provided to passengers;
Amendment 151 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) non-discrimination against , immediate, spontaneous and mandatory assistance by trained staff for , persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility ;
Amendment 152 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point h
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) theproper procedures for handling of complaints;
Amendment 154 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) general rules on enforcement, including through the option for passengers of binding alternative dispute resolution.
Amendment 155 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation shall apply to all domestic and, cross-border or international rail passenger journeys and services throughout the Union provided by one or more railway undertakings licensed in accordance with Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council29 . _________________ 29 OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 32operating, stopping, travelling, departing or arriving within the territory of the Union.
Amendment 156 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Amendment 179 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Amendment 180 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Amendment 192 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘ticket vendor’ means any retailer of rail transport services concluding transport contracts and selling tickets, through-tickets or combined journeys on behalf of aone or more railway undertakings or for its own account;
Amendment 196 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
(6a) ‘combined journey’ means a ticket or tickets representing more than one transport contract for successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings;
Amendment 203 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) ‘through-ticket’ means a ticket or tickets representing a single transport contract for successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings, forming part of an end-to- end journey;
Amendment 205 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 10
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 10
(10) ‘journey’ means the carriage of a passenger between a station of departure and a station of arrival under a single transport contract;
Amendment 212 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15
(15) ‘missed connection’ means a situation where a passenger misses one or more services in the course of a journey or combined journey as a result of the delay or cancellation of one or more previous services;
Amendment 213 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16
(16) ‘ person with disabilities ’ and ‘person with reduced mobility’ means any person who has a permanent or temporary physical , mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective use of transport on an equal basis with other passengers or whose mobility when using transport is reduced due to age;
Amendment 220 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to social tariffs, railway undertakings, tour operators or ticket vendors shall offer contract conditions and tariffs to the general public without direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of the final customer’s nationality or residence, or the place of establishment of the railway undertaking, tour operators or ticket vendor within the Union.
Amendment 232 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Obligations towards passengers pursuant to this Regulation may not be limited or waived, notably by a derogation or restrictive clause in the transport contract. Any contractual conditions which purport directly or indirectly to waive, derogate from or restrict the rights resulting from this Regulation shall not be binding on the passenger.
Amendment 233 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. Railway undertakings, tour operators or ticket vendors may offer contract conditions more favourable for the passenger than the conditions laid down in this Regulation.
Amendment 234 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Obligation to provide information and consultation concerning discontinuation or substantial reduction of services
Amendment 235 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Railway undertakings or, where appropriate, competent authorities responsible for a public service railway contract shall make public by appropriate means, and without delay including in accessible formats for persons with disabilities in accordance with accessibility requirements laid down in Directive XXX31 , and in good time before their implementation, decisionproposals to discontinue or substantially reduce services either permanently or temporarily, and shall ensure that those proposals are subject to meaningful and proper consultation before any implementation takes place. _________________ 31 Directive XXX on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States as regards the accessibility requirements for products and services (European Accessibility Act) (OJ L X, X.X.XXXX, p. X).
Amendment 241 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Railway undertakings, tour operators and ticket vendors offering transport contracts on their own behalf or on behalf of one or more railway undertakings shall provide the passenger, upon request, with at least the information set out in Annex II, Part I in relation to the journeys for which a transport contract is offered by the railway undertaking concerned. Ticket vendors offering transport contracts on their own account, and tour operators, shall provide this information where available.
Amendment 250 #
2017/0237(COD)
2. Railway undertakings and, where possible, tour operators and ticket vendors shall provide the passenger during the journey , including at connecting stations, with at least the information set out in Annex II, Part II.
Amendment 261 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be provided in the most appropriate format including by using up-to-date communication technologies and in writing where possible. Particular attention shall be paid to ensuring that this information is accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in Directive XXX and Regulation 454/2011 . The availability of accessible formats shall be clearly advertised.
Amendment 283 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Railway undertakings, tour operators and ticket vendors shall offer tickets and, where available, through-tickets and reservations, through-tickets, reservations and combinations of tickets that provide the most optimal and cost-effective journey or combined journey, including cross- border, in an impartial and non- discriminatory manner. They shall make all possible efforts to offer through-tickets, including for journeys across borders andor involving night trains and journeys with more than one railway undertaking.
Amendment 291 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Without prejudice to paragraphs 3 and 4, railway undertakings, tour operators and ticket vendors shall distribute tickets to passengers for single and any combined or return journeys via at least one of the following points of sale:
Amendment 298 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Member States may provide that railway undertakings, tour operators and ticket vendors shall provide tickets for services provided under public service contracts through more than one point of sale.
Amendment 304 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Railway undertakings shall offer the possibility to obtain tickets for the respective service on board the train, unless this is limited or denied on reasonable and justifiable grounds relating to security or antifraud policy or compulsory train reservation or reasonable commercial groundsspace or seat availability.
Amendment 305 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. Tickets shall be reprinted for passengers on the day of travel on request, either at the ticket office or through a ticketing machine. Where there is no ticket office or ticketing machine in the station of departure, or when the ticket office or ticket machine is not fully accessible passengers shall be informed at the station:
Amendment 314 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 5
Article 10 – paragraph 5
5. Where there is no ticket office or accessible ticketing machine in the station of departure, persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility shall be permitted to buy tickets on board the train at no extra costTickets bought on board the train shall not cost more than the relevant standard fare for the journey concerned with any applicable discounts.
Amendment 328 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 6
Article 10 – paragraph 6
6. Where a passenger receives separate tickets for a single journey comprising successive railway services operated by one or more railway undertakings, histheir rights to information, assistance, care and compensation shall be equivalent to those under a through-ticket and cover the whole journey from the departure to the final destination, unless the passenger is explicitly informed otherwise in writing. Such information shall in particular state that when the passenger misses a connection, he or she would not be entitled to assistance or compensation based on the total length of the journey. The burden of proof that the information was provided shall lie with the railway undertaking, its agent, tour operator or ticket vendor.
Amendment 344 #
2017/0237(COD)
1. Where it is reasonably to be expected , either at departure or in the event of a missed connection in the course of a journey with a through-ticket, that arrival at the final destination under the transport contract will be subject to a delay of more than 6045 minutes, the passenger shall immediately have the choice between one of the following :
Amendment 358 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without losing the right of transport, a passenger may request for the journey or combined journey a passenger shall be entitled to compensation for delays from the railway undertaking, tour operator or ticket vendor if he or she is facing a delay between the places of departure and destination stated in the transport contract for which the cost of the ticket has not been reimbursed in accordance with Article 16. The minimum compensations for delays shall be as follows:
Amendment 369 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) 25 50% of the ticket price for a delay of 6045 to 1189 minutes,;
Amendment 377 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) 50 100% of the ticket price for a delay of 1290 minutes or more.
Amendment 388 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. Paragraph 1 also applies to passengers who hold a travel pass or season ticket. If they encounter recurrent delays or cancellations during the period of validity of the travel pass or season ticket, they may requestshall be entitled to adequate compensation in accordance with the railway undertaking’s compensation arrangements. These arrangements shall state the criteria for determining delay and for the calculation of the compensation. Where delays of less than 60between 15 and 45 minutes occur repeatedly during the period of validity of the travel pass or season ticket, the delays shall be counted cumulatively and passengers shall be compensated on that basis in accordance with the railway undertaking’s compensation arrangements.
Amendment 393 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 3
3. Compensation for delay shall be calculated in relation to the full price which the passenger actually paid for the delayed service, ticket or combined journey. Where the transport contract is for a return journey, compensation for delay on either the outward or the return leg shall be calculated in relation to half of the price paid for the ticket or combined journey. In the same way the price for a delayed service under any other form of transport contract allowing travelling several subsequent legs shall be calculated in proportion to the full price.
Amendment 395 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Amendment 403 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. The compensation of the ticket price shall be paid within one month after the submission of the request for compensation to the railway undertaking, tour operator or ticket vendor. The compensation may be paid in vouchers and/or other services if the terms are flexible (in particular regarding the validity period and destination). The compensation shall be paid in money at the request of the passenger.
Amendment 407 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 6
Article 17 – paragraph 6
6. The compensation of the ticket price shall not be reduced by financial transaction costs such as fees, telephone costs or stamps. Railway undertakings may introduce a minimum threshold under which payments for compensation will not be paid. This threshold shall not exceed EUR 4 per ticket5.
Amendment 408 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 7
Article 17 – paragraph 7
7. The passenger shall not have any right to compensation if the isy are informed of a delay before he buysbuying a ticket, or if a delay due to continuation on a different service or re-routing remains below 6045 minutes.
Amendment 412 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 8
Article 17 – paragraph 8
Amendment 428 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. In the case of a delay in arrival or departure, passengers shall be kept informed of the situation and of the estimated departure time and estimated arrival time by the railway undertaking, tour operator or ticket vendor or by the station manager as soon as such information is available.
Amendment 431 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In the case of any delay as referred to in paragraph 1 of more than 6045 minutes, passengers shall also be offered free of charge:
Amendment 433 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time, if they are available on the train or in the station, or can reasonably be supplied taking into account criteria such as the distance from the supplier, the time required for delivery and the cost;
Amendment 438 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 18 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) if the train is blocked on the track, accessible transport from the train to the railway station, to the alternative departure point or to the final destination of the service, where and when physically possible.
Amendment 441 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. If the railway service cannot be continued anymore, railway undertakings shall organise as soon as possible alternative accessible transport services for passengers.
Amendment 445 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. Railway undertakings shall, at the request of the offer to certify for affected passenger, certifys on their ticket or by any other means that the rail service has suffered a delay, led to a missed connection or that it has been cancelled, as the case might be.
Amendment 451 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
6. In addition to the obligations on railway undertakings pursuant to Article 13a(3) of Directive 2012/34/EU, the station manager of a railway station handling at least 105 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall ensure that the operations of the station, the railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are coordinated through a proper contingency plan in order to prepare for the possibility of major disruption and long delays leading to a considerable number of passengers being stranded in the station. The plan shall pay particular attention to the needs of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility and shall ensure that stranded passengers are provided with adequate assistance and information, including in accessible formats in accordance with the accessibility requirements laid down in Directive XXX. The plan shall also include requirements for the accessibility of alert and information systems. Upon request, the station manager shall make the plan, and any amendments to it, available to the national enforcement body or to any other body designated by a Member State. Station managers of railway stations handling fewer than 105 000 passengers per day on average over a year shall make all reasonable efforts to coordinate station users and to assist and inform stranded passengers in such situations.;
Amendment 457 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 18 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Without prejudice to this Article or Articles 16 and 17, in the case of a missed connection due to the delay or cancellation of a train on an earlier leg of the journey or combined journey the passenger should be allowed to take the next service enabling them to reach their destination station in the most convenient reasonable manner.
Amendment 459 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Where a railway undertaking pays compensation or meets its other obligations in accordance with this Regulation, no provision of this Regulation or national law may be interpreted as restricting its right to seek compensation for costs from any person, including third parties, in accordance with the law applicable. In particular, this Regulation shall in no way restrict the railway undertaking’s right to seek reimbursement from a third party, with whom it has a contract and which contributed to the event which triggered compensation or other obligations. No provision of this Regulation may be interpreted as restricting the right of a third party, other than a passenger, with whom a railway undertaking has a contract, to seek reimbursement or compensation from the railway undertaking in accordance with applicable relevant laws.
Amendment 460 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Railway undertakings and station managers shall, with the active involvement of representative organisations of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, establish, or shall have in place, non- discriminatory access rules for the transport of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility including their personal assistants. The rules shall allow the passenger to be accompanied by an assistance dog service animal in accordance with any relevant national rules, and shall ensure that rail transport for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility is immediate and spontaneous wherever possible.
Amendment 475 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 2
Article 21 – paragraph 2
2. When a railway undertaking, ticket vendor or tour operator exercises the derogation provided for in Article 20(2), it shall upon request inform in writing the person with disabilities or person with reduced mobility concerned of its reasons for doing so within five working days of the refusal to make the reservation or to issue the ticket or the imposition of the condition of being accompanied. The railway undertaking, ticket vendor or tour operator shall make reasonable efforts to propose an alternative transport option to the person in question taking into account his or her accessibility needs.
Amendment 481 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1
Article 22 – paragraph 1
1. On departure from, transit through or arrival at, a staffed railway station of a person with disabilities or a person with reduced mobility, the station manager or the railway undertaking or both shall provide assistance free of charge in such a way that that person is able to board the departing service, or to disembark from the arriving service for which he or she purchased a ticket, without prejudice to the access rules referred to in Article 20(1). Any booking of assistance shall always be free of charge, irrespective of the method of communication used.
Amendment 498 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. AWithout prejudice to paragraph 3 of this Article, assistance shall be available in stations during all times when rail services operate.
Amendment 515 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) assistance shall be provided on condition that the railway undertaking, the station manager, the ticket vendor or the tour operator with which the ticket was purchased is notified of the person’s need for such assistance at least 48 hours before the assistance is neededupon booking the ticket or upon arrival at the station. Where a ticket or season ticket permits multiple journeys, one notification shall be sufficient provided that adequate information on the timing of subsequent journeys is provided. Such notifications shall be forwarded to all other railway undertakings and station managers involved in the person’s journey;
Amendment 527 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) assistance shall be provided on condition that the person with disabilities or person with reduced mobility presents him or herself at the designated point at a time stipulated by the railway undertaking or station manager providing such assistance. Any time stipulated shall not be more than 60 minutes before the published departure time or the time at which all passengers are asked to check in. If no time is stipulated by which the person with disabilities or person with reduced mobility is required to present him or herself, the person shall present him or herself at the designated point at least 30 minutes before the published departure time orthemselves at the designated point at the time at which all passengers are asked to check in.
Amendment 535 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 1
1. Where railway undertakings and station managers cause loss of, or damage to, wheelchairs, other mobility equipment or assistive devices and assistant dogservice animals used by persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, they shall be liable for and compensate that loss or damage.
Amendment 538 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. The compensation for loss or damage referred to in paragraph 1 shall be equal to the cost of replacement orpaid within one month of submission of a claim and be equal to the cost of replacement based on the actual value, or on the full costs of repair, of the equipment or devices lost or damawheelchair, equipment, devices lost or damaged or the loss or injury of the service animal. The compensation shall also include the cost of temporary replacement in case of repair, when those costs are borne by the passengedr.
Amendment 548 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that all personnelstaff, including those employed by any other performing party, providing direct assistance to persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility,receive disability-related training in order to know how to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and of persons with reduced mobility, including those with mental and intellectual impairments;
Amendment 551 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) provide training to raise awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities among all personnel working at the station who deal directly with the travelling publicstaff;
Amendment 560 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) ensure that, upon recruitment, all new employeesstaff receive disability-related training, and that personnel attend regular refresher training courses.ttend regular refresher training courses, and that advanced level or more specialised disability-related training is also provided where necessary;
Amendment 563 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) accept upon requestencourage actively the participation, in the training, of employeesstaff with disabilities, as well as passengers with disabilities and with reduced mobility, and/or organisations representing them.;
Amendment 567 #
2017/0237(COD)
(da) involve organisations representing persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility in the design and delivery of disability-related training;
Amendment 568 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Disability-related training courses mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) of this Article shall meet the specifications set out in Annex VI.
Amendment 577 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 1
Article 28 – paragraph 1
1. All railway undertakings, ticket vendors, station managers and infrastructure managers of stations handling more than 10 0500 passengers per day on average over a year shall each set up a complaint-handling mechanism for the rights and obligations covered in this Regulation in their respective field of responsibility. They shall make their contact details and working language(s) widely known to passengers.
Amendment 580 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
2. Passengers may submit a complaint to any railway undertaking, ticket vendor, railway stationstation manager or infrastructure manager involved. Complaints shall be submitted within six months of the incident that is the subject of the complaint. Within one month of receivsubmitting the complaint, the addressee shall either give a reasoned reply or, in justified cases, inform the passenger by what date within a period of less than three months from the date of receipt of the complaint a reply can be expected. Railway undertakings, ticket vendors, station managers and infrastructure managers shall keep the incident data necessary to assess the complaint for two years and make them available to national enforcement bodies upon request.
Amendment 581 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. Details of the complaint handling procedure shall be accessible to persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility. This information shall be made freely available in writing upon request in the domestic language of the railway undertaking.
Amendment 588 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. The national enforcement bodies shall closely monitor compliance with this Regulation and take the measures necessary to ensure that the rights of passengers are upheld. For this purpose, railway undertakings, station managers and infrastructure managers shall provide the bodies with relevant documents and information at their request without delay and in any event within one month. In carrying out their functions, the bodies shall take account of the information submitted to them by the body designated under Article 33 to handle complaints, if this is a different body. They may also decide on enforcement actions based on individual complaints transmitted by such a bodyMember States shall ensure that national enforcement and complaint handling bodies shall be given sufficient powers and resources for the adequate and effective enforcement of individual complaints from passengers under this Regulation.
Amendment 592 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 2
Article 32 – paragraph 2
2. The national enforcement bodies shall publish statistics on their activityeach year publish reports with statistics on their websites detailing the number and type of complaints that they have received, detailing the outcome of their enforcement actions, including onthe sanctions applied, every year, at the latest at the end of April of the following calendar year. that they have applied. This shall be done for each year by no later than the first day of April of the succeeding year. In addition, these reports shall be made available on the website of the European Union Agency for Railways.
Amendment 594 #
2017/0237(COD)
3a. The national enforcement bodies, in collaboration with organisations representative of persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility, shall conduct regular audits of the assistance services provided in accordance with this Regulation and publish the results in accessible formats.
Amendment 597 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the rights of consumers to seek alternative redress pursuant to Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council32, after having complained unsuccessfully to the railway undertaking, ticket vendor, station or infrastructure manager pursuant to Article 28, the passenger may complain to an enforcement body. Enforcement bodies shall inform complainants about their right to complain to alternative dispute resolution bodies to seek individual redress. Member States shall ensure that enforcement or complaint-handling bodies are recognised for the purposes of alternative redress schemes pursuant to Directive 2013/11/EU, and that where passengers seek alternative redress, the railway undertaking, ticket vendor, station or infrastructure manager concerned is required to participate and the outcome shall be binding on and effectively enforceable against them. _________________ 32 Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 14).
Amendment 602 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, and shall include, but not be limited to, a minimum fine or a percentage of the relevant undertaking or organisation’s annual turnover, whichever is the higher. Member States shall notify the Commission of those rules and measures and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendment affecting them.
Amendment 607 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – title
Annex II – title
MINIMUM INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY RAILWAY UNDERTAKINGS, TOUR OPERATORS AND TICKET VENDORS
Amendment 609 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part I – indent 1
Annex II – part I – indent 1
- General conditions applicable to the contract or contracts that form part of the journey or combined journey
Amendment 611 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part I – indent 2
Annex II – part I – indent 2
- Time schedules and conditions for the fastest trip and best connections
Amendment 614 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part I – indent 3
Annex II – part I – indent 3
- Time schedules and conditions for the lowest and all available fares
Amendment 615 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part I – indent 5
Annex II – part I – indent 5
- Access conditionarrangements for bicycles
Amendment 620 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part I – indent 8
Annex II – part I – indent 8
- Availability of on-board services, including wifi and toilets
Amendment 621 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part II – indent 1
Annex II – part II – indent 1
- On-board services, including wifi
Amendment 624 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 1
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 1
- percentage of delays of less than 6045 minutes;
Amendment 626 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 2
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 2
- percentage of delays of 60-1145-89 minutes;
Amendment 628 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 3
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 1 – point a – point iii – indent 3
- percentage of delays of 1290 minutes or more;
Amendment 630 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 2 – indent 1 – point vii
Annex III – part I – paragraph 2 – point 2 – indent 1 – point vii
(vii) provision of useful information throughout the journey, including in relation to wifi and other on-board services;
Amendment 631 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – part II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – indent 1 – point vii
Annex III – part II – paragraph 1 – point 4 – indent 1 – point vii
(vii) accessibility of station and station facilities. , including step-free access, escalators, elevators and luggage ramps.
Amendment 632 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1
Annex IV – paragraph 1
In complex cases such as cases involving multiple claims or a number of operators, cross-border travel or accidents on the territory of a Member State other than that which granted the undertaking’s licence, in particular where it is unclear which national enforcement body is competent, or where it would facilitate or accelerate the resolution of the complaint, national enforcement bodies shall cooperate to identify a ‘lead’ body, which shall serve as single point of contact for passengers. All national enforcement bodies involved shall cooperate to facilitate the resolution of the complaint (including by sharing information, assisting with the translation of documents and providing information on the circumstances of incidents). Passengers shall be informed which body is acting as ‘lead’ body. In addition, in all cases, national enforcement bodies shall in any event ensure compliance with Regulation 2017/2394/EU 1a of the European Parliament and of the Council. _________________ 1aRegulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004, OJ L 345, 27.12.2017.
Amendment 633 #
2017/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex V a (new)
Annex V a (new)
ANNEX Va DISABILITY-RELATED TRAINING SPECIFICATIONS (a) Disability-awareness training Training of all staff, including those employed by any other performing party, includes: - awareness of and appropriate responses to passengers with physical, sensory (hearing and visual), hidden or learning disabilities, including how to distinguish between the different abilities of persons whose mobility, orientation, or communication may be reduced, - barriers faced by disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility, including attitudinal, environmental/physical and organisational barriers, - service animals, including their role and needs, - dealing with unexpected occurrences, - interpersonal skills and methods of communication with deaf people and people with hearing impairments, people with visual impairments, people with speech impairments, and people with a learning disability, - how to handle wheelchairs and other mobility aids carefully so as to avoid damage (if any, for all staff who are responsible for luggage handling); (b) Disability-assistance training Training of all staff, including those employed by any other performing party, directly assisting disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility includes: - how to help wheelchair users make transfers into and out of a wheelchair, - skills for providing assistance to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility travelling with a service animal, including the role and the needs of these animals, - techniques for escorting visually impaired passengers and for the handling and carriage of service animals, - an understanding of the types of equipment which can assist disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility and a knowledge of how to handle such an equipment, - the use of boarding and alighting assistance equipment used and knowledge of the appropriate boarding and alighting assistance procedures that safeguard the safety and dignity of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility, - understanding of the need for reliable and professional assistance. Also awareness of the potential of certain disabled passengers to experience feelings of vulnerability during travel because of their dependence on the assistance provided, a knowledge of first aid.