2528 Amendments of Marie-Pierre VEDRENNE
Amendment 8 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the WTO was created to further the liberalisation of trade in goods and services, strengthen multilateralism and foster an fair, open, inclusive, rules- based and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, in order to improve the welfare of people around the world; whereas the overall objective of EU’s trade policy is to contribute to the harmonious development of world trade, the progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade and on foreign direct investment, and the lowering of customs and other barriers, as well as ensuring the welfare of people; whereas trade is vital and a key instrument for supporting and complementing efforts to advance sustainable growth and improve standards of living, ensuring full and better-quality employment and a large and steadily growing volume of real income in accordance with the objective of sustainable development;
Amendment 13 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. wWhereas a strong, open and inclusive multilateral trading system plays an essential role in reaching global goals on climate change and achieving net zero through, for example, the exchange of the goods and serv,services and practices, essential for clean- energy technologies and a circular economy;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the rules-based multilateral trading system is currently under a great deal of pressure, subject to geopolitical tensions andcaused by the decisions of WTO members using it for political purposes and the unilateral measures taken by them, as well as an unjustified reliance on General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) exceptions by some of its members, which is already resulting in a more fragmented and less predictable context for trade policy; whereas the outcome at MC12 proved that the WTO can still deliver multilateral agreements and respond to emergencies;
Amendment 23 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies agreed at MC12 is the first ever multilateral trade agreement with environmental sustainability at its core, addressing overcapacity and overfishing subsidies which represent more than half of all fisheries subsidies and prohibiting by establishing a binding set of global rules to curb the harmful subsidies provided by governments to the fishing sector, as mandated under SDG 14.6; whereas the agreement does not yet include disciplines on fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, on which negotiations are still ongoing and must be pursued;
Amendment 29 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas as of 11 December 2019, the WTO Appellate Body ceased to be operational, which brought to a standstill the functional, independent and impartial appellate stage; whereas at MC12, WTO members committed to conducting discussions with a view to having a fully and properly functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all WTO members by 2024, but this ambition is still blocked by the decisions of WTO members;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates its full commitment to the enduring value of multilateralism and underlines that a modernised multilateral system to govern trade is essential; calls for a trade agenda based on fair and rules- based trade for the benefit of all, which contributes to sustainable economic growth and prosperity, thereby strengthening peace and security; emphasises the importance of the SDGs, social, health, environmental and human rights and ensuring that multilaterally agreed and harmonised rules are applied by all;
Amendment 36 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Urges all WTO members to commit to a successful outcome of MC13; believes that MC13 should be the starting point for advancing and modernising the WTO to ensure it can play a role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century, including issues such as climate change and sustainability; urges all WTO members to step up their efforts to focus on tangible outcomes that show that the WTO can address current challenges; welcomes the guidance given by the Senior Officials’ Meeting on 22 and 23 October 2023; asks WTO members, in particular, to conclude the second phase of the multilateral agreement on fisheries subsidies and to overcome the remaining stumbling blocks in order to finally adopt a comprehensive package onf institutional reforms, including a decision that would lead to a fully functioning dispute settlement system;
Amendment 41 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that it is now a matter of urgency to proceed to a substantive reform of the WTO and that this should be reflected in the outcome of MC13; welcomes all the work that has been carried out in this regard since the last Ministerial Conference; calls on WTO members to adopt a comprehensive package reviewing the monitoring, negotiating, deliberative and dispute settlement functions of the WTO, in which due attention should also be given to the parliamentary dimension of the WTO, with a view to increasing the WTO’s effectiveness, inclusiveness, transparency, credibility and legitimacy;
Amendment 47 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges all WTO members which have not yet done so, to swiftly ratify the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, in order for the agreement to enter into force as soon as possible, for which ratification by two thirds of the membership is required; stresses the crucial importance of also reaching an agreement swiftly on disciplines on fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, in order to achieve ocean sustainability;
Amendment 58 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the need to reinvigorate discussions on State support for industrial sectors within the WTO, with a view to increasing transparency and adapting the WTO rulebook on subsidies in order to respond to contemporary challenges, to the unfair practices of certain WTO members, and effectively address negative spillover effects such as overcapacity; takes the view that MC13 should launch a time-limited work programme to allow for deliberation on State intervention in support of industrial sectors, in order to provide recommendations for MC14;
Amendment 60 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the need to make progress in the agriculture negotiations in order to obtain credible results on issues such as food sovereignty, public stockholding for food security purposes, domestic support, market access, cotton, export restrictions and export competition, and strengthening the agricultural sector to respond to contemporaryurrent challenges, including rural livelihofair incomes for farmers and rural populations environmental sustainability and fairer conditions of competition taking into account modes and environmental sustainabilityof production; highlights that the EU should advocate for higher sustainability criteria and engage with international partners to jointly develop the benchmarks and international standards for sustainable food systems, in accordance with WTO rules, working progressively towards achieving higher and ambitious standards in line with the objectives of the Green Deal;
Amendment 73 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the conclusion of the negotiations on the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement in order to create a more fair, transparent, efficient and predictable environment for facilitating cross-border investment and the participation of developing countries in global investment flows; supports the incorporation of this agreement into the WTO rulebook under Annex 4 on Plurilateral Trade Agreements, as established in Article X.9 of the WTO Agreement and considers that this can serve as a model for future plurilateral agreements;
Amendment 78 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the importance of regulating digital trade, as it currently accounts for 25 % of total trade, both at multilateral and plurilateral level; supports the efforts to find a fair and permanent solution for electronic transmissions related to the moratorium; welcomes and supports the broad membership, ambitious negotiating agenda and progress made to date in the WTO plurilateral negotiations on e-commerce; highlights the importance of the free flow of electronic transmissions, which are fundamental to digital trade and reduce trading costs, increase consumer welfare as well as export competitiveness, and bring significant benefits, particularly to SMEs and developing countries; recalls its position that a potential agreement needs to guarantee a fair market access for e- commerce-related goods and services in third countries, as well as the protection of consumer and labour rights, and facilitate business innovation; stresses that a potential agreement on e-commerce needs to comply with existing as well as future EU legislation related to data flows, data localisation and source code, and that it guarantees sufficient policy space to regulate the digital realm; calls on all partners to fully engage in and support efforts to conclude negotiations by MC13;
Amendment 82 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls the WTO’s commitment to MSMEs and recalls that MSMEs account for a substantial part of the global economy and have untapped potential in global value chains; urges members to continue to identify solutions that would help MSMEs increase their participation in world trade, while taking into account their specific needs of developing countries;
Amendment 87 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that the outcome of MC13 should provide an action-based agenda for trade policy supporting the 2030 SDGs and the Paris Agreement; strongly encourages WTO Members to consider all possible measures to contribute to limiting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the UNFCCC , reinforce alignment with the Paris Agreement and climate neutrality, and enhance cooperation in the WTO on measures adopted domestically; welcomes the constructive discussions carried out in the framework of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD); emphasises the need to advance the discussion on goods and services that help address environmental and climate challenges; urges the EU to raise awareness about its sustainability legislation such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and deforestation, and explain the motivations behind it to make sure it is recognised as a genuine attempt to make trade more sustainable and that it is not discriminatory;
Amendment 91 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on WTO members to ensure democratic legitimacy and transparency by strengthening the parliamentary dimension of the WTO and the parliamentary conference; emphasisecommends the importance of thet work of the joint European Parliament and Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Parliamentary Conference on the WTO; stresses the need to ensure that parliamentarians have better access to all trade negotiations and are involved in the formulation and implementation of WTO decisions;
Amendment 94 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on WTO members to enhance the exchange with all stakeholders, including civil society and business organisations, and to step up cooperation with other international organisations such as the International Labour Organization and more broadly the UN system; expects leaders to communicate more at differentevery levels about the benefits of rules-based trade;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2868(RSP)
Draft motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and the IPU.
Amendment 21 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas according to the OECD the risk of downward mobility among lower middle-income households has risen in the last two decades and is expected to continue;1a __________________ 1a OECD (2018), A Broken Social Elevator? How to Promote Social Mobility, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264301085 -en.
Amendment 24 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the social economy is a key driver for the implementation of the EPSR and can actively contribute to achieving the headline targets by 2030;
Amendment 31 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Recital E
E. whereas according to the European working conditions telephone survey carried out by Eurofound, the target of 60 % in training courses (paid for by the employer) was not reached in any Member State in 2021; whereas the data also shows that those most in need of training (young people, those with lower levels of educational attainment and those in low- skilled occupations) benefited the least;
Amendment 38 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates the importance of the conclusions of the 2021 Porto Social Summit, which underline that w; recalls as well the are still living in unprecedented times; notes that COVID-19 and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine on our doorstep resulted in the cost of living and energy crises, which are hitting the most vulnerable groups in our society the hardest, leading to increasing inequalities; reiterates the importance of the EPSR as a guiding compass to a more social Europe; stresses, however, that the resultinglevance of the Porto Social Commitment which states that all necessary resources ought to be mobilised to strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy, based on sustainable and inclusive growth, decent work and social justice; reiterates the importance of the EPSR as a guiding compass to a more social Europe; stresses that implementing the principles and action plan of the EPSR are necessary steps to achieve the headline targets for 2030 set out by the Commission and endorsed by the Council on employment, skills and poverty are insufficient to ensure its full implementation; stresse; highlights that the EPSR is a powerful tool to ensure that the European project can act as a powerful shield protecting the health, safety and living conditions of its people and can move towards increased social convergence;
Amendment 46 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Council to take measures to mitigate the impact of the cost of living criseis on Member State labour markets in order to keep employment rates high; calls therefore on the Commission, the Member States and EU social partners to commit to reaching collective bargaining coverage of at least 80 % by 2030, with a view to improving living and working conditions in the EU, which will contribute to and boosting the uptake of upskilling and reskilling programmes, which will contribute to well-being at work, increased labour force’s competitiveness, upward social convergence and, reduceing in-work poverty, social exclusion and wage inequality and limiting the problem of brain drain affecting many regions across the EU;
Amendment 92 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to consider a directive on adequate minimum income in order to ensure the reintegration of people absent from the labour market, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity, the specificities of national social protection systems and the competences of the Member States; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to presenting a proposal, by the end of 2023, on the creation of an EU disability card to be recognised in all Member States; welcomes the ongoing negotiations of the social partners on the right to disconnect, with a view to putting forward a legally binding agreement implemented via a directive; calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal for a European social security pass to provide national authorities, such as labour and social security inspectorates, and social partners involved in labour and social security inspections with a real-time instrument to effectively enforce national and EU law, limit unfair competition and promote fair labour mobility across the EU;
Amendment 95 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to use social innovation as a key driver for addressing socio- economic challenges, not least by boosting the support to social entrepreneurs and further promoting the social economy sector and urges them to take into account the recommendations of its Resolution on the EU action plan for the social economy1 in the upcoming Council Recommendation on developing a social economy framework; _____________________ 1 P9_TA(2022)0288
Amendment 100 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that principle 11 on childcare and support to children requires further action; urgently reminds the Commission and the Member States about Parliament’s repeated call to urgently allocate more funding to the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion; to break the generational cycle of poverty and boost social mobility; believes that all children under the age of 3 should have access to affordable, quality, full-day early childhood education and care services to foster early childhood development; welcomes the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU’s recommendation for Member States to provide capacitating services for vulnerable families with children to prevent child poverty6a; urgently reminds the Commission and the Member States of their commitment to reduce child poverty by at least 5 million compared to 2019 and of Parliament’s repeated call to urgently allocate more funding to the European Child Guarantee, with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion; calls on all Member States to ensure that their national action plans are effectively implemented and respond to the key principles of the Council Recommendation 2021/1004 establishing a European Child Guarantee; __________________ 6a High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU, final report, January 2023, European Commission.
Amendment 103 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines that Member States should continue the roll-out of the reinforced Youth Guarantee and should provide an adequate allowance for youth from low-income families that enables them to continue their training and studies after compulsory schooling;7a __________________ 7a High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU, final report, January 2023, European Commission.
Amendment 106 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 8
8. Warns that, for the correct implementation of principle 12, adequate social protection needs to be expanded in order to covertake account of the risks associated with the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups, as well as the social consequences of the transformation of our societies towards climate neutrality; calls on the Commission and Member States to propose an European Action Plan for Social Protection that will take into account the risks of social exclusion due to climate change and environmental decline and that will contain concrete proposals for mitigating the green wave and social and labour transformation ensuing from it, leaving no-one behind and protecting those who are more vulnerable from these changes or who live in regions that are most at risk; calls on the Member States to build upon the Social Climate Fund and lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes at national level with EU support;
Amendment 113 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 115 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that, according to principle 19, access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality should be provided for those in need; urges the Commission to develop an ambitious action plan to achieve accessible and green social housing to meet the housing needs of all EU citizens, to put an end to energy poverty and to progressively eradicate homelessness by 2030; reiterates its call to adopt a Housing First principle to foster access to housing, and notes that said housing should be based on ‘universal design’ principles to ensure accessibility;
Amendment 130 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 10
10. Expresses its concern about the lack of access to essential services (principle 20), which have come under additional stress; urges the Commission to present a revision of the services of general and economic interestnational, regional and local authorities to better tap into the potential of the specific provisions for services of general economic interest in the EU State aid regulation; calls on the Commission to assess if stronger social provision in such regulation is necessary to improve the access to essential services;
Amendment 141 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its call that, in the light of the framework of the Green Deal industrial plan, EU funding, including State aid, should be conditional on public policy objectives, in particular social requirements, in order to offer high-quality jobs, promote collective bargaining, respect EU labour rights and standards and ensure improved working conditions; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enforce the social clause in the existing Directive on public procurement7 and to revise the directivepossibly consider a revision of the directive, based on a comprehensive analysis on which social rights are not respected, in order to further strengthen social clauses in public contracts to require economic operators and subcontractors to fully respect the right of workers, including the right to collective bargaining, to account for the recently adopted Directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU; __________________ 7 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65.
Amendment 156 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that, in order to make a fair and social Europe a reality and to ensure the highest levels of social protection in the green and digital transitions, it is necessary to ensure a sustainable, fair and inclusive Europe where social rights are fully protected and safeguarded to at least the same level as economic and environmental standards; stresses the need to take steps to reinforce the role of the EPSR to ensure the equal treatment of at social aspects are put on an equal footing withe economic, and environmental and social standardones and to ensure that social standards and social rights in Europe are placed at the centre of the EU’s forthcoming political practiccies and that social convergence is one of the EU’s top political priorities; notes that, consequently, social investment, including investment in human capital, will be needed for the implementation of the EPSR in upcoming funding initiatives and the revision of the multiannual financial framework;
Amendment 159 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls on the Commission to lead the work on a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons to codify the rights of older persons in a single document, with a view to protecting these populations and combating against ageism and discrimination;
Amendment 161 #
2023/2586(RSP)
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to present a governance framework to anticipate and manage changes related to the green and digital transitions in the world of work, focusing first on the importance of safeguarding jobaccompanying workers through labour market transformations, especially in the event of job losses, including access to adequate training, and second, on the involvement of social partners in decision- making processes; reiterates its call on the Commission to propose a directive to regulate teleworking conditions across the EU and ensure decent working and employment conditions ;
Amendment 7 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that China was the seventh biggest investor in the EU in 2021 and that Chinese investments in Europe continued to decline in 2022, reaching a 10-year low of EUR 7.9 billion, following a different pattern than the global recovery in FDI flows seen in 2021;
Amendment 9 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights that according to an Evaluation from the European Union Court of Auditors, Chinese investments in the EU have been concentrated during 2000-2020 in strategic areas such as transport and infrastructure, information and communication technologies, and energy;
Amendment 10 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Points out that the political system in China provides for investors based on a combination of private and state actors or of state-owned enterprises, closely linked to the ruling party, and therefore brings ambiguity regarding the interest behind their investments in third countries’ critical infrastructure;
Amendment 12 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is nevertheless convinced that the trade and investment relationship between the EU and China isare of strategeconomic importance and should bethat these should be reciprocal and rules- based, with the multilateral trading system and the principle of reciprocity at its cobe it on a bilateral level or under the multilateral trading system; regrets that this is not the case today and believes that the enlarged EU trade toolbox with autonomous measures such as the FDI screening, the International Procurement and the Foreign Subsidies Instruments, the Enforcement as well as the Anti- Coercion regulations, are of major importance when it comes to foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure;
Amendment 19 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that trade and investment are key drivers of sustainable growth, job creation and, innovation and that the EU should therefore maintain its economic openness 1 ; Meanwhile the European Union must strike a balance between investment attractiveness and the defence of its critical infrastructures and at the same time its autonomy; in this sense welcomes the new de-risking strategy in the Commission’s and the High Representative’s Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy in June 2023; _________________ 1 Commission communication of 18 February 2021 entitled ‘Trade Policy Review – An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy’ (COM(2021)0066).
Amendment 38 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s proposed European economic security strategy2 , which aims to maximise the benefits of the EU’s economic openness while minimising the risks resulting from economic interdependencies; and to protect, promote and strengthen the European open autonomy strategy;. Approves of the fact that the strategy explicitly recognises that risks to the physical and cyber security of critical infrastructure are key security vulnerabilities for European economies; _________________ 2 Joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020).
Amendment 44 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Raises concerns over the fact that Chinese investment in critical infrastructure in third countries may lead to gaining control in or over some sectors, which in turn could facilitate espionage and control of access; believes in this respect that cooperation between EU Member States is key, in ensuring security and public order when it comes to foreign direct investments into the EU but also in order to ensure incentives for Union wide strategic cooperation that makes configurations like the 14+1 less attractive ;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2072(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments3 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from outside the EU; notes that critical infrastructure is among the factors that may be taken into consideration by the Member States or the Commission in determining whether an investment is likely to affect security or public order.; expresses strong concerns that all Member States do not have in place or use screening on foreign investment in critical infrastructure and believes that there is scope and need for strengthening the Regulation in its upcoming review at the end of the year; _________________ 3 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 1 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 entitled ‘A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020) 152 final),
Amendment 2 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the EU-Angola Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA),
Amendment 3 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
– having regard to the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement,
Amendment 46 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that regional integration is hampered by long waiting times at border crossings, high border costs and inadequate cross-border connectivity; calls on the Commission and the SADC EPA States to increase cooperation in infrastructure, digital trade and certification, including under the Global Gateway Initiative;
Amendment 55 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that no agreement has yet been reached on diagonal cumulation; rRecalls that the introduction of flexible rules of origin is essential for achieving regional integration objectives; stresses that rules of origin must promote the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Concludes that the EPA has not succeeded in deepening regional value chains in and between SADC EPA States to any significant extent; does not consider the EPA to have substantially contributed to the promotion of food sovereignty and poverty reduction in the SADC EPA States; recalls that the objective of EPAs is to create positive effects on economic development and regional integration;
Amendment 68 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Underlines the wish to leave sufficient policy space for SADC EPA States to create local added value; believes that the EU should actively support the SADC EPA States in their efforts to move up the value chain;
Amendment 107 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 9 a (new)
Subheading 9 a (new)
Amendment 110 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the SADC EPA States to strengthen cooperation through formal forums in order to ensure a diversified and sustainable supply of key raw materials for the green and, digital, and just transformaition, improve recycling of natural resources and promote responsible mining practices; is convinced that raw materials extraction needs to occur with respect for environmental standards, labour and human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples; calls for the continuous and broad participation of all relevant stakeholders, including local and indigenous communities;
Amendment 116 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10 a (new)
Subheading 10 a (new)
Review 17a. Calls on the parties to review the SADC EPA in order to introduce strong provisions on trade and gender equality, sustainable development, climate change, and the rights of indigenous peoples, among others, similar to the EU-Angola SIFA, the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, and other EU agreements, and in line with the Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the European Green Deal; Recalls that the present agreement primarily focuses on trade in goods and does not address trade in services, investment, or other issues such as intellectual property rights, competition, and public procurement; invites the parties to consider these issues in the future reviews, since there is a provision for negotiating on these matters in the future;
Amendment 121 #
2023/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the initial EU policy in connection with the demand by, inter alia, India and South Africa for the removal of patent protection for COVID vaccines has led to considerable disagreement with South Africa; stresses that this form of cooperation does not meet the requirements of an equal partnership; calls for the EU and its Member States to work towards an agreement to extend the waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics; calls for stronger equal cooperation with the SADC EPA States;
Amendment 6 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Hu Jintao reported to the 18th National Congress of the CCP a national goal of building China into a maritime great power;
Amendment 18 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that an open, sustainable and assertive EU trade policy, coupled with ambitiousfree and fair trade agreements, would strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of European ports; reminds, however, that the European Union needs to strike a balance between attracting foreign investments and defending its critical infrastructure, including the integrity of its ports;
Amendment 33 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the implementation of recent or pending EU legislation, including in the field of trade, will requires effective enforcement by the Union and its Member States, as well as investment and training for port operators and authorities;
Amendment 42 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that in certain cases foreign trade and investment can cause security vulnerabilities, in particular with regard to foreign ownership, control or access to EU critical infrastructure, including European ports. Notes,in this regard the special nature of some ports, which do not only provide logistical infrastructure but also contribute to the European defence system;
Amendment 45 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that Chinese state companies have sought to acquire majority or controlling stakes in a number of European ports as part of, currently estimated to include total or partial control of 14 ports in the European Union and 10% of European shipping activities; warns that this is not only done in simple economic interests, but these investments are also part of the Chinese government’s so called “international ocean governance”, translated into politics such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which is a strategy aiming to gain influence over key European naval infrastructure and a distinct matter of economic security of considerable importance in the current context of geopolitical competition; is convinced that the EU-China bilateral trade and investment relationship is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the principle of reciprocity at its core, and with clear European control of its critical infrastructure;
Amendment 62 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the regulation on the screening of foreign direct investments2 addresses risks to security and public order resulting from investments from third countries, including those concerning European ports; believes that the review of this regulation should look closely into loopholes and access to critical European infrastructure, stemming from the fragmented use and implementation of screening mechanisms across Member States, as well as how the regulation can be strengthened to serve its purpose; _________________ 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/452 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the Union (OJ L 79I, 21.3.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 64 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises the considerable role that the Global Gateway could play in strengthening the network of European ports with third countries, facilitating trade and expanding investment opportunities; stresses in this context that this strategy must also contribute to the strengthening of the partner countries, and in particular of their independence in terms of critical strategic infrastructure to prevent them falling under the control of foreign investors with ambiguous goals.
Amendment 77 #
2023/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Highlights the important toolbox of autonomous legislative instruments to the disposal of the European Union and its Member States to ensure the integrity of its ports.
Amendment 9 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the CETA Joint Committee Recommendations on Trade and Climate, Trade and Gender and Trade and SMEs,
Amendment 10 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 b (new)
Citation 4 b (new)
– having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 entitled ‘A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020) 152 final),
Amendment 11 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 c (new)
Citation 4 c (new)
– having regard to the EU-Canada strategic partnership on raw materials,
Amendment 15 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 23 June 2022 on the future of EU international investment policy (2021/2176(INI)),
Amendment 56 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that CETA relies on a fair and predictable rules- and values- based relationship which promotes a more secure and stable economic environment between the trading partners, which is particularly important in the context of heightened geopolitical uncertainties, built on the principles of sustainable development and respect for human rights and labour and environmental standards; considers that such predictability fosters economic growth, the exchange of goods, the provision of services, participation in public procurement, the attractiveness of investment, quality employment, the creation of more and better-paid jobs, and improved working conditions and living standards;
Amendment 63 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of labour mobility facilitation granted under CETA as it helps ensure an adequate skills transfer between the EU and Canada and avoid shortages of qualified labour; welcomes in this regard the successful conclusion in 2022 of the first Mutual Recognition Agreement under CETA for architects’ qualifications; takes the view that the EU Blue Card could further facilitate exchanges between two developedcompetitive economies with a highly educated population; underlines that exchange programmes between the EU and Canadian academic institutions can further contribute to necessary labour mobility in the long run;
Amendment 67 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Welcomes the EU-Canada strategic partnership on raw materials; stresses that cooperation on access to critical raw materials is essential in the current geopolitical landscape, as well as for the green and just transition, and constitutes an important element of the European economic security strategy; is convinced that raw materials extraction needs to occur with respect for environmental standards, labour and human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples;
Amendment 89 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the adoption of the recommendation on Trade and Gender by the CETA Joint Committee as early as 2018, which includes a commitment to share methods and procedures for the collection of gender disaggregated data, the use of indicators, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and the analysis of gender-focused statistics related to trade; underlines that trade should benefit all, and specifically strengthen women’s economic empowerment; strongly encourages the CETA Joint Committee to continue monitoring the impacts of the Agreement on gender; takes the view that the work carried out under the jointly adopted action plan can serve as an example for other trade agreements, even when there are no dedicated chapters on trade and gender in the agreement itself; encourages the Commission to publish more easily accessible gender disaggregated data on the usage of the agreement;
Amendment 93 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that CETA provides a framework that fosters both trade and climate action by including commitments to cooperate on trade-related environmental issues of common interest such as climate change, as demonstrated by the recommendation on trade, climate action and the Paris Agreement; welcomes the growth of the environmental goods trade by 27 % since provisional application started; underlines the importance of Canadian-based global power production accelerating the clean energy transition by producing energy from renewable resources;
Amendment 100 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the active involvement and monitoring of CETA implementation by the domestic advisory groups (DAGs) and the Civil Society Forum, gathering hundreds of representatives from across the EU and Canada, including businesses, environmental and labour organisations, civil society, academia as well as indigenous people’s’ representatives from Canada, and actively contributing to the work of in particular the Trade and Sustainable Development Committee through their joint statements;
Amendment 109 #
2023/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the parties to review CETA in order to introduce a suitable and effective dispute settlement mechanism, including the consideration of, among various enforcement methods, sanctions as a deterrent to be used, as a last resort, in the case of serious breaches; highlights its wish to institutionalise the ongoing cooperation on Trade and Gender in this review; stresses that this review should also introduce specific strong provisions on the rights of indigenous peoples, including ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as is standard practice in other EU trade agreements; underlines the inclusion of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as an essential element of the agreement in the context of the review of the TSD provisions;
Amendment 77 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) According to the Court of Justice of the European Union, citizenship of the Union is destined to be the fundamental status of nationals of the Member States when exercising the right to move and reside within the territory of the Member States, enabling those who find themselves in the same situation to enjoy, within the scope ratione materiae of the TFEU, the same treatment in law irrespective of their nationality, subject to such exceptions as are expressly provided for. The right to free movement should also apply to third country nationals who have legal residence in a Member State of the European Union and a recognised disability in that Member State, in the interest of equal treatment. Therefore, this Directive is to be complemented by a separate legal act which will bridge the legal gap between EU citizens and legally residing third country nationals in this regard. This will provide for more legal certainty not least for third country nationals women and girls with disabilities who have legal residence in the European Union.
Amendment 78 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The Union is a Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)39 , and is bound by its provisions which are an integral part of the Union legal order to the extent of its competences. All the Member States are Parties to the UNCRPD and are bound by it also to the extent of their competences. _________________ While the Union and all its Member States are bound by the UNCRPD there are significant differences in its implementation3a. There is a need to progress on equality for persons with disabilities both for the Union itself as well as in all Member States, for example through investments in infrastruture, capacity buidiling, training and awareness raising campaigns. The Union and all Member States should further ratify the Optional Protocol of the UNCRPD. _________________ 3a https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/ implementing-un-convention-rights- persons-disabilities-human-rights- indicators 39 Council Decision 2010/48/EC of 26 November 2009 concerning the conclusion, by the European Community, of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, OJ L 23, 27.1.2010, p. 35.
Amendment 103 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13 a (new)
Recital 13 a (new)
(13 a) Impediments to the fundamental right of free movement is exacerbated for women and girls with disabilities who are confronted with intersectional discrimination in all areas of life, not least in education and employment. For example, 20 % of women with disabilities are in full-time employment, compared to 29% of men with disabilities and 48% of women without disabilities. 22% of women with disabilities are at risk of poverty, compared to 20% of men with disabilities and 16% of women without disabilities. 17% of women with disabilities graduate tertiary education, compared to 18% of men with disabilities and 32% of women without disabilities. 11% of women with disabilities have unmet needs for medical examination, compared to 10% of men with disabilities and 3% of women without disabilities.47a The difference is particularly noticeable in rural areas where access to services and opportunities in general is much more limited compared to urban areas. Therefore the European Disability Card must have a clearer gender equality perspective and contribute to improving the free movement especially for women and girls with disabilities, for example when they move to another Member State for work or study and are reassessed by the new Member State. It is crucial that the vulnerable situation for women and girls with disabilities is not exacerbated further but rather, that they are encouraged to exercise their freedom of movement and protected when they do in order to ensure their free movement and economic independence. _________________ 47a Intersecting inequalities in the European Union in the 2023 Gender Equality Index https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality- index/2022/domain/intersecting- inequalities/disability/work
Amendment 141 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25 a (new)
Recital 25 a (new)
(25 a) Experience shows that when presenting a European Disability Card or similar national recgnition of disability, due to a lack of awareness, misunderstandings or communication barriers persons with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities, do not always receive the most relevant support and accomodation for their disability. Member States should therefore provide the option to persons with disabilities, when applying for the card to the relevant authorities, to choose to display relevant symbol(s) on the card in order to indicate their assistance requirements.
Amendment 160 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In order to raise awareness and facilitate access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities, while travelling to or visiting another Member State, all relevant information with respect to the conditions, rules, practices, and procedures applicable to obtain the European Disability Card and/or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and its subsequent use should be made publicly available by Member States in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly manner and accessible formats for persons with disabilities , including in digital formats, national sign languages and easy to read format, and upon request in assistive formats requested by persons with disabilities respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882. Private operators or public authorities granting special conditions or preferential treatment to persons with disabilities should make such information publicly available in a clear, comprehensive, user- friendly manner and accessible formats, for persons with disabilities, respecting the relevant accessibility requirements for services established in Annex I to Directive (EU) 2019/882.
Amendment 164 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31 a (new)
Recital 31 a (new)
(31 a) In order to increase the number of service providers who offer special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities, Member States should support and encourage private operators and public authorities through relevant measures including through providing information and exchanges of best practice on the different types of special conditions or preferential treatment which could be offered as well as the provision of training on disability mainstreaming and disability awareness to ensure the special conditions or preferential treatment offered is done so in an inclusive and accessible way. For example such training could address the accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities, requirements of persons with different disabilities concerning communication, respectful and safe management of equipment, use of assistive augmentative communication (AAC) and how to provide and publicise any offer of special conditions or preferential treatments in an accessibly visible way. Member States should ensure all such measures are carried out in partnership with persons with disabilities and their representative organisation to ensure they are inclusive and effectives.
Amendment 168 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Member States should take all the necessary steps to avoid any risk of forgery or fraud when issuing the European Disability Card or the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities and should actively combat fraudulent use and forgery of these cards. Member States should ensure that any measures taken to combat forgery or fraud ensure due regard and consideration to the rights of persons with disabilities and should not result in any interference with their legitimate interests in using either card or lead in any way to their stigmatisation. Member States should assess the impact of any measures on persons with disabilities and consult them and their representative organisations in the measures’ design and implementation.
Amendment 175 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Member States should ensure that adequate and effective means exist to ensure compliance with this Directive and should therefore establish appropriate remedies, including checks on compliance and administrative and judicial procedures, to guarantee that persons with disabilities, person(s) accompanying or assisting them including personal assistant(s), as well as public bodies such as equality bodies or private associations, organisations in particular representative organisations of persons with disabilities or other legal entities which have a legitimate interest may take action on behalf of a person with disabilities under national law. Persons with disabilities should further have a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in case of infringements of their rights arising from this Directive. Member States should ensure these provisions comply with the principle of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in their design and implementation in line with the UNCRPD.
Amendment 234 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) “Reasonable accommodation” means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rights provided under this Directive;
Amendment 342 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. The Commission shall establish a publicly available Union database that contains relevant information related to the applicable parking conditions and facilities as defined at local, regional, or national level in each Member State. The database shall be available in all EU languages and the national sign languages of Member States as well as in accessible formats. Member States shall ensure public authorities upload this information to the database and update it where necessary.
Amendment 417 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that private operators or public authorities make information on any special conditions or preferential treatment pursuant to Article 5 publicly available in accessible formats clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way and in accessible formats. Member States shall establish a single dedicated website collating the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by their public authorities. Member States may also facilitate information concerning the special conditions or preferential treatment offered by private operators on the website where available. The website shall be in the official language(s) of the Member States, national sign language and English as well as any other relevant language(s) as determined by the Member State.
Amendment 421 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall support and encourage private operators or public authorities to voluntarily provide special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities in as wide a range of services, other activities and facilities as possible. In particular Member States shall support and encourage private operators and public authorities through, inter alia, the provision of information and exchange of best practices on possible special conditions or preferential treatment to be offered and the provision of disability- mainstreaming and awareness training so as to ensure the relevance, effectiveness and inclusivity of any special conditions or preferential treatment offered. Member States shall ensure all such measures are carried out in partnership with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.
Amendment 425 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. The information referred to in paragraph 1 of this article shall be made available free of charge in a clear, comprehensive, user-friendly and easily accessible way, including through the private operators or public authorities’ official website where available, or by other suitable means, in accordance with the relevant accessibility requirements for services set in Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882 without exceeding a level of complexity superior to level B1 (intermediate) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, including in the national sign language(s).
Amendment 432 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. The report shall address, inter alia, in the light of social, economic and other relevant developments the use of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card for persons with disabilities with a view to assessing the need to review this Directive. The report shall include a gender equality analysis of how the provisions of this Directive have impacted the free movement of women and girls with disabilities. The report shall also evaluate the effectiveness of the incentivizing measures provided by Member States to service providers.
Amendment 451 #
2023/0311(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Annex I – paragraph 2
Annex I – paragraph 2
BACK SIDE National information in the national language or national languages to be decided by the issuing Member State. Member States shall provide the option to persons with disabilities, when applying for the card to the relevant authorities, to display relevant symbol(s) on the card in order to indicate their required reasonable accommodation.
Amendment 32 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Chile is one of the world’s most open economies and depends strongly on international trade; whereas Chile has one of Latin America’s most prosperous economies, while socio-economic inequality remains high;
Amendment 33 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas Chile has some of the best natural conditions worldwide for the production of green hydrogen; whereas the Chilean government has adopted an ambitious green hydrogen strategy that envisages Chile to become one of the world’s top green hydrogen producers;
Amendment 34 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas Chile is the world’s second-largest producer of lithium and accounts for the largest lithium reserves worldwide; whereas Chile is already the largest supplier of lithium to the EU by far; whereas Chile is also the world’s top producer of copper; whereas the Chilean government has adopted an ambitious lithium strategy aimed at increasing Chile’s lithium production;
Amendment 44 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas the Council for the first time made public the entire negotiating directives for an association agreement covering political and trade matters, thereby responding to calls for greater transparency and better communication of the content and objectives of the negotiations;
Amendment 85 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Commends the ambitious and comprehensive nature of the trade and investment pillar of the AFA, which delivers on the priorities set out in the European Parliament’s resolution of September 2017;
Amendment 112 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Emphasises that the provisions on investment liberalisation and investment protection will further boost investment in both directions by guaranteeing that investors from both sides will be granted fair and non-discriminatory treatment; stresses that these provisions are fully aligned with the EU’s reformed approach on investment protection, which aims to ensure a proper balance between the protection of investments and governments’ right to regulate in the public interest; recalls that a joint interpretative statement confirms the parties’ understanding that the investment protection provisions shall be interpreted and applied taking due consideration of their commitments under the Paris Agreement and clarifies that investors should expect that the EU and Chile will adopt measures to combat climate change; notes that the dispute settlement procedures established by the agreement follow the EU’s Investment Court System, with a permanent, independent and impartial tribunal and an appeal tribunal;
Amendment 121 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Highlights that the Agreement preserves the right of governments to regulate in the public interest, for example in order to protect public health, consumers or the environment; underlines that the agreement guarantees the right of public authorities to maintain public services such as education, healthcare and water, or to re-nationalise privately provided services;
Amendment 141 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the fact that the chapter on trade and sustainable development (TSD) contains ambitious and binding commitments on environmental and labour standards; notes that in their joint statement on trade and sustainable development attached to the Agreement, the EU and Chile commit to reviewing the Agreement’s TSD provisions upon its entry into forceregrets, however, that the agreement does not yet fully reflect the EU’s new TSD approach, including the possibility of applying trade sanctions as a measure of last resort in cases of failure to comply with the Paris Agreement or the ILO fundamental principles and rights at work; notes that in their joint statement on trade and sustainable development attached to the Agreement, the EU and Chile commit to reviewing the Agreement’s TSD provisions upon its entry into force; notes that the statement mentions the possibility of adding provisions to enhance the enforcement mechanism of the TSD chapter, ‘including the possibility to apply a compliance phase, and relevant countermeasures as last resort’; expects the review to be carried out within the timeline set out by the joint statement; calls on the Commission to keep the European Parliament closely involved throughout the review process, in line with its obligations pursuant to Article 218(10) TFEU, and to take utmost account of possible comments by the European Parliament;
Amendment 156 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Recalls that the AFA will require ratification at both EU and Member State level, whereas the Interim Agreement on Trade, which contains only the trade and investment elements falling within the EU’s exclusive competence, will enter into force upon its ratification by the European Parliament and the Council; takes the view that this pragmatic approach fully respects the distribution of competences between the EU and its Member States and allows for a swift ratification of the parts falling under the EU’s exclusive competence, while maintaining the comprehensive nature of the agreement;
Amendment 157 #
2023/0260R(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Highlights that the splitting of the agreement to speed up the ratification process should not create a precedent for future agreements negotiated by the European Union;
Amendment 13 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce. However, labour and skills shortages have increased in all sectors including those considered key for the green and digital transition and endanger the rise of key technologies, also in the context of demographic change. Therefore, it is necessary to address the root causes of such shortages and boost the activation of more people to the labour market relevant for strategic sectors, in particular through the creation of quality jobs and apprenticeships for young, disadvantaged persons, in particular, young people not in employment, education or training. At the same time, it is necessary to increase the attractiveness of technical careers, especially among women. Such support will complement a number of other actions aimed at meeting the skills needs stemming from the transition, outlined in the EU Skills Agenda.45 __________________ 45 Communication on a European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience, COM(2020) 274 final.
Amendment 22 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) A Sovereignty Seal should be awarded to projects contributing to the two STEP objectives, provided that the project has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe programme,50 the EU4Health programme,51 the European Defence Fund or the Innovation Fund, and regardless of whether the project has received funding under those instruments. These minimum quality requirements will be established with a view to identify high quality projects. This Seal should be used as a quality label, to help projects attract public and private investments by certifying its contribution to the STEP objectives. Moreover, the Seal will promote better access to EU funding, notably by facilitating cumulative or combined funding from several Union instruments. __________________ 50 Regulation (EU) 2021/694 establishing the Digital Europe Programme (OJ L 166, 11.5.2021, p. 1). 51 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health, EU4Health Programme (OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1).
Amendment 29 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to help accelerate investments and provide immediate liquidity for investments supporting the STEP objectives under the ERDF, the ESF+59 and the JTF, an additional amount of exceptional pre-financing should be provided in the form of a one-off payment with respect to the priorities dedicated to investments supporting the STEP objectives. The additional pre-financing should apply to the whole of the JTF allocation given the need to accelerate its implementation and the strong links of the JTF to support Member States towards the STEP objectives. The rules applying for those amounts of exceptional pre-financing should be consistent with the rules applicable to pre-financing set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060. Moreover, to further incentivise the uptake of such investments and ensure its faster implementation, the possibility for an increased EU financing rate of 100% for the STEP priorities should be available. When implementing the new STEP objectives, managing authorities are encouraged toshould apply certain social criteria or promote social positive outcomes, such as creating apprenticeships and jobs for young disadvantaged persons, in particular young persons not in employment, education or training, applying the social award criteria in the Directives on public procurement when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement, and paying the applicable wages as agreed through collective bargaining. __________________ 59 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21).
Amendment 35 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. To strengthen European sovereignty and security, accelerate the Union’s green and digital transitions and enhance its competitiveness, reduce its strategic dependencies, favour a level playing field in the Single Market for investments throughout the Union, and promote inclusive access to training and attractive, quality jobs, the Platform shall pursue the following objectives:
Amendment 36 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – introductory part
(a) supporting the development or manufacturing throughout the Union, or safeguarding and strengthening the respective value chains, of critical technologies in the following fields:
Amendment 37 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) clean technologies, included those listed in [Regulation 2023/0081]
Amendment 38 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 41 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
While following this objective, the Platform shall contribute to addressing shortages of labour and skills critical to all kinds of quality jobs related to technologies listed under points (i), (ii) and (iii) and apply social criteria in order to contribute to the achievement of social positive outcomes. Addressing the skills shortages in these technologies shall be made in close cooperation with existing education and training initiatives, in particular the European Net Zero Industry Academies, not least by using the learning content developed by them.
Amendment 45 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The social criteria referred to in paragraph 1 includes the compliance with Union and national labour law, social rights and workers’ rights as well as with applicable collective agreements. It also includes well-defined objectives in terms of skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers, and the promotion of inclusive labour markets through measures aimed at improving gender equality and diversity at work, such as via the inclusion of people with disability or young people not in education, training or employment (NEETs), or at developing quality and paid apprenticeships. These social criteria shall also be part of the assessment in public procurement procedures when a project is implemented by a body subject to public procurement.
Amendment 51 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall award a Sovereignty Seal to any action contributing to any of the Platform objectives, provided the action has been assessed and complies with the minimum quality requirements, in particular eligibility, exclusion and award criteria, provided by a call for proposals under Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Regulation (EU) 2021/694, Regulation (EU) 2021/697, Regulation (EU) 2021/522, or Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/856.
Amendment 57 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) ongoing and upcoming calls for proposals and calls for tender linked to the European Net Zero Academies, the deployment of their learning programmes and other training initiatives in net-zero technologies ;
Amendment 64 #
2023/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point 1
In addition to the pre-financing for the programme provided for in Article 90(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, where the Commission approves an amendment of a programme including one or more priorities dedicated to operations supported by the ESF+ contributing to the STEP objectives referred to in Article 2 of Regulation .../...66 [STEP Regulation], it shall make an exceptional pre-financing of 30% on the basis of the allocation to those priorities. This exceptional pre-financing shall benefit operations which contribute to the deployment of the learning programmes of the European Net Zero Academies as well as the training of young people and the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of workers in net-zero technologies. The exceptional pre- financing shall be paid by 31 December 2024, provided the Commission has adopted the decision approving the programme amendment by 31 October 2024. __________________ 66 Regulation …/… of the European Parliament and of the Council … [insert full title and OJ reference]. (This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.) Or. en ([Regulation 2023/0081])
Amendment 124 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) It is appropriate that customs legislation takes account of the rapid development of EU legislations impacting the role of customs, as well as global trade patterns, technology, business models and the needs of stakeholders, including citizens and companies. Therefore, a great number of amendments are required to be made to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. In the interests of clarity, that Regulation should be repealed and replaced.
Amendment 126 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) In order to provide for effective means of achieving the objectives of the customs union, a number of rules and procedures regulating how goods are brought into or taken out of the customs territory of the Union should be revised and simplified. A modern, integrated set of interoperable electronic services should be provided in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) for collecting, processing and exchanging information relevant for implementing customs legislation (European Union Customs Data Hub, ‘EU Customs Data Hub’). A European Union Customs Authority (‘EU Customs Authority’) should be established as a central, operational capacity for the coordinated governance of the customs union in specific areas.
Amendment 127 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Since the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013, the role of customs authorities has evolved to increasingly cover the application of Union and national legislation laying down requirements on goods subject to customs supervision, in particular the non-financial requirements on goods that are necessary for these goods to enter and circulate in the internal market. Such non-financial tasks have increased exponentially over the years in line with growing expectations of Union businesses and citizens, and the autonomous measures introduced as a result, such as regarding safety, security, accessibility for persons with disabilities, sustainability, human, animal and plant health and life, the environment, the protection of human rights and Union values. New tools, such as the Digital Product Passport, are to be introduced to ensure that other legislation applied by the customs authorities related to products continues to respond to these expectations. It is therefore necessary to reflect the increasing number and complexity of non- financial risks by including in the mission of customs authorities a specific reference to protecting all these public interests and, where applicable, national legislation, in close cooperation with other authorities.
Amendment 128 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Beyond their traditional role of collecting customs duties, VAT and excise and applying customs legislation, customs authorities also play a critical role in enforcing other Union and, where applicable, other national legislation on customs matters. A definition of this ‘other legislation applied by the customs authorities’ should be introduced in order to build an effective framework for regulating the application and supervision of these particular requirements on goods and should be regularly updated to include the most recent pieces of legislation impacting EU customs. Such prohibitions and restrictions can be justified on grounds of, inter alia, economic coercion, public morality, public policy or public security, the protection of the health and life of humans, animals or plants, the protection of the environment, the protection of national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value and the protection of industrial or commercial property and other public interests, including controls on drug precursors, goods infringing certain intellectual property rights and cash. The notion of other legislation applied by the customs authorities should also include commercial policy measures and fishery conservation and management measures, as well as restrictive measures adopted on the basis of Article 215 TFEU.
Amendment 129 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The rights and obligation of the persons having responsibility over the goods entering into and exiting from the customs territory of the Union should be more clearly defined, including for transparency on prices vis-à-vis consumers . The first obligation for persons having regular customs operations should continue to be registered with the customs authorities responsible for the place where they are established. A single registration should be valid for the whole customs union but should be up to date. Economic operators should therefore have the obligation to inform the customs authorities about any change in their registration data. The persons having responsibility over the goods entering and exiting from the customs territory of the Union are liable for any risks presented by the goods for the safety and security of citizens, as well as any risks to human, animal or plant health and life, the environment or consumers. The obligations of the importer should also be defined, in particular the obligation to be established in the customs territory of the Union and the exceptions to that obligation. These should follow the existing rules for the declarant to be established in the Union. Similarly, the obligations of the exporter should be defined.
Amendment 132 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The changes in the customs processes and the way of operating the customs authorities requires a new partnership with economic operators, that is the Trust and Check traders scheme. The criteria and conditions to become a Trust and Check trader should build on the AEO criteria but should also ensure that the trader is considered transparent for the customs authorities. It is therefore appropriate to require Trust and Check operators to grant the customs authorities access to their electronic systems keeping record of their compliance and the movement of their goods. The transparency should be accompanied by certain benefits, notably the possibility to release the goods on behalf of customs without the necessity for their active intervention, except where a pre-release approval is required by other legislation applied by the customs authorities and to defer the payment of the customs debt. As this mode of working should progressively replace the one based on customs declarations, it is appropriate to establish the customs authorities’ obligation to reassess the existing authorisations for AEO for customs simplifications until the end of the transition periodprocess for AEO to become Trust and Check operators until the end of the transition period, and to introduce dedicated guidelines for SMEs.
Amendment 133 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In order to ensure a uniform level of digitalisation and to create a level playing field for economic operators in all Member States, an EU Customs Data Hub should be established as a set of centralised, secure and cyber-resilient electronic services and systems for customs purposes. The EU Customs Data Hub should ensure the quality, integrity, traceability and non-repudiation of data processed therein, so neither sender nor recipient can later dispute the existence of the exchange of data. The EU Customs Data Hub and should comply with the relevant regulations for the processing of personal data and cybersecurity including GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) . The Commission and the Member States should jointly design the EU Customs Data Hub. The Commission should also be tasked with governing, implementing and maintaining the EU Customs Data Hub, which may delegate to another Union body. To safeguard against potential trade interruptions during extensive failures of centralized electronic systems, it should be imperative for the Commission and the EU Customs agency to engage in cooperative efforts with Member States so that the European Customs Data Space integrates solutions ensuring a high level of cybersecurity to prevent as much as possible attacks that could disrupt customs and non-customs systems. This aims to protect the security of trade and avoid any damage to the Union economy. Cybersecurity standards should be designed to evolve in parallel with regulatory requirements for network and information systems security. In the development, operation and maintenance of the EU Single Window for Customs, the Commission and Member States should comply with the appropriate guidelines published by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).
Amendment 134 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The data submitted to the EU Custom Data Hub is to a large extent non- personal data submitted by economic operators of the goods they are trading with. Nevertheless, the data will also include personal data, in particular names of individuals acting for an economic operator or an authority. To ensure that personal data and confidential commercial information are equally protected, it is appropriate that specific access rules, rules for confidentiality and conditions for the use of the EU Customs Data Hub are established by this Regulation. In particular, it should be established which entities may access or process data stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub, in addition to the persons, the Commission, the customs authorities and the EU Customs Authority, balancing the needs of these entities with the need to ensure that the personal and confidential data collected for customs purposes are used for additional purposes only to the minimum extent necessarproportionally.
Amendment 135 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) To ensure that the European Anti- Fraud Office (‘OLAF’) can exercise its investigations powers in relation to fraudulent activities that are affecting the interests of the Union, it is appropriate that it has access to data from the EU Customs Data Hub that is very similar to the access by the Commission. OLAF should therefore be entitled to process the data in accordance with the conditions relating to data protection in the relevant Union legislation, including Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council47 and Council Regulation (EC) No 515/9748 . To ensure that EPPO can conduct its investigations on customs-related matters, it should be entitled to requestceive access to the data in the EU Customs Data Hub. To preserve the functions that are performed in Member States’ national IT systems, the tax authorities of the Member States should either obtain the possibility to process data directly within the EU Customs Data Hub or to extract data from the EU Customs Data Hub and process it through different means. As such, authorities responsible for food safety in accordance with Regulation Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council49 and the authorities responsible for market surveillance in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 should be provided with the right services and tools in the EU Customs Data Hub so that they can use the relevant customs data to contribute to enforcing the relevant Union legislation and for cooperating with customs authorities to minimise the risks that non- compliant products enter the Union. It is appropriate that Europol has access upon request to data in the EU Customs Data Hub to be able to perform its tasks as specified in Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council50 . All other Union and national bodies and authorities, including the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), should have access to non- personal data contained in the EU Customs Data Hub. _________________ 47 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1). 48 Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97 of 13 March 1997 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (OJ L 82, 22.3.1997, p. 1). 49 Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation)(OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, p. 1). 50 Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA (OJ L 135, 24.5.2016, p. 53).
Amendment 136 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) A Union-level customs risk management layer is fundamental for ensuring a harmonised application of customs controls in Member States and to allow the proper enforcement of European legislations creating new tasks for customs . There is currently a common risk management framework comprising the possibility of identifying common priority controls areas and common risk criteria and standards in the financial risk arena for carrying out customs controls, but it has significant shortcomings. In order to address the lack of harmonised application of customs controls and of harmonised risk management harming the financial and non-financial interests of the Union and of the Member States, it is appropriate to revise the rules to establish a more solid risk management approach addressing both financial and non-financial risks. This includes tackling the structural challenges on the risk management of financial risks identified by the European Court of Auditors. In particular, it is appropriate to describe which activities are comprised in customs risk management, in a cyclical approach. It is also important to identify the roles and responsibilities of the Commission, the EU Customs Authority and the customs authorities of the Member States. It is also essential to provide that the Commission may establish common priority controls areas and common risk criteria and standards, and may identify specific areas in the domain of other legislation applied by the customs authorities that deserve priority for common risk management and controls, without compromising security.
Amendment 141 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 55
Recital 55
(55) Criteria to be taken into account in order to contribute to the decision making process for choosing the EU Customs Authority seat should be the assurance that Authority can be set up on site upon the entry into force of this Regulation, the accessibility of the location and the existence of adequate education facilities for the children of staff members as well as appropriate access to the labour market, social security and medical care for both children and spouses of staff members. In view of the cooperative nature of most of the EU Customs Authority activities, and in particular the close connection that will exist between the IT systems that the Commission will maintain during the transitional period, while the EU Customs authority will build and operate the EU Customs Data Hub, it should be in a well- connected place that allows such close cooperation with the Commission, the authorities of the Union regions most relevant for international trade, and relevant Union and international bodies (for example the World Customs Organisation for facilitating practical cross fertilisation on specific subjects). Considering these criteria, the EU Customs Authority should be located at […].
Amendment 143 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) The Member States and, the Commission and the European Parliament should be represented on a Management Board, in order to ensure the effective functioning of the EU Customs Authority. The composition of the Management Board, including the selection of its Chairperson and Deputy- Chairperson, should respect the principles of gender balance, experience and qualification. Given the Union’s exclusive competence on the customs union, and the close link between customs and other policy fields, it is appropriate that its chairperson is elected from among those Commission representatives. In view of the effective and efficient functioning of the EU Customs Authority, the Management Board should, in particular, adopt a Single Programming Document including annual and multiannual programming, carry out its functions relating to the Authority’s budget, adopt the financial rules applicable to the Authority, appoint an Executive Director, and establish procedures for taking decisions relating to the operational tasks of the Authority by the Executive Director. The Management Board should be assisted by an Executive Board and an advisory body comprising representatives from consumer organizations and business associations.
Amendment 147 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 61
Recital 61
(61) Despite the fact that customs legislation is harmonised through the Code, Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 only included the obligation for Member States to provide for penalties for failure to comply with the customs legislation and required such penalties to be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. Member States have, therefore, the choice of customs penalties, which vary greatly across Member States and are subject to evolution over time. A common framework establishing a minimum core of customs infringements and of non-criminal sanctions should be laid down. Such framework is necessary to address the lack of uniform application and the significant divergences between Member States in the application of sanctions against breaches of customs legislation that can lead to a distortion of competition, loopholes and ‘customs shopping’. The framework should be composed of a common list of acts or omissions that should constitute customs infringements in all Member States. In determining the sanction applicable, customs authorities should define if these acts or omissions are committed intentionally or by obvious negligence. The European Commission should constantly assess whether the sanctions applied by Member States are a sufficient incentive to reach the objectives of this Union Customs Code and adjust its actions in line with its findings.
Amendment 149 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 65
Recital 65
(65) (65) The performance of the customs union should be evaluated at least on an annual basisCommission should at least annually evaluate the performance of the customs union to allow the Commission, with the help of the Member States, to tmake the appropriate policy orientationchanges. The collection of information from customs authorities should be formalised and deepened, as more comprehensive reporting would improve benchmarking and could help to homogenise practices and assess the impact of customs policy decisions. It is, therefore, appropriate to introduce a legal framework for the evaluation of the performance of the customs union. To allow sufficient granularity of analysis, the performance measurement should be done not only at national level but also at border crossing point level. The EU Customs Authority should support the Commission in the evaluation process by gathering and analysing the data in the EU Customs Data Hub and identifying how customs activities and operations support the achievement of the strategic objectives and priorities of the customs union and contribute to the mission of customs authorities. In particular, the EU Customs Authority should identify key trends, strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and potential risks, and provide recommendations for improvement to the Commission. In the context of cooperation with law enforcement and security authorities in particular, the EU Customs Authority should also participate, from the operational perspective, in strategic analyses and threat assessments conducted at Union level, including those carried out by Europol and Frontex.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 71
Recital 71
(71) In duly justified cases, where imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission should adopt immediately applicable implementing acts relating to: measures to ensure uniform application of customs controls, including the exchange of risk information and analysis, common risk criteria and standards, control measures and common priority control areas; decisions on an application by a Member State for the authorisation on entering into negotiations with a third country with a view to concluding a bilateral agreement or arrangement on exchange of information; measures to determine the tariff classification of goods; measures to determine the origin of specific goods; measures establishing the appropriate method of customs valuation or criteria to be used for determining the customs value of goods in specific situations; measures temporarily prohibiting the use of comprehensive guarantees; the identification of a crisis situation and the adoption of the appropriate to address it or to mitigate its negative effects; decisions to empower a Member State to negotiate and conclude a bilateral agreement with a third country on exchange of information. Commons risks criteria should cover notably economic coercion, public morality, public policy or public security, the protection of the health and life of humans, animals or plants, the protection of the environment, the protection of national treasures possessing artistic, historic or archaeological value and the protection of industrial or commercial property and other public interests, including controls on drug precursors, goods infringing certain intellectual property rights and cash.
Amendment 157 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
With a view to achieving a harmonised application of customs controls, for making the customs union act as one and for contributing to the smooth functioning of the internal market and the Union's open strategic autonomy, customs authorities shall be responsible for protecting the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States, for ensuring security and safety and contributing to the other Union policies protecting citizens and residents, consumers, the environment, the companies and the overall supply chains, for protecting the Union from economic coercion, unfair competition, and illegal trade, for facilitating legitimate business activity, economic security, and for supervising the Union’s international trade in order to contribute to fair, regulated, and open trade and to the common commercial policy.
Amendment 158 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) protecting the Union from unfair, non-compliant and illegal trade, including counterfeit, through a close monitoring of economic operators and supply chains and a minimum core of customs infringements and penalties;
Amendment 161 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) supportensuring legitimate business activity, by maintaining a proper balance between customs controls and facilitation of legitimate trade and simplifying customs processes and procedures.
Amendment 162 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point d
(d) customs provisions contained in international agreements, including multilateral environmental agreements, insofar as they are applicable in the Union;
Amendment 163 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘deemed importer’ means any person involved in the distance sales of goods to be imported from third countries into the customs territory of the Union who iincluding persons authorised to use the special scheme laid down in Title XII, Chapter 6, Section 4 of Directive 2006/112/EC;
Amendment 164 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 18 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 18 – point b
(b) pose a threat to the security and safety of the Union and its citizens and residents, including their health ; or
Amendment 165 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 18 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 18 – point c
(c) prevent the correct applicationenforcement of Union or national measures;
Amendment 167 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 57
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 57
(57) ‘customs debt’ means the obligation on a person to pay the amount of import or export duty and any other charges which applies to specific goods under the customs legislation in force;
Amendment 168 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 64
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point 64
(64) ‘crisis’ means an event or a situation taking place inside or outside the Union, that suddenly endangers the safety, the security, the health and life of the citizens, economic operators and personnel of customs authorities and requires urgent measures as regards the entry, exit or transit of goods.
Amendment 176 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) where the BOI decision is not or no longer compatible with the Agreement on Rules of Origin established in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) or with the advisory opinions, information, advice and similar acts, concerning the determination of the origin of goods to secure uniformity in the interpretation and application of that Agreement, with effect from the date of their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 177 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 7
Article 23 – paragraph 7
7. The customs authorities shall grant benefits resulting from the status of authorised economic operator to persons established in third countries, who fulfil conditions and comply with obligations defined by the relevant legislation of those countries or territories, insofar as those conditions and obligations are recognised by the Union as equivalent to those imposed on authorised economic operators established in the customs territory of the Union. Such a granting of benefits shall be based on the principle of reciprocity unless otherwise decided by the Union, and shall be supported by an international agreement of the Union, or partnerships, or Union legislation in the area of the common commercial policy.
Amendment 182 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The customs authorities shall grant the status of Trust and Check trader to an importer or exporter who has already obtained AEO status or a person who meets all the following criteria:
Amendment 183 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point e
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point e
(e) appropriate security, safety and compliance standards, adapted to the type and size of the activity carried out. The standards shall be considered as fulfilled where the applicant demonstrates that he or she maintains appropriate measures to ensure the security and safety of the international supply chain, including in the areas of physical integrity and, health and and environemental norms, access controls, logistical processes and handling of specific types of goods, personnel and identification of his or her business partners;
Amendment 185 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 3 – point f – introductory part
(f) having an electronic system providing or making available to the customs authorities real-time all data on the movement of the goods and the compliance of the person referred to in paragraph 1 with all requirements applicable on those goods, including relating to safety and security and including where relevant sharing in the EU Customs Data Hub:
Amendment 186 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Article 25 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
Where a Trust and Check trader is suspected of involvement in fraudulent activity in relation to its economic or business activity, or of releasing non- compliant goods in the customs territory, its status shall be suspended.
Amendment 187 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 8
Article 25 – paragraph 8
8. The Trust and Check traders shall enjoy more facilitations than other economic operators in respect of customs controls according to the authorisation granted, including fewer physical and document-based controls. The status of Trust and Check trader shall be taken into account favourably for customs risk management purposes. The European customs authority ensures effective collaboration and coordination between the competent authorities of the Member States. It also ensures the consistent implementation of customs advantages linked to the status of Authorized Economic Operator and Trust & Check throughout the customs union.
Amendment 188 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 8 a (new)
Article 25 – paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Clear guidelines must be available for small and medium-sized businesses so that they can meet the criteria set out in paragraph 3.
Amendment 189 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
1. Until the date established in Article 265(4), tThe customs authorities mayshall grant persons meeting the criteria the status of authorised economic operator for customs simplifications and authorise them to benefit from certain simplifications and facilitations in accordance with the customs legislation during the phase out of the current system. Dedicated guidelines should be put in place for SMEs.
Amendment 190 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Amendment 198 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) Cybersecurity standards for the protection of information networks of the EU Customs Data Platform must be in accordance with the appropriate guidelines issued by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).
Amendment 201 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
1. Member States mayshall develop applications necessary to connect to the EU Customs Data Hub in order to provide data to and process data from the EU Customs Data Hub.
Amendment 204 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Persons may have access to the data, including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub, that was transmitted by or on behalf of that person, or that has been addressed to or intended for that person. Such access shall take place exclusively in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) to:
Amendment 205 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The EU Customs Authority may process data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub exclusively and to the extent necessary for the following purposes:
Amendment 208 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
Article 31 – paragraph 4 – introductory part
4. The Commission may process data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub exclusively and to the extent necessary for the following purposes:
Amendment 209 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 5
Article 31 – paragraph 5
5. The European Anti-Fraud Office (‘OLAF’) may process data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub, exclusively and to the extent necessary for carrying out its activities concerning customs matters pursuant to Article 1 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97, under the conditions relating to data protection laid down in the aforementioned Regulations.
Amendment 210 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 6
Article 31 – paragraph 6
6. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘EPPO’) may, upon request, access data, access and process data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub, exclusively and to the extent necessary for carrying out its tasks pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193966 , insofar as the conduct investigated by EPPO concerns customs and under the conditions determined in an implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 14 of this Article. _________________ 66 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1).
Amendment 211 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 10
Article 31 – paragraph 10
10. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) may, upon request, access data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal and commercially sensitive data, stored or otherwise available in the EU Customs Data Hub, exclusively and to the extent necessary to perform its tasks in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council as long as those tasks concern customs-related matters and under the conditions determined in an implementing act adopted pursuant to paragraph 14 of this Article.
Amendment 215 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 12
Article 31 – paragraph 12
12. Until the date set out in Article 265(3), the Commission, OLAF and the EU Customs Authority once it is established shall, exclusively for the purposes stated in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6, be able to process data, in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Regulation (EUDPR) including personal data, from the existing electronic systems for the exchange of information developed by the Commission pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013.
Amendment 219 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 1
Article 51 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission mayshall establish common priority control areas and common risk criteria and standards for any type of risk, including but not limited to risks relating to financial interests.
Amendment 220 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 75 – paragraph 1
Article 75 – paragraph 1
Where, for any reason, goods cannot be maintained in temporary storage, the customs authorities shall without delay take all measures necessary to donate, recycle or otherwise dispose of the goods in accordance with Articles 76, 77 and 78.
Amendment 221 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 76 – paragraph 1
Article 76 – paragraph 1
1. Where the customs authorities have reasonable grounds for so doing, they may require goods which have been presented to them to be recycled, donated or destroyed and shall inform the importer, exporter and the holder of the goods accordingly. The costs of the destruction shall be borne by the importer or the exporter.
Amendment 223 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 80 – paragraph 2
Article 80 – paragraph 2
2. The advance cargo information shall include at least the importer responsible for the goods, the unique reference for the consignment, the consignor, the consignee, a description of the goods, the tariff classification, the value, the data on the route, including the final destination, and the nature and identification of the means of transport bringing the goods and the transportation cost. The advance cargo information shall be provided before the goods arrive to the customs territory of the Union.
Amendment 240 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 212 – paragraph 1
Article 212 – paragraph 1
1. The Management Board shall be composed of one representative from each Member State and, two representatives of the Commission, and one member designated by the European Parliament, all with voting rights.
Amendment 241 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 212 – paragraph 2
Article 212 – paragraph 2
Amendment 243 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 212 – paragraph 5
Article 212 – paragraph 5
5. The term of office for members and their alternates shall be 4 years. That term shall be extendable one time.
Amendment 254 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 253 – paragraph 1
Article 253 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the sanctions laid down in Article 254, Member States may provide for additional sanctions for customs infringements referred to in Article 252 and for all measures necessary to ensure that such sanctions are implemented. Such sanctions shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. The Commission, Member States and the EU Customs Authority sahll exchange best practices and methodologies to improve the effectiveness of the sanctions. The Commission shall assess whether the santions as applied by Member States are sufficient to achieve its objectives.
Amendment 262 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 256 – paragraph 4
Article 256 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall verify the report and transmit it afterwards to the Member States and the European Parliament for information.
Amendment 264 #
2023/0156(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 258 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 258 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) An assessment of the feasibility of Trust & Check status for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including, where appropriate, an analysis of the implications for appropriate certification criteria ;
Amendment 24 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) More flexible rules in the scheduling and distribution of the breaks and rest periods of drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should in no wayallow drivers to better organise their working time, notably during periods of peak travel demand. In no way should it jeopardise the safety of drivers, or road safety, increase the level of fatigue or stress of drivers or lead to a deterioration in working conditions. Such flexibility should therefore not alter the current rules on the total minimum breaks, on maximum driving periods per day and per week and on the maximum fortnightly driving time.
Amendment 30 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) More flexibility in the scheduling of breaks for drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should not prevent those drivers from taking breaks of the minimum duration necessary to enable them to rest properly. Therefore, it is appropriate to set a minimum duration for each break. Therefore, drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services should be allowed to split their obligatory break into two or three separate breaks of at least 15 minutes each, in addition to the other possibility of splitting a break.
Amendment 33 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) To ensure that greater flexibility in the scheduling of rest periods of drivers engaged in occasional road passenger transport services is not abused, it is essential to clearly delimitfine the scope of such flexibility and also to provide for appropriate checks by national authorities supported by ELA. Drivers should therefore be able to postpone the start of their daily rest periods for a maximum period of 1 or 2 hours, in cases where the driving period for that day has not exceeded 5 or 7 hours respectively, and should postpone the start only when carrying out journeys of 8 days or longer. Such flexibility should be further limited to only one of each derogation during the period of the tour. It should be also possible to counter check such circumstances with a printout from the recording equipment or the duty roster, in addition to the tachograph records. Such information should also be made digitally accessible. In this regard, the Commission and the Member States should explore developing new or adapting existing digital systems to ensure sufficient capacity for national authorities as well as information sharing between them.
Amendment 43 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
For a driver engaged in an occasional passenger service the break referred to in the first paragraph may also be replaced by two or three breaks of at least 15 minutes each, distributed over the driving period referred to in the first paragraph, in such a way as to comply with the first paragraph.;
Amendment 55 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006
Article 8 – paragraph 2a – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 2a – subparagraph 1 – point b
Amendment 61 #
2023/0155(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation (EC) 561/2006
Article 8 – paragraph 2a – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2a – subparagraph 2
Amendment 76 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), which initially consisted of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/9719 , Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 of 7 July 199720 and the Resolution of the European Council of 17 June 1997 on the Stability and Growth Pact21 , is based on the objective of sound and sustainable government finances as a means of strengthening the conditions for price stability and for strong sustainable growth conducive to employment creation underpinned by financial stability, thereby supporting the achievement of the Union’s objectives for sustainable and inclusive growth and employmentiming at full employment and social progress. __________________ 19 Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1). 20 Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 of 7 July 1997 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 6). 21 Resolution of the European Council on the Stability and Growth Pact Amsterdam, 17 June 1997 (OJ C 236, 2.8.1997, p. 1).
Amendment 79 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted to better take into account the growing heterogeneity of fiscal positions, public debt challenges and other vulnerabilities across Member States. The strong policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic proved highly effective in mitigating the economic and social damage of the crisis, but the crisis resulted in a significant increase in public- and private-sector debt ratios, underscoring the importance of reducing debt ratios to prudent levels in a gradual, sustained and growth-friendly manner and addressing macroeconomic imbalances, while paying due attention to employment and social objectives. At the same time, the economic governance framework of the Union should be adapted to help address the medium- and long-term challenges facing the Union including achieving a fair digital and green transition, including the Climate Law22 , ensuring energy security, open strategic autonomy, addressing demographic change, strengthening social and economic resilience and implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights and the strategic compass for security and defence, all of which requires reforms and sustained high levels of investment in the years to come. __________________ 22 The European Climate Law sets a Union-wide climate neutrality objective by 2050 and requires Union institutions and Member States to progress in enhancing adaptive capacity, requiring significant public investment to reduce the negative socio-economic impacts of climate change on the EU and its Member States, including negative impacts on growth and fiscal sustainability.
Amendment 82 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) National medium-term fiscal- structural plans should bring together the fiscal, structural reforms and investment commitments of each Member State and these plans should be the cornerstone of the economic and social governance framework of the Union. Each Member State should present a medium-term plan that sets out its fiscal trajectory as well as priority public investment and reform commitments that together ensure sustained and gradual debt reduction and sustainable and inclusive growth, avoiding a pro-cyclical fiscal policy, as well as broader reform and investment commitments, including in relation to the green and digital transitions, social and economic resilience and the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 20301a. During the lifetime of the Recovery and Resilience Facility25 , commitments undertaken in the national Recovery and Resilience Plans should be duly taken into account. __________________ 1a COM(2021) 102 final 25 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17).
Amendment 83 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Cohesion policy funds are also synchronised with the European Semester process. As the long-term investment policy of the EU budget strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, cohesion policy investments and reforms should also be duly taken into account in the drawing of the national medium-term fiscal-structural plans. Each Member State should also explain how its national medium-term fiscal-structural plan will ensure consistency with the expenditure on EU programmes fully matched by EU funds revenue and the relevant national co- financing.
Amendment 88 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the implementation of the medium-term fiscal- structural plans, the Commission and the Council should monitor the reform and investment commitments made in these plans under the European Semester, based on the annual progress reports submitted by the Member States, and in accordance with the provisions of Articles 121 and 148 TFEU. To that effect, they should engage in a European Semester dialogue withclosely involving the European Parliament.
Amendment 90 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To ensure a more gradual debt reduction, the adjustment period can be extended by a maximum of 3 years if the Member State underpins its medium-term fiscal-structural plan with a set of verifiable and time-bound reforms and investment that, taken altogether: are growth-enhancingenhance sustainable and inclusive growth, support fiscal sustainability, address the common priorities of the Union, address relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to the Member State under the European Semester, and address the country-specific investment priorities without leading to cuts in other nationally financed public investment over the adjustment period in order to ensure a macroeconomic impact of investments and avoid crowding out of other investment priorities.
Amendment 92 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29 a (new)
Recital 29 a (new)
(29 a) In order to promote upward social convergence, the multilateral surveillance procedure set out in Article 148(4) TFEU is complemented with an early warning system within the European Semester, whereby the Commission pursuant to Article 148 TFEU alerts a Member State at an early stage about the need to take the necessary corrective measures to prevent a social imbalance. To detect, prevent and address a social imbalance, the Commission draws on situations identified as critical in the Social Scoreboard, and on clear deviations from the trajectory of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including the related targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030.
Amendment 102 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
In order to ensure closer coordination of economic and employment policies and sustaineable upward convergence of the economic and social performance of the Member States as well as the implementation of the Union's common priorities, the Council and the Commission shall conduct multilateral surveillance within the European Semester in accordance with the objectives and requirements set out in the TFEU. Multilateral surveillance shall rely on high quality and independent statistics, produced in accordance with the principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Amendment 108 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the formulation, and the surveillance of the implementation, of the employment guidelines that are to be taken into account by Member States in accordance with Article 148(2) TFEU, including the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Social Scoreboard and its headline and secondary indicators, and of the related country-specific recommendations;
Amendment 111 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(d a) a early warning system for social imbalances, pursuant to Article 148 TFEU;
Amendment 126 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) explain how it will ensure the delivery of investment and reforms responding to the main challenges identified within the European Semester, in the country-specific recommendations, correct the identified macroeconomic imbalances under the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure if applicable, correct the identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances if applicable, and address the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI of this Regulation, including the European Green Deal, European Pillar of Social Rights and the Digital Decade while being consistent with the updated National Energy and Climate Plans and the National Digital Decade Roadmaps;
Amendment 141 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The annual progress report referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain in particular information about the progress in the implementation of the net expenditure path, the implementation of broader reform and investment commitments in the European Semester context and the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI and, if applicable, in the implementation of the set of reform and investment commitments underpinning an extension of the adjustment period.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
The European Parliament shall be duly involved in the European Semester in order to increase the transparency and ownership of, and the accountability for the decisions taken, in particular by means of an economic dialogueand employment dialogue as well as for setting macroeconomic and social policy priorities. The Economic and Financial Committee, the Economic Policy Committee, the Employment Committee and, the Social Protection Committee, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions shall be consulted within the framework of the European Semester where appropriate. Relevant stakeholders, in particular the social partners and civil society organisations, shall be involved within the framework of the European Semester, on the main policy issues where appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the TFEU and national legal and political arrangements.
Amendment 144 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 2
Article 26 – paragraph 2
In order to enhance the dialogue between the institutions of the Union, in particular the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, and to ensure transparency and accountability, the European Parliament may invite the President of the Council, the Commission and, where appropriate, the President of the European Council or the President of the Eurogroup to appear before it to discuss the policy guidance to Member States issued by the Commission, conclusions drawn by the European Council and the results of multilateral surveillance carried out under this Regulation, including early warning systems established pursuant to Articles 121(4) and 148 TFEU.
Amendment 149 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point j
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) Total public investment expenditure, as well as reforms and public investment expenditure addressing each of the common priorities of the Union referred to in Annex VI.
Amendment 150 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point l
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point l
(l) A quantification, as much as possible, of the expected impacts of reforms and investment referred to under point (k) on fiscal sustainability, growthsustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness and employment, where applicable in line with commonly agreed methodologies.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) If applicable, reforms and investments to correct the identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances.
Amendment 152 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point n
(n) Information on labour market, skills and social policy developments, and on the implementation of policy measures taken that foster upward social convergence among Member States towards better working and living conditions, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Employment Guidelines under Article 148 TFEU. That includes the expected impact of measures, in relation to progress on the national targets on employment, skills and poverty reduction by 2030, and if applicable the expected impact of measures to correct identified social imbalances under the early warning system for social imbalances.
Amendment 155 #
2023/0138(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Annex III – paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(o a) Information on the consultations of social partners, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in view of the preparation of the report.
Amendment 47 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The net-zero transformation is already causing huge industrial, economic, and geopolitical shifts across the globe, which will become ever more pronounced as the world advances in its decarbonisation efforts. The road to net zero translates into strong opportunities for the expansion of Union’s net-zero industry, making use of the strength of the Single Market, without prejudice to Regulation(EU) 2019/452, by promoting investment in technologies in the field of renewable energy technologies , electricity and heat storage technologies, heat pumps, grid technologies, renewable fuels of non- biological origin technologies, electrolysers and fuel cells, fusion, small modular reactors and related best-in-class fuels, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage technologies, and energy-system related energy efficiency technologies and their supply chains, allowing for the decarbonisation of our economic sectors, from energy supply to transport, buildings, and industry. A strong net zero industry within the European Union can help significantly in reaching the Union’s climate and energy targets effectively, as well as in supporting other Green Deal objectives, while creating jobs and growth.
Amendment 55 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 64
Recital 64
(64) The scaling up of European net- zero technology industries as well as ensuring Europe’s open strategic autonomy requires significant additional skilled workers which implies important investment needs in re-skilling and upskilling, including in the field of vocational education and training. This should contribute to the creation of quality jobs in line with the targets for employment and training of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The energy transition will require a significant increase in the number of skilled workers in a range of sectors, including renewable energy and energy storage, grid technologies and battery production, and has a great potential for quality job creation. There is nevertheless a mismatch between the skills of European workers and current open positions in the labour market. The skill needs for the fuel cell hydrogen sub- sector in manufacturing alone are estimated at 180.000 trained workers, technicians and engineers by the year 2030, according to the Commission’s European Strategic Energy Technology Plan 65 . In the photo- voltaic solar energy sector, up to 66.000 jobs would be needed in manufacturing alone. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. It is therefore of outmost importance to make these positions attractive and reachable, especially technical careers, including through EU campaigns to promote technical and vocational education. Workers from third countries should also be targeted as the Union only attracts a small share of qualified migrants. Responding to these needs while reaching the Union’s objectives in terms of climate neutrality requires a value chain approach whereby all successive industrial phases are taken into account, from the design of the product (or the service), to the manufacturing phase, including the recycling and reuse of materials, and whereby all the different professions across the value chain are considered. The European network of employment services (EURES) is providing information, advice and recruitment or placement for the benefit of workers and employers, including across internal market borders. The network can play a significant role in using the learning content of training programmes delivered by the skills academies in the creation and deployment of European occupation profiles and by providing information to national employment services about them. _________________ 65 European Commission, Directorate- General for Research and Innovation, Joint Research Centre, The strategic energy technology (SET) plan, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/04888.
Amendment 63 #
2023/0081(COD)
(65) Since strengthening the manufacturing capacity of key net-zero technologies in the Union will not be possible without a sizeable skilled workforce, it is necessary to introduce measures to boost the activation of more people to the labour market, notably women andand to make the industries and the technical careers concerned by this regulation more attractive, especially to women as the gender balance in is far from being reached in technology-oriented professions, to young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), and to legally residing migrant workers including via skills first approaches as a complement to qualifications-based recruitment. In addition, in line with the objectives of the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate-neutrality, specific support for job-to-job transition and with a view to favour lifelong learning and training for workers in redundant and declining sectors are important. This means investing in skills and in quality job creationfor all, while aiming at greater labour market and social inclusion requires a targeted approach towards people who need it the most. This includes people who are excluded from the labour market, have limited access to training opportunities or are in professions which are either at risk of disappearing or whose content and tasks are being highly transformed by new technologies. The end objective should be the creation of quality job required for net-zero technologies in the Union. Building on and fully taking into account existing initiatives such as the EU Pact for Skills, EU level activities on skills intelligence and forecasting, such as by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) and the European Labour Authority (ELA), and the Blueprints for sectoral cooperation on skills, the objective is to mobilise all actors: Member States authorities, including at regional and local levels, universities, including universities of applied sciences, education and training providers, social partners and industry, in particular SMEs and start ups, to identify skills needs, develop education and training programmes and deploy these at large scale in a fast and operational manner also targeting technical education and careers. Net-zero strategic projects have a key role to play in this regard. Member States and the Commission mayshould ensure financial support includingto deploy the impact and outreach of the Academies and by leveraging the possibilities of the Union budget through instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus, InvestEU, Just Transition Fund, European Regional Development Funds, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the Modernisation Fund, REPowerEU and the Single Market Programme.
Amendment 72 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 66
Recital 66
(66) Building on previous experiences, such as the EU Pact for Skills and the European Battery Alliance, European Net- Zero Industry Academies should develop and deploy education and training content to upskill and reskill workers required for key net-zero technology value chains, such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, renewable hydrogen technologies and raw materials. The academies would aim to enable the training and education of 100.000 learners each, within three years of their establishment, to contribute to the availability of skills required for the net-zero technologies, including in small and medium-sized enterprises. That content should be developed and deployed with education and training providers in Member States, relevant Member States authorities and social partners. Education and training providers, industry and other actors involved in up- and reskilling in the Member States, such as Public Employment Services, should deliver the content produced by the academies. To ensure skills transparency and portability and the mobility of workers, the European Net-Zero Industry Academies will develop and deploy credentials, including micro- credentials, covering learning achievements. They should be issued in the format of European credentials for learning and could be integrated in EUROPASS and, where relevant, included in National Qualifications Frameworks. Member States are encouraged to support the continuous reskilling and upskilling offered via the academies and the relevant education and training providers in their territories through national programmes and Union funding, including from the European Social Fund Plus, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Regional Development Fund, the Just Transition Mechanism, the Modernisation Fund and the Technical Support Instrument. The Net-Zero Europe Platform should assist in guiding the work of the Academies and providing oversight. local and regional initiatives and on previous experiences, such as hubs for skills development, the EU Pact for Skills and the European Battery Alliance, European Net-Zero Industry Academies (hereafter the academies) should develop and deploy education and training content to upskill and reskill workers required for key net- zero technology value chains, such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, renewable hydrogen technologies and raw materials. The scope and number of the academies should be determined by the Commission, the Member States and the social partners in the framework of the Net Zero Platform on the basis of existing and objective studies in line with the prinicple of technological neutrality as well as based on a mapping exercise of current and forecasted needs in net-zero industries. Such a mapping exercise should provide information about current and upcoming labour shortages in key net-zero industries across the Union as well as an overview of how training opportunities are provided in such industries so as to enable an effective and affordable access to training for those who need it the most. Additionally, following the mapping exercise, the Commission should commit to issue a call for projects as soon as a certain threshold is reached in terms of labour shortage in a strategic sector. A first mapping exercise should already take place in 2024. Based on that mapping exercise, the Commission should also determine the number and scope of the academies that are likely to be created in order to ensure that funding is available to all of them. The academies should benefit from Union funding. A strong governance is needed to make the Academies operational as fast as possible to ensure the skilling of qualified workers. The Commission should have the lead to set up a call for projects to create academies, following consultation of the Net Zero Platform. This should be without prejudice to the determining role that social partners and universities can also play in the creation of such academies, as it was the case in the Battery Alliance. One of the aims of the academies will be to reindustrialise the Union and secure its own production in sensitive and strategic technologies . The academies would participate in the Union’s open strategic autonomy and would contribute to fulfilling the demands towards more EU demand for made-in-EU technologies with high social and climate standards. The academies should already be established by the end of 2024 and should aim to achieve geographical balance between its concerned actors, and respect linguistic diversity. They should start providing and disseminating initial learning content in 2025. The academies would aim to enable the training and education of 100.000 learners each, within three years of their establishment, to contribute to the availability of skills required for the net-zero technologies, including in small and medium-sized enterprises and would contribute to reduce the disparities among Member States. That content should be developed and deployed with education and training providers in Member States, relevant Member States authorities, private sector and industry representatives including from the SMEs and companies involved as well as social partners. Such content should take into account already existing learning programmes developed in the framework of the local Pact for Skills and the centres of professional excellence and should target all levels of education and all workers, including apprenticees, along the value chain in the sectors concerned. Education and training providers, industry and other actors involved in up- and reskilling in the Member States, such as Public Employment Services, should deliver the content produced by the academies. Member States should also use the learning content developed by the academies in other existing instruments such as in the reinforced Youth Guarantee whose one of its objectives is to provide education and training to NEETs, and to build up on existing mentoring programmes. To ensure skills transparency and portability the mobility of workers, and suppport the Member States in this effort, the European Net-Zero Industry Academies will develop and deploy credentials, including micro-credentials, covering learning achievements. They should be issued in the format of European credentials for learning and could be integrated in EUROPASS and, where relevant, included in National Qualifications Frameworks. Member States are encouraged to support the continuous reskilling and upskilling offered via the academies and the relevant education and training providers in their territories through national programmes and Union funding, including from the European Social Fund Plus, the reinforced Youth Guarantee, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, InvestEU the European Regional Development Fund, the Just Transition Mechanism, the Modernisation Fund and the Technical Support Instrument. The Net-Zero Europe Platform should assist in guiding the work of the Academies ensuring that the scope of the academies are in line with the conclusions of the mapping exercise and providing oversight. Where the Platform deals with skills related topics, Member States should ensure that the appointed national representative can act as a bridge between the relevant national ministries and competent authorities of the Member States as well as the national social partners and industry representatives. The Platform should collect information on the progress made by the different academies and produce by the end of 2026 an overview report on the deployment of the learning programmes, the number of targeted learners within each academy and across different levels of qualification.
Amendment 76 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 68
Recital 68
(68) Where the learning programmes developed by the European net-zero industry academies lead to credentials that would be of assistance including to persons seeking access to a profession that is regulated, Member States and employers should, in order to facilitate the mobility in strategic net-zero industry professions, accept these credentials as sufficient proof of the knowledge, skills and competences to which they attest.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The application of the provisions on resilience in public procurement procedures set out in Article 19 should be without prejudice to the application of Regulation 2022/1031/EU of the European Parliament and the Council; Article 25 of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council47 , and Articles 43 and 85 of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council48 , as according with the Commission’s guidance of 201949 . The same way, public procurement provisions should continue to apply to works, supplies and services subject to Article 19, including article 67 (4) of Directive 2014/24/EU and any implementing measures resulting from the Proposal for a Regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. _________________ 47 Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65). 48 Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243). 49 Communication from the Commission: Guidance on the participation of third country bidders and goods in the EU procurement market, Brussels, 24.7.2019, C(2019) 5494 final.
Amendment 80 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 69
Recital 69
(69) At Union level, a Net-Zero Europe Platform, should be established, composed of the Member States and chaired by the Commission. The Net-Zero Europe Platform may advise and assist the Commission and Member States on specific questions and provide a reference body, in which the Commission and Member States coordinate their action and facilitate the exchange of information on issues relating to this Regulation. The Net- Zero Europe Platform should further perform the tasks outlined in the different Articles of this Regulation, notably in relation to permitting, including one-stop shops, Net-Zero Strategic Projects, coordination of financing, access to markets and skills as well as innovative net-zero technologies regulatory sandboxes. Where necessary, the Platform may establish standing or temporary subgroups including on skills and invite third parties, such as experts or representatives from net-zero industries.
Amendment 85 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) As indicated in the Communication on the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, published on 1 February 2023, the Union’s industry’s market shares are under strong pressure, due to subsidies in third countries which undermine a level playing field. This translates in a need for a rapid and ambitious reaction from the Union in modernising its legal framework, including full implementation and effective use of its Foreign Subsidies Instrument regulation.
Amendment 99 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Amendment 107 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
In line with Chapter V of this Regulation, it puts into place measures to attract, upskill or reskill a workforce, and especially women and young people, through training and lifelong learning programmes required for net-zero technologies, including through apprenticeships, and mentoring programmes in close cooperation with social partners; including those representing SMEs,
Amendment 129 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
ba) the risk-based strategy of diversifying away from single country dependence.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) enable the training and education of 100.000 learners each, within three years of their establishment ;
Amendment 143 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) enable and promote the use of the learning programmes, content and materials by universities, including universities of applied sciences, education and training providers in the Member States, among others by training trainers and develop mechanisms to ensure the quality of the training offered by universities, education and training providers in the Member States based on the above learning programmes, content and material, as well as companies including SMES and startups in the Member States and where applicable, used by countries associated in EU research and innovation programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, based on the above learning programmes, content and materials; encourage lifelong learning and upskilling or reskilling, including through apprenticeship, mentoring programmes, and long duration training programmes;
Amendment 147 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) develop and deploy credentials, including micro-credentials, to facilitate the transparency of skills acquired and enhance the transferability between jobs, industries and the cross-border mobility of the workforce, and to promote matching with relevant jobs through tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) network and EURAXESS.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 2
Article 23 – paragraph 2
2. European Net Zero Industry Academies shall counter gender stereotypes and pay particular attention to the need to activate morebe designed in a way that the learning content is targeting women and, young people,and older people, including those who are not in education, employment or training for the labour market, as well as workers in professions which are either at risk of disappearing or whose content and tasks are being highly transformed by new technologies.
Amendment 151 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point s a (new)
(sa) ‘Net Zero Industrial Partnerships’ means the collaboration with like-minded countries to diversify trade and investments in net-zero technologies.
Amendment 156 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 a (new)
Article 23 a (new)
Amendment 162 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Net-Zero Europe Platform referred to in Article 28 shall support the availability and deployment of skills in net-zero technologies, and in competent authorities and contracting authorities referred to in Chapter II and Chapter IV, through the following tasks:, while building upon existing structures within national educational and vocational training systems ;
Amendment 167 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) monitor the activity of the European Net-Zero Industry Academies and of education and training providers who offer the learning programmes developed by the Academies, foster synergies with other national and Union skills initiatives and projects, and provide oversight so as to attract a diverse workforce that encompasses different genders and cultures, including through communication campaigns ;
Amendment 171 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) assist the uptake and recognition of learning credentials of the European Net- Zero Industry Academies in the Member States to promote the recognition of skills and the matching of skills and jobs, inter alia by promoting the validity and acceptance of the credentials throughout the labour market of the European Union; and putting emphasis on long duration training programmes and apprenticeships; assuring the recognition of learning credentials via mechanisms to ensure the quality of the training programme provided within and outside formal education systems; monitor the enforcement of the uptake and recognition of learning credentials and contribute to providing solutions in case of issues of non-recognition are detected ;
Amendment 178 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 6
(6) promote adequate working conditions in jobs as well as the appeal of technical education in net-zero technology industries, the activation of youth, women and seniors to the labour market for net- zero technology industries, and the attraction of skilled workers from third countries, and thereby achieve a more diverse workforce;
Amendment 183 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) facilitate closer coordination and the exchange of best practices between Member States, and within the private sector to enhance the availability of skills in the net-zero technologies, including by contributing to Union and Member States policies to attract new talents from third countries and from all education levels.
Amendment 206 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall assess the application referred to in paragraph 1 through a fair and transparent process within a month without prejudice to Regulation(EU) 2019/452. The absence of a decision by Member States within that time frame shall constitute an approval of the project.
Amendment 233 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Contracting authorities or contracting entities shall base the award of contracts for net-zero technology listed in the Annex in a public procurement procedure on the most economically advantageous tender, which shall include the best price-quality ratio, comprising at least the sustainability and resilience contribution of the tender, in compliance with Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, or 2014/25/EU and applicable sectoral legislation, as well as with the Union’s Regulation(EU) 2022/1031 and international commitments, including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound.
Amendment 234 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. Contracting authorities or contracting entities shall base the award of contracts for net-zero technology listed in the Annex in a public procurement procedure on the most economically advantageous tender, which shall include the best price-quality ratio, comprising at least the sustainability and resilience contribution of the tender, in compliance with Regulation 2022/1031/EU, Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, or 2014/25/EU and applicable sectoral legislation, as well as with the Union’s international commitments, including the GPA and other international agreements by which the Union is bound.
Amendment 237 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) Social sustainability criteria as applied under existing legislation and can include working conditions and collective bargaining in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights in line with Articles, 30 (3) of Directive 2014/23/EU, 18 (2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and 36 (2) of Directive 2014/25/EU.
Amendment 239 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Contracting authorities and contracting entities shall give the tender’s sustainability and resilience contribution a weight between 1520% and 3045% of the award criteria, without prejudice of the application of Article 41 (3) of Directive 2014/23/EU, Article 67 (5) of Directive 2014/24/EU or Article 82 (5) of Directive 2014/25/EU for giving a higher weighting to the criteria referred to in paragraph 2, points (a), (aa) and (b).
Amendment 240 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
4. The contracting authority or the contracting entity shall not be obliged to apply the considerations relating to the sustainability and resilience contribution of net-zero technologies where their application would oblige that authority or entity to acquire equipment having disproportionate costs, or technical characteristics different from those of existing equipment, resulting in incompatibility, technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. Cost differences above 130% may be presumed by contracting authorities and contracting entities to be disproportionate.This provision shall be without prejudice of the possibility to exclude abnormally low tenders under Article 69 of Directive 2014/24/EU and Article 84 of Directive 2014/25/EU, and without prejudice to other contract award criteria according to the EU legislation, including social aspects according to Articles 30 (3) and 36 (1), second intent of Directive 2014/23/EU, Articles 18 (2) and 67 (2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and Articles 36 (2) and 82 (2) of Directive 2014/24/EU.
Amendment 241 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. In the case of less than 30% cost differences, any tender submitted for the award of a supply contract in all the sectors of the net zero technologies as listed in Articles 3 point 1 (a) and of the strategic net-zero technologies as listed in Annex 1, shall be rejected where the proportion of the products originating in third countries as determined in accordance with regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council, exceeds 50% of the total value of products contituing the tender. This paragraph shall apply in compliance with the provisions of the Article 85 point (1) of the Directive 25/2014/EU.
Amendment 243 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 b (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Any tender submitted for the award of a supply contract in all the sectors of the net zero technologies as listed in Articles 3 point 1 (a) and of the strategic net-zero technologies as listed in Annex 1, shall be rejected if the economic operator originates from a a country whose economic operators, goods and services are the subject to an IPI measure as defined in the Regulation 2022/1031/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, especially the Articles 6 and 8.
Amendment 245 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2
Article 20 – paragraph 2
2. The sustainability and resilience contribution shall be given a weight between 1520% and 3045% of the award criteria, without prejudice of the possibility to give a higher weighting to the criteria in Article 19(2), points (a), (aa) and (b), where applicable under Union legislation, and of any limit for non-price criteria set under State aid rules.
Amendment 246 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3
Article 20 – paragraph 3
3. The Member States, regional or local authorities, bodies governed by public law or associations formed by one or more such authorities or one or more such bodies governed by public law shall not be obliged to apply the considerations relating to the sustainability and resilience contribution of net-zero technologies where their application would oblige those entities to acquire equipment having disproportionate costs, or technical characteristics different from those of existing equipment, resulting in incompatibility, technical difficulties in operation and maintenance. Cost differences above 130% may be presumed by contracting authorities and contracting entities to be disproportionate.
Amendment 247 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The conditions defined in Article 19 (4a) and (4b) apply also to this Article, for the actions to deploy renewable energy sources.
Amendment 255 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a (new)
Article22a Net Zero Industrial Partnerships 1. Net-Zero Industrial Partnerships will have the objective of facilitating trade among participants, including by favouring necessary investments within the Union and in third countries, enhancing resilience and sustainability of the supportive value chains, and guaranteeing a level playing field. 2. Net-Zero Industrial Partnerships would be mutually beneficial in offering the Union diversification of suppliers while bringing added-value to the local economy and society of the partner country. 3. Once the negotiations of a Net Zero Industrial Partnership are concluded the Commission shall inform the Parliament and allow it sufficient time to express its view, before the partnership is signed. The Commission shall regularly inform the Parliament on the progress of the partnership.
Amendment 302 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 5
Article 28 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall support the Commission in the implementation of the cooperation measures set out in the Net- Zero Industrial Partnership. Net-Zero Industrial Partnerships will have the objective of facilitating trade among participants, including by favouring necessary investments within the Union and in third countries, enhancing resilience and sustainability of the supportive value chains, and guaranteeing a level playing field.
Amendment 329 #
2023/0081(COD)
2. The evaluation shall assess whether the objectives of this Regulation as established in Article 1 have been achieved, including the Net Zero Industrial Partnerships, and its impact on business users, especially SMEs, and end users, and the European Green Deal objectives.
Amendment 330 #
2023/0081(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 35 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. By…[1 year after the date of application of this Regulation],, the Commission shall present an impact assessment of the regulation to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Amendment 66 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) For some raw materials, the Union is almost fully dependent on a single country for its supply. Such dependencies entailcontribute to tensions and create a high risk of supply disruption of supply chains. To limit such potential risk and increase the Union’s economic resilience, efforts should be undertaken to ensure that, by 2030, it is not dependent on a single third country for more than 65% of its supply of any strategic raw material, unprocessed and at any stage of processing, giving however special consideration to countries with whom the Union has established a Strategic Partnership on raw materials giving rise to greater assurances regarding supply risks. To this end, priority should be given to concluding strategic partnerships with countries with which the Union shares democratic and human rights values, as well as environmental and social standards. Similarly, in order to fight against price volatility, promote imports and help third countries, partnerships should encourage the use of the Euro, rather than any other currency, when importing these critical raw materials.
Amendment 70 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The recycling and reincorporation of waste and scraps plays a central role in the affirmation of the European autonomy. That is why it is important that the Union limits the shipment of its waste to third countries and therefore lose these materials for its industry.
Amendment 71 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 b (new)
Recital 7 b (new)
(7b) Due to the inability to recycle much of the waste from these raw materials in Europe, many industries are forced to export waste, scraps or other materials generated during the production process to third countries for recycling. It is essential that strategic partnerships ensure that these wastes and scraps or other materials are treated in accordance with European Union environmental and social values and standards. It is also important that the partnerships developed within this framework ensure compliance with international standards.
Amendment 77 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) In order to diversify the Union's supply of strategic raw materials, the Commission should, with the support of the Board, identify Strategic Projects in third countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU that intend to become active in the extraction, processing or recycling of strategic raw materials. To ensure that such Strategic Projects are effectively implemented, they should benefit from improved access to finance. In order to ensure their added value, projects should be assessed against a set of criteria. Like projects in the Union, Strategic Projects in third countries should contribute to strengthenning the Union's security of supply for strategic raw materials, show sufficient technical feasibility and be implemented sustainably. For projects in emerging markets and developing economies, the project should be mutually beneficial for the Union and the third country involved and add value in that country, taking into account also its consistency withformity with the objectives of the Union’s common commercial policy. Such value may be derived from the project’s contribution to more than one stage of the value chain as well as from creating through the project wider economic, environmental and societal benefits,. including the creation of employment in compliance with international standards and support SMEs. Where the Commission assesses these criteria to be fulfilled, and after informing the European Parliament it should publish the recognition as a Strategic Project in a decision.
Amendment 100 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 54
Recital 54
(54) The Union has concluded Strategic Partnerships covering raw materials with third countries in order to implement the 2020 Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials. IThese efforts must be intensified in order to diversify the supply, these efforts should continuerecycling and circularity of raw materials. To develop and ensure a coherent diplomatic and strategic framework for the conclusion of future partnerships, the Member States and the Commission should, as part of their interaction on the Board, and after informing the European Parliament discuss and ensure coordination on, inter alia, whether existing partnerships achieve the intended aims, the prioritisation of third countries for new partnerships, in particular those that share EU values, respect for human rights, democracy and rule of law, as well as internationally recognised environmental and social standards, the content of such partnerships and their coherence and potential synergies between Member States' bilateral cooperation with relevant third countries. The Union should seek mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging market and developing economies, in coherence with its Global Gateway strategy, which contribute to the diversification of its raw materials supply chain as well as add value in the production in these countries. To achieve this; the Union should include all stakeholders, including industrial actors along the value chain, Member States and Regions, local communities, trade unions, civil society, research and technology organisations, investors and NGOs.
Amendment 142 #
2023/0079(COD)
(62) ‘Strategic Partnership’ means a commitment between the Union and a third country to increase cooperation related to the raw materials value chain that is established through a non-binding instrument setting out concrete actions of mutual interest and contributing to the development of human rights, and ambitious environmental and social standards.
Amendment 163 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) for projects in third countries that are emerging markets or developing economies, the project would be mutually beneficial for the Union and, in particular by diversifying its supply chains, and for the third country concerned by adding value in that country, contributing to the better development of local economies and their societies, this includes the development of local processing industries for these critical materials, and the promotion of internationally recognised environmental and social standards.
Amendment 169 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) for projects in third countries, and in order to guarantee the effectiveness of this regulation, priority must be given to project promoters with headquarters in the Union and to companies owned by these companies.
Amendment 180 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Where the Member State whose territory is concerned by a proposed project objects to granting the proposed project strategic status, it shall present substantiated reasons for doing so during the discussion referred to in paragraph 4. The Board shall discuss the substantiated reasons presented by a Member State for its objection. The European Parliament shall be informed without delay. If, after the discussion, the Member State maintains its objection, the project shall not be considered for the status of Strategic Project.
Amendment 182 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 2
For Strategic Projects in third countries, the Commission shall shareevaluate the feasibility and impact of a project on the Union’s strategic autonomy and its link with the overall aim of this Regulation before sharing the application received with the third country whose territory is concerned by the proposed project. The Commission shall not approve the application before receiving the explicit approval of the relevant third country in accordance with its national legal system.
Amendment 264 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) trade flows and trade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State;
Amendment 273 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission, in collaboration with the national authorities participating in the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c), shall ensure that a stress test is performed for each strategic or critical raw material’s supply chain at least every three years. To that end, the standing sub-group referred to in Article 35(6), point (c) shall coordinate and divide the implementation of stress tests for the different strategic or critical raw materials by the different participating authorities.
Amendment 276 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 – point c
(c) factors that might affect supply, including but not limited to the geopolitical situation, logistics, energy supply, workforcetrade relations, including, but not limited to, potential action of coercion emanating from a third State, logistics, energy supply, workforce, sanitary and phytosanitary standards or natural disasters;
Amendment 302 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 25 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) increase the collection of waste with high critical raw materials recovery potential and ensure their introduction into the appropriate recycling system, with a view to maximising the availability and quality of recyclable material as an input to critical raw material recycling facilities and reducing the export of such wastes;
Amendment 315 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 4
Article 25 – paragraph 4
4. The national measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be designed so as to avoid barriers to international and intra-EU trade and distortions of competition on the Union market in conformity with the TFEU.
Amendment 341 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Board shall periodic1. By (... 1 year after the date of entry into force of this regulation), and at least every years the Board shally discuss :
Amendment 350 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) (iii) improving cooperation along the critical raw materials value chain between the Union and, partner countries and in the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU;
Amendment 354 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii a (new)
(iiia) improving the economic, environmental and social conditions in third countries;
Amendment 357 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point a – point iii b (new)
(iiib) improving the development of local industries linked to the treatment of this critical raw material ;
Amendment 363 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – introductory part
(c) which third countriesEstablishing a list of third countries and overseas countries and territories referred to in the Annex II of the TFEU, which should be prioritised for the conclusion of Strategic Partnerships, taking into account the following criteria:
Amendment 364 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point i
(i) the potential contribution to security of supply, taking into account a third country's potential reserves,the reserves and potential extraction, processing and recycling capacities related tof critical raw materials of the overseas countries and territories referred to in Annex II of the TFEU or of the third country;
Amendment 370 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point ii
(ii) whether a third country's regulatory framework and its implementation effectively ensures the monitoring, prevention and minimisation of environmental impacts, the use of socially responsible practices including respect of human and labour rights and meaningful engagement with local communities, the use of transparent business practices and the prevention of adverse impacts on the proper functioning of public administration and the rule of law;
Amendment 380 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv a (new)
(iva) the effectiveness of the funds allocated by the Union to local projects and in particular those resulting from the Global Gateway;
Amendment 385 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 2
Article 33 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission, the Parliament and the Board shall, in the context of paragraph 1 and in so far as relates to emerging market and developing economies, ensure cooperation with other relevant coordination fora, including those established as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
Amendment 392 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 33 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) support the Commission in the effective implementation of the cooperation measures set out in Strategic Partnerships.
Amendment 397 #
2023/0079(COD)
Article33a Structure of Strategic partnerships Strategic partnerships covered by this regulations should: 1. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised environmental standards. This section shall stipulate how to ensure the development of circularity for waste, scraps or others materials, ensure traceability of these products in the Union and worldwide and how best to protect the Union from appropriation by third countries; 2. Include a section on the promotion of human rights, environmental standards, gender equality and the participation of local populations; 3. Include a section dedicated to guaranteeing internationally recognised labour and social standards, and how the strategic partnership will support the development of local communities; 4. Include a section to scale up support for critical raw material supply chain investment; 5. Promote the use of the euro for imports from third countries; 6. Include a section on conflict resolution in case of disputes;
Amendment 398 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 b (new)
Article 33 b (new)
Article33b Participation of the European Parliament in establishing strategic partnerships 1. If the board chooses to start discussions with the aim of establishing a new partnership, it shall inform the European Parliament. 2. Once the negotiations on a strategic partnership are concluded, the Commission shall inform the Parliament and allow it sufficient time to express its view before signing the partnership. 3. Once a strategic partnership has entered into force, the European Parliament may evaluate the partnership every three years, and express its view on the importance of maintaining, strengthening or terminating this partnership.
Amendment 401 #
2023/0079(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. The Board shall be composed of Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission. It shall be chaired by the Commission.
Amendment 4 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the Joint Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy of 20 June 2023 (JOIN/2023/20 final),
Amendment 23 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the economic impact assessment carried out by the Commission found that, as a result of the FTA, EU investment flows into New Zealand could grow by 80 % and bilateral trade could increase by 30 %; whereas increased trade will bring economic opportunities and economic growth for companies and consumers on both sides;
Amendment 47 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes note that the agreement integrates, for the first time, the new EU approach to trade and sustainable development and incorporates an unprecedented level of environmental and labour commitments to effectively implement International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions ratified by the parties and the Paris Agreement; points out the possibility of trade sanctions as a last resort, in instances of serious violations of the Paris Agreement and the core ILO standards; believes that the FTA sets a benchmark in this area; is aware that these levels may not be matched by future FTAs with less like-minded partners and should be considered a gold standard in current and future FTAs negotiations ;
Amendment 48 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights the fact that this is the first concluded EU trade agreement with provisions on gender equality; notes that the parties are expected to implement their gender equality-related obligations under both the ILO and UN conventions in the context of eliminating discrimination against women in economic life and employment;
Amendment 51 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Is convinced that sustainability and trade can, and have to, go hand in hand, and believes that this agreement shows that geographical distance can be offset by shared values along side efficient and sustainable transport means and production conditions;
Amendment 59 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that the agreement will level the playing field with other trading partners that already have FTAs with New Zealand; notes the high level of tariff liberalisation under the agreement, which will entail the removal of 100 % of New Zealand tariffs on EU exports at entry into force and the lifting of 98.5 % of EU tariffs on New Zealand trade after seven years; believes that the sensitive character of certain European agricultural sectors has been duly reflected by well-calibrated concessions in the form of tariff-rate quotas and longer transition periods; welcomes the inclusion of dedicated chapters on sustainable food systems and animal welfare respectively and an ambitious chapter on sanitary and phytosanitary matters;
Amendment 64 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the fact that this agreement limits the import of bovine meat to the highest quality grass-fed standard, and expects this standard to be respected in all future FTAs;
Amendment 67 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Insists on the need to ensure that this agreement does not have a negative impact, nor cause a loss of competitiveness for EU farmers and producers; Requests a continuous assessment and monitoring of trade flows and market behaviour in the agri-food sector, as well as measures to ensure a level playing field for producers and avoid unwanted disruption in the EU agricultural sectors;
Amendment 74 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the protection that the agreement provides for the names of 163 European foodstuff geographical indications (GIs) and the complete list of EU GI wines and spirits, as well as the scope for adding more GI names in the future; notes that the agreement also includes comprehensive intellectual property provisions on copyright, trademarks and industrial designs, thereby ensurwelcomes the progresses made but recalls that the ultimate goal remaings effective protection and enforcement as well as reciprocity including through mirror measures;
Amendment 91 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Believes that this agreement is fully in line with the recent European Economic Security Strategy in that it provides a framework for reliable partners to address common security concerns in setting common high standards, offering diversification, aiming at sustainable development and offering a model for other reliable partners;
Amendment 94 #
2023/0038M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the agreement, which will create more sustainable free and fair trade opportunities between the EU and New Zealand; urges the European Parliament to give its consent to the agreement;
Amendment 8 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the budget should support policies and measures to facilitate access to and transition within the labour market transition, create quality employment, further develop resilient social systems, reduce poverty and increase upward social convergence across the Union so that no one is left behind; notes in particular that investment in lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling is essential to address the green and digital transition; welcomes in this context the 2023 Porto Social Forum conclusions highlighting – in the framework of the European Year of Skills – how robust policies on skills, education and training can create better employment, swifter integration in the labour market and foster social inclusion and be a source of self-fulfilment, and consequently boost the resilience and competitiveness of the EU´s economy and society; calls for financial support to the creation of local strategies for skills and skills development hubs in cooperation with employment agencies of cities; insists on the importance of investing in social inclusion and measures for children and young people; recalls that the integration into the labour market of the most vulnerable groups, such as people in poverty, people with disabilities, young and elderly people, the unemployed, and people displaced as a result of the war in Ukraine, is paramount;
Amendment 13 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the importance of investing in skills in times of deep transformations in the labour market and the green and digital transitions; calls for financial and technical support to the creation of local strategies for skills and skills development hubs in cooperation with local employment agencies; highlights the key role that the skills academies foreseen in the Net Zero Industry Act Regulation have to play in disseminating knowledge and skills on net-zero technologies that can enhance the Union’s competitiveness and its global position in net-zero industries and consequently calls to provide a budget of at least EUR 102 million year until 2027 with an allocation of EUR 25.5 million for the year 2024;
Amendment 19 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission proposal to allocate EUR 16,814 3 billion in commitments in 2024 to ESF+; recalls that ESF+ is the main instrument for investing in people and building social protection and that it must play a key role in supporting Member States to achieve social cohesion, high employment levels, adequate social protection and a skilled and resilient workforce ready for the transition to a green and digital economy;
Amendment 29 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its calls to urgently increase the funding of the European Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least EUR 20 billion and insists on making this funding part of the revised MFF; recalls also its position that all Member States should use at least 5 % of the ESF+ resources under share- management to targeted actions to combat child poverty and support the implementation of the Child Guarantee;
Amendment 38 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls the target in the Porto Declaration of 7 May 2021 to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030, including at least 5 million children; takes note that, in 2024, EUR 4.8 billion of the ESF+ budget under shared management would need to be spentare allocated on food aid and basic material assistance for the most deprived persons, exceedingthus going beyond the actual objective of 4% and high; welcomes this budgetary evolution in lighting of the worrying increase in the number of deprived persons;
Amendment 48 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the essential role of pilot projects (PPs) and preparatory actions (PAs) for testing new policy initiatives and collecting data in the fields of employment and social inclusion; trustshighlights the importance for the Commission to evaluate PP/PA proposals impartially on the basis of a legal and financial assessment, in line with in the Interinstitutional agreement,; calls on the Commission to intensify the dialogue with the European Parliament on how innovative ideas could become eligible for new pilot projects and to provide detailed explanations of its assessments, with concrete examples of the Union actions that are considered to ‘cover’ the proposals; also recalls that the implementation of an adopted PP/PA must remain faithful to the proposal;
Amendment 52 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Takes note of the Commission's proposal for a revised MFF; believes that this proposal falls short of the EU ambitions to tackle current and future social challenges; welcomes the commitment to invest in European sovereignty, however regrets that the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) proposal lacks ambition; reiterates its call for a fully- fledged European Sovereignty Fund to ensure the EU's strategic autonomy, including investment in human capital and skilled labour, promote inclusive access to quality jobs and address shortages of labour and skills critical to key economic and industrial sectors; stresses the importance of mobilising fresh money to prevent the ESF+ funding from being diverted of its specific objectives;
Amendment 57 #
2023/0000(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to develop a proper strategy for the mainstreaming of social objectives in Union spending; considers that a social mainstreaming methodology in the Union budget would be necessary in order to ensure that all Union-funded policies are compliant with the social standardsupportive of the 20 principles defined in the European Pillar of Social Rights, and that all Union spending contributes to European social objectives or at least does not work contrary to those objectives; further calls on the Commission to present a method for monitoring social expenditure in the European budget in order to ensure the effectiveness of European social action and the achievement of these objectives.
Amendment 1 #
Amendment 29 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. IsUnderlines that Article 524 of the TCA provides that the cooperation is based on the Parties' and Member States' long-standing respect for democracy, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the European Convention on Human Rights, and on the importance of giving effect to the rights and freedoms in that Convention domestically; is therefore deeply concerned by the Illegal Migration Bill, which passed through the UK Parliament on 26 April 2023, and, if adopted, could have the potential to diverge from the European Convention on Human Rights, causing clear divergence between the two parties and could, according to the TCA, lead to the termination of law enforcement cooperation between the UK and the EU;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the swift setting up of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) and notes that twohree meetings have already taken place in 2022 and two2023, and one more haves been scheduled for late 2023; considers that the PPA provides a good framework for parliamentary cooperation and open exchanges between parliamentarians on topics of common interest;
Amendment 39 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines the specific situation of Northern Ireland thanks to its unique position, with access to both the EU and UK internal markets; suggests therefore the establishment of an EU one-stop shop in Belfast where people and business would get the assistance and expertise they need to navigate the legislation applicable to them and the necessary help to unlock the full potential of the new arrangements set out in the Windsor Framework;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes note of the Commission’s assessment that overall, the trade arrangements in goods and services established in the TCA are working well, although certain implementation difficulties have persisted such as the sponsorship scheme for the entry and temporary stay of natural persons for business purposes and the verification of origin for applying preferential tariff treatment; notes that as of August 2023, the UK Government has postponed sanitary and phyto-sanitary controls for a fifth time, with these now being introduced in January 2024; notes that the UK Government could reduce barriers to trade with the EU by committing to voluntary alignment across key sectors; maintains its call that the EU and the UK should come to an agreement on mutual recognition of conformity assessments and regulatory equivalence for SPS measures;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Agrees with the Commission that the horizontal and product-specific rules in the TCA are satisfactory and that product- specific rules should not be revisited beyond technical adaptations, as these rules strike a fair balance while contributing to the Union’s overarching objective of achieving strategic autonomy in essential sectors; calls, however, for reasonable solutions to be fstresses that any exception wounld with regard to the upcoming changes to the rules of origin for electric vehicles, given the difficulties encountered by EU manufacturers in sourcing parts, in particular batteries, from within the EUrender European efforts and investments pointless and would lead to a shift in investment away from Europe ; calls on the UK and the EU, as like-minded partners, to explore new avenues for cooperation on the supply of raw materials, the development of net- zero technologies and other global trade issues;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Welcomes the draft deal between the EU-UK on the UK’s re-entry into the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme; notes the importance of UK universities in leading global research; recalls that any agreement would be mutually beneficial to citizens and scientists on both sides; urges the UK Government to swiftly implement the draft deal;
Amendment 75 #
2022/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Regrets that the TCA does not include provisions on cooperation in foreign policy and defence; recalls the EP's position that in the current geopolitical context of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the signing of a structured framework for cooperation on foreign and security affairs between the European Union and the UK would be more effective than current ad hoc cooperation; highlights the need to intensify the dialogue with the UK on possible avenues for future cooperation and coordination on foreign, security and defence policy, in line with the provisions of the political declaration and including in the framework of the EU-NATO partnership, the United Nations, the European Political Community (EPC) and other international forums; underlines the importance of coordinating sanctions regimes;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2188(INI)
31. Calls for the stronger involvement of the UK in European security and defence projects; welcomes, in this context, the decision of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) members and the Council of 14 November 2022 to invite the UK to join the Military Mobility PESCO project, which would improve mutual rapid security and defence assistance; calls on the Member States to sign the administrative agreement on Military Mobility with the UK as soon as possible;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the joint employment report for 2023 strengthens the focus on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal objectives, and the EPSR;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 30 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas rapid increases in energy prices and inflation across the EU are placing a burden on households and SMES, and are threatening the Green transition;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Endorses the Commission’s ambition of further strengthening coordinated EU policy responses to mitigate in the short term the burden that high energy prices, inflation, supply-chain disruptions, rising debt levels and the increased cost of borrowing are placing on European households and businesses, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs; highlights the fact that social investment is essential to allow for sustainable growth in the medium and long term and that national welfare systems have an essential stabilisation function;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2151(INI)
3. Stresses that public services are pillars of democracy and a bulwark against populism, ensure core democratic values including respect for fundamental and human rights and play a crucial role in overcoming crises; calls for the revision of the legal framework for services of general economic interest to ensure that households in need havequality, efficient and accessible public services are pillars of the European social model, and essential to mitigate crises, maintain social cohesion and support the development of the economy; calls on the European Commission to better include social considerations in the area of State aids, such as the promotion of the recruitment of disadvantaged workers, such as persons with disabilities and to widen the scope of the General Block Exemption Regulation in its next revision in view to contribute to a better access to good-and quality of essential services, particularly housing, energy, transport, water, the internet and sanitation;goods and services.
Amendment 74 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Supports a more democratic European Semester process, with Parliament strongly involved in setting macro-economic policy priorities as well as in the taking of economic governance decisions, especiallyincluding those with a strong social dimension; considers that the European Semester process should follow the community method and be agreed between the Council and Parliament;
Amendment 76 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Is concerned about the serious social and employment effects of the current crisis, especially for young people; calls on the Member States and the Commission to make sure that every young European has access to education, training and the labour market; calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise the fight against unemployment, therefore calls the Commission to build on the SURE Instrument and to present a permanent instrument to mitigate the effects of asymmetric shocks that is effective in the long run, such as an adequate and workable unemployment (re)insurance scheme that would be able to back up national schemes when a part of the EU experiences a temporary economic shock;
Amendment 78 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Supports a shift towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth model, that supports up-ward social convergence and strengthenings the sustainable development and resilience of the EU’s economy; and the full implementation of the EPSRwelcomes the progress made this year regarding the implementation of the EPSR but still expects a full implementation, including of its relevant headline targets for 2030, a social progress protocol and the promotingon of future-oriented investments focused on the just green and digital transitions, with a strong social dimension, includ promoting gender equality and equal access to life-long learning and new technologies, especially for low-skilled workers;
Amendment 91 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the revised European Semester process, with a broader scope and enhanced multilateral surveillance; that will ensure sustainability, key investments while ensuring fiscal stability ;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the new dual function of the national reform programmes (NRPs) ; reminds the Member States of their obligationcommitment to undertake reforms and make investments that contribute to the implementation of the EPSR through their national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), as well as their commitment to continuing to deepen this implementation at EU and national levels in order to reduce inequalities;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is concerned that the constraints imposed by the stability and convergence programmes might hinder the proper implementation of several principles of the EPSR, while it recognises the need for Member States to reduce public debt and deficit within a reasonable time;
Amendment 114 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission to present a regulation on a social convergence framework, establishing a new mechanism to moniassess if new financial and/or policy instruments could contribute tor social convergence risks, prevent other policy actionsand better monitor risks of socio-economic divergence , or economic shocks from having negative social spillover effects on upward social convergence, detect potential setbacks for the proper implementation of the EPSR and establish mandatory social targets to be achieved; believes that social divergence risks should be included in the country- specific recommendations and taken into account when defining fiscal adjustment paths; invites Member States to participate in the review of the EU fiscal rules in order to encourage sustainable growth-enhancing social investment while maintaining fiscal sustainability
Amendment 122 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of better assessing the distributional impact of existing and new policies and reforms monitored through the European Semester process; calls on the Commission to include distributional impact assessment requirements in the NRPs; points out that fiscal consolidation is needed but can only be fair and sustainable if the distributional impact of reallocated expenditure or shifts in revenues is well calibrated and contributes to reducing inequalities; calls for clear goals to reach in terms of the creation of quality jobs ;
Amendment 132 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that the revised social scoreboard does not properly cover the 20 EPSR principles; calls, therefore, for the improvement of the social scoreboard and the inclusion of relevant indicators, for instance relating to social wellbeing, to identify social divergences through a dynamic assessment; draws attention to the importance of including indicators that fully reflect the trends in and causes of inequality, such as indicators on good- quality employment, wealth distribution, access to good-quality public services, adequate pensions, minimum income schemes, occupational diseases (including mental health conditions) and unemployment benefits, as well as indicators measuring the social impact of environmental degradation and climate change; reminds the Commission that the ‘at risk of poverty or social exclusion’ (AROPE) indicator does not capture the wider and more complex causes of inequalities;
Amendment 138 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges the Commission proposal for the revision of the economic governance framework to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable, digital and inclusive growth through investment and reforms; pointcalls outn that cyclical expenditure for unemployment as well as other sociale Commission to assess which social investment expenditures and investment required to comply with NRRP milestones must be excluded fromre necessary to achieve socio-economic long-term objectives and to suggest a new system for excessive-deficit calculations based on such assessment in order to increase fairness in the green and digital transitions, social resilience and the implementation of the EPSR, while ensuring the sustainability of public finances in the Member States ;
Amendment 147 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the current economic landscape, forecasts for the near future and the impact that wage increases below inflation could have on living standards in the EU; calls on the Member States to fight against competitive practices based on low wages and low working conditions standards, and to rapidly implement the provisions established in the Minimum Wages Directive1 , so that, as recommanded, minimum wages are increased to at least 60 % of a country’s gross median salary or 50 % of the gross average; calls on the Commission to defend the right to decent living conditions and to monitor the state of play in relation to minimum wages and ensure that low-end salaries, and particularly minimum wages, reflect the soaring cost of living; _________________ 1 Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, OJ L 275, 25.10.2022, p. 33.
Amendment 149 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member states to ensure decent wages and jobs, as well as decent working conditions and to promote both good physical and mental health, not least through safety at work ; in this context recalls the importance of work-life balance and the right to disconnect, especially now that the borders between professional and private environments are getting increasingly blurred with the development of teleworking ;
Amendment 152 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Highlights the need to fight against all forms of social exclusion, therefore calls on the Commission to strive for a detailed monitoring of the Child Guarantee implementation in all Member States ; underlines that homelessness is one of the most extreme form of social exclusion and that the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness is an essential tool with the ultimate objective of ending homelessness by 2030; calls on Member States to adopt ambitious national strategies, with adequate national and EU funding, based on the housing first principle promoting the prevention of homelessness and providing access to adequate, safe and affordable housing;
Amendment 159 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the agreement on the adoption of the Social Climate Fund; warns that both the aims and the funding of this instrument make it clearly insufficient as an ambitious start to support vulnerable households in the green transition and tackle energy and transport poverty; calls for more tools to address the unequal impact of climate change and environmental degradation on different income groups; highlights the urgency of adopting instruments that enable all parts of societyhouseholds and micro-enterprises to enjoy the benefits of a climate-neutral economy, and that protect households from the impact of both climate change and pollution and prevent them from suffering any negative social consequences that might arise from the implementation of European Green Deal policies; insists that social and environmental policies and objectives must be integrated on an equal footing with economic ones;
Amendment 165 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – introductory part
Paragraph 15 – introductory part
15. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to build upon the Social Climate Fund and lay the foundations for the development of green social protection schemes2 and support for SMES at national level with EU funding support, in order to strengthen social resilience against the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation by addressing the side effects of green policies on jobs and living conditions; points out that these schemes should include the following aspects: _________________ 2 https://www.social- protection.org/gimi/RessourcePDF.action?r essource.ressourceId=57240. and to make sure the impacted communities are fully prepared for a new labour market ; points out that these schemes should include the following aspects:
Amendment 170 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point c
Paragraph 15 – point c
c) public works programmes that provide cash or in-kind support and contribute to rehabilitating assets and infrastructure while enhancing workers’ skills and employability; and make sure they have the tools to fit into a new labour market
Amendment 173 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point e
Paragraph 15 – point e
e) employment guarantee schemes and trainings or professional reorientation that create new opportunities for communities that can no longer earn their livelihood through their previous activities owing to environmental protection measures and to ensure they can still be included in the labour market;
Amendment 175 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 – point e a (new)
Paragraph 15 – point e a (new)
e a) support for SMES to ensure they can fully adapt their activities to the Green transition and keep their workforce
Amendment 186 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Highlights that, with the working- age population shrinking and with the existing competency gap, policies that bring more people into the labour market are essential ; calls for a better inclusion of vulnerable groups in the European Semester, the implementation of measures supporting youth and senior employment, and better opportunities for disabled people ;as well as for efficient tools to prevent discrimination;
Amendment 189 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the discrepancies between the analysis and recommendations of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) on skills policy and the policies implemented at EU and national levels, which might be causing inefficiencies; draws attention to the evidence laid out in Cedefop reports3[1] regarding skills underutilisation, overqualification, low skills demands and limited complexity in many European jobs and the relatively modest level of digital skills demands in Europe, which could hinder the digital transition and impact Europe’s competitiveness; calls on the Commission to present proposals and coordinate policy actions that contribute to increasing the numberboost the digital upskilling of mwore digitally complex jobs and facilitate the design of incentives that boost the digital upskilling of workers; _________________ 3 https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/3092_ en.pdf.kers including trainings and lifelong education; highlights that such initiatives should also target vulnerable groups and minorities to facilitate access to the labour market to all;
Amendment 193 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that Cedefop’s reports stress that recruitment difficulties (including owing to skills mismatches) also reflect to a considerable extent poor job quality, a lack of people-oriented HR policy and untapped job design opportunities; calls on the Commission to contribute to address competency gaps that exists in Europe and to revise its upskilling and reskilling policies in light of Cedefop’s findings, for instance by elevating skills demands and job complexity at European firms via demand-side interventionswhile paying particular attention to the needs of SMEs and sectors that face skills shortages ; highlights the acute need for more support towards lifelong training and professional reorientation in line with the 2030 target of reaching at least 60% of all adults taking part in a training every year;
Amendment 205 #
2022/2151(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls for the EU industrial strategy to ensure that the jobs of tomorrow are not only green, but above promote green, digitall, decent, well paid andand adequately paid jobs, which are based on good working conditions, with health and safety at work, robust social protection and gender equality; calls also for it to ensure that people are adequately remunerated in line with their qualifications and certified competencesand gender equality;
Amendment 2 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication of 24 October 2017 entitled ‘A stronger and renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions’ (COM(2017)0623),
Amendment 3 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2021 entitled ‘Towards a stronger partnership with the EU outermost regions’,
Amendment 4 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 30 May 2022 on the Commission communication on 'Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU's outermost regions',
Amendment 5 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the European Committee of the Regions of 2 February 2021 on the European Commission report on the implementation of the renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions,
Amendment 6 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
— having regard to final declaration of the 26th Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions of the European Union, which took place in Ponta Delgada from 17 to 20 November 2021,
Amendment 9 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 b (new)
Citation 3 b (new)
— having regard to the study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outermost regions published by the Commission on 31 October 2021,
Amendment 10 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 3 c (new)
Citation 3 c (new)
— having regard to the Common position paper of the 3 Member States and the 9 Outermost Regions in the framework of the update of the European Commission's strategic partnership with the Outermost Regions and the adoption of the Communication for these regions published on 19 January 2022,
Amendment 11 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas five million people live in the nine outermost regions (ORs) of the European Union: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion and Saint Martin (France), Azores and Madeira (Portugal), and Canary Islands (Spain);
Amendment 12 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas the European Union has a responsibility to respond to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the ORs; whereas, furthermore, the development of those regions is essentially based on the choices and actions of the regions themselves and of their Member States;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights are of particular importance to the ORs, including its contribution to equal opportunities, social protection and inclusion;
Amendment 18 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 20 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the presence of long-term unemployment in the ORs can be explained both by the mismatch between skills and labour market expectations and by the fact that there are too few and unsuitable employment and training opportunities in these territories; whereas it is necessary to ensure that training is adequate to the needs of businesses in the ORs;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the lack of training and employment opportunities in the ORs leads to massive exodus of young people, which has a strong impact on the demography and development of these territories;
Amendment 22 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas the development of digital skills in the ORs is a prerequisite for achieving a digital transition that leaves no one behind;
Amendment 23 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas the lack of infrastructure and the level of digitalisation in the ORs do not allow for the effective deployment of distance learning, teleworking or the digital delivery of public services related to employment and social welfare;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. whereas unemployment rates in the ORs are higher than in their respective Member States and than the EU average; whereas the impact of the COVID-19 crisis has further deteriorated the situation; whereas the measures put in place have mitigated and partially limited the effects of the crisis, including its social impact; whereas the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment in the ORs is not yet fully known;
Amendment 25 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B f (new)
Recital B f (new)
Bf. whereas youth unemployment is at an extremely worrying level in the ORs; whereas the EU average was 16,8% in 2022, while it was 40 to 50% in the French and Spanish ORs2a; whereas this deteriorating social situation leads to insecurity and violence in the ORs; _________________ 2a COM(2022)0198, p.8: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sourc es/policy/themes/outermost-regions/rup- 2022/comm-rup-2022_en.pdf
Amendment 26 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) is at an alarming level in the ORs; whereas the EU average for NEETs was 13.7% in 2020, in the same year the NEETs rate was 23% in Martinique, 40% in French Guiana, 23.2% in the Canary Islands, and 16.7% in Madeira3a; _________________ 3a Study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ORs, p.9: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/2216604f-7420-11ec- 9136-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format- PDF/source-278731027
Amendment 28 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the rate of early school leaving in the ORs can be up to three times higher than the EU average4a; whereas this phenomenon has a strong impact on social development, economic growth and equal opportunities in these territories; _________________ 4a Eurostat 2021: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/ view/edat_lfse_16/default/table?lang=en
Amendment 31 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas ESF+ allocations have not been fully used in the ORs for the 2014-2020 period, while this programming period is coming to an end;
Amendment 32 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas only 28 500 people from the ORs have benefited from mobility under the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2014-2020;
Amendment 33 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas workers in the informal economy, numerous in the ORs, find themselves outside the social safety nets;
Amendment 34 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas the lack of public transport facilities in the ORs has an impact on access to services, education and employment opportunities;
Amendment 35 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas access to essential services such as drinking water, decent housing, electricity, education, health care, public transport and the internet is not a reality for all inhabitants of the ORs;
Amendment 37 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the gender gap in employment is much higher in the ORs than the EU average; whereas women in the ORs too often face unstable and short- term employment;
Amendment 43 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Commission's adoption of the new communication on the outermost regions5a, in particular the aspects relating to social issues; considers that this communication represents an opportunity to make the ORs laboratories for public policy, particularly for employment-related issues; _________________ 5a COM(2022)0198: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sourc es/policy/themes/outermost-regions/rup- 2022/comm-rup-2022_en.pdf
Amendment 44 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Insists on the need to introduce monitoring tools to report regularly on the implementation of the Commission's communication; stresses that indicators related to social policies should be an integral part of this monitoring;
Amendment 45 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Stresses that taking account of the specific characteristics of the ORs, as recognised in Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, must enable the Union's action to be legally adjusted in order to provide these territories with real opportunities in terms of education, employment, social progress and living conditions;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 c (new)
Paragraph -1 c (new)
-1c. Welcomes the fact that the Commission pays particular attention to the principle of "putting people first"; stresses the importance of implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights in the ORs in order to ensure greater solidarity between generations, promote social protection and inclusion and create new employment opportunities;
Amendment 47 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 d (new)
Paragraph -1 d (new)
-1d. Believes that the European Union's action on employment and social affairs meets people's needs and thus strengthens the sense of belonging to the Union;
Amendment 48 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 e (new)
Paragraph -1 e (new)
-1e. Considers that the new impetus given by the communication should allow for the improvement of equal opportunities in the ORs, particularly for the most vulnerable groups;
Amendment 49 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 f (new)
Paragraph -1 f (new)
-1f. Calls on the Commission to ensure that EU policies implemented in the ORs focus on combating unemployment, improving lifelong learning, developing digital skills and combating illiteracy and e-illiteracy;
Amendment 50 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 g (new)
Paragraph -1 g (new)
-1g. Stresses that EU policies must be complemented by adequate funding based on a tailor-made, territory-by-territory approach in order to ensure real equality of opportunity;
Amendment 51 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 h (new)
Paragraph -1 h (new)
-1h. Stresses that job creation remains essential to guarantee security, social cohesion, territorial viability and attractiveness of the ORs; notes that the structural constraints of the ORs, such as geographical remoteness and isolation, make them dependent on a limited number of sectors of activity; calls on the Commission and the Member States to help the ORs to develop plans for the diversification of activities in order to improve labour supply in these territories;
Amendment 52 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 i (new)
Paragraph -1 i (new)
-1i. Is of the opinion that entrepreneurship can create employment opportunities in the ORs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to launch information campaigns on the possibilities and support measures to assist the establishment of activities in the ORs;
Amendment 53 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 j (new)
Paragraph -1 j (new)
-1j. Notes that the mismatch between skills and job opportunities is a barrier to retraining in the ORs;
Amendment 54 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 k (new)
Paragraph -1 k (new)
-1k. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the root causes of early school leaving and to encourage the exchange of good practice in order to provide concrete solutions to this problem;
Amendment 55 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 l (new)
Paragraph -1 l (new)
Amendment 56 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 m (new)
Paragraph -1 m (new)
-1m. Stresses the importance of programmes for the validation of acquired experience in the context of lifelong learning;
Amendment 57 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 n (new)
Paragraph -1 n (new)
-1n. Points out that the improvement of working conditions in certain sectors can make jobs more attractive and combat shortages occupations in the ORs; welcomes, in this respect, the European care strategy, which could usefully guide the public policies to be implemented in the ORs in order to care for the ageing population;
Amendment 58 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 o (new)
Paragraph -1 o (new)
-1o. Stresses that the informal economy is widespread in the ORs, which makes it difficult to analyse employment figures accurately and to implement social policies effectively; calls on the Commission and the Member States to combat undeclared work by means of incentive systems and simplified declaration tools;
Amendment 59 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 p (new)
Paragraph -1 p (new)
-1p. Welcomes the Commission's decision to make 2023 the European Year of Skills; calls on the Commission to develop specific actions in favour of the ORs in the context of the European Year of Skills; calls on the Commission to take advantage of this opportunity to identify the skills needs in the ORs in the short, medium and long term; considers that the results of this analysis should form the basis of an action plan for improving training and skills in the key sectors identified and the shortage occupations;
Amendment 60 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 q (new)
Paragraph -1 q (new)
-1q. Emphasises the importance of young people for the revitalisation of traditional sectors in the ORs; calls for incentives to attract young people to the primary sector and for its development; calls on the Member States to introduce measures to ensure the renewal of generations in the agricultural and fisheries sectors; stresses that aid for installation in these sectors is relevant to achieving this objective;
Amendment 61 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 r (new)
Paragraph -1 r (new)
-1r. Calls on the Commission to provide strong support for the ORs in order to promote a new sustainable economic model and development of a social economy, with structuring initiatives to develop the circular economy and to promote jobs and new "green" occupations; in this respect, calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce a retraining plan for unskilled youth in the green sectors;
Amendment 62 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 s (new)
Paragraph -1 s (new)
-1s. Stresses the need for investment in digital skills, infrastructure, connectivity, and digital equipment, to ensure an inclusive digital transition in the ORs; believes that digitisation is one of the ways in which the ORs can overcome their geographical barrier by increasing access to education, training or digital public services and become attractive destinations for international teleworkers;
Amendment 63 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 t (new)
Paragraph -1 t (new)
-1t. Notes that the seas and oceans surrounding the ORs represent an opportunity to develop sectors that provide blue jobs and contribute to the attractiveness of the territories;
Amendment 64 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 u (new)
Paragraph -1 u (new)
-1u. Stresses that effective implementation of the European Child Guarantee is crucial to combating child poverty in the ORs and breaking the vicious circle of intergenerational poverty; calls on the Member States to include specific measures for the ORs in their national implementation plans for the European Child Guarantee and their revision; calls on the Commission to ensure the full potential of this instrument by ensuring the dissemination of information in liaison with local stakeholders;
Amendment 69 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reaffirms that, in the ORs, the potential of youth is a major asset that is often insufficiently harnessed, and that it should be a priority for building concrete solutions by mobilising massive amounts of European funds for education, training and support, housing and decent, quality employment for young people;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls, in view of the youth unemployment rates in the ORs, the need to create specific measures for this population; welcomes in this respect the creation of an additional OR allocation of EUR 370 million under the ESF+ 2021- 2027 and calls on the regions concerned to make use of this new source of funding to support employability, mobility and training in the ORs;
Amendment 81 #
2022/2147(INI)
2b. Recalls the need for the ORs to empower young people, in particular through formal and non-formal education, training and volunteering, and to improve employability through skills development, lifelong learning and vocational training, including further training and retraining;
Amendment 84 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Stresses that measures to combat poverty and social exclusion in the ORs must be targeted as a matter of priority at vulnerable groups in society such as children, young people, particularly NEETs, and the long-term unemployed; notes that particular attention should be paid to low-skilled women and in particular to single-parent families, where the majority of the lone parent is a woman;
Amendment 86 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Stresses that the European priorities for improving women's rights are especially relevant to the ORs, and in particular the improvement of the work- life balance, transparency and the reduction of pay inequalities, the elimination of violence against women, including in the workplace, and the active participation of women in social and economic life;
Amendment 87 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to ensure the empowerment of women in the ORs by promoting sustainable integration into the labour market, access to stable, high- quality jobs and affordable childcare, as well as combating discrimination, in particular discrimination in employment; considers that promoting women's participation in the labour market can boost employment rates;
Amendment 92 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to do their utmost to ensure access to essential services in the ORs; stresses that access to these services is a key factor in combating poverty and social exclusion; stresses that effective public policies must offer solutions to the most vulnerable with a view to strengthen social cohesion;
Amendment 95 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to focus on prevention, social reintegration and the return to employment in the implementation of the EU drugs strategy; calls on the Commission to study the possibilities of European funding for therapeutic centres in the ORs aimed at the care and reinsertion of drug addicts;
Amendment 96 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that employment incentives, such as state aid, subsidies and exemptions from social security contributions, are particularly useful for improving integration and retention in the labour market in the ORs; believes that such employment incentives should take into account long-term needs and sustainability;
Amendment 97 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses that the economic and labour market support measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the easing of the state aid regime and the REACT-EU, CRII and CRII+ packages, have prevented further job losses; believes that there is a need for a thorough evaluation of the national policies and support programmes that have been deployed in the ORs to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment in order to identify effective instruments for continued and future use;
Amendment 100 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to facilitate the establishment of special economic zones in order to promote economic and social recovery, job creation and skills development in the ORs, particularly for the most fragile and promising sectors, and to support the Member States in the evaluation, renewal and adaptation of existing special economic zones;
Amendment 102 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the importance of the European Social Fund + in the ORs, on the one hand, in combating poverty and social exclusion and providing food and material aid to the most disadvantaged, and, on the other hand, in supporting training, prevention of early school leaving, vocational guidance, youth employment and entrepreneurship;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to improve access to the European Social Fund Plus in the ORs by setting up mass information campaigns aimed at institutional and associative partners, providing a support service for project leaders and financing training for managing authorities. in order to strengthen their human and administrative capacity and by providing them with more funding to facilitate pre- financing;
Amendment 109 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission, in the context of the additional ESF+ allocation for the ORs, to provide the necessary technical assistance to these regions to make full use of this allocation as well as to monitor its use; calls on the Commission to promote the exchange of good practice between managing authorities in order to improve information and the proper use of these funds;
Amendment 116 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls on the Commission to step up its communication in the ORs on existing European Union programmes relating to employment and vocational training and its presence on the ground by setting up physical offices;
Amendment 119 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote university partnerships in order to encourage student mobility to and from the ORs, as well as intra-ORs exchanges;
Amendment 121 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Welcomes the fact that the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme specifies that the constraints linked to the remoteness of the ORs must be taken into account; notes, however, that the financial aid granted is often insufficient to encourage mobility; calls for maximum aid to be granted to students from the ORs when the Erasmus+ programme is implemented, with a financial increase if necessary to cover the real costs of travel;
Amendment 122 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Calls on the European Commission to develop partnerships with third countries neighbouring the ORs under the Erasmus+ programme in order to further promote university exchanges and business exchanges in the geographical area of the ORs;
Amendment 125 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Calls on the European Commission to consider creating, within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, exchanges of young people in vocational training so that companies in the ORs and in continental Europe can both send and receive a person during the same period;
Amendment 126 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Welcomes the creation of the ALMA initiative for the active inclusion of disadvantaged young people; stresses that this initiative is of particular interest in the ORs, where there are many NEETs; calls on the Commission to ensure that this initiative is accompanied by adequate financial resources to enable the largest possible number of beneficiaries; believes that positive action should be taken to ensure the participation of young people from the ORs;
Amendment 129 #
2022/2147(INI)
6h. Calls for greater participation by youth from the ORs in the voluntary work and local solidarity projects made possible by the European Solidarity Corps;
Amendment 131 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Paragraph 6 i (new)
Amendment 133 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Stresses the need to define strategies to retain young people in the ORs and to combat the brain drain; welcomes the Commission's announcement of an initiative to alleviate the problems associated with the brain drain, including in the ORs; calls on the Commission to present this initiative without delay;
Amendment 135 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 k (new)
Paragraph 6 k (new)
6k. Stresses the importance of the EURES network, and draws particular attention to the priority needs of the labour market in EURES activities, in order to help the unemployed back into employment and to facilitate the free movement of workers to the ORs;
Amendment 137 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 l (new)
Paragraph 6 l (new)
6l. Regrets the decline in strong intergenerational solidarity in the ORs; believes that this intergenerational link could be enhanced through the creation of mentoring programmes in order to strengthen knowledge sharing and individualised support for youth and job seekers;
Amendment 139 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 m (new)
Paragraph 6 m (new)
6m. Notes that the ORs would be suitable territories for developing innovative social policies such as a “third chance pathway” aimed at the social and labour market reintegration of working people of all ages or the care of the elderly in view of the ageing population;
Amendment 140 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 n (new)
Paragraph 6 n (new)
6n. Emphasises the important role played by the social economy in the ORs, as a partner of regional and local authorities in combating the constraints linked to remoteness, poverty and social exclusion, and in creating jobs and developing initiatives in these regions; calls for this reality to be recognised at European level and for this non-profit sector to have direct access to European subsidies; calls on the Commission to ensure the participation of the ORs in the European Social Economy Regions network;
Amendment 143 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 o (new)
Paragraph 6 o (new)
6o. Invites the Commission to make full use of the tools of the European Semester and the country-specific recommendations to analyse and advise on public policies in the ORs with the aim to achieve upward social convergence;
Amendment 144 #
2022/2147(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 p (new)
Paragraph 6 p (new)
6p. Calls on the Commission to organise a social summit in the ORs to discuss and adapt the Porto targets and the European Pillar of Social Rights to these territories; stresses the importance of including stakeholders from the ORs in order to ensure the ownership and proper implementation of social policies;
Amendment 7 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in 2021 the Ombudsman has helped 20536 people. It has opened 338 inquiries, of which 332 were complaint-based and 6 own-initiative, and closed 305 inquiries (300 complaint-based and 5 own-initiative); whereas the greater part of the inquiries concerned the Commission (208 inquiries or 61.5 %); whereas the next largest numbers concerned the European External Action Service (EEAS) (16 inquiries or 4.7 %), Parliament (13 inquiries or 3.8 %), the European Personnel Selection Office (13 inquiries or 3.8 %), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) (11 inquiries or 3.3 %), the European Medicines Agency (8 inquiries or 2.4 %), the Council of the European Union (7 inquiries or 2.1 %), the European Anti- Fraud Office (6 inquiries or 1.8 %), and other institutions (34 inquiries or 10.1 %);
Amendment 14 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the CJEU has ruled several times that openness in the legislative process is precisely what contributes to conferring greater legitimacy on the institutions in the eyes of EU citizens and increasing their confidence in them by allowing divergences between various points of view to be openly debated; whereas the CJEU has stipulated that it is in fact a lack of information and debate which is capable of giving rise to doubts in the minds of citizens, facilitates misinformation (which is a factor in the rise of extremist populist political parties), not only as regards the lawfulness of an isolated act, but also aswith regards to the legitimacy of the entire decision- making process as a whole3 ; _________________ 3 Judgments of the Court of Justice of 1 July 2008, Sweden and Turco v Council, C-39/05 P and C-52/05 P, ECLI:EU:C:2008:374, paragraph 59, and of 22 March 2018, Emilio De Capitani v European Parliament, T-540/15, ECLI:EU:T:2018:167, paragraph 78.;
Amendment 17 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas improving citizens’ participation and ensuring transparency at EU level are key to bridging the perceived gap between the EU and, its institutions, its citizens and representative organisations, with a view to overcoming citizens’ low trust and confidence levels in EU institutions and to achieve a real multilevel democracy; whereas the Ombudsman plays a key role in bridging this gap;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Congratulates Emily O’Reilly, and her office, on their remarkable work and their constructive efforts to find a balance between the EU institutions’ right to work and the public interest in an EU administration that works with the highest standards of integrity and accountability; congratulates therm on enhancing representative and participative democracy, while improving public participation in and the legitimacy of the EU decision-making process;
Amendment 24 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises that the work of the Ombudsman has led to positive changes within the institutions and bodies of the Union ;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the Ombudsman's statements on trade, highlighting the European Commission's "maladministration" in negotiating the agreement with Mercosur, and its suggestions for new approaches to future negotiations ;
Amendment 29 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Strongly believes that citizens’ access to all documents of the European institutions is the basis of a participatorycontributes to an effective democracy; welcomes the Ombudsman’s efforts to improve public participation in and the legitimacy of the EU decision- making process; points out that the right to refer a matter to the Ombudsman increases citizens’ engagement with and trust in the EU institutions, as it promotes transparency and the good administration of the EU institutions and bodies;
Amendment 42 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that one of the ways to improve citizens’ perception of the EU is by making it more accessible, understandable and transparent to them; calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to guarantee full transparency; deeply regrets that despite the several calls by the Parliament and by the Ombudsman, the Council’s current work is still marred by a lack of transparency;
Amendment 46 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights that 2021 marked the twentieth anniversary of the Transparency Regulation (1049/2001)coming into force; welcomes the special focus of the Ombudsman’s Office on this matter throughout the year 2021; notes with concern that this system has shown positive effects but it could be adjusted to better adapt to technological developments that the current legislation on public access to EU documents is severely obsolete due to technological advances in access to documentation in recent decades; considers it a priority to revise the Transparency Regulation in order to place the EU at the forefront of public access to EU documents and democratic transparency for citizens; welcomes the Ombudsman’s input in relation to the Transparency Regulation and invites the Commission, the Council and the relevant committee in Parliament to take theis initiative on its revisto consideration ;
Amendment 56 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reiterates its call for the EU institutions to ensurein particular the Council and the European Parliament to support the recommendations of the Ombudsman towards more transparency in the legislative process by that informal trilogues are more transparent by holding the meetings in public; reiterates its call also to publishalso to publish and with regards to documentation including calendars, agendas, minutes, documents examined, amendments, decisions taken, information on Member State delegations and their positions and minutes, in a standardised and easily accessible online environment, by default and without prejudice to the exemptions listed in Article 4(1) of the Transparency Regulation;
Amendment 71 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the opening of an inquiry into the Commission’s role in assessing the sustainability of gas projects listed as projects of regional significance by the Energy Community – which brings together the EU, countries in the Western Balkans, countries in the Black Sea Region, and Norway – as the gas projects might not have been covered by an adequate sustainability assessment before being included on the list; recalls that these projects were evaluated according to a methodology formerly used by the Commission for its list of Projects of Common Interest, which is currently inadequate and no longer used; considers that, particularly in the current geopolitical energy context, energy projects promoted or financed by the EU should be evaluated in the most transparent, consistent and participative way possible;
Amendment 77 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises the importance of the adoption of an updated statute for the Ombudsman’s Office in June 2021; recalls that the new statute codifies many of the Office’s working practices over recent years; welcomes the fact that the revised statute provides a strengthened legal framework for the Office and introduces new safeguards that further guarantee its independence; strongly believes that the Office of the Ombudsman must be awarded an increasedhave a sufficient budget to provide it with the necessary resources to effectively handle the overall workload and ensure it is able to continue to work competently at the service of European citizens;
Amendment 80 #
2022/2141(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Congratulates the Ombudsman for expanding the role of the European Network of Ombudsmen (ENO) in capacity building and the sharing of best practices; between European Member States ;congratulates the ENO for organising targeted webinars focused on different topics including artificial intelligence and e-government in public administrations; Frontex’s complaints mechanism and the monitoring of forced returns; and institutional care, the use of EU funds and lessons from the COVID- 19 pandemic;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. In order to make social Europe a reality, and given the lessons from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the close interlinkages between our economic and welfare/social systems, it should be ensured that social rights are fully protected and safeguarded in case of conflict with economic freedoms, including by revising the current governance framework. _______________________with the need for even stronger common action and solidarity, including by revising the current governance framework. Supports, as highlighted in the conclusions of the working groups of the Conference, a shift towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth model1a; ___________________________ 1a Paragraph 13, Recital A ‘The follow up of the Conference on the Future of Europe’, European Parliament resolution of 4 May 2022 on the follow-up to the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe (2022/2648(RSP))
Amendment 3 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the original idea behindconclusion of the Conference on the Future of Europe as regards citizens’ information and participation in democracy at Union level, aiming at making the Union more understandable and accessibla watershed moment for European democracy and a precedent for citizens’ participation in the Union's decision- making process for the years to come;
Amendment 4 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point -1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point -1 (new)
As set out in previous European Parliament resolutions, possible tools to this effect include: _______________________- strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the EU economy, with special attention to be paid to small and medium-sized enterprises and competitiveness checks and to promote future-oriented investments focused on the just, green and digital transitions;1a ___________________________ 1a Paragraph 5 ‘The call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties’ European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2022 on the call for a Convention for the revision of the Treaties (2022/2705(RSP))
Amendment 4 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that citizens have identified at the Conference that the technological revolution and geopolitical upheaval pose new transnational challenges which are to be addressed; points out that for citizens to understand the added value of the Union, the European institutions need to be empowered to act more effectively;
Amendment 5 #
2022/2051(INL)
1 b. Recalls the joint commitment by the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission to listen to Europeans and to follow up on the recommendations made by the Conference on the Future of Europe;
Amendment 6 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that manysome of the proposals endorsadopted by the Conference on the Future of Europe do not require Treaty change but instead call for the strengthening of existing policies and instruments; takes the view that the division of competences provided for in the Treaties, and in particular Articles 4 and 5 Tstresses that others can only be implemented through a substantial amendment of the Treaties, inter alia, concerning the simplification of the institutional architecture of the Union, more transparency and accountability in the decision-making process and a new reflection on Union competences, such as health and healthcare, defence, education, application of fundamental rights and citizenship; takes the view that these proposals together indicate a clear demand and mandate for an urgent and deep reform of the Union’s architecture and decision-making procedures; underlines that this reform necessarily includes a substantial amendment of the Treaties per Article 48 TFEU,; should remain unchangedtates that many of the petitions sent to the Parliament address situations that could be improved if those changes were made;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to include in its set of concrete actions to deliver on the Conference proposals the consolidation of a European Citizenship Statute providing citizen-specific rights and freedoms, which would make the European values and rights more tangible for citizens of the Union;
Amendment 15 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Amendment 21 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the right to petition is a citizen’s right which should plays a fundamental role as a direct participatory democracy tool in the Union’s decision- making; recalls that petitions can be used as means of creating opportunities for public debate and of initiating and evaluating policy and legislative changes; calls on the Member States and the Commission to do their utmost toall actors involved in the Treaty reform procedure to seize the occasion to strengthen citizens' participation in the Union's decision-making as well as the right to petition, inter alia by ensureing that petitions are given adequately followed up by the Union institutions; stresses that citizens themselves should have a substantial say in said Treaty reform procedure;
Amendment 26 #
2022/2051(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. NoteRegrets that the right to petition remains underused at Union level when compared with the situation, as underpinned by Articles 10 and 11 TEU and Articles 24 and 227 TEU, remains underused at Unational level; recalls, also, that about a quarter of the petitions submitted to the European Parliament are declared inadmissible, mainly because the matter falls outside the Union’s fields of activity, which points out the lack of understanding, among Union citizens, of the Union’s remit of competen; therefore calls to assess the division of competences set forth in the Treaties and more clearly define the Union’s remit so that the right to petition can be more effectively implemented in practice;
Amendment 3 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas citizens rightly expect the EU budget to respond effectively to evolving needs and to support them in crises, in particularly when increasing inflation and rapid increases in food and energy prices across the EU are affecting the most vulnerable populations, further increasing inequality, and aggravating poverty and energy poverty; whereas wages are not projected to increase as fast as inflation and therefore workers are losing purchasing power and might see their living conditions worsen in the next few months;
Amendment 11 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the central role that the EU budget plays in delivering on the Union's political priorities, including making a success of the green and digital transitions, fostering an inclusive and social recovery,including in remote areas, energy intense sectors and for low-skilled workers, fostering an inclusive and social recovery, based, inter alia, on robust social protection systems, short-time work schemes to avoid the drastic consequences of redundancies, housing allowances for people in need and affordable reskilling programmes promoting growth, strategic autonomy and energy independence, providing support for small and medium- sized enterprises, fostering sustainable development that leaves no one behind and ensures cohesion and upward convergence, not least by giving equal importance towards improvements in people's lives, in particular to low-income and vulnerable groups, such as people in poverty or at risk of poverty and social exclusion ensuring a more robust European Health Union in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, promoting the rule of law, EU values and fundamental rights, contributing to greater opportunities for all, and ensuring a stronger Union for its people and in the world;
Amendment 13 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underscores that there is a clear consensus among the institutions that, in the wake of the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, the EU should provide the strongest possible social, economic and financial assistance to Ukraine, while addressing the economic and social consequences of the crisis within the Union and delivering the necessary support to its citizens; in particular by contributing to the alleviation of high energy prices for households and businesses and by preserving purchasing power, quality employment and public services; underlines, in this context, the shared Union goals of delivering on the European Green Deal and the digital transition, scaling up defence cooperation and coordination, improving its strategic autonomy and energy independence and security, ensuring food security, and addressing the challenges caused by high inflation which has exacerbated already high energy prices across Europe and which is having a disproportionate impact on low-income households and SMEs;
Amendment 19 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises, therefore, that the 2021-2027 MFF is already being pushed to its limits less than two years after its adoption, a situation aggravated by the unforeseeable events of 2022; points out that it is simply not equipped, in terms of size, structure or rules, to respond swiftly to a multitude of crises of this scale, nor to adequately finance new shared EU policy ambitions and the swift implementation of the requisite EU-wide solutions;
Amendment 20 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the MFF is increased annually on the basis of a 2 % deflator applied to 2018 prices; underlines that spiralling energy prices and extreme energy market volatility caused mainly by Russia's decision to cut gas supply have been feeding soaring inflation, with severe impacts on citizens, businesses and consumers; is deeply concerned that such unexpectedly high levels of inflation are placing the MFF under severe strain and reducing its purchasing power further, in a context where its overall level is already lower than previous MFFs; stresses that, in practice, this means that fewer Union projects and actions can be funded, thereby negatively impacting beneficiaries and the Union's capacity to deliver on its political objectives;
Amendment 21 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Concludes that, in this context, the need for an urgent review and revision of the MFF is beyond any doubt and that a 'business as usual' approach will not remotely sufficefail to tackle the array of challenges posed and could thereby undermine confidence in the Union in the long term;
Amendment 38 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates its position that the Social Climate Fund must be fully incorporated into the EU budget and within the MFF, without negatively impacting other programmes and funds under this heading, bearing in mind the importance of ensuring food security and delivering oneed to involve vulnerable households and transport users affected by energy and mobility poverty in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy and in delivering on the Green Deal, highlights the need for long-term investment in energy-efficient building and zero-emission mobility and warns of the dangerous socio-economic and political consequences that the lack of involvement of vulnerable households and transport users in the Ggreen Dealtransition would have; calls for the ceiling of Heading 3 to be adjusted accordingly;
Amendment 40 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recalls the EP position to invest at least 20 billion € in the implementation of a European Child Guarantee for the period 2021-2027, highlights that child poverty and social exclusion is an acute issue across the EU with long lasting consequences, which has been further exacerbated by the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, calls on the Council and the Member States to follow up on the EP request with a revision of the European Social Fund (ESF) + Regulation in view of ensuring an adequate budget of at least 20 billion € tothe European Child Guarantee
Amendment 52 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Insists that, beyond a reinforcement of the existing special instruments, it is necessary to establish a permanent fiscal capacity and common crisis instrument as an additional special instrument over and above the MFF ceilings so that the EU budget can better adapt and quickly react to crises and their social and economic effects, thus mitigating the possible shocks on the EU's labour markets and consequences on living conditions, especially of those of the most vulnerable persons, as well as on small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 57 #
2022/2046(INI)
Draft report
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls on the Commission, furthermore, to begin a longer-term reflection on the EU budget post-2027 in the light of evolving spending needs and the inter-institutional commitment made towards the implementation of European Pillar of Social Rights and the adoption of its Action Plan, which set, inter alia, the EU target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030 and building on the work of the Conference on the Future of Europe with respect to own resources and the budget; insists that the successor to the current MFF be equipped to deal fully and flexibly with a range of policy priorities and spending needs and to ensure resilience in the event of crises;
Amendment 67 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls, in this respect, that the COVID-19 crisis has fostered remote work, which could provide for wider access to employment for PwD, and urges the Member States to take serious measures to tackle unemployment and the payment gap in particular for women with disabilities11 ; _________________ 11 Petitions Nos 0608/2020, 1139/2021, 0226/21 and 0070/2022.
Amendment 82 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. calls on those Member States which still segregate students to provide sufficient financial and specialized support for inclusive education in schools, third level education and in programmes (including Erasmus+, Discover EU & European Solidarity Corps);
Amendment 95 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that PwD are exposed to discrimination most frequently, in particular those with intellectual, psychosocial and mental disabilities, and women and girls, migrants and members of the LGBTIQ community with disabilities; calls, in this respect, for anti-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of PwD and for the horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive to be unblocked in the Council14 and ensure adequate follow-up of the European Framework for Action on Mental Health and Wellbeing and improve the EU Compass for Action on Mental wellbeing; _________________ 14 Petitions Nos 0164/2020 and 0226/2021.
Amendment 100 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the need to harmonise the recognition of disability status among the Member States; calls on the Commission to extend the scope of the EU disability card to secure freedom of movement for people with disabilities;
Amendment 105 #
2022/2026(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that the obligations under the CRPD and the recommendations of the CRPD Committee are also binding on all EU institutions, which are responsible for ensuring accessibility and non- discrimination, including for EU staff with disabilities and carers of PwD.; furthermore urges EU institutions to take the necessary measures to guarantee that people with disabilities can follow interpretation and easily access all online documents and underlines that in particular the Petitions Portal should be more accessible;
Amendment 83 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) In accordance with the case law1a of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the scope of the principle of equal treatment of men and women shall not be limited to the prohibition of discrimination based on sex as it also applies to discrimination arising from gender, gender identity and gender expression. _________________ 1a Judgment of 30 April 1996, P. v S., C- 13/94; Judgment of 7 January 2004, K.B., C-117/01; Judgment of 26 June 2018, MB, C-451/16
Amendment 86 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The purpose of this Directive is to lay down minimum requirements for the functioning of equality bodies to improve their effectiveness and guarantee their mandate and independence in order to strengthen the application of the principle of equal treatment as enshrined in the TEU, TFEU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights and derived from Directives 2006/54/EC58 and 2010/41/EU59 . _________________ 58 Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23). 59 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 90 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Directive 2000/43/EC60 of the Council and Directive 2004/113/EC61 of the European Parliament and the Council also provide for the designation of equality bodies. for the promotion, analysis, monitoring and support of equal treatment of all persons, without discrimination on grounds of sex, race or ethnic origin. _________________ 60 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22). 61 Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37).
Amendment 93 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU leave a wide margin of discretion to Member States as regards the structure and functioning of equality bodies. This results in significant differences between the equality bodies established in the Member States, in terms of the bodies' mandates, competences, structures, resources and operational functioning. This, in turn, means that protection against discrimination differs from one Member State to another. Levels of discrimination remain high, victims’ awareness of their rights remains low and underreporting is still a considerable problem. Public awareness about and knowledge of discrimination remain limited and a lack of sufficient powers and resources hampers equality bodies’ ability to assist victims effectively or to prevent and address the development of new forms of discrimination based on gender identity, health or socio-economic status or resulting from developments in technology.
Amendment 100 #
2022/0400(COD)
(12) This Directive should apply to equality bodies’ action as regards the matters covered by Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU. The standards should only concern the functioning of equality bodies and should not extend the material or personal scope of those Directivand the competences of equality bodies.
Amendment 101 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Equality bodies’ action to ensure the application of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women should include grounds of discrimination such as gender, gender identity, gender expression and those listed in article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, as well as intersectional discrimination.
Amendment 103 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The proposed DirectiveDirective (EU) 2023/970 to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms69 should be considered lex specialis to the enforcement provisions of Directive 2006/54/EC that will be replaced by this Directive. Any hHigher minimum standards established by the future Directive on Pay Transparency for equality bodies in matters relating to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value, including in pay transparency, as compared to those set out in this Directive, should prevail over those set out in this Directive. _________________ 69 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms (COM/2021/93 final).
Amendment 107 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In promoting equal treatment, preventing discrimination and assisting victims of discrimination, equality bodies should pay particular attention to multiple and instersectional discrimination based on several of the grounds protected by Directives 79/7/EEC, 2000/43/EC, 2000/78/EC, 2004/113/EC, 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU.
Amendment 112 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Equality bodies can only effectively play their role if they are able to act with complete independence without being subject to any external influence. For that purpose, Member States should take into account a number of criteria that contribute to the independence of equality bodies. Equality bodies should not be set up as part of a ministry or body taking or seeking instructions directly from the government. Any permanent or temporary staff member or person holding a managerial position – for example as member of a board managing the equality body, head of the equality body, or deputy or in case of interim – should be independent, qualified for their position, and selected through a transparent process. The transparency in this process can be ensured, for example, by publishing vacancy notices publicly. Equality bodies should be able to manage their own budget and resources, including by selecting and managing their own staff, and be able to set their own priorities.
Amendment 120 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) To ensure that equality bodies can exercise all their competences and fulfil all their tasks, Member States should ensure thatguarantee the autonomy of equality bodies in the determination of their internal structure of equality bodiesin a way that allows the independent exercise of their various competences. Particular attention should be paid to situations where bodies are required both to be impartial and to offer support to victims. This is particularly relevant where the equality body holds binding decision- making powers requiring impartiality or is part of a multi-mandate body where another mandate requires impartiality. An internal structure ensuring a strict separation between the relevant competences and tasks should guarantee that the equality body can effectively exercise them.
Amendment 126 #
2022/0400(COD)
(18) The lack of appropriatedequate human, material, technical and financial resources is a key issue hampering the ability of equality bodies to adequateffectively fulfil their tasks. Therefore, Member States should ensure that equality bodies receive sufficientadequate funding, can hire qualified staff and, have appropriate premises and infrastructure to carry out each of their tasks effectively, within a reasonable time and within the deadlines established by national law. Their and have budgetary allocation should be stable, except in case of increase in competencend financial autonomy. Member States should ensure that human, material, technical and financial allocation of equality bodies increase proportionally to any extention of their missions and field of intervention or additional competences, especially their rights to act in court proceedings, planned on a multi-annual basis, and allow them to cover costs that may be difficult to anticipate such as increases in complaints and costs linked to litigation. To ensure that equality bodies are provided with sufficient resources, their budget should for instance not suffer cuts that are significantly higher than the average cuts to other public entities; similarly, their annual growth should at least be pegged to the average growth in funding to other entities. Resources should increase proportionally if equality bodies’ tasks and mandate are expandedadequate resources, their annual growth should at least be pegged to the average growth in funding to other similar public entities.
Amendment 131 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Automated systems, including artificial intelligence, represent a useful tool to identify discrimination patterns, but algorithmic discrimination is also a risk. Equality bodies should therefore have access to qualified staff or services, able to use automated systems for their work on the one hand and to assess them as regards their compliance with non-discrimination rules on the other hand. Particular attention should be devoted to equipping equality bodies with appropriate digital resources, training and expertise, be it directly or by way of subcontracting. Automated systems should comply with accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities in accordance with Annex I of Directive (EU) 2019/882.
Amendment 137 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Equality bodies, alongside other actors, have a key role to play in the prevention of discrimination and the promotion of equality. To address the structural aspects of discrimination and to contribute to social change, tequality bodies should be empowered to carry out activities to prevent discrimination and to promote equal treatment. They should promote equality duties, good practices, positive action and equality mainstreaming among public and private entities, and provide them with relevant training, information, advice, guidance and support, without prejudice to the competences of labour inspectorates or other enforcement bodies, as well as the social partners. They should communicate with public and private entities and groups at risks of discrimination in order to ensure an intersectional approach and to combat underreporting and engage in public debate in order to combat stereotypes and raise awareness about diversity and its benefits, a key pillar of the Union’s equality strategies.
Amendment 141 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Beyond prevention, a central task of equality bodies is to provide assistance to victims of discrimination. This assistance should always be free of charge and include the provision of key information to complainants and a preliminary assessment of their complaint, based on the initial information gathered from the parties on a voluntary basis. Member States should beincluding whether the procedure will be closed or there are grounds to pursue it further. This preliminary assessment should be based on the initial information gathered from the parties on a voluntary basis or handed over upon request. In order to guarantee a simple and quick procedure, Member States should ensure that the equality body is in charge of defining the modalities under which ithe equality body would issue this assessment, such as the timeframe of the process or procedural safeguards against repetitive or abusive complaints.
Amendment 147 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To ensure that all victims are able to complain, it should be possible to submit complaints in various ways, including orally, in writing and online and through a designated representative. Member States should also pay due regard to Commission Recommendation 2018/951 under which submission of complaints should be possible in a language of the complainant's choosing which is common in the Member State where the equality body is located. To address one of the causes of underreporting, namely, fear of reprisals, and without prejudice to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law70 , confidentiality should be offered to witnesses and whistle-blowers, and as far as possible, to complainants and alleged perpetrators. _________________ 70 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17).
Amendment 153 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) To offer a possibility for a quick, affordable, out of court resolution of disputes, Member States should provide for the possibility for parties to seek an amicabllternative resolution to their disputes, by the equality body or another existing dedicated entity. They should define the modalities of the amicabllternative dispute settlement process according to national law and practice. They also ensure that initiating such a procedure does not prevent the parties from exercising their right of access to justice.
Amendment 154 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Evidence is key in determining whether discrimination has taken place and it is often in the hands of the alleged perpetrator. Equality bodies should therefore be able to compel access to the necessary information and documents to establish discrimination and cooperate with the relevant public services – such as labour inspectorates or education inspectorates and social partners. Member States should establish an appropriate framework for the exercise of this competence, in accordance with national rules and procedures. Equality bodies may fully or partially entrust another competent body with conducting or collaborating on inquiries. This competent body should provide the equality body, upon its request, with the results of the inquiry.
Amendment 157 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) On the basis of the evidence gathered, either voluntarily or through an investigation, equality bodies should be empowered to provide their assessment to the complainant and the alleged perpetrator. Member States should determine the legal value of this assessment that can be a non- binding opinion or a binding enforceable decision. Both should state the reasons for the assessment and include, where necessary, measures to remedy any breach found and to prevent further occurrences. To ensure the effectiveness of equality bodies’ work, Member States should adopt appropriate measures for the follow-up of opinions and the enforcement of decisions.
Amendment 159 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) To promote their work and equality law, equality bodies should be able to publish a summary of their opinions and decisions without disclosing personal data. Equality bodies should be able to disclose personal data where such disclosure is provided for under national law, for example as a penalty for a finding of discrimination.
Amendment 162 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Equality bodies should have the right to act in court proceedings in civil or administrative law matters in order to contribute to ensuring the respect of the principle of equal treatment laid down in Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU. While those court proceedings should be subject to national procedural law, including national rules on admissibility of actions, such rules, and in particular any condition of legitimate interest, cannot be applied in a way so as to undermine the effectiveness of the equality bodies’ right to act. The powers of investigation and decision-making and the right to act in court proceedings given to equality bodies by this Directive will facilitate the practical implementation of the current provisions of Directives 2000/43/EC, 2000/78/EC and ,2004/113/EC and (EU) 2019/1158 on the burden of proof and defence of rights. Under the conditions provided for in this Directive, equality bodies will be able to establish facts “from which it may be presumed that there has been direct or indirect discrimination”, thereby fulfilling the conditions provided for in Article 8 of Directive 2000/43/EC, Article 10 of Directive 2000/78/EC and Article 9 of Directive 2004/113/EC and Article 12 and 15 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158. Their support will therefore facilitate access to justice for victims.
Amendment 167 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Equality bodies should also be able to submit oral or written statements to the courts as third-party interventions - e.g. amicus curiae – as a lightern additional way to support cases with their expert opinion.
Amendment 168 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
Amendment 173 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) The effectiveness of equality bodies’ work also depends on giving groups at risk of discrimination full access to their services. In a survey conducted by the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency72 , 71% of members of ethnic or immigrant minority groups reported to be unaware of any organisation offering support or advice to victims of discrimination. A key step to support this access is for Member States to ensure that people know their rights and are aware of the existence of and services offered by equality bodies. This is particularly important for disadvantaged groups and groups whose access to that information can be hindered, for example by their health or socio-economic status, theirage, disability, their literacy, nationality, membership of a national minority, language, residence status, remote and rural geographic locations or their lack of access to online tools. _________________ 72 FRA EU-MIDIS II Survey.
Amendment 177 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 36
Recital 36
(36) Access to equality bodies’ services and publications on an equal basis for all should be guaranteed. For that purpose, potential barriers to access to equality bodies’ services should be identified and addressed. Services should be free of charge for all complainants. Member States should also make sure that the services of equality bodies are available to all potential victims throughout their territory, for example through the establishment of local offices, including mobile ones, easy-to-use digital tools and solutions, the organisation of local campaigns or ,cooperation with local delegates orand civil society organisations, and the creation of partnerships with labour and educational inspectorates, social partners and companies.
Amendment 184 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) The Union and all Member States are parties to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities73 (UNCRPD), which includes the obligation to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and to guarantee to persons with disabilities equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds. This Directive should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the UNCRPD. To guarantee equal and effective legal protection and access for persons with disabilities to all services and activities of equality bodies, it is necessary to ensure accessibility, in accordance with requirements set out in Directives (EU) 2016/2102 and (EU) 2019/882, and reasonable accommodation. Equality bodies should ensure physical and digital74 accessibility by preventing and removing the barriers that persons with disabilities may face in accessing their services and information, and provide reasonable accommodation, taking necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments where needed in a particular case. Equality bodies should ensure that all forms of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities are addressed in their activities in line with the UNCRPD, including direct and indirect discrimination, denial of reasonable accommodation, discrimination by association, harassment, instruction to discriminate, as well as victimisation and hate speech. _________________ 73 OJ L 23, 27.1.2010, p. 37. 74 See Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies (OJ L 327, 2.12.2016 p.1-15) and related Implementing Decision.
Amendment 188 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Enabling equality bodies to regularly coordinate and cooperate at different levels, on a long-term basis, is key for mutual learning, coherence and consistency, and it may broaden the outreach and impact of their work. Equality bodies should cooperate, in particular, with other equality bodies in the same Member State and in other Member States – including in the framework of the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet) – and with relevant public and private entities at local, regional, national, Union and international level, such as civil society organisations, EU agencies, data protection authorities, trade unionsocial partners, labour and education inspectorates, law enforcement bodies, agencies with responsibility at national level for the defence of human rights, national statistical offices, authorities managing Union funds, National Roma Contact Points, consumer bodies, and national independent mechanisms for the promotion, protection and monitoring of the UNCRPD. Such cooperation should not involve the exchange of personal data (i.e. equality data in the form that individuals can be identified).
Amendment 195 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Equality data are crucial for raising awareness, sensitising people, quantifying discrimination, showing trends over time, proving the existence of discrimination, evaluating the implementation of equality legislation, demonstrating the need for positive action, and contributing to evidence-based policymaking75 . Equality bodies have a role to play in contributing to the development of relevant equality data for those purposes, for example by organising regular roundtables gathering all relevant entities. They should also collect and analyse disaggregated data on their own activities or conduct surveys and should be able to accessand commission surveys, reports and research and should be able to access, in an easily accessible format, and make use of statistical information collected by other public or private entities – such as the national statistical offices, national courts, labour and education inspectorates, trade unionsocial partners or civil society organisations - concerning the matters they are entrusted with under Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU. That statistical information should not contain any personal data. e personal data collected shall be anonymised and, where not possible, pseudonymised. _________________ 75 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of Council Directive 2000/43/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (‘the Racial Equality Directive’) and of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (‘the Employment Equality Directive’) SWD(2021) 63 final.
Amendment 204 #
2022/0400(COD)
(43) In order to assess the effectiveness of this Directive it is necessary to establish a mechanism to monitor its application and, in addition to monitoring compliance, assess its practical effects. The Commission should be in charge of that monitoring and regularly draw up an application report, based on the information received from Member States and additional relevant data collected at national and Union level, in particular from stakeholders, and by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the European Institute for Gender Equality and equality bodies, including the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet). In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of Member States’ reporting obligations pursuant to Article 16(2) as regards the practical effects of this Directive, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to establish a list of relevant indicators, on the basis of which data should be collected. This monitoring should not involve the processing of personal data.
Amendment 209 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) Where the fulfilment of the tasks of equality bodies requires the processing of special categories of personal data, namely data on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability or sexual orientationreferred to in Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Member States should also ensure that national law respects the essence of the right to data protection and provides for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject, in accordance with Article 9(2), point (g), of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Such safeguards should include for example internal policies and measures to ensure data minimisation, including through anonymisation of personal data, where possible; to apply pseudonymisation and encryption to personal data; to prevent unauthorised access and transmission of personal data; and to ensure that personal data is not processed longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they are processed.
Amendment 210 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Directive lays down minimum requirements for the functioning of equality bodies to improve their effectiveness and guarantee their mandate and independence in order to strengthen the application of the principle of equal treatment as enshrined in the TEU, TFEU, Charter of Fundamental Rights and derived from Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU.
Amendment 215 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The application of the principle of equal treatment shall not be limited to the prohibition of discrimination based on sex as it also applies to discrimination arising from gender, gender identity and gender expression as derived from the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Amendment 219 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. This Directive is without prejudice to the more specific provisions contained in Directive 2023/970/EU.
Amendment 226 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take measures to ensure that equality bodies are independent and free from external influence in performing their tasks and exercising their competences, in particular as regards their legal structure, accountability, budget and resources, staffing, and organisational matters. Equality bodies shall not be set up as part of a ministry or body taking or seeking instructions directly from the government.
Amendment 238 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall provide for transparent rules and safeguards concerning the selection, appointment, revocation and potential conflict of interest of the staff of equality bodies, in particular persons holding a managerial position, including members of a board managing the equality body, in order to guarantee their competence and independence.
Amendment 244 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure thatguarantee the autonomy of equality bodies in the determination of appropriate safeguards are in place, in particular in their internal structure of equality bodies, to guarantee the independent exercise of their competences, notably where some require impartiality and others focus on support to victims.
Amendment 248 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in the internal structure and operation of multi- mandate bodies to guarantee the autonomouseffective exercise of the equality mandate.
Amendment 252 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that each equality body has budgetary and financial autonomy and is provided with the human, material, technical and financial resources necessary to perform all its tasks and to exercise all its competences effectively, on all the grounds and in all fields covered by Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU including in the event of increases in competences, increases in complaints, litigation costs and the use of special expertise in developing areas with the potential for discrimination such as the use of automated systems.
Amendment 257 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall ensure that human, material, technical and financial resources of equality bodies are adequate and commensurate to any evolution of their mission and fields of intervention or increase in competences, especially their rights to act in court proceedings.
Amendment 265 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) adopt a strategy to raise awareness of the general population, throughout their territory, with particular attention to individuals and groups at risk of discrimination, young people, on the rights under Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU and on the existence of equality bodies and their services;
Amendment 268 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) ensure thate conditions for equality bodies to engage in the prevention of discrimination and in the promotion of equal treatment, and guarantee independence for equality bodies in adopting a strategy defining how they will engage in public dialogue, communicate with individuals and groups at risk of discrimination, ensure an intersectional approach in combatting multiple discrimination as well as underreporting, provide training and guidance, and promote equality duties, equality mainstreaming and positive action among public and private entities.
Amendment 278 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
In doing so, Member States and equality bodies shall take into consideration the most appropriate communication tools and formats for each target group. They shall focus in particular on disadvantaged groups whose access to information can be hindered, for example by their health or socio-economic status, age, disability, literacy, nationality, residence statusmembership of a national minority, language, residence status, remote and rural geographic locations, or their lack of access to online tools.
Amendment 287 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Amendment 293 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Equality bodies shall provide assistance to victims, or their designated representatives, initially by informing them on the legal framework, including advice targeted to their specific situation, on the services offered by the equality body and related procedural aspects, as well as on available remedies, including the possibility to pursue a case in court.
Amendment 298 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Equality bodies shall issue a preliminary assessment of a complaint on the basedis onf information voluntarily submitted by the parties involved. Member States shall or handed over upon request. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies define the precise modalities under which the equality body will issue such preliminary assessment, ensuring that they contribute to a simple and rapid handling of complaints.
Amendment 301 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Equality bodies shall inform the complainants of their preliminary assessment and whether it will close their complaint or whether there are grounds to pursue it further, including via the procedures laid down in Articles 7, 8, 8a and 9.
Amendment 302 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – title
Article 7 – title
Amicable settlementslternative dispute resolution
Amendment 305 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Equality bodies or other existing dedicated entities shall be able to offer the parties the possibility to seek an amicabllternative resolution to their dispute. That process shall be subject to the agreement of the parties and may be led by the equality body itself or by another existing dedicated entity, in which case the equality body may formulate observations to that entity. The parties shall have the possibility to be assisted by designated representatives. Engaging in such a process shall not prevent the parties from exercising their right of access to court.
Amendment 309 #
Amendment 311 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies are empowered to effectively conduct inquiries where, following a complaint or on their own initiative, equality bodiesthey consider that the principle of equal treatment laid down in Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU may have been breached, those bodies are empowered to further investigate the case.
Amendment 314 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
In particular, that framework shall provide equality bodies with effective rights to access information and documents which isare necessary to establish whether discrimination has occurred. It shall also provide for appropriate mechanisms for equality bodies to cooperate with relevant public bodies for that purpose such as labour inspectorates.
Amendment 318 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. Member States mayshall also provide that the alleged perpetrator and any third party is legally bound to provide any information and documents requested by equality bodies. Equality bodies shall act with due regard towards the confidentiality of all information and documents received.
Amendment 319 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Equality bodies may also fully or partially entrust another competent body with the powers referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2. Where such a competent body is responsible for or collaborates with the equality body on inquiries, it shall provide the equality body, upon its request, with information on the results thereof.
Amendment 321 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 324 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 327 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 331 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 a (new)
Article 8 a (new)
Article8a Opinions and decisions 1. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies are empowered to record in writing their assessment of a case, including establishing the facts and a reasoned conclusion on the existence of discrimination. Member States shall determine whether this is to be done by means of non-binding opinions or by means of binding enforceable decisions. 2. Where appropriate, opinions and decisions shall include specific measures to remedy any breach found and to prevent further occurrences. Member States shall establish appropriate mechanisms for follow-up to opinions, such as feedback obligations, and for enforcement of decisions. 3. Equality bodies shall publish summaries of their opinions and decisions, without disclosing personal data. They shall be able to disclose personal data where such disclosure is provided for under national law.
Amendment 332 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies have the right to act in court proceedings in administrative and civil law matters relating to the implementation of the principle of equal treatment laid down in Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 53, without prejudice to national rules on the admissibility of actions.
Amendment 337 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the right of the equality body to act as a party in proceedings on the enforcement or judicial review of a decision taken pursuant to Article 8(4)a;
Amendment 339 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the right of the equality body to submit observations to the court as a third- party intervention such as amicus curiae;
Amendment 350 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that the equality body can initiate court proceedings in its own name, in particular in order to address structural and systematic discrimination or in order to defend the public interest in cases selected by the equality body because of their abundance, their seriousness or their need for legal clarification.
Amendment 354 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Amendment 358 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Article 9 – paragraph 5
Amendment 361 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that, in the procedures referred to in Articles 6, 7, 8, 8a and 9, the rights of defence of natural and legal persons involved are duly protected. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies guarantee confidentiality of witnesses and whistle-blowers, and as far as possible, of complainants and alleged perpetrators.
Amendment 364 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Decisions referred to in Article 8(4)a shall be subject to judicial review, in accordance with national law and practice.
Amendment 366 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall guarantee access to equality bodies’ services and publications on an equal basis for all and ensure that there are no barriers to submission of complaints or to assistance of victims.
Amendment 367 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies provide all their services at no cost to complainants, throughout their territory, including in rural and remote areas. Member States shall ensure attention is paid to specific territorial characteristics, such as those of outermost regions and regions suffering from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as northernmost regions with very low population density, islands, cross-border and mountain regions. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies offer tailor-made solutions to provide their services to all complainants such as mobile offices, itinerant solutions, digital tools and platforms.
Amendment 371 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure accessibility, including in accordance with Directives (EU) 2016/2102 and (EU) 2019/882, and provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to guarantee their equal access to all services and activities of equality bodies, including assistance to victims, complaint handling, amicable settlementsubmission and handling, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, information and publications, and prevention, promotion and awareness- raising activities.
Amendment 375 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that equality bodies, without prejudice to their independence, have appropriate mechanisms in place to cooperate, within their respective fields of competence, with other equality bodies within the same Member State, with equality bodies of other Member States, including in the framework of the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet), and with relevant public and private entities, including civil society organisations, relevant EU agencies, social partners, labour and education inspectorates at national, regional, local level as well as in other Member States and at Union and international level.
Amendment 389 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies can access in an accessible format statistics related to the rights and obligations derived from Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU collected by public and private entities including public authorities, trade unionsocial partners, companies, and civil society organisations where they deem such statistics necessary to make an overall assessment of the situation regarding discrimination in the Member State, and for drawing up the report referred to in Article 15, point (c).
Amendment 391 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 4
Article 14 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall allow equality bodies to make recommendations on which data is to be collected in relation to the rights and obligations derived from Directives 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU, to public and private entities including public authorities, trade unionsocial partners, companies and civil society organisations, and require feedback from the authorities concerned. Member States shall also allow equality bodies to play a coordination role in the collection of equality data.
Amendment 395 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 5
Article 14 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall ensure that equality bodies may conduct independent surveys, reports and research concerning discrimination. They shall also ensure that equality bodies can commission such studies and reports.
Amendment 398 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) publish a report, with recommendations, ensuring an intersectional approach, at least every four years, on the state of equal treatment and discrimination, including potential structural issues, in their Member State.
Amendment 408 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, establish a list of common indicators to measure the practical effects of this Directive. When preparing the indicators, the Commission may seek advice from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and, the European Institute for Gender Equality and equality bodies, including the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet). Those indicators shall cover the resources, independent functioning, activities, accessibility and effectiveness of equality bodies, as well as evolutions in their mandate, powers, appointments or structure, ensuring the comparability, objectivity and reliability of the data collected at national level.
Amendment 411 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. By [53 years after the date of transposition], and every 5 years thereafter, Member States shall provide the Commission with all relevant information regarding the application of this Directive, including data on its practical effects collected on the basis of the indicators referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, and in particular taking into account the reports drawn up by the equality bodies under Article 145, points (b) and (c).
Amendment 415 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 3
Article 16 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall draw up a report on the application and practical effects of this Directive, based on the information referred to in paragraph 2 and additional relevant data collected at national and Union level, in particular from stakeholders, by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and, the European Institute for Gender Equality and equality bodies, including the European Network of Equality Bodies (Equinet). The Commission shall issue recommendations as part of the European Semester framework if it identifies shortcomings in Member States' equal treatment and discrimination policies.
Amendment 418 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. The implementation of this Directive shall under no circumstances constitute grounds for a reduction in the level of protection against discrimination already afforded by Member States in the matters covered by this Directives 2006/54/EC, 2010/41/EU and 2023/970/EU.
Amendment 421 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that when equality bodies process special categories of personal data, namely data on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability or sexual orientationreferred to in Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, suitable and specific measures are provided to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject.
Amendment 423 #
2022/0400(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
References to the bodies for the promotion of equal treatment referred to in those Articles, as well as Article 15 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158, shall be construed as references to the equality bodies referred to in Article 2 of this Directive.
Amendment 24 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) A skilled workforce isand citizens who are skilled in democratic participation and the pursuit of personal development are crucial to ensuring socially fair and just green and digital transitions, and to strengthening the Union’s sustainable competitiveness and resilience in the face of adverse external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the fallout of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. More and better skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market, society and democracy, to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. Warns about the skill mismatch challenge Europe is currently facing1a. In this regard, highlights the need to offer training in areas linked to skills needs identified in labour markets, and future oriented sectors to overcome labour shortages in view of the twin transition. More and adequate skills open up new opportunities and empower individuals to fully participate in the labour market, society and democracy, to harness and benefit from the opportunities of the green and digital transitions and to exercise their rights. Attention should also be given to life skills and non-formal skills, as they are essential.1b _________________ 1a https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news/sk ill-mismatch-challenge-europe 1b UNICEF, What Makes Me? Core Capacities for Living and Learning, https://www.unicef- irc.org/publications/pdf/What-Makes- Me_Core-Capacities-for-Living-and- Learning.pdf
Amendment 37 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Across the Union, companies report difficulties to find workers with the necessary skills. In 2021, 28 occupations were classified as having shortages, including the healthcare, hospitality, construction and service sectors, in addition to there being shortages of IT and security specialists, in particular cybersecurity experts, and workers with science, technology, engineering and mathematics background.22 Increasing the participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and artificial intelligence fields, as well as emphasising the importance of entrepreneurial skills, should ensure that more women enter these sectors in order to reduce the skills shortage, combat prevailing stereotypes and thereby promote women's empowerment and economic independence. Increasingly, the biggest constraint to a successful digital and green transition is the lack of workers with the right skills, as well as proper, affordable and accessible digital infrastructure and digital equipment. In many Member States, demographic ageing is expected to accelerate over the coming decade as “baby boom” cohorts retire, reinforcing the need to make use of the full potential of all working-age adults through continuous investments in their skills as well as activitating more people, in particular low-skilled, women and young people especially those not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and people belonging to vulnerable groups, marginalised persons and those living in remote and rural areas and in outermost regions. Knowledge and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all and how assistive technologies can increase accessibility to employment and be mainstreamed in the workplace. Strengthening career guidance from an early age and supporting equal opportunities and access to information and guidance for students and adult learners can help young people choose suitable educational vocational pathways leading to appropriate employment opportunities. _________________ 22 European Labour Authority, Report on labour shortages and surpluses 2021 and ENISA, Cybersecurity skills development in the EU, March 2020. The ENISA studies identify that there is a gap of 291,000 professionals in cybersecurity.
Amendment 57 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Low inadequate skills of working- age adults remain a significant challenge for the Union, pointing to considerable untapped potential of upskilling and reskilling to help mitigate increasing labour shortages in sectors such as manufacturing and services, and in particular in economic activities related to hospitality and manufacturing of computer and electronic equipment, and the care sector.25 However, participation in adult learning in the Union has stagnated over the last decade and 21 Member States fell short of the 2020 EU- level target. For many adults, such as those in atypical forms of work, employees of small and medium-sized enterprises, the unemployed, in particular the long-term unemployed, the inactive and the low- qualified, skills development opportunities are too often out of reach. Increasing the upskilling and reskilling opportunities for these groups, and all working-age adults, also contributes to reaching the EU employment target of 78%, with employment rate in the EU in 2021 being at 73.1%.26 _________________ 25 European Commission, 2021 Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe, p. 26 26 Eurostat, Employment (as % of the population aged 20 to 64), (LFSI_EMP_A)
Amendment 72 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) In its resolution of 7 July 2021 on an old continent growing older - possibilities and challenges related to ageing policy post - 20201a, the European Parliament stresses the importance of creating age-appropriate lifelong learning opportunities and calls for the development of opportunities to better integrate older people in society, including by focusing on online education, regardless of whether they are still active in the labour market or already retired. It also encourages the Member States to allocate appropriate spending from ESF+, the ERDF and the Just Transition Fund, for the training of older workers, ensuring equal access to public services and non-discrimination in the labour market, to encourage companies to employ and retain older workers, and to adapt public infrastructure, including transport, as well as public spaces to the needs of older people. _________________ 1a P9_TA(2021)0347.
Amendment 81 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) In its resolution of 17 February 2022 on empowering European youth: post-pandemic employment and social recovery1a (the ‘resolution on European youth´), the European Parliament calls on labour mobility and skills for the future, in particular insisting that the ALMA (aim, learn, master, achieve) initiative assists young people, in particular young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), in finding temporary quality work experience in another Member State; insists that the ALMA programme must comply with quality standards that uphold young people’s labour rights such as decent remuneration, good working conditions and access to social protection. Moreover, the European Parliament underlines the importance of digital skills in the 21st century and thus calls on the Member States to consider developing permanent, certified and free access for young people to online and offline courses for digital skills and literacy in all Union languages in partnership with public entities and private companies, and insists that Member States develop more programmes such as eTwinning and the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe. Recalls the utility of the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp 2.2) as a tool to empower citizens with the necessary digital skills, and to simplify how digital skills are certified and recognised by governments, employers and other stakeholders in the European Union. The inclusion of digital- and media-literacy, cyber- hygiene and safety, and data protection in curricula from an early age and to be part of lifelong learning processes needs to be encouraged. Teachers must be trained on digital teaching and learning methods. The European Parliament also refers to the need to link access to online courses with the reinforced initiatives to address shortages in accessing internet and digital tools in order to leave no one behind, and insists that the courses be built in an accessible way to avoid excluding young people with disabilities. The European Parliament also stresses the importance of green skills development and employment opportunities in a climate-neutral, energy efficient and circular economy, especially in the regions most impacted by the green transition, such as those heavily dependent on the agricultural sector and those involved in combating climate change, production of energy from renewable sources, reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, waste and water management, improving air quality, and restoring and preserving biodiversity with a special focus on regions undergoing fair transition. _________________ 1a P9_TA(2022)0045.
Amendment 82 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 b (new)
Recital 9 b (new)
(9b) In its resolution on European youth, the European Parliament calls on the Member States to facilitate access for young people to paid, quality and inclusive traineeships and apprenticeships; calls for the reinforcement of monitoring schemes, ensuring that young people receive adequate and quality first working experiences, opportunities for upskilling and new qualifications or credentials; calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose, in collaboration with the European Parliament and respecting the principle of subsidiarity, a common legal framework to ensure fair remuneration for traineeships in order to avoid exploitative practices; Calls on the Commission to review existing European instruments such as the Quality Framework for Traineeships to include quality criteria for the offers made to young people.
Amendment 83 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9 c (new)
Recital 9 c (new)
(9c) In its resolution of 14 September 2021, “Towards a stronger partnership with the EU outermost regions”, the European Parliament stresses the need to prioritise investment in all levels of education and lifelong training in the outermost regions as a way of preventing school drop-out by urging the Commission to regard education as a ‘key element’ in the development of the outermost regions, by helping regional and local authorities to design public policies that encourage young people and offer them new and attractive educational, training, skilling and reskilling options at local and regional level, including digital skills, whether through face-to-face learning or distance learning, so that they can build up a set of recognised skills.
Amendment 86 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) As companies and other stakeholders know best what skills are needed in their industrial ecosystems, strengthening their collective action on skills development has to be part of the solution. The Pact for Skills brings together companies, social partners, education and training providers, public employment services and other key skills stakeholders, both private and public. So far, more than 700 organisations have signed up and 12 large scale partnerships in strategic sectors have been set up, with pledges to promote 6 million training opportunities. The regional dimension is also important, including in border regions, where finding workers with the right skills requires targeted measures to support effective cross-border labour markets. Similarly, disadvantaged and remote regions, including the outermost, face particular challenges as access to the labour market and upskilling and reskilling opportunities are limited. Local Pact for Skills should be supported in cities to bring together local businesses, training providers and people searching for employment.
Amendment 97 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Council Recommendations on Individual Learning Accounts34 and Micro- credentials for lifelong learning and employability35 help people to update or complete their skill-sets, also in response to emerging skills needs in the labour market, in a more flexible, inclusive, accessible and targeted way. The Council Resolution from December 2021 on a new European Agenda for Adult Learning 2021-203036 promotes upskilling and reskilling that can in turn reduce skills mismatches and labour shortages. Career and Skills guidance and, together with skills self-assessment opportunities are among the measures which support people, especially young people, in their up- and reskilling. _________________ 34 Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on individual learning accounts (OJ C 243, 27.6.2022, p. 26) 35 Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on a European approach to micro- credentials for lifelong learning and employability (OJ C 243, 27.6.2022, p. 10) 36 Council Resolution on a new European agenda for adult learning 2021-2030 (OJ C 504, 14.12.2021, p. 9)
Amendment 100 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) In its resolution of 5 July 2022 on mental health in the digital world of work1a, the European Parliament recalls proactive approaches to digitalisation, as improving digital skills in the workplace or allowing for flexible working hours to help mitigate work-related stress. It also expresses concerns that teleworking is not yet available to all workers and stresses the impact of the shift to teleworking on the mental health of those in danger of digital exclusion. It stresses the importance of fighting the digital divide in Europe and the necessity of retraining younger and older people in order to ensure a sufficient level of digital skills for all workers. It calls for more targeted investments in the provision of digital skills, especially groups that are more digitally excluded such as people of a low socio-economic status and a limited educational background, older people, people in rural and remote areas, people living in outermost regions and people with disabilities. The acute role of teleworking and telelearning, e.g. through a legislative European Teleworking Agenda, setting up National Digital Education Programs and investing in ethically sound programmes for European Artificial Intelligence that respect relevant data protection provisions should also be taken into account. _________________ 1a P9_TA(2022)0279.
Amendment 102 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12 b (new)
Recital 12 b (new)
(12b) In its resolution of 19 May 2022 on establishing the European Education Area by 2025 – micro-credentials, individual learning accounts and learning for a sustainable environment1a, the European Parliament calls on the Council to adopt a common definition of micro- credentials and common standards for the European Education Area as a basis for quality assurance, recognition, transparency and portability. It also calls for the use of micro-credentials to recognise skills acquired in the course of learning mobility and civic-engagement as under the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes or other experiences, including youth work, mentoring and volunteering. It reminds public authorities of their essential role in ensuring that those who are usually left behind find micro-credentials readily accessible and relevant, that there is balance in the skills training offered to adults, and points out that basic, transversal, psychosocial and soft skills are as important to the green and digital transitions as technical skills; In this regard, points out that the automatic mutual recognition of micro-credentials within the European Education Area could be a step towards facilitating the automatic recognition of qualifications more generally; considers that establishing a coherent European micro- credentials system that involves relevant stakeholders would be a step forward in reinforcing Europe’s educational power and global competitiveness; _________________ 1a P9_TA(2022)0217.
Amendment 104 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 12 c (new)
Recital 12 c (new)
(12c) Recalls the European Parliament resolution of 6 April 2022 on the implementation of citizenship education actions that insists on the need for greater European civic mobility under the European Solidarity Corps and encourages Member States to establish and develop national volunteering schemes as well as the Commission and Member States to ensure mutual recognition between national systems, because these are crucial for young and older people to acquire skills that are valuable on the labour market.
Amendment 105 #
2022/0326(COD)
(13) The Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET)38 supports modernisation of VET systems to equip young people and adults with the knowledge, skills and competences they need to thrive in the evolving labour market and society, to manage the recovery and the just transitions to the green and digital economy, in times of demographic change and throughout all economic cycles. It promotes VET as a driver for innovation and growth, which is agile in adapting to labour market changes and providing skills for occupations in high demand. The European Parliament underlines, in its resolution on European youth, the importance of the initiative to establish European Centres of Vocational Excellence with the aim of providing high-quality vocational skills and supporting entrepreneurial activities, and it calls for the creation of a stand-alone VET Area and encourages the Commission and the Member States to work towards the creation of a European Apprenticeship Statute. Increasing the attractiveness of VET through communication and outreach campaigns, through curricula, youth trade skills centres or hubs, special ecosystems for VET in local communities, dual education systems is essential. Further incentives are needed to foster the mobility of apprentices, including long term mobility programs and more synergies between the different statuses for apprentices. _________________ 38 Council Recommendation of 24 November 2020 on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (OJ C 417 2.12.2020, p. 1)
Amendment 116 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Skills for the greea fair twin transition and the upskilling and reskilling of the workforce will be needed in the context of the shift to a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, as laid out under the European Green Deal39 setting the path towards EU climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission Communication “Fit for 55”40 recognises that the green transition can only succeed if the Union has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive and points to the flagship actions of the Skills Agenda to equip people with the skills that are needed for the green and digital transitions. _________________ 39 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final) 40 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Fit for 55: delivering the EU's 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality (COM(2021) 550 final)
Amendment 117 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) The ongoing transition to a European 4.0 industry and related labour market needs require investment in developing strong VET 4.0 systems across Europe, promoting control and problem solving competences, high-performance skills in the technologies of the future such smart production and machinery, advanced robotics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data processing and the internet of things.
Amendment 147 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Overall public and private investments in upskilling and reskilling are insufficient. Most job-related training in the Union is employer-sponsored. However, many companies, in particular SMEs, do not have enough resources to provide or fund training for their staff, and individuals in atypical work have less or no access to employer- sponsored training. Such inequalities undermine individuals’ welfare and health, reduce economic competitiveness, result in missed opportunities and barriers to innovation and risk leaving people behind in the transition to more sustainable economic activities. An enabling framework unlocking and incentivising employers’ financial investments in skills and giving visibility to the economic value of upskilling and reskilling is needed. The SME Relief Package should consider the capacity building of SMEs to upskill their work force.
Amendment 151 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In the past, the Union witnessed significant increases in the public investments in initial education and training. However, so far, this has not been matched with corresponding increases in investments to support continuing skills development throughout the entire working life.49 The Council Conclusions of 8 June 202050 invite Member States to “explore possible models for public and private financing of lifelong learning and the development of skills on an individual level”, and call on the Commission to support Member States in these efforts. In its resolution on European youth, the European Parliament notes that support should be given to national Public Employment Services for its implementation of the ESF+ budget line in coordination with private and public partners, while creating synergies with the European Education Area. It highlights the added value of ALMA in addition to already existing opportunities under Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps to ensure that virtual learning and cooperation remain combined with physical mobility under ESF+. _________________ 49 See for instance the increase in tertiary attainment, cf. Education and Training Monitor 2021 50 Council Conclusions of 8 June 2020 on reskilling and upskilling as a basis for increasing sustainability and employability, in the context of supporting economic recovery and social cohesion
Amendment 153 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Significant EU funding support is available for reskilling and upskilling, for instance through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)51 , the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the InvestEU programme, the Digital Europe Programme, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, the Programme for Environment and climate action (LIFE), the Modernisation Fund, the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). The ESF+ remains the main EU funding tool to invest in more and better skills of the workforce, in particular by supporting institutions and services to assess and anticipate skills needs and challenges, supporting reskilling and upskilling opportunities for workers offered by the public and private sectors. The Reinforced Youth Guarantee should ensure quality and remunerated offers for young people to enter labour market. Child Guarantee can play an essential role in the early development of core competences and life skills for children. Reforms and investments included in Member States’ national recovery and resilience plans have a prominent skills dimension, often linked with active labour market policies, in particular youth employment support. In the national recovery and resilience plans endorsed by the Commission and the Council so far, around 20% of the social expenditure is dedicated to “employment and skills”52 . REACT-EU was the first instrument of NextGenerationEU to make payments for the recovery of Member States. It helped create jobs and invest in skills in the regions most in need. Workers that lose their jobs due to large-scale restructuring events, may also benefit from support through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to find new jobs, for instance through further education and training and tailored career guidance and advice. _________________ 51 Established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of 12 February 2021.New and innovative forms of financing like social impact bonds and social outcome contracts aimed at upskilling and reskilling the workforce should be encouraged. _________________ 52 Social categories are defined and applied based on the methodology adopted by the Commission in consultation with the European Parliament and the Member States in the Delegated Regulation 2021/2105. By 03/10/2022, 25 recovery and resilience plans have been endorsed by the Commission and the Council.
Amendment 160 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 28 a (new)
Recital 28 a (new)
(28a) In this regard, highlights the importance of starting the European Year of Skills 2023 in a timely manner and warns about the risks of delaying the start of the European Year of Skills.
Amendment 174 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1
1. Promoting increased, more effective and inclusive investment into training and upskilling to harness the full potential of the European current and future workforce and to support people in managing job-to-job transitions, active ageing, and benefiting from the new opportunities brought by the ongoing economic transformation. The reduction of inequalities must be a cross-cutting objective, with a focus on gender equality, people with disabilities and low-skilled people.
Amendment 184 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
2. Strengthening skills relevance by closely cooperating with social partners, public and private employment services, local authorities employment services, companies, education and training providers and developing joined-up approaches with all branches of governments.
Amendment 187 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
2a. Reinforcing the recognition of skills and competences, in particular from informal and non formal education, while furthering common frameworks across Member States, especially on a common recognition of soft skills.
Amendment 190 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3
3. Matching people’s aspirations and skills-set with labour market opportunities especially those offered by the green and digital transitions and the core sectors in need of recovery from the pandemic. A special focus will be given to activate more people for the labour market, in particular women and young people especially those not in education, employment or training (NEETs), as well as persons with disabilities, marginalised groups and people living in remote areas and in outermost regions.
Amendment 196 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
3a. Promoting increased European mobility under the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes, for students, apprentices, teachers and trainers, while aiming for the better recognition of the skills and competences acquired during a mobility period, especially on civic and social competences.
Amendment 215 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i (new)
i) developing local strategies and local pacts for skills to close the gap between skills mismatch and the labour shortages, while supporting the development of one-stop-shops and local hubs for skills development.
Amendment 231 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) favouring policy making on skills to achieve concrete impact on the lives of young and older people, thereby allowing them to better recognise themselves in a Union taking care of their future during the Year of Skills.
Amendment 241 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – title
Article 4 – title
4 Coordination at national levelin the Member States
Amendment 247 #
2022/0326(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
The organisation of participation in the European Year at national and regional level shall be a responsibility of the Member States. To that end, each Member State shall appoint a national coordinator that can represent the different branches of government in a holistic manner. The national coordinators shall ensure the coordination of relevant activities at national and, regional level and local level.
Amendment 29 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) As recognised in the Preamble to the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 on forced labour (‘ILO Convention No. 29’) of the International Labour Organization (‘ILO’), forced labour constitutes a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The ILO declared the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour as a principle concerning the fundamental rights. The ILO classifies ILO Convention No. 29, the 2014 Protocol to Convention No. 29 and the ILO Convention No.105 on the abolition of forced labour (‘ILO Convention No.105’) as fundamental ILO Conventions16. Forced labour covers a wide variety of coercive labour practices where work or service is exacted from persons that have not offered it themselves voluntarily.17 The ILO indicators used to investigate and identify cases of forced labour are abuse of vulnerability, deception, restriction of movement, isolation, physical and sexual violence, intimidation and threats, retention of identity documents, withholding of wages, debt bondages, abusive working and living conditions and excessive overtime.18a _________________ 16 https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/introd uction-to-international-labour- standards/conventions-and- recommendations/lang--en/index.htm. 17 The ILO definition of forced labour according to the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1920 (No. 29), What is forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking (Forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking) (ilo.org). 18a https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- declaration/documents/publication/wcms_ 203832.pdf
Amendment 31 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The use of forced labour is widespread in the world. It is estimated that about 27.6 million people were in forced labour in 2021.18Vulnerable and marginalised groups in a society are particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. Even when it is not The vast majority of forced labour cases was estimated to be imposed by private actors, in particular through forced labour exploitation (17.3 million people). This implies that notwithstanding the severity of state imposed, forced labour is often a consequence of a lack of good governance of certain economic operators, the main problem lies within the private sector which accounts for 86% of all forced labour cases.18Therefore this Regulation must address economic operators in a way that clarifies what is expected from them, by laying out predictable and clear legislation. At the same time, economic operators who do not comply with this Regulation and continue to benefit from forced labour must be held responsible. _________________ 18 The 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733 .pdf.
Amendment 36 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Vulnerable and marginalised groups in a society are particularly susceptible to be pressured into performing forced labour. Even when it is not state imposed, forced labour is often a consequence of a lack of good governance of certain economic operators and a demonstration of a state's failure to handle this type of economic operators.
Amendment 37 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
Amendment 38 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 c (new)
Recital 2 c (new)
Amendment 42 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The European Union is a global leader on responsible business conduct and business and human rights. The eradication of forced labour is a priority for the Union. Respect for human dignity and the universality and indivisibility of human rights are firmly enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 5(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights provide that no one is to be required to perform forced or compulsory labour. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly interpreted Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights as requiring Member States to penalise and effectively prosecute any act maintaining a person in the situations described set out in Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights.19 _________________ 19 For instance paras. 89 and 102 in Siliadin v. France or para. 105 in Chowdury and Others v. Greece.
Amendment 46 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Through its policies and legislative initiatives the Union seeks to eradicate the use of forced labour. The Union promotes due diligence in accordance with international guidelines and principles established by international organisations, including the ILO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (hereinafter “OECD”) and the United Nations (hereinafter “UN”), to ensure that forced labour does not find a place in the value chains of undertakings established in the Union. This is crucial since forced labour exists in every region of the world. ILO estimates that the highest number of people in forced labour are in Asia in Pacific region, followed by the region of Europe and Central Asia. Meanwhile, this estimate is largely driven by the size of the population in those regions. When calculating forced labour as proportion of the population, the highest number is in the MENA region21awith an estimated 5.3 cases per thousand people.21b _________________ 21a Covers the following countries and territories: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. 21b ILO 2021 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public /---ed_norm/--- ipec/documents/publication/wcms_854733 .pdf
Amendment 66 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) ‘vulnerable stakeholders’ means affected stakeholders that find themselves in marginalised situations and situations of vulnerability, due to specific contexts or intersecting factors, including among others, sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, class, caste, education, indigenous peoples, migration status, disability, as well as social and economic status, and includes stakeholders living in conflict- affected and high risk areas, which are the causes of diverse and often disproportionate adverse impacts, and create discrimination and additional barriers to participation and access to justice;
Amendment 75 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) due diligence guidelines or recommendations of the UN, ILO, OECD or other relevant international organisations, as well as the social partners;
Amendment 95 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall call upon external expertise to provideprovide, with the help of external expertise inter alia from the ILO, OECD, EEAS, social partners and civil society organizations, an indicative, non-exhaustive, verifiable and regularly updated database of forced labour risks in specific geographic areas or with respect to specific products or services including with regard to forced labour imposed by state authorities. The database shall be based on the guidelines referred to in Article 23, points (a), (b) and (c), and relevant external sources of information from, amongst others, international organisations and third country authorities and it should pay particular attention to the presence of vulnerable stakeholders in the specific product or service. Information listed in the database shall be evidence-based. When an economic operator trades with geographic areas listed in this database as high-risk of forced labour, the economic operator must be able to prove that no forced labour has been used.
Amendment 105 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. A Union Network Against Forced Labour Products (‘the Network’) is established. The Network is chaired by the Commission and shall serve as a platform for structured coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and the Commission, and to streamline the practices of enforcement of this Regulation within the Union, thereby making enforcement more effective and coherent.
Amendment 110 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) facilitate the identification of common priorities for enforcement activities, to exchange information, expertise and best practices, including by involving external actors where applicable, such as social partner organisations or civil society organisations;
Amendment 112 #
2022/0269(COD)
(b) conduct joint investigations, inside the European Union as well as in third- countries, in accordance with international law;
Amendment 117 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 3 – point f a (new)
(fa) coordinate and cooperate with third-country authorities, where applicable.
Amendment 206 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) Competent authorities that establish that economic operators violated the prohibition, should without delay prohibit the placing and making available of such products on the Union market and their export from the Union, and require the economic operators that have been investigated to withdraw the relevant products already made available from the Union market and have them destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management. The competent authorities must take into account the specific nature of food products when they are disposed of in order to prevent food waste and losses.
Amendment 222 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) If the economic operators fail to comply with the decision of the competent authorities by the end of the established timeframe, the competent authorities should ensure that the relevant products are prohibited from being placed or made available on the Union market, exported or withdrawn from the Union market and that any such products remaining with the relevant economic operators are destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including Union legislation on waste management at the expense of the economic operators. The competent authorities must take into account the specific nature of food products when they are disposed of in order to prevent food waste and losses.
Amendment 239 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) The Commission should issue guidelines in order to facilitate the implementation of the prohibition by economic operators and competent authorities. Such guidelines should include guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour and complementary information for the competent authorities to implement the prohibition, in particular taking into account the specific nature of food products. The guidance on due diligence in relation to forced labour should build on the Guidance on due diligence for Union businesses to address the risk of forced labour in their operations and supply chains published by the Commission and the European External Action Service in July 2021. The guidelines should be consistent with other Commission guidelines in this regard and relevant international organisations’ guidelines. The reports from international organisations, in particular the ILO, as well as other independent and verifiable sources of information should be considered for the identification of risk indicators.
Amendment 257 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) Where the competent authorities conclude that a product corresponds to a decision establishing a violation of the prohibition, they should immediately inform customs authorities which should refuse its release for free circulation or export. The product should be destroyed, rendered inoperable, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law, including legislation on waste management, which excludes re-export in case of non-Union goods. The competent authorities must take into account the specific nature of food products when they are disposed of in order to prevent food waste and losses.
Amendment 522 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 – point c a (new)
(ca) a requirement to take into account the specific nature of food products when they are disposed of in order to prevent food waste and losses.
Amendment 540 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point c a (new)
Amendment 560 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) all relevant information and in particular the details allowing the identification of the product, to which the decision applies, including details about the manufacturer or producer and the product suppliers, taking into account the specific nature of food products;
Amendment 682 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 27 to supplement this Regulation by identifying the products or product groups for which the information referred to in paragraph 2 shall be provided to customs authorities, amongst others, on the basis of the database referred to in Article 11 or f information and decisions encoded in the information and communication system referred to in Article 22(1). The Commission shall take into account the specific nature of food products when identifying products or groups of products.
Amendment 708 #
2022/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Where the release for free circulation or export of a product has been refused in accordance with Article 19, customs authorities shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the product concerned is disposed of in accordance with national law consistent with Union law while taking into account the specific nature of food products when they are disposed of in order to prevent food waste and losses. Articles 197 and 198 of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 shall apply accordingly.
Amendment 37 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Versailles Declaration of 10-11 March 2022 of the Heads of States and Governments invited the Commission to propose by the end of May a REPowerEU plan to phase out the dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports, which was subsequently reiterated in the European Council Conclusions of 24-25 March 2022. This should be done well before 2030 in a way that is consistent with the EU’s Green Deal and the climate objectives for 2030 and 2050 enshrined in the European Climate Law. Regulation (EU) 2021/241 should therefore be amended to enhance its ability to support reforms and investments dedicated to diversifying energy supplies, in particular fossil fuels, nuclear and LNG, thereby strengthening the strategic autonomy of the Union alongside an open economy. Support should also be given to reforms and investments increasing the energy efficiency of the Member States’ economies and increasing the use of renewable energy, including hydrogen. Furthermore, in its Versailles Declaration of 10-11 March 2022, the European Council called for reducing EU strategic dependencies and invited, inter alia, the Commission to present options to address rising food prices and the issue of global food security as soon as possible.
Amendment 55 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The REPowerEU chapter should include new reforms and investments contributing to the REPowerEU aims and tackle, in a comprehensive manner, the crisis effects determined by the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, that chapter should contain an outline of other measures, financed from sources other than the Recovery and Resilience Facility, contributing to the energy-related objectives outlined in recital (3). The outline should cover measures whose implementation should take place between 1 February 2022 to 31 December 2026, the period during which the objectives set by this Regulation are to be achieved. As regards natural gas infrastructure, the investments and reforms of the REPowerEU chapters to diversify supply away from Russia should build on the needs currently identified through the assessment conducted and agreed by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG), established in the spirit of solidarity as regards security of supply and take into account the reinforced preparedness measures taken to adapt to new geopolitical threats. Finally, the REPowerEU chapters should provide an explanation and a quantification of the effects of the combination of the reforms and investments financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the other measures financed by other sources than the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
Amendment 60 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) In order to provide adequate and rapid response, Member States are encouraged to use all available funds to provide immediate and temporary support to SMEs and households for micro investments in energy efficiency improvements and in renewable energy self-generation, via vouchers or tax credits.
Amendment 64 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8 a) In light of the current energy crisis, where high energy prices are aggravating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, by further increasing the financial burden of consumers, in particular for households with low income or vulnerable companies, the REPowerEU chapters should include measures to help structurally address situations of energy poverty, through long-lasting investments and reforms. Such reforms and investments should provide a higher level of financial support in energy efficiency schemes, clean energy policies and schemes to reduce energy demand for those households and companies facing severe difficulties due to high energy bills. Energy demand-reduction measures taken by Member States should take into account the principles set by the Council Regulations on energy demand-reduction measures.
Amendment 76 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12 a) Member States are encouraged to complement and accompany the measures in the REPowerEU chapter with additional measures in line with the objectives of the chapter; in order to achieve them, Member States are encouraged to use additional Union funding, in particular the Innovation Fund, the Modernisation Fund, InvestEU and all remaining funds under the 2014- 2020 programming period; information on existing or planned Union financing should be included in the chapter.
Amendment 128 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. In line with the six pillars referred in Article 3 of this Regulation, the coherence and synergies they generate, and in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, the general objective of the Facility shall be to promote the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesion by improving the resilience, crisis preparedness, adjustment capacity and growth potential of the Member States, by mitigating the social and economic impact of that crisis, in particular on women, by contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, by supporting the green transition, by contributing to the achievement of the Union’s 2030 climate targets set out in point (11) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999,and by complying with the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050 and of the digital transition, by increasing the resilience of the Union energy system through a decrease of dependence on fossil fuels and an increase of the use of renewable energy, an increase of energy efficiency and diversification of energy supplies at Union level (‘REPowerEU objectives’) thereby contributing to the upward economic and social convergence, restoring and promoting sustainable growth and the integration of the economies of the Union, fostering high quality employment creation, and contributing to the strategic autonomy of the Union alongside an open economy and generating European added value.
Amendment 210 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21b – paragraph 2
Article 21b – paragraph 2
(2) Payments shall be made in accordance with Article 24 of this Regulation and subject to available funding. Payments of financial contributions stemming from the resources allocated according to Article 21a shall be made by 21 December 2027.
Amendment 230 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21c – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 21c – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) providing immediate and temporary support to households and SMEs for micro investments in energy efficiency improvements and in renewable energy self-generation, via vouchers or tax credits.
Amendment 240 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21c – paragraph 1 – point da (new)
Article 21c – paragraph 1 – point da (new)
(d a) addressing energy poverty and incentivising reduction of energy demand.
Amendment 253 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6
Regulation (EU) 2021/241
Article 21c – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
Article 21c – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) information on existing or planned Union financing on complementary or accompanying measures in line with the objectives of this chapter;
Amendment 285 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10e – paragraph 1
Article 10e – paragraph 1
(1) For the period until 31 December 2026, the allowances released pursuant to Article 1(6) of Decision (EU) 2015/1814an amount of allowances from the total quantity of allowances shall be auctioned until the amount of revenue obtained from such auctioning has reached EUR 20 billion. This revenue shall be made available to the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of that Regulation. These allowances shall be taken in equal shares from the quantity to be auctioned in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 10 and the quantity that would otherwise be allocated free of charge.
Amendment 290 #
2022/0164(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Decision (EU) 2015/1814
Article 1
Article 1
Amendment 36 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The Union negotiates international agreements, including those concerning the protection of geographical indications, with its trade partners. Protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products throughout the Union can also stem from those agreements, irrespective of the international registrations provided under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications or the application and registration system set out in this Regulation. In its negotiating capacity the Commission should make every effort to extend, update and improve protection of geographical indications pertaining to craft and industrial products with trade partners which are not signatories to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement by means of bilateral and multilateral agreements, to create symmetry in trade relations and ensure that EU craft and industrial products are reciprocally protected by our trade partners. In order to facilitate the provision to the public of information about the geographical indications protected in the Union either by virtue of the international registrations provided under the Geneva Act or by virtue of the international agreements with the Union trade partners, and in particular to ensure protection and control of the use to which those geographical indications are put, those geographical indications should be entered in the Union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products.
Amendment 43 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) For the optimal functioning of the internal market, it is important that producers and other operators concerned, authorities and consumers may quickly and easily have access to the relevant information concerning a registered protected geographical indication. Access to the relevant information should be reliable, free of charge and equally granted to all stakeholders interested.
Amendment 45 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Protection should be granted to names included in the Union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products to ensure that they are used fairly and in order to prevent practices liable to mislead consumers. In order to strengthen geographical indication protection and to combat more effectively counterfeiting, both in online and offline environments, the protection of geographical indications should also apply to domain names on the internet, thus the establishment of an information and alert system at the EUIPO on the availability of GIs as domain name and on potential infringing domain registrations, requiring EU ccTLD registries to provide EUIPO with relevant information and data, is essential1a. Concerning the protection of geographical indications, it is also important to have due regard to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, and in particular Articles 22 and 23 thereof, and to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade including Article V thereof on freedom of transit, which were approved by Council Decision 94/800/EC15 . Within such legal framework, in order to strengthen geographical indication protection and to combat counterfeiting more effectively, such protection should also apply with regard to goods entering the customs territory of the Union without being released for free circulation, and placed under special customs procedures such as those relating to transit, storage, specific use or processing. _________________ This should be achieved in full conformity with Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No1383/2003. _________________ 1a This will boost the already existing information and alert system set up by EUIPO – European Union Intellectual Property Office in collaboration with EURid for EUTMs and .eu domain names 15 Council Decision 94/800/EC of 22 December 1994 concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community, as regards matters within its competence, of the agreements reached in the Uruguay Round multilateral negotiations (1986- 1994) (OJ L 336, 23.12.1994, p. 1).
Amendment 65 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) Taking into account that a product designated by the geographical indication produced in one Member State might be sold in another Member State, administrative assistance between Member States should be ensured to allow effective controls and its practicalities should be laid down. A registry of all EU Member States competent authorities nominated for administrative assistance should be drafted and made easily accessible to each national or regional point of contact for better inter-state cooperation to effectively exploit the benefits of a EU-wide geographical indication scheme.
Amendment 79 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) at least one of thethe main production steps of the product takes place in the defined geographical area.
Amendment 80 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) all imported products that will be part of the assembly of the final product must offer a guarantee that they have been produced in a sustainable way.
Amendment 109 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 (new)
The Office may seek supplementary information from the Member State concerned if a change in a production method, that does not call into question a product’s quality, authenticity, reputation or characteristics attributable to its geographical origin, is due to innovation, whether technological or process-related, as openness to innovation and experimenting are crafts people’s main drivers of digital and green transition. Such change should not alter the registration process nor lead to withdrawal or to a new application process.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) where compliance with the requirements for the product specification and proper methods of controls and checks of conformity with the product specification can no longer be ensured;
Amendment 126 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 5
Article 33 – paragraph 5
5. The Advisory Board shall be composed of one representative of each Member State and one representatives of the Commission and their respective alternates. The Board should also consider including hearings of recognized experts in the field of GIs on a case-by-case basis, and observers of representative business organizations.
Amendment 155 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 45 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) in case of any vulnerabilities identified whilst conducting verification and monitoring, these should be communicated to the Office as a matter of urgency.
Amendment 161 #
2022/0115(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 48 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 48 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. In terms of enforcement of geographical indications rights protection in the marketplace and of combating counterfeiting more effectively, the relevant authorities shall respect the guidelines and good practices measures, procedures and remedies set out in Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and in full conformity with the Council and European Parliament Regulation No 608/2013 of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003.
Amendment 34 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) This Directive should apply to criminal conduct which amounts to violence against women or domestic violence, as criminalised under Union or national law. This includes the criminal offences defined in this Directive, namely rape, female genital mutilation, forced sterilisation, the non- consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material, cyber stalking, cyber harassment, cyber incitement to violence or hatred and criminal conduct covered by other Union instruments, in particular Directives 2011/36/EU36 and 2011/93/EU37 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which define criminal offences concerning the sexual exploitation of children and trafficking of human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Lastly, certain criminal offences under national law fall under the definition of violence against women. This includes crimes such as femicide, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, stalking, early and forced marriage, forced abortion, forced sterilisation and different forms of cyber violence, such as online sexual harassment, cyber bullying or the unsolicited receipt of sexually explicit material. Domestic violence is a form of violence which may be specifically criminalised under national law or covered by criminal offences which are committed within the family or domestic unit or between former or current spouses. _________________ 36 Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, p. 1–11. 37 Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA, OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1– 14.
Amendment 42 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Violence against women is a persisting manifestation of structural discrimination against women, resulting from misogyny and historically unequal power relations between women and men. It is a form of gender-based violence, which is inflicted primarily on women and girls, by men. It is rooted in the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men, generally referred to under the term ‘gender’.
Amendment 43 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Domestic violence is a seriousgrave social problem which often remains hidden as a result of societal stigmatisation of the subject. It can lead to serious psychological and physical trauma with severe consequences for a victim's personal and professional life because the offender typically is a person known to the victims, whom they would expect to be able to trust. Such violence can take on various forms, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic. Domestic violence may occur whether or not the offender shares or has shared a household with the victim.
Amendment 45 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In light of the specificities related to these types of crime it is necessary to lay down a comprehensive set of rules, which addresses the persisting problem of violence against women and domestic violence in a targeted manner and caters to the specific needs of victims of such violence in an intersectional and gender- sensitive manner. The existing provisions at Union and national levels have proven to be insufficient to effectively combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence. In particular, Directives 2011/36/EU and 2011/93/EU concentrate on specific forms of such violence, while Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council38 lays down the general framework for victims of crime. While providing some safeguards for victims of violence against women and domestic violence, it is not set out to address their specific needs. _________________ 38 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57).
Amendment 48 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Directive supports the international commitments the Member States have undertaken to combat and prevent violence against women and domestic violence, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)39 and, where relevant,, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (‘Istanbul Convention’)40 and the International Labour Organization’s Convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work, signed Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), the International Labour Organization’s Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No 111) and the International Labour Organization’s Domestic Workers Convention, 21 June 2019 in Geneva012 (No 189). _________________ 39 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), UNGA, 1979. 40 Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),Council of Europe, 2011.
Amendment 55 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Violence against women and domestic violence can be exacerbated where it intersects with discrimination based on sex or gender and other grounds of discrimination prohibited by Union law, namely nationality, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics. Member States should therefore pay due regard to victims affected by such intersectional discrimination, through providing specific measures where intersecting forms of discrimination are present. In particular, lesbian, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LBTIQ) women, women with disabilities and women with a minority racial or ethnic background are at a heightened risk of experiencing gender- based violence.
Amendment 56 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Victims of violence against women and domestic violence are at an increased risk of intimidation, retaliation, secondary and repeat victimisation. Particular attention should thus be paid to these risks and to the need to protect the dignity and physical integrity of such victims. Encounters with specialised support services should ensure victims are treated in a humane way and avoid re- traumatisation.
Amendment 60 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Rape is one of the most serious offences breaching a person’s sexual integrity and is a crime that disproportionately affects women and girls. It entails a power imbalance between the offender and the victim, which allows the offender to sexually exploit the victim for purposes such as personal gratification, asserting domination, gaining social recognition, advancement or possibly financial gain. Many Member States still require the use of force, threats or coercion for the crime of rape. Other Member States solely rely on the condition that the victim has not consented to the sexual act. Only the latter approach achieves the full protection of the sexual integrity of victims. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure equal protection throughout the Union by providing the constitutive elements of the crime of rape of women. and girls.
Amendment 61 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16 a) Forced and coerced sterilisation is a harmful and exploitative practice that removes the capacity of sexual reproduction of the victims and that is performed for the purpose of exerting social control over the victims. It is rooted in eugenicist assumptions about the value of the lives of the persons at stake and stereotypes concerning their capacity to be parents, in particular mothers. Women and girls of ethnic and racial minority backgrounds, in particular Roma, women and girls from poor socio-economic backgrounds and women and girls with disabilities, especially those with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities as well as those living in institutions, are particularly at risk of such a violation. To combat this widespread and ongoing practice in the European Union, which perpetuates discrimination, stereotypes, violence and control over a woman’s body, forced sterilisation should be specifically and adequately addressed in criminal law.
Amendment 64 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) It is necessary to provide for harmonised definitions of offences and penalties regarding certain forms of cyber violence. Cyber violence particularly targets and impacts women in public life, particularly women politicians, journalists and human rights defenders. It can have the effect of silencing women and hindering their societal and professional participation on an equal footing with men. Cyber violence also disproportionately affects women and girls in educational settings, such as schools and universities, with detrimental consequences to their further education and to their mental health, which may, in extreme cases, lead to suicide.
Amendment 67 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Especially due to its tendency for easy, swift and broad distribution and perpetration, as well as its intimate nature, the non-consensual making accessible of intimate images or videos and material that depict sexual activities, to a multitude of end-users, by means of information and communication technologies, can be verextremely harmful for the victims. The offence provided for in this Directive should cover all types of such material, such as images, photographs and videos, including sexualized images, audio clips and video clips. It should relate to situations where the making accessible of the material to a multitude of end-users, through information and communication technologies, occurs without the victim’s consent, irrespective of whether the victim consented to the generation of such material or may have transmitted it to a particular person. The offence should also include the non-consensual production or manipulation, for instance by image editing, of material that makes it appear as though another person is engaged in sexual activities, insofar as the material is subsequently made accessible to a multitude of end-users, through information and communication technologies, without the consent of that person. Such production or manipulation should include the fabrication of ‘deepfakes’, where the material appreciably resembles an existing person, objects, places or other entities or events, depicting sexual activities of another person, and would falsely appear to others to be authentic or truthful. In the interest of effectively protecting victims of such conduct, threatening to engage in such conduct should be covered as well.
Amendment 79 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) When assessing the victim’s protection and support needs, the primary concern should lie in safeguarding the victim’s safety and providing tailored support, taking into account, among other matters, the individual circumstances of the victim. Such circumstances requiring special attention could include the victim’s pregnancy or the victim’s, recent birth of a child or the victim’s living situation with, dependence on or relationship to the offender.
Amendment 81 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Victims of violence against women and domestic violence are often in need of specific support. To ensure they effectively receive offers of support, the competent authorities should refer victims to appropriate specialised support services. This should in particular be the case where an individual assessment has found particular support needs of the victim. In that case, support services should be able to reach out to the victim even without the victim’s consent. For the processing of related personal data by competent authorities, Member States should ensure that it is based on law, in accordance with Article 6(1)(c) read in conjunction with Article (6)(2) and (3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council41 . Such laws should include appropriate personal data safeguards that respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the individuals. Where competent authorities transfer victims’ personal data to support services for victims’ referral, they should ensure that the data transferred is limited to what is necessary to inform the services of the circumstances of the case, so that victims receive appropriate support and protection. _________________ 41 Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (Text with EEA relevance), (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1–88).
Amendment 83 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Member States should take the necessary measures to ensure the availability of emergency barring, restraining and protection orders to ensure effective protection of victims and their dependants in particular as regards the residence and the workplace of the victim.
Amendment 84 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) Given the complexities and gravity of offences of violence against women and domestic violence and specific support needs of victims, Member States should ensure additional support and prevention of such offences is provided by designated bodies. Given their expertise in matters of discrimination on grounds of sex or gender, national equality bodies, set up in accordance with Directives 2004/113/EC42 , 2006/54/EC43 and 2010/41/EU44 of the European Parliament and of the Council, are well placed to fulfil these tasks. Such bodies should in addition have legal standing to act on behalf or in support of victims of all forms of violence against women or domestic violence in judicial proceedings, including for the application for compensation and removal of online illegal content, with the victims’ approval. This should include the possibility of acting on behalf or in support of several victims together. To enable these bodies to effectively carry out their tasks, Member States should ensure that they are provided with sufficient human and financial resources. _________________ 42 Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services, (OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37). 43 Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), (OJ L204, 26.7.2006, p. 23). 44 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the applicationof the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC, (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).
Amendment 90 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 44
Recital 44
(44) In order to avoid secondary victimisation, victims should be able to obtain compensation in the course of criminal proceedings. Compensation from the offender should be full and should not be restricted by a fixed upper limit. It should cover all harm and trauma experienced by victims and costs incurred to manage the damages, including among other things therapy costs, impact on the victim’s employment situation, loss of earnings, psychological damages, and moral prejudice due to the violation of dignity. The amount of compensation should reflect that victims of domestic violence may have to uproot their lives in order to seek safety, entailing a possible loss or change of employment or finding new schools for children or even creating a new identity.
Amendment 97 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50
Recital 50
(50) The traumatic nature of sexual violence, including rape, requires a particularly gender-sensitive response by trained and specialised staff. Victims of this type of violence need immediate medical care and trauma support combined with immediate forensic examinations to collect the evidence needed for prosecution. Rape crisis centres or sexual violence referral centres should be available in sufficient numbers and adequately spread over the territory of each Member State. Similarly, victims of female genital mutilation, who are often girls, typically are in need of targeted support. Therefore, Member States should ensure they provide dedicated support tailored to these victims.
Amendment 98 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 50 a (new)
Recital 50 a (new)
(50 a) Violence and harassment in the world of work is unacceptable and incompatible with decent work. It affects a person’s psychological, physical and sexual health, dignity, and family and social environment, as well as the quality of public and private services. In particular, it can prevent persons, particularly women, from accessing, and remaining and advancing in the labour market and is therefore a threat to equal opportunities. It also negatively affects the organisation of work, workplace relations, worker engagement, enterprise reputation and productivity.
Amendment 102 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Harassment at work is considered as discrimination on grounds of sex by Directives 2004/113/EC, 2006/54/EC and 2010/41/EU. Given that gender-based violence and harassment, in particular sexual harassment at work has significant negative consequences both for the victims and the employers, advice on adequatelyfor everyone at work, impacting workplace relations and productivity, advice should be provided by external counselling services to both workers and employers on adequately preventing and addressing such instances atin the workplace,ld of work, including through social dialogue and on legal remedies available to the employer to remove the offender from the workplace and providing the possibility of early conciliation, if the victim so wishes, should be provided by external counselling services to both victims and employers. Such support should be specialised, gender-sensitive, free of charge and confidential.
Amendment 106 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51 a (new)
Recital 51 a (new)
(51 a) In addition to the severe consequences and trauma for victims personally, domestic violence can also affect employment, productivity and health and safety. As part of other measures, social partners can help to recognise, respond to and address the impacts of domestic violence in the world of work. In order to support victims through difficult transitions and help them to remain in the workforce thereby safeguarding their economic resources and financial independence, Member States may provide workers with the right to paid domestic violence leave where the worker has at least six months’ service with the same employer and has completed their probationary period where relevant. This right may be subject to appropriate and confidential substantiation.
Amendment 108 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51 b (new)
Recital 51 b (new)
(51 b) In order to support workers who are victims of gender-based violence and harassment and domestic violence to remain in the work force, Member States should ensure that such workers have the right to request short-term flexible working arrangements to adjust their working patterns, including, where possible, through the use of remote working arrangements or transfer of working location, flexible working schedules, or a reduction in working hours, for the purposes of ensuring their continued attachment to the labour market and professional development while providing the necessary flexibility for them to address the impact of such violence on their personal lives such as attending court, medical or bank appointments, seeking alternative accommodation or moving house as well as childcare arrangements which can be impractical to do outside their ordinary hours of work. The duration of such flexible working arrangements shall be determined by the Member States.
Amendment 112 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 51 c (new)
Recital 51 c (new)
(51 c) When considering requests for flexible working arrangements, employers should be able to take into account the needs of both the employer and the worker concerned. The employer should be able to decide whether to accept or refuse a worker's request for flexible working arrangements but must do so within 48 hours given the specific context of, and circumstances faced by, victims of gender-based violence, harassment and domestic violence that are often time- sensitive. Employers should provide a reasoned response in case of refusal or proposed postponement of such arrangements. Specific circumstances underlying the need for short-term flexible working arrangements can change. Workers should therefore have the right not only to return to their original working pattern at the end of the mutually agreed period, but should also be able to request to do so earlier where required on the basis of a change in the underlying circumstances.
Amendment 117 #
2022/0066(COD)
(52) Member States should ensure that national helplines are operated under the EU-harmonised number [116016] and this number is widely advertised as a public number, free of charge and available round-the-clock. The support provided should be accessible to persons with disabilities, include crisis counselling and should be able to refer to face-to-face services, such as shelters, counselling centres or the police.
Amendment 118 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 53
Recital 53
(53) Shelters play a vital role in protecting victims from acts of violence. Beyond providing a safe place to stay, shelters should provide the necessary support concerning interlocking problems related to victims’ health, financial and employment situation and the well-being of their children, ultimately preparing victims for an autonomous life. Shelters and other appropriate interim accommodations should be made available to accommodate the specific needs of victims with disabilities.
Amendment 120 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 56
Recital 56
(56) Victims with specific needs and groups at risk of violence against women or domestic violence, such as women with disabilities, women with dependant residence status or permit, undocumented migrant women, women applicants for international protection, women fleeing armed conflict, women affected by homelessness, with a minority racial or ethnic background, living in rural areaLBTI+ women, expectant and new mothers, living in rural areas, living in institutions, women sex workers, detainees, or older women, should receive specific protection and support.
Amendment 121 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 57
Recital 57
(57) Women and girls with disabilityies disproportionately experience violence against women and domestic violence and due to theirboth within and outside their home. Due to a lack of accessible protection and support measures, victims with disabilityies often have difficulties in advocating for themselves, being heard and believed and accessing such protection and support measures. Therefore, Member States should ensure they can benefit fully from the rights set out in this Directive, on an equal basis with others, while paying due attention to the particular vulnerability of such victims and their likely difficulties in being able to reach out for or receive help.
Amendment 129 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 58
Recital 58
(58) Member States should ensure that preventive measures, such as awareness- raising campaigns, are taken to counter violence against women and domestic violence and associated stigma and inform all persons, including victims themselves, of the signs of violence and abuse. Prevention should also take place in formal education, in particular, through strengthening comprehensive sexuality education and socio-emotional competencies, empathy and developing healthy and respectful relationships. with a particular focus on addressing boys and young men.
Amendment 133 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 59
Recital 59
(59) Member States should take measures to prevent the cultivation of and dismantle existing harmful gender stereotypes to eradicate the idea of the inferiority of women or stereotyped roles of women and men. This could also include measures aimed at ensuring that culture, custom, religion, tradition or honour is not perceivcan never be perceived or used as a justification for, or a more lenient treatment of, offences of violence against women or domestic violence. Considering that from a very young age onwards, children are exposed to gender roles that shape their self-perception and influence their academic and professional choices as well as expectations of their roles as women and men throughout their life, it is crucial to address gender stereotypes and respect for explicit consent and bodily autonomy as of early-childhood education and care.
Amendment 137 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60
Recital 60
(60) In order to ensure victims of violence against women and domestic violence are identified and receive appropriate support, Member States should ensure that professionals likely to come into contact with victims receive regular and mandatory training and targeted information. Trainings should be gender- and disability-sensitive and cover the risk and prevention of intimidation, repeat and secondary victimisation and the availability of protection and support measures for victims. To prevent and appropriately address instances of sexual harassment atviolence and harassment in the world of work, persons with supervisory functions should also receive such training. These trainings should also cover assessments regarding in particular sexual harassment at work and associated psychosocial safety and health risks as referred to under Directive 89/391/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council45 . Training activities should also cover the risk of third party violence. Third party violence refers to violence which staff may suffer at the workplace, not at the hands of a co-worker, and includes cases, such as nurses sexually harassed or assaulted by a patient. _________________ 45 Council Directive 89/391/EEC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1).
Amendment 138 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 60 a (new)
Recital 60 a (new)
(60 a) Employers should ensure a culture based on mutual respect and dignity to prevent violence and harassment in the world of work commensurate with their degree of control including by adopting and implementing an inclusive and gender-responsive workplace policy on gender-based violence and harassment in consultation with workers and their representatives, appointing a designated confidential counsellor, ensuring no adverse treatment or consequences in the workplace for victims of gender-based violence and harassment, taking into account gender-based violence and harassment in the management and risk- assessment of occupational safety and health and providing all workers and their representatives with regular information and training on the identified hazards and risks of violence and harassment.
Amendment 142 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 62
Recital 62
(62) IEarly intervention programmes should be set up to prevent and minimise the risk of (repeated) offences of violence against women or domestic violence. The programmes should specifically aim at teaching offenders or those at risk of offending how to adopt non-violent behaviour in interpersonal relationships and how to counter violent behavioural patterns. Programmes should encourage offenders to take responsibility for their actions and examine their attitudes and beliefs towards women.
Amendment 149 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the rights of victims of all forms of violence against women or domestic violence before, during orand after criminal proceedings;
Amendment 153 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) preventive measures.
Amendment 155 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. When implementing the measures under this Directive, Member States shall take into consideration the increased risk of violence faced by victims experiencing discrimination based on a combination of sex or gender and other grounds so as to cater to their enhanced protection and support needs, as set out in Article 18(4), Article 27(5) and Article 37(7).
Amendment 158 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) “violence against women” means gender-based violence or harassment, that is directed against a woman or a girl because she is a woman or a girl or that affects women or girls disproportionately, including all acts of such violence that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life and whether of a single occurrence or repeated;
Amendment 165 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) “the world of work” means the workplace, including public and private spaces where they are a place of work, places where the worker is paid, takes a rest break or a meal, or uses sanitary, washing and changing facilities, work- related trips, travel, training, events or social activities, work-related communications, including those enabled by information and communication technologies, employer-provided accommodation and commuting to and from work;
Amendment 166 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) “sexual harassment at work” means any form ofgender-based violence and harassment in the world of work” means any form of violence and harassment directed at persons because of their sex or gender, or affecting persons of a particular sex or gender disproportionately, in particular sexual harassment which includes any unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, where it occurs in the course of, linked with, or arising in matters of jobseeking, training including interns and apprentices, employment, occupation and self-employment in both the public and private sector, with the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of the victim, in particular when creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment;
Amendment 177 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a (new)
Article 6 a Forced sterilisation 1. Member States shall ensure that the intentional conduct of performing surgery which has the purpose or effect of terminating a woman’s capacity to naturally reproduce without her prior and informed consent or understanding of the procedure is punishable as a criminal offence. 2. Member States shall ensure that the prior and informed consent of the woman to undergo through the surgery referred to in paragraph 1 cannot be replaced by the consent of a parent, legal guardian or court’s decision.
Amendment 188 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall ensure that the criminal offences referred to in Article 6 isand 6a are punishable by a maximum penalty of at least 5 years of imprisonment and at least 7 years of imprisonment if the offence was committed under aggravating circumstances referred to in Article 13.
Amendment 194 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the offence was committed against a person made vulnerable by particular circumstances, such as older age or a situation of dependence or a state of physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability, or living in institutions;
Amendment 198 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period for criminal offences referred to in Article 6 and 6a of at least 10 years from the time when the offence was committed.
Amendment 202 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. In addition to the rights of victims when making a complaint under Article 5 of Directive 2012/29/EU, Member States shall ensure that victims, including victims with disabilities or living in institutions, can report criminal offences of violence against women or domestic violence to the competent authorities in an easy and accessible manner. This shall include the possibility of reporting criminal offences online or through other accessible information and communication technologies, including the possibility to submit evidence, in particular concerning reporting of criminal offences of cyber violence.
Amendment 211 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 4
Article 18 – paragraph 4
4. The assessment shall take into account the victim’s individual circumstances, including whether they experience discrimination based on a combination of sex or gender and other grounds and therefore face a heightened risk of violence, as well as the victim’s own account and assessment of the situation. It shall be conducted in the best interest of the victim, paying special attention to the need to avoid secondary or repeated victimisation.
Amendment 212 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 6
Article 18 – paragraph 6
6. The individual assessment shall be undertaken in collaboration with all relevant competent authorities depending on the stage of the proceedings, and relevant support services, such as civil society organisations, victim protection centres and women’s shelters, social services and healthcare professionals as well as the social partners where the victim's experience occurs in the context of the world of work.
Amendment 216 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 21 – paragraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that, in situations of immediate danger for the victim’s or their dependant’s health or safety, the competent authorities issue orders addressed at an offender or suspect of violence covered by this Directive to vacate the residence of the victim or their dependants for a sufficient period of time and to prohibit the offender or suspect from entering the residence or to enter or contact the victim’s workplace or contacting the victim or their dependants in any way. Such orders shall have immediate effect and not be dependent on a victim reporting the criminal offence.
Amendment 220 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) how to treat victims in a trauma-, gender-, disability-, and child-sensitive manner;
Amendment 221 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) how to cater to the enhanced protection and support needs of victims experiencing discrimination based on a combination of sex or gender and other grounds;
Amendment 222 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) how to avoid gender stereotypes and unconscious bias;
Amendment 231 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall ensure that free of charge, confidential, specialist support services referred to in Articles 8(3) and 9(3) of Directive 2012/29/EU are available for victims of acts of violence covered by this Directive. Member States shall ensure that the specialist support services be made available to accomodate people with disabilities. The specialist support services shall provide:
Amendment 232 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 27 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) advice and information, advice and support on any relevant legal or practical matters arising as a result of the crime, including on access to adequate housing, education, training and assistance to remain in or find employment. Accessible housing shall be provided when needed;
Amendment 241 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 3
Article 27 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure sufficient human and financial resources to provide the services referred to in paragraph 1, especially those referred to in points (a) and (c) of that paragraph, including where such services are provided by non- governmental organisations.
Amendment 246 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 5
Article 27 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall issue guidelines and protocols for healthcare and social service professionals and the social partners on identifying and providing appropriate support to victims of all forms of violence against women and domestic violence, including on referring victims to the relevant support services. Such guidelines and protocols shall also indicate how to address the specific needs of victims who are at an increased risk of such violence as a result of their experiencing intersectional discrimination based on a combination of sex or gender and other grounds of discrimination.
Amendment 251 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 29 a (new)
Article 29 a (new)
Amendment 254 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – title
Article 30 – title
Specialist support for victims of sexual harassment atgender- based violence and harassment in the world of work
Amendment 259 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure external specialised, gender-sensitive, free of charge and confidential counselling services are available for victimboth workers and employers in cases of gender-based violence and harassment, particularly sexual harassment atin the world of work. These services shall include advice on adequately preventing and addressing such instances atin the workplacld of work including through social dialogue, on legal remedies available to the employer to remove the offender from the workplace and providing the possibility of early conciliation, if the victim so wishes.
Amendment 266 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a Domestic violence leave 1. Member States may take the necessary measures to ensure that each worker has the right to paid domestic violence leave where they have at least six months’ service with the same employer and have completed their probationary period, if any. Member States may determine additional details regarding the scope, duration and conditions of domestic violence leave in accordance with national law or practice. The use of that right may be subject to appropriate substantiation, in accordance with national law or practice. Any information provided for such substantiation shall be confidential and shall be shared with a restricted number of actors in order to safeguard the worker's right to privacy and data protection. 2. Domestic violence leave shall be separate to any other leave entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave and bereavement leave.
Amendment 269 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 30 b (new)
Article 30 b (new)
Article 30 b Flexible working arrangements 1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that workers experiencing gender-based violence or domestic violence, have the right to request short-term flexible working arrangements, the duration of which shall be determined by the Member States. 2. Employers shall consider and respond to requests for short-term flexible working arrangements as referred to in paragraph 1 within 48 hours, taking into account the needs of both the employer and the worker. Employers shall provide reasons for any refusal of such a request or for any postponement of such arrangements. 3. The worker shall have the right to return to the original working pattern at the end of the agreed period. The worker shall also have the right to request to return to the original working pattern before the end of the agreed period where justified on the basis of a change of circumstances. The employer shall consider and respond to a request for an early return to the original working pattern, taking into account the needs of both the employer and the worker. 4. Member States may make the right to request short-term flexible working arrangements subject to a period of work qualification or to a length of service qualification, which shall not exceed six months. In the case of successive fixed- term contracts within the meaning of Directive 1999/70/EC with the same employer, the sum of those contracts shall be taken into account for the purpose of calculating the qualifying period.
Amendment 279 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 32 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 32 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Member States shall ensure that shelters and other appropriate interim accommodations shall be made available to accommodate the specific needs of victims with disabilities.
Amendment 283 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 35 – paragraph 1
Article 35 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure the provision of specific support to victims at an increased risk of violence against women or domestic violence, such as women with disabilities, women living in rural areas, women with dependant residence status or permit, undocumented migrant women, women applying for international protection, women fleeing from armed conflict, women affected by homelessness, LBTI+ women, expectant and new mothers, women with a minority racial or ethnic background, women sex workers, women detainees, or older women.
Amendment 289 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – paragraph 2
Article 36 – paragraph 2
2. Preventive measures shall include awareness-raising campaigns, in particular campaigns aimed at tackling stigma surrounding domestic and gender-based violence, informing victims of available supports and educating all persons on recognising signs of violence and how to support victims safely, as well as other measures such as social dialogue and collective bargaining, research and education programmes, where appropriate developed in cooperation with relevant civil society organisations, social partners, impacted communities and other stakeholders.
Amendment 292 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – paragraph 4
Article 36 – paragraph 4
4. Targeted action shall be addressed to groups at risk, including children, according to their age and maturity, andolder persons, persons with disabilities, persons living in institutions, LGBTI+ persons, migrants, refugees, expectant and new parents and persons experiencing homelessness taking into consideration language barriers and different levels of literacy and abilities. Information for children shall be formulated in a child- friendly way.
Amendment 294 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – paragraph 5
Article 36 – paragraph 5
5. Preventive measures shall in particular aim at challenging and dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, promoting equality between women and men as well as respect of consent and bodily autonomy, encouraging all persons, including men and boys, to act as positive role models in combatting gender-based and domestic violence in order to support corresponding behaviour changes across society as a whole in line with the objectives of this directive.
Amendment 295 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – paragraph 6
Article 36 – paragraph 6
6. Preventive measures shall develop and/or increase sensitivity about the harmful practice of female genital mutilation and forced sterilisation.
Amendment 300 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 36 – paragraph 8
Article 36 – paragraph 8
8. Member States shall ensure that sexual harassment atgender-based violence and harassment in the world of work is addressed in relevant national policies. Those national policies shall identify and establish targeted actions referred to in paragraph 2 for sectors where workers are most exposed.
Amendment 305 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 1
Article 37 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that professionals likely to come into contact with victims, including law enforcement authorities, court staff, judges and prosecutors, lawyers, providers of victim support and restorative justice services, healthcare professionals, social services, educational and other relevant staff, receive both general and specialist training and targeted information to a level appropriate to their contacts with victims, to enable them to identify, prevent and address instances of violence against women or domestic violence, avoid further violence or revictimisationd to treat victims in a trauma-, gender-, disability- and child- sensitive manner.
Amendment 306 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 2
Article 37 – paragraph 2
2. Relevant health professionals, including paediatricians and midwives, shall receive targeted training to identify and address, in a cultural-sensitive manner, the physical, psychological and sexual consequences of female genital mutilation and forced sterilisation.
Amendment 310 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 3
Article 37 – paragraph 3
3. Persons with supervisory functions in the workplace, in both the public and private sectors, shall receive training on how to recognise, prevent and address sexual harassment atgender-based violence and harassment in the world of work, including on risk assessments concerning occupational safety and health risks, their reporting obligations, to provide support to victims affected thereby and respond in an adequate manner in particular as regards appropriate specialised support services to refer victims to and the rights set out in this directive. Those persons and employers shall receive information about the effects of violence against women and domestic violence on work and the risk of third party violence.
Amendment 311 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 37 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Member States shall ensure that employers take appropriate steps commensurate with their degree of control to prevent gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work and in particular to: a. adopt and implement, in consultation with workers and their representatives, an inclusive and gender-responsive workplace policy on gender-based violence and harassment; b. appoint a designated confidential counsellor to provide support and informal advice for victims of gender- based violence and harassment in the world of work, whether perpetrated by a colleague or a third party; c. ensure there is no adverse treatment or consequences in the workplace for victims of gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work; d. take into account gender-based violence and harassment and associated psychosocial risks in the management and risk-assessment of occupational safety and health and; e. provide workers and their representatives with information and training, in accessible formats as appropriate, on the identified hazards and risks of violence and harassment and the associated prevention and protection measures, including on the rights and responsibilities of workers.
Amendment 316 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 37 – paragraph 7
Article 37 – paragraph 7
7. Training activities referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 26 shall be regular and mandatory, including on cyber violence, and built on the specificities of violence against women and domestic violence. Such training activities shall include training on how to identify and address the specific protection and support needs of victims who face a heightened risk of violence due to their experiencing discrimination based on a combination of sex or gender and other grounds.
Amendment 320 #
Amendment 321 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 38 – paragraph 1
Article 38 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that targeted and effective early intervention programmes are established to prevent and minimise the risk of committing offences of violence against women or domestic violence, or reoffending.
Amendment 325 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall put in place appropriate mechanisms to ensure effective coordination and cooperation, at the national level, of relevant authorities, agencies and bodies, including local and regional authorities, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, public prosecutors, labour inspectorates, support service providers as well as non- governmental organisations, social services, including child protection or welfare authorities, education and healthcare providers, social partners, without prejudice to their autonomy, and other relevant organisations and entities.
Amendment 333 #
2022/0066(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 44 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 44 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The statistics shall include the following data disaggregated by sex, disability, age of the victim and of the offender, relationship between the victim and the offender and, type of offence and setting where the offence took place:
Amendment 1 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the New European Bauhaus (NEB) aims to reimagine the way we live together and to create awareness about our built and designed environment, including in terms of quality and sustainability; whereas the NEB intends to make the benefits of the green transition a tangible reality in citizens' everyday lives and at a local and neighbourhood level; whereas New European Bauhaus projects should be in line with the principles of the EPSR and the UN SDGs;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the New European Bauhaus should facilitate and steer the transformation of our societies in line with three interlinked values: inclusion - from valorising diversity, to securing accessibility and affordability, to aesthetics- quality of experience and style, beyond functionality, and sustainability - from climate goals, to circularity, zero pollution, and biodiversity;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the implementation of the New European Bauhaus initiative is guided by the principlfour thematic axes of reconnecting with nature, regaining a sense of belonging, prioritising the places and people that need it most, and fostering long-term, life cycle and integrated thinking in the industrial ecosystem;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas a transdisciplinary approach to the opportunities and challenges arising from the green and digital transitions can foster innovative solutions which serve people and communities in a circular and future- proof way; whereas there is a need for such solutions to mainstream a gender- equal and intersectional approach, inclusivity for persons with disabilities as well as inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the New European Bauhaus iswill be initially funded by different EU programmes, such asincluding Horizon Europe, the LIFE programme and the European Regional Development Fund as well as through resources and initiatives at Member State level; whereas around €85 million of EU funds will be dedicated to New European Bauhaus projects in 2021 – 2022;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the New European Bauhaus movement focuses on creating a healthy, sustainable, beautiful and accessible environment, landscape, housing, workplace, society, economy and way of living;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the New European Bauhaus aims to capitalise on social assets (social economy organisations, local associations, etc.), natural assets and cultural assets to regain a sense of belonging;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the New European Bauhaus should ensure design for ability and empowerment, by designing environments that actively welcome everyone;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas inclusive environments such as shared infrastructures and services and public spaces enable a sense of shared identity and belonging;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas the inclusion of local communities and meaningful local ownership play a key role in the process of decarbonisation;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
D e. whereas the New European Bauhaus has been a co-creation process and its implementation should also involve the participation of the communities;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that sustainability and, inclusion and aesthetics are values at the core of the New European Bauhaus and calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure they support the universal right to adequate and healthy, accessible and healthy working and housing conditions, including social housing and housing design that is responsive to everyday life needs; welcomes the fact that the New European Bauhaus initiative acknowledges the importance of the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscapes, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 43 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Notes that inclusion implies pursuing a Design for All approach to remove accessibility barriers; calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to the groups and individuals who are at risk of exclusion, at greater risk of energy poverty and air pollution, or who are experiencing homelessness; calls on the Commission to ensure that the construction and built environment projected and funded through the New European Bauhaus consider a Design for All approach as a requirement;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Calls on the Commission and Member States to examine how the New European Bauhaus can contribute to the goal of reducing and eradicating homelessness and supporting homeless people's social inclusion; invites the Commission and Member States to explore links between the Housing First approach and the New European Bauhaus; encourages the Member States to draw inspiration from community- designing projects in the field of architecture and sociability such as Home not Shelter, mixed housing and cohousing for young people and refugees, intergenerational cohousing schemes, etc., and promote them in their housing policies;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to continue the green transiformation of the industrial ecosystem through the New European Bauhauson the basis of the principles of the New European Bauhaus, ensuring a fair energy transition in the housing sector, in order to maintain the affordability of the cost of living; stresses the need to equip workers and businesses with the required skills, qualifications and capacity to support a circular economy approach in production, provision and consumption of goods and services as well as infrastructure; stresses the role social economy enterprises and cooperatives can play in improving sectoral sustainability;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 61 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Welcomes the European Commission’s European Level(s) framework which provides clear priorities and a standardised basis to assess and report on the sustainability of buildings throughout their fully lifecycle; encourages the Member States to use the Davos Baukultur Quality System (DBQS) to determine the Baukultur quality of a spatial intervention, its strengths and weaknesses from a Baukultur perspective;2a _________________ 2a For a definition, please refer to the Council conclusions on culture, high- quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative of 30 November 2021.
Amendment 66 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the New European Bauhaus movement, as it contributes to creatstrengthening a common European identity and a shared sense of belonging by promoting and rehabilitating Europe’s cultural heritage buildings and natural areas while at the same time fostering creativity and innovation in the construction sector;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Recalls that cultural heritage plays an important role in enhancing and creating social capital because it helps to reduce social disparities, facilitates social inclusion, promotes social cohesion and intergenerational dialogue3a;notes that the uptake of digital technologies by cultural heritage sites can offer accessible and innovative experiences for communities; _________________ 3a Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe, Council of the European Union, 20 May 2014
Amendment 73 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to promote and support life-proofand Member States, particularly in the context of the European Year of Youth 2022, to promote and support universal design, resilient housing and solidarity between the generations through the New European Bauhaus, enabling elderly people and persons with disabilities to live at home and to remain active in society for longer and to pass on their experience and knowledge to younger generationindependently and in their community, and to remain active in society in accordance with Article 19 of the UNCRPD and to pass on their experience and knowledge to younger generations; stresses these principles must extend beyond buildings to the built environment for public spaces and goods and services in particular in the transport, ICT and cultural sectors;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that the New European Bauhaus should guarantee the quality of housing and social housing; welcomes the acknowledgement of the need to prioritise reuse, regeneration, life extension and transformation of existing buildings over the construction of new ones whenever these activities are technically, economically and functionally feasible as they contribute to reduced energy needs, carbon emissions and pressure for new buildings, and to an improved health, comfort and well-being; is concerned about the disproportionate impact of the poor energy performance of social housing on those who already have lower living standards;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the authorities to roll out stronger regulatory and fiscal support mechanisms for energy upgrade, repurposing and renovation of existing buildings, which take into consideration the intangible heritage and culture of buildings;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that New European Bauhaus projects promote social and affordable housing as a way to combine social justice, environmental performance and urban aesthetics;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in reviving traditional building techniques and materials which contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal; urges the Commission and the Member States to also invest in high-quality spatial design and landscape and in developing new, sustainable building techniques and designs based on the above-mentioned quality criteria to create a New European Bauhaus way of thinking and to contribute to an EU-wide healthy lifestyle for all Europeans, to nourish cross- sectoral cooperation, participation, co- creation and trans-disciplinary approaches, particularly in terms of sustainability and policy coherence, and to contribute to an EU-wide healthy lifestyle for all Europeans; stresses the need to ensure synergies between the New European Bauhaus and the Renovation Wave;
Amendment 93 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to define concrete guidelines and guiding principles according to the New European Bauhaus to ensure the quality of the concepts for our built environment in terms of architecture, space and sustainability of the materials used; notes, however, that public space, infrastructure and buildings must be constructed bearing in mind the local planning context, to prevent regional differences and specificities from becoming levelled out;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Believes that craftsmanship ensures the longevity of the infrastructure, buildings and public space; considers that craftspeople facilitate social cohesion and the preservation of rural communities, and, given their deep acquaintance with the raw materials they work with, usually local materials, their production has a lower carbon footprint;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Reiterates the call by the Council on the Commission to ensure that architectural quality and a professional architectural service are taken into account in all its measures, policies and programmes, and to encourage the mobility and training of professionals and students of that field;5a _________________ 5a Council Resolution of 12 February 2001 on architectural quality in urban and rural environments
Amendment 100 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Invites the Member States to incentivise the preservation and revaluation of know-how by finding local craftspeople, promoting their work, creating a network and bringing them closer to relevant VET and higher education curricula; encourages the Member States to launch targeted actions to support the upskilling of workers, innovation, research and education within the entire construction ecosystem with the support of professional organisations that offer continuous professional development; notes that innovative education and training models for architects and professionals in the construction sector are necessary to promote greater synergies between spatial planning, design, arts, landscape and interior architecture, craftsmanship and architecture, and achieve a high-quality built environment;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6 e. Considers that the digital transition can be key in enhancing the use of local resources and competences, as digital fabrication in fablabs or industries allows for a local distribution of production and, in many cases, gives a new life to certain traditions that could otherwise fade away;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6 f. Underlines that Small and Medium Enterprises are important employers at the local level and can adapt quickly to innovate; cautions, however, against the risk that they may be pushed out of markets due to the very rapid transition to large scale solutions in industry such as the construction materials industry; invites the Commission and the Member States to reflect on how to best support SMEs in construction as well as in design and materials production;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6 g. Welcomes initiatives such as Interreg’s CRAFTS CODE to improve the competitiveness of SMEs in the crafts sector by creating a framework stimulating capacity building and policy learning and improving the implementation of regional development policies and programmes aimed at supporting these SMEs across their life cycle;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to require Member States to ensure a minimum of 100 m² of green space per home whReminds the Member States of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, whose aim is to provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, in particular for children and women, planning New European Bauhaus housing projects, and a minimum of one hectare of continuous green space per New European Bauhaus neighbourhood; ersons with disabilities and older persons, by 2030; notes that green infrastructure in urban areas providing public space for exercise and relaxation mitigates stressors such as noise, improves community interactions and mental health, and decreases social isolation, a risk factor for adverse health outcomes4a; _________________ 4a EEA Report No 21/2019 “Healthy environment, healthy lives: how the environment influences health and well- being in Europe”.
Amendment 114 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 117 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Notes that empowering local communities to incorporate elements of food security within local areas and regions and to generate energy locally connects to employment and social affairs and can contribute to social equity, resilience and cohesion, ambitions that chime with the New European Bauhaus;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 127 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Calls on the Commission to recognise the digital dimension as an explicit part of how future spaces are conceived; notes that the values that New European Bauhaus promotes for the development of the built environment should be mirrored in the digital sphere;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Welcomes the so-called 15-minute city model implemented by some European cities and invites Member States to consider replicating that model in more cities; encourages the Member States to cluster rural towns to better share resources and capacities with a view to supporting resilience;
Amendment 133 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Calls on the Commission to present a clear NEB roadmap for the next decade with clear objectives; Invites the Commission to work alongside stakeholders to make the New European Bauhaus more understandable and inclusive for communities and local authorities; encourages the Commission to launch a dedicated website with an accessible and user-friendly repository of bottom-up best practices, including best practice adaptive re-use and energy upgrade;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Calls on the Member States who have not done so already to set up and support a state architect team (and similar) within their administration to provide strategic advice to authorities, promote spatial quality, improve the design and sustainability of public interventions, including their social inclusion considerations, and to foster a culture of place-making; calls on the Member States to set up a quality assurance system, an independent advisory body for public authorities, consisting of experts from other geographical areas and who have no personal interest in the place;6a _________________ 6a European Commission, Directorate- General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Towards a shared culture of architecture : investing in a high-quality living environment for everyone : executive summary, Publications Office, 2021, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/502671
Amendment 137 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8 e. Encourages the Member States to appoint a New European Bauhaus contact to coordinate local efforts and participate in an EU wide informal network to exchange best practices in collaboration with the high-level roundtable; calls on the Commission to duly include all levels of governance in the development and implementation of the New European Bauhaus, be it national, regional or local – as the level closest to citizens -, and to build on the movement of civil society organisations and partners created by the New European Bauhaus;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8 f. Calls on the Commission to designate 2023 the European Year of Craft, 40 years after the first European Year, namely the European Year of SMEs and Craft Industry, with a view to making the craft sector more visible, strengthening the principles championed by the New European Bauhaus and taking stock of the evolution of the sector in the last four decades.
Amendment 140 #
2021/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 g (new)
Paragraph 8 g (new)
8 g. Stresses the importance for Member States to integrate New European Bauhaus projects as part of the reforms and investments foreseen in their national recovery and resilience plans in line with the six pillars of the RRF;
Amendment 34 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/522 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (‘EU4Health Programme’) for the period 2021-2027,
Amendment 35 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 b (new)
Citation 16 b (new)
— having regard to the OECD and European Commission joint “State of health” initiative;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 c (new)
Citation 16 c (new)
— having regard to the International Labour Organization report of 7 March 2022, entitled “Care at work: Investing in care leave and services for a more gender equal world of work”,
Amendment 37 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 d (new)
Citation 16 d (new)
— having regard to the study about policies for long term carers of November 2021 provided by the European Parliament Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies,
Amendment 48 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the Expert Panel on effective ways of investing in health on supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers of 23 June 2021,
Amendment 64 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 33 a (new)
Citation 33 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission's communication "A Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas" of 2021,
Amendment 66 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 34 a (new)
Citation 34 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2022 on the EU Gender Action Plan III,
Amendment 80 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EPSR Action Plan sets out concrete initiatives for the implementation of principles that are essential for building a stronger social Europe for just transitions and recovery, including one specifically on long-term care;
Amendment 103 #
2021/2253(INI)
B. whereas care encompasses services to address the physical, psychological and social needs of dependcare recipients, as well as support to guarantee the equal exercise of rights, dignity, autonomy, inclusion and well-being for all members of society;
Amendment 109 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas a high level of human health protection is to be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas accessing care services remains a challenge in the EU’s rural and remote areas, notably outermost regions, in a context of a declining and ageing population, and a lack of connectivity and infrastructure; whereas this demographic trend can contribute to the lower attractiveness of rural areas as places to live and work; whereas this affects in a disproportional way women, who face additional difficulties in trying to reconcile work and life; whereas rural areas face shortages of general practitioners and of specialised and emergency care leading to the emergence of the so-called “Medical Deserts";
Amendment 116 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas health is a fundamental right and ensuring access to quality and affordable care should be an obligation of all Member States;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. whereas Personal and Household Services (PHS) are part of the care sector; whereas PHS provide both direct and indirect services; whereas the former include childcare, early childhood education and care (ECEC), long-term care in situations of invalidity, disability or dependence and the elderly peoples’ care and the latter consists of activities such as cleaning, ironing, maintenance, gardening, etc.;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas there is a lack ofcare should be of high quality, accessible and affordable care in nearlyin all Member States; whereas the monitoring of care is hampered by the lack of disaggregated data and the lack of quality indicators;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges in terms of access to formal care servicesshowcasing the many structural problems entrenched in Europe's social care system, i.e. in terms of the ability to access and afford formal care and domestic services, including to timely, affordable and high-quality medical treatment, and highlighted pre-existing care workforce shortages, overloaded health-care systems, and overreliance on informal care or undeclared work, etc.; whereas this situation is worrying as ageing of population is increasing the need for long-term care;
Amendment 189 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Amendment 199 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Amendment 221 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the provision of quality care depends on the existence of a sufficiently large and well-trained workforce, the creation of decent working conditions, decent income and integrated services, and adequate funding;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas in a context of longer care pathways and evolution of practices and technologies, caregivers are accumulating expertise which has to be recognised;
Amendment 246 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the structures of care need to be changed from centralised institutions to home and community-based care; whereas that shift has been too slow and under-financed;
Amendment 264 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the undervaluation and invisibility of care work are closely linked with the fact that women dominate in tcarework is too often undervalued and suffers from lack of visibility; whereas women tend to be the primary care givers and dominate the care sector; whereas women’s participation in unpaid care is very high, standing at over 85% in all Member States when care sector; onsidering both daily and weekly engagement17ba; _________________ 17ba EIGE, Beijing Platform for Action 2020 report, 2021
Amendment 270 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Amendment 324 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas according to Eurofound1a, 15,4% of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) are in this situation because they are caring for children or incapacitated adults or have other family responsibilities; whereas 88% of those NEET are women; _________________ 1a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/fr/topic/ neets
Amendment 375 #
2021/2253(INI)
Na. whereas the availability, accessibility and affordability of high- quality childcare facilities are crucial for enabling people, especially women with caring responsibilities to participate in the labour market;
Amendment 440 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 450 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of an integrated approach to common European action on care that pays equal attention to people’s physical, psychological and social needs; with a special attention for some groups in vulnerable positions such as women and girls, children, the elderly and people with disability;
Amendment 489 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that a substantial proportion of care models, services and facilities are outdated and that care recipients should be placed at the centre of care plans; stresses that people centricity is tied to increased integration of care and more holistic care pathways, which are essential to improve benefits to patients as well as quality of care; recognises that integration of care across Europe is currently limited due to lack of appropriate incentives and structures;
Amendment 512 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to exchange information and best practices with a view to developing a common European quality framework for care, encompassing all care settings, encouraging upward social convergence, strengthening quality of life, and guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens;
Amendment 523 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to set ambitious targets for care services in consultation with the Member States and relevant stakeholders;
Amendment 528 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission to promote equal participation and opportunities for women and men in the labour market in care services;
Amendment 536 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present an ambitious European care strategy that builds on everyone’s right to affordable, accessible and high-quality care, as well as on other principles set out in the EPSR and EU strategic documents, and the individual rights and needs of both care recipients and carers, and that encompasses the entire life course, is based on reliable and comparable data, and includes concrete and progressive goals with a timetable and indicators to evaluate progress; is persuaded that this strategy should promote fair and equal working conditions and adequate wages in order to maintain the attractiveness of the care sector for both women and men;
Amendment 544 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present an ambitious European care strategy that builds on everyone’s right to affordable, accessible and high-quality care, as well as on other principles set out in the EPSR and EU strategic documents, and the individual rights and needs of both care recipients and carers, and that encompasses the entire life course, is based on reliable and comparable data, and includes concrete and progressive goals with a timetable and indicators to evaluate progress and tackle inequalities;
Amendment 550 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises the need to consult all relevant stakeholders, at both EU, national and local levels, including informal carers representatives and patients organisations, in the preparation of the European Care Strategy to avoid silo policies and to take into account the diversity of situations and needs;
Amendment 565 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Commission’s plans for the revision of the Barcelona objectives as part of the European care strategy package; calls for upward convergence to be encouraged and for further investment in high-quality care for every child in the EU; reminds that EU funds (Multiannual Financial Framework and notably the European Social Fund +, as well as the recovery and resilience facility) should be used to complement Member States’ investments in childcare;
Amendment 575 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to design childcare, education as well as access to after-school activities such as sports, and other policies and measures in support of children and their families in an inclusive manner and one that upholds the swift and efficient implementation of the European Child Guarantee;
Amendment 576 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses the need for childcare to meet parent’s needs for care during their working hours and school holidays; highlights the importance of developing affordable early childhood education and care to facilitate parent’s return to work, especially women, and to strike a good work-life balance; calls on the Member States to respect a minimum duration for maternity and paternity leave, regardless of the status of the person concerned;
Amendment 579 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Highlights the importance to address the specific needs of children with disabilities, notably to ensure inclusive access to education and empowerment of children with disabilities; calls on the Member States to develop personal assistance services for children with disabilities and ensure decent and attractive working conditions to those professionals accompanying children with disabilities;
Amendment 584 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that social protection and support to families isare essential and calls on the competent national authorities to ensure adequate and accessible social protection systems and integrated child protection systems to leave no one behind;
Amendment 615 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Member States to reform and integrate their social services and protection systems in such a way as to provide effective, comprehensive and equal access to care services throughout the life course, taking a personalised approach, in order to enhance the continuity of care, preventive healthcare, rehabilitation and, whenever possible, independent living;
Amendment 624 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Member States to financially support ways to enhance independence, such as home adaptation or installation of digital detection systems and assistive technologies at home;
Amendment 634 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that accessibility of care derives from a combination of cost and flexibfactors such as cost and flexibility but also workforce availability, waiting time and geographical distances to the closest care facility; believes that in this respect different forms of care service provision should be available, such as in in-home and community-based settings;
Amendment 648 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop the tools required for the regular assessment of the accessibility, availability and affordability of care services and a comprehensive benchmark for monitoring the quality of both formal and informal care services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote accessible, available, affordable and quality care by ensuring a work-life family balance, promoting healthy lifestyles, setting quality standards of care services and organising quality assurance, ensuring the availability of care services in rural areas, and ensuring affordability;
Amendment 651 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop the tools required for the regular assessment of the accessibility of care services and a comprehensive benchmark for monitoring the quality of both formal and informal care services; Stresses the importance of identifying skills gaps and evaluating future needs, profession by profession, sector by sector, region by region, in order to train a sufficient number of workers to meet the demand;
Amendment 661 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that the free movement of persons and workers is one of the key pillars of the EU, but that challenges to cross-border care remain and that care drain can worsen situations of labour shortages, weakening the ability to provide timely access to care in emigration regions or countries; calls for the protection of the social security rights of all migrant and mobile care workers and care receivers, as this contributes to both dignified working conditions and reducing the propensity toward undeclared work; encourages the development of cross-border training, notably in cross-border regions, in order to share best practices for care staff and facilitate cross-border care;
Amendment 668 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Stresses that a territorialized organization of care according to the density and needs of the population is likely to allow a rationalized and adapted care offer, while fighting against inequalities in access to services and care; calls on the Member States to secure timely access to care across their territories, by putting in place incentives to tackle labour shortages, investing more in care facilities and facilitating access to digital solutions such as telemedicine;.
Amendment 672 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Repeats its call for a common definition of disability, as well ascalls for the mutual recognition of disability status in the Member States; in line with Article 18 of the UNCPRD1a, supports the implementation and expansion of the European Disability Card to all Member States paving the way for a mutual recognition of disability rights across the EU; _________________ 1a https://www.un.org/development/desa/disa bilities/convention-on-the-rights-of- persons-with-disabilities/article-18- liberty-of-movement-and-nationality.html
Amendment 682 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Considers that the Care Strategy should contribute to the achievement of the goal of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of transitioning from institutional to family or community-based care;
Amendment 687 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for the prioritisation of mental health within public health policy at EU level by adopting a horizontal “Mental Health in all policies approach” providing for comprehensive prevention measures on Mental Health determinants and seeking to reduce inequalities including on access to support and treatment services;;
Amendment 704 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls onWelcomes the Commission to establish a comprehensive set of i’s commitment to present a revision of the Barcelona targets on early childhood education andi cators for long-term care, and correspondingre in 2022; Calls on the Commission and Council to develop comprehensive and similar targets and tools for disaggregating and monitoring the accessibility, availability, affordability and quality of care, similar to the Barcelona objectives for childcare; believes that targets and indicators are needed on decent care work, involving care service users, care workers and informal carers, and could be used to guide investment, funding and training to ensure better access to quality services for those in need as well as ensuring women’s continued participation in the labour market unhindered by unequal caring responsibilities;
Amendment 725 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stresses the need to evaluate the impact of care with indicators on the healthy life expectancy and the quality of life of beneficiaries;
Amendment 743 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that between 40 and 50 million people in the EU provide informal care on a regular basis, the majority of whom are women; notes that this work tends to be long term and can hinder formal labour market participation, resulting in less career’s opportunities or even acceptance of jobs below the level of skills of the informal carer, leading to a loss of income and aggravatingon of the gender pension gap; stresses that those detrimental effects are closely associated with the intensity of care provided;
Amendment 751 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Highlights the necessity to overcome the lack of sharing of unpaid domestic work and care responsibilities mainly performed by women and strengthen the fight against gender stereotypes, as well as to introduce family- friendly working arrangements, such as adaptable working hours and the possibility of teleworking, in order to allow women and men to better reconcile their professional life with their private life;
Amendment 757 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Calls on the Member States and relevant authorities to recognise the pivotal role of informal carers, especially women, not only though awareness activities but also through adequate support including financial compensation;
Amendment 761 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. emphasizes the need of informal carers to be closely involved and supported by care professionals;
Amendment 762 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19d. stresses that, without undermining the need for informal care, investing in formal care services can significantly relieve the pressure on informal carers, notably women, and avoid some of the detrimental effects on their work-life balance and career’s prospects, therefore contributing to gender equality;
Amendment 781 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Urges the Commission to propose a common coherent package of actions at EU level on informal care, and, where the competences are at the national level, calls on the Member States to support this European strategy by ambitious and coordinated actions to identify and recognise the different types of informal care provided in Europe, and to guarantee carers minimum standards of rights, financial support and other additional support services, including time off for carers, andccess to education, training and life-long learning, pension rights, a work- life balance and rehabilitation services for carers and care recipients;
Amendment 801 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Member States to facilitate the labour market reintegration of workers who took a long career break to provide care to relatives, including through up-skilling and re-skilling;
Amendment 803 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Stresses the importance of involving informal carers representatives in the drafting of the European Care Strategy in order to take into account the diversity of their situations and needs;
Amendment 807 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
Decent and attractive working conditions for all workers in the care sector
Amendment 811 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the Member States to place adequate staffing levels and investment in care staff at the centre of their care policies, and to support the creation of quality jobs in the sector; with decent remuneration and further training and development opportunities in the sector, stresses in this regard the need for contracts with adequate work hours to ensure both quality of care, quality of working conditions and decent wages; believes in necessity to eliminate the gender income gap;
Amendment 829 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Highlights that both job creation perspectives and existing labour shortages are showing the urgent need to make those occupations more attractive;
Amendment 839 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure decent working conditions for all workers in the care sector, both formal and informal, and to adopt high standards of occupational health and safety, in line with and beyond the ambition of the recently adopted EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 in order to prevent work- place accidents and illness, which could lead to a reduction of absenteeism, turnover and poor workers health;
Amendment 846 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Recalls that certain medicinal products contain one or several substances which meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic (categories 1A or 1B), mutagenic (categories 1A or 1B) or reprotoxic (categories 1A or 1B) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No1272/2008 and therefore fall under the scope of Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxics at work; looks forward for the foreseen publication in 2022 of the guidelines for handling those substances as well as for the development of a definition and indicative list of such Hazardous Medicinal Products;
Amendment 856 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Stresses that specific attention should be paid to the mental health of care workers which has been particularly impacted by the pandemic; Welcomes, in this regard, the contribution of the expert panel on effective ways of investing in health (EXPH) in its opinion on supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers; Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure adequate follow-up and implementation of these recommendations;
Amendment 862 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23 c. Stresses that wage increases are associated with greater recruitment of long-term care workers, longer tenure and lower turnover according to OECD17e; Welcomes the proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages to improve the adequacy of minimum wages and promote collective bargaining, which could have a positive impact on the care workforce whose pay are often too low; encourages public and private entities go beyond the minimum level of wages to make care professions more attractive; _________________ 17e https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/docserver/92c0ef68- en.pdf?expires=1647941287&id=id∾cna me=ocid194994✓sum=D863115B583D2A 82CECF11D7D54A37B1
Amendment 865 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)
Paragraph 23 d (new)
23d. Calls on the Member States to tap into the domestic care sectors' promising and unrealised job creation potential to increase the labour force;
Amendment 867 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 e (new)
Paragraph 23 e (new)
23e. Calls on the Member States to ensure enforcement of labour standards for all workers in the sector;
Amendment 879 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the Member States to strengthen social dialogue and promote collective bargaining and collective agreements in the care sector, both profit and non-profitublic and private, as crucial mechanisms for the improvement of employment and working conditions and for tackling the gender pay gap, and as the most effective tools for securing an increase in the minimum wage and in wages in general;
Amendment 882 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses that the role of caregivers should be, above all, to take care and therefore considers necessary to cut unnecessary red tape and avoid as much as possible assigning them administrative task which can be managed by administrative assistants or suitable digital tools;
Amendment 886 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Highlights that certain medical tasks can be shared with other health professionals (such as pharmacists or nurses), thus allowing a better distribution of workloads, more medical time to devote to patients, and closer collaboration between professionals, keeping in mind that multidisciplinary practices are also a guarantee of continuity of care and harmonization of care pathways;
Amendment 887 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Amendment 888 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24d. Calls on the European Commission and Member States to address the issue of undeclared work in the care sector;
Amendment 889 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Acknowledge that the care workforce is increasingly relying on migrants, hence, calls on the Commission to include this aspect in the forthcoming European Care Strategy with a view to avoid illegal forms of employment, stresses that the Migrants care workforce specific challenges, such as access to work permit or to formal employment and social protection coverage should be adequately addressed and that undeclared work should be tackled; Recalls that mobile and migrant workers play a significant role in the provision of bothhome, community-based and residential care and home care in the EU;
Amendment 902 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses, however, that due to a ‘care drain’ phenomenon (with many Long term care workers from Central and Eastern Europe moving to Western Europe for better salaries), certain Member States are facing labour shortages and therefore significant challenges to provide their population timely access to care; emphasizes the need for Member States to invest and develop all together the attractiveness of care professions to retain care workers;
Amendment 921 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Member States to swiftly and fully transpose and implement the Work-Life Balance Directive; stresses that only an equal share of care responsibilities between men and women by means of minimum non-transferable and adequately paid leave periods would enable women to increasingly engage in full-time employment and achieve a work- life balance;
Amendment 928 #
2021/2253(INI)
27. Calls on the Member States to facilitate the labour market reintegration of workers after care leave or longer career breaks paying special attention to women, whose career and income are more often affected by care leave;
Amendment 935 #
2021/2253(INI)
27a. Calls on Member States to draw on the EU Skills Agenda to ensure further skilling and upskilling of care workers, and provide opportunities for all carers to participate in vocational education and training and gain qualifications, paying special attention to women after care leave;
Amendment 982 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Stresses the importance of discouraging undeclared work and of promoting standardisation of care work, notably through better opportunities for declared care workers but also by formalizing means of covering expenses, for example via social vouchers;
Amendment 984 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Calls on the Member States and the European Commission to reverse the highly stigmatised image of formal and informal care occupations through national and European awareness-raising campaigns, targeting specifically but not exclusively gender stereotypes;
Amendment 988 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls on the Member States to adopt approaches to measuring and valuing the contribution and outputs of care, in particular informal/unpaid care and housework, and to address the prevalence of undeclared or under-declared care work to ensure decent working conditions and avoid negative impact on the right and well-being of workers as well as of care recipients;
Amendment 994 #
2021/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Recalls on the Commission and the Member States to fund and promote measures that address the disproportionate burden of unpaid work that women have to bear, and to support actions helping women workers moving from the informal to the formal economy; underlines that women and men should equally share unpaid care and domestic responsibilities; calls for concrete steps to be taken towards recognising, reducing and redistributing unpaid care and domestic work;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)2021/2106 of 28 September 2021 on supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility by setting out the common indicators and the detailed elements of the recovery and resilience scoreboard2a, _________________ 2a OJ L 429, 1.12.2021, p. 83.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
— having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)2021/2105 of 28 September 2021 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility by defining a methodology for reporting social expenditure3a, _________________ 3a OJ L 429, 1.12.2021, p. 79.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 c (new)
Citation 1 c (new)
— having regard to the recovery and resilience scoreboard4a, _________________ 4a https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/rec overy-and-resilience-scoreboard/
Amendment 5 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 d (new)
Citation 1 d (new)
— having regard to the European Commission’s Recoveryand Resilience Facility Annual Report of 01 March 20225a, _________________ 5a COM(2022) 75 final
Amendment 21 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the release of funds under the RRF is contingent on the satisfactory fulfilment of relevant milestones and targets of reforms and investments by Member States as set out in their recovery and resilience plans (RRPs);
Amendment 27 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social and territorial cohesion is oneand policies for the next generation are two of the six pillars of the RRF; whereas creating and fostering high- quality employment creation is one ofmitigating the social and economic impact of the COVID crisis, in particular on women, and contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights are among the objectives included in the RRF Regulation;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas Article 16 of the regulation requires the European Commission to present a review report on the implementation of the Facility to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 July 2022; whereas this report should assess the extent to which the implementation of the recovery and resilience plans is in line with the six pillars and contributes to the general objective of the Regulation;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the methodology for reporting on social expenditure in Member States’ recovery and resilience plans should ensure all reforms and investments with a primary social dimension are associated to one of nine social policy areas under the four broader social categories set out in the delegated act; whereas additionally all measures of a social nature that include a focus on children and the youth, or on gender equality, should be flagged in order to ensure specific reporting on expenditure under the RRF on these areas;
Amendment 57 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. In this regard welcomes the early disbursement of EUR 56.6 billion in pre- financing by the Commission to 21 Member States in order to ensure the frontloading of financial support to address the crisis andit’s consequent impacts;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that Member States must adopt reforms and include investments in access and opportunity for the next generation, children and youth related to education, health, nutrition, jobs and housing in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and reinforced Youth Guarantee; recalls that there is RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills and calls on the Member States to ensure such investment in human capital, in particular through up- and re-skilling and requalification of the workforce as well as for reintegration of the unemployed; stresses, further, the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes that reforms and investments proposed by many Member States exceed the requirement of at least 20% of total allocation in each RRP to support digital objectives amounting to EUR 117 billion or 26%; stresses in particular the importance of investments in digital skills development for workers and citizens, digitalisation of businesses including SMEs and improving connectivity infrastructure particularly for rural areas to reduce the digital divide;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes that measures supporting social and territorial cohesion amount to EUR 193 billion of estimated expenditure including EUR 17.4 billion for adult learning, employment support and modernisation of labour market institutions, EUR 45.6 billion for accessibility, affordability, quality and inclusiveness, including digitalisation and infrastructure of education and early childhood education and care and EUR 37 billion for healthcare resilience, sustainability, adequacy, availability, accessibility, affordability and quality, including digitalisation and infrastructure; calls on Member States to continue investing in social expenditure under pillar 4 of the regulation to, inter alia, support job creation and entrepreneurship, life-long learning and VET, labour market and social inclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, improved child and long-term care and resilient social protection systems;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Notes measures related to the next generation pillar account for EUR 49 billion, representing approximately 11% of estimated expenditure covering early childhood education and care, general primary and secondary school education, initial vocational education and training, and higher education and youth employment support and youth job creation;
Amendment 105 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the share of RRF social expenditure under the four social categories of employment and skills (20.4%), education and childcare (33%), health and long-term care (32%) and social policies (14.6%)for the RRPs endorsed thus far; calls on Member States to ensure ambitious social objectives in their investments and reforms;
Amendment 136 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Amendment 140 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Recalls that EUR 220 billion in loans is still available under the RRF; highlights the opportunity that new loans under the Facility could provide to Member States in addressing the current Ukrainian refugee crisis and encourages Member States to make use of the potential funding available to support refugees' needs in particular their educational, care, social and labour market integration in advance of the request deadline for loan support in mid- 2023;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2251(INI)
4 d. Recalls that respect for the rule of law is an essential precondition for compliance with the principles of sound financial management and that RRF funds are subject to Regulation 2020/2092;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4 e. Recalls the need to ensure complementarity and coordination of RRF funding with other EU funds in particular ESF+;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2251(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Amendment 2 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
— having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility,
Amendment 15 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas inthe European Semester provides a common framework for the surveillance and coordinatingon of economic, budgetary, and employment and social policies inacross the EU Member States, the European Semester must respect rules on sound public finance in order to ensure sound public finances, to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances, to support structural reforms and to boost investment; whereas the Semester has also been following the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility which will drive Member States' reforms and investments in line with the EU’s priorities as set out in the six pillars, while addressing the challenges identified in forthcoming country-specific recommendations;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU and its Member States have committed to upholds the fundamental values of the Treaties and the United Nations, and whereas the consequenceo implement the Paris Agreement, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the European Pillar of Social Rights; whereas the 2022 Annual Sustainable Growth Survey must ensure that the continued mitigation of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, social affairs and employmeemployment and society, taking into account, the European Gparticular impact on childreen Deal and poverty must be taken into account in the 2022 annual sustainable growth strategyand youth, as well as the need for a sustainable, digital and resilient recovery which will create jobs and growth and will consolidate our strategic autonomy are the EU's priority in the coming Semester cycle;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas it is crucial to ensure that the Semester coordinates and monitors Member States’ efforts to deliver on the principles of the EPSR in particular the EU headline targets set out in the EPSR Action Plan ensuring that by 2030 at least 78% aged 20 to 64 are in employment, at least 60% of all adults should participate in training every year and that the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion should be reduced by at least 15 million, including at least 5 million children;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas while the economy has experienced a sharp downturn as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas, according to the autumn 2021 European economic forecast, growth is expected to be 5 % in 2021, 4.3 % in 2022 and 2.5 % in 2023, buthigher than previously projected; whereas the recovery will however be heavily dependent on further pandemic developments1 and the restrictions to economic activity to contain it; __________________ 1European Commission institutional paper of November 2021 entitled ‘European Economic Forecast: Autumn 2021’, p. 2.
Amendment 38 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the impact of the crisis presents a stark challenge but also an opportunity to relaunch our economies and societies and accelerate the green and digital transitions in a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive manner; whereas such transformation should reverse increasing inequalities, bolster social cohesion and ensure that no one is left behind;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the Recovery and Resilience Facility created an unprecedented structure adapted to the complex effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on economy, society and institutions; whereas the European Semester, as part of the EU's economic governance framework must adapt and upgrade in order to ensure recommendations to the Member States take into account not only the economic and social objectives, but also the objectives related to the green and digital transitions, consolidation of health systems, and access and opportunity for children and youth;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic is placing a heavy burden on familiespeople in the EU, particularly those from more vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, children, young people and the elderly in terms of their everyday lives, working lives and general livelihoods2 ; __________________ 22021 report of the Bundesinstitut für Bevölkerungsforschung entitled ‘Belastungen von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Eltern in der Corona-Pandemie’.
Amendment 49 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 60 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas while attaining the EU’s climate targets represent ais of the utmost importance the challenge to theadapt our economyies and society; whereas they also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to redeploy workers, which will mean that socially vulnerable people, familieies must be managed to ensure a fair and just transition; whereas the emergence of new related sectors also present opportunities for businesses and opportunities to re- and up-skill workers for future-oriented and sustainable jobs, which will require support both at EU and national level to manage social impacts on vulnerable households and micro- enterprises will come under pressure;
Amendment 69 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the increased need for funding to strengthen the economy is placing budgetary constraints on the Member StateMember States, supported by the EU, have extended unprecedented fiscal support and liquidity assistance to their economies to avoid mass lay-offs, preserve incomes and protect businesses in response to the COVID-19 crisis; whereas the activation of the ‘general escape clause’ within the procedures of the Stability and Growth Pact, adoption of the Next Generation EU plan and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the CRII and CRII+ and the introduction of the SURE have been instrumental in this regard; whereas this strong and coordinated policy response highlights the importance of continued strong coordination of economic, employment and social policies through various policy and funding tools;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas demographic change affects social systems and markets3 and requires a comprehensive approach based on a mix of policy solutions in the fields of pensions, social security, child and long-term care services, housing, early childhood schools, health systems, social inclusion, integration of minorities and migrants, work-life balance and gender equality; __________________ 3 Commission report of 17 June 2020 on the impact of demographic change (COM(2020)0241).
Amendment 100 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the well-being of the EU isMember States’ economies and societies must be at the heart of a modern sustainability and economic strategy; points out that the dimensionsfour mutually reinforcing dimensions of competitive sustainability set out in the annual sustainable growth strategy – social and environmental sustainability, productivity, equityfairness and macroeconomic stability – serve as guiding principles for the development of the national rhould be complemented with the six pillars of the Recovery and rResilience plans and necessary reformFacility, and be in line with the objectives of the UN SDGs, EPSR and the Green Deal and serve as guiding principles for Member States' reforms and investments;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the aim of sustainable economic growth must be to weather future crises Member States’ long- term competitiveness and sustainable economic growth prospects can only be assured by ensuring a sustainable and inclusive recovery which leaves no one behind, bolstering the EU economic and social resilience to future shocks and addressing the challenges and reaping the best possible way; nefits of the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned thatStresses the need for Member States, with EU support, to countries were already heavily indebted before the COVID-19 pandemic, that these debts are to be borne by future generations and that some Member States have little room for manoeuvre to support economic recovery through national measures; is convinced that additional instruments are needed that do not place a lasting burden on national budgetsinue to provide targeted and temporary fiscal support in 2022 while safeguarding fiscal sustainability in the medium term; welcomes the activation of the general escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact until at least the end of 2023 to provide Member States with the necessary flexibility to weather the economic and social impacts of the pandemic; stresses the need for Member States to enhance investment to achieve the twin transitions, to stimulate economic activity and create quality employment while simultaneously ensuring necessary reforms to enhance their resilience;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Highlights that democratic accountability for the current Semester evaluation process needs to be strengthened; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reform the financial legal framework and the European Semester process in order to ensure that the new economic governance framework will strengthen democratic accountability and the involvement of the European Parliament, strengthen the role and participation of EU and national social partners, and ensure a performance based and results oriented approach for policy objectives;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that bureaucratic obstacles hinder economic growth; calls on the Commission to recommend reforms to all Member States for immediate implementation to cut red tape and simplify access to funding opportunities, in particular for entrepreneurs, SMEs and social economy enterprises;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the central role inof the EU strategic framework of health and safety at work; notes that p 2021-2027 in ensuring healthy and safe workplaces in particular anticipating and managing change in the context of grevention so as to ensure safe and healthy working conditions contributes to the health of workers in order to maintain, digital and demographic transitions; stresses the importance of improving the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases, eliminating work- related deaths and increasing preparedness to respond to current and future health crises in order to maintain workers' health and safety thereby ensuring productivity and competitiveness;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that increasing purchasing power is a guaranteed means of ensuring further economic recovery; stresses the importance of tackling in- work poverty, energy poverty and long- term unemployment in this regard;
Amendment 177 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that 22.4 % of the EU population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, of which 24.9 % are children6 ; stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic makesand its impact on children makes delivering the cChild gGuarantee even more important; calls on the Commission to be more active in combating poverty, especially child povertymore crucial than ever; calls on the Member States to utilise the resources available inter alia under the RRF and the ESF+ to ensure the Guarantee prevents and combats the social exclusion and poverty of children in need and fosters equal opportunities; further calls on the Commission to ensure the robust implementation of Member States' Child Guarantee Action Plans and to carefully monitor progress in this area via the forthcoming country-specific recommendations; __________________ 6European Commission web page entitled ‘Poverty and social exclusion’, accessed on 10 January 2022.
Amendment 191 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 199 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 200 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Highlights that it is necessary that Member States continue to invest sufficient ESF+ resources in measures supporting targeted actions and structural reforms for quality youth employment, vocational education and training, particularly apprenticeships and entrepreneurial skills; further stresses that Member States must include reforms and investments in the next generation, children and the youth in line with the objectives of the Child Guarantee and Youth Guarantee in order to access financing under the RRF; calls on the Commission to closely monitor Member States' investment in this area via the Semester cycle and the national reform programmes in line with the RRF;
Amendment 201 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 211 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 242 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses the need to address skills shortages; notes that thesegaps and skills obsolescence in the EU in order to address labour market shortages which are holding back productivity and economic growth; expstresses concern that digital skills the need to transform and modernise education and training in light of the digital and green transitions enhancing the EU need to play catch up and that this is reflected in the shortage of IT professionals; emphasises the importance of focusing vocational training on the digital and green transitions; demands that EU training content become more uniform and qualifications more widely recognisedacquisition of digital skills and education particularly and promoting VET and lifelong learning; recalls the RRF funding expressly available for the development of education, training and skills, particularly digital skills; further stresses the importance of the mutual recognition of skills, qualifications and competences in fostering labour mobility and addressing labour market; demands and welcomes in this regard the Commission proposals for Council Recommendations on individual learning accounts and micro-credentials and urges the Council to adopt and implement the proposals without delay;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that training, education and researchinvestment in the adoption of advanced digital technologies and research and innovation are key to future economic policyies to manage the digital transition; urges the Commission and Member States to address the digital investment gap in both the public and private sectors, in particular supporting SMEs;
Amendment 266 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Points to the need for the principles of production, service and trade with certification to be improved so as to improve quality; stresses, with reference to the Commission’s proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving working conditions in platform work (COM(2021)0762), that adherence to social standards in the context of platform work is necessaryCalls on the Commission and the Member States to support legislative and policy initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and protecting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls in this regard for the swift adoption of the directives on improving working conditions in platform work and on adequate minimum wages in the European Union;
Amendment 272 #
2021/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. CRecalls on the Commission to include recommethe role that socially responsible public procurement can play in creating job opportunities, decent work, social and professional inclusion and better condaitions for a social register suitable for the certification of companies; calls on the Commission tovulnerable groups; stresses that Member States should finance reforms in this area, including through the RRF to make procurement rules more dynamic and transparent, address social and labour marke certification mandatory for EU-wide public tenderst policy objectives and foster in particular social economy enterprises' access to public tenders in line with the Social Economy Action Plan;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the conclusion of the new Partnership Agreement (Post Cotonou Agreement) between the European Union, and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACPS) States; underlines the important political, economic and cultural relationship between the EU and the OACPS; stresses that the EU contributes to economic growth in the OACPS countries, and the advancement of their position within the global trading system;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that the EPAs between EU and African countries benefit intra-African trade and the African population; calls for clear commitments on trade and investment during the upcoming EU-AU summit in February 2022;
Amendment 16 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. InsistUnderlines that the agreement’'s trade and investment provisions must bare tailored to benefit all parties; involved; calls concerned about a misbalance benefiting the EU over the OACPS countries; calls on the Commission to guarantee that the OACPS countries benefit from trade relations; calls on the Commission to improv the Commission to guarantee that both EU and OACPS countries and companies benefit from trade relations, and to advance sustainable and inclusive development and growth; calls on the Commission to ensure the agreement is a basis for the strengthening of economic relations between the parties in a mutually beneficial way, taking into account their respective levels of development; calls on the Commission to effectively address and concretely guarantee EU market access for OACPS producers in the revision process of EPAs; calls on the Commission to promote sustainable investment opportunities to advance digital and green infrastructure in the OACPS countries;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the commitments of the EU and OACPS on trade and sustainable development, the UN2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Paris Agreement; calls for close cooperation from the EU with OACPS partners to advance sustainable trade and investment relations in line with the goals of the EU’s trade policy review;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls the Parliament’s commitment to the European Green Deal and welcomes trade initiatives that contribute towards achieving its objectives, including but not limited to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the upcoming legislative proposal on mandatory due diligence; insists that the Commission carefully monitor the impact of these initiatives on EU-OACPS trade and present accompanying measures to mitigate any short-term disruption; is convinced that in the long-term, these legislative initiatives will result in more resilient and sustainable global value chains, benefitting citizens and businesses in the EU and the OACPS;
Amendment 38 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerUnderlineds that the suspension clauses may not be dialogue between the EU and OACPS countries on matters related to fundamental rights and essential elements of the Post-Cotonou Agreement; is concerned with the debate regarding the possible legally validity of the suspension clauses; calls on the Commission to guarantee that the suspension clauses will be correctly applied in the event of violations of essential elements such as human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law; emphasises that suspension of clauses should not harm the population, but should target those responsible for violations of these essential elements; calls for effective cooperation with civil society to advance essential elements such as human rights, rule of law and gender equality;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2213(INI)
5. Strongly stresses the important link between trade, the eradication of poverty and support for sustainable development; stresses that the Post-Cotonou Agreement should effectively contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs in order to strengthen and promote the sustainable development of the OACPS states; calls on the Commission to report on the trade and investment related aspects of the SDGs during implementation of the Post- Cotonou Agreement; strongly stresses the importance of taking into account the SDGs in the process of revision regarding EPAs; underlines the role of women in the economies and societies of the OACPS countries; calls on the Commission to increase the participation of women in EU- OACPS trade and investment relations., most notably for intra-African trade, and in EU-Africa trade and investment relations in close cooperation with African stakeholders;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights that it is of the opinion that the Post-Cotonou Agreement can contribute to the trade and investment policy objectives of the EU and OACPS countries and recommends its consent;
Amendment 11 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Indo-Pacific region has become a geopolitical and geoeconomic reality; whereas the global economy’s centre of gravity has shifted from the Atlantic to the PacificIndo-Pacific region has become a major economic power;
Amendment 13 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe and the Indo- Pacific together represent over 70 % of global trade in goods and services and over 60 % of foreign direct investment (FDI) with their annual trade reaching EUR 1.5 trillion in 2019; whereas the Indo-Pacific region produces 60 % of global gross domestic product (GDP) and contributes to two thirds of global economic growth; whereas the EU is the biggest investor in the areagion, which includes four (China, Japan, South Korea and India) out of the EU’s top 10 global trading partners;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated a number of geopolitical trends that were already under way; whereas it also highlighted the need for international cooperation; whereas it has also shown vulnerabilities in the global supply chains and has made clear the need for more diversification; whereas this has been further accentuated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. Whereas, as stated in the Trade Policy Review, the EU works together with its partners to ensure adherence to universal values, notably the promotion and protection of human rights. This includes core labour standards, social protection, gender equality, and the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas the EU outermost regions and overseas countries and territories, constitutionally linked to its Member States, are an important part of the EU’s approach to the Indo-Pacific;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which identifies trade as a priority; believes its main focus on inclusiveness and cooperation based on shared values and principles, including a commitment to respecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law, is essential; calls for the EU’s strategic approach and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region to be developed based on the multilateral, rules- based international order with a modernised World Trade Organization at its core, based on the principles of open environment for trade and investment, a level playing field, reciprocity and mutual benefit; stresses that this new approach should constitute a fundamental reorientation based on shared interests as the region is vital to EU prosperity;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to work closely with its Indo-Pacific like-minded partners to reinforce value chains by strengthening and diversifying trade relations in order to reduce strategic dependencies in critical supply chains with a particular focus on technologies and raw materials, by working towards the full implementation and better enforcement of existing trade agreements, by finalising ongoing trade negotiations and by developing cooperation in strategic sectors; underlines the importance of working together with like-minded Indo-Pacific countries on establishing technical standards, to further promote the EU as a global standard-setter; further calls on the Commission to closely work together with the Indo-Pacific partners in the process of shaping and implementing the planned Due Diligence framework;
Amendment 71 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the EU should make better and more strategic use of its economic leverage while respecting the political and economic specificities of its partner countries in order to reach its geopolitical goals, by deploying its full, integrated range of policy instruments, including the requirement of promoting fundamental human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance as part of GSP, for this purpose;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has been instrumental in creating more sustainable trade; welcomes the increase in the preference utilisation rates for EU exports to Japan in 2020; underlinnotes that further progress is needed e has been some progress regarding the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regardsexpansion of the list for GI protection for both parties, the utilisation rates of tariff rate quotas opened by Japan for EU exporters, and the process for ratification of ILO Convention No 105 by Japan; underlines that further progress is needed in the implementation of the agreement, in particular as regards the liberalisation of trade in services and the ratification of ILO Conventions No 105 and No 111;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Call on the Member States to ratify the EU-Vietnam IPA so that it enters into force and creates favourable conditions to boost EU investment in Vietnam and in the region, in particular in areas promoting green transformation and the circular economy; urges Vietnam to guarantee a full implementation of the sanitary and phytosanitary provisions; inviturges Vietnam to complete its key labour reforms in accordance with the agreement and to swiftly ensure the ratification of ILO Convention No 87 by 2023;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for continuing actions oriented at raising awareness among businesses and citizens of existing FTAs in the region and the opportunities they provide; calls for strengthened technical and financial support where necessary to help partner countries to effectively implement FTAs, in particular the chapters on TSD; Calls on the Commission to work together with our Indo-Pacific partners also in the context of the TSD review;
Amendment 111 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for substantive progress and the conclusion of negotiations on the EU- Australia and EU-New Zealand FTAs by no later than mid 2022 in order for the European Parliament to be able to duly ratify these agreements in the current parliamentary mandateNotes the progress made on the EU-Australia and EU-New Zealand FTAs; recalls the need to rebuild trust between the negotiating parties in the case of the EU-Australia FTA negotiations following the AUKUS agreement; recalls the EU's high expectations for both agreements regarding adherence to universal values to conclude agreements, such as core labour standards, gender equality and the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as the need for a comprehensive Trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapter and the Paris Agreement as an essential clause ; calls for the inclusion in these potential two future agreements of the revised 15-points strategy on the enforceability of the TSD chapter; reiterates the necessity to take the agricultural sector's specificity and sensitivity into account and to achieve GIs' protection in both countries ;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. WelcomAcknowledges the decision to resume negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement with India and supports, as an intermediate and positive step, the conclusion of a stand-alone IPA and possibly of an agreement on geographical indications; welcomes the establishment of permanent structures such as high-level dialogues in several sectors; recalls the EU's high expectations regarding adherence to universal values to conclude agreements, such as human rights, core labour standards, gender equality and the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as the need for a more enforceable TSD chapter ;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines the need for the EU to pursengage in a comprehensive dialogue wits multifaceted engagement with Chinah China and firmly defend the interests and values of the EU, keeping in mind that China’s goals are often divergent from ours, especially in this geopolitically challenging global context; stresses that it is important to continue engaging bilaterally to promote solutions to common challenges and to cooperate on issues of common interest such as fighting climate change; acknowledges that the support of China was vital for the conclusion of the Paris Agreement, and that engagement with China is necessary to curb global greenhouse emissions;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Acknowledges that China’s continued delay in complying with all WTO rules continues to complicate the trade relations between the EU and China. Main issues that must be solved are the multiple barriers European companies face to access the Chinese market, protection of intellectual property rights, counterfeiting, product safety concerns, social and environmental standards, forced technology transfers, obliged Joint Ventures, unfair subsidies and unfair competition by state-owned enterprises;
Amendment 125 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Acknowledges that the discussions on the ratification of the Comprehensive Investment Agreement between the EU and China have been put on hold in the European Parliament for the moment; believes, however, that despite our differencesdue to China’s decision to sanction, among others, five Members of the European Parliament and the Human Rights sub-committee for criticizing China’s human rights record; stresses that it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will discuss or ratify the CAI as long as MEPs and one of its committees are under sanctions; further recalls the coercive pressure China has put on member states such as in the case of Lithuania; believes, however, that we should continue to maintain dialogue at all levels and through various channels to be able to understand each others positions and in particular to find a way out of the present situation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Reminds that the cooperation with China must go hand in hand with firmness on the issue of human rights and minority; underlines the need for the EU to take a clear stance against the human rights violations in China, notably the forced labour camps and continuous repression against the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, which according to several international organisations amount to crimes against humanity and that some parliaments already have called a genocide; further deplores the oppression of the Tibetan community and the violation of China’s international commitments in Hong Kong;
Amendment 135 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is looking forward toTakes note of the EU-China Summit taking place in April 2022; trusthopes that it will contribute to calming the recently the de-escalatingon of trade and geopolitical tensions between both parties, that it will allow progress towards developing a much more balanced economic relationship based on reciprocity and, that it will help to resolve the crisis linked tobe the occasion for a frank dialogue on the worrying human rights situation in China as well as that it will help to lift the unjustified Chinese sanctions imposed on EU policymakers, including members of the European Parliament;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the EU to launch a structured dialogue with Taiwan on cooperating in green technology and digital economy, including the semiconductor industry, with a view to signing a memorandum of understanding that benefits both the EU and Taiwan; repeats thatits call on the Commission shouldto begin an impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties;
Amendment 141 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes recent progress in negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia and renewed commitment by both sides to conclude this agreement; stresses that according to the Commission, the agreement could bring 2.3 % growth to the GDP of Indonesia by 2032; highlights the essential need for further steps to be taken before an agreement can be potentially concluded, notably on sustainability, deforestation with a focus on palm oil, and a more enforceable TSD chapter as well as the Paris Agreement defined as an essential element;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Philippines, which started in 2015, have been put on hold; acknowledgunderlines that negotiations should only resume once the worrying and critical situation concerning human rights and the rule of law in Philippines has improved;
Amendment 149 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. RegretsTakes note of the fact that negotiations on a bilateral trade and investment agreement with Malaysia have been put on hold since 2012; invites the Malaysian authorities to take a position on the possible resumption of negotiations and invites both parties to take stock of the findings of the sustainability impact assessment; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations should be preceded by tangible improvement of the human rights situation in the country;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that negotiations for an EU- Thailand FTA were launched in 2013; further notes that they were put on hold in 2014 following the military take-over in Thailand. Acknowledges that the EU in recent years has taken steps towards broadening its engagement with Thailand; underlines that a possible resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA should be preceded by tangible improvement of the democratic situation in the country;
Amendment 165 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for further engagement with ASEAN and its member states and for the development and promotion of the EU- ASEAN strategic partnership; calls on both sides to use the momentum of the planned EU-ASEAN Summit in 2022, on the occasion of 45th anniversary of the EU- ASEAN bilateral relationship, to present a new EU-ASEAN action plan for the upcoming period to promote increased multifaceted cooperation in key areas and explore the possibility of resuming negotiations of a region-to-region trade agreement once the conditions in termsask for a frank dialogue ofn human rights and democracy, are to the EU’s standardccording to universally recognised standards and international conventions;
Amendment 169 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a new strategic approach towards the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership as a core element of the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, stresses that closer cooperation would allow the EU to reap important economic benefits with regard to possible welfare gains, diversification of supply chains and reduction of strategic dependencies, and would give the EU the opportunity to continue to shape standards in the Indo-Pacific region and globally;
Amendment 171 #
2021/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. recalls the need to take into account the specificity of the outermost regions and overseas countries and territories in these regional and bilateral negotiations and to take and implement specific provisions in their regards;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Regrets that the fundamental rights of women are still lagging in Europe; is deeply concerned with the increase in reactionary trends targeting women; reiterates its strong position on ensuring gender equality and protecting women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive health rights;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that LGBTIQ people face some of the biggest challenges as far as fundamental rights are concerned, and, in particular, the right to non- discrimination; is deeply concerned with the results of FRA survey on how LGBTIQ people experience human and fundamental rights1a, which show ‘little, if any, progress’ in past years and regrets the significant differences between Member States; stresses that the right of a person to self- determination of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity is inviolable; highlights that in spite of the progress made in recent years with regard to LGBTIQ social acceptance, which has increased in most Member States, the situation of LGBTIQ people in the EU remains critical, as they continue to be the targets of discrimination; _________________ 1a https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra _uploads/fra-2020-lgbti-equality-1_en.pdf
Amendment 35 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the importance of the child’s best interests in cross-border family litigation; emphasises the importance of close cooperation and efficient communication between the different national and local authorities involved in child custody proceedings; calls on the Member States to introduce non- discriminatory monitoring and evaluation systems for child-related cases, which ensure full respect for the fundamental rights of the child, particularly the principle of the best interests of the child; calls on the Member States to respect the right of children to see their parents in spite of the restrictive measures linked totaken by Member States in case of exceptional circumstances, such as the pandemic, as long as this does not endanger the children’s safety and health;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Notes that restrictions imposed to tackle the pandemic have also hindered the work of civil society; stresses that civil society organisations play an important role in helping victims of fundamental right breaches, as well as in awareness- raising and prevention; calls on the Commission and Member States to provide support to civil society and to adopt measures that facilitates their work;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Reiterates that everyone has the right to education as enshrined in the Article 14 of the Charter and stresses that this right must be guaranteed under all circumstances and for every child, including those from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups; is concerned about the impact that schools closures during the Covid-19 pandemic might have on mental health and future of children; calls on the Member States to ensure equal and quality education for all children even in times of crisis such as the pandemic; encourages Member States to exchange best practises in this regard;
Amendment 80 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Emphasizes the Preamble of the Aarhus Convention on the right of every person to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being and the Article 37 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU which provides that a high level of environmental protection must be integrated in EU policies; Recalls the European Parliament's resolution 2020/2273(INI) considering that the right to a healthy environment should be recognised in the Charter and calls for action in this regard;
Amendment 83 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Notes that the ECHR's case law only provides for indirect protection of the right to a healthy environment by sanctioning only environmental violations that simultaneously result in an infringement of other human rights already recognised in the European Convention on Human Rights; Calls for the intrinsic value of nature and ecosystems in the light of the interrelationship between human societies and nature to be recognized in the Convention and to anchor the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment as called by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in its recommendation from September 2021;
Amendment 85 #
2021/2186(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12 c. Notes the EU citizens concerns expressed in the petitions No 0229/2020, 0126/2016, 1166/2018 delivered to the European Parliament on the disruptions and deterioration of environment demanding the right to live in a healthy environment and access to justice in environmental matters;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the rule of law includes principles such as legality, legal certainty, the separation of powers, the prohibition of the arbitrary exercise of executive power, effective judicial protection by independent and impartial courts in full respect of fundamental rights, the fight against impunity, the enforcement of judgments including the permanent subjection of all public authorities to established laws and procedures, and equality before the law;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the indispensability of enforcing court sentences, both at national and EU level; condemns all national and regional governments on EU territory that refuse to follow judgments; emphasises that sentences of the Court of Justice of the European Union have to be implemented in a timely manner and as soon as possible in accordance with the Treaties, which the Member States agreed to comply with5 , in particular, those court sentences that seek to prevent discrimination on grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic characteristics, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; _________________ 5 Petition No 0858/2017.
Amendment 69 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Regrets the fact that that the safety of journalists is not universally guaranteed; underlines the importance of media pluralism and the need to protect journalists against threats and attacks in order to prevent self-censorship and to assure freedom of expression and the right to information and safeguard the journalistic profession; calls on the Commission to improve the instruments for assessing measures taken by governments that may undermine freedom of information and pluralism;
Amendment 74 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Draws attention to the need for better regulation and more transparency regarding social networking sitemedia platforms9 ; takes note of the insufficiency of the horizontal assessment of the media sector and the lack of representation of online media in the Commission’s 2021 Rule of Law report (COM(2121)700); _________________ 9 Petitions No 1336/2020, 0036/2021, 0137/2021, 0691/2021 and 0719/2021.
Amendment 76 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Observes that fake news and the resulting misinformation aimed at EU citizens are a threat to our EU democracies10 ; notes, however, that overly extensive control of false information and the increased promotion of disinformation campaigns may lead, which must be combated with guarantees and without giving rise to any violation of Article 11(1) of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which guarantees the right to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authorities and regardless of borders11 ; _________________ 10 Petitions No 1310/2019, 0268/2020, 0743/2020 and 1293/2020. 11 Petition No 1336/2020.
Amendment 88 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Is concerned about the increase in hate crimes against minorities, in particular those related to religious beliefs, political ideas and sexual orientation12 ; is aware of the difficult balance between hate speech and freedom of expression and acknowledges that the boundaries are hard to define; calls on the Commission to continue its work to establish effective criteria against this problem, and to do so without affecting the pluralism of the system; _________________ 12 Petitions No 0354/2020, 0657/2020, 1038/2020, 0471/2021, 0480/2021, 0667/2021, 0704/2021, 0725/2021, 0820/2021, 0855/2021 and 0894/2021.
Amendment 107 #
2021/2180(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Points out that on the 16 of February the Court of Justice of the European Union will release its judgement on the compliance of the conditionality requirement with the Treaty following the complaint filed by Poland and Hungary;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and in particular Article 27 on work and employment;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
— having regard to its resolution of 17 February 2022 with recommendations to the Commission on a statute for European cross-border associations and non-profit organisations,
Amendment 12 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee' opinion of 22 September 2016 on 'The External Dimension of the Social Economy';
Amendment 17 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the social economy encompasses diverse types of private entities, independent of public authorities, as cooperatives, mutual benefit societies, associations (including charities), foundations, social enterprises, and other legal forms, all characterised by different operating and organisational principles and features such as the primacy of people as well as social purpose over profit, the reinvestment of most profits/surpluses, and democratic or participatory governance;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the social economy has played an important role in mitigating and addressing the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the EU’s social market, society and economy and has driven and contributed to social and economic resilience thanks to theits long- term orientation of the European Pillar business model and the nature of social rights and the targets and activities of the social economy12 ; _________________ 12 OECD (2020), Social economy and the COVID-19 crisis: current and future roles.
Amendment 56 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas social economy organisations have a long history in the majority of Member States, most of which have adopted specific laws in this field, and have established themselves as crucial market players; whereas regulatory frameworks must ensure that social economy enterprises can compete effectively in all economic sectors;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Amendment 72 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas social economy organisations strengthen the sense of community and social capital, especially at the local level;1a _________________ 1a https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/docserver/e9eea313- en.pdf?expires=1643295376&id=id∾cna me=guest✓sum=BF1226E6C5CBB1858A 3F36DBF5F48577
Amendment 73 #
2021/2179(INI)
Cc. whereas the social economy contributes to a well-functioning welfare state as it focuses on social and labour needs; whereas, however, it is the State and public authorities at large which have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring universal and equal access of citizens to a high standard of welfare, and as such, social economy organisations should play a complementary role, not a replacement of, first-line, state/regional-based provisions;2a _________________ 2a European Economic and Social Committee Milan declaration, cited in the Council conclusions of 7 December 2015 on ‘The promotion of the social economy as a key driver of economic and social development in Europe’.
Amendment 76 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas social economy organisations operate in key sectors such as health, long-term care, pensions, education, culture, tech for good, housing, leisure and circular economy, renewable energy and waste management, and by virtue of their local anchoring and their social and integrative character, are an intrinsic part of the European social model;
Amendment 78 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas a legal and policy framework that adequately protects and promotes worker cooperative enterprises, a set of policy measures aimed at facilitating business transfers to employees and a high level of organisation and consolidation of worker cooperatives in organisations/federations contribute to successful business transfers to employees;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Amendment 82 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
Cg. whereas social economy organisations are perceived by investors as high risk due to the information asymmetries in the market or the investors’ limited understanding of this model;5a _________________ 5a European Commission, Directorate- General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Hayday, M., Varga, E., A recipe book for social finance : a practical guide on designing and implementing initiatives to develop social finance instruments and markets, Publications Office, 2017
Amendment 84 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
C h. whereas social economy organisations and enterprises have traditionally played an important role in the employment and service provision for persons with disabilities, including through UNCRPD-abiding Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISE);
Amendment 97 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes, however, that concrete measures and follow-up measures for achieving each objective need to be laid out and the interlinkages between measures and other EU-level initiatives further detailed; considers it necessary to establish a calendar for all actions included in the SEAP, with a view to guiding the relevant authorities in the implementation;
Amendment 121 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call13 for the ‘think small first’ principle to be set as a guiding principle in the drafting of future legislation and the adoption of policies, so as to make the Union’s ecosystem more competitive and supportive of micro, small and medium-sized organisations both within and outside the social economy and ensure that its role is strengthened to support the development of social economy; _________________ 13 In, inter alia, its resolution of 16 December 2020 on a new strategy for European SMEs and that of 24 June 2021 on European regulatory fitness and subsidiarity principle.
Amendment 144 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds the Member States that the Public Procurement Directive (Directive 2014/24/EU) allows contracting authorities to use public procurement to pursue environmental and social objectives, and, in particular, allows for reserved tender procedures for organisations whose main aim is the integration of persons with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups into the workforce; invites public authorities to considerrecognise socially and environmentally responsible public procurement as an investment in the socio-economic fabric with a great potential to combine social and competitive objectives;
Amendment 159 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Reminds the Member States that the Advisory Platform for Social Outcomes Contracting created by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank Group can provide expert advice and technical support to public sector organisations wishing to address key social inclusion challenges through outcomes-based approaches;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes existing initiatives in Member States to provide workers interested in the buyout process and cooperatives emerging from workers’ buyouts with legal counselling, financial support, support in the preparation of business plans, data needed for external investors and business support structures; encourages Member States to include this topic in the 2023 Council recommendations in order to further support these initiatives at regional and national level and to work closely with workers' representatives to support and link up with the federations of worker cooperatives in assisting workers’ buyouts ; also urges the Commission to keep on working closely with the Member States to identify tools and solutions to remove obstacles and speed up legal procedures to transfer the ownership of an enterprise after its closure to the employees through worker cooperatives or other forms of worker-owned social economy enterprises; invites the Member States to share and exchange best practices in this regard;
Amendment 176 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. highlights that social economy organisations have for decades been leaders in implementing circular business models, especially in reusing, repairing and recycling activities, thus accelerating the transition to the circular economy and reinforcing the focus on positive social impact;3a supports the Commission's initiative to strengthen the capacity of the social economy to further develop greener services and products; _________________ 3a OECD/European Union (2022), Policy brief on making the most of the Social Economy’s contribution to the Circular Economy
Amendment 179 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Commission to encourage social impact investing and to assess existing measures to increase citizens’ participation in social impact finance initiatives with a view to increasing the funding of social economy entities and the visibility thereof;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Highlights the importance of attaching greater attention to social impact measurement and management methodologies and practices; calls on the European social economy stakeholders to carefully assess the development, together with the support of the Commission, of social impact measurement methodologies apt for the diversity of social economy organisations, as well as a strategy to further access and attract social investments;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Invites the European Commission to examine carefully together with social economy stakeholders and academics the feasibility and practicality of social impact bonds;
Amendment 183 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up capacity-building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching, financing capacity-building, training and education, incubating services and networking for capacity-building; in this regard, brings to the attention of regional and local authorities committed to initiating or upgrading their capacity building measures for the social economy the Guidelines for Local Governments on Policies for Social and Solidarity Economy published by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development in 2021;
Amendment 184 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up national, transnational and interregional capacity- building partnerships and formal agreements with social economy networks and their representative organisations in order to provide social economy organisations with advisory services such as tailor-made mentoring and coaching, financing capacity-building, training and education, incubating services and networking for capacity-building; welcomes concrete projects such as the European Business School on Social Economy promoted by the Smart specialisation platform partnership on social economy, formed by six European regions and supported by European Social Economy Networks;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the social economy stakeholders to fully align with the targets of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan by making sure that at least 60% of social economy employees and relevant public authorities' officials receive training every year by 2030;
Amendment 195 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make sure that social economy organisations and enterprises comply with the relevant legislation against discrimination at work and ensure decent working conditions, fair remuneration and career growth perspectives;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the key role that new technologies, if accessible to all, can play in developing and scaling up social economy projects and, as well as the importance of giving social economy entrepreneurs priorityenhanced access to training programmes on digital skills and advanced technologies, both at EU and national level, and calls on the Commission and Member States to explore how mainstream businesses and social economy organisations can cooperate in that regard;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Highlights the importance of strengthening the business planning, implementation and evaluation skills of social economy organisations by setting up a Social Economy and Proximity Skills Alliance; looks forward to the forthcoming “Pact for Skills for the Social Economy”;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Urges the national, regional and local authorities to deepen their knowledge of existing rules regarding the possibility offered by services of general economic interest(SGEI) to access public finance support and to make the most of the margin of discretion in the definition and organisation of SGEI, while exploring the possibility of recognising social economy organisations as SGEI;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes the idea of launching a new initiative under the Single Market Programme 2022 to support the creation of partnerships between social economy entities and mainstream businesses, enabling a “buy social” business-to- business market;
Amendment 261 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 264 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Invites the Member States to promote the access of social economy organisations and enterprises to Next Generation EU funding, through the Recovery and Resilience national plans, in particular for the promotion of employment, socioeconomic inclusion and the adaptation to the digital and green transitions of disadvantaged groups, such as persons with disabilities;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Invites the Member Sates to exchange knowledge and experience on social economy entrepreneurship through the EU Mutual Learning Programme;
Amendment 270 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly welcomes the proposal of a Council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should provide a common definition of the social economy based on its principles and features -as per the SEAP-, a definition that, taking into consideration the diversity of the social economy, applies to all policies, programmes and measures that the European Commission develops and operates for the social economy7a,as it would also ensure that support measures are granted to all social economy organisations and enterprises; notes that the Council Recommendation should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks, especially in Member States where the social economy ecosystem is less developed, and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the EU and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement, employment and social policies, taxation, education, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas; _________________ 7a The approach to follow could be the one followed for the SME Recommendation.
Amendment 275 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Strongly welcomes the proposal of a Council recommendation on social economy framework conditions to be approved in 2023; believes that it should serve as a compass to strengthen the social economy legal and policy frameworks, especially in Member States where the social economy ecosystem is less developed, and should clearly highlight the support instruments made available by the EU and provide guidance in relation to specific policies such as public procurement, state aid, employment and social policies, taxation, education, social and care services, skills and training and the importance of linking the circular economy and the social economy agendas;
Amendment 282 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers it regrettable that Parliament’s past calls on the Commission to submit proposals allowing mutual societies, associations9a and foundations to act on a European and cross-border scale did not lead to any legislative changes, thus undermining the European social model and hindering the completion of the single market; suggests, in view of the window of opportunity opened by the SEAP, as well as the activities of the Monitoring Committee of the Luxembourg Declaration, which comprises a majority of Member States, that enhanced cooperation be explored as a tool to overcome the aforementioned decades-long deadlocks; _________________ 9a Resolution on non-profit making associations in the European Communities of 13 April 1987
Amendment 284 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Supports the setting up of national competence centres for social innovation aimed at social economy entrepreneurs, as well as a European competence centre for social innovation; looks forward to the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy to be developed together with the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development; calls on social economy organisations to support the emergence of Youth Social Economy Entrepreneurs; believes, however, that the Commission, together with the Member States, should launch targeted initiatives to help other social economy entrepreneurs from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups;
Amendment 301 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission to update the 2012 Study on the current situation and prospects of mutuals in Europe to identify opportunities and barriers for their development in Europe, particularly in healthcare and insurance;
Amendment 304 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the announced launch of a new study to collect qualitative and quantitative information on the social economy across all Member States; notes that detailed, standardised, comparable and reliable data on the scale and impact of the social economy need to be generated with a view to facilitating evidence-based policy decisions, future-proofing the development of the social economy and contributing to EU economic and social goals; reminds the Member States of the 2015 Council conclusions’ invitation for national statistical authorities to develop and implement social economy satellite accounts;
Amendment 308 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Welcomes the Commission’s work on a transition pathway for the social economy and proximity industrial ecosystems; notes, however, that additional information is required to explain how such a pathway will be implemented on the ground and how it will interact with other regional and local initiatives;
Amendment 311 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Urges the Commission and the European External Action Service to provide information and training on the social economy to the staff working in EU delegations and to increase the visibility thereof in EU external action;
Amendment 312 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls on the Commission to promote the social economy in the external dimension of EU policies, inter alia, by acknowledging and including its specific nature in future association agreements and the revision of the current ones, and by assessing how it can contribute to its development outside EU borders;
Amendment 314 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Member States to designate social economy coordinators and to set up local social economy contact points with a view to facilitating access to funding, including EU funding; invites the Commission and the social economy organisations to also use the announced Social Economy Gateway to raise awareness of the funding opportunities at EU level; calls on the Member States to properly and effectively implement the SEAP in collaboration with the social economy stakeholders;
Amendment 320 #
2021/2179(INI)
19a. Reiterates Parliament’s support to the fact that the components of the social economy should be recognised in the EU sectoral and inter-sectoral social dialogue and suggests that the process should be encouraged by both the Member States and the Commission9a; and calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the mechanisms and instruments to support the European, national and regional representative organisations of the social economy as they are crucial for the creation of favourable ecosystems for the social economy; _________________ 9a European Parliament Resolution of 19 February 2009 on Social Economy
Amendment 323 #
2021/2179(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to set up an implementation taskforce for the SEAP, which regularly reports to the European Parliament, the Council and the relevant stakeholders, and to disseminate its composition and timeline for action;
Amendment 21 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU and Africa have an important and longstanding political, economic and cultural relationship; whereas the 6th Summit of the EU and the AU in 2022 led to an agreement on ‘A Joint Vision for 2030’, to drive our common priorities, shared values and international law, by preserving together our interests and common public goods, the security and prosperity of our citizens, the protection of human rights for all, gender equality and women’s empowerment in all spheres of life; whereas both Unions recognised the importance of food security and nutrition;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas strengthening the intra- continental trade in Africa is essential for its sustainable economic development; whereas the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gives new momentum to pan-African trade and investment opportunities; whereas the EU’s trade policy has an important role in strengthening EU-Africa, as well as intra- African trade;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas AfCFTA aims to be beyond a trade liberalising instrument an enabler of inclusive growth and sustainable development; whereas the AfCFTA can contribute to the advancement of women and youth-lead SMEs; whereas the effective implementation of the AfCFTA is essential for enhancing intra-African trade, notably through enhanced trade facilitation, removal of tariff and non- tariff barriers, and better customs procedures;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas Africa is a continent of hope and opportunity and perceived as such by a growing number of its young population; whereas empowering the economic position of women and youth in Africa contributes to both economic growth, and advancing their position in society;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2178(INI)
L. whereas the 6th EU-AU-Summit committed to engage constructively towards an agreement on a comprehensive WTO response to the pandemic, which includes trade-related as well as intellectual-property-related aspects; whereas the EU, the United States, India and South Africa, the ‘quad’, reached a compromise in the WTO to facilitate a waiver of certain Intellectual Property provisions, but a broader discussion in the WTO is yet to commence;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas EU-Africa trade in agricultural products needs to be revised to advance sustainable agriculture on both continents;
Amendment 94 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. Whereas the Food & Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) initiative was presented at the G7 summit on March 24th 2022, with concrete measures to ensure food security globally, and notably in the African countries most impacted by the food production disruption following the war in Ukraine ;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O a (new)
Recital O a (new)
O a. whereas the war in Ukraine demonstrates the interconnectedness of food security and the global market, and the dependency of some African countries on food imports from a small number of exporting countries or regions; whereas an overdependence can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks;
Amendment 114 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Affirms that EU-Africa trade and investment relations form part of our joint endeavour to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030 and the objectives of the Paris Agreement; stresses that the modernisation of EU-AU trade and investment relations must adhere to the principle of policy coherence for development and contribute to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by means of, and to the green and digital transformation of the economies in both the EU and the AU, as well as among our global trading partners;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses the importance of creating a resilient, competitive and solid infrastructural and industrial basis in Africa, as laid down in the AU Agenda 2063, aiming at the development of resilient value chains and high added value processing of raw materials in Africa as a major avenue towards quality job creation;
Amendment 129 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the EU needs an entirely new foundation for itsmust engage in a renewed, mutually beneficial economic partnership with Africa, based on equal grounds and based on mutual respectity, mutual respect and understanding of the challenges African partners face in the context of trade and investment relations; underlines that the EU-Africa trade relationship should take into consideration commitments towards promoting human rights, good governance, the rule of law and ugenderstanding; equality; calls on the Commission to advance these elements within the context of EU-Africa trade relations;
Amendment 132 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that the European response to global vaccination efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic lead to a disruption of EU-Africa relations; underlines that the outcomes of the 6th EU-AU summit must be a new starting point of advancing EU-Africa relations; calls on the Commission to structurally engage with African partners bilaterally, and through regional and multilateral engagement to advance EU-Africa relations; calls on the Commission to engage with the European Parliament on a discussion regarding the TRIPS waiver compromise negotiated by the ‘quad’ of the EU, the US, India and South Africa; calls on the Commission to remain flexible and pragmatic in the discussions in the WTO to reach a compromise on a targeted and temporary TRIPS waiver with other WTO members to move towards a conclusion and meaningful results on trade and health related aspects by MC12;
Amendment 152 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the need for the further development of infrastructure that contributes to better interconnectedness of the African continent, most notably for rural areas; stresses that Global Gateway should contribute to the development of infrastructure to increase intra-African trade; Calls on the Commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in Africa;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that a rules-based multilateral trading system contributes to advancing economic growth in the EU, and on the African continent; Notes that the future of the international trading system depends on the revitalising of the WTO and finalising the Doha Round, on which African countries have placed their hopes;
Amendment 181 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls the Parliament’s commitment to the European Green Deal and welcomes trade initiatives that contribute towards achieving its objectives, including but not limited to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the legislative proposal on mandatory due diligence, and the proposal on deforestation-free products; insists that the Commission must carefully monitor the impact of these initiatives on EU- Africa trade and present accompanying measures to mitigate any short-term disruption; is convinced that in the long- term, these legislative initiatives will result in more resilient and sustainable global value chains, benefitting citizens and businesses in the EU and Africa;
Amendment 194 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the EU should deepen its economic and trade relations with Africa through investments and the creation of jobs; underlines the discrepancy of access to finance within African regions and countries due to various factors; underlines that the emphasis of investments should be placed on new infrastructures, such as digital and green infrastructures, and renewable energy production; Calls on the Commission to foster investment in the African continent through innovative financial instruments to increase capital flows and reduce risks; encourages the Commission to propose sustainable investment initiatives- as announced in its communication “Trade Policy Review - An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy” - with African countries;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that least developed countries (LDCs) have an interest in and are strong supporters of rules-based multilateral trading systems; is aware of the fact that special and differentiated treatment is a founding principle of the WTO; calls on the Commission to ensure that developing countries can fully exercise their rights under the WTO special and differential treatment provisions, most notably to ensure their food security; is of the opinion that an overdependence on a single country or geographic region for any given product can leave countries vulnerable to external shocks, which could have a hugely damaging impact on the food security of developing countries; believes therefore that the Commission should support our African partners in diversifying their trade flows, to increase their resilience;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that the trade partnership between the EU and Africa must prioritise quality nutrition self-sufficiency on both continents; stresses that the EU-Africa trade relationship must ensure adherence to the principles of sustainability and should never undermine food security, food safety and food quality nor drive deforestation, degradation of the environment and biodiversity; calls on the Commission to ensure investment facilities, such as Global Gateway and Global Europe, contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural sector in Africa in line with the SDGs, and to support the implementation of the AfCFTA for intra-African agricultural trade; calls on the Commission to facilitate education and training to advance and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Africa and to advance existing initiatives in Africa;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Amendment 232 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates that the different EPAs should contribute to developing intra- African integration and to the development of a fair and sustainable trade model; stresses that EPAs should contribute to and promote sustainable development in line with the SDGs and Agenda 2030, foster intra-African trade flows, contribute to trade facilitation and the removal of unnecessary barriers to trade, market access for businesses, most notably SMEs, to the European and African market, promote public and private investments in Africa, and foster trade relations between the EU and Africa, taking into account the outcomes of the EU-AU summit; calls on the Commission in the revision of EPAs to address, mitigate and avoid any potential effect that could impair the objectives of the development of the intra-African market, in close cooperation with our African partners; calls on the Commission to ensure EPAs are a basis for the strengthening of economic relations between the parties in a mutually beneficial way, taking into account their respective levels of development; calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs, and to support African SMEs who export to the EU with technical assistance;
Amendment 250 #
2021/2178(INI)
18. Is committed to strengthening fair and sustainable trade and investment relations between Europe and Africa as part of a wider advanced cooperation framework, including increased investments in research and development related to green goods and technologies; in this context, calls on the Commission to work with our African partners to advance fair and sustainable trade, notably through TSD chapters in EPAs, and to work with our partners in the upcoming TSD review;
Amendment 251 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Welcomes the reform of the GSP and its role in increasing trading opportunities for developing countries, advancing sustainable development and ensuring adherence to human rights, good governance and gender equality; underlines that the GSP has the potential for African countries to foster sustainable and resilient economic growth and interconnectedness in the global economy; stresses that countries benefitting from the GSP must adhere to international conventions, such as the Paris Agreement and ILO conventions; calls on the Commission to ensure GSP is complementary to other trade policy initiatives on the African continent;
Amendment 256 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the agreement of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers on common rules of origin for the bloc for 87.7 % of goods or 3 800 tariff lines covered by AfCFTA; calls on the European Commission to harmonise the rules of origin in all the different EU agreements with regions and countries in Africa with the common AfCFTA rules; calls on the EU to engage with the AfCFTA Secretariat to advance capacity building and technical support for the implementation of the AfCFTA;
Amendment 263 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Appreciates the initiative by the Council and the Commission to organise the first Africa-Europe Week, which was held in February 2022 in Brussels; stresses that better European engagement with young Africans and the African diaspora in Europe can structurally improve the EU-Africa relationship on the long-term; calls on the Commission to organise the Africa-Europe week on an annual basis, and to include young people, especially women and girls, in discussions organised during the Africa-Europe Week;
Amendment 267 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that transport networks are critical enablers of trade and prosperous economies; stresses the need to better connect African rural and urban areas to ensure greater interconnectedness within African countries, and on the African continent; Notes that a functioning transport network and investments in infrastructural projects can contribute to the development of African economies; calls on the Commission through its trade and investment instruments for Africa to facilitate public and private investment for African infrastructural projects;
Amendment 273 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Shares the long-term vision of creating a comprehensive EU-Africa continent-to-continent trade and cooperation agreement, building on the AfCFTA; underlines that a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement must be preceded by the meaningful development of a robust and resilient intra-African market; Stresses in this regard the role of the EU’s trade policy engagement with Africa in the development of the intra-African market; calls on the Commission to regularly update the European Parliament on the long-term objective of a continent-to- continent trade and cooperation agreement, notably through the various policy instruments related to Africa;
Amendment 277 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls for the responsible and swift implementation of the commitments on trade and investment agreed at the 2022 EU-Africa Summit, and calls on the Commission to structurally report to the European Parliament on the implementation of the commitments on trade and investment in the relevant committees;
Amendment 286 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that knowledge-sharing and skills development within Africa can contribute to the development of a sustainable trade relationship; underlines the possibilities digital infrastructure has in stimulating the African economy, as well as driving innovation on the continent; Calls for reinforced cooperation on EU-AU digital agendas based on the principles of democratic governance, effective regulatory mechanisms across the digital domain and global-to-local governance mechanisms for data and digital infrastructures that place people- centred development at the core;
Amendment 289 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Underlines that human rights and gender equality must be at the centre of the reinforced cooperation between the EU and the AU, with a special focus on the impact of emerging and innovative technologies on human rights and the inclusion of women in the economy; Stresses the potential digital trade can have for advancing and improving trade facilitation in Africa, and calls on the Commission to advance digital capabilities in light of the implementation of EPAs, and the implementation of the AfCFTA; calls on the Commission to include the EU-AU digital agenda in the engagement with its global strategic partners;
Amendment 293 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25 b. Underlines that effective engagement with civil society groups, businesses, most notably SMEs, and disadvantaged groups, such as women, are a vital element in advancing the EU’s equal partnership with Africa; stresses in this regard that the EU should further facilitate and include civil society dialogues in its trade relations with Africa to better understand the position of African interest groups, and their specific needs in trade relations with the EU; calls on the Commission to structurally advance its engagement with African civil society to advance inclusive engagement and economic growth across the continent;
Amendment 296 #
2021/2178(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25 c. Underlines the importance of including gender equality and gender mainstreaming in EU-Africa trade relations as an essential component to foster inclusive and sustainable growth; Stresses that trade and investment relations have the potential to promote gender equality, contribute to economic and social empowerment of women and to more equal, as well as resilient economies and societies; welcomes the Commission’s work on data collection and analysis to better understand the impact of trade policy on women; calls on the Commission to engage with African partners to promote gender equality and women empowerment in EU-Africa trade relations; calls on the Commission to gender mainstream EU-Africa trade and investment relations; Calls on the Commission to include standalone gender chapters in EPAs;
Amendment 9 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU is India’s third- largest trading partner and leading foreign investor, while India is the EU’s ninth- largest trading partner and only accounted for less than 2.1 % of its total trade in goods in 2021; whereas there is untapped potential for stronger, deeper and mutually beneficial economic cooperation that could lead to the creation of new jobs and increased perspectives for both partners;
Amendment 35 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expects a swift follow-up to the EU-India leaders’ meeting in order to openly address values-based cooperation at the highest level in matters of trade and investment; welcomes both partners’ readiness to work towards the conclusion of an ambitious, values-based, comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement as well as a stand-alone investment protection agreement and an agreement on geographical indications;
Amendment 39 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses the importance of EU- India joint working groups on regulatory cooperation and resilient supply chains, aimed at solving an increasing number of trade barriers and trade irritants;
Amendment 40 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Points out that one of the objectives of the future EU-India trade and investment agreements is to strengthen the economic, trade and investment relationship between the EU and India in full compliance with internationally recognised human rights, environmental and labour standards and agreements, and to create a sound, transparent, open, non-discriminatory and predictable regulatory and business environment for companies on both sides and unlock the untapped potential of two- way economic cooperation between the EU and India:
Amendment 42 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. Regrets that there remains uncertainties for EU investors, notably as a result of India’s decision to unilaterally terminate all its bilateral investment treaties in 2016;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. Reaffirms EU’s condemnation of Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine; denounces India’s hesitancy to condemn the Russian Federation’s actions in Ukraine; underlines the importance of democracies working together and aligning on core areas and especially trade;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. Recalls that the EU is India’s largest trading partner in the agri-food sector; stresses the need for the EU and India to cooperate closely to address the repercussions on food security caused by the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the existing negotiating mandate is comprehensive and broad enough for negotiations to restart; takes the view, however, that an addendum is necessary to ensure that the prospective comprehensive trade agreement contains as integral parts thereof a dedicated chapter for SMEs, a dedicated digital trade chapter, a dedicated chapter on raw materials to remove all export duties on raw materials, and an ambitious and enforceable trade and sustainable development chapter aligned with the Paris Agreement; furthermore believes that the agreement should include provisions on sustainable food systems and on gender;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Agrees with EU and Indian leaders that in order to give the negotiations the impetus they need, it is imperative to find early solutions to long-standing market access issues; encourages the negotiators, therefore, to find swift solutions to the long-standing market access issues both across governance levels and sectors (e.g. cars, car parts, agriculture, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, sanitary and phytosanitary irritants, public procurement, and non-tariff barriers such as quality control orders); while not compromising the content over a speedy conclusion;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – introductory part
Paragraph 6 – introductory part
6. Encourages the negotiators to make good progress in achieving a comprehensive, mutually beneficial, state- of-the-art and WTO- compatible rules- based free trade agreement, giving priority to areas conducive to sustainable growth and the digital and green transitions, as follows:
Amendment 86 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point iv
Paragraph 6 – point iv
iv. a comprehensive chapter on public procurement at all levels of governance in order to enforce the principles of transparency and non-discrimination in public procurement through effective remedy procedures; calls, in this respect, for India to accede to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement and to prohibit ‘buy national’ practices aimed to promote domestic manufacturing and discourage imports, such as “Make in India” and “Self-reliant India”;
Amendment 95 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point vi
Paragraph 6 – point vi
vi. a robust chapter on high-level protection for intellectual property rights (IPR), which should facilitate a non- restrictive and swift patent application process and the rapid and effective enforcement of IPR standards; however, special attention shall be paid to India's ability to produce affordable generic medicines for domestic health needs or for export to other developing countries in need;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point vi a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point vi a (new)
vi a. a chapter on SMEs in order to take into account SMEs’ specific needs and provide legal certainty; underlines the need for a business-friendly regulatory environment for SMEs, including harmonised and simplified customs procedures as well as reduced administrative and regulatory burdens in order to overcome all tariff and non-tariff barriers preventing SMEs from entering the Indian market;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2177(INI)
vi b. a Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter that guarantees values-based cooperation in trade and investment and includes the Paris Agreement, core ILO conventions and SDGs, aims at responsible trade and investment respecting human rights and labour rights, including strong action to eliminate child labour and forced labour, as well as takes climate and environment concerns and sustainable food systems into consideration, and promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment;
Amendment 112 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 – point x a (new)
Paragraph 6 – point x a (new)
x a. guarantee of good governance and the rule of law and solution to the obstacles created by legal uncertainty;
Amendment 119 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines the importance of boosting trade in technology with special attention given to technologies combating climate change, e.g. in regard to enhancing recycling as well as circular economy and energy production;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highlights the importance of gender issues; stresses the opportunity of future EU-India trade agreements to promote gender equality, women’s participation in trade and women’s emancipation;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Reaffirms the EU's commitment to promote environmental standards and fight against climate change in line with the Paris Agreement; urges the EU to cooperate closely with India and other like-minded partners to achieve climate neutrality; urges both sides to step up their cooperation on trade and technology especially with regards to fighting climate change;
Amendment 4 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EU is the world’s largest destination and source of inbound and outbound international investments; whereas they contribute to EU growth and job creation;
Amendment 10 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas none of the investment treaties negotiated by the European Union since the Lisbon Treaty has yet entered into force;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the six priorities of the European Union between 2019 and 2024 include work to combat climate change and environmental degradation, as well as creating more attractive investment conditions and supporting businesses;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. BWelievcomes that the EU’s investment policy needs to meet the expectations of investors and beneficiary states, but also the EU’s broader economic interests and external policy objectives; considers that EU international investment policy needs to be reformed in order to address a variety of challenges and transform it into an integrated and coherent policy frameworke changes in the EU’s international investment policy; considers that this basis should be built upon in order to address a variety of challenges and transform it into an integrated and coherent policy framework; believes that the EU’s investment policy needs to meet the expectations of investors and beneficiary states, but also the EU’s broader economic interests and external policy objectives;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the importance to the European economy of internal and external investment and the need to ensure that EU investors abroad are protected;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that investment can and should have a positive impact on growth, job creation and sustainable development; points out that inbound and outbound investments need to meet the needs of the real economy; calls on the Commission to reviewensure that the EU’s investment policy to ensureis consistencyt with the European Green Deal and the Sobjectives set out in the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals, our values, including respect for human rights, and our social standards as set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights; calls on the Commission to include a binding chapter on trade and sustainable Ddevelopment Goalin all investment facilitation agreements with third countries;
Amendment 43 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the definition of investment as codified in EU IIAs covers not only greenfield investments, but also financial instruments that can be held for purely speculative purposes or for the extraction of r; stresses that European companies need adequate protection of their foreign investments;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the new investment protection agreement model drawn up by the Commission; stresses that these new agreements provide better protection for the right of states to regulate so as to defend, in particular, our public services, and fundamentally reform traditional investor-state arbitration mechanisms with the establishment of a public investment court system; regrets, however, that this new approach has not produced the expected results, as no agreement which contains it has yet entered into force;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses that the EU IIAs contribute to the growth of the EU and allow European companies to benefit from uniform rules to access foreign markets;
Amendment 68 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission, in line with our Green Deal, to exclude investments in fossil fuels or any other activities that pose significant harm to the environment and human rights from treaty protections, in particular investor-state arbitration mechanisms;
Amendment 72 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that even in the absence of legal proceedings, the explicit or implicit threat of recourse to investment arbitration can enhance the position of investors in negotiations with states (the ‘chilling effect’); stresses, however, that the European approach in new investment protection agreements between the European Union and a third country protects the right of states to regulate, particularly in areas of public interest and order, such as environmental protection and the fight against climate change;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is concernedNotes that recent EU IIAs still contain broad protection standards which can be used, if interpreted extensively and inappropriately, to challenge legitimate public policies; asks the Commission to only allowfocus protection againston discrimination, direct expropriation and the gross denial of justice, to take account of cases of indirect expropriation in a proportionate and appropriate way, and to ensure that foreign investors are not accorded superior rights to those enjoyed by domestic investors;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Underlines the fact that EU IIAs negotiated after 2009 still include sunset clauses which prevent easy termination; points out thatcalls on the Commission to examine and study the impact of these sunset clauses and to analyse how Member States and the other contracting parties can agree to neutralise sunset clausesthem;
Amendment 97 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the considerable damages awarded by investment tribunals have imposed a significant financial burden on respondent states; points out that the use of valuation methods generally used by adjudicators is highly controversial owing to their very wide margin of discretion and reliance on highly complex and inherently speculative assumptions; invites the Commission to reviewcarry out an in-depth analysis of these provisions and to propose corrective measures for the provisions governing compensation in EU IIAs;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Member States to terminate or modernise any bilateral investment treaties that contain ISDS, any treaties that contain protection standards which are contrary to our objectives and values and go beyond protection against direct and indirect expropriation, nationality-based discrimination or the gross denial of justice, and any treaties that protect fossil fuel investments;
Amendment 116 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to ensure that all of the Member States’ bilateral investment treaties are fully compatible with EU law and consistent with the EU’s objectives and values; supports the Commission in strictly applying the conditions for authorising the negotiation, signature and conclusion of new agreements by Member States;
Amendment 120 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Points out that the ECT is the most litigated investment agreement in the world today; welcomes efforts to modernise the ECT and the EU’s position to exclude protection for most fossil fuel investments; notes that investments considered ‘significantly harmful’ under the EU taxonomy would remain protected according to the EU’s position; underlines that amending the ECT requires unanimity of all contracting parties voting at the annual conference; supports the Commission in its wish to modernise the dispute settlement system in order to bring it into line with the new European approach in IIAs; regrets, however, that the modernisation negotiations have reached a stalemate owing to the lack of commitment on the part of third countries and the refusal to make the ECT compatible with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the Commission to ensure that a revised ECT will protect the right of states to regulate and immediately prohibit fossil fuel investors from suing contracting parties for pursuing policies to phase out fossil fuels in line with their commitments under the Paris Agreement; calls on the Commission and the Member States to start preparing a coordinated exit from the ECT with a view to formal submission to the Council and to Parliament in the event of the negotiating objectives not being achieved by June 2022;
Amendment 139 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the Court of Justice’s clarification, in the Komstroy judgment, that ISDS provisions in the ECT are not applicable in the case of intra- EU disputes; notes with concern, however, that the Achmea ruling did not deter arbitration tribunals from continuing to hear intra-EU investment disputes; urges the Member States and the Commission, therefore, to adopt a unanimous position on the inapplicability of the ECT to intra-EU investment disputes;
Amendment 143 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the fact that UNCITRAL Working Group III has been engaging in deliberations on a possible multilateral reform of ISDS since 2017; notes that 60 states agreed by consensus that UNCITRAL’s work must address structural reform options; calls onommends the Commission for its determination and its commitment to constructively engage on all topics raised during UNCITRAL discussions and to take account of them in future EU IIAs; calls on the Commission to continue its work in UNCITRAL in order to ensure, inter alia, the right of states to regulate and greater transparency;
Amendment 144 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that in the context of the UNCITRAL Working Group III discussions, the EU and its Member States are pursuing the establishment of a standing mechanism to resolve investment disputes: the multilateral investment court; stresses, however, that this proposal does not cover the modernisation of substantive protection standards; calls for the negotiations on this multilateral investment court to include a redress mechanism, strict rules on conflicts of interest and a code of conduct; considers that this new mechanism has to address investors’ obligations, prevent frivolous litigation, preserve the right to regulate in the public interest and avoid regulatory chill, guarantee judicial equality among investors (with particular attention to micro-enterprises and SMEs), independence, transparency and accountability;
Amendment 153 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Points out that on a global scale in 2017, 2019 and 2020, more investment treaties were terminated than new IIAs concluded; notes that some recently concluded mega-regional IIAs employ an increasingly cautious approach to investor- state adjudication;
Amendment 158 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges the Commission to develop an EU foreign investment strategy to incentivise and protect sustainable investments, in all its dimensions, with or without relying on investor- state adjudication;
Amendment 160 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)
Subheading 4 a (new)
Enhancing the screening of foreign direct investments in the European Union
Amendment 163 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes the adoption in 2018 of the new foreign investment screening mechanism; stresses that this screening mechanism aims to establish cooperation and potentially limit foreign investments in strategic sectors in order to protect the European Union and its Member States; calls on those Member States which do not yet have one to set up such a national foreign direct investment screening mechanism in order to ensure that European cooperation is effective;
Amendment 165 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Stresses that the purpose of the foreign direct investment screening mechanism is to analyse and screen cases where the acquisition or control of a particular company, infrastructure or technology would create a security or public order risk in the European Union; calls on the Commission to assess the possibility of defining new sectors such as strategic cultural assets or catalogues of cinematographic works as strategic sectors, by means of a delegated act;
Amendment 166 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Calls on the Commission, as part of the review clause, to explore the possibility of strengthening the European foreign direct investment screening mechanism to give it, with the agreement of the Member States, the power to block an investment that would create a risk to security and public order;
Amendment 167 #
2021/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for an instrument to tackle distortions caused by foreign subsidies that are an unfair form of investment, and calls for its swift adoption; calls on the Commission and the Member States to engage fully in plurilateral negotiations at WTO level in order to tackle distortions of competition, particularly in the area of industrial subsidies;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas the eradication of poverty is one of the priorities of the EU, enshrined in Article 3 TEU, Article 34 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan headline target, reflecting the EU's commitment to combat poverty in its policies;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on labour income and wealth and is halting improvements in AROPE; whereas support measures have cushioned the negative effects of the crisis in the short ruwomen are more at risk of COVID-19 contamination due to their overrepresentation in essential frontline and more exposed occupations; whereas the pandemic disproportionately affects them in the socio-economic sphere, deepens existing discrimination and results in even more inequalities between women and men in the labour market, considering that women are more at risk of unemployment or reducing their working hours as a result of the health crisis and resulting care responsibilities; whereas support measures have cushioned the negative effects of the crisis in the short run; whereas the full economic, employment and social consequences of the pandemic are still unknown;
Amendment 24 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, according to Eurostat, the risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU was higher for women than for men (22.9 % compared with 20.9 %) in 2020; whereas in the same year there were 96.5 million people in the EU at risk of poverty or social exclusion and that was equivalent to 21.9% of the EU population1a; whereas the poverty rate among working women could decrease if women were paid equally to men; _________________ 1ahttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Living_conditi ons_in_Europe_- _poverty_and_social_exclusion#Key_findi ngs3
Amendment 25 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas according to the recent data from the European Institute for Gender Equality only 62,5% of the women in the EU are employed, compared to 72,8% of men 2a; whereas the participation of women in the labour market has grown in the last decades but several gender gaps still exist; whereas in 2019 women's gross hourly earnings were on average 14,1% below those of men in the EU 3a; whereas women in the EU aged over 65 received a pension that was on average 29% lower than of men 4a and effective actions are needed to close the gender employment, care, pay and pension gaps; _________________ 2ahttps://eige.europa.eu/gender- statistics/dgs/indicator/ta_wrklab_lab_em plrate_gen__lfst_r_ergau/bar/year:2020/g eo:EU28,EU27_2020,EU15,EA19,BE,BG ,CZ,DK,DE,EE,IE,EL,ES,FR,HR,IT,CY, LV,LT,LU,HU,MT,NL,AT,PL,PT,RO,SI, SK,FI,SE,UK,IS,NO,CH,ME,MK,RS,TR/ age:Y15- 64/unit:PC/deg_urb:TOTAL/sex:M,W 3ahttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php?title=Gender_pay_g ap_statistics 4a https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/prod ucts-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20210203-1
Amendment 26 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas the risk of poverty rises sharply along the life course, revealing the gradually accumulating impact of pay inequalities; whereas poverty among those aged 75 years and over is consistently concentrated among women, mainly as a result of the impact of gendered unpaid care duties, life-long differences in pay and working time with the lower pensions that result, different retirement ages for men and women in some Member States, and the fact that more older women live alone;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas women, who constitute 76% of the healthcare workers in the EU5a, are over- represented among frontline workers, in non-standard forms of work, and in the hardest-hit sectors and among frontline workers in healthcare; whereas more women than men are in occupations that can be carried out remotely;by the pandemic; _________________ 5ahttps://eige.europa.eu/covid-19-and- gender-equality/essential-workers
Amendment 39 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas across the EU women receive disproportionately lower earnings than men; whereas low pay and low career prospects are barriers to achieving equal economic independence for women and men and can lead to higher risks of poverty and social exclusion; whereas non- discriminative remuneration is an essential requisite for women; whereas women's economic empowerment is key to achieve gender equality and combat women's poverty;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the digital and the green transition require action to ensure that no one is left behind; whereas women are under-represented at all levels in the digital and STEM sectors in Europe and work less, compared with the men, in innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas gender equality in the labour market is an important instrument for eliminating poverty among women that benefits not only women but the economy as a whole with a positive impact on GDP, employment levels and productivity; whereas improving gender equality would lead to an increase in EU GDP per capita by 6,1 to 9,6% and an additional 10.5 million jobs which would benefit both women and men by 20501a; _________________ 1ahttps://eige.europa.eu/gender- mainstreaming/policy-areas/economic- and-financial-affairs/economic-benefits- gender-equality
Amendment 57 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E c (new)
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas investing in policies to support women also improves their families' living conditions, in particular those of their children; whereas eradicating child poverty is included in Principle 11 of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 59 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital E d (new)
Recital E d (new)
Amendment 63 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for an overarching European anti-poverty strategy, with ambitious targets for reducing poverty and a focus on breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty risks; stresses the importance of ensuring an intersectional approach so that all women, including those from minority and vulnerable groups, benefit from its objectives and actions;
Amendment 82 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses the need for Member States to implement well-designed labour market policies that aim to eradicate the gender gaps that put women at more risk of poverty, in particular the gender employment, pay and pension gaps; Welcomes the Commission's proposal for a directive to strengthen the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms; Highlights that while a lot has been achieved there are still gender inequalities in the labour market that have to be tackled; Calls on the Commission to implement and closely monitor the key objectives set out in the Gender Equality Strategy through concrete actions;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present a revision of the Barcelona targets on early childhood education and care in 2022; calls on the Commission and Council to develop similar targets for long-term care as part of the forthcoming initiative on long- term care in 2022 to ensure sustainable long-term care that ensures better access to quality services for those in need as well as ensuring women’s continued participation in the labour market unhindered by unequal caring responsibilities;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that the recovery efforts should boost jobs and growth, and the resilience and fairness of our societies, and should be complemented by a strong social dimension, paying attention to for all women, with an intersectional approach to support women who have a disability or, minority background, who stay at home to care for a family member and/or from different vulnerable groups, as they are particularly at risk of falling into poverty;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2170(INI)
5. Recognises the crucial role of all European funds and programmes in the social area, particularly the Recovery and Resilience Facility, European Social Fund Plus and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers; calls on the Member States to make full use of these fundshighlights that through the ESF+, Member States and the Commission should aim to increase the participation of women in employment as well as conciliation between working and personal life, combat the feminisation of poverty and gender discrimination in the labour market and in education and training as well as to support the most vulnerable and combat child poverty; calls on the Member States to make full, effective and transparent use of these funds to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the crisis, particularly on women and mainstream gender equality objectives throughout their national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs);
Amendment 120 #
2021/2170(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to submit initiatives to promote women’s empowerment through education, vocational training and lifelong learning, as well as access to finance, female entrepreneurship and women’s representation in future-oriented sectors with a view to ensuring access to high- quality employment; calls on the Member States to implement policies that contribute to the skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling of women, especially with regard to the green and digital transitions; calls for greater promotion of STEM subjects, digital education, artificial intelligence and financial literacy in order to ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development.
Amendment 19 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the EU has planned a period of unprecedented levels of spending and investment under NextGenerationEU, which will also create significant links with the private sector, therefore making it even more crucial for the EU institutions to have a decision-making process founded on full transparency and on the most stringent ethical rules in order to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption cases;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas the Commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 Communication entitled ‘EU law: Better results through better application’, whose rules establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions; whereas the Commission’s approach, resulting in its systematic refusal to take action on individual petition issues and on petitions concerning areas under Article 6 TFEU can amount to maladministrationis at odds with the provisions of Article 227TFEU and is creating frustration and disappointment for citizens, undermining at the same time the possibility to identify systematic shortcomings regarding EU law occurring in Member States;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the Commission did not provide adequate explanations to the Ombudsman’s requests on key elements of its work during the COVID-19 crisis; criticises the fact that in relation toalls on the Commission to clarify its decision-making on emergency public procurement, the Commission did not clarify its approach on how it ensured transparency on the appointments procedure of the members of the various committees, as well as on their independence, and on how it monitored the use of the negotiatedin order to ensure full transparency of the proceduress;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. EncourageSupports the Ombudsman to continue performingin her work to ensure that citizens can fully exercise their democratic rights by, inter alia, directly participating in and following in detail the decision-making process within the EU institutions, as well as by having access to all the relevant information as also stipulated by the CJEU’s case law;
Amendment 54 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Ombudsman to adoptWelcomes the Ombudsman’s action when it comes to requests on the Commission to provide public access to documents related to recovery and resilience plans of Member States, which are of significant public interest, relating to unprecedented amount that will be allocated under Next GenerationEU; welcomes that the Commission has already made extensive material about the Recovery and Resilience Facility available; stresses that more transparency and strengthened oversight ofby the implementation of the rules and procedures concerningrelevant authorities is needed in this respect, including strengthened oversight by EU Ombudsman of the administrative procedures concerning the EU funds; calls on the EU Ombudsman to explore, together with ENO members, other possible actions within their competence on supervision of the allocation and use of EU funds under NextGenerationEU, in order to protect Union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases, as well as violations of the rule of law, contributing to ensuring the integrity, full transparency and democratic accountability of the EU institutions;
Amendment 58 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. DeeplyUnderlines that the transparency of the legislative process represents a core element of any representative democracy; regrets the fact that the Council’s current practices with regard to its decision- making process are still marred by a lack of transparency; deplores the fact that the Council is persisting in preventing citizens from having direct and timely access to its legislative documents, while the legislative process is ongoing, in breach of citizens’ right to participate effectively in the decision-making process;
Amendment 62 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates its call for the publication of all trilogue documencalls that the European Parliament in its resolution of 17 January 2019 on the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry OI/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council of the EU 1a supported the Ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency; calls on the Council to improve further legislative transparency, particularly by recording and publishing Member State positions and by making available more trilogue documents; urges the Council to step up its transparency efforts in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights, as full transparency at all stages of the legislative process, including in the informal negotiations between the three main EU institutions, is crucial to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; _________________ 1a P8_TA(2019)0045
Amendment 64 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 68 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to ensure an approval process for ‘active substances’ in pesticides, which is fully transparent and free from conflicts of interest, committing to put an end to the use of all synthetic pesticides by 2035 at the latest, as well as immediately prohibiting the export of pesticides that have been banned in the EU and stopping the import of foodstuffs produced outside the EU using such unsafe chemicals; notes that the European Citizens' Initiative entitled 'Save Bees and Farmers' has gathered over 1 million signatures across the EU and that this initiative calls for a phase- out of synthetic pesticides in the EU, for measures to restore biodiversity, and for support for farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture; asks the Ombudsman to continue investigating the systems in place at EU level to make sure that the current policies and procedural safeguards in this field guarantee the highest levels of human health and environmental protection, and that the collection and examination of scientific evidence is fully transparent, accurate and free from conflicts of interest;
Amendment 73 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Ombudsman to launch an inquiry on the Commission’s strategic approach in dealing with petitions, as its action is only limited to issues it considers of strategic importance or which reflect structural problems, founded on an arbitrary methodology and vague criteria, which can breach citizens’ right to good administration and is at odds with the Commission’s duty to oversee the correct application of EU law throughout the Union, arising from Article 17 TEUtherefore excluding individual cases;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Criticises the decision of those Member States, which held the Presidency of the Council, to use corporate sponsorship, as it causedentails serious damagereputational risks to the EU’s image, stressing the importance for the future to refrain from any sponsorship; considers paramount the adoption of the most stringent rules preventing such practices from taking place with a view to safeguarding the reputation and integrity of the Council and of the EU as a whole;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the Ombudsman’s work to protect EU citizens’ right to access documents held by the EU institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the EU institutions in order to ensure the highest levels of protection of the democratic rights of citizens and their trust in EU institutions; believes that revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that EU legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete, thereby also hampering the Ombudsman’s activities on this matter; _________________ 2 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
Amendment 85 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Commends the Ombudsman’s work to protect EU citizens’ right to access documents held by the EU institutions; and to provide citizens with documents in all EU official languages ; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the EU institutions;, believes that revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that EU legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete, thereby also hampering the Ombudsman’s activities on this matter; _________________ 2 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.
Amendment 98 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Notes that there was a slight increase of the number of complaints addressed to the European Ombudsman during the past years, which shows that more citizens are now aware of the existence of the institution and the very useful work it does to defend public interest;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Welcomes the fact that in 2020, the average length of the inquiries of cases closed by EU Ombudsman was 5 months, an improvement compared to the previous year where it stood at 7 months;
Amendment 100 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20 c. Notes with satisfaction that 57% of the cases were closed in 2020 in less than 3 months and the cases for which it takes up to 18 months to be solved represented only 1% , while it was 10% in the previous year and 27% in 2013; appreciates therefore the efforts to solve the issues raised by the citizens and calls on all concerned institutions to respond to requests from the Office of the European Ombudsman in a timely manner;
Amendment 101 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)
Paragraph 20 d (new)
20 d. Notes that the number of complaints that are outside the European Ombudsman’s mandate has remained relatively stable throughout the years (1420 in 2020, 1330 cases in 2019, 1300 cases in 2018); notes that, according to the 2020 Report, most of these complaints do not concern the EU administration; welcomes the efforts of the Office to better inform citizens about the European Ombudsman’s mandate; points out at the same time the need to improve communication and awareness about the various forms of complaints citizens can use at national and European level; stresses the role the Parliament and its Members should also play in this regard;
Amendment 102 #
2021/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 e (new)
Paragraph 20 e (new)
20 e. Takes note that pandemic also affected the work of European Network of Ombudsmen(ENO); appreciates the initiative of the European Ombudsman to organise online meetings with a view to sharing experiences and promoting best practices in the crisis response; encourages further cooperation between the members of EON, including in the area of promoting future parallel inquiries;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the EU’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the EU to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the Commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the EU, as well as all communications and documents emanating from EU institutions, should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels, should be translated into all official and co-EU official languages of the Member States, and should havebe in easy-to-access documenformats;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers, as the only committee mostin directly and constant engagedment with the public, that a democratic approach and political accountability remain the strongest control mechanisms in any constitutional democracy, including in the EU;
Amendment 25 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that continuous attentive review of citizens’ petitions presents great opportunities to make better regulation more inclusive and efficient and to improve policymakers’ understanding of local and regional realities, and of citizens’ concerns and priorities;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for more transparency from all European institutions, in particular the Council in order to ensure better law- making and to guarantee citizens´ rights of public access to documents and access to the right information;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2166(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the role of specific tools, such as the European Citizens’ Initiative and the European Ombudsman, in improving Commission regulation; recalls thatwelcomes the launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe should be continuously improved in order for the citizens to communicate the real impacts of legislation at national, local and regional level and to make suggestions on how to achieve better law-making; notes that the Commission should develop new toolsunderlines the fact that the Conference can bring a fresh impetus to the European discussion to facilitate the process of public participation; notes that the Commission should focus on making existing participatory tools more efficient to give citizens direct access to and involvement in EU policy-making ; insists that the Commission should seek the opinion of citizens and more importantly, take their views into account;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
— having regard to the opinion of the Expert Panel on effective ways of investing in health of 23 June 2021 entitled “Supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers”,
Amendment 10 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
— having regard to its report of 12 June 2018 on pathways for the reintegration of workers recovering from injury and illness into quality employment (2017/2277(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas a high level of human health protection is to be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well- being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” according to the World Health Organisation3a; __________________ 3a https://www.who.int/about/governance/co nstitution
Amendment 20 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” according to the World Health Organisation3b; __________________ 3b https://www.who.int/news-room/fact- sheets/detail/mental-health- strengthening-our-response
Amendment 24 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas 20 % of jobs in Europe are of poor quality 3c and put workers at increased risk regarding their health; whereas 14 % of workers have been exposed to a high level of psychosocial risks4 ; whereas 23 % of European workers believe that their safety or their health is at risk because of their work; __________________ 3c Five distinct profiles of job quality Patterns in job quality suggest that the picture is more nuanced than a straightforward polarisation between high and low quality jobs. The analysis groups workers into five job quality profiles: ‘high flying’ jobs (comprising 21% of workers); ‘smooth running’ jobs (25%); ‘active manual’ jobs (21%); ‘under pressure’ jobs (13%); and ‘poor quality’ jobs (20%). The pattern of the job quality scores between the profiles is dissimilar, reinforcing the premise that job quality comprises different dimensions 4 ‘Sixth European Working Conditions Survey – Overview report (2017 update)’, Eurofound, 2017, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 41 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients, their families and health systems; whereas cancer is the first cause of work-related death in the Union with 52 % of annual occupational deaths currently attributed to work-related cancers 4a; __________________ 4aCommunication from the European Commission to the European Parliament and the Council : Europe's Beating Cancer Plan [URL: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/fil es/non_communicable_diseases/docs/eu_c ancer-plan_en.pdf
Amendment 43 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas in the workplace, workers can be exposed to a cocktail of substances, which can increase health risks, cause adverse effects on their reproductive systems and impaired fertility or infertility, and have a negative impact on foetal development and lactation;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas it is important to apply a gender perspective to health and safety at work as workers can be more exposed and more vulnerable to different types of substances or risks depending on their gender;
Amendment 46 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)
Recital C d (new)
Cd. whereas tackling exposures to dangerous substances and other risk factors at the workplace is particularly relevant to address health inequalities, as some categories of workers among the most vulnerable can be overexposed;
Amendment 47 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)
Recital C e (new)
Ce. whereas estimates show that for every euro invested in occupational safety and health, the return for the employer is around twice as much;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)
Recital C f (new)
Cf. whereas workplaces can play an important role in public health, according to their logistical resources, to promote healthy lifestyles, to encourage the practice of sports and physical activities and to promote health in all its aspects more widely among employees;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)
Recital C g (new)
Cg. whereas Commission Recommendation 2003/670/EC recommends that Member States introduce into their national laws, regulations or administrative provisions concerning scientifically recognised occupational diseases liable for compensation and subject to preventive measures; whereas Member States should guarantee, in their national laws, that every worker has the right to compensation in respect of occupational diseases if he or she is suffering from an ailment which can be proved to be occupational in origin and nature;
Amendment 50 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)
Recital C h (new)
Ch. whereas the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in the European Union in 2011 states that “States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures, including through peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life”, and “recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others, including the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities”;
Amendment 51 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C i (new)
Recital C i (new)
Ci. whereas EU citizens are unequal in their ability to return to work during or after an injury or illness with, according to Eurofound 7a , only one in three workers in the EU whose daily activities are severely or somewhat limited by a chronic disease are reporting that their workplace has been adapted to accommodate their health problem; whereas Eurofound also pointed out that workers with low educational attainment and those in low-skilled occupations are not only more likely to have a chronic disease and experience limitations in their daily activities but are also less likely to benefit from workplace accommodation; __________________ 7a https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/news/ne ws-articles/just-one-in-three-workers- with-limiting-chronic-disease-in-adapted- workplace
Amendment 52 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas over a quarter, according to Eurofound and EU-OSHA, in Europe 25% of workers in Europesay they experience excessive work- related stress; whereas 51 % of EU workers say stress is common in their workplace and nearly 80 % of managers are concerned about work-related stress8 for all or most of their working time and nearly 80 % of managers are concerned about work-related stress, which shows that psychosocial risks are of concern to a majority of companies8 ; whereas a European opinion poll conducted by EU-OSHA shows that about a half of workers consider the problem with work-related stress to be common in their workplace 8a ; whereas there are significant variations between the Member States’ legislation on psychosocial risks; __________________ 8‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’, Eurofound and EU-OSHA, 2014, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 8a‘Psychosocial risks and stress at work’, EU-OSHA [URL: https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/psychos ocial-risks-and-stress
Amendment 58 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas mental health and wellbeing of the European population can be positively affected by paying attention to strategies implemented in the workplace; whereas preventing mental health problems and promoting mental health will also contribute to reducing associated health risk behaviours such as alcohol, drug and tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor diet;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas the European Union must learn from the COVID-19 crisis and put in place an effective system for coordinating the response to any kind of future threat to public health, including prevention, preparedness and response planning at work;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas health literacy plays a fundamental role in preparing and mitigating the impact of health threats and contributing to a better understanding on the part of the population of the countermeasures and risk assessment of different threats to health;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas platform workers may be subject to increased health and safety risks which are not limited to physical health but can also affect psycho-social health with unpredictable working hours, intensity of work, competitive environments, information overload and isolation;
Amendment 107 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s strategic framework and, in particular, the introduction of the Vision Zero approach to work-related accidents and diseases; calls on the Commission to expand the Vision Zero approach to other injuries and accidents, as well as physical and mental attrition; stresses however that the Vision Zero should not lead to under-reporting of work-related accidents and diseases; calls on the Commission to significantly increase the focus on prevention strategies; calls for the ambitious implementation of the 7-year plan, also in the light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and believes that strong cooperation with social partners and legislative action isare needed on several aspects of EU policy on occupational health and safety in order to complement the variety of soft measures envisaged in order to make Vision Zero a reality; calls for a clear focus on workers’employers’ and employees' participation in the Vision Zero approach;
Amendment 115 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls for Directive 2004/37/EC of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work to be updated on a continual basis and in an ambitious timeframe, ensuring that occupational exposure limits contained in the directive exist for a minimum of 50 priority substances by 2024; calls for the inclusion of reprotoxic substances and hazardous medicinal products in the scope of the directive; stresses in that regard the need for the Commission to increase the capacity for reviewing occupational exposure limits and adding new ones, including through increased staffing in relevant units and authorities; reminds the opportunity of the ongoing negotiations on the fourth revision of Directive 2004/37/EC to include hazardous medicinal products in Annex 1 in order to ensure the best possible general and individual protection measures for workers handling these drugs as well as to include reprotoxic substances in the scope of the directive; reiterates its call for a new coherent, transparent and risk-based system to be established for setting exposure limits and to better take into account workers' exposure to a combination of substances;
Amendment 124 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to give particular attention to segments of the population that are particularly exposed to hazardous chemicals such as workers in the chemical and agriculture industries, or particularly vulnerable such as pregnant or breastfeeding workers;
Amendment 126 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present in 2022 a legislative proposal to further reduce workers’ exposure to asbestos; calls on the Commission to be ambitious in its endeavours to achieve the total ban of asbestos and with regard to its zero accidents at work vision, and to update the exposure limit for asbestos to 0.001 fibres/cm3 (1 000 fibres/m3); stresses the need for an EU framework directive for national asbestos removal strategies, including public asbestos registersVision Zero approach, reiterates in this regard all the Parliament’s requests formulated in its report on protecting workers from asbestos (2019/2182(INL);
Amendment 135 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that radiation from the sun contains invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can lead to skin cancer; supports the strengthening of protection against exposure to UV radiation at EU level, especially in the framework of occupational health and safety legislation for outdoor workers; calls therefore on the Commission to revise Directive 2006/25/EC on the exposure of workers to risks from physical agents and to include solar radiation into the scope;
Amendment 138 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to assess the implementation and effectiveness of current measures to protect workers exposed to ionising radiation and review them where necessary, in order to set proportionate measures;
Amendment 140 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Highlights the need for further action to prevent, detect and better recognise occupational cancers related to nightshift work;
Amendment 142 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Asks Member States to facilitate recognition of and compensation for proven work-related diseases;
Amendment 145 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that Council Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work has not proven effective enough forshould be complemented to strengthen the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; recalls its request that the Commission include in the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health the right to disconnect and, explicitly, that it develop new psychosocial measures as part of the framework; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to step up the ambition of the Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on psychosocial risks and well-being at work aimed at the efficient prevention in the workplace of, inter alia, anxiety, depression, burnout and stress; calls on the Commission and the Member States to aim for the recognition of anxiety, depression and burnout as occupational diseases, to establish mechanisms for their prevention and the reintegration into the workplace of affected employees, and to shift from individual- level actions to a work organisation approach; calls on the Commission to define EU recommendations on minimum standards as regard the number of occupational physicians and psychologists per number of workers;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to guarantee that all workers, including non- standard workers, workers in platform companies and the self-employed are covered by occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation and policies; reiterates, in this regard, its recommendations formulated in the report on fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers – new forms of employment linked to digital development (2019/2186(INI)); stresses that all platform workers should be entitled to receive compensation in case of work accidents and occupational diseases, and be provided with social protection, including sickness and invalidity insurance coverage;
Amendment 191 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Amendment 198 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Calls on the Member States to actively support reintegration, non- discrimination and the adaptation of working conditions of people with disabilities, with chronic diseases, or recovering from a disease; stresses the need to define and implement tailored and individualised strategies to facilitate the worker's recovery and rehabilitation process; notes the need to ensure the worker's autonomy in the workplace by providing reasonable accommodation at all stage of work; stresses that special attention should also be given to caregivers; calls on the Member States to encourage employers to introduce early assessments of the person's remaining capacities and rehabilitation programmes, as well as psychological, social and vocational counselling; and to promote employment and career advancement opportunities within the company;
Amendment 207 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Amendment 208 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to launch an in-depth assessment of the effects of the pandemic and the efficiency of the EU and national OSH frameworks to develop emergency procedures and guidance for the rapid deployment, implementation and monitoring of measures in potential future health crises, in close cooperation with public-health actors;
Amendment 209 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Considers that enhancing the communication of verified information should be at the core of any health preparedness plan in order to strengthen adherence to prevention measures, to fight against disinformation, and therefore to mitigate the impact of health threats, including at work;
Amendment 210 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Supports the call on the Member States to draw up preparedness plans for future crises in their national OSH strategies, including implementation of EU guidelines and tools; stresses the need for effective EU coordination mechanisms of these plans;
Amendment 211 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 f (new)
Paragraph 8 f (new)
8f. Calls on the Member States to draft their national OSH preparedness plans in consultation with national social partners and to give particular attention to cross-border regions, including neighbouring border regions, to enhance the cooperation;
Amendment 212 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 g (new)
Paragraph 8 g (new)
8g. Considers that protection and promotion of mental health should be an integral part of OSH preparedness plans for future health crises, stresses that specific attention should be paid to the mental health of health care workers and of other essential workers; welcomes, in this regard, the contribution of the expert panel on effective ways of investing in health (EXPH) in its opinion on supporting mental health of health workforce and other essential workers ; calls on the Commission and Member State to ensure adequate follow-up and implementation of these recommendations;
Amendment 213 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 h (new)
Paragraph 8 h (new)
8h. Considers that in cross-border regions, joint cross-border trainings and sharing of best practices for healthcare staff and public health staff should be promoted;
Amendment 214 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 i (new)
Paragraph 8 i (new)
8i. Considers that the declaration of a Union Public Health emergency situation provided by Regulation 2020/0322 on serious cross-border threats to health should trigger the implementation and EU coordination of the measures provided in the national OSH preparedness plans;
Amendment 218 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls the commitment by the Commission to assess the need for further actions to improve the functioning of the existing EU regulatory framework for health and safety and the need to amend the Biological Agents Directive; calls on the Commission to conduct, without delay, a targeted revision of the Biological Agents Directive, drawing on the lessons learned from the unprecedented crisis with a view to better preparedness and, response planning and increasing resilience in all workplaces;
Amendment 224 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve research and data collection and to conduct a detailed assessment of problems with, as well as opportunities and challenges, related to health and safety associated with teleworking;
Amendment 239 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission to propose a legislative framework with a view to establishing minimum requirements for remote work across the Union; stresses that such a framework should clarify working conditions, including the provision, use and liability of equipment, including as regards existing and new digital tools, and that it should ensure that such work is carried out on a voluntary basis and that the rights, work- life balance, workload and performance standards of teleworkers are equivalent to those of comparable workers;
Amendment 249 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to propose a directive on minimum standards and conditions to ensure that workers are able to exercise effectively their right to disconnect and to regulate the use of existing and new digital tools for work purposes; in line with its resolution of 21 January 2021 with recommendations to the Commission on the right to disconnect (2019/2181(INL));
Amendment 261 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Repeats its call on the Commission to undertake an urgent study of the situation of the employment and health and safety conditions of cross-border and seasonal workers, including the role of temporary work agencies, recruiting agencies, other intermediaries and subcontractors, with a view to identifying protection gaps and the need to revise the existing legislative framework in order to close the identified gaps as well as ensuring pandemic-proofing;
Amendment 279 #
2021/2165(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses that all workers should be adequately protected no matter the size of the enterprises and that support should be provided in particular to micro enterprises and SMEs to help them in the correct applications of OSH rules; highlights the role of the European Agency for Health and Safety at Work to provide micro enterprises and SMEs with the right tools and standards of practices to assess the risks for their workforce and implement adequate prevention measures; considers that the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work should be strengthened in order to better promote healthy and safe workplaces across the Union and further develop initiatives to improve workplace prevention in all sectors of activity;
Amendment 12 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas Brexit has highlighted the importance of EU citizenship rights and their crucial role in the everyday lives of millions of EU citizens, and has raised awareness in the EU about the potential loss of these rights and its consequences, as revealed by the large number of petitions submitted by EU citizens living in the UK and by UK citizens residing in an EU country on the consequences of Brexit on their status of EU citizens;
Amendment 53 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that the withdrawal of the UK from the EU mostly affected those EU citizens residing in the United Kingdom and those UK nationals residing in one of the 27 EU Member States at the end of the transition period; calls on the Commission to closely monitor the correct implementation of Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement on citizens’ rights in order to fully and effectively safeguard the rights of those citizens who exercised their freedom of movement before the end of the transition period;
Amendment 81 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Stresses the need for comprehensive data on underrepresented categories of voters and calls on the Commission and the Member States to exchange and promote within the European Cooperation Network on Elections best practices on how to address the specific electoral needs of disadvantaged groups of citizens in order to ensure that they are empowered to effectively exercise their voting rights in the next European elections;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls its support for the Conference on the Future of Europe; strongly believes that the Conference is an opportunity for bottom-up participation in the EU democratic process; reiterates its call for the Conference to produce concrete recommendations that will need to be addressed by the institutions and turned into actions; calls on all participants to the Conference to ensure a genuine follow-up of the outcome of the Conference;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the WHO Framework for Action on Mental Health,
Amendment 6 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
— having regard to the 2008 European Mental Health Pact,
Amendment 7 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 b (new)
Citation 9 b (new)
— having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of October 2019 on the Economy of Well-being, calling for a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy,
Amendment 8 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 c (new)
Citation 9 c (new)
— having regard to the Council Conclusions of June 2020 on Well-being at work,
Amendment 11 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
— having regard to the Eurofound report of 9 November 2021 entitled ‘Impact of COVID-19 on young people in the EU’, and the Eurofound report of 10 May 2021 entitled ‘Living, working and COVID-19: Mental health and trust decline across EU as pandemic enters another year’,
Amendment 18 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 24
Citation 24
— having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) health policy study of 2021 entitled ‘A New Benchmark for Mental Health Systems: Tackling the Social and Economic Costs of Mental Ill Health’, and the study of OECD of 2021 entitled ‘Fitter Minds, Fitter Jobs: From Awareness to Change in Integrated Mental Health Skills and Work Policies’,
Amendment 19 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25
Citation 25
— having regard to EU-OSHA and Eurofound report of 2014 entitled ‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’,
Amendment 21 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to physical and mental health is a fundamental human right and also links to other fundamental rights such as the right to human dignity in Article 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the right to the integrity of the person, including mental integrity in its Article 3; whereas the WHO defines mental health as ‘a state of mental well-being in which people cope well with the many stresses of life, can realise their own potential, can function productively and fruitfully, and are able to contribute to their communities’10 ; __________________ 10 WHO, Mental Health: strengthening our response (Fact sheet, No. 220), 2018.
Amendment 23 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the understanding of mental health issues in the workplace concerns both non-clinical aspects such as well-being, stress, burnout, and clinical aspects, mental disorders such as depression, drug addiction, alcohol disorders; whereas there needs to be a clear distinction between non-clinical and clinical mental health issues in order to avoid misunderstanding and stigmatisation, and in order to design and implement the right measures and treatments to manage them;
Amendment 26 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the pandemic hasEurofound research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped organisational and managerial practices1a; whereas the pandemic has also changed working conditions for many workers in Europe, highlighting new and current issues related to psychological well-being in the workplace; and aggravating pre-existing ones; __________________ 1a Eurofound (2021a), ‘Monitoring and surveillance of workers in the digital age’ (Research digest) in The digital age: Implications of automation, digitisation and platforms for work and employment, Challenges and prospects in the EU series, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 30 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Amendment 44 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the mental well-being of those facing financial uncertainty, as well as of vulnerable populations, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTI+ community, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young people; healthcare and long-term care workers -the majority of whom are women-, young people (particularly LGBTQ youth)2a and people with lower socio-economic status, as well as of persons with disabilities and pre-existing mental health issues, and the unemployed; __________________ 2a Hawke LD Hayes E Darnay K Henderson J Mental health among transgender and gender diverse youth: an exploration of effects during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Psychol Sex Orientat Gend Divers. 2021; 8: 180-187; Fish JN McInroy LB Paceley MS et al. “I'm kinda stuck at home with unsupportive parents right now”: LGBTQ youths' experiences with COVID-19 and the importance of online support. J Adolesc Health. 2020; 67: 450-452;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas workplace issues that affect non-clinical mental health aspects include job burnout and stress, harassment, violence, stigma and discrimination; whereas one in four European workers feel work has a negative impact on their health12 ; __________________ 12 Eurofound, 6th European Working Condition Survey, 2017.
Amendment 88 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Regrets that during the COVID-19 pandemic mental health has been affected by many factors including education, health, economic, employment and social inclusion policies and poverty, poverty, social support and more limited access to treatment; calls for mental health to urgently be tackled by cross-sectional policieand integrated policies, as part of a comprehensive EU Mental Health Strategy that is supplemented by national action plans;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for a follow-up on the implementation of the WHO European Framework for Action on Mental Health and Well-Being 2021-2025;
Amendment 117 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the TEU allows for more EU action on health than has actually been taken; considers mental health to be the nexta health crisis and that the Commission must examine all relevant possibilities to tackle this, including the urgent creation of an EU Mental Health Strategy;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that an EU Mental Health Strategy should aim to require Member States to integrate mental health services with physical services given the interlinkages between the two, to deliver evidenced-based, effective and compassionate care, to expand the services so that more adults can access treatment, to support people to find or stay in work, inter alia;
Amendment 123 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that the pandemic demonstrated the need for coordinated EU- level action to respond to health emergencies, revealing shortcomings in foresight, including in preparedness and response tools; believes that the current mental health crisis should be considered a health emergency;
Amendment 128 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. AIs concerned about the greater work-related mental health risk among health and long-term care workers, sectors suffering from growing staff shortages; applauds the frontline staff who sacrificed their own well-being to perform life-saving work during the pandemic; calls for Member States to ensure that they have immediate access to adequate mental health resources, preventing mental ill health and supporting their mental health;
Amendment 130 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that employment can be one of the elements that provides individuals with purpose and a sense of identity; notes, however, that the purpose and sense of identity can be challenged in a context of increasing digitalisation of work; emphasises the positive relationship between good mental health and, well-being at work productivity;14 and adequate working conditions; __________________ 14 OSHWiki, Mental Health at Work
Amendment 139 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that proactive approaches to digitalisation, such as flexible work hours negotiated between employers and employees, a human-centric design and use of technologies; and establishing employee assistance programmes, can help to mitigate work- related stress; notes that more research is needed on whether and how artificial intelligence systems mayor digital applications can provide further options for this;
Amendment 151 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers as it provides flexibility and alleviates work-related issues; stresses however, that women continue to be disproportionately affected; take up the bulk of family-related leave, which continues to negatively impact career progression, pay and pension entitlements;7a __________________ 7a Eurofound (2018); Striking a balance; Reconciling work and life in the EU
Amendment 157 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the shift to teleworking during the pandemic and the flexibility it provided to employees could improvean impact work- life balance; encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements; calls on the Commission to present a legislative framework establishing a set of minimum standards and conditions for remote work across the Union ensuring decent working conditions; in the meanwhile, encourages companies to provide clear and transparent rules on teleworking arrangements to avoid risks such as longer working hours,8a social and professional isolation, or the blurring of work and home time; __________________ 8a Eurofound and ILO (2017), Working anytime, anywhere - the effects on the world of work
Amendment 189 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned about the disconnect between current policy on mental health and attitudes in the workplace creating stigma; emphasises that due to stigma and discrimination, employees often feel unable to discuss mental health issues; recognises that employees who return after mental health leave are often poorlynot always well accommodated; calls for workplaces to provide clear information about their in- house mental health support services;15 __________________ 15 WTW, 2021 Employee Experience Surveyset up in-house mental health support services to facilitate early recognition and access to treatment, increase their tools to identify employees who may suffer from depression and direct them towards treatment, support reintegration, help to prevent relapses, be prepared to deal with suicidal events with a view to avoiding cluster suicides;
Amendment 202 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that the measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers are not effective for the assessment and management of psychosocial risks; calls on the Commission to recogniseregrets that the data currently available from population-based surveys is often limited to a few specific mental health disorders, or specific age groups10a; calls on the Member States to collect data in a harmonised way on the self-reported work-related anxiety, depression and burnout in their labour force surveys; asks the Commission to assess, together with the EU-OSHA and the relevant scientific authorities, whether and how work-related anxiety, depression and burnout can be recognised as occupational diseases (i.e. where a direct link is established between the exposure to risk factors arising from work activities and the mental health issue contracted by the worker), to establish mechanisms for their prevention, treatment, and the reintegration into the workplace of those affected and to move from individual-level actions to a workhole organisational approach16 ; __________________ 10a Source OECD (2018) Health at a Glance: Europe 2018 State of Health in the EU Cycle, https://www.oecd- ilibrary.org/docserver/health_glance_eur- 2018- en.pdf?expires=1646167976&id=id&accn ame=ocid194994&checksum=380B3DA9 576D002F760CA6331F350BF2, P. 21. 16 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2021), Telework and health risks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the field and policy implications, 2021.
Amendment 208 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for an EU wide information campaign on mental health awareness to address the stigma, misperceptions, and social exclusion that is often associated with poor mental health;
Amendment 217 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to propose, in consultation with the social partners, a directive on the management of psychosocial risks and well-being at work aiming to effectively prevent psychosocial risks in the workplace (also online), train management and workers, periodically assess progress and improve the work environment; considers that occupational safety and health prevention policies should also involve employees in the identification and prevention of psychosocial risks; notes that employee- attitude surveys can provide useful information on stress levels and sources, making it easier for the management to identify issues and make adjustments needed;
Amendment 226 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Considers that it is essential for managers to be provided with the psychosocial training required to adapt to work organisation practices and foster a deep understanding of negative mental health and the workplacemental health training to be able to take appropriate and timely action to support employees experiencing mental health issues and foster a deep understanding of the interlinkages between mental health and the workplace; believes that enterprises should explore the designation and training of a mental health reference employee or the creation of an informative section on the workplace’s internal communication platform to signpost employees to mental health services;
Amendment 230 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the labour inspectorates to target the psychosocial working environment in inspections; invites the Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee to put forward a new campaign on psychosocial risks building on the findings of the 2012 campaign and the recent developments;
Amendment 235 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underlines that given the lack of sufficient mental health support and policies in the workplace, employees often have to rely on services provided by non- governmental organisations (NGOs) who often lack support and resources themselves; calls for workplaces to ensure employees have access to in-house mental health support and remedies and information to steer the employees to healthcare professionals able to provide evidence-based treatment; calls on the Member States to ensure that public healthcare includes easy access to remote counselling;
Amendment 243 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Encourages the Commission to launch education and awareness initiatives on mental health in the workplace; urges the Commission to makdesignate 2023 the EU Year of Good Mental Health to achieve this;
Amendment 248 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises that the lack of statistics on the prevalence of mental health issues within the workplace especially within SMEs and among SME owners and the self-employed, undermines the need for urgent intervention; calls for Eurostat to gather statistics which include mental ill health and its negative impactsdata on the effectiveness of the different types of interventions to promote a better mental health in the workplace;
Amendment 252 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Is concerned that entrepreneurs and SMEs in particular are in need of support to manage the impact of everyday pressures and stressors, as well as the challenges of running a business on their mental health, as well as to promote mental health awareness in the workplace and calls for EU-level efforts to assist them in risk assessment and the implementation of good practices;
Amendment 255 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Member States to assess the possibility of creating local and/or regional level intermediation services for psychosocial risks to provide advice and technical support to the self- employed, employers/managers and workers (especially from micro- enterprises and SMEs), organisations and social partners on psychosocial risk prevention, on psychosocial conflicts in the workplace, as well as to disseminate information on psychosocial risks and their prevention;
Amendment 257 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. PMental health of young people has worsened significantly during the pandemic11a ; regrets that young people are not the centre of mental health research investments, in spite of the predictable long-term benefits of early intervention;12a; points out that 64 % of young people between 18 and 34 were at risk of depression in 2021 due to lack of employment, financial and educational prospects, as well as loneliness and social isolation; calls on the Commission to address the disruption in access to the labour market which has put young people at greater risk of experiencing mental health issues17 ; __________________ 11a https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy- responses/supporting-young-people-s- mental-health-through-the-COVID-19- crisis-84e143e5/ 12a Woelbert, Eva; White, Rory; Lundell- Smith, Kierstin; Grant, Jonathan; Kemmer, Danielle (2020): The Inequities of Mental Health Research (IAMHRF). Digital Science. Report. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13055 897.v1 17 OECD, Supporting young people’s mental health through the COVID-19 crisis, 2021, and European Youth Forum, ‘Beyond Lockdown: The ‘Pandemic Scar’ on Young People’.
Amendment 260 #
2021/2098(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Amendment 20 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the fight against climate change, regardless the COVID-19 crisis, persist and require a just transition so as to leave no one behind;
Amendment 29 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that according to the treaties the Union shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress, a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment, the promotion of scientific and technological progress, combatingeradicating poverty, combating inequalities, social exclusion and discrimination, and promoting up-ward social convergence, social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child; insists that these goals must be the overarching priorities for the EU’s long-term sustainable growth strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the EPSR, the Green Deal, and underpin Member States’ recovery and resilience plans;
Amendment 64 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Calls on the Member States to make full use of the potential offered by the general escape clause, the new MFF and Next Generation EU to support companies which are in difficulty and are lacking liquidity, particularly by improving access for SMEs to funding, safeguarding the jobs and working conditions of people working in the EU and accompanying enterprises and workers in the green and digital transitions;
Amendment 65 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Is concerned about the serious social and employment effects of the COVID-19 crisis, especially for young people; calls on the Member States and the Commission to make sure that every young European has access to education, training and the labour market; calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise the fight against youth unemployment, particularly in the context of the European ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery; to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus +; and to take appropriate measures to tackle youth unemployment and improve the employability of young people; highlights also that the new European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for displaced workers (EGF) could be mobilised in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on employment; calls therefore on the Member States to rapidly submit to the Commission applications for funding to support European workers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 in their retraining, requalification and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 66 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that economic policy cannot only be analysed from a purely macroeconomic perspective focused on traditional indicators of growth, debt, deficit and employment rate; insists that the SustainableEuropean Semester must be based on an integrated approach combining, on an equal footing, economic, social and environmental policies, that together ensure coordination between Member States, make sure that they go in the same direction towards a climate neutral and more digital economy leaving no one behind as well as address structural change for social progress, sustainable development and well-being;
Amendment 76 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes EU leaders’ commitment to the implementation of the EPSR and to the three new EU headline targets to be achieved by 2030; warns, however, that the ambition remains insufficientcalls on the Commission to follow its Action Plan on how to implement the EPSR with concrete steps and achievements and to make sure that each proposal delivers and reaches its goal;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to draw lessons from this crisis and work towards the implementation of a differentrenewed sustainable governance architecture in the EU; warns againstcalls on the Commission to takinge the decision, at least after 2022, to deactivate the general escape clause based onlyin the light onf an overall assessment of the state of the economy based on quantitative criteria, with the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis levels as the key quantitative criterion; is concerned that this criterion will not properly reflectand of the employment, social and health context as well as in light of the level of economic activity in the EU compared to pre-crisis levels; is of the opinion that all these aspects taken together will help to reflect also the underlying inequalities;
Amendment 99 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls that excessive and inflexible fiscal disciplincertain political choices and fiscal policies made in the wake of the financial and economic crisis may have led to health and social systems in manysome Member States being ill-not enough prepared to face the pandemic; stresses that it is essential to take into account otheradditional criteria, especially those that take into consideration the need for sustained public, social and environmental investment, public sector economic activity, and preventing jeopardisingencourage social progress towards the implementation of the EPSR in the Member States; believes that merely reaching pre-crisis economic activity levels might not be sufficient to consolidate a sustainable recovery; believes that the Stability and Growth Pact and Euro Plus Pact should be revised to reflect the increased need for social investment before any deactivation of the general escape clause; stresses that temporary exemptions or different treatment regarding country-specific situations willhe current instruments might not be enough to overcome risks of economic stagnation, increasing inequalities and social and territorial divergence;
Amendment 106 #
2021/2062(INI)
6. Recalls that the President of the Commission has committed to placing sustainability, social inclusion and citizens’ well-being at the heart of the EU economic strategy; deplores the fact that this is not reflected in the Commission’s analysis; calls on the Commissioninvites Member States to participate in the review of the EU fiscal rules in order to encourage sustainable growth-enhancing social investment while maintaining fiscal sustainability; calls on the Commission, especially in the COVID- 19 crisis and in the green and digital transitions context, to integrate more social and environmental imbalances into its analysis in the framework of the Semester;
Amendment 118 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets thatCalls on the Commission is stillto make sure that any proposinged measures that might put at risk supports the adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in Member States by continuing, for instance, to promote reforms aiming to ensure fair taxation and a shift of taxation from labour to the environment, especially in a context of serious macroeconomic imbalances; warns about the risks of replacing stable taxes with others from more volatile sourceswards other sources where it will have a less detrimental effect on sustainable growth and employment levels ; stresses that the EU should first consolidate the minimum corporate tax of 15 % to avoid tax dumping and ensure fairness for the middle class and working people in the EU;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Highlights that well-designed labour taxation systems are essential to ensuring high standards of worker protection against risks and illness, and the provision of old age pensions; believes that tax sysMember Statems should focus on taxing high- income, and especially high-wealth, property, capital income and gains, and wealth at the same level as labour income in order to make the systems fairer, to reduce inequalities anddesign their national tax and benefit systems in a way that reduces inequalities, promotes fairness, protects households and provides incentives for education and labour market participation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to sfignificantly increase the revenuht tax evasion and tax avoidance; stresses that this revenue could be used to fund key priorities and help address Member States’ fiscal challenges, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of public finances, including by strengthening the coverage, adequacy of health and social protection systems for all, and ensuring their long- term funding;
Amendment 134 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of better integrating sustainable well-being in the EU budgetary planningocial objectives, including on sustainability, inclusion, social progress and well-being, accros all EU policies, especially in the EU budgetary planning; calls on the Commission to give prominence to the social impact of EU policy measure in its impact assessment;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
EU sustainable well-beingand inclusive governance framework 2022
Amendment 156 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that, in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Plans, skyrocketing public debt levels and the upcoming reform of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Semester process, Parliament’s proposal for the adoption of a sustainable well-being and social progressinvestment pact making social and sustainable targets mandatory in order to achieve the Green Deal objectives, the EPSR and the UN SDGs has become more relevant than ever;
Amendment 162 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that this pact could define thesocial and sustainable well-being related policy objectives in an improv renewed fiscal policy framework ensuring that the EU economic and fiscal governance would be viable on the long run and work towards the achievement of these objectives; points out that this pact would contain legally binding provisions under a comprehensive surveillance procedure within a renewed sustainable well-beingand inclusive governance system; considers that the pact’s fiscal components should comprise a set of provisions which clearly take account of qualitative aspects of fiscal policies, reward sustainable well- being-oriented, social and inclusive investments and reforms, and thus contain incentives for related action at the national level; points out that the sustainable well-being pact should consider the use of fiscal standards instead of fiscal rules, committing government spending to the pursuit of sustainability and well-being-related policy objectivand social investment pact should maintain fiscal objectives to ensure sound and sustainable budgetary policies, and set out an effecpublic finances over tivme methodology to assess and ensure the sustainability of public finances over timewhile ensuring and permitting the necessary investments for building a sustainable, innovative, inclusive and socially fair society;
Amendment 180 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
From protecting to creating sustainablegreen and quality jobs: the role of public investments and the care dealneed for an ambitious European social agenda
Amendment 184 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges that the Member States are projected to reach their pre-crisis level of quarterly output by the end of 2022; warnunderlines that for the recovery to be sustainable, it is essential that quality jobs are also created for medium- and low- skilled workers and especially for women, as it has been proved that they are essential for the resilience of our societies and economies; welcomes the Commission’s proposal on strengthening the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms; welcomes the fact that this proposal introduces binding pay transparency measures; urges the swift adoption of these measures in order to avoid further gender-based inequalities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them; calls on the Member States to unblock, urgently, the negotiations on the Women on Boards Directive in the Council;
Amendment 192 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Underlines the importance of ensuring that workers in the EU are protected by adequate minimum wages defined by law or collective agreements, according to national tradition and practices, ensuring they have a decent standard of living wherever they work; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the European Union, which aims to increase collective bargaining coverage, fight against in-work poverty and increase up- ward social convergence;
Amendment 204 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to agree on a quality job creation target with a tracker system on public investments at all levelmonitor, with a specific system, the creation of quality jobs in all sectors, including a dedicated section on green jobs, digital jobs and the gender perspective, and to agree on a system of quality and green job creation conditionalities for companies accessing public funds;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Calls on the Member States to take measures to remedy the lack of access to social protection systems, in particular by following the Council Recommendation of 8 November2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed; welcomes, once again, the adoption of this recommendation as a first measure and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Europe, but stresses the need to make universal access to social protection a reality, especially in the current difficult situation; calls on the Commission to present a European regulatory framework aimed at strengthening and ensuring decent working conditions, rights and access to social protection for platform workers and non-standard workers;
Amendment 208 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16 b. Stresses that implementing the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for tackling skills shortages, especially for people in new fields of work; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts to invest in affordable, accessible, inclusive and high- quality vocational education and training, to reinforce upskilling and reskilling measures, including digital and transferable skills, and to promote lifelong learning to prepare workers for the needs of the labour market affected by the green and digital transformations; underlines that the mutual recognition of qualifications is key for overcoming skills shortages and skills mismatches;
Amendment 219 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Underlines that homelessness is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion; welcomes the launch of the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness with the ultimate objective of ending homelessness by 2030; calls on Member States to adopt ambitious national strategies, with adequate national and EU funding, based on the housing first principle promoting the prevention of homelessness and providing access to adequate, safe and affordable housing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to come up with specific proposals to adequately address the problem of energy poverty in the context of our Green Deal objectives;
Amendment 222 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17 b. Underlines the importance of the intra-EU labour mobility and that free movement of workers contributes to economic growth and cohesion in the Union and creates job opportunities; underlines also that labour mobility must go hand in hand with fair and common rules based on the principle of equal treatment; calls, in that sense, on the Commission to establish clear quantitative and qualitative indicators for the purposes of the European Semester and the publication of country-specific recommendations in order to monitor the implementation and enforcement of the rules on the free movement of workers; calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; calls on the Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems; therefore asks the Commission to put forward an ambitious proposal for a digital EU Social Security Pass;
Amendment 223 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17 c. Underlines that the COVID-19 crisis has shown the necessity to develop an EU common approach towards health, including health at work ; calls for the creation of the European Health Union based on the principles of solidarity, strategic autonomy and cooperation, placing public health considerations at the core of the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities, as enshrined in the Treaty, with systematic health impact assessment of all relevant policies; welcomes the ambitious target to "zero work related death" in the new EU Strategic framework for Health and Safety at work; recalls, once again, the need for the inclusion of substances toxic to reproduction in the scope of the Carcinogens and Mutagen Directive, and for Hazardous Medicinal Products to be included in Annex 1 of the Directive to better protect healthcare workers;
Amendment 229 #
2021/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. WarnUnderlines that onlythe country- specific recommendations (CSRs) that contribute to the social objectives established in the RRF Regulation canmust be taken into account in national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs), and that for NRRPs CSRs have to be interpreted in a way that contributes to the achievement of the Regulation’s social objectives; demands a revision of the CSRs in order to ensure coherence between them CSRs and the general and specific objectives of the RRF Regulation; insists that the NRRPs, in line with the RRF Regulation, contribute to achieving the UN SDGs, implementing our growth strategy as set out in the Green Deal and fulfilling the principles of the EPSR;
Amendment 1 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Underlines that the European Union and the United States have the most integrated economic relationship in the world, which is also the largest and deepest bilateral trade and investment relationship with bilateral trade in goods and services accounting for more than 1 trillion euros per year; emphasises the importance of reinvigorating our Transatlantic relationship as historic allies and trading partners with the aim of promoting multilateralism, an open rules- based trading system and finding common solutions to pressing global challenges, including the global health crisis; stresses that improved trade relations between the EU and the US will benefit citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Highlights that the Covid-19 crisis has not reduced but reinforced the need for closer cooperation between the EU and the US, including on the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines;
Amendment 3 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Identifies trade policy as a strategic geopolitical tool for the transatlantic agenda; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; stresses that ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains should be at the core of such an agenda taking into account that our economic relations are also intertwined with our security interests; therefore welcomes the positive signals from the Biden administration to strengthen bilateral relations with the EU, and calls for renewed cooperation that should bring lasting and concrete results in the years to come; highlights the need to identify joint actions based on shared interests and values in order to contribute to a global sustainable and inclusive economic recovery; emphasises the need to reform the global trading system, so that it improves the global level-playing field and to work together to develop new rules, in particular with regard to unfair trade practices, as unfair competition is heavily affecting our companies and workers; notes that the US trade policy agenda focuses on ‘workers and wages’ and more resilient and responsible supply chains;
Amendment 17 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the US support for the new Director-General of the WTO, the US’s return to the Paris Agreement, the WTO tariff rate quota agreement and the temporary suspension of Airbus Boe's return to the Paris Agreement; also welcomes, the swift conclusion of the WTO TRQ agreement, which was the first agreement with the US under the new Biden administration and demonstrates the willingness of this new administration to seek agreements with the EU ing tariffshe WTO framework;
Amendment 22 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the four-month temporary suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs as a positive step to finding a lasting solution to removing additional tariffs and proposing new rules for civil aircraft subsidies; notes that the suspension of Airbus Boeing tariffs will end in July, and urges that these tariffs are permanently lifted;
Amendment 27 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Notes the move by the Commission to suspend the increase of tariffs against US imports related to the dispute on aluminium and steel; urges the US to remove section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium and emphasises the need to address the concerns related to the steel and aluminium excess capacity from third countries;
Amendment 32 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises at the same time that some diverging interests remain; in this regard, urges both sides to resolve bilateral disputes; urges the US to remove unilateral trade measures and refrain from taking further ones; urges the removal of section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidias European companies cannot be considered a national security threat; calls for a rapid and lasting solution on aircraft subsidies; and calls for the EU-US Summit in June to be used to seek progress and potentially solve these issues;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform, including reinstating the appellate body,Welcomes the US support for the new WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; calls for enhanced cooperation on WTO reform to make the WTO ready for the green and digital transitions, and address the paralysis of the WTO appellate body as an urgent matter; calls for the need to regulatinge trade in health products, settingdevelop rules for digital trade, set an ambitious environmental agenda, and agreeing on concrete deliverables for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12); encourages both sides to stick topromote multilateral agreements and trade based on rules;
Amendment 55 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Advocates for a joint strategic approach towards China, addressing the roots of unfair trade practices and tackling industrial subsidies, state-owned enterprises and human rights concern in order to tackle unfair trade practice that lead to market distortions and a lack of a level-playing field as a matter of urgency; calls for the EU and the US to find an approach to tackle industrial subsidies and SOEs, forced technology transfers, theft of intellectual property, obliged joint ventures, market barriers and address human rights concerns; urges to build upon the trilateral agreement on industrial subsidies with the US and Japan whilst also developing an autonomous instrument against unfair foreign subsidies; calls for the EU and the US to exchange information on foreign investments in strategic sectors, including on potential hostile takeovers;
Amendment 75 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. While promoting dialogue and common action, calls on the Commission to assertively promote the EU’s interests and react to US unwarranted duties, extraterritorial sanctions and market barriers; calls on the Commission to draft its proposal on an instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries to tackle the illicit extraterritorial effects of third countries sanctions and legislations in order to support European companies targeted by these sanctions and who are operating in compliance with international law;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. While promoting dialogue and common action, calls on the Commission to assertively promote the EU’s interests and react to US unwarranted duties, extraterritorial sanctions and market barriers, including in public procurement; calls for a dialogue on the Buy American Act and address market access issues for EU companies in public procurement and enhance access to markets for services;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2038(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages both sides to engage in an ambitious dialogue and find a framework for joint action and look for selective agreements, such as on trade & technology as well as conformity assessments which will particularly benefit SMEs; calls for a stronger regulatory, green and digital partnership through the Trade and Technology Council and a coordinated approach to critical technologies, a carbon border adjustment mechanism andsetting international standards for critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and digital trade more broadly; welcomes the proposal by the Commission for a Transatlantic AI Agreement to set such standards and develop ethical guidelines; and find common grounds for a CBAM as well as digital and global taxes.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that in 2020, in the COVID- 19 context, China for the first time ranked as the EU’s largest partner for trade in goods, with the trade balance further deteriorating to the EU’s detriment; calls on the Commission to deeply analyse the EU's dependency on China in certain strategic and critical sectors, as the pandemic has revealed, using all our policies and setting out plans to make our supply chains more resilient, more diversified and reduce dependency;
Amendment 20 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that the EU-China bilateral trade and investment relationship is of strategic importance and should be rules-based, with the multilateral trading system and the notion of reciprocity at its core;
Amendment 30 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned about the increasingly unbalanced EU-China bilateral economic and trade relationship; stresses that rebalancing and a more level playing field are vital to EU interests; recalls the overall objective for the European Union to build its open strategic autonomy;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Repeats its deep concern about the many barriers that European businesses face when accessing and operating on the Chinese market; is worried that China’s ‘dual circulation strategy’ referred to in its 14th Five Year Plan will further deteriorate the business environment for EU companies; is extremely concerned that several international companies, notably in the apparel and textiles sector, have been subject to an extensive and widespread boycott after expressing concern about the reports on forced labour in Xinjiang and taking the decision to cut supply-chain ties with Xinjiang; strongly condemns the aggressive political coercion exercised against them by the Chinese Government; highlights again its particular concern about the market distorting practices of Chinese state-owned enterprises, forced technology transfers and data localisation, industrial overcapacity in sectors such as steel and the related dumping of exports, and other unfair trading practices; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their cooperation at WTO-level with like-minded allies to develop a joint approach to tackle these Chinese unfair trading practices, including a new initiative on fighting counterfeiting;
Amendment 45 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. calls on China to play a more active part in multilateral initiatives at WTO-level such as the Trade and Climate, Trade and Health and the implementation of the SDGs; calls on China to play a more active role in the WTO reform, especially in restoring all the WTO dimensions, from monitoring, creating new rules and solving disputes; urges China to fully comply with all its WTO obligations;
Amendment 52 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. calls on the Member States to allow for a swift adoption of an International Procurement Instrument to ensure reciprocal access to third country public procurement markets, in order to help European businesses which are facing discrimination and lack of access to the Chinese public procurement markets that remain largely closed;
Amendment 61 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WBelcomes theieves that while working on improving EU companies’ conditions on the Chinese market to better reflect benefits of Chinese companies on the Single Market, the reception of the sudden conclusion at the political level of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) proves that the trade relations do not take place in a vacuum; recalls that the CAI has to be considered in the context of a strengthened assertive EU toolbox of unilateral measures; underlines it will thoroughlystrongly welcomes the the Commission’s support to suspend efforts to ratify the EU-China CAI; underlines that as long as the countersanctions have not been lifted and as long as the Chinese authorities have not respected the commitment to ratify the ILO core conventions on forced labour they expressed in the EU-China CAI, and before the adoption and implementation by the EU of an assertive trade toolbox, it is unthinkable that the European Parliament will proceed to any vote of any kind on this agreement; underlines it will thoroughly, once the conditions are met, scrutinise the agreement, including its sustainable development section, and take stock of the human rights context, before determining its position;
Amendment 77 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the urgent need to re- balance EU-China relations through the adoption of a more assertive toolbox of autonomous measures while recognising the need to maintain an open dialogue with Chinese government on other common challenges such as the global fight against climate change;
Amendment 79 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5 b. Calls on the Commission to propose an EU mandatory and horizontal due diligence legislation as a matter of urgency in order to ensure that EU companies and non-EU companies operating in the Single Market respect human rights, social and environmental standards through their supply chain as well as to eliminate the risk of forced labour and human rights abuses from their supply chains;
Amendment 84 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Is extremely concerned by the recent unilateral trade-related measures taken by China against Australia in retaliation to the Australian critics on the Chinese COVID-19 crisis management; calls on the Commission, in this very worrying context, to propose urgently its instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries in order to be able in future to respond to any illegal and unilateral measures adopted against the EU interests and international law;
Amendment 86 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Urges the Commission to present a blacklist and to propose an instrument to ban on the importation of goods produced using child labour or any other form of forced labour or modern slavery;
Amendment 88 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5 e. Reiterates its full support to the EU FDI Screening Regulation, putting in place for the first time an EU-level mechanism to coordinate the screening of foreign investments in strategic sectors; calls on Member States to adopt urgently a national screening mechanism if they do not have one yet, in line with the Commission guidelines from March 2020; recalls the importance to strengthen the existing EU FDI Screening Regulation in order to make sure that any potential investments which could be a threat to the EU security and public order, in particular with regard to Chinese state- owned and state-controlled enterprises in European strategic sectors, are blocked;
Amendment 89 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)
Paragraph 5 f (new)
5 f. welcomes the Commission regulation proposal on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market; calls for a swift adoption of this regulation, making sure that thresholds and the procedures allow for an efficient instrument, in order to tackle the Chinese unfair trading practices in the European Single Market;
Amendment 90 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5 g. Takes note of the recently agreed Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP) and highlights the absence of provisions on trade and sustainability, including labour and social standards, environmental and climate objectives; calls on the Commission to analyse the impacts of the RCEP on the EU presence in the region;
Amendment 91 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 h (new)
Paragraph 5 h (new)
5 h. Reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to start the scoping exercise and formally launch the negotiations with Taiwan for an Investment Agreement;
Amendment 92 #
2021/2037(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the entry into force of the EU-China Agreement on geographical indications (GIs), and reiterates the importance of effective and exemplary implementation of the Agreement; underlines that this limited agreement on GIs could serve as a model and basis for future GIs agreements; highlights the crucial role that the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) will play in monitoring and improving compliance with this Agreement; calls on the CTEO to react immediately in the event that the Agreement is not implemented correctly.
Amendment 3 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the high number of petitions received from citizens concerned about the breaches of the rule of law in their respective countries and with the consequences of such breaches on their lives; stresses that full protection of Union citizens’ rights can be ensured throughout the Union only if all Member States comply with all the principles underlying the rule of law, as deficiencies in one Member State have an impact on other Member States and the Union as a whole; stresses that inadequate implementation of rule of law principles jeopardises EU objectives in all policy areas, thus creating an environment where legislation indifferent policy sectors cannot be executed in a correct and timely manner;highlights in this regard the responsibility of the EU institutions in assisting and monitoring the application of the rule of law by Member States
Amendment 4 #
2021/2025(INI)
1 a. Invites the Commission to provide in its further reports an assessment of the impact of identified deficiencies and breaches on the subsequent allocation of the EU funds under the conditionality mechanism; stresses the crucial role of rule of law enforcement tools in achieving effective implementation of the values enshrined in Art.2 TEU; calls, therefore, on the Commission to guarantee effective operationalisation of the Report findings in concrete policy actions; calls on the Commission to provide a higher level of visibility of NGOs contributions and public consultation results when drafting its future Reports;
Amendment 15 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses that more fact-finding missions need to be organised to assess the major rule of law concerns in relevant Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed the importance of strengthening independent journalism, whistleblower protection and access to pluralistic information as key enablers of rule of law and democratic accountability able to provide citizens with fact-checked information, thereby contributing to the fight against disinformation; deplores the fact that in a number of Member States, journalists have increasingly faced physical threats and online harassment, especially female journalists;
Amendment 44 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines that the Court of Justice of the European Union recently ruled2 that civil society organisations must be able to operate without unjustified interference by the state, acknowledging that the right to freedom of association constitutes one of the essential bases of a democratic and pluralist society; is seriously concerned that some NGOs active in the area of migration and LGBTI+ rights are subject to smear campaigns, and face severe restriction of the civic space where they can operate.; deplores the stillpersistent phenomenon of strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP); highlights that politicisation in public procurement undermines good governance and underlines that the activities of NGOs and CSOs are crucial in countering this malpractice; believes that strong safeguard measures must betaken to prevent this phenomenon from occurring; _________________ 2Judgment of 18 June 2020, Commission v Hungary, C-78/18, EU:C:2020:476, paragraphs 112 and 113.
Amendment 45 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Underlines the necessity to raise awareness among the EU citizens and residents on the means and procedures available at national and EU level to safeguard the respect of the rule of law and to report its breaches, with petitions to the European Parliament being one of such instruments; underlines that the redress of justice for those who became victims of the rule of law breaches is an essential element of building trust towards institutions and must be guaranteed by the Member States; invites in this regard the Commission to provide concrete recommendations to the responsible authorities in order to compensate the impacted individuals for the breaches of their fundamental rights.
Amendment 49 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Regrets that the application of Co- operation and Verification Mechanism still prevents some EU citizens from fully benefitting of the area of freedom, security and justice.
Amendment 50 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Highlights that adequate rule of law standards should be guaranteed for the EU citizens and residents during their exercise of freedom of movement rights within the EU; stresses that social and medical protection, as well as effective access to justice, must be fully guaranteed to seasonal workers and cross-border workers when they pursue their professional activity in another Member State.
Amendment 51 #
2021/2025(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6 d. Highlights that the capacity of the EU and its Member States to uphold the rule of law determines its international image and the credibility in promoting rule of law, democracy and human rights in third countries; warns about the risk of the interference of third countries in all democratic processes at EU level through, inter alia, international corruption schemes, which jeopardise the rule of law in the EU; stresses that EU citizens living in third countries must be treated with respect to the rule of law in their interaction with the authorities in their MS, as well as with EU authorities.
Amendment 4 #
2021/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 6 October 2015 with recommendations to the Commission on the possible extension of geographical indication protection of the European Union to non-agricultural products,1a _________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0331.
Amendment 94 #
2021/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -14 a (new)
Paragraph -14 a (new)
-14a. Believes that the recognition of GIs for non-agricultural products is relevant to the priorities of EU programmes being developed, including those of the Industrial Strategy, with the development of short supply chains, as well as the Green Deal by fostering locally-made products with greater traceability and transparency on the origin of the product and manufacturing processes deployed;
Amendment 96 #
2021/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Supports the Commission in its initiative to establish EU sui generis protection of geographical indications (GIs) for non-agricultural products in order to align to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications, which the EU has signed and which includes the possibility to protect GIs for both agricultural and non-agricultural products; expects the Commission to propose legislation in this regard as soon as possible and at the end of 2021 at the latest;
Amendment 98 #
2021/2007(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Emphasizes that the introduction of an EU sui generis protection system of geographical indications for non- agricultural products will have a positive economic impact on microenterprises and SMEs, as well as a general impact on employment, development and tourism in rural areas, which could in particular help the EU’s recovery after the COVID- 19 crisis; believes that such sui generis protection of non-agricultural GIs would also facilitate access to third country markets through EU trade agreements;
Amendment 2 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
— having regard to the Commission proposal of 14 March 2012 for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (Women on Boards Directive);
Amendment 13 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
Citation 32 a (new)
— having regard to the fourth Eurofound European Company Survey of 13 October 2020 on Workplace practices unlocking employee potential;
Amendment 28 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the voice of workers is a key element of the European Social Model, whose shared legacy of social dialogue, workers’ participation, collective bargaining, employee representation on boards, promotion of occupational health and safety representation, and tripartism are the building blocks of a diverse, economically and socially sustainable future;
Amendment 36 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas democracy at work plays a key role in strengthening human rights in the workplace and society, not least when trade unions and workers’ representatives are actively involved in business due diligence processes; whereas more democracy at work as well as increased transparency in big corporations would be an effective way of addressing the inequalities at work and in society;
Amendment 41 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas workers’ participation, collective bargaining coverage and unionisation are declining across the EU; whereas Eurofound reported that fewer than one-third (31%) of companies in the EU facilitated the regular direct participation of employees in organisational decision-making in 2019;
Amendment 49 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas trade unions and workers’ representatives have played a key role in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace, from the introduction of measures to protect the health and safety of workers, notably essential workers in highly exposed workplaces, to the implementation of job retention schemes such as short-time work and new forms of work organisation like working from home; whereas the COVID- 19 pandemic has aggravated pre-existing gender inequalities on the labour market and widened the gender gap in labour force participation;
Amendment 56 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas technological developments, the transition to a low carbon economy and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to transition workplaces to high-involvement forms of work organisation at all levels;
Amendment 63 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas sustainable corporate governance can only be achieved with employee involvement; whereas the economic model baseda mere focus on the short-term ‘shareholder value’ principle has failed to encouragemight hamper long-term investment in human capital and proper respect for human rights and, in particular, for the participation rights of trade unions and workers during past crises20 ; the environment. __________________ 20Rapp, M. S., Wolff, M., Udoieva, I., Hennig, J. C., ‘Mitbestimmung im Aufsichtsrat und ihre Wirkung auf die Unternehmensführung’, Hans-Böckler- Stiftung, No 424, June 2019; Ernst and Young, Study on directors’ duties and sustainable corporate governance, July 2020.
Amendment 70 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas studies have shown that worker participation enhances productivity, innovation, work organisation, gender equality,work engagement, innovation, gender equality, and improves good work organisation and decision-making and provides alternatives to crisis-induced employment reduction22 ; __________________ 22 FitzRoy, F., Kraft, K., ‘Co- determination, Efficiency and Productivity’, British Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 43, Issue 2, June 2005, pp. 233-247; Kraft K., Stank J., Dewenter R., ‘Co-determination and innovation’, Cambridge Journal of Economics, Vol 35, Issue 1, 2011, pp. 145-172.
Amendment 78 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the active inclusion of workers in companies’ decision-making processes will be essential to ensure the fast, substantial and sustainable policy and strategy changes required by the twin digital and green transitions, which will herald tremendous changes in the world of work; it will also lead to a better inclusion of the most vulnerable workers in the transition process towards a green and digital economy;
Amendment 104 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to develop initiatives to improve familiarity with rules governing employee representation in corporate bodies in the various EU Member States and foster exchanges of best practices, assessing the different forms of worker participations and the socioeconomic effects thereof;
Amendment 108 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to respect the agreements between European social partners at both cross-industry and sectoral level and to refrain from unilaterally deciding, in spite ofexamine the possibility to transpose, upon the joint request of those social partners, not to transpose such agreements through a generallysuch agreements in a binding Council decision;
Amendment 113 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that through loopholes, the EU Statute for a European Company (Societas Europeae – SE) iscan inadvertently enablinge companies to circumvent national regulations, particularly on board-level employee representation; regrets the fact that the 2019 Company Law Package24 is serving to perpetuate these shortcomings rather thandoes not resolve them; notes that cross- border mergers are alsomight be used to avoid representation rights; stresses that companies use complex corporate structures and supply or subcontracting chains to circumvent social standards; __________________ 24Directive (EU) 2019/2121 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 as regards cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions (OJ L 321 12.12.2019, p. 1).
Amendment 124 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to make the necessary improvements to the frameworks regulating SEs and European Cooperative Societies and to the Company Law Package, and to amend Council Directive 2001/86/EC to introduce minimum EU rules governing employee representation, including on gender equality, on supervisory boards;
Amendment 131 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish the necessary conditions and requirements to ensure that at least 80 % of corporations in the EU are covered by sustainable corporate governance agreements by 203025 ; calls, to this end, for the establishment of strategies agreed with workers to positively influence environmental, social and economic development through governance practices and market presence, to strengthen the role of directors in pursuing the long-term interests of their company, to improve directors’ accountability towards integrating sustainability into corporate decision-making, and to promote corporate governance practices that contribute to company sustainability, including corporate reporting, board remuneration, a maximumincreased transparency on board remuneration, and more balanced rules on CEO-to-worker pay ratio, gender-balanced board compositions and stakeholder involvement26 ; __________________ 25Commission staff working document of 4 March 2021 accompanying its European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan (SWD(2021)0046). 26 Ibid.
Amendment 145 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to put forward without further delay a directive on binding human rights and environmental due diligence and responsible business conduct, including workers’ rights such as the right to organise and collectively bargain, health and safety, social protection and working conditions; stresses that this directive should establish mandatory rules on due diligence covering companies’ activities and their business relationships, including those of supply and subcontracting chains, and should ensure the full involvement of trade unions and workers’ representatives throughout the whole due diligence process;
Amendment 148 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that introducing and monitoring new digital technologies in the workplace successfully and in a trustworthy manner will require timely and meaningful information for and consultation with trade unions and workers’ representatives to ensure full respect for their health, safety, data protection, equal treatment and well-being at work and prevent undue exploitation and surveillance of workers, in particular via management by algorithms; emphasises that new digital technologies and artificial intelligence should not replicate existing discrimination and societal biases but should help the social inclusion and participation of diverse groups; underlines the fact that trade unions and workers’ representatives should have the necessary access and means to assess and evaluate digital technology;
Amendment 163 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission to take account of the existence of good practices as well as the results of studies and assessments of the socioeconomic effects and consequences of employee representation in corporate bodies while amending existing directives affecting this issue and which can help improve corporate governance;
Amendment 182 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. States that much remains to be done to ensure gender equality in all aspects of worker participation across the EU; reiterates that gender equality and diversity in the boardrooms is a key democratic principle with positive economic side effects;
Amendment 206 #
2021/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Commission to guarantee information and consultation rights to ensure that the European Works Council can deliver its opinion before consultation is completed at the respective level; calls on the Commission, moreover, to ensure access to justice, to put an end to exemptions for old, so-called ‘voluntary’ pre-directive agreements after more than 20 years, to introduce sanctionstrengthen reinforcement mechanisms, to consolidate the concept of the ‘transnational character of a matter’ and incorporate it into the European Works Council Directive, to prevent the abuse of confidentiality rules, and to ensure the efficient coordination of information, consultation and participation at local, national and EU levels;
Amendment 5 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the fact that the new EU Gender Action Plan 2021-2025 (GAP III) calls for the promotion of gender equality through the EU’s trade policy and recalls the necessary support for the inclusion of a specific gender chapter ins or gender mainstreaming of EU trade and investment agreements to increase the scope of free trade agreements, as well as all aspects of EU trade policy; underlines that including specific trade and gender actions can lead to more visibility of the problems women face, which can contribute to resolving barriers to trade faced by women;
Amendment 19 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that trade policy is not gender neutral and that better collection of gender-disaggregated data, together with clear indicators, is needed to adequately assess the different impacts of trade policy on women and men; reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to include in ex ante and ex post impact assessments the country-specific and sector-specific gender impact of EU trade policy and agreements; calls on the Commission to work together with international partners, such as the WTO, to collect data, analyse the impact of trade on women and translate data into concrete proposals to improve women’s role in the international trade system;
Amendment 31 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the Commission to engage actively in the recently established WTO Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender to work towards a strong Ministerial Declaration in the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) that could serve as a road map for the implementation of the 2017 Buenos Aires Declaration; underlines that the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender is a first step towards a more permanent platform in the WTO to discuss issues related to trade and gender; stresses that intensified cooperation within international organisations such as the WTO can lead to better sharing of best practices, methods to collect data, as well as the inclusion of a gender perspective in trade; calls on the Commission to pro-actively engage with other WTO members to contribute to the working of the Informal Working Group, with the aim to establish a permanent working group;
Amendment 37 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the participation in trade of female entrepreneurs and women; underlines that women are adversely affected both as entrepreneurs, employees, and often as the head caretaker of their family; calls for COVID-19 recovery strategies to pay special attention to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are often run by women, and to sectors with higher female participation (agriculture, tourism, garment and retail); underlines that women often lack access to finance compared to their male counterparts; calls on the Commission to address the gender gap in investment possibilities for women entrepreneurs;
Amendment 48 #
2021/2003(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with concern the persistent gender gap in digital access and digital skills; notes that women have less access to skills development compared to their male counterparts, preventing them from developing their business, or their possibilities as employee; calls for the Commission and the Member States to support female entrepreneurs and employees in acquiring the necessary skills through trade policy, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, Economic Partnership Agreements, development cooperation and Aid for Trade;
Amendment 171 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, the objectives of the Union are, amongst others, to promote the well-being of its peoples and to work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress.
Amendment 172 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) This Directive respects fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’). In particular, Article 31 of the Charter provides for the right of every worker to fair and just working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. Article 27 of the Charter protects the workers’ right to information and consultation within the undertaking. Article 8 of the Charter provides that everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning him or heras well as access to data which has been collected concerning him or her and the right to have it rectified. Article 12 of the Charter provides that everyone has the right to freedom of assembly and of association at all levels. Article 15 recognises that everyone has the right to engage in work and to pursue a freely chosen or accepted occupation. Article 16 of the Charter recognises the freedom to conduct a business.
Amendment 179 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Principle No 5 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed at Gothenburg on 17 November 201753 , provides that, regardless of the type and duration of the employment relationship, workers have the right to fair and equal treatment regarding working conditions, access to social protection and training; that, in accordance with legislation and collective agreements, the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context is to be ensured; and that innovative forms of work that ensure quality working conditions are to be fostered, that entrepreneurship and self-employment are to be encouraged and; that occupational mobility is to be facilitated and that employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions shall be prevented, including by prohibiting abuse of atypical contracts. The Porto Social Summit of May 2021 welcomed the Action Plan accompanying the Social Pillar54 as guidance for its implementation. __________________ 53 Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10). 54 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’, COM(2021) 102 final, 4.3.2021.
Amendment 182 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
Amendment 186 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Digitalisation is changing the world of work, bringing workers and employers advantages such as creating new employment and business opportunities, improving productivity and enhancing flexibility as well as increasing consumer choice, while also carryposing some risks for employment and working conditions including lack of or difficult access to adequate social protection and a lack of occupational health and safety. Algorithm-based technologies, including automated monitoring and decision-making systems, have enabled the emergence and growth of digital labour platforms but can produce power imbalances and opacity about decision-making, as well as technology-enabled surveillance which could exacerbate discriminatory practices and entail risks for privacy, workers´ health and safety and human dignity.
Amendment 193 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) New forms of digital interaction and new technologies in the world of work create opportunities for access to the labour market generally as well as in specific fields, in particular for people who traditionally lacked such access, including people with disabilities, young people and people with lower skill levels and this access should be fostered in the future in order to support a sustainable income and a decent standard of living for disadvantaged groups.
Amendment 194 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Platform work is performed by individuals through the digital infrastructure of digital labour platforms that provide a service to their customers. It is characterised by a high level of heterogeneity in the sectors covered and activities carried out, and the profiles of individuals performing platform work and types of digital labour platforms vary widely. By means of the algorithms, the digital labour platforms may control, to a lesser or greater extent – depending on their business model – the performance of the work, its remuneration and the relationship between their customers and the persons performing the work. Platform work can be performed exclusively online through electronic tools (‘online platform work’) or in a hybrid way combining an online communication process with a subsequent activity in the physical world (‘on-location platform work’). Many of the existing digital labour platforms are international business actors deploying their activities and business models in several Member States or across borders.
Amendment 201 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) Platform work occurs in a wide variety of fields ranging from delivery services and passenger transport to child care and care services, IT as well as design and creative industries and provision of technical expertise. As such, action taken at both national and European level must ensure a balanced approach without one-size-fits-all measures.
Amendment 208 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Platform work canreates employment, provideing opportunities for accessing the labour market more easily, gaining additional income through a secondary activity while also balancing caring responsibilities, education or vocational training or enjoying sommore flexibility in the organisation of working time. It can also facilitate efficiencies in the matching of supply and demand, optimisation of resources and increase consumer choice. At the same time, platform work brings challenges, as it can blur the boundaries between an employment relationship and self- employed activity, and the responsibilities of employers and workers. Misclassification of the employment status has consequences for the persons affected, as it is likely to restrict access to existing labour and social rights. It also leads to an uneven playing field with respect to businesses that classify their workers correctly, and it has implications for Member States’ industrial relations systems, their tax base and the coverage and sustainability of their social protection systems. While such challenges are broader than platform work, they are particularly acute and pressing in the platform economy.
Amendment 240 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Automated monitoring and decision-making systems powered by algorithms increasingly replace functions that managers usually perform in businesses, such as allocating tasks, giving instructions, evaluating the work performed, providing incentives or imposing sanctions. Digital labour platforms use such algorithmic systems as a standard way of organising and managing platform work through their infrastructure. Persons performing platform work subject to such algorithmic management often lack information on how the algorithms work, which personal data are being used and how their behaviour affects decisions taken by automated systems. Workers’ rRepresentatives and labour inspectoratof persons performing platform work, labour inspectorates and competent supervisory authorities do not have access to this information either. Moreover, persons performing platform work often do not know the reasons for decisions taken or supported by such automated systems and lack the possibility to discuss those decisions with a contact person or to contest them.
Amendment 246 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) When platforms operate in several Member States or across borders, it is often unclear where the platform work is performed and by whom. Also, national authorities do not have easy access to data on digital labour platforms, including the number of persons performing platform work, their employment status, and their working conditions. This complicates the enforcement of applicable rules, including in respect of labour law, taxation and social protection.
Amendment 261 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 a (new)
Recital 11 a (new)
(11a) With respect to the powers of the Member States to organise their social protection systems, it is essential to ensure, and where necessary extend, access to social protection to persons performing platform work who do not have an employment relationship including for people transitioning from one status to another or who have both statuses in order to guarantee the portability of accumulated social rights and entitlements and for schemes covering maternity and equivalent parental benefits, and unemployment, accident, long-term care, invalidity, sickness, healthcare and old-age benefits.
Amendment 262 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11 b (new)
Recital 11 b (new)
(11b) Particular attention should be given to young people, many of whom perform platform work alongside their studies or training and whose personal situations can greatly differ. Young people performing platform work should be able to be involved in both education and part-time platform work while ensuring the highest possible level of social protection in accordance with their employment status.
Amendment 278 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) This Directive should apply to persons performing platform work in the Union who have, or who based on an assessment of facts may be deemed to have, an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States, with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. This should include situations where the employment status of the person performing platform work is not clear, so as to allow correct determination of that status. The provisions on algorithmic management which are related to the processing of personal data should also apply to genuine self-employed and other persons performing platform work in the Union who do not have an employment relationship.
Amendment 289 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Digital labour platforms differ from other online platforms in that they organise work performed by individuals at the request, one-off or repeated, of the recipient of a service provided by the platform. Organising work performed by individuals should imply at a minimum a significant role in matching the demand for the service with the supply of labour by an individual who has a contractual relationship with the digital labour platform and who is available to perform a specific task, and can include other activities such as processing payments. Online platforms which do not organise the work performed by individuals but merely provide the means by which service providers can reach the end-user, for instance by advertising offers or requests for services or aggregating and displaying available service providers in a specific area, without any further involvement, should not be considered a digital labour platform. The definition of digital labour platforms should not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assets, such as short-term rental of accommodation or the resale of goods/services as they do not rely primarily on personal labour for the provision of the services concerned. It should be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual, such as transport of persons or goods or cleaning, constitutes a necessary and essential and not merely a minor and purely ancillary component.
Amendment 307 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) In its case law, the Court of Justice has established criteria for determining the status of a worker62 . The interpretation by the Court of Justice of those criteria should be taken into account in the implementation of this Directive. Genuinely self-employed persons should not fall within the scope of this Directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. The abuse of the status of self-employed persons, as defined in national law, either at national level or in cross-border situations, is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. False self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self- employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship, in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. Such persons should fall within the scope of this Directive. __________________ 62 Judgments of the Court of Justice of 3 July 1986, Deborah Lawrie-Blum v Land Baden-Württemberg, C-66/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:284; 14 October 2010, Union Syndicale Solidaires Isère v Premier ministre and Others, C-428/09, ECLI:EU:C:2010:612; 4 December 2014, FNV Kunsten Informatie en Media v Staat der Nederlanden, C-413/13, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2411; 9 July 2015, Ender Balkaya v Kiesel Abbruch- und Recycling Technik GmbH, C-229/14, ECLI:EU:C:2015:455; 17 November 2016, Betriebsrat der Ruhrlandklinik gGmbH v Ruhrlandklinik gGmbH, C-216/15, ECLI:EU:C:2016:883; 16 July 2020, UX v Governo della Repubblica italiana, C- 658/18, ECLI:EU:C:2020:572; and order of the Court of Justice of 22 April 2020, B v Yodel Delivery Network Ltd, C-692/19, ECLI:EU:C:2020:288.
Amendment 327 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) When digital labour platforms control certain elements of the performance of work, they act like employers in an employment relationship. Direction and control, or legal subordination, is an essential element of the definition of an employment relationship in the Member States and in the case-law of the Court of Justice. Therefore contractual relationships in which digital labour platforms exert a certain level of control over certain elements of the performance of work should be deemed, by virtue of a legal presumption, to be an employment relationship between the platform and the person performing platform work through it. As a result, that person should be classified as a worker having all the rights and obligations in accordance with that status, as laid down in national and Union law, collective agreements and practice. The legal presumption should apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings and should benefitIt is important to stress that the legal presumption of an employment relationship must not lead to an automatic classification of all persons performing platform work as workers and must ensure theat persons performing platform work who are genuinely self-employed are able to remain so and can continue to access work through platforms. The legal presumption should apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings. Authorities in charge of verifying the compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation, such as labour inspectorates, social protection bodies or tax authorities, should also be able to rely on that presumption as well as persons performing platform work who dispute the classification of their employment status. Member States should put in place a national framework of measures, in accordance with their national legal and judicial systems, to reduce litigation and increase legal certainty.
Amendment 344 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Criteria indicating that a digital labour platform controls the performance of work should be included in the Directive in order to make the legal presumption proportionate, operational and facilitate the enforcement of workers’ rights. Those criteria should be inspired by Union and national case law and take into account national concepts of the employment relationship. The criteria should include concrete elements showing that the digital labour platform, for instance, determines in practice and not merely recommends the working conditions or the remuneration or both, gives specific binding instructions on how the work is to be performed or prevents the person performing platform work from developing business contacts with potential clients. In order for it to be effective in practice, two and future-proof, a majority of criteria should be always fulfilled to trigger the application of the presumption,. At the same time, the criteria should not cover situations where the persons performing platform work are genuine self-employed. Genuine self- employed persons are themselves responsible vis-à-vis their customers for how they perform their work and the quality of their outputs. The freedom to choose working hours or periods of absence, to refuse tasks, to use subcontractors or substitutes or to work for any third party is characteristic of genuine self-employment. Therefore, de facto restricting such discretions by a number of conditions or through a system of sanctions, should also be considered as an element of controlling the performance of work. Closely supervising the performance of work or thoroughly verifying the quality of the results of that work, including through electronic means, which does not merely consist in using reviews or ratings by the recipients of the service, should also be considered as an element of controlling the performance of work. At the same time, digital labour platforms should be able to design their technical interfaces in a way to ensure good consumer experience. Measures or rules which are required by law or which are necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service should not be understood as controlling the performance of work.
Amendment 348 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Effective implementation of the legal presumption through appropriate measures, such as disseminating information to the public, developing comprehensive guidance and, strengthening controls and field inspections and their resourcing and mechanisms for persons performing platform work and digital labour platforms to consult relevant authorities is essential to ensure legal certainty and transparency for all parties involved. These measures should avoid capturing the genuine self-employed and take into account the specific situation of entrepreneurs and start-ups to support the entrepreneurial potential and the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the Union.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The relationship between a person performing platform work and a digital labour platform may not meet the requirements of an employment relationship in accordance with the definition laid down in the law, collective agreements or practice in force of the respective Member State with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, even though the digital labour platform controls the performance of work on a given aspect. Member States should ensure the possibility for any of the parties to rebut the legal presumption in legal or administrative proceedings or both by proving, on the basis of the aforementioned definition, that the relationship in question is not an employment relationship. TheA shift in the burden of proof to digital labour platforms is justified by the fact that they have a complete overview of all factual elements determining the relationship, in particular the algorithms through which they manage their operations. Legal proceedings and administrative proceedings initiated by the digital labour platforms in order to rebut the legal presumption should not have a suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption. A successful rebuttal of the presumption in administrative proceedings should not preclude the application of the presumption in subsequent judicial proceedings. When the person performing platform work who is the subject of the presumption seeks to rebut the legal presumption, the digital labour platform should be required to assist that person, notably by providing all relevant information held by the platform in respect of that person. Member States should provide the necessary guidance for procedures to rebut the legal presumption.
Amendment 381 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) In addition to rights and obligations provided in this Directive, rights and obligations provided in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 continue to apply when personal data are processed. Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 require data controllers to ensure transparency towards data subjects on the collection and processing of personal data. Articles 16, 17 and 20 provides for the right to rectification, the right to be forgotten and the right to data portability respectively. Moreover, Article 22(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 provides for the data subjects’ right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him or her or similarly significantly affects him or her, subject to the exceptions provided for in paragraph 2 of that article. Those obligations and rights apply also to digital labour platforms and persons performing platform work.
Amendment 385 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Digital labour platforms should be subject to transparency obligations in relation to automated monitoring and decision-making systems that are used to monitor, supervise or evaluate the work performance through electronic means; and automated decision-making systems which are used to take or support decisions that significantly affect working conditions, including access of persons performing platform work to work assignments, their earnings, their occupational safety and health, their working time, their promotion and their contractual status, including the restriction, or suspension or termination of their account. In addition to what is provided in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, information and consultation concerning such systems should also be provided where decisions are not solely based on automated processing, provided that they are supported by automated systems. It should also be specified which kind of information should be provided to persons performing platform work regarding such automated systems, as well as in which form and when it should be provided. The obligation of the controller under Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 to provide the data subject with certain information in relation to the processing of personal data concerning the data subject as well as with access to such data should continue to apply in the context of platform work. Information on automated monitoring and decision-making systems should also be provided to representatives of persons performing platform work and to national labour authorities and the competent supervisory authorities at their request, in order to enable them to exercise their functions.
Amendment 397 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) Digital labour platforms should not be required to disclose the detailed functioning of their automated monitoring and decision-making systems, including algorithms, or other detailed data that contains commercial secrets or is protected by intellectual property rights in accordance with Directive (EU) 2016/943. However, the result of those considerations should not be a refusal to provide all the information required by this Directive.
Amendment 404 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 35
Recital 35
(35) Digital labour platforms make extensive use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems in managing their human resources. Monitoring by electronic means can be intrusive and decisions taken or supported by such systems directly affect the persons performing platform work, who might not have a direct contact with a human manager or supervisor. Digital labour platforms should therefore ensure human oversight to regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision- making systems on working conditions. Digital labour platforms should ensure sufficient human resources for this purpose. The persons charged by the digital labour platform with the function of monitoring should have the necessary competence, training and authority to exercise that function and should be protected from dismissal, disciplinary measures or other adverse treatment for overriding automated decisions or suggestions for decisions. In addition to obligations under Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Article 7(1) and (3) of this Directive provides for distinct obligations of digital labour platforms in relation to human monitoring of the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated systems, which apply as specific rules in the context of platform work, including to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms in respect of the processing of employees' personal data within the meaning of Article 88 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Amendment 406 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 37
Recital 37
(37) In that context, persons performing platform work should have the right to obtain an human review and explanation from the digital labour platform for a decision, the lack of decision or a set of decisions taken or supported by automated systems that significantly affect their working conditions. For that purpose the digital labour platform should provide the possibility for them to discuss and clarify the facts, circumstances and reasons for such decisions with a human contact person at the digital labour platform. In addition, digital labour platforms should provide the person performing platform work with a written statement of reasons for any decision to restrict, suspend or terminate access to work assignments, to restrict or suspend that person’s account, to refuse the remuneration for work performed by that person, or affecting his or her contractual status, as such decisions are likely to have significant negative effects on persons performing platform work, in particular their potential earnings. A decision to terminate the account of a person performing platform work may be supported but never taken by an automated decision-making system unless necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service. Such decisions should be notified to the person prior to the decision coming into effect. Where the explanation or reasons obtained are not satisfactory or where persons performing platform work consider their rights infringed, they should also have the right to request the digital labour platform to review the decision and to obtain a substantiated reply within a reasonable period of time. Where such decisions infringe those persons’ rights, such as labour rights or the right to non- discrimination, the digital labour platform should rectify such decisions without delay or, where that is not possible, provide adequate compensation.
Amendment 413 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 38 a (new)
Recital 38 a (new)
Amendment 422 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) Persons who do not have an employment relationship constitute a significant part of the persons performing platform work. The impact of automated monitoring and decision-making systems used by digital labour platforms on their working conditions and their earning opportunities is similar to that on platform workers. Therefore, the rights in Articles 6, 7, 8 and 811a of this Directive pertaining to the protection of natural persons in relation to the processing of personal data in the context of algorithmic management, namely those regarding transparency on automated monitoring and decision-making systems, restrictions to process or collect personal data, human monitoring and review of significant decisions, should also apply to persons in the Union performing platform work who do not have an employment contract or employment relationship. The rights pertaining to health and safety at work and information and consultation of platform workers or their representatives, which are specific to workers in view of Union law, should not apply to them. Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 provides safeguards regarding fairness and transparency for self-employed persons performing platform work, provided that they are considered business users within the meaning of that Regulation. Where such safeguards conflict with elements of specific rights and obligations laid down in this Directive, the specific provisions of Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 should prevail in respect of business users.
Amendment 424 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) In order to ensure that digital labour platforms comply with labour legislation and regulations, taxation and social security contribution obligations, social security coordination and other relevant rules, in particular if they are established in another country than the Member State in which the platform worker is performing work, digital labour platforms should declare work performed by platform workers to the competent labour and social protection authorities of the Member State in which the work is performed, in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down in the law of the Member States concerned.
Amendment 430 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Information on the number of persons performing platform work through digital labour platforms on a regular basis, their contractual or employment status, average duration of activity and average income from activity and the general terms and conditions applicable to those contractual relationships is essential to support labour inspectorates, social protection bodies and other relevant authorities in correctly determining the employment status of persons performing platform work and in ensuring compliance with legal obligations as well as representatives of persons performing platform work in the exercise of their representative functions and should therefore be made accessible to them. Those authorities and representatives should also have the right to ask digital labour platforms for additional clarifications and details, such as basic data on working conditions regarding working time and remuneration.
Amendment 432 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) An extensive system of enforcement provisions for the social acquis in the Union has been developed, elements of which should be applied to this Directive in order to ensure that persons performing platform work have access to timely, effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation. Specifically, having regard to the fundamental nature of the right to effective legal protection, persons performing platform work should continue to enjoy such protection even after the end of the employment or other contractual relationship giving rise to an alleged breach of rights under this Directive.
Amendment 437 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 45
Recital 45
(45) Platform work is characterised by the lack of a common workplace where workers can get to know each other and communicate with each other and with their representatives, also in view of defending their interests towards the employer. In some areas prevalent in platform work, such as digital remote services or design work, many Member States lack established workers’ organisations or trade unions. Persons performing platform work should be free to organise, choose representatives and be taken into account in social dialogue and collective bargaining processes, regardless of their employment status. Persons performing platform work can also be exposed to the increased risk of violence, including gender-based violence and harassment. It is therefore necessary to create digital communication and reporting channels, in line with the digital labour platforms’ work organisation, where persons performing platform work can exchange with each other and be contacted by their representatives and report incidents of violence or harassment. Digital labour platforms should create such communication channels within their digital infrastructure or through similarly effective means, while respecting the protection of personal data and refraining from accessing or monitoring those communications.
Amendment 446 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 47
Recital 47
(47) Given that Article 6, Article 7(1) and (3) and Article 8 of this Directive provide for specific rules in the context of platform work to ensure the protection of employees' personal data within the meaning of Article 88 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and that Article 10 of this Directive applies those safeguards also in case of persons without employment contract or employment relationship, the national supervisory authorities referred to in Article 51 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 should be competent to monitor the application of those safeguards and well as the communication channels established in Article 15. Chapters VI, VII and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 should apply in terms of procedural framework for the enforcement of those safeguards, in particular as regards supervision, cooperation and consistency mechanisms, remedies, liability and penalties, including the competence to impose administrative fines up to the amount referred to in Article 83(5) of that Regulation.
Amendment 464 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. The purpose of this Directive is to improve the working conditions and social protection of persons performing platform work by ensuring the correct determination of their employment status, by promoting transparency, fairness, human oversight and accountability in algorithmic management in platform work and by improving transparency in platform work, including in cross-border situations, while supporting the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms in the Union.
Amendment 470 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. This Directive lays down minimum rights that apply to every person performing platform work in the Union who has, or who based on an assessment of facts may be deemed to have, an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice.
Amendment 471 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
In accordance with Article 10, rights laid down in this Directive pertaining to the protection of natural persons in relation to the processing of personal data in the context of algorithmic management also apply to every person performing platform work in the Union who does not have an employment contract or employment relationship. This Directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners, as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements.
Amendment 514 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 5
(5) ‘representatives’ means the platform workers’ organisations or representatives including trade unions, provided for by national law or practices, or both or the organisations or representatives of persons performing platform work who do not have an employment relationship;
Amendment 538 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The definition of digital labour platforms laid down in paragraph 1, point (1), shall not include providers of a service whose primary purpose is to exploit or share assetgoods or assets or the resale of goods or services. It shall be limited to providers of a service for which the organisation of work performed by the individual constitutes not merely a minor and purely ancillary component.
Amendment 548 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall have appropriate procedures in place to verify and ensure the correct determination of the employment status of persons performing platform work, with a view to ascertaining the existence of an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in theeach Member States with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, and ensuringe that they enjoy the rights deriving from Union law applicable to workers.
Amendment 554 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The determination of the existence of an employment relationship shall be guided primarily by the facts relating to the actual performance of work, taking into account the use of algorithms in the organisation of platform work, irrespective of how the relationship is classified in any contractual arrangement that may have been agreed between the parties involved. Where the existence of an employment relationship is established based on such facts, the party assuming the obligations of the employer shall be clearly identified and shall duly fulfil them in accordance with national legal systems.
Amendment 573 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The contractual relationship between a digital labour platform that controls, within the meaning of paragraph 2, the performance of work and a person performing platform work through that platform shall be legally presumed to be an employment relationship. To that effect, Member States shall establish a framework of measures, in accordance with their national legal and judicial systems, in order to ensure that the legal presumption can be relied upon by competent authorities verifying compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation as well as persons performing platform work who dispute the classification of their employment status.
Amendment 593 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The legal presumption shall apply in all relevant administrative and legal proceedings. Competent authorities verifying compliance with or enforcing relevant legislation shall be able to rely on that presumption.
Amendment 608 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Controlling the performance of work within the meaning of paragraph 1 shall be understood as fulfilling at least two majority of the following:
Amendment 619 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) effectivelyde facto determining, or setting upper limits for the level of remuneration;
Amendment 626 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) requiring the person performing platform work to respect specific binding rules with regard to appearance, conduct towards the recipient of the service or performance of the work beyond what is required by law or necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service;
Amendment 639 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) closely supervising the performance of work or thoroughly verifying the quality of the results of the work including by electronic means beyond what is required by law or necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service or to ensure the essential functioning of the service;
Amendment 647 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) effectivelyde facto restricting the freedom, including through sanctions, to organise one’s work, in particular the discretion to choose one’s working hours or periods of absence, to accept or to refuse tasks, including from other digital platforms or to use subcontractors or substitutes;
Amendment 658 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) effectivelyde facto restricting the possibility to build a client base or to perform work for any third party.
Amendment 667 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. Member States shall take supporting measures to ensure the effective implementation of the legal presumption referred to in paragraph 1 while taking into account the impact on entrepreneurs and start-ups, avoiding capturing the genuine self-employed and supporting the conditions for innovation and the sustainable growth of digital labour platforms. In particular they shall:
Amendment 684 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) develop comprehensive guidance for digital labour platforms, persons performing platform work and social partners to understand and implement the legal presumption including on the procedures for rebutting it in accordance with Article 5;
Amendment 694 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) develop guidancecapacity building, guidance, training for enforcement authorities to proactively target and pursue non-compliant digital labour platforms;
Amendment 701 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) strengthen the controls and field inspections conducted by labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of labour law, while ensuring their sufficient resourcing so that such controls and inspections are effective, proportionate and non-discriminatory.
Amendment 707 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 – point d a (new)
(da) develop a consultation mechanism under which persons performing platform work or digital labour platforms can request the relevant authorities to pre- emptively assess, verify and justify the employment status of persons performing platform work on the basis of the control of the performance of work within the meaning of paragraph 2.
Amendment 747 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Where the digital labour platform argues that the contractual relationship in question is not an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in the Member State in question, with consideration to the case- law of the Court of Justice, the burden of proof shall be on the digital labour platform. Such proceedings shall not have suspensive effect on the application of the legal presumption.
Amendment 755 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Where the person performing the platform work argues that the contractual relationship in question is not an employment relationship as defined by the law, collective agreements or practice in force in the Member State in question, with consideration to the case-law of the Court of Justice, the digital labour platform shall be required to assist the proper resolution of the proceedings, notably by providing all relevant information held by it. Member States shall provide the necessary guidance for procedures to rebut the legal presumption.
Amendment 769 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5a Improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work Ensuring correct determination of the employment status shall not prevent the improvement of working conditions of genuine self-employed persons performing platform work. Where a digital labour platform decides, either on a purely voluntary basis or in agreement with the persons concerned, to pay for social protection, accident insurance or other forms of insurance, training measures or similar benefits to self- employed persons working through that platform, those benefits as such shall not be regarded as determining elements indicating the existence of an employment relationship.
Amendment 776 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to the obligations and rights of digital labour platforms and platform workers under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Directive (EU) 2016/943 and Directive (EU) 2019/1152, Member States shall require digital labour platforms to inform platform workers of and consult platform workers and their representatives on:
Amendment 791 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The information and consultation referred to in paragraph 1 shall concern:
Amendment 793 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) the categories of data and actions monitored, supervised or evaluated by such systems, including evaluation by the recipient of the service;
Amendment 800 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b – point iv
(iv) the grounds for decisions to restrict, or suspend or terminate the platform worker’s account, to refuse the remuneration for work performed by the platform worker, on the platform worker’s contractual status or any decision with similar effects.
Amendment 806 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
4. Digital labour platforms shall make the information referred to in paragraph 2 available to platform workers’ representatives and national labour, national labour authorities or national competent supervisory authorities upon their request.
Amendment 813 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. Digital labour platforms shall not process any personal data concerning platform workers that are not intrinsically connected to and strictly necessary for the performance of the contract between the platform worker and the digital labour platform in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679. In particular they shall not:
Amendment 845 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – title
Article 7 – title
Human monitoringoversight of automated systems
Amendment 850 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that digital labour platforms regularly monitor and evaluateoversee and periodically evaluate, at least annually the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision-making systems, as referred to in Article 6(1), on working conditions.
Amendment 854 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) evaluate the risks of automated monitoring and decision-making systems in replicating gender, racial and other social biases in the selection and treatment of different groups;
Amendment 855 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) introduce appropriate preventive, corrective and protective measures.
Amendment 861 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
(a) They shall not use automated monitoring and decision-making systems in any manner that puts undue pressure on platform workers or otherwise puts at risk the physical and mental health of platform workers.
Amendment 866 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to ensure sufficient human resources for monitoringeffective oversight of the impact of individual decisions taken or supported by automated monitoring and decision- making systems in accordance with this Article. The persons charged by the digital labour platform with the function of monitoringsuch oversight shall have the necessary competence, training and authority to exercise that function. They shall enjoy protection from dismissal, disciplinary measures or other adverse treatment for overriding automated decisions or suggestions for decisions.
Amendment 879 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Digital labour platforms shall provide the platform worker, in writh a written statement ofing or where appropriate, by electronic means, with the reasons for any decision taken or supported by an automated decision- making system to restrict, suspend or terminate access to work assignments, to restrict or suspend the platform worker’s account, any decision to refuse the remuneration for work performed by the platform worker, any decision on the platform worker’s contractual status or any decision with similar effects.
Amendment 881 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Where platform workers are not satisfied with the explanation or the written statement of reasons obtained or consider that the decision referred to in paragraph 1 infringes their rights, they shall have the right to request the digital labour platform to review that decision. The digital labour platform shall respond to such request by providing the platform worker with a substantiated reply without undue delay and in any event within one week of receipt of the requestat the latest within one month of receipt of the request. That period may be extended where necessary, taking into account the complexity and number of the requests. The digital labour platform shall inform the platform worker of any such extension as soon as possible and latest within one month of receipt of the request, together with the reasons for the delay.
Amendment 890 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
With regard to digital labour platforms which are micro, small or medium-sized enterprises, Member States may provide that the deadline for reply referred to in the first subparagraph is extended to two weekfurther months.
Amendment 892 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. A decision to terminate a platform worker’s account may be supported but not taken by an automated decision- making system unless necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the recipients of the service. The digital labour platform shall provide a reasoned notification to the platform worker in due time prior to the decision coming into effect. Where platform workers are not satisfied with the reasons provided or consider that the decision infringes their rights, they shall have the right to request the digital labour platform to review that decision in line with the procedure set out in paragraph 2.
Amendment 896 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Member States shall ensure that platform workers have the right to data portability, the right to be forgotten and the right of rectification.
Amendment 898 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. This Article shall be without prejudice to dismissal procedures laid down in national law and practice.
Amendment 907 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to the rights and obligations under Directive 2002/14/EC and Directive 2009/38/EC, Member States shall ensure timely information and consultation of platform workers’ representatives or, where there are no such representatives, of the platform workers concerned by digital labour platforms, on decisions likely to lead to the introduction of or substantial changes in the use of automated monitoring and decision-making systems referred to in Article 6(1), in accordance with this Article.
Amendment 918 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. The platform workers’ representatives or the platform workers concerned may be assisted by an expert of their choice, in so far as this is necessary for them to examine the matter that is the subject of information and consultation and formulate an opinion. Where a digital labour platform has more than 2500 platform workers in a Member State, the expenses for the expert shall be borne by the digital labour platform, provided that they are proportionate.
Amendment 924 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Article 6, Article 7(1), 2(a) and (3), Article 8 and Article 811a shall also apply to persons performing platform work who do not have an employment contract or employment relationship.
Amendment 936 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Amendment 940 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to Directive(EU) 2016/943, where labour, social protection and other relevant authorities exercise their functions in ensuring compliance with legal obligations applicable to the employment status of persons performing platform work and where the representatives of persons performing platform work exercise their representative functions, Member States shall ensure that digital labour platforms make the following information available to them:
Amendment 942 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the number of persons performing platform work on a regular basis through the digital labour platform concerned on a regular basis and their contractual or employment status;
Amendment 944 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) the average duration of activity and average income from activity of persons performing platform work on a regular basis through the digital labour platform concerned;
Amendment 953 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. The information shall be provided forto each Member State in which persons are performing platform work through the digital labour platform concerned. The information shall be updated at least every six months, and, as regards paragraph 1, point (b), each time the terms and conditions are modified.
Amendment 954 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. Labour, social protection and other relevant authorities and representatives of persons performing platform work shall have the right to ask digital labour platforms for additional clarifications and details regarding any of the data provided. The digital labour platforms shall respond to such request within a reasonable period of time by providing a substantiated replyby providing a substantiated reply without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receipt of the request.
Amendment 966 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Without prejudice to Articles 79 and 82 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, Member States shall ensure that persons performing platform work, including those whose employment or other contractual relationship has ended, have access to timely, effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in the case of infringements of their rights arising from this Directive.
Amendment 981 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – title
Article 15 – title
Communication and reporting channels for persons performing platform work
Amendment 982 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
In order to foster collective representation and social dialogue, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that digital labour platforms create the possibility for persons performing platform work to contact and privately and securely communicate with each other, and to be contacted by representatives of persons performing platform work, through the digital labour platforms’ digital infrastructure or similarly effective and visible means, while complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to refrain from accessing such channels other than for their functional maintenance or from accessing or monitoring those contacts and communications.
Amendment 987 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)
In order to safeguard persons performing platform work from violence, including gender-based violence and harassment, Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that digital labour platforms create effective reporting channels through the digital labour platforms’ digital infrastructure or similarly effective means, while complying with the obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679. Member States shall require digital labour platforms to have effective and timely preventative and follow-up procedures to address such reports.
Amendment 992 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall ensure that national courts have the power to order the disclosure of evidence containing confidential information where they consider it relevant to the claim. They shall ensure that, when ordering the disclosure of such information, national courts have at their disposal effective measures to protect such information as laid down in Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2016/943.
Amendment 995 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall take the necessary measures to prohibit the dismissal or measures witsh equivalent effect and all preparations for dismissal or measures witsh equivalent effect of persons performing platform work, on the grounds that they have exercised the rights provided for in this Directive.
Amendment 1000 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. The supervisory authority or authorities responsible for monitoring the application of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 shall also be responsible for monitoring the application of Article 6, Article 7(1) and (3) and Articles 8, 10 and 105 of this Directive, in accordance with the relevant provisions in Chapters VI, VII and VIII of Regulation (EU) 2016/679. They shall be competent to impose administrative fines up to the amount referred to in Article 83(5) of that Regulation.
Amendment 1019 #
2021/0414(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20 a (new)
Article 20a Dissemination of information Member States shall ensure that the national measures transposing this Directive, together with the relevant provisions already in force relating to the subject matter as set out in Article 1, are brought to the attention of persons performing platform work and digital labour platforms, including SMEs as well as to the general public. This information should be provided in a comprehensive and easily accessible way, including to persons with disabilities and where necessary in the most relevant language(s), as determined by the Member State.
Amendment 62 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Whilst always acting within the framework of international law, it is essential that the Union possess an appropriate instrument to deter and counteract economic coercion by third countries in order to safeguard its rights and interests and those of its Member States. This is particularly the case where third countries take or threaten to take measures affecting trade or investment that interfere in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State by seeking to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State. Such measures affecting trade or investment or threat thereof may include not only actions taken or actions threaten to be taken on, and having effects within, the territory of the third country, but also actions taken or threatened to be taken by the third country, including through entities controlled or directed by the third country and present in the Union, that cause harm to economic activities in the Union, such as, among others, some extraterritorial effects of third county sanctions.
Amendment 68 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) This Regulation aims to ensure an effective, efficient and swift Union response to economic coercion, including deterrence of economic coercion of the Union or a Member State and, in the last resort, countermeasures. This Regulation shall be complementary to other existing Union instruments and relations such as the Regulation (EU) 2021/167 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a and the review of the Blocking Statute 1b _________________ 1a Regulation (EU) 2021/167 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 February 2021 amending Regulation (EU) No 654/2014 concerning the exercise of the Union’s rights for the application and enforcement of international trade rules (OJ L 49, 12.2.2021, p. 1.). 1b Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996 protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom, OJ L 309,29.11.1996, p. 1–6
Amendment 72 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The objectives of this Regulation, in particular counteracting third countries’ economic coercion of the Union or a Member State, cannot be sufficiently achieved by Member States acting on their own, especially in the context of the Union internal market. This is because Member States as distinct actors under international law may not be entitled under international law to respond to economic coercion directed against the Union. Additionally, because of the exclusive competence conferred on the Union by Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are prevented from taking common commercial policy measures as a response to economic coercion. Therefore, those objectives can be achieved with greater effectiveness at Union level.
Amendment 78 #
2021/0402(COD)
(10) Any action undertaken by the Union on the basis of this Regulation should comply with the Union’s obligations under international law. IThe Union should continue to support the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core. Out of the WTO's framework, international law allows, under certain conditions, such as proportionality and prior notice, the imposition of countermeasures, that is to say of measures that would otherwise be contrary to the international obligations of an injured party vis-à-vis the country responsible for a breach of international law, and that are aimed at obtaining the cessation of the breach or reparation for it.10 Accordingly, response measures adopted under this Regulation should take the form of either measures adhering to the Union’s international obligations or measures constituting permitted countermeasures. Under international law, and in accordance with the principle of proportionality, they should not exceed a level that is commensurate with the injury suffered by the Union or a Member State due to the third country’s measures of economic coercion, taking into account the gravity of the third country’s measures and the Union’s rights and interests in question. In this respect, injury to the Union or a Member State is understood under international law to include injury to Union economic operators. _________________ 10 See Articles 22 and 49-53 of the Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, adopted by the United Nations’ International Law Commission at its fifty-third session, in 2001, and taken note of by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 56/83.
Amendment 85 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The Commission should examine whether third-country measures are coercive, on its own initiative or following information received from any source, including legal and natural persons, the European Parliament or a Member State. Following this examination, the Commission should determine in a decision whether the third-country measure is coercive. The Commission should communicate any affirmative determination to the third country concerned, together with a request that the economic coercion cease and a request, where appropriate, that any injury be repaired.
Amendment 90 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) Union response measures adopted in accordance with this Regulation should be selected and designed on the basis of objective criteria, including: the effectiveness of the measures in inducing the cessation of coercion by the third country; the effectiveness of the measures in repairing the injury caused by the economic coercion; their potential to provide relief to economic operators within the Union affected by the third-country measures of economic coercion; the aim of avoiding or minimising negative economic and other effects on the Union; and the avoidance of disproportionate administrative complexity and costs. It is also essential that the selection and design of Union response measures take account of the Union’s interest. Union response measures should be selected from a wide array of options in order to allow the adoption of the most suitable measures in any given case.
Amendment 93 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In pursuing the objective of obtaining the cessation of the measure of economic coercion and the reparation of the injury caused, Union response measures consisting of restrictions on foreign direct investment or on trade in services should only apply with regard to services supplied, or direct investments made, within the Union by one or more legal persons established in the Union which are owned or controlled by persons of the third country concerned where necessary to ensure the effectiveness of Union response measures and in particular to prevent their avoidance. The decision to impose any such restrictions will be duly justified in implementing acts adopted pursuant to this Regulation in the light of the criteria specified in this Regulation.
Amendment 98 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) It is important to ensure an effective communication and exchange of views and information between the Commission on the one hand and the European Parliament and the Council on the other, in particular on efforts to engage with the third country concerned to explore options with a view to obtaining the cessation of the economic coercion and the reparation of the injury caused and on matters that may lead to the adoption of Union response measures under this Regulation.
Amendment 106 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation lays down rules and procedures in order to ensure the effective protection of the interests of the Union and its Member States where a third country seeks, through measures, failure to act or threat thereof affecting trade or investment, to coerce the Union or a Member State into adopting or refraining from adopting a particular act. This Regulation provides a framework for the Union to respond in such situations with the objective to deter, obtain the cessation and the reparation of the injury caused or have the third country desist from such actions, whilst permitting the Union, in the last resort, to counteract such actions.
Amendment 111 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Amendment 116 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. This Regulation applies in the event of economic coercion, where a third country:
Amendment 117 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
— interferes in the legitimate sovereign choices of the Union or a Member State by seeking to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a Member State, including some extraterritorial effects of third countries' sanctions;
Amendment 122 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
— by applying, failing to adopt or threatening to apply measures affecting trade or investment.
Amendment 124 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 125 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In determining economic coercion and whether the conditions set out in paragraph 1 are met, the followingCommission shall be taken into account the following:
Amendment 127 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the intensity, severity, frequency, duration, breadth and magnitude of the third country’s measure and, failure to act or threat thereof as well as the pressure arising from it;
Amendment 128 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the extent to which the third- country measure, failure to act or threat thereof encroaches upon an area of the Union’s or Member States’ sovereignty;
Amendment 131 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) whether the third country is acting based on a legitimate concern that is internationally recognisedwell defined and recognised as legitimate by international law and conventions ;
Amendment 134 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission may examine any measure of a third country, failure to act and threat thereof in order to determine whether it meets the conditions set out in Article 2(1). The Commission shall act expeditiously.
Amendment 136 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The Council or the European Parliament may oblige the Commission, with a duly justified complaint, to examine any measure of a third country, failure to act and threat thereof in order to determine whether it meets the conditions set out in Article 2(1). The Commission shall act expeditiously
Amendment 138 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission mayshall carry out the examination referred to in paragraph 1 on its own initiative or following information received from any sourcereliable source, notably a Member State, the European Parliament, economic operators or trade unions. The Commission shall ensure the protection of confidential information in line with Article 12, which may include the identity of the supplier of the information.
Amendment 141 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The Commission mayshall duly and in a timely manner inform the European Parliament and the Council of any development in the examination of third country measures. It shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union or through other suitable public communication means with an invitation to submit information within a specified time limit which shall not exceed 4 months. In that event, the Commission shall notify the third country concerned of the initiation of the examination.
Amendment 149 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Prior to adopting its decision, the Commission may invite the third country concerned to submit its observations within a reasonable and specified time limit that shall not unduly delay the Commission's decision.
Amendment 151 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Where the Commission decides that the measure of the third country concerned meets the conditions set out in Article 2(1), it shall notify the third country concerned of its decision and request it to cease the economic coercion and, where appropriate, repair the injury suffered by the Union or its Member States within a reasonable and specified period of time.
Amendment 157 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
— submitting, in parallel, the matter to international adjudication, without implying any undue delay in the Commission's decision.
Amendment 160 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
The Commission shall seek to obtain the cessation of the economic coercion by also raising, in addition to the Commission's determination of the third country's measures, the matter in any relevant international forum.
Amendment 162 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
The Commission shall keep the European Parliament and the Council fully, regularly and in timely manner informed of relevantall the developments.
Amendment 170 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Commission shall adopt an implementing act determining that it shall taketaking a Union response measure where:
Amendment 172 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) action pursuant to the Articles 4 and 5 has not resulted in the cessation of the economic coercion and reparation of the injury it has caused to the Union or a Member State within athe reasonable period of time set in the decision referred to in Article 4;
Amendment 180 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
In the implementing act, the Commission shall also determine the appropriate Union response from among the measures provided for in Annex I. Such measures may also apply with regard to natural or legal persons designated in accordance with Article 8. The Commission may also adopt measures which it can take pursuant to other legal instruments. , notably the Blocking Statute 1a . _________________ 1a Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996 protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom, OJ L 309,29.11.1996, p. 1–6
Amendment 187 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. The Union response measures shall apply from a specified date after the adoption of the implementing act referred to in paragraph 1. The Commission shall set this date of application, taking into account the circumstances, to allow for the notification of the third country concerned pursuant to paragraph 3 and for it to cease the economic coercion and to repair the injury caused.
Amendment 191 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, upon adoption of the implementing act, notify the third country concerned of the Union response measures adopted pursuant to paragraph 1. In the notification, the Commission shall, on behalf of the Union, call on the third country concerned to promptly cease the economic coercion, offer to negotiate a solution and the reparation of the injury caused by it to the Union and its Member States, and inform the third country concerned that the Union response measure will apply, unless the economic coercion ceases.
Amendment 192 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 4
Article 7 – paragraph 4
4. The implementing act referred to in paragraph 1 shall state that the application of the Union response measures shall be deferred for a period specified in that implementing act, where the Commission has credible information that the third country has ceased the economic coercion before the start of application of the adopted Union response measures. In that event, the Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union indicating that there is such information and the date from which the deferral shall apply. If the third country ceases the economic coercion before the Union response measures start to apply, the Commission shall terminate the Union response measures in accordance with Article 10 making sure that the injury caused by the economic coercion to the Union and its Member States has been repaired.
Amendment 200 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 6
Article 7 – paragraph 6
6. On duly justified imperative grounds of urgency to avoid irreparable damage to the Union, its internal market, or its Member States by the measures of economic coercion the Commission shall adopt immediately applicable implementing acts imposing Union response measures, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 15(3). The requirements set out in paragraphs 2 to 5 shall apply. Those acts shall remain in force for a period not exceeding three months.
Amendment 206 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 7 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 7 – point b
(b) provide as effective or more effective relief to the internal market and the economic operators within the Union affected by the measures of economic coercion, including via internal measures such as an ad hoc compensation fund for those economic operators;
Amendment 217 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the effectiveness of the measures in the reparation of the injury caused to the Union and its Member States;
Amendment 218 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the potential of the measures to provide relief to economic operators within the Union internal market affected by the economic coercion;
Amendment 226 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The Commission may decide to apply Union response measures under Articles 7 or 8 consisting of restrictions on foreign direct investment or on trade in services also with regard to services supplied, or direct investments made, within the Union by one or more legal persons established in the Union and owned or controlled by persons of the third country concerned where necessary to achieve the objectives of this Regulation. The Commission may decide on such application where Union response measures not covering such situations would be insufficient to effectively achieve the objectives of this Regulation, in particular where such measures could be avoided or circumvented. In assessing whether to adopt such a decision the Commission shall consider, in addition to the criteria in paragraphs 1 and 2, amongst other things:
Amendment 228 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council in designing the Union response measures.
Amendment 231 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Where the third country concerned suspends the economic coercion, or and where it is necessary in the Union’s interestthe injury caused to the Union and its Member States has been repaired, the Commission may suspend the application of the respective Union response measure for the duration of the third country’s suspension, or as long as necessary in light ofif it is in the Union’s interest. The Commission shall suspend the Union response measures if the third country concerned has offered, and the Union has concluded, an agreement to submit the matter to binding international third-party adjudication and if the third country is also suspending its measures of economic coercion as well as if the injury caused to the Union and its Member States by the economic coercion has been repaired. The Commission shall, by means of an implementing act, decide to suspend the Union response measure. These implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(2).
Amendment 236 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) where the economic coercion has ceased and the injury caused has been repaired;
Amendment 248 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 11 – paragraph 4 – point d
Amendment 250 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall take utmost account of the information gathered during the information gathering exercise. An analysis of the envisaged measures and their potential impacts shall accompany the draft implementing act when submitted to the committee in the context of the examination procedure referred to in Article 15(2).
Amendment 252 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6
Article 11 – paragraph 6
6. Prior to the adoption of an implementing act in accordance with Article 7(6) or Article 10(5), the Commission shall seek information and views from relevant stakeholders in a targeted manner, unless the, especially the economic operators affected by the economic coercion, unless the exceptional situation of imperative grounds of urgency are such that information seeking and consultations are not possible or not needed for objective reasons, for instance to ensure compliance with international obligations of the Union.
Amendment 263 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 2
Article 16 – paragraph 2
2. No later than three years after the adoption of the first implementing act under this Regulation or six years after the entry into force of this Regulation, whichever is earlier, the Commission shall review this Regulation and its implementation and shall report toentry into force of this Regulation, the Commission shall review this Regulation and its implementation, in ensuring complementarity with the review of the Blocking Statute1a and the review of the Enforcement Regulation1b, and shall report to the European Parliament and the Council, notably in the relevant reporting of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer. _________________ 1a Council Regulation (EC) No 2271/96 of 22 November 1996 protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom, OJ L 309,29.11.1996, p. 1–6 1b Regulation (EU) 2021/167 of the European Parliament and of the Council. of 10 February 2021 amending Regulation (EU) No 654/2014 concerning the exercise of the Union’s rights for the application and enforcement of international trade rules (OJ L 49, 12.2.2021, p. 1.)
Amendment 270 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(ja) the suspension of applicable international obligations with respect to the treatment of goods, as necessary, and the imposition of restrictions on the approval of motor vehicles and equipments and parts thereof under the motor vehicles legislation of the Union;
Amendment 271 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j b (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j b (new)
(jb) the suspension applicable international obligations with respect to the treatment of goods, as necessary, and the imposition of restrictions on the certification of aircrafts, equipments and parts thereof under the aviation legislation of the Union;
Amendment 272 #
2021/0402(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j c (new)
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j c (new)
(jc) the suspension applicable international obligations with respect to the treatment of goods, as necessary, and the imposition of restrictions on the certification of railway vehicles, products and parts thereof under the railway legislation of the Union;
Amendment 116 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The general objectives of the GSP are to support eradication of poverty in all its forms, in line with Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 17.12 and, to promote the sustainable development agenda and to encourage exports diversification from GSP beneficiary countries, while averting harm to EU industry’s interests. The 2018 GSP Mid- term Evaluation and the 2021 supporting Study for the Impact Assessment underpinning this Regulation concluded that the GSP framework under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 has delivered on these main objectives, which were at the core of the 2012 overhaul of Council Regulation (EC) No 732/200815 . _________________ 15 Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008 of 22 July 2008 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences from 1 January 2009 and amending Regulations (EC) No 552/97, (EC) No 1933/2006 and Commission Regulations (EC) No 1100/2006 and (EC) No 964/2007 (OJ L 211, 6.8.2008, p. 1).
Amendment 119 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Those objectives remain relevant in the current global context and they are consistent with the analysis and perspective of the recent Commission Communication Trade Policy Review “An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy”16 (‘TPR’). According to the TPR, the Union has a “strategic interest to support the enhanced integration into the world economy of vulnerable developing countries” and it “must fully use the strength provided by its openness and the attractiveness of its Single Market” to support multilateralism and to ensure adherence to universal values. For GSP specifically, the TPR notes its important role in “promoting respect for core human and labour rights” and sets the objective for the GSP “to further increase trading opportunities for developing countries to reduce poverty and create jobs based on international values and principles”. Together with openness to trade, the scheme should support GSP beneficiary countries to develop a strong industrial base and to create an infrastructure that facilitates access to knowledge and information to foster diversification of trade flows. Moreover, the scheme should assist beneficiaries in recovering from the COVID-19 impact and in re-building their economies in a sustainable manner, including with respect to international human rights, labour, environmental and good governance standards. By prioritising diversification of exports from GSP beneficiary countries, the scheme should focus preferences on less competitive products which should ultimately contribute to sustainable development and poverty eradication. Coherence should be ensured between the GSP and its objectives and the assistance provided to beneficiary countries, in line with Union’s Policy Coherence for Development (PCD), which constitutes a key pillar of Union’s efforts to enhance the positive impact and increase effectiveness of development cooperation17 . _________________ 16 COM(2021) 66 final, 18 February 2021 17 Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU concerning PCD reads: “The Union shall take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries”.
Amendment 124 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6 a) In addition, the TPR notes that it is appropriate for the Union to require that imported products comply with certain production requirements established by Union regulation and standards. Therefore, the scheme should be revised to support this objective and encourage the progressive introduction of reciprocal environmental and health production standards, so-called mirror clauses, for European products and products imported from beneficiary countries under the standard GSP regime and GSP+, where necessary and feasible, to strengthen the protection of health or the environment on the largest possible scale, in compliance with WTO rules.
Amendment 125 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6 b) The Commission should reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the GSP and GSP+ schemes on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones which facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards, which may be part of a future trade agreement that could offer further benefits to parties in commercial terms and not limited to market access for goods.
Amendment 126 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 c (new)
Recital 6 c (new)
(6 c) The Commission, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, should monitor the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under GSP in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products. This monitoring should aim to improve the targeting of sensitive products under the product graduation mechanism, provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences under GSP are withdrawn from competitive products in order to provide further opportunities in the Union market for the exports of countries most in need.
Amendment 127 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 d (new)
Recital 6 d (new)
(6 d) Preferential Trade Agreements by their nature, offer substantially more benefits to parties beyond market access for goods and thus, are significantly more advantageous in commercial terms than unilateral preferences which are limited to goods. Consequently, the scheme's tariff preferences should provide incentives for the swift graduation of beneficiary countries, in accordance with the conditions set in this Regulation, in order to focus on countries most in need and to encourage the conclusion of trade agreements with those most advanced and reaching upper middle-income status.
Amendment 135 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7 a) The Union has set ambitious goals to promote sustainable development in its human, social, economic and environmental dimensions, notably through the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Farm to Fork Strategy, or in the areas of sustainable corporate governance and de- forestation, which will trigger fundamental changes in trade patterns with relevant impacts on the GSP scheme during the next decade. The GSP could play an important role in promoting trade in sustainably-produced goods, as long as it is compatible with WTO rules, and targeted development and technical assistance should be designed and provided in order to ensure that beneficiary countries can also fully take part in sustainable trade.
Amendment 145 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) is based on the integral concept of sustainable development, as recognised by international conventions and instruments such as the 1986 UN Declaration on the Right to Development, the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the 1998 International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the 2000 UN Millennium Declaration, the 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work of 2019, the Outcome Document of the UN Summit on Sustainable Development of 2015 "Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Consequently, the additional tariff preferences provided for under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should be granted to those developing countries which, due to a lack of diversification, are economically vulnerable, have ratified core international conventions on human and labour rights, climate and environmental protection and good governance, and commit to ensuring the effective implementation thereof. The special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should help those countries to assume the additional responsibilities resulting from the ratification and effective implementation of these conventions. The list of conventions relevant for GSP should be updated to better reflect the evolution of core international instruments and standards and take a proactive approach to sustainable development in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 203018 . In this regard, the following conventions are added: the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015) – replacing the Kyoto Protocol; the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OP-CRC-AC); ILO Convention No 81 on Labour Inspection; ILO Convention No 144 on Tripartite Consultation; and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime; the First Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention of 1930; the Occupational Safety and Health convention No 155 and the Promotional Framework for Occupational safety and health convention No 187. Moreover, the additional tariff preferences provided for under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance should be granted to those developing countries which take a clear commitment and adopt a roadmap with concrete steps towards the ratification and effective implementation of the Second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. _________________ 18 United Nations (2015). Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, Transforming our World: the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development (A/RES/70/1), available at: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post 2015/transformingourworld
Amendment 161 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) In July 2020, the Commission appointed the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer with the role of enforcing trade rules. In this connection, in November 2020, the Commission launched a new complaints mechanism, the Single Entry Point (‘SEP’), as part of its increased efforts to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of trade commitments. Through the SEP, the Commission receives complaints on various matters related to trade policy, including breaches of the GSP commitments. The SEP is accessible to citizens, entities, stakeholders or civil society. Such new system of complaints should be integrated within the framework of this Regulation.
Amendment 170 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23 a) Safeguards are essential mechanisms to reduce beneficiary countries’ dependency on a few products, to focus preferences on less competitive products and to stimulate economic growth and SMEs. The scheme should reinforce the Union’s financial and economic interests by providing effective and enforceable safeguards to sensitive products which should at the same time improve the implementation of social and environmental rights in beneficiary countries.
Amendment 172 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) Product graduation should be based on criteria related to sections and chapters of the Common Customs Tariff. Product graduation should apply in respect of a section or sub-section in order to reduce cases where heterogeneous products are graduated. The graduation of a section or a sub-section (made up of chapters) for a beneficiary country should be applied when the section meets the criteria for graduation over three consecutive years, in order to increase predictability and fairness of graduation by eliminating the effect of large and exceptional variations in the import statistics. Product graduation should not apply to the beneficiary countries of the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) and the beneficiary countries of the special arrangement for the least-developed countries (EBA) as they share a very similar economic profile rendering them vulnerable because of a low, non-diversified export base.- To prevent the misuse of this clause and ensure a diversified economy, the Commission reserves the right to withdraw this exception from those GSP+ countries whose economy depends from a limited number of products, that in this case could be subject to product graduation according to the criteria set up under the standard GSP arrangement. The tariff preferences provided for in this Regulation apply to products originating in the beneficiary countries in accordance with the rules of origin laid down in the Union Customs Code and the legal acts adopted in accordance with the powers conferred by that Code, in particular Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/244619 . and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/244720 . Regional cumulation between countries of different regional groups and extended cumulation should be granted provided that the applicant beneficiary country brings sufficient evidence that cumulation responds to its development, financing and trade needs, thus leading, amongst others, to economic growth, elimination of poverty, diversification of exports and industrialisation, and provided that it does not impact negatively on the situation of other countries, especially EBA beneficiary countries. When assessing whether granting cumulation responds to the requesting country’s development, financing and trade needs, the Commission should take into account the beneficiary country’s dependency on the supplying country and future perspectives with regard to the products in question. _________________ 19 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446 of 28 July 2015 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards detailed rules concerning certain provisions of the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 1). 20 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558–893).
Amendment 212 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘complaint’ means a complaint submitted to the Commission through the Single Entry Point relating to conditions and reasons referred to in Articles 9 and 19.
Amendment 225 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a (new)
Article 5 a 1. The Commission shall monitor, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, the development and export potential of Standard GSP beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status and the economic impact of imports in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products. 2. By 1 January 2027, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the aspects referred to in paragraph 1 and provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences are withdrawn from competitive products.
Amendment 237 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, every three years, review the list referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article and adopt an implementing act in the year preceding the review year, in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), in order to suspend or to re-establish the tariff preferences referred to in Article 7. That implementing act shall apply as of 1 January of the year following its entry in force.
Amendment 239 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. The list referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this Article shall be established on the basis of the data available on 1 September of the year in which the review is conducted and of the two years preceding the review year. It shall take into account imports from GSP beneficiary countries listed in Annex I as applicable at that time. However, the value of imports from GSP beneficiary countries, which upon the date of application of the suspension no longer benefit from the tariff preferences under Article 4(1), point (b), shall not be taken into account.
Amendment 241 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. The Commission shall reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the Standard GSP on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones that facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards.
Amendment 244 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) it has taken a clear commitment and has adopted a roadmap with concrete steps in time and in law towards the ratification and effective implementation of the convention as set in Annex VI, subheading 1a, and the Commission has identified, based on available information, in particular the most recent available conclusions of the monitoring body under this convention, a clear commitment and a concrete roadmap to effectively implement this convention;
Amendment 247 #
2021/0297(COD)
(d) it gives a binding undertaking to maintain ratification of the relevant conventions and to ensure the effective implementation thereof, accompanied by a plan of action for the effective implementation of the relevant conventions referred to in Annex VI; the beneficiary country and the Commission shall reach a common understanding on the plan of action, which shall be time-bound and thereafter be made public;
Amendment 251 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the Commission considers, based on examination of the request, including but not limited to the plan of action, that the requesting country fulfils the conditions laid down in Article 9.
Amendment 261 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall monitor, in cooperation with stakeholders and civil society, the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under the GSP+ in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products.
Amendment 272 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) the development and export potential of beneficiary countries that could reach the upper middle-income status in the near future and the economic impact of imports under GSP+ in the Union industry, particularly on competitive products, and provide clear recommendations on actions to improve export diversification and ensure that tariff preferences are withdrawn from competitive products;
Amendment 279 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a (new)
Article 14 a The Commission shall reach a common understanding with beneficiary countries under the GSP+ on a roadmap which includes the progressive fulfilment of time-bound milestones that facilitates and creates the economic, social and environmental conditions and infrastructure for the insertion and application of reciprocal environmental and health production standards.
Amendment 280 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Amendment 282 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
2. The burden of proof for compliance with its obligations resulting from binding undertakings as referred to in Article 9, points (ba), (d), (e) and (f), and its situation as referred to in Article 9, point (c), shall be on the GSP+ beneficiary country.
Amendment 296 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 9
Article 15 – paragraph 9
Amendment 320 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) serious and systematic unfair trading practices including those affecting the supply of raw materials, which have an adverse effect on the Union industry and which have not been addressed by the beneficiary country. For those unfair trading practices, which are prohibited or actionable under the WTO Agreements, the application of this Article shall be based on a previous determination to that effect by the competent WTO body; Commission following a Trade Barrier investigation under Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community's rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization. For the other unfair trading practices, including - but not limited to – breaches of intellectual property rights, trade distorting investment practices, trafficking and smuggling, breaches of competition rules and any other unfair trading practices that may hinder market access and the national treatment principle, the application of this Article shall be based on a previous determination to that effect under the conditions laid down in Paragraph3;
Amendment 334 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 3
Article 19 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission, acting upon a complaint or on its own initiative, considers that there are sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article it shall adopt an implementing act to initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2). The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of the adoption of that implementing act. Sufficient grounds justifying temporary withdrawal of the tariff preferences provided under any preferential arrangement referred to in Article 1(2) on the basis of the reasons referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article are prima facie deemed to exist in case a trade barrier investigation has already been concluded by the Commission in relation to the unfair trading practices at stake.
Amendment 341 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
5. The Commission shall provide the beneficiary country concerned with every opportunity to cooperate during the monitoring and evaluation period of six months from the date of publication of the noticmonitoring and evaluation period will be of six months from the date of publication of the notice. During this period, the Commission shall provide the beneficiary country concerned with every opportunity to start engaging and cooperate any time.
Amendment 346 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 7
Article 19 – paragraph 7
7. Within three months from the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 5, the Commission shall submit a report on its findings and conclusions to the beneficiary country concerned. The beneficiary country has the right to submit its comments on the report. The period for comments shall not exceed one month. This paragraph does not apply in case a trade barrier investigation has already been concluded in relation to the unfair trading practices at stake.
Amendment 348 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 8 – introductory part
8. Within sixtwo months from the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b)5, the Commission shall decide:
Amendment 360 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 16
Article 19 – paragraph 16
16. Where the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence to justify temporary withdrawal for the reason set out in paragraph 1, point (a) and the exceptional gravity of the violations calls for a rapid response in view of the specific circumstances in the beneficiary country, it shall initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with paragraphs (3) to (15). However, the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b)5 is reduced to 2 months and the deadline referred to in paragraph 8 is reduced to 5 months. Where the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence to justify temporary withdrawal for the reason set out in paragraph 1 point (d) and where the Commission already concluded in a trade barrier investigation that unfair trading practices have taken place, it shall initiate the procedure for temporary withdrawal in accordance with paragraphs 3 to 15. However, the period referred to in paragraph 4, point (b) and paragraph 5 is reduced to 21 months and the deadline referred to in paragraph 8 is reduced to 52 months.
Amendment 372 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. “directly competing products” means a product which, after or prior to an industrial transformation, can be compared to another product.
Amendment 375 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. An investigation, including the procedural steps referred to in Articles 25, 26 and 27, shall be concluded within 129 months from its initiation.
Amendment 382 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter VI – Section II – title
Chapter VI – Section II – title
II Safeguards in the Textile, Footwear, Leather, Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors
Amendment 385 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Without prejudice to Section I of this Chapter, on 1 January of each year, the Commission, on its own initiative and in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 39(2), shall adopt an implementing act in order to remove the tariff preferences referred to in Articles 7 and 12 with respect to the products from GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-11b2a or to products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006, 1701, 2207 10 00, 2207 20 00, 2909 19 10, 3814 00 90, 3820 00 00, 38249956, 38249957, 38249992, 38248400, 38248500, 38248600, 38248700, 38248800, 38249993, and 38249996 and 4302- 1980 where imports of such products, originate in a beneficiary country and their total value:
Amendment 392 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 2207 10 00, 2207 20 00, 2909 19 10, 3814 00 90, 3820 00 00, and 38249956, 38249957, 38249992, 38248400, 38248500, 38248600, 38248700, 38248800, 38249993, and 38249996 their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 1 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of the same products from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, columns A and B C, during a calendar year
Amendment 396 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006 and 1701 their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 2 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of the same products from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, column C, during a calendar year;
Amendment 400 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 29 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) for products under GSP sections S- 11a and S-11b8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-12a their total value exceeds the share referred to in point 3 of Annex IV of the value of Union imports of products in GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S-11a, S-11b and S-11b2a from all countries and territories listed in Annex I, columns A and B C, during a calendar year.
Amendment 408 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
2. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to EBA beneficiary countries, nor shall it apply to countries with a share for the relevant products referred to in paragraph 1 not exceeding 6 % of total Union imports of the same products.
Amendment 416 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 1
Article 40 – paragraph 1
By 1 January 2027 and every threewo years thereafter, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a report on the effects of the scheme covering the most recent three- wo-year period and all of the preferential arrangements referred to in Article 1(2).
Amendment 419 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – subheading 1
Annex IV – subheading 1
Modalities for the application of Article 8 and Article 29
Amendment 425 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1
Annex IV – point 1
1. Article 8 and Article 29 shall apply when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of thatose Articles exceeds 470 %.
Amendment 432 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 2
Annex IV – point 2
2. Article 8 shall apply for each of the GSP sections S-2a, S-3 and S-5 of Annex III, when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article exceeds 17,5 0 %. Article 29 shall apply and for products falling under Combined Nomenclature codes 1006 and 1701 when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of that Article exceeds 10%.
Amendment 435 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 3
Annex IV – point 3
3. Article 8 and Article 29 shall apply for each of the GSP sections S-11a8a, S-8b, S- 11a, S-11b and S-11b2a of Annex III, when the percentage share referred to in paragraph 1 of thatose Articles exceeds 370 %.
Amendment 439 #
2021/0297(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex VI – subheading 1 a (new)
Annex VI – subheading 1 a (new)
Convention referred to in Articles 9, point (ba) 1. Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (1989)
Amendment 94 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Porto Declaration of 8 May 2021 reaffirmed the European Council’s pledge to work towards a social Europe ensuring a fair transition, and its determination to continue deepening the concrete implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights at EU and national level, with due regard for respective competences and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
Amendment 132 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The increase in the price for fossil fuels may disproportionally affect vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users who spend a larger part of their incomes on energy and transport, who, in certain regions, including in rural, insular, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or for less developed regions or territories, including the outermost regions and less developed peri-urban areas, do not have access to alternative, affordable mobility and transport solutions and who may lack the financial capacity to invest into the reduction of fossil fuel consumption.
Amendment 163 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Mobility poverty has no clear Union-level or national definitions are available. However, the problem is becoming more pressing to address as a result of the increasing phase-out requirements for combustion engine vehicles, high fuel prices, or high dependencies on transport availability, accessibility and costs to go to work or for daily mobility needs due to living in rural, insular, outermost regions, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri-urban areas.
Amendment 210 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) For that purpose, each Member State should prepare together with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as the social partners, regional and local authorities and submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’). Those Plans should contribute to the implementation of the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring that no one is left behind as well as pursue two objectives. Firstly, they should provide vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users the necessary resources to finance and carry out investments in energy efficiency, decarbonisation of heating and cooling, in zero- and low-emission vehicles and mobility. Secondly, they should mitigate the impact of the increase in the cost of fossil fuels on the most vulnerable and thereby prevent energy and transport poverty during the transition period until such investments have been implemented. The Plans should have an investment component promoting the long-term solution of reduce fossil fuels reliance and could envisage other measures, including temporary direct income support to mitigate adverse income effects in the shorter term.
Amendment 218 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
Amendment 230 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) Member States, in consultation with the stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (CPR) such as social partners, local and regional level authorities, are best placed to design and to implement Plans that are adapted and targeted to their local, regional and national circumstances as their existing policies in the relevant areas and planned use of other relevant EU funds. In that manner, the broad diversity of situations, the specific knowledge of local and regional governments, research and innovation and industrial relations and social dialogue structures, as well as national traditions, can best be respected and contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall support to the vulnerable.
Amendment 259 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) Pending the impact of those investments on reducing costs and emissions, well targeted direct income support for the most vulnerable would help the just transition. Such support should be understood to be a temporary measure accompanying the decarbonisation of the housing and transport sectors. It would not be permanent as it does not address the root causes of energy and transport poverty. Such support should omainly concern direct impacts of the inclusion of building and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, not electricity or heating costs related to the inclusion of power and heat production in the scope of that Directive. Eligibility fSuch direct income support should decrease in time as the investments in energy efficiency, in building renovation and in zero- and low-emission mobility and transport should have paid off. Such direct income support should be limited in timeto 40% of the total estimated costs of the Plans for the period 2024-2027 and should be limited to 30% for the period 2028-2032.
Amendment 278 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Taking into account the importance of tackling climate change in line with Paris Agreement commitments, the commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights and the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the actions under this Regulation should contribute to the achievement of the target that 30% of all expenditure under the 2021- 2027 multiannual financial framework should be spent on mainstreaming climate objectives and should contribute to the ambition of providing 10% of annual spending to biodiversity objectives in 2026 and 2027, while considering the existing overlaps between climate and biodiversity goals. For this purpose, the methodology set out in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council33 should be used to tag the expenditures of the Fund. The Fund should support activities that fully respect the climate and environmental standards and priorities of the Union and comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council34 . Only such measures and investments should be included in the Plans. Direct income support measures should as a rule be considered as having an insignificant foreseeable impact on environmental objectives, and as such be considered compliant with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’. The Commission intends to issue technical guidance to the Member States well ahead of the preparation of the Plans. The guidance will explain how the measures and investments must comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852. The Commission intends to present in 2021 a proposal for a Council Recommendation on how to address the social aspects of the green transition. _________________ 33 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 159). 34 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
Amendment 299 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) Member States should submit their Plans together with the update of their integrated national energy and climate plans in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council35 , after the consultation with stakeholders listed in Article 8.1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional level authorities. The Plans should include the measures to be financed, their estimated costs and the national contribution. They should also include key milestones and targets to assess the effective implementation of the measures. _________________ 35 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1).
Amendment 335 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) The financial envelope of the Fund should, in principle, be commensurate to amounts corresponding to 25% of the expected revenues from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC in the period 2026-2032. Pursuant to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/205341 , Member States should make those revenues available to the Union budget as own resources. Member States are to finance 50% of the total costs of their Plan themselves. For this purpose, as well as for investment and measures to accelerate and alleviate the required transition for citizens negatively affected, Member States should inter alia use their expected revenues from emissions trading for buildings and road transport under Directive 2003/87/EC for that purpose. Moreover, the financial envelope should be reinforced by using additional revenues from a higher carbon price generated by the extension of the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport. In the event of a higher carbon price, additional revenues should automatically finance the Fund. _________________ 41 Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom (OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 342 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) To ensure that financial support provided by the Fund can reach vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises, vulnerable transport users in the initial years of the entry into force of the Fund, Member States, upon a request submitted together with the Social Climate Plan, can receive an amount of up to 13% of their financial allocation in the form of pre-financing within two months after the adoption by the Commission of the legal commitments;
Amendment 363 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) In order to facilitate the preparation of the Social Climate Plan and to ensure transparent rules for monitoring and evaluation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of setting out the template based on which Member States shall prepare their Social Climate Plans and the common indicators for reporting on the progress and for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Plans. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.
Amendment 368 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) The implementation of the Fund should be carried out in line with the principle of sound financial management, including the protection of the Union budget in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law, the effective prevention and prosecution of fraud, tax fraud, tax evasion, corruption and conflicts of interest.
Amendment 395 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
The measures and investments supported by the Fund shall benefit households, micro-enterprises and transport users, which are vulnerable and particularly affected by the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty and citizens without public transport alternative to individual cars (in remote and rural areas)in mobility poverty.
Amendment 413 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 4
Article 1 – paragraph 4
The general objective of the Fund is to contribute to thea socially fair transition towards climate neutrality notably by addressing the social impacts of the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC. The specific objective of the Fund is to support vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users through temporary direct income support and through measures and investments intended to increase energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of heating and cooling of buildings, including the integration of energy from renewable sources, and granting improved access to zero- and low-emission mobility and transport with the objective to gradually phase out fossil fuels dependence.
Amendment 444 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) ‘energy poverty’ means energy povertya household’s lack of access to essential energy services that underpin a decent standard of living and health, including adequate warmth, cooling, lighting, and energy to power appliances, in the relevant national context, existing social policy and other relevant policies as defined in point [(49)] of Article 2 of Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council50 ; _________________ 50 [Directive (EU) [yyyy/nnn] of the of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ C […], […], p. […]).] [Proposal for recast of Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency]
Amendment 447 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
(2a) ‘mobility poverty’ means households that have a disproportionate share of mobility expenditure to their disposable income or a limited availability of affordable public or alternative modes of transport required to meet essential socio-economic needs, with a particular focus on households in rural, insular, outermost regions, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas or less developed regions or territories, including less developed (peri-)urban areas, caused by one or a combination of factors: high fuel prices, the phase-out of internal combustion engine cars, high costs for the replacement of internal combustion engine cars with zero-emission cars, high- costs or lack of availability of adequate, affordable public or alternative modes of transport;
Amendment 468 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 11
(11) ‘vulnerable households’ means households in energy poverty or households, including lower middle- income onehouseholds, that are significantly affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, especially the price impacts of the incluextension of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy;
Amendment 479 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 12
(12) ‘vulnerable micro-enterprises’ means micro-enterprises that are significantly affected by the transition towards climate neutrality, especially the price impacts of the incluextension of buildings into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to buildings and road transport and lack the means to renovate the building they occupy or to purchase zero- and low-emission vehicles;
Amendment 500 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘vulnerable transport users’ means transport users, including from lower middle-income households, that are significantly affected by the price impacts of the inclusion of road transport intotransition towards climate neutrality and at risk of mobility poverty, especially because of the price impacts of the extension of the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC to road transport and lack the means to purchase zero- and low- emission vehicles or to switch to alternative sustainable modes of transport, including public transport, particularly in rural and remote areas and outermost regions.
Amendment 516 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. Each Member State shall prepare, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities and submit to the Commission a Social Climate Plan (‘the Plan’) together with the update to the integrated national energy and climate plan referred to in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in accordance with the procedure and timeline laid down in that Article. The Plan shall contain a coherent set of measures and investments to address the impact of the transition towards climate neutrality, especially energy and mobility poverty including the impact of carbon pricing on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users in order to ensure affordable heating, cooling and mobility while accompanying and accelerating necessary measures to meet the climate targets of the Union.
Amendment 535 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The Plan may include national measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and households that are vulnerable transport users to reduce the impact of the increase in the price of fossil fuels and especially resulting from the inclusion of buildings and road transport into the scope of Directive 2003/87/EC.
Amendment 581 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) detailed quantitative and qualitative information on energy and mobility poverty concerning the following: a mapping of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users identified at the start of the Plan, on the basis of the definition in Article 2;
Amendment 599 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) an estimate of the likely effects of that increase in prices on households, and in particular on incidence of energy poverty and mobility poverty, on micro- enterprises and on transport users, comprising in particular an estimate and the identification of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users; these impacts are to be analysed with a sufficient level of regional disaggregation, taking into account elements such as access to public transport and basic services and identifying the areas mostly affected, particularly territories which are remote such as outermost regions and rural;
Amendment 602 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(ca) indicative national targets and objectives to reduce the number of vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users over the duration of the Plan, including an indicative timetable with intermediary targets and objectives;
Amendment 609 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) where the Plan provides for measures referred to in Article 3(2), the criteria for the identification of eligible final recipients, the indication of the envisaged time limit for the measures in question and their justification on the basis of a quantitative estimate and a qualitative explanation of how the measures in the Plan are expected to reduce energy and transportmobility poverty and the vulnerability of households, micro-enterprises and transport users to an increase of road transport and heating fuel prices;
Amendment 632 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point i
(i) the arrangements for the effective monitoring and implementation of the Plan by the Member State concerned, to be undertaken in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU)2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities, in particular of the proposed milestones and targets, including indicators for the implementation of measures and investments, which, where relevant, shall be those available with the Statistical office of the European Union European Statistical Office and the European Energy Poverty Observatory as identified by Commission Recommendation 2020/156354 on energy poverty; _________________ 54 OJ L 357, 27.10.2020, p. 35.
Amendment 645 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, within three months after the entry into force of this Regulation, a delegated act in accordance with Article 25 to supplement this Regulation in order to set out a template based on which Member States shall prepare their Social Climate Plan.
Amendment 668 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) greenhouse gas emissions reductions and gradually ending the fossil fuel dependence;
Amendment 675 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) reductions in the number of vulnerable households, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, of vulnerable micro-enterprises and of vulnerable transport users, including in rural and remote areas and outermost regions.
Amendment 695 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Fund shall only support micro-enterprises that respect applicable working conditions resulting from relevant national labour law or collective agreements.
Amendment 711 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may include the costs of measures providing temporary direct income support to vulnerable households and vulnerable households that are transport users to absorb the increase in road transport and heating fuel prices. Such support shall decrease over time and be limited to the direct impact of the emission trading for buildings and road transport. Eligibility for such direct income support shall cease within the time limits identified under Article 4(1) point (d). Such direct income support shall be limited to 40% of the total estimated costs of the Plans for the period 2024-2027 and shall be limited to 30% for the period 2028-2032.
Amendment 726 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) support building renovations, especially for those occupying worst- performing buildings, with a special attention to tenants, including in the form of financial support or fiscal incentives such as deductibility of renovation costs from the rent, independently of the ownership of the buildings concerned and support for renovation of social housing;
Amendment 738 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) contribute to the decarbonisation, including the electrification, of heating and cooling of, and cooking in, buildings and the integration of energy from renewable sources that contribute to the achievements of energy savings including subsidies and zero-interest loans to invest in products and services to increase the energy efficiency of buildings and to integrate renewable energy sources in buildings;
Amendment 782 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) support public and private entities in developing and providing affordable zero- and low-emission mobility and transport services and the uptake of attractive active mobility options for rural, insular, mountainous, remote and less accessible areas, including the outermost regions or for less developed regions or territories, including less developed peri- urban areas.
Amendment 819 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Member States may include into the estimated total costs financial support provided to public or private entities, strictly excluding financial intermediaries, other than vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport uses, if those entities carry out measures and investments ultimately benefitting vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users. Such entities shall comply with the requirements on visibility set out in Article 22a.
Amendment 845 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2
Article 9 – paragraph 2
2. The financial envelope for the implementation of the Fund for the period 2028-2032 shall be EUR 48 500 000 000 in current prices, subject to the availability of the amounts under the annual ceilings of the applicable multiannual financial framework referred to in Article 312 TFEU.
Amendment 851 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Each year, the programmed baseline allocation in the EU budget should be reinforced in case there is any increase of the carbon price, as this raise would create additional burden on the vulnerable households and microenterprises as well as vulnerable transport users. Such annual reinforcements should correspond to the carbon price increase and be accommodated within the MFF by means of an automatic ‘upward adjustment’ of the ceiling of Heading 3 and the payment ceiling, the mechanism for which is to be provided for in the MFF regulation according to Article 312 TFEU.
Amendment 886 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. Support under the Fund shall be additional to the support provided under other Union and national funds, programmes and instruments. Measures and investments supported under the Fund may receive support from other Union funds, programmes and instruments provided that such support does not cover the same cost.
Amendment 898 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Amendment 930 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point i
(i) whether the Plan represents a response to the social impact on and challenges faced by vulnerable households, vulnerable micro-enterprises and vulnerable transport users in the Member State concerned from establishthe transition towards climate neutrality, especially from extending the emission trading system forto buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, duly taking into account the challenges identified in the assessments of the Commission of the update of the concerned Member State’s integrated national energy and climate plan and of its progress pursuant to Article 9(3), and Articles 13 and 29 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, as well as in the Commission recommendations to Member States issued pursuant to Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 in view of the long-term objective of climate neutrality in the Union by 2050. This shall take into account the specific challenges and the financial allocation of the Member State concerned;
Amendment 940 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii a (new)
(iia) whether the Plan is expected to ensure that no measure or investment included in the Plan does benefit micro- enterprises that do not respect applicable working conditions resulting from relevant national labour law and collective agreements;
Amendment 952 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) whether the Plan is expected to have a lasting impact on the on the EU’s 2030 target, on climate neutrality and on the challenges addressed by that Plan and in particular on vulnerable households, vulnerable micro- enterprises and vulnerable transport users, especially households in energy poverty and mobility poverty, in the Member State concerned;
Amendment 978 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. On the basis of the assessment in accordance with Article 15, the Commission shall decide on the Plan of a Member State, by means of an implementing act, within sixthree months from the date of the submission of that Plan pursuant to Article 3(1) of this Regulation.
Amendment 980 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) the Union financial allocation allocated in accordance with Articles 13 and 13a of this Regulation to be paid in pre-financing and instalments once the Member State has satisfactorily fulfilled the relevant milestones and targets identified in relation to the implementation of the Plan, which shall be subject, for the period 2028-2032, to the availability of the amounts referred to in Article 9(2) of this Regulation under the annual ceilings of the multiannual financial framework referred to in Article 312 TFEU;
Amendment 992 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Where a Social Climate Plan, including relevant milestones and targets, is no longer achievable, either in whole or in part, by the Member State concerned because of objective circumstances, in particular because of the actual direct effects of the emission trading system for buildings and road transport established pursuant to Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC, the Member State concerned may, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities, submit to the Commission an amendment of its Plan to include the necessary and duly justified changes. Member States may request technical support for the preparation of such request.
Amendment 1009 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. After the Commission has adopted a decision as referred to in Article 16, it shall in due time conclude an agreement with the Member State concerned constituting an individual legal commitment within the meaning of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 covering the period 20254-2027. That agreement may be concluded at the earliest one year before the year of the start of the auctions under Chapter IVa of Directive 2003/87/EC.
Amendment 1028 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. In implementing the Fund, the Member States, as beneficiaries of funds under the Fund, shall take all the appropriate measures to protect the financial interests of the Union and to ensure that the use of funds in relation to measures and investments supported by the Fund complies with the applicable Union and national law, in particular regarding the protection of the Union budget in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law, the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption and conflicts of interests. To this effect, the Member States shall provide an effective and efficient internal control system as further detailed in Annex III and the recovery of amounts wrongly paid or incorrectly used. Member States may rely on their regular national budget management systems.
Amendment 1030 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 20 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In implementing the Fund, the Commission shall take all the appropriate measures in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 to ensure the protection of funds in relation to measures and investments supported by the Fund in the case of breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the Member States. The Commission shall provide, to that effect, an effective and efficient internal control system and the recovery of amounts wrongly paid or incorrectly used.
Amendment 1047 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Article 22 – paragraph 2
Amendment 1051 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a (new)
Article 22 a Visibility of Union funding 1. Each Member State and each intermediary entities benefiting from support under Article 8 shall ensure: (a) the visibility for final beneficiaries of Union support in all activities relating to operations supported by the Fund including by displaying the emblem of the Union and an appropriate funding statement that reads “funded by the European Union - Social Climate Fund” on documents and communication material; (b) communication to Union citizens of the role and achievements of the Fund through a single EU website portal in all official Member States languages, providing access to all programmes involving that Member State; (c) a short description of the operation, proportionate to the level of support, including its aims and results, and highlighting the financial support from the Union to be provided on their official website and social media sites, where such sites exist; (c) the display for operations involving physical investment or equipment durable plaques or billboards clearly visible to the final beneficiaries and the public, that present the emblem of the Union, as soon as the physical implementation of operations involving physical investment starts or purchased equipment is installed; (d) communication for operations involving financial instruments, including for temporary direct income support in accordance with Article 6(1), the amount of support from the Fund to the final recipients.
Amendment 1054 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Each Member State concerned shall, on a biennial basis, and in consultation with the relevant stakeholders listed in Article 8, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 such as social partners, local and regional authorities, report to the Commission on the implementation of its Plan as part of its integrated national energy and climate progress report pursuant to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and in accordance with Article 28 thereof. The Member States concerned shall include in their progress report:
Amendment 1058 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) detailed quantitative information on the number of households in energand micro- enterprises in energy poverty and mobility poverty;
Amendment 1063 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) when applicable, detailed information on progress towards the national indicative targets and objectives to reduce the number of households in energand micro-enterprises in energy poverty and mobility poverty;
Amendment 1088 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1
Article 24 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 July 20287, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions with an evaluation report on the implementation and functioning of the Fund.
Amendment 1103 #
2021/0206(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 – paragraph 2
Article 25 – paragraph 2
2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 4(2a) and 23(4) shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time.
Amendment 61 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) It is therefore necessary to complement existing Union instruments with a new tool to effectively deal with distortions in the internal market caused by foreign subsidies and ensure a level playing field. In particular, the new tool complements Union State aid rules which deal with distortions in the internal market caused by Member State subsidies. In parallel, the Union should promote effective rules on subsidies at multilateral level.
Amendment 63 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Rules and procedures to investigate foreign subsidies that actually or potentially distort the internal market should be laid down and, where relevant, those distortions should be redressed. Foreign subsidies could distort the internal market if the undertaking benefitting from the foreign subsidy engages in an economic activity in the Union. The proper application and enforcement of this Regulation will contribute to the resilience of the internal market against distortions caused by external economic actors. This Regulation should therefore establish rules for all undertakings engaging in an economic activity in the Union. Given the significance of the economic activities pursued by SMEs, and their contribution to the fulfilment of the Union’s key policy goals, special attention is given to the impact of this Regulation on them.
Amendment 71 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) There should be a financial contribution provided, directly or indirectly, by the public authorities of a third country. The financial contribution may be granted through public or private entities. Whether a public entity provides a financial contribution should be determined on a case-by-case basis with due regard to elements such as the characteristics of the relevant entity and the legal and economic environment prevailing in the third country in which the entity operates including the government’s role in the economy of that third country. Financial contributions may also be granted through a private entity if its actions can be attributed to the third country. A financial contribution includes the privileged access to the domestic market that an undertaking has, for instance due to special or exclusive rights that were granted to an undertaking without receiving adequate remuneration in conformity with market rates. Such a privileged access could lead to an unfair competitive advantage and create distortions in the internal market.
Amendment 81 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Such aA financial contribution should confer a benefit to an undertaking engaging in an economic activity in the internal market. A financial contribution that benefits an entity engaging in non- economic activities does not constitute a foreign subsidy. The existence of a benefit should be determined on the basis of comparative benchmarks, such as the investment practice of private investors, rates for financing obtainable on the market, a comparable tax treatment, or the adequate remuneration for a given good or service.. If no directly comparable benchmarks are available, existing benchmarks could be adjusted or alternative benchmarks could be established based on generally accepted assessment methods.
Amendment 86 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) When applying these indicators, the Commission could take into account different elements such as the size of the subsidy in absolute terms or in relation to the size of the market or to the value of the investment. For instance, a concentration, in the context of which a foreign subsidy covers a substantial part of the purchase price of the target, is likely to be distortive. Similarly, foreign subsidies covering a substantial part of the estimated value of a contract to be awarded in a public procurement procedure are likely to cause distortions. If a foreign subsidy is granted for operating costs, it seems more likely to cause distortions than if it is granted for investment costs. Foreign subsidies to small and medium-sized undertakings may be considered less likely to cause distortions than foreign subsidies to large undertakings. Furthermore, the characteristics of the market, and in particular the competitive conditions on the market, such as barriers to entry, should be taken into account. Foreign subsidies leading to overcapacity by sustaining uneconomic assets or by encouraging investment in capacity expansions that would otherwise not have been built are likely to cause distortions. A foreign subsidy to a beneficiary that shows a low degree of activity in the internal market, measured for instance in terms of turnover achieved in the Union, is less likely to cause distortions than a foreign subsidy to a beneficiary that has a more significant level of activity in the internal market. Finally, foreign subsidies not exceeding EUR 5 million200.000 should be deemed, as a general rule, unlikely to distort the internal market within the meaning of this Regulation if the undertaking is established in the internal market, and EUR 5 million if the undertaking is established in a third country. The Commission should make available guidelines to clarify the assessment of the distortive nature of a foreign subsidy and provide legal certainty to undertakings.
Amendment 91 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The Commission should take into account the positive effects of the foreign subsidy on the development of the relevant subsidised economic activity. The Commission should weigh these positive effects against the negative effects of a foreign subsidy in terms of distortion on the internal market in order to determine, if applicable, the appropriate redressive measure or accept commitments. The positive effects of the foreign subsidy should effectively contribute to achieving the objectives of Union policies. The balancing may also lead to the conclusion that no redressive measures should be imposed. Categories of foreign subsidies that are deemed most likely to distort the internal market are less likely to have more positive than negative effects. The Commission should make available guidelines to clarify the criteria used for the application of the balancing test, including the positive effects in relation to the objectives of Union policies.
Amendment 97 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The undertaking concerned could offer to repay the subsidy, together with appropriate interest. The Commission shcould accept a repayment offered as a commitment if it can ascertain that the repayment fully remedies the distortion, is executed in a transparent manner and is effective in practice, while taking into account the risk of circumvention of the objectives of this Regulation.
Amendment 107 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21 a) A contact point should be established by the Commission so that Member States or interested parties such as undertakings or trade associations can share information regarding actual or potential cases of distortion on the internal market with the Commission. The Commission can use this information for the relevant procedures under this Regulation, including the ex officio review.
Amendment 110 #
2021/0114(COD)
(22) The Commission should be given adequate investigative powers to gather all necessary information. It should therefore have the power to request information from any undertaking or association of undertakings throughout the whole procedure. The Commission should be able to use information from any available source, including from Member States and interested parties such as undertakings and trade associations. In addition, the Commission should have the power to impose fines and periodic penalty payments for failure to timely supply the requested information or for supplying incomplete, incorrect or misleading information. The Commission could also address questions to Member States or to third countries. Furthermore, the Commission should have the power to make fact-finding visits at the Union premises of the undertaking, or, subject to agreement by the undertaking and the third country concerned, at the premises of the undertaking in the third country. The Commission should also have the power to take decisions on the basis of facts available if the undertaking in question does not cooperate.
Amendment 115 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) The Commission should have appropriate instruments to ensure the effectiveness of commitments and redressive measures. If the undertaking concerned does not comply with a decision with commitments, a decision imposing redressive measures, or a decision ordering interim measures, the Commission should have the power to impose fines and periodic penalty payments. The Commission shall take into account cases of repeated non-compliance when imposing such fines and periodic penalty payments.
Amendment 120 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) It is necessary to strike a balance between effective protection of the internal market and the need to limit the administrative burden on undertakings subject to this Regulation. Therefore, only concentrations meeting combined thresholds as defined in this Regulation based on the size of the turnover in the Union and the size of the subsidy should be subject to mandatory prior notification. The effectiveness of the threshold for the notification obligation for concentrations should be reviewed one year after the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 122 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) Below the notification thresholds, the Commission cshould require the notification of potentially subsidised concentrations that were not yet implemented or the notification of potentially subsidised bids prior to the award of a public contract, if it considers that the concentration or the bid would merit ex-ante review given their impact in the Union. The Commission should also have the possibility to carry out a review on its own initiative of already implemented concentrations or awarded public contracts.
Amendment 129 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) When reviewing a concentration, the assessment of whether there is a distortion in the internal market should be limited to the concentration at stake, and only foreign subsidies granted in the three years prior to the concentration or known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the concentration should be considered in the assessment.
Amendment 135 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 34
Recital 34
(34) When a foreign financial contribution is notified in the context of a public procurement procedure, the assessment should be limited to that procedure. The assessment shall include foreign financial contributions in the three years prior to the notification and known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the procurement procedure.
Amendment 141 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36 a (new)
Recital 36 a (new)
(36 a) The effectiveness of the threshold for the notification obligation for procurement should be reviewed one year after the entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 145 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 a (new)
Recital 37 a (new)
(37 a) Whereas this Regulation should cover all economic sectors of the internal market, the ex officio review could in particular take into account sectors that are of strategic interest to the Union, such as sectors related to national security or public order.
Amendment 146 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37 b (new)
Recital 37 b (new)
(37 b) The Commission should be able to use information obtained from the market investigation for the relevant procedures under this Regulation, including the ex officio review.
Amendment 156 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) In order to ensure a level playing field on the internal market also in the long term, with a view to ensuring adequate coverage of cases investigated both through notifications as well as ex officio, the Commission should review the functioning and effectiveness of this Regulation at the latest three years after its entry into force. The Commission should present its findings in a report to the European Parliament and the Council. The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amending the notification thresholds for concentrations and for public procurement procedures, including the use of different thresholds for certain sectors, exempting certain categories of undertakings from the notification obligations under this Regulation, as well as amending the time limits for the preliminary review and the in-depth investigations of notified concentrations or notified financial contributions in the context of a public procurement procedure. In relation to financial contributions in the context of a public procurement procedure, the power to adopt such acts should be exercised in a way thatSuch acts should takes into account the interests of SMEs. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during the preparations of those acts, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making47 . In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council should receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically should have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. _________________ 47 Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making (OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 171 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – introductory part
(a) a financial contribution shall include, inter alia:
Amendment 176 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) the foregoing of revenue that is otherwise due; or such as granting special or exclusive rights without adequate remuneration or tax exemptions;
Amendment 178 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
(iii) the provision of goods or services or the purchase of goods andor services;
Amendment 197 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
(1) A distortion on the internal market shall be deemed to exist where a foreign subsidy is liable to improve the competitive position of the undertaking concerned in the internal market and where, in doing so, it actually or potentially negatively affects competition on the internal market. Whether there is a distortion on the internal market shall be determined on the basis of indicators, which may include, inter alia, the following:
Amendment 201 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) the level of economic activity of the undertaking concerned on the internal market, including of any subsidiaries of that undertaking on the internal market;
Amendment 203 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) the level of economic activity of that undertaking on its domestic market;
Amendment 207 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
(2) A foreign subsidy is unlikely to distort the internal market if its total amount is below EUR 5 million200.000 over any consecutive period of three fiscal years, and that undertaking is established in the internal market.
Amendment 214 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(2 a) A foreign subsidy is unlikely to distort the internal market if its total amount is below EUR 5 million over any consecutive period of three fiscal years, and that undertaking is established in a third country.
Amendment 217 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 b (new)
(2 b) The Commission shall make available guidelines on the application of this Article.
Amendment 222 #
2021/0114(COD)
(4 a) a foreign subsidy compensating for the operating costs of an undertaking, enabling that undertaking to offset its operating losses and provide goods and services at price levels that are not economically justifiable.
Amendment 227 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
the transfer of a foreign subsidy to a subsidiary of the undertaking established in the internal market;
Amendment 235 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
(1) The Commission shall, where warranted, balance the negative effects of a foreign subsidy in terms of distortion on the internal market with positive effects on the development of the relevant economic activity. The positive effects shall contribute to the achievement of the objectives of Union policies.
Amendment 245 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(2 a) The Commission shall make available guidelines on the criteria that are used for the balancing between the negative and the positive effects of a foreign subsidy.
Amendment 257 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
(3) Commitments or redressive measures may consist, inter alia, of the following:
Amendment 259 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) offering access under fair and non- discriminatory conditions to an infrastructure or facility that was acquired or supported by the distortive foreign subsidies unless such fair and non- discriminatory access is already provided for by legislation in force in the Union;
Amendment 263 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point h a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point h a (new)
(h a) exclusion from future procurement procedures;
Amendment 266 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Article 6 – paragraph 5
(5) If an undertaking offers commitments which fully and effectively remedy the distortion on the internal market, the Commission may accept them and make themthe Commission shall in that case make those commitments binding on the undertaking in a decision with commitments according to Article 9(3).
Amendment 272 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
(6) Where the undertaking concerned proposes to repay the foreign subsidy including an appropriate interest rate, the Commission shallcould accept such repayment as commitment if it can ascertain that the repayment is transparent and effectively remedies the distortion, while taking into account the risk of circumvention.
Amendment 284 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
The Commission may on its own initiative examine information from any source regarding alleged distortive foreign subsidies, including from Member States and interested parties such as undertakings and trade associations.
Amendment 331 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 5 a (new)
(5 a) The Commission shall establish a contact point where Member States and interested parties such as undertakings and trade associations can share information with regard to actual or potential distortions of the internal market.
Amendment 345 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
In order to carry out the duties assigned to it by this Regulation, the Commission may conduct inspections in the territory of a third country, provided that the undertaking concerned has given its consent and the government of the third country has been officially notified and has agreed to the inspection. Article 12(1), (2), and (3) points (a) and (b) shall apply by analogy.
Amendment 357 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
(2) Fines imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed 1 5% of the aggregate turnover of the undertaking or association of undertakings concerned in the preceding business year.
Amendment 359 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3
Article 15 – paragraph 3
(3) Periodic penalty payments imposed in the cases referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed 510% of the average daily aggregate turnover of the undertaking or association of undertakings concerned in the preceding business year for each working day of delay, calculated from the date established in the decision, until it submits complete and correct information as requested by the Commission.
Amendment 361 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) periodic penalty payments not exceeding 510% of the average daily aggregate turnover of the undertaking concerned in the preceding business year for each day of non-compliance, starting from the day of the Commission decision imposing such penalty payments, until the Commission finds that the undertaking concerned complies with the decision.
Amendment 367 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
In a concentration, the assessment whether there is a distortion on the internal market within the meaning of Articles 3 or 4 shall be limited to the concentration at stake. Only foreign subsidies granted in the three calendar years prior to the conclusion of the agreement, the announcement of the public bid, or the acquisition of a controlling interest, or known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the concentration, shall be considered in the assessment.
Amendment 388 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 4
Article 19 – paragraph 4
(4) If the undertakings concerned fail to meet their obligation to notify, the Commission mayshall review a notifiable concentration in accordance with this Regulation by requesting the notification of that concentration. In that case the Commission shall not be bound by the time limits referred to in Article 23(1) and (4).
Amendment 394 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 5
Article 19 – paragraph 5
(5) The Commission may request the prior notification of any concentration which is not a notifiable concentration within the meaning of Article 18 at any time prior to its implementation where the Commission suspects that the undertakings concerned may have benefitted from foreign subsidies in the three years prior to the concentration or may benefit from known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the concentration. That concentration shall be deemed to be a notifiable concentration for the purposes of this Regulation.
Amendment 416 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Article 26 – paragraph 1
Foreign subsidies that cause or risk causing a distortion in a public procurement procedure shall be understood as foreign subsidies that enable an undertaking to submit a tender that is unduly advantageous in relation to the works, supplies or services concerned. The assessment of whether there is a distortion on the internal market pursuant to Article 3 and whether a tender is unduly advantageous in relation to the works, supplies or services concerned shall be limited to the public procurement procedure at stake. Only foreign subsidies granted during the three years prior to the notification or known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the procurement procedure shall be taken into account in the assessment.
Amendment 422 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2
Article 27 – paragraph 2
(2) For the purpose of Article 28, a notifiable foreign financial contribution in an EU public procurement procedure shall be deemed to arise where the estimated value of that public procurement is equal or greater than EUR 250 million150 million for goods and services and EUR 250 million for public works.
Amendment 435 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 2
Article 28 – paragraph 2
(2) The obligation to notify foreign financial contributions under this paragraph shall extend to economic operators, groups of economic operators referred to in Article 26(2) of Directive 2014/23/EU, Article 19(2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and Article 37(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU, main subcontractors and main suppliers. A subcontractor or supplier shall be deemed to be main where their participation ensures key elements of the contract performance and in any case where the economic share of their contribution exceeds 3015% of the estimated value of the contract.
Amendment 444 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 6
Article 28 – paragraph 6
(6) Where the Commission suspects that an undertaking may have benefitted from foreign subsidies in the three years prior to the submission of the tender or request to participate in the public procurement procedure or may benefit from known subsidies that have already been established and shall become effective following the procurement procedure, it may request the notification of the foreign financial contributions received by that undertaking in any public procurement procedure which are not notifiable under Article 27(2) or fall within the scope of paragraph 5 of this Article, at any time before the award of the contract. Once the Commission has requested the notification of such a financial contribution, it is deemed to be a notifiable foreign financial contribution in a public procurement procedure.
Amendment 452 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 2
Article 29 – paragraph 2
(2) The Commission shall carry out a preliminary review no later than 630 days after it received the notification.
Amendment 458 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 4
Article 29 – paragraph 4
(4) The Commission may adopt a decision closing the in-depth investigation no later than 2100 days after it received the notification. In exceptional circumstances, this time limit may be extended after consultation with the concerned contracting authority or contracting entity.
Amendment 490 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34 – paragraph 3
Article 34 – paragraph 3
(3) The Commission may use the information obtained from such market investigations in the framework of procedures under this Regulation, including the ex officio review.
Amendment 503 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 40 – paragraph 7
Article 40 – paragraph 7
(7) An investigation pursuant to this Regulation shall not be carried out and measures shall not be imposed or maintained where such investigation or measures would be contrary to the Union’s obligations emanating from any relevant international agreement it has entered into. In particular, no action shall be taken under this Regulation which would amount to a specific action against a subsidy within the meaning of Article 32.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures except where the country granting the subsidy is not a WTO member or where the Commission has well-founded indications that the country granting the subsidy is in substantial non-compliance with notification obligations under the Agreement or under other international agreements. Provided that, regardless of the sector involved, actions may always be taken under this Regulation in relation to foreign subsidies which cause distortions on the internal market in public procurement procedures or in relation to concentrations. This Regulation shall not prevent the Union from exercising its rights or fulfilling its obligations under international agreements.
Amendment 520 #
2021/0114(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 1
Article 46 – paragraph 1
Within fivthree years after the entry into force of this Regulation at the latest, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Regulation, accompanied, where the Commission considers it appropriate, by relevant legislative proposals. The relevant thresholds for the concentration and procurement procedures shall also be subject to a review one year after entry into force of this Regulation.
Amendment 79 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Account should be taken of the specific situation of undertakings which, although not having any legal establishment in the Union, regularly carry out a significant economic activity in it. Such undertakings should be subject to the same obligations as those established in the territory of the Union.
Amendment 84 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Certain sectors of economic activity are recognised as posing particularly significant sustainability risks. In order to ensure that this Directive can also apply to such high-risk sectors of economic activity they should be defined and the power to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union in respect of establishing a list of high-risk sectors of economic activity should be delegated to the Commission. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making1a. In particular, to ensure their equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, Parliament and the Council should receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts should systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. Medium- sized undertakings carrying out a high- risk economic activity should also be subject to sustainability reporting obligations. _________________ 1a OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.
Amendment 109 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43
Recital 43
(43) Sustainability reporting standards should specify the information that undertakings should disclose on social factors, including employee factors andworkers' social and labour rights, equality, diversity and inclusion as well as human rights. Such information should cover the impacts of undertakings on its workers, people, including on human health. The information that undertakings disclose about human rights should include information about forced labour in their value chains where relevant. Reporting standards that address social factors should specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights that are relevant to businesses, including equal opportunities for all and fair working conditions. The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan adopted in March 2021 calls for stronger requirements on undertakings to report on social issues. The reporting standards should also specify the information that undertakings should disclose with regard to the human rights, fundamental freedoms, democratic principles and standards established in the International Bill of Human Rights and other core UN human rights conventions, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organisation, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 124 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 71
Recital 71
(71) Member States are invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on SMEs in order to ensure that they are not disproportionately affected, giving specific attention to micro-enterprises and to the administrative burden, and to publish the results of such assessments. Member States should consider introducinge measures to support SMEundertakings in applying the voluntary simplified reporting standards.
Amendment 126 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The coordination measures prescribed by Articles 19a, 19d, 29a, 30 and 33, Article 34(1), second subparagraph, point (aa), paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 34, and Article 51 of this Directive shall also apply to the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the following undertakings, provided that they meet the criteria laid down in Article 19a(1), regardless of their legal form:
Amendment 129 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 2 – point 20 a (new)
Article 2 – point 20 a (new)
(20a) ‘High-risk economic activity sector’ means economic activities likely to have serious negative impacts on sustainability matters
Amendment 130 #
2021/0104(COD)
1. Large undertakings and, as of 1 January 2026, small and medium-sized undertakings which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a undertakings referred to in Article 3(7) which are governed by the law of a third country and are not established in the territory of the Union when they operate in the internal market selling goods or providing services under the arrangements set out in Article 19b(1), and, as of 1 January 2026, small and medium-sized undertakings which are undertakings referred to in Article 2, point (1), point (a), and medium-sized undertakings referred to in Article 3(3) which operate in one or more of the high- risk economic activities referred to in Article 19a(8), shall include in the management report information necessary to understand the undertaking’s impacts on sustainability matters, and information necessary to understand how sustainability matters affect the undertaking’s development, performance and position.
Amendment 136 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19a – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19a – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In accordance with the EU labour law acquis and national law and practice, the central management shall consult with the trade unions and/or workers' representatives at the beginning of the reporting period on the reporting system and in the identification of risks and impacts of the undertaking on the environment and people. Trade unions and workers' representatives shall be provided with the adequate resources to ensure the effective exercise of the rights arising from this Directive. Member States shall ensure that workers' rights to information and consultation are respected in relation to sustainability reporting and are exercised in accordance with EU law and national law and practice.
Amendment 186 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19 a – paragraph 7 a (new)
Article 19 a – paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 49 to establish and amend the list of high-risk sectors of economic activity set out in Article 2, point (20a). That list shall take into account the work of the Platform on Sustainable Finance established in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, including for mining, extractive industries, agriculture, clothing and footwear, finance and international shipping. The list of sectors taken into account in this definition shall take account of correspondence with the NACE classification1a. _________________ 1a Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Union, NACE Rev. 2.
Amendment 188 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point i
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) complementary information that undertakings shall report with regard to the sustainability matters and reporting areas listed in Article 19a(2), where necessarywhether this information should relate to the company's direct operations and activities or those of its value and supply chain and reporting areas listed in Article 19a(2), where necessary. The level of detail regarding impacts within the value chain should be specified and may differ between economic activities. The reporting obligations within the value and supply chain should therefore be adapted to each economic activity and based on a risk analysis of potential impacts. The Commission's delegated acts should provide the criteria for establishing this risk analysis ;
Amendment 189 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
Article 19b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii a (new)
(iia) the criteria and implementing rules for sustainability reporting for medium-sized undertakings referred to in Article 19a(1);
Amendment 191 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii b (new)
Article 19 b – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b – point ii b (new)
(iib) the criteria and implementing rules for sustainability reporting for undertakings referred to in Article 3(7), which are governed by the law of a third country and are not established in the territory of the Union when they operate in the internal market selling goods or providing services.
Amendment 198 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point i
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point i
(i) equal treatment and opportunities for all, including gender equality and equal pay for equal work, training and skills developmentwork of equal value, diversity, pay transparency, measures against violence and harassment, training and skills development, in particular the rate of workers participating in training, and employment and inclusion of people with disabilities, in particular the rate of disabled workers;
Amendment 207 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point ii
Article 19b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b – point ii
(ii) working conditions, including secure and adaptable employment, wages, social dialogue, collective bargaining and the involvementemployment, adequacy of wages in allowing workers a decent standard of living, social dialogue, freedom of association, collective bargaining and the information, consultation and participation rights of workers, work-life balance, and a healthy, and safe and well- adapted work envirty, the rate of workers who have been injured at work, and just transition ment; asures adopted through social dialogue;
Amendment 248 #
2021/0104(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a – point ii
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 – point a – point ii
Directive 2013/34/EU
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point aa
Article 34 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point aa
(aa) where applicable, express an opinion based on a limited assurance engagement as regards the compliance of the sustainability reporting with the requirements and scope of this Directive, including the compliance of the sustainability reporting with the reporting standards adopted pursuant to Article 19b, the process carried out by the undertaking to identify the information reported pursuant to those reporting standards, and the compliance with the requirement to mark- up sustainability reporting in accordance with Article 19d, and as regards the compliance with the reporting requirements of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852.;
Amendment 211 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The gender pay gap is caused by various factors, part of which can be attributed to direct and indirect gender pay discrimination. A general lack of transparency about pay levels within organisations maintains a situation where gender-based pay discrimination and bias can go undetected or, where suspected, are difficult to prove. Binding measures are therefore needed to improve pay transparency, encourage organisations to review their pay structures to ensure equal pay for women and men doing the same work or work of equal value, foster the adoption of remedial measures on the ground where unjustified differences are identified and enable victims of discrimination to enforce their right to equal pay. This needs to be complemented by provisions clarifying existing legal concepts (such as the concept of ‘pay’ and ‘work of equal value’) and measures improving enforcement mechanisms and access to justice.
Amendment 215 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The application of the principle of equal pay between men and women should be enhanced by eliminating direct and indirect pay discrimination through transparency and remedial measures. This does not preclude employers to pay differently workers doing the same work or work of equal value on the basis of objective, gender-neutral and bias-free criteria such as performance and competence.
Amendment 255 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to respect the right to equal pay between men and women, employers must have pay setting mechanisms or pay structures in place ensuring that there are no pay differences between male and female workers doing the same work or work of equal value that are not justified by objective and gender-neutral factors. Such pay structures should allow for the comparison of the value of different jobs within the same organisational structure. In line with the case law of the Court, the value of work should be assessed and compared based on objective criteria, such as educational, professional and training requirements, skills, effort and responsibility, work undertaken and the nature of the tasks involved.49 _________________ 49 For example, Case C-400/93, Royal Copenhagen, ECLI:EU:C:1995:155; Case C-309/97, Angestelltenbetriebsrat der Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse, ECLI:EU:C:1999:241; Case C-381/99, Brunnhofer, ECLI:EU:C:2001:358; Case C-427/11, Margaret Kenny and Others v Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Others [2013] ECLI:EU:C:2013:122, paragraph 28.
Amendment 263 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The identification of a valid comparator is an important parameter in determining whether work may be considered of equal value. It enables the worker to show that they were treated less favourably than the comparator of a different sex performing equal work or work of equal value. In situations where no real-life comparator exists, the use of a hypothetical comparator should be allowed, allowing a worker to show that they have not been treated in the same way as a hypothetical comparator of another sex would have been treated. This would lift an important obstacle for potential victims of gender pay discrimination, especially in highly gender-segregated employment markets where a requirement of finding a comparator of the opposite sex makes it almost impossible to bring an equal pay claim. In addition, workers should not be prevented from using other facts from which an alleged discrimination can be presumed, such as a reference to an existing classification based on social partners’ collective agreements at branch or at sector level, statistics or other available information. This would allow gender-based pay inequalities to be more effectively addressed in gender-segregated sectors and professions.
Amendment 290 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 20
Recital 20
(20) The lack of information on the envisaged pay range of a job position creates an information asymmetry which limits the bargaining power of applicants. Ensuring transparency should enable prospective workers to make an informed decision about the expected salary without limiting in any way the employer’s or worker’s bargaining power to negotiate a salary even outside the indicated range. It would also ensure an explicit and non- gender biased basis for pay setting and would disrupt the undervaluation of pay compared to skills and experience. This transparency measure would also address intersectional discrimination where non- transparent pay settings allow for discriminatory practices on several discrimination grounds. The information toshould be provided to applicants prior to employment, if not published in a job vacancy notice, could be provided to the applicant prior to the job interviewwho enter the final stage of recruitment prior to employment by the employer or in a different manner, for instance by the social partners.
Amendment 316 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) AllWorkers whose employer employs at least 50 workers should have the right to obtain information, upon their request, on their pay and on the pay level, broken down by sex, for the category of workers doing the same work or work of equal value provided that this information has not already been communicated to the workers' representatives. Employers must inform workers of this right on an annual basis. Employers may also, on their own initiative, opt for providing such information without workers needing to request it.
Amendment 331 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Employers with at least 250 workers should regularly report on pay, in a suitable and transparent manner, such as including the information in their management report. Companies subject to the requirements of Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council52 may also choose to report on pay alongside other worker-related matters in their management report. _________________ 52 Directive 2013/34/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 as regards disclosure of non- financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups (OJ L 330, 15.11.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 339 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Pay reporting should allow employers to evaluate and monitor their pay structures and policies, allowing them to proactively comply with the principle of equal pay. At the same time, the gender- disaggregated data should assist competent public authorities, workers’ representatives and other stakeholders to monitor the gender pay gap across sectors (horizontal segregation) and functions (vertical segregation). Employers may wish to accompany the published data by an explanation of any gender pay differences or gaps. In cases where differences in average pay for the same work or work of equal value between female and male workers cannot be justified by objective and gender-neutral factors, the employer should take measures within a reasonable time to remove the inequalities.
Amendment 357 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) Joint pay assessments should trigger the review and revision of pay structures in organisations with at least 250 workers that show pay inequalities. The joint pay assessment should be carried out by employers in cooperation with workers’ representatives; if workers’ representatives are absent, they should be designated for this purpose. Joint pay assessments should lead, within a reasonable time, to the elimination of gender discrimination in pay in particular through the adoption of remedial measures where relevant.
Amendment 416 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
Amendment 427 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 42
Recital 42
(42) Member States should provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties in the event of infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive or national provisions that are already in force on the date of entry into force of this Directive and that relate to the right to equal pay between men and women for the same work or work of equal value. Such penalties should include fines, based, for instance, on the employer’s gross annual turnover or on the employer’s total payroll and which should be set at a minimum level having due regard to the gravity and duration of the infringement, to any possible intent to discriminate or serious negligence, and to any other aggravating or mitigating factors that may apply in the circumstances of the case, for instance, where pay discrimination based on sex intersects with other grounds of discrimination. Member States should consider allocating amounts recovered as fines to the equality bodies for the purpose of effectively carrying out their functions in regard to the enforcement of the right to equal pay, including to bring pay discrimination claims or assist and support victims in bringing such claims.
Amendment 441 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 48
Recital 48
(48) In order to ensure proper monitoring of the implementation of the right to equal pay between men and women for the same work or work of equal value, Member States should set up or designate a dedicated monitoring body. This body, which may be part of an existing body pursuing similar objectives, should have specific tasks in relation to the implementation of the pay transparency measures foreseen in this Directive and gather certain data to monitor pay inequalities and the impact of the pay transparency measures. Member States should ensure the monitoring body has adequate resources in order to fulfil its tasks.
Amendment 516 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i a (new)
(ia) ‘workers’ representatives’ means trade unions or workers’ representatives according to national law and practices;
Amendment 561 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. The tools or methodologies shall allow assessing, in regard to the value of work, whether workers are in a comparable situation, on the basis of objective criteria which shall include. Those criteria shall be agreed with the social partners and shall include, for instance : (a) educational, professional and training requirements,; (b) skills, effort and responsibility,including the knowledge necessary to meet the requirements of a job, interpersonal skills and problem solving; (c) responsibility, including for people, goods and equipment, information and financial resources; (d) work undertaken and; (e) the nature of the tasks involved. They shall not contain or be based on criteria which are based, whether directly or indirectly, on workers’ sex.
Amendment 581 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Whenever differences in pay can be attributed to a single source establishing the pay conditions, the assessment whether workers are carrying out the same work or work of equal value shall not be limited to situations in which female and male workers work for the same employer but may be extended to that single source. The assessment shall also not be limited to workers employed at the same time as the worker concerned. Where no real comparator can be established, a comparison with a hypothetical comparator or the use of other evidence allowing to presume alleged discrimination shall be permitted such as a reference to an existing classification based on social partners’ collective agreements at branch or at sector level.
Amendment 598 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Applicants for employment who enter the final stage of recruitment shall have the right to receive from the prospective employer information about the initial pay level or itspay range, based on objective, gender- neutral criteria, to be attributed for the position concerned. Such information shall be indicated in a published job vacancy notice or otherwise provided to the applicant prior to the job interview without the applicant having to request it.
Amendment 636 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Workers whose employer employs at least 50 workers shall have the right to receive information on their individual pay level and the average pay levels, broken down by sex, for categories of workers doing the same work as them or work of equal value to theirs, in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 provided that this information has not already been communicated to the workers' representatives.
Amendment 683 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Employers with at least 250 workers shall provide the following information concerning their organisation, in accordance with paragraphs 2, 3, and 5:
Amendment 715 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point f
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point f
Amendment 722 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(ga) the proportion of female workers who benefited from a pay rise following their return from maternity leave.
Amendment 731 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Employers shall provide the information referred to in paragraph 1 by ... [2 years after the entry into force of this Directive] and thereafter as follows: (i) for employers with 50 to 250 workers, every two years; (ii) for employers with at least 250 workers, every year.
Amendment 749 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The employer shall publish the information referred to in paragraph 1, points (a) to (fe) on an annual basis in a user-friendly way on its website or shall otherwise make it publicly available. The information from the previous four years, if available, shall also be accessible upon request. In addition, the employer shall share this information with the monitoring body referred to in paragraph 6.
Amendment 768 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 5
Article 8 – paragraph 5
5. The employer shall provide the information referred to in paragraph 1, point (g) and point (g a) to all workers and their representatives, as well as to the monitoring body referred to in paragraph 6. It shall provide it to the labour inspectorate and the equality body upon their request. The information from the previous four years, if available, shall also be provided upon request.
Amendment 776 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 6
Article 8 – paragraph 6
6. Member States shall entrust the monitoring body designated pursuant to Article 26 to collect the data received from employers pursuant to paragraph 1, points (a) to (fe) and to ensure that this data is public and allows a comparison between employers, sectors and regions of the Member State concerned in a user-friendly way.
Amendment 786 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 7
Article 8 – paragraph 7
7. Workers and their representatives, labour inspectorates and equality bodies shall have the right to ask the employer for additional clarifications and details regarding any of the data provided, including explanations concerning any gender pay differences. The employer shall respond to such request within a reasonable time by providing a substantiated reply. Where gender pay differences are not justified by objective and gender-neutral factors, the employer shall remedy the situation within a reasonable time in close cooperation with the workers’ representatives, the labour inspectorate and/or the equality body.
Amendment 804 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that employers with at least 250 workers conduct, in cooperation with their workers’ representatives, a joint pay assessment where both of the following conditions are met:
Amendment 852 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. If the joint pay assessment reveals differences in average pay for equal work or work of equal value between female and male workers which cannot be justified by objective and gender-neutral criteria, the employer shall remedy the situation within a reasonable time, in close cooperation with the workers’ representatives, labour inspectorate, and/or equality body. Such action shall include the establishment of gender-neutral job evaluation and classification to ensure that any direct or indirect pay discrimination on grounds of sex is excluded.
Amendment 951 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 19
Article 19
Amendment 969 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. Member States shall ensure that fines are applied to infringements of the rights and obligations relating to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value. They shall set a minimum level for such fines ensuringbased, for instance, on the employer’s gross annual turnover or on the employer’s total payroll and shall ensure that that minimum level is proportionate and has a real deterrent effect. The level of the fines shall take into account:
Amendment 1021 #
2021/0050(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Member States shall ensure the monitoring body has adequate resources in order to fulfil its tasks.
Amendment 22 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Commission has listed a number of problems relating to the implementation of the former regulation, Regulation (EU) 2019/78811/2011, and whereas it has undertaken to take a closer look at the impact those problems have on the effectiveness of the ECI as an instrument, and to improve the way it operates;
Amendment 84 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. EmphasisesIs strongly in favour of the development of the role of the Ombudsman, who can use own- initiative powers to help to tackle systemic problems in EU administration and make efforts to promote good administration, i.e. ensuring the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union meet the very highest standards; with that in mind, considers the role of the Ombudsman to be more important than ever in view of the fact that the administration of the EU, via its agencies, is taking on an increasingly important role in citizens’ lives when it comes to issues such as migration and health;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Stresses the importance of the Ombudsman's transparency-related tasks for European democracy, in particular those concerning the accessibility of documents for European citizens, in order to enable them to fully exercise their right to information and to increase citizens' confidence in the European project;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers it essential for European democracy that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the Union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals;
Amendment 117 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ECIs in order to take citizens’ input seriously, including redirecting citizens to the Committee on Petitions, as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearingsnd with a view to avoiding their disengagement;
Amendment 120 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings;
Amendment 129 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls for public awareness, particularly among young people, of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the European institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about, and are encouraged to participate in, the instruments;
Amendment 150 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Considers it essential for European democracy that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the Union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals;
Amendment 161 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ECIs in order to take citizens’ input seriously, including redirecting citizens to the Committee on Petitions, as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearingsnd with a view to avoiding their disengagement;
Amendment 164 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Underlines the role that the Committee on Petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the Commission to collaborate in a timely manner with Parliament after an ECI is deemed successful, to enable Parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings;
Amendment 173 #
2020/2275(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls for public awareness, particularly among young people, of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the European institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about, and are encouraged to participate in, the instruments;
Amendment 9 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the damage to the planet’s biodiversity is almost at the point of no return and that biodiversity loss is a driver of zoonotic pathogens such as COVID-19; highlights the scientific evidence on the role of unsustainable trade in biodiversity loss, in particular with regard to trade in minerals, biomass and certain agricultural commodities, and biodiversity loss due to land-use changes, invasive alien species, overexploitation of resources and pollution;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that coherence between the different UE policies is crucial in international trade, articulating all sustainability development aspects, social, environmental - including biodiversity - and economic;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that the EU should seek cooperation with its trading partners to raise and strengthen the awareness of the biodiversity dimension in trade, work to include binding levels of biodiversity protection in the upcoming work on WTO reform, and in other international trade fora, as well as in our free trade agreements, any such introduction must be based on scientific evidence and never be used as green-washed protectionism; stresses that provisions of biodiversity belongs in all free trade agreements, investment agreements, and voluntary partnership agreements (VPAs) under FLEGT;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the EU’s trade policy and green diplomacy should aim to phase out fossil fuels and environmentally harmful subsidies as a matter of urgency in accordance with the commitments taken at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh in 2009; invites the Commission to agree on a roadmap with each trade partner covered by a trade agreement, with milestones in place, and to show leadership in relevant international forums, in particular by advocating for binding targets at global level to increase ambition and ensure that post- 2020 action on global biodiversity will be effective;
Amendment 78 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to present a legislative proposal in Spring 2021 that will prohibit the placing of products associated with deforestation or forest degradation from the EU market; stresses the necessary complementary work on the supply side by highlighting the example of the Voluntary Partnership Agreements under FLEGT aiming to preserve forests, being the natural habitat of many endangered species, with its objectives to encourage sustainable forest management, to address deforestation and forest degradation, and to promote sustainable development, as it has committed to in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, the Paris Agreement, and the Convention of Biological Diversity Aichi targets; calls on the Commission to adopt a moratorium on imports of wild animals from reported emerging infectious disease hotspots;
Amendment 91 #
2020/2273(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that the requirements (especially in terms of production standards) that the European producers have to follow should be regulatory mirrored for the EU imports as a non- negotiable aspect in free trade negotiations;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2263(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Believes that rationalisation designed to achieve a uniform VAT system must at the same time take into account the historical application of reduced rates targeted at strategic sectors; stresses in this connection, the importance of appropriate tax treatment for equestrian and equine activities in the broad sense;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the trade aspects of the Farm to Fork Strategy in order to ensure consistency of the EU trade policy with the requirements placed on EU producers in terms of traceability, animal welfare and sustainable development; Stresses that EU trade policy has a major role to play in the transition towards more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, in line with the Paris Agreement and, the European Green Deal; and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); Insists on the importance of multilateral dialogue in achieving those objectives by establishing a sound governance framework for fair and sustainable trade and ensuring nobody is left behind;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the importance of agri- food systems as a full component of the concept of open strategic autonomy as they ensure food security, provide farmers with decent incomes, empower rural and remote populations and contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation, as well as preservation of natural resources and biodiversity; recommends to further reflect the concept of open strategic autonomy into the trade policy of the Union, for instance in terms of plant proteins production;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the EU internal market is the world’s biggest importer and exporter of agri-food products; is convinced that the EU should use this position to set and acknowledges the well-established international reputation of EU agri-food quality and standards; is convinced that the EU should use this position to set, with the help of its Promotion Policy including all EU agricultural products but also of its GIs policy, the benchmark in terms of standards for sustainable food systems, based on fair competition, the precautionary principle, environmental protection and animal welfarethe respect of human rights and international labour standards, environmental protection and animal welfare, as a way to steer international standards towards European ambitious goals;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that sustainable productionility should become a key characteristic of EU agri- food products, ensuring competitiveness and a sustained income to EU producers and expanding the concept of quality to social and environmental aspects;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to pursue the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy through the development of Green Alliances in all relevant forums, including the UN Food Systems Summit 2021, but also through an ambitious revision of its trade policy that should consider building a dedicated framework for agri-food products, in line with the sustainability and food security objectives of the F2F strategy including in particular a non- regression clause for all trade agreements, improving the functioning of safeguards clauses, ending import tolerances for pesticides and developing mirror clauses, in line with WTO rules;
Amendment 86 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises, with the support of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer, the importance of enforceable Trade and Sustainable Development chapters in trade agreements to promote biodiversity, foster more sustainable agri-food production and stop EU-driven global deforestation as a way to guarantee coherence of EU trade policy with the higher regulatory ambitions put forward in the Farm to Fork Strategy, the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the CAP and other food-related policies; Suggests that, in order to ensure a level playing field for producers but also a real move forward for sustainable practices worldwide, TSD chapters should also integrate the respect of equivalent standards of production, such as animal welfare, feed for animals, transport of animals, traceability, food waste, antimicrobial resistance and use of phytosanitary products; Calls for resorting to third party audit and certification bodies acting at all stages of manufacturing of imported products, and to make these certifications binding for importers and based on an EU reference frame built on the F2F objectives; urges support for developing countries to promote food security and alignment with European standards for sustainability;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. SIn the absence of global convergence of standards, stresses the risk of putting the EU agri-food sector at a competitive disadvantage undermining the absence of global convergence of standardeconomic and social resilience of EU producers as well as their capacity for environmental performance and climate action, increasing imports in the single market of agri-food products differing significantly from EU standards and conditions of production, importing cheap agri-food products which often imply social and environmental costs in third countries, and of leading to increased costs for consumers; calls on the Commission to present as soon as possible an ex-ante comprehensive impact assessment of the targets envisaged in the Strategy, in consultation with all the actors of the agri-food chain, public authorities at all levels of governance, social partners, NGOs, civil society, private actors and any other stakeholders involved, as well as proportionate measures to maintain the competitiveness of the EU agri-food sector and ensure reciprocity of standards, including standards of production ;
Amendment 148 #
2020/2260(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the proposed new initiative on climateenvironment and trade at the WTO and u; calls on the Commission to use this framework to raise the importance of developing comprehensive sustainable agri-food systems, based on common and ambitious standards and standards of production; Urges the Commission to continue to develop an ambitious, WTO- compatible sustainable trade policy, and urges to tend towards more agri-food diplomacy -no longer making agri-food products the adjustment variable or collateral victims of trade conflicts- which would make it easier to avoid situations such as the one between Airbus and Boeing.
Amendment 23 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the COVID-19 outbreak caused significant changes in the practices of the labour market, sending over a third of EU workers to work from home1a; whereas disconnecting from work should constitute an essential principle allowing workers to refrain from work- related tasks and electronic communication outside working hours without facing any repercussions and contributing thus to an adequate work-life balance; _________________ 1aEurofound, Living, working andCOVID-19, p.9,https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites /default/files/ef_publication/field_ef_docu ment/ef20059en.pdfavem un link?
Amendment 29 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the fight against climate change, regardless the COVID-19 crisis, persist and require a just transition so as to leave no one behind;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the youth unemployment rate has increased due to COVID-19 crisis, reaching 17.1 % in September 2020 and is expected to continue rising; whereas 11.6 % of young people aged between 15 and 24 are not in employment or in education (NEETs)15 ; whereas increasing inequalities between generations affect the sustainability of our welfare system as well as our democratic health; whereas COVID- 19 could lead to the emergence of a "lockdown generation", as the crisis hit young people’s job prospects; whereas the economic fallout will have long-term negative effects on youth employment; _________________ 15 JER 2021.
Amendment 55 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas people living in marginalised conditions and suffering from social exclusion and poverty face particular challenges due to the pandemic; whereas the negative effects of the measures put in place by EU governments have disproportionately affected minorities and disadvantaged groups2a; _________________ 2a FRA (2020), Coronavirus pandemic in the EU – impact on Roma and Travellers - Bulletin 5, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 57 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas people with disabilities faced even more limited access to services due to the pandemic; whereas the digital divide, including digital poverty, low digital literacy and difficulties with universal design, increases barriers to social rights for people with disabilities; whereas evidence gathered by the FRA mounted of significant obstacles in access to education for children with disabilities;3a _________________ 3aFRA (2020), Coronavirus pandemic in the EU - fundamental rights implications: focus on social rights - Bulletin 6, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 62 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the labour market faces a rapid shift towards a greener and a more digital environment, creating jobs that require updated competencies; whereas there is a wide need to focus on the skilling, reskilling and upskilling strategy of the employees of all ages; whereas the lifelong learning plan in the EU should create a framework for sustainable competitiveness;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas new forms of employment have emerged or intensified, such as teleworking and non-standard ways of working, and whereas new realities have also emerged and existing trends have intensified during lockdowns, including blurring of boundaries between work and private life, domestic violence against women and health problems among workers, particularly not only directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic but also musculoskeletal disorders or psychological ontroubles;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
L a. whereas the pandemic heavily affected the educational system in the EU, leading to the closure of schools, universities and colleges; whereas the negative physical, mental health and educational impact of proactive school closures on children would likely outweigh the benefits of the decision to close schools, in particular in areas with population at risk of poverty or social exclusion;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas we face a critical time in our history, with the idea that economic growth automatically trickles down to all sectors of society being widely discredited; whereas we are witnessing a thinning of the middle class, increasingly precarious job conditions for blue collar and low- skilled platform workers and growing polarisation in terms of income and wealth;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2244(INI)
2. States that 10 years after the introduction of the European Semester cycle of economic policy coordination, employment and social imbalances in Europe, such as labour market segmentation, wage dispersion and child poverty, have not been resolved but have worsened in some Member States, demonstrating that public policies at the national level arcould be insufficient for building a fairer European labour market, and that stronger and further-reaching policies at EU level are needed;
Amendment 155 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises the need to integrate social progress as an investment priority, together with green and digital transitions, in order to protect vulnerable people against the negative impact of the current crisis; reiterates the importance of projects that generate positive social impact and enhance social inclusion, in particular by encouraging the use of social impact bonds or social outcome contracts; recalls that social progress plans must be included in national recovery and resilience plans, outlining the implementation of the EPSR and of socialvia reforms and investments, with a particular emphasis on social impact investment;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 182 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop a quality employment package, including legislative initiatives aimed at improving wages and protecting decent working conditions for all, with a particular focus on telework, the right to disconnect, mental well-being at work, occupational health and safety, the rights of platform workers, ensuring quality jobs for essential workers, and strengthening democracy at work and the role of the social partners and collective bargaining; calls for a coordinated approach at EU level in order to avoid unfair and unhealthy labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Is concerned about the devastating social and employment effects of the COVID-19 crisis; highlights that the new European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for displaced workers could be mobilised in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on employment; calls therefore on the Member States to rapidly submit to the Commission applications for funding to support European workers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 in their retraining, requalification and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that social dialogue and collective bargaining are key instruments for employers and trade unions to establish fair wages and working conditions, and that strong collective bargaining systems increase Member States’ resilience in times of economic crisis; welcomes in this regard the Commission's proposal for a directive on adequate minimum wages in the Union aiming to increase the collective bargaining coverage and ensure that workers in the European Union are protected by minimum wages set at adequate levels;
Amendment 202 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. calls on the Member States to take measures to remedy the lack of access to social protection systems, in particular by following the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed; welcomes, once again, the adoption of this recommendation as a first measure and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Europe, but stresses the need to make universal access to social protection a reality, especially in the current difficult situation;
Amendment 204 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the Commission to effectively implement the Youth Employment Support, in order to ensure that all young people under the age of 25 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, vocational education and training, access to skills needed to enable employment opportunities in a wide range of sectors, apprenticeship or traineeship within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education;
Amendment 205 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Calls on the Commission to develop at the earliest opportunity a robust European Child Guarantee to ensure that every child in Europe at risk of poverty or social exclusion has access to free healthcare, education, early childhood education and care, decent housing and adequate nutrition;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Calls on the Commission to give priority to the publication of its Strategy on the rights of people with disabilities and urges Member States to keep in mind and work on compensating the disproportionate negative effects that measures adopted in the context of the pandemic have on vulnerable groups;
Amendment 217 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that implementing the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for promoting health systems and tackling skills shortages for people in new fields of work; warns, however, that a skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour marketcalls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts to invest in affordable, accessible, inclusive and high-quality vocational education and training, to reinforce upskilling and reskilling measures, including digital and transferable skills, and to promote lifelong learning to prepare workers for the needs of the labour market affected by the green and digital transformations; takes the view that the mutual recognition of qualifications will be beneficial for overcoming skills shortages and skills mismatches; warns, however, that a skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour market; emphasizes the need to combat the risk of social exclusion and poverty of women and girls by allowing equal access to education and training through the fight against gender stereotypes and the closing of the digital gender gap;
Amendment 221 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that implementing the EU skills agenda equitably is critical for promoting health systems and tackling skills shortages for people in new fields of work; warns, however, that a skills agenda is not enough to tackle the increasing precariousness and in-work poverty in the EU labour market; emphasizes the need to encourage lifelong learning practices across the Union, as it will prove an essential element for the transition towards a digital, green, competitive and resilient EU economy;
Amendment 223 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the Commission to propose an EU framework for national homelessness strategies, by adopting the Housing First principle; stresses, moreover, the need to collect better and more harmonised data on homeless people in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to come up with specific proposals to adequately address the problem of energy poverty in the context of the Green Deal;
Amendment 228 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for better coordination between economic and social policies and between the different recovery funds and structural funds, in order to improve synergies and boost social investment resources; insists that the recovery plan must contribute to achieving the UN SDGs, implementing our growth strategy as set out in the Green Deal, and fulfilling the principles of the EPSR; calls on the Member States to make full use of the potential offered by the general escape clause to support companies which are in difficulty and lack liquidity, particularly SMEs, safeguard the jobs, wages and working conditions of European workers and invest in people and social welfare systems;
Amendment 238 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to analyse brain drains in certain regions and sectors, and to support mobile workers by ensuring fair mobility and strengthening the portability of rights and entitlements; calls on the Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems; therefore asks the Commission to put forward a proposal for a digital EU Social Security Number;
Amendment 250 #
2020/2244(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. stresses that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth and job creation in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen their support for SMEs and their workers in the resumption of economic activity and in the transition towards a more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
— having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Articles 14 and 15 thereof,
Amendment 7 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 a (new)
Citation 2 a (new)
— having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4,
Amendment 8 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 b (new)
Citation 2 b (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘achieving the European Education Area by 2025’, (COM(2020)0625) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document (SWD(2020)0212),
Amendment 12 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 c (new)
Citation 2 c (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience’(COM(2020)0274) and to the accompanying Commission staff working documents(SWD(2020)0121) and (SWD(2020)0122),
Amendment 14 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 d (new)
Citation 2 d (new)
— having regard to the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience (2020/C417/01),
Amendment 16 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 e (new)
Citation 2 e (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Digital Education Plan 2021-2027. Resetting education and training for the digital age’, (COM(2020)0624) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document (SWD(2020)0209),
Amendment 18 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 f (new)
Citation 2 f (new)
— having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM/2020/0102),
Amendment 19 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 g (new)
Citation 2 g (new)
— having regard to Decision (EU) 2018/646 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 April 2018 on a common framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications (Europass) and repealing Decision No 2241/2004/EC,
Amendment 20 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 h (new)
Citation 2 h (new)
— having regard to Eurofound research on the impact of digitalisation on skills use and skills development,
Amendment 21 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 i (new)
Citation 2 i (new)
— having regard to the Cedefop study entitled ‘Empowering adults through upskilling and reskilling pathways’, volumes 1 and 2,
Amendment 22 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Citation 2 j (new)
Citation 2 j (new)
— having regard to Cedefop’s report entitled ‘Skills forecast - trends and challenges to 2030',
Amendment 27 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas everyone has the right to inclusive and quality education, training and lifelong learning in order to acquire and maintain the skills and competences that will enable them to develop their professional and personal potential to the fullest extent;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas investing in education, training and the effective use of skills will beis crucial for the EU’s economic and social prosperity, particularly in the light of the green and digital transitions, demographic change and globalisation, which are changing the nature of work, the content of jobs and the skills and qualifications required;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has drastic consequences for the EU social market economy and the changing nature of our labour market needs; whereas education and training, up- skilling and re-skilling, is essential for leveraging opportunities and addressing the challenges generated by the crisis;
Amendment 64 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas the COVID crisis exacerbated existing divides and inequalities in access to education and skills; whereas these have a significant impact on citizen’s employment prospects, earnings and inclusion in society; whereas policies aimed at building inclusive educational systems and labour markets should be intersectional;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas digital skills but also non- formal and informal skills have taken increased importance for citizens to actively participate in the labour market and society as a whole; including media literacy, critical and innovative thinking;
Amendment 82 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Insists on considering education and training as a common investment for not only the recovery, resilience and competitiveness of the Union, but also for ensuring its social cohesion and allow all people to find their life-course; welcomes the efforts of the European Commission and Member States to ensure pedagogical continuity during the COVID-19 crisis; highlights the need for greater cooperation and exchange of practice at the Union level on common opportunities and challenges related to education and training; urges the European Commission to ensure via Next Generation EU and Member States in their national recovery and resilience plans, to devote a substantial part of resources and reform to education, training and research; calls for a modernised and fully-fledged governance system for the implementation of the European Education Area, building on the ET 2020 framework;
Amendment 100 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the importance of ensuring inclusive and quality education, and promoting lifelong learning, including vocational education and training (VET), for all across the Union, to ensure equal opportunities in the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the development of a European approach to micro-credentials and individual learning accounts the launch of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027programme; calls the European Commission and Member States to promote and facilitate increased mobility for teachers and learners of all age; calls for the European Education Area, Skills Agenda, Council Recommendation on VET and interlinked policy initiatives to complement and mutually reinforce each other;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Insists on the valorisation of vocational education and training as a path of excellence leading to employment, fully integrated in the European Education Area and recognised on the labour market; welcomes, in this context, the initiative of Centres of Vocational Excellence and the development of a European approach to micro-credentials, modularisation and individual learning accounts; encourages the European Commission and Member States to work towards longer periods of mobility in vocational education and training, with a genuine European apprenticeship statute, and in partnership with the private sector; encourages the European Commission to work with Member States on an action plan to remove the remaining obstacles to European mobility, such as linguistic and administrative;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Calls for the European Education Area to support the Pact for Skills, requiring collective action of Member States, companies, social partners and other stakeholders; reiterates the need to unlock public and private investment in the up- and re-skilling of the European workforce; calls for more public-private partnerships in VET to strengthen the efficiency of educational systems and to match labour market needs, for instance in supporting teachers and trainers education, setting up training centres and contributing to research on labour market trends; urges Member States to support the private sector with education and training incentive measures;
Amendment 114 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. UHighlights the role of the European Education Area in fostering citizen’s sense of being part of European savoir-faire; underlines that basic, soft and cross- cutting skills, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning are vital for sustainable growth, productivity, investment and innovation, and are therefore key factors for the competitiveness of businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); insists on the short and long term benefits of the practice of mentoring in educational systems, businesses and our society as a whole; encourages Member states to incentivise associations and companies using mentoring programmes with thorough policies and resources; encourages the European Commission to promote mentoring and ultimately work with Member States towards the development of mentoring certification and labelling;
Amendment 138 #
2020/2243(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to facilitate and promote transparent mobility through the full implementation of the Professional Qualifications Directive1 , and better useimprove the use and visibility of tools such as the European Employment Services (EURES) job mobility portal, the Europass online platform and the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) classification system; highlights, in this context, the need to improve the recognition of third-country nationals’ competences on the Union’s labour market; _________________ 1Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications, OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22.
Amendment 5 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the European Union needs to take urgent steps to close the gap with the US and China to be at the forefront of ensuring a competitive data- driven global economy and to become a leader in setting digital standards;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. SNotes the risks of incompatibility between approaches of different trading partners when it comes to the regulation of digital trade; strongly supports multilateral solutions for digital trade rules and calls for the plurilateral WTO negotiations on e- commerce to be concluded as a matter of urgency; regrets that, in the absence of global rules, EU companies are faced with non-tariff barriers in digital trade such as unjustified data localisation and mandatory technology transfer requirements; supports making the WTO moratorium on electronic transmissions permanent; calls for the EU to further work with partners, for instance within the OECD and WTO, to set global standards for AI, in the interest of reducing trade barriers and promoting trustworthy AI in line with the EU's values;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas these developments plausibly facilitate human-machine synergies, thereby producing a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate outcomes, but also pose serious challenges in terms of workforce reorganisation and the potential elimination of more sectors and employment than the new forms they createand can lead to greater workforce access to previously excluded social groups such as people with disabilities, while risks linked to employment sector disappearance must mitigated by ensuring more and better jobs are created than are lost;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. NStresses the centrality of data flows to digital trade, and that apart from being a means of production, data itself has become a tradable asset; notes that data access and processing are often indispensable to providing competitive digital services, notably in AI; calls on the Commission to adopt digital trade rules that increase the competitiveness of EU business and facilitate the free transfer of data flowsflow of non- personal data across borders while respecting EU data protection rules; highlights that in line with the GDPR, personal data can be transferred to third countries via adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules; calls for data protection considerations to be raised in future trade agreements, with the aim to facilitate the adequacy decision process with trading partners;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. Whereas the digital divide has specific socio-economic gender, age, geographic and accessibility aspects which must be addressed;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the role of digital trade and the use of blockchain for instance in facilitating access to global value chains for SMEs and contributing to women’s economic empowerment. making cross-border trade processes and commercial transactions more efficient and less costly; Highlights in particular the benefits these could bring to contributing to women’s economic empowerment and also using blockchain to facilitate due diligence for companies; Calls for Digital Trade to be a pillar of the EU's new Trade Strategy; Further calls for Digital Trade Chapters to be included in all future FTAs;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the positive impact AI can have on European labour markets, leading to job creation, safer and more inclusive workplaces, combating discrimination in recruitment and pay and promoting better skill-matching and work-flows, as long as risks are mitigated and regulatory frameworks updated with regularity as the digital wave progresses;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines that AI must serve exclusivelyforemost as an aid to human performancedevelopment and comply with all rules ensuring respect for fundamental rights, including the protection of personal data and privacy, and the prohibition of arbitrary profiling, with sufficient access to information available to all those workers and employers who will be affected;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
b. Stresses the importance of addressing the digital gender gap and ensuring the participation of women and girls in the development and implementation of digital technologies and AI to ensure that existing inequalities are not exacerbated or replicated; further underlines the importance of women and girls' equal access to STEM and digital education and subsequent employment in the digital, STEM and ICR sectors;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the implementation of AI enforcesis included in the dialogue between social and economic partners, and to allow trade unions access to the work floor, albeit in digital form, in orderhat digital solutions are employed to promote collective bargaining and guarantee a human-centred approach to AI at work;
Amendment 89 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls the importance of cooperation between academics, industry, social partners and governments on research and innovation in digital technologies, so that all human aspects are taken into account1 and that proper and rigorous testing and training frameworks exist in the implementation of AI; __________________ 1 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, ‘Digitalisation and occupational safety and health – An EU-OSHA research programme’, p. 10.
Amendment 115 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its call for legal protection for platform workers and telecalls the adoption of the Council Recommendation on Access to social protection for workers and the self- employed and strongly reiterates the need to ensure platform workers, as well as recognition of their status as such, to ensure that their entitlement to full social security protection is uphelworkers in the gig economy have access to adequate to and coverage from social protection; considers that a legislative framework that has the aim of regulating telework conditions across the Union should be introduced;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to improve labour conditions for platform workers in its upcoming legislative proposal in order to guarantee healthy and safe working environments, quality employment and wages, the right to disconnect, the obligation of employers to offer perpetual digital retraining, and full, transparent checks of employees’ online access to adequate social protection, fair and transparent working conditions, decent wages, right to collective representation, right to disconnect, training offers enabling skilling and re-skilling, as well as reliable verification processes of the platform user's identityies;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls onWelcomes the Commission and the Member States to's update thed European Skills Agenda and the new Digital Education Action Plan, so that workers can upskill and become qualified for the challenges of the future world of work; (2021- 2027), which will help workers to up and re-skill and become qualified for the future world of work and manage the digital wave; further welcomes the recently adopted Council Recommendations on VET and calls on the Member States to swiftly implement it by updateing their national vocational and professional training and upskilling programmes so as to ensurhance digital literacy and promote digital inclusion (οn average, 16 % of EU workers fear that digitalisation will render their skills outdated2 ); __________________ 2 Cedefop, ‘Artificial or human intelligence? Digitalisation and the future of jobs and skills: opportunities and risks’, p. 3.
Amendment 302 #
2020/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that stereotypes and taboo surrounding menstruation remain widespread in our societies, and that these can delay diagnosis of diseases such as the endometriosis disease, which despite affecting 1 women on 10 of reproductive age, being the first cause of women's infertility, causing chronic pelvic pain, has a median delay of 8 years for its diagnosis and for which there is no cure ; Calls on Member states to ensure comprehensive and scientifically accurate education about menstruation, to raise awareness and to launch major information campaigns on endometriosis targeting the public, healthcare professionals and legislators, and to invest on research about the causes and treatments of this disease;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (the Protocol) is the only solution found with the UK, after four years of intense negotiations, to address the specific consequences for Northern Ireland of the UK’s decision to leave the EU single market and the customs union, and to ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, the functioning of the all- island economy without a hard border and the integrity of the EU’s single market for goods, consumer protection and other areas;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Agreement’), whose full compliance was a precondition for the ratification of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), allows both EU citizens and affected families residing in the UK and UK nationals residing in the EU-27 to continue to live in the host state and exercise their rights, as guaranteed by EU law; in this regards, regrets that so far the United Kingdom has not fully implemented the Withdrawal Agreement, in particular with regard to the Northern Ireland Protocol;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Agreement protects the rights of those EU citizens and their family members who exercised their right of free movement in the UK in accordance with EU law before the end of the transition period and who have continued to reside there following its end, as well as those UK citizens who are exercising the same right in a Member State of the EU- 27; reiterates the need for the public authorities in both the United Kingdom and the EU to ensure this principle; it is therefore necessary to remain vigilant regarding any decisions or attempts by British authorities to weaken these rights or the enforcement thereof or to exclude parts of the UK from the scope of the Agreement, Northern Ireland in particular;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas it is necessary to preserve a level-playing field and legal certainty for businesses and citizens;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas a lack of implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement will have serious consequences for the entire EU- UK relationship, extending beyond the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the role of the European Commission in monitoring the implementation of this agreement and welcomes the Commission's proposal for a Regulation 2022/0068 allowing the Union to act promptly in the event of violations of the withdrawal agreement including any violations of the citizens' rights guaranteed by the Agreement;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
C c. whereas it is paramount to uphold international law and strengthen cooperation with likeminded countries and democratic allies on the basis of mutual trust, in particular given the current geopolitical and security context;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. HighlightWelcomes the role of the Independent Monitoring Authority in receiving complaints and conducting inquiries regarding alleged breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement; therefore highlights the case launched in December 2021 against the home office in the interest of protecting the rights of European citizens residing in the UK;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the Independent Monitoring Authority focuses on systemic failings in the implementation or application of Part Two of the Agreement and that individuals filing complaints must seek redress by other means without suffering unjustified discrimination;
Amendment 26 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates the consistent EU position that the Protocol will not be renegotiated and highlights that EU Member States and institutions remain united in this view; points out that renegotiation would only further increase legal uncertainty and lack of predictability for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that the absence of a physical document creates the risk that many EU citizens and, in particular, the elderly and vulnerable and digitally challenged people will struggle to prove their rights; points out that the complexity of proving digital status may lead to the risk of discrimination against EU citizens; calls on the United Kingdom to facilitate the implementation of non-digital procedures to facilitate the application of the Agreement;
Amendment 34 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Notes the recent resumption of talks between the EU and the UK following a pause in the talks since February 2022; regrets that the UK has not been willing to accept a satisfactory negotiated solution yet, despite the flexibility of the EU to engage on the Northern Ireland Protocol;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DStrongly deplores the publication on 13 June 2022 of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by the UK; calls on, which is an attempt to unilaterally override most parts of the Protocol; highlights the need to preserve the role of the European Court of Justice, which is necessary to interpret the applicable EU law; strongly rejects the proposed removal of the obligation for businesses in Northern Ireland to align with provisions in EU law; reaffirms the need for a level-playing field in the field of state-aid; and therefore urges the UK Parliament not to adopt the bill and calls on the UK Government to engage constructively with the Commission toand address practical trading issues within the legal framework of the Protocol.
Amendment 39 #
2020/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Amendment 5 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that for the first time the Court has also issued an overall assessment of the conditions put in place by the Union to enable the agencies to deliver their policies for the public good and has found that there is a need for more networking and cooperation as well as more flexibility in the set-up, functioning and possible winding-up of agencies while acknowledging the diverse governance structures, mandates, tasks and challenges of the agencies; further notes the recommendations of the Court to the Commission and the agencies to ensure the relevance, coherence and flexibility of the set-up of agencies, allocate resources in a more flexible manner, improve governance, accountability and reporting on performance and strengthen the role of agencies as centres of expertise and networking;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes and encourages the cooperation among the agencies within and beyond the framework of the EU Agencies Network (EUAN), which constitutes an important inter-agency cooperation platform to identify and promote possible efficiency gains, to add value and to ensure efficient communication between the agencies and relevant stakeholders; appreciates and encourages the close collaboration among the agencies under the remit of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs in order to ensure synergies, complementarity and sharing resources;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2194(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that, similarly to previous years, most of the observations the Court has made in its Annual report on EU agencies for the financial year 2019 concern shortcomings in public procurement procedures; urges the Union agencies to improve their public procurement procedures with a view to compliance with applicable rules and as a result, the achievement of the most economically advantageous purchases, while respecting the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment and non-discrimination;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2159(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates the work of the Foundation in supporting the reform of vocational training in the Union’s partner countries by assisting the Commission in the implementation of various vocational training programmes; welcomes in particular the Foundation's initiative ‘Skills for Enterprise Development’ addressing the need for skills adaptation and enhancement enabling enterprises to respond and manage challenges, including those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and contribute to greener, inclusive and innovative societies, and its focus on achieving social inclusion through education and learning, in particular its working paper on training and support for women's entrepreneurship in line with the new gender action plan (GAP) III 2021-2025;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2159(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Appreciates that the Foundation is the only Union agency with a mandate to work outside the Union in supporting the Union external action in the area of education, vocational training, skills and labour market systems and human capital development in the Union partner countries to improve the employability and employment prospects of their citizens;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2159(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is satisfied that the Foundation has acted upon allthe majority of the observations made by the discharge authority in the framework of the 2018 discharge procedure but draws attention to the fact that it still has to take action to respond to Court’s observations as regards non-competitive price elements in award criteria;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Agency’s activities to develop, gather and provide reliable and relevant information, analysis and tools on occupational safety and health, including preventative measures, which contribute to Union policy aiming to promote healthy and safe workplaces across the Union; notes in particular the role the Agency can play in supporting the Union institutions' work on the new occupational safety and health strategy framework, the upcoming revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive and the legislative own-initiative report on protecting workers from asbestos; believes the Agency can provide useful information and analysis on the impact of telework and other digital solutions for both employers and workers on occupational safety and health in the context of working conditions in the pandemic;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2155(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret fromaccording to the Court’s report that the Agency exceeded the contractual ceiling with regard to the Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER-3) by 2,4 % without any amendment of the contract; further notes the Agency's reply that this was due to a delay in confirmation of a small part of the funds to cover additional countries under the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance (IPA) for the survey by the Commission after the procurement was completed and notes to the file were prepared recognising that the specific contracts would take expenditure over the initial foreseen volume;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2151(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Foundation’s work to enhance and disseminate knowledge, and to provide evidence and expertise to support policies concerning the improvement of living and working conditions in the Union; welcomes in particular the Foundation's recent e- survey, ‘Living, working and COVID-19’, which aims to capture the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the labour market, working conditions and quality of life across the EU; believes that the Foundation can play a crucial role in further analysing the increase in telework and related impacts on work-life balance and quality of working conditions, dissemination of best practices and assessing possible policy responses; believes that the Foundation, in its future work programme, should analyse policy options to improve the working and living conditions of seasonal and other mobile workers;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2151(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret from the Court’s report that with regard to a framework contract for a maximum amount of EUR 170 000 for the supply of electricity, the Foundation incorrectly used a negotiated procedure with a single candidate, which resulted in irregular related contracts and associated payments; welcomes the Foundation's reply that the new tender has already been planned for early 2021 and will be of a competitive nature;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the continually high budget implementation rate of 99,99 % in 2019 (compared to 100 % in 2018);
Amendment 4 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Centre’s continued high-quality work, providing research, analyses and technical advice in vocational education and training, qualifications and skills policies; notes in particular the Centre's recent work in helping to analyse the impact of the pandemic on skills demand and employment in the EU labour market via the Skills-OVATE (Online Vacancy Analysis Tool for Europe);
Amendment 7 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Amendment 12 #
2020/2150(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with regret that the Court identified weaknesses in one procurement procedure for cleaning services for which the Centre accepted a change in the execution of the contract following its signature, without properly documenting the change or incorporating the change into the framework contract; welcomes in this regard the Centre's commitment to formalise its guidelines on contract management to include ways to document modifications during implementation and the signature of relevant contract amendments where necessary and to provide dedicated training to staff in order to ensure proper and timely communication between staff managing contracts and the procurement service of the Centre;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that 2019 is the penultimate year of the implementation of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2014-2020 and that all the financial programmes are fully operational at this stage; notes that the Court issued a clean opinion on the reliability of the 2019 accounts of the European Union and found that revenue for 2019 was legal, regular and free from material error while issuing an adverse opinion on expenditure;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that in 2019, the Court noted a significant increase in payment claims for the European Structural and Investment (ESI) funds which include the European Social Fund; further notes that in 2019 the rate of cumulative absorption from the ESI funds remained lower than under the previous MFF and only nine Member States had higher absorption rates under the current MFF than under the previous one; calls on the Commission to analyse the reasons for the low absorption levels and take measures to avoid both undue pressure on the level of appropriations in the first years of the next MFF 2021-2027 and unnecessarily complex and/or burdensome rules; regrets that at the start of the sixth year of the current MFF, only around 17 % of the total ESI funding committed through financial instruments under shared management (FISMs) had reached final recipients and urges both the Commission and Member States to examine and address this issue;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recalls that spending under this subheading is aimed at strengthening competitiveness and reducing development disparities between the different Member States and regions of the EU; stresses the importance of EU cohesion policy in supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and assisting Member States and regions to harness new opportunities and address challenges, such as globalisation, unemployment, industrial change, digitalisation and supporting up and re-skilling and lifelong learning;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that the estimated overall level of error in the policy area ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion’ in 2019 stood at 4.4 % (2018: 5.0 %); underlines that despite the slight decrease in comparison with the previous year, this figure is still largely above the 2 % materiality threshold and the estimated level of error in expenditure for the Union budget as a whole (2.7 %); recognises that the majority of spending in this area is deemed high-risk expenditure as mainly reimbursement- based and often subject to complex rules; notes that the most common errors under the Cohesion heading were ineligible projects and infringements of internal market rules in particular non- compliance with public procurement and state aid rules;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls the crucial role of audit authorities in the Member States in the assurance and control framework in the cohesion policy area; regrets the fact that also for 2019 financial year, the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’) concludes that the weaknesses detected in some audit authorities’ sampling methods have affected representativeness, and that shortcomings remain in the way audit authorities perform and document their work; welcomes the Commission’s and audit authorities’ joint efforts resulting in a ‘good practice note’ for the documentation of audit authorities’ work as a first step to improvement;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. TRecalls the vital importance of the ESF as the EU's main tool in fostering increased employment, education and training and promoting social inclusion; takes note that for the ESF, representing 94.7 % of DG EMPL’s 2019 budget, the major inherent risk relates to the complexity of the operations and activities financed, the typology and variety of recipients, and the high number of annual interventions;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2140(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes that for the first time the Court also issued an overall assessment of the conditions put in place by the EU to enable the agencies to deliver their policies for the public good and recommends to the Commission to ensure the relevance, coherence and flexibility of the set-up of agencies, allocate resources in a more flexible manner, improve governance, accountability and reporting on performance and strengthen the role of the agencies as centres of expertise and networking1a; __________________ 1a https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADoc uments/SR20_22/SR_Future_of_EU_Age ncies_EN.pdf
Amendment 6 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and; demonstrate compliance with environmental, social and safety standards in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and promote the achievement of the SDGs;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of unregulated global supply chains, and that businesses with better environmental, social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes have weathered the crisis better;
Amendment 38 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers, even in high-risk sectors; notes that publicly listed companies, unlisted public companies and private companies registered in the EU may have different obligations under national law in regards to sustainable corporate governance; recalls the importance of levelling the playing field vis-a-vis companies registered outside of the EU;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop, disclose and implement a long- term corporate sustainability strategy for all aspects of the company’s operations, including its supply chainlocal and global supply chains; notes that adjustments to the composition of a board of directors, such as through the appointment of a member with knowledge of sustainable corporate governance, could increase compliance with these obligations; considers that the principle of proportionality should be applied to the likelihood of a breach of obligations rather than the size of the company; notes notwithstanding that all efforts should be made to reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls upon the Commission to review the impact of sustainable corporate governance obligations on financial institutions providing trade finance;
Amendment 67 #
2020/2137(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains.; calls on the Commission to explore an EU-level certification scheme for supply chains as part of its legislative proposal on due diligence; calls on the Commission to rapidly assess, following the principle of “one in, one out”, which existing regulation could be updated or replaced;
Amendment 4 #
2020/2136(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. Considering the current tensions generated by the UK's failure to comply with its obligations under the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2136(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. 1. Is deeply concerned about recent decisions taken unilaterally by the United Kingdom and going against the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement to which both parties have committed; supports the actions taken by the Commission and calls on the UK to quickly return to a cooperative and good faith attitude;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2136(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. 1. Recalls that the Withdrawal Agreement provides that the practical modalities of its implementation can be discussed in the Joint Committee, while the EU has already shown flexibility in granting grace periods, a deliberate and unilateral violation of commitments made will have consequences;
Amendment 28 #
2020/2136(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. 3. Stresses the difficulties encountered by the EU delegation in the United Kingdom with regard to the recognition of its status, at a time when its work is particularly necessary following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union; hopes that solutions can be found and implemented rapidly to enable the EU delegation in the United Kingdom to fulfil its mission effectively;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in theall EU institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the EU’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the Union while restoring confidence in the European integration process; ; highlights that all EU institutions should abide by high standards of ethics and transparency and calls on all EU institutions to conclude an agreement on establishing a common ethical framework, to reflect these standards; recalls that, in her Political Guidelines for the 2019- 2024 Commission, the President of the Commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the EU, its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics, transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the EU institutions and thus contributes to improving openness, responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and EU institutions;
Amendment 32 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that a high level of transparency of the legislative process is essential to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; reiterates, therefore, its call on the Council to improve its rules and practices on transparency of its legislative process in line with the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors and the European Ombudsman, which have been overwhelmingly supported by Parliament in its resolution of 17 January 2019 on the Ombudsman’s strategic inquiry OI/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the Council of the EU4 , which was based on the joint report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the Committee on Petitions; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0045. 4
Amendment 33 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses that the current self- regulatory ethical framework has proven insufficient, has led to a fragmented approach and to different ethical standards within the different EU institutions; highlights that in order to restore and maintain high levels of confidence in the EU institutions, all EU institutions must abide by the highest ethical standards; recalls in this respect the recommendations of the European Court of Auditors concerning the establishment and implementation of a common ethical framework for all EU institutions;
Amendment 36 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Underlines that public officials are not in a position to self-declare themselves out of conflict of interest or to provide self-assessment with regards to respecting ethical standards; highlights that this task should fall under the competence of an independent specialised third party, in the form of an Independent Ethics Body (IEB) for all the EU institutions, agencies, bodies and offices;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the EU institutions should apply the highest ethical standards to prevent any episodes of revolving doors and any conflicts of interests, also with regard to the appointments to senior positions in the EU institutions and agencies; expresses its concern that any such episodes, even if legally admissible, are undermining the overall credibility of the EU institutions and often used by anti- European propaganda as a means of introducing euro-scepticism to the public; calls for the establishment of an Independent Ethics Body for all EU institutions that would overlook the implementation of a future common ethical framework, and have competence over the common rules on the content and publication of declarations of interests, avoidance of conflicts of interest and revolving doors, acceptance of gifts and entertainment, protection of whistle- blowers and victims of harassment, transparency of lobby meetings, public procurement and meeting calendars of senior staff, and use of transparent bank accounts for public funds;
Amendment 51 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the important role that the European Ombudsman plays in ensuring high standards of transparency and integrity in the EU institutions; calls on its Committee on Constitutional Affairs committee to consider and to take into account the experience provided by the European Ombudsman when reflecting on the possible establishment ofing an independent ethics body; suggests the setting up of an EU interinstitutional working group that is tasked with discussing and formulating recommendations on all aspects related to the subject matter;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 87 #
2020/2133(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers, as the committee most directly engaged with the public opinion and public response to the institutions’ transparency and integrity, that the democratic approach and political responsibility remains the strongest control mechanism in any constitutional democracy, as well as in the EU; stresses the need for further strengthening of the democratic accountability mechanisms at EU level and in this regard encourages the establishment of a common ethical framework for all EU institutions and of an Independent Ethics Body in charge of its implementation.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that Europe's 25 million small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy employing around 100 million people and accounting for more than half of Europe’s GDP; underlines that the proper functioning of the internal market and the creation of a capital market union remains an absolute priority for SMEs;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2131(INI)
1 a. Welcomes the new SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe, especially its focus on the EU’s twin transitions to a sustainable and digital economy as well as on reducing regulatory burden for SMEs and improving their market access and access to financing; believes that focusing on digital and innovative solutions will increase Europe’s global competitiveness as a whole;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the decisive contribution of SMEs to innovation, including to social innovation, job creation and an inclusive labour market; is extremely concerned about the rising unemployment rates in the EU and the risk of millions of people losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; recognises that at present SMEs are faced with severe liquidity problems and, in this context, highlightsstresses the importance of wide-ranging and coordinated action to secure Europe’s industrial fabric, stimulate the economy and support employment; highlights, moreover, the need for sustainable finance to bridge the current investment gap and to reinforce SMEs’ ability to innovate and move towards more sustainable, resource- efficient, circular and climate-neutral solutions, ensuring the successful implementation of the European Green Deal and the related just transition, in order to ensure that no one is left behind; considers also that the development of the circular economy represents an opportunity for SMEs by creating jobs and new markets, as well as increased business efficiency;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Welcomes the European Union trade policy review responding to the new global challenges and taking into account the lessons learned from the coronavirus crisis; emphasizes that it must recognise the challenges faced by SMEs in international trade;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Encourages the Commission to fully support SMEs inUnderlines that global markets are a crucial source of growth for SMEs; notes however that only 600 000 SMEs export goods outside the EU; encourages the Commission to fully support SMEs and to effectively implement the new SME strategy in order to overcominge all barriers that prevent their access to third- countryinternational markets; requests therefore for the Commission to continue the inclusion of an SME chapter in every trade agreement; underlines the need for the effective enforcement of trade agreements as a priority task of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO); welcomes the recent appointment of the first CTEO and highlights its important role in ensuring that SMEs get maximum value from EU trade agreements;
Amendment 30 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the EU recovery instruments and the relevant MFF programmes should be fully utilised to complement national schemes, supporting SMEs, particularly in the sectors most affected by the pandemic, preserving jobs, income and know-how, and striving to ensure the EU’s industrial independence through such measures as onshoring strategic industrial activities; Recalls, furthermore, that these instruments must contribute to achieving the objectives of sustainable development, the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 33 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Highlights the significance of the ongoing plurilateral WTO negotiations on e-commerce; calls for a comprehensive and ambitious set of rules, to facilitate the free flow of data across borders while guaranteeing European data protection standards, to address digital trade barriers including data localisation requirements and ensure that businesses, especially SMEs, can compete globally on a level playing field;
Amendment 37 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to be more active in its support of national and regional export agencies in order to allow SMEs to overcome the information gap and take better advantage of trade agreements; opines, in this respect, that the Commission could set up an SME internationalisation platform to monitor progress; recalls that the EU Delegations also have a crucial role in providing support by addressing queries and practical difficulties of SMEs linked to the implementation of FTAs;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to take greaterinto account of the role of SMEsSME specifities in all chapters of trade and investment negotiations, including when it comes to negotiating public procurement chapters in trade agreements; welcomes the announcement from the Commission that it will launch a new information portal on customs procedures and formalitiesto raise awareness of SMEs on trade policies and provide detailed information on customs procedures and formalities for exporting to third countries; asks the Commission to reach out to businesses at the earliest possible stage when setting up new information portals or improving already existing ones to ensure that the information needs of SMEs in particular can be met in a practical way; calls on the Commission to deliver on its objective of launching a self-assessment tool for rules of origin to help SMEs assess whether a product benefits from preferences under a given trade agreement; reiterates, in this context also the importance of streamlined and simplified rules of origin;
Amendment 49 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that SME-related actions should be at the core of the EU’s industrial and green recovery plans and initiatives and should go hand in hand with measures to protect workers; considers the strengthening of EU rules on coordination of social security systems and the portability of rights as essential for fair labour mobility and protecting workers, in particular those in precarious situations; stresses, in this regard, the need to ensure respect for the principle of equal treatment of workers and fair and equitable working conditions for mobile workers within the Union;
Amendment 57 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the EU’s safeguard and trade defence instrumentstrade toolbox in order to better protect European industrybusinesses, in particular when it affects sectors with a majority of SMEs; urges the Commission to raise more awareness among stakeholders about trade defence instruments (TDI) and increase its support to SMEs in facilitating their access to TDIs.
Amendment 61 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the systematic application of health and safety measures in the workplace, and welcomes the guidelines of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) on adapting workplaces and protecting workers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic; considers that such guidelines should be further developed in order to provide a coordinated and efficient response in case of future cross-border threats to public health; stresses the need to ensure the efficient and rapid implementation of health protocols, as well as their adoption by workers in the various occupational sectors, in particular through on-the-job training;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the EU to support the digital and green transitions by investing in artificial intelligence and in lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling initiatives to foster digital literacy, the uptake of human, social and advanced digital skills and the new skills for new occupations and sectors that will emerge from the transition to a sustainable, carbon- neutral economy; highlights the need to adopt a forward-looking approach to vocational education and training and skills, in particular digital skills; stresses, as a matter of priority, the need to address the mismatch between skills/qualifications and the needs of the labour market. calls, in this regard, on the Commission and the Member States to promote, reinforce and support apprenticeships in order to facilitate the sustainable integration of young people into the labour market;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage and support female entrepreneurship, in particular through easier access to finance or training and by ensuring a better work- life balance;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Article 41(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that “every person has the right to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union”;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
Bb. whereas Article 43 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights states that “any citizen of the Union and any natural or legal person residing or having its registered office in a Member State has the right to refer to the European Ombudsman cases of maladministration in the activities of the institutions, bodies, offices or agencies of the Union, with the exception of the Court of Justice of the European Union acting in its judicial role”;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas it is essential that European citizens have enough information to be able to follow EU policy and law making, and participate meaningfully in the European democratic processes; whereas people’s trust in public administrations is enhanced when they can see that institutions are working for the public good and maintain high ethical standards;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas 2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the institution of the European Ombudsman; whereas since its opening, the Office has dealt with 57000 complaints leading to over 7300 inquiries; whereas the continuous efforts of the Office and its staff towards respecting and upholding transparency, ethics and accountability in the EU administration should be duly recognized and commended;
Amendment 31 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas in 2019 the European Ombudsman opened 458 inquiries, of which 2 were opened on its own-initiative, while closing 560 inquiries (552 complaint-based and 8 own-initiative); whereas the greater part of the inquiries concerned once again the Commission (274 inquiries or 59,7 %), the next largest number concerned the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) (44 inquiries or 9,6 %), the EU agencies (33 inquiries or 7,2 %) and the rest were distributed as follows: Parliament (21 inquiries or 4,6 %), the European External Action Service (EEAS) (17 inquiries or 3,7 %), the European Investment Bank (7 inquiries or 1,5 %), and other institutions (54 inquiries or 11,8 %);
Amendment 36 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ApprovWelcomes the annual report for 2019 presented by the European Ombudsman;
Amendment 73 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Amendment 99 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Acknowledges the raise in the number of people helped by the European Ombudsman Office compared to 2018 (19619, up from 17996), as well as the efforts to find practical solutions to citizens' problems, either through advice given through the interactive guide on the website, replying to requests for information or handling of new complaints (2201 such complaints in 2019); points out the need to ensure the Office has the necessary budgetary and personnel resources so that it continues to help adequately and efficiently the European citizens;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Notes that the number of complaints falling outside the Ombudsman mandate has remained relatively stable (1330 cases in 2019, compared to 1300 cases in 2018); takes the view that better and coordinated communication at the level of all EU institutions as to the competencies of the European Ombudsman could help reduce the number of complains falling outside its mandate and streamline the response to citizens’ problems;
Amendment 115 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Welcomes that, on average, the length of inquiry of cases closed by the European Ombudsman in 2019 was less than 7 months; notes, however, that for some cases it can take up to 18 months before they are closed; calls on all EU institutions to improve their cooperation with the office of the Ombudsman in the interest of the European citizens who expect swift answers to their problems;
Amendment 121 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Acknowledges the important contribution made by the European Network of National and Regional Ombudsmen to the exchange of best practices and information on the remit and competences of its members and the proper implementation of European law; suggests that this network could be more closely involved in overseeing the proper use of EU funds; suggests that it could also offer support to national or regional ombudsmen who come under strong pressure from their governments, particularly in connection with violations of fundamental rights, including LGBTI rights; stresses that the Network could also contribute to the edification of a culture of good administration at the level of the Member States by enhancing cooperation and raising the awareness of the national ombudsmen to the importance of defending the rights of citizens; points out that resources allocated to the Network should be strengthened;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Acknowledges the important contribution made by the European Network of National and Regional Ombudsmen to the exchange of best practices and information on the remit and competences of its members and the proper implementation of European law; suggests that this network could be more closely involved in overseeing the proper use of EU funds; suggests that it could also offer support to national or regional ombudsmen who come under strong pressure from their governments, particularly in connection with violations of fundamental rights, including LGBTI rights; calls on the European Ombudsman to organise at the seat in Strasbourg, at least annually, a meeting of the European network of European and regional ombudsmen, whose core task is to ensure respect for fundamental rights;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Recalls that the seat of the European Ombudsman is in Strasbourg; calls on the Ombudsman, therefore, in the interests of transparency, to publish the events which she intends to host, stating where each event will take place;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Recalls that in its decision on the European Ombudsman’s building project, Parliament’s Committee on Budgets pointed out that ‘the Commission notes that the surface area of the rented building seems to exceed the current needs of the European Ombudsman and that there are still office spaces available in Strasbourg. The Commission therefore encourages the Ombudsman to prioritise the use of the office space available in Strasbourg and, where possible, to share the surplus office space in Brussels with another institution.’
Amendment 31 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the mainstreaming of the European Green Deal into the communication on the Trade Policy Review (TPR) and calls for a concrete action plan, roadmap and timeline to make this ambition a reality;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the incorporation of the Paris Agreement as an essential element in all trade, investment and partnership agreements; stresses that ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions and respect for human rights are requirements for concluding FTAs; asks for ambitious chapters on gender and on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as dedicated chapters on digital trade to be included in all trade agreements;
Amendment 44 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines the importance of including gender equality efforts and gender mainstreaming in trade policy as an important component to foster inclusive and sustainable growth; welcomes the promotion of gender equality through the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Gender Action Plan III to promote gender equality; stresses that trade has the potential to promote gender equality, contribute to economic and social empowerment of women worldwide and to more equal, as well as resilient economies globally; highlights that women are disproportionally affected by theCOVID- 19 crisis; welcomes the Commission’s aim to work on data collection and analytical analysis to better understand the impact of trade policy on women; calls on the Commission to engage with the European Parliament in its work on gender mainstreaming of trade policy; calls on the Commission to include specific gender chapters in EU trade and investment agreements;
Amendment 60 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points outRegrets that brown goods still receive preferential treatment over green goods and that tariffs and trade barriers are working against sustainable trade; underlines that removing tariffs and trade barriers for green goods and services should be designed to contribute to innovative solutions to tackle the climate crisis and contribute to the goals of the Green Deal, as well as the SDG’s and sustainable development worldwide; demands that the Commission devise instruments to tackle these distortions and walk the talk of the Green Deal by implementing it in all aspects of trade policy;
Amendment 68 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that high up-front costs, which willcould only repay themselves over time, and a lack of know-how and equipment are currently preventing developing countries from ‘going green’; demands that the Commission use all trade instruments at its disposal to increase financial support, technical assistance, technology transfers and digital penetration in order to empower developing countries and enable them to achieve sustainable resilience;
Amendment 74 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for the EU to take a leading role at a multilateral level to end harmful subsidies by advocating transparency and strict regulation and disciplines in trade agreements and at the World Trade Organization (WTO); stresses the importance of drawing up sustainability impact assessments on an ex-ante, intermediate and ex-post basis; calls upon the Commission to brief the European Parliament regularly on the ongoing and finalised sustainable impact assessments; stresses the need to develop a comprehensive framework with concrete targets to advance the SDGs, the Green Deal and the ILO Decent Work Agenda in trade and investment agreements; emphasises that new agreements should only be concluded once these targets have been fulfilled and that existing agreements should be revised accordinglyincluding these goals in negotiation mandates of future revisions of existing trade agreements;
Amendment 93 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the need for more coherency and transparency in scrutinising EU trade policy; underlines that coherent, clear, measurable and objective criteria for the EU’s trade policy and regular discussions between the Commission and European Parliament can contribute to more transparency and engagement of EU citizens, better dialogue between the Commission and the European Parliament, more policy coherence and better scrutiny of all aspects of trade policy; stresses the role of ex-ante, intermediate and ex-post sustainable impact assessment in this regard; calls on the Commission to engage with the European Parliament at all stages of its proposals that fall under the EU’s trade policy and ensure that the European Parliament can exercise its role as scrutiniser;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls for the EU to ensure trade works also for the economically disadvantaged; in this regard recalls that the specific actions to promote ‘fair and ethical trade schemes’ to which the Commission committed in the ‘Trade for All’ strategy have become even more relevant under the current circumstances given that Fair Trade bottom-up initiatives can ensure that trade benefits the economically disadvantaged actors in the supply chain; calls on the Commission to promote Fair Trade initiatives through EU programs involving young people and the private sector, in external action in general, in the implementation of chapters on trade and sustainable development, through EU delegations as well as by rewarding best practices and facilitating knowledge exchange amongst EU local, regional, national authorities, civil society, schools and universities, including through the extension of the ‘EU cities for fair and ethical trade award’ to schools and universities and the setting up of an annual Fair Trade week hosted in Brussels by the European Commission; demands the European Commission to report on the support of Fair Trade initiatives by the EU and the member states;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of ensuring fair competition and a level playing field for European businesses in both the internal market and third-country markets; stresses, in this regard, the importance of trade defence instruments and; underlines that the enforcement regulation should have a positive contribution to the goal of ensuring fair competition and a level playing field, and stresses that TSD could be subjected to the enforcement regulation; calls on the Commission to swiftly complete the EU’s trade defence toolbox through legislative proposals in 2021, giving priority to an anti-coercion instrument, an instrument to tackle distortions caused by foreign subsidies and state-owned enterprises and to the conclusion of negotiations on the International Procurement Instrument12 ; underlines the role of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer (CTEO) in working with the European Parliament in a transparent manner to discuss and address issues related to trade defence instruments; __________________ 12Amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 January 2016 on the access of third- country goods and services to the Union’s internal market in public procurement and procedures supporting negotiations on access of Union goods and services to the public procurement markets of third countries (COM(2016)0034).
Amendment 136 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is convinced that the EU is too dependent on a limited number of suppliers for critical goods and services; insists that the EU should overcome these undesirable dependencies via a mix of policies to incentivise companies to stockpile, diversify sourcing strategies and promote nearshoring, which could create new trading opportunities for partners in the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods; underlines the role that trade agreements should have in diversifying supply and open trade relations for critical goods and services; stresses that shortening or altering supply chains to the EU’s neighbourhood and Africa can have a positive effect on their sustainable, green, inclusive and resilient economic growth, as well as for the EU’s strategic interests;
Amendment 149 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to come up with a digital trade strategy to increase the market access of European businesses and protect EU citizens’ rights under the GDPR13 ; underlines the acceleration of the digital revolution due to COVID-19 and stresses the importance of the EU taking the lead in setting standards for a sustainable, digital-driven global economy and keeping international data flows open; underlines that the EU can set a global standard for fair and resilient digital trade in its bilateral and multilateral engagements; calls upon the Commission to make meaningful progress on setting ambitious rules for e-commerce in the WTO; underlines that the digital chapter in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement can serve as a model for future trade agreements; __________________ 13Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).
Amendment 156 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls for incentives for EU businesses to shorten or adjust their supply chains where it is beneficial to do so,, and make value chains more sustainable with a view to ensuringe that external social, environmental and economic costs are fully internalised in the price in line with EU policies such as the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Biodiversity Strategy and stepping up EU action to protect and restore the world’s forests;
Amendment 167 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that international trade governance has an importantessential role to play in the rapid development of medical treatments and vaccines, the rapid scaling up of production, the development of resilient global value chains and equitable market access for the whole world; stresses, in this context, that the COVID-19 pandemic mustshould be used to provide impetus for more concerted international cooperation and to boost global preparedness for health emergencies;
Amendment 175 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that global supply chains for raw materials, production and distribution of vaccines benefit from open trade relations; underlines that protectionism in the production and distribution of vaccines can hinder addressing the global pandemic; recognises that the EU is relatively one of the largest exporters of vaccines to third countries, but that on an absolute level, these exports are not yet sufficient to tackle the global pandemic;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the recent rise in variants of COVID-19, as well as export restrictions on vaccines by the main manufacturing countries such as the US, the UK, China and India and by the EU and emphasises that this endangers the rapid global scaling up of vaccine production capacity; urges the Commission to engage with producing countries to swiftly eliminate export barriers and to replace the export authorisation mechanism with an export and import notification requirement; insists on having timely and comprehensive access to such data;
Amendment 192 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Underlines that the vaccines against COVID-19 and its variants arshould be a global public good and that multilateral efforts should be focused on ramping up global production capacities and technology transfers, including in low and middle- income countries; strongly welcomes, in this regard, the Global C19 Vaccine Supply Chain and Manufacturing Summit held on 8 and 9 March 2021 and calls for the establishment of structural platforms to rapidly scale up vaccine production in more countries;
Amendment 234 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Underlines that in order to revive the WTO negotiating function, the EU must work together with likeminded partners to find common ground for WTO reform in the broadest sense; stresses that special attention has to be paid to developing countries and their specific needs in relation to economic growth, sustainable development and WTO reform; reaffirms that meaningful progress in WTO reform needs a broad consensus and coalitions of likeminded partners;
Amendment 252 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is aware of the importance of the EU’s multifaceted trade relationship with China; firmly believes that EU-China trade relations require a more balanced and reciprocal approach; stresses that the ratification process of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment can only begin once the EU has the requisite autonomous measures in place, including a ban on products made using forced labour, an upgraded trade defence toolbox and a working sanctions mechanism on human rights; Underlines that China has put sanctions on Members of the European Parliament and some of its entities, making the ratification process of the CAI unthinkable at the moment; demands that the Commission move forward with the Investment Agreement with Taiwan; and remain committed to meaningful engagement in trade and investment relations;
Amendment 269 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Underlines the importance of the EU-Africa relationship and fostering close political and economic cooperation between the continents; stresses the importance of having a robust partnership with the African continent based on reciprocity, equality and shared interests; underlines that various trade policy instruments can complement the Commission’s efforts in this regard; calls on the Commission to foster an inclusive trade policy approach with Africa and to contribute to sustainable development, economic growth and resilience, taking into account the wide variety in levels of economic development on the continent;
Amendment 273 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Underlines the commitment to our partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean and our trade relations with the region; expresses its concern about the impact COVID-19 has on the continent for its sustainable development and its economic resilience; reiterates that the pandemic affected women in Latin America and the Caribbean severely; calls on the Commission to maintain a structural dialogue with our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean; calls on the Commission to include the Overseas Countries and Territories and to take into account their specific trade needs and relationships with the EU;
Amendment 275 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Underlines that Asia is developing economically and has an important role in the global economy at the moment, especially for goods imports to Europe; stresses the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is both an opportunity for expanding European trade, as well as a potential threat to the EU’s trade efforts in the region; calls on the Commission to remain engaged with the region and proactively promote rules- based trade relations;
Amendment 276 #
2020/2117(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Welcomes the upcoming review of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the Commission’s intention as one of the key objectives to increase trading opportunities for developing countries; underlines that the GSP is a policy tool that has the potential to help developing countries foster sustainable and resilient economic growth; underlines the importance of adhering our partners in GSP+ to international values and possibly update and extend the list of conventions in the upcoming review of the regulation; calls on the Commission to engage with gender equality efforts in relation to GSP, GSP+ and Anything But Arms (EBA);
Amendment 4 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that as Asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest- growing economies, increasing efficient and sustainable connectivity between the EU and Asia, with an open, rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field, will and reciprocity, can play a key role in mutual economic growth and will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the EU-Asia connectivity strategy should go hand in hand with efforts to increase access to respective markets, including public procurement, and promote an open and transparent investment environment, unlocking opportunities and contributing to global competitiveness; Regrets that many countries in Asia still apply protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for European businesses; notes that allowing free trade flows will buildcontributes to strengthening economic resilience and to ensure the global availability of products through the diversification of supply chains;
Amendment 14 #
2020/2115(INI)
3. Believes that efficient and sustainable connections and networks between Europe and Asia through priority transport corridors, including air, sea and land transport, and high-capacity network links as well as more efficient and reliable customs procedures, that build on digitalisation and administrative simplification, will increase trade flows between the EU and Asia; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors, national and international institutions, and multilateral development banks; Stresses that the facilitation of trade between the EU and Asian partners through improved connectivity should at the same time result in the strengthening of customs performance and management, notably in enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), as a tool to fight against fraud and prevent counterfeit goods entering the single market;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recalls the potential of New Arctic shipping routes of reducing by up to 40 percent the time and distance between Europe and Asia, creating new trading hubs, with a significant impact on trade flows; Stresses that the management of these new routes should be sustainable and in line with international rules and norms, preventing any additional pressure on the Arctic ecosystem;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Asian partners, with successful examples of strategic partnerships in Japan, South Korea and Singapore, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as ongoing negotiations, such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments with China; calls on the Commission to start a scoping exercise for the investment negotiations with Taiwan;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious, in particular by promoting sustainable EU norms and standardsand international environmental and social norms and standards, such as the respect of ILO Conventions and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2115(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that EU and Asia are important partners on sustainable development, notably on the delivery of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, and that the promotion of efficient and sustainable connectivity is an essential element, together with trade, of a broader strategic partnership with Asian partners.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the rules-based multilateral trading system has been a key driver of global trade liberalisation, which has poweradvanced economic growth, job creation and the promotion and advancement of sustainable economic development; stresses that multilateral engagement with global partners can advance and address universal global rules related to trade and sustainability within the global trading system; notes furthermore its role in fostering a predictable trade environment through the development of more transparent trade rules and regulations, as well as reciprocity of trade rules in a consistent, enforceable and coherent manner for all parties involved; believes, however, that there is a need to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions in the face of global challenges and shifting world power dynamics; reiterates the role the EU has within this process to advance open, rules-based and reciprocal trade relations;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets the growing tendencies towards protectionism and trade weaponisationusing trade as a tool of coercion by certain actors that have developed in parts of the global economy; welcomes the strengthening of the EU’s trade enforcement efforts and the development of a toolbox of autonomous trade instruments, such as the anti- coercion instrument, distortive subsidies instrument and international procurement instrument, to respond to these emerging challenges; stresses the need, however, to remain fully engaged in efforts to reinvigorateform the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the cornerstone of a liberalised global economyn open, fair and sustainable global economy based on rules, and to deal with the challenges posed by non-market economies; calls on the Commission to engage with partners in the WTO to advance multilateral negotiations; underlines role of other multilateral institutions such as the OECD, the IMF, the World Bank, and the G7 in advancing an open, rules-based trading system; stresses that for the advancement of rules-based global trade, effective engagement of the EU must be based on a forward-looking approach to trade;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes the need to work closely with like-minded partners, and to engage with all members of the WTO that are committed to a positive agenda for reform; recognises that historically it has beencalls on the Commission to explore lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to engage with global partners to address these lessons in the agenda for reform; recognises that EU- US cooperation that has been the maina driving force for progress within multilateral trade negotiations, and therefore welcomes the positiv; stresses, however, that the statements on WTO reform made by the current US administration, which sh should lead to tangible results on WTO reform; underlines the statements by the US could provide a basis for renewed engagement on actionable outcomes; supports a forward- looking transatlantic agenda based on common interests and shared values, aiming to achieve meaningful WTO reform, including of dispute settlement; welcomes the engagement by the EU with its strategic partners in Latin America, the Indo-Pacific region, and Africa to advance and reform the global trading system; calls on the Commission to take into account developing countries and the advancement of the incorporation of their economies into the global trading system;
Amendment 39 #
2020/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that accountable and transparent global governance should feature greater participation of parliamentary bodies, as directly elected parliamentarians can function as a crucial link between citizens and the multilateral system; emphasises the importance of the work of the joint European Parliament and Inter-Parliamentary Union parliamentary conference on the WTO; underlines the need to ensure that parliamentarians have better access to trade negotiations and are involved in the formulation and implementation of WTO decisions, as well as negotiations on trade related matters within other multilateral bodies and institutions.
Amendment 5 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Condemns the fact that, according to these petitions, individuals with disabilities continue to encounter many challenges related to accessibility, participation in employment and mobility within the EU, and continue to encounter discrimination; considers it unacceptable that many employers are still not taking appropriate measures to tackle these issues, despite such measures being crucial to the economic and social inclusion of the 100 million persons with disabilities in the EU;, highlights that this leads to a large unused percentage of potential workforce.
Amendment 9 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take specific measures with a view to ensuring full equality in practice to prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to disabilities, and recommends that the Member States ensure the employment of people with disabilities is addressed in their national reform programmes; Member states shall ensure that Enterprises should receive incentives for a better inclusion of disabled people within their business. In this context, financial support and technical measures for the hiring of the disabled people should be simplified, and enterprises should be encouraged to adapt recruitment procedures so that people with disabilities have easier access to job offers and application procedures.
Amendment 19 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that member states should make a reasonable effort should be made to adapt all public workplaces to accommodate special needs with a view to potentially employing persons with all types of disabilities and insists on promoting it in the private sector, as well as dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment, including through the monitoring of workplace practices, collective agreements, codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and good practices;, especially to foster inclusion of women with disabilities, people from a disadvantaged socio-economic background and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities. Relevant research should be made available in simple language.
Amendment 31 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on all Member States to take appropriate action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people, to raise awareness, to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment, as unemployment can lead to poverty, social exclusion and mental health problems; calls on member states to ensure access for people with disabilities to quality education, employment measures like the Youth Guarantee and exchange programmes as Erasmus+.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2086(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the role of women, who usually have primary responsibility for taking care of children and dependants with disabilities; stresses that this has a direct effect on women’s access to jobs and their professional development and may negatively affect their conditions of employment; Member states should promote research on this topic, as data is scarce. Calls on member states to establish a flexible parental leave system, with a job guarantee once the parental leave is over, which is equally accessible regardless of gender.
Amendment 4 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
- having regard to Articles 9, 145, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 158, 165, 166, 168, 174 and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),
Amendment 16 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 41 a (new)
Citation 41 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 20 October 2010 entitled ‘Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU’ (COM(2009)0567),
Amendment 19 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 58 a (new)
Citation 58 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 10 July 2020 on the EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-191, ________________________________ 1 Texts adopted, P9_TA-PROV(2020)0205
Amendment 31 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the COVID-19 crisis is a symmetric shock affecting all Members States, though the impact of the crisis is set to be uneven; whereas the COVID-19 crisis requires a coordinated European response ensuring social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 41 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas effective European economic, social and health policy coordination with the European Semester at its core is crucial for mitigating the effects of the crisis and ensuring a recovery which is economically innovative, socially fair and environmentally responsible;
Amendment 52 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the urgency of the recovery must go hand in hand with the commitments of the European Union and its Member States to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the objectives of the Green Compact and the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas austerity policies resulted in less protective andcertain political choices made in the wake of the financial and economic crisis had regrettable consequences on the level of protection provided by the sometimes underfunded social and healthcare systems, which aggravated the effects of the pandemic in certain Member States;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the euro area unemployment rate is expected to increase from 7,.5 % in 2019 to about 9,.5 % in 2020, with substantial differences among Member States; whereas many companies have either been forced to close or are likely to have to do so; whereas national short-time working systems, supported by European measures, enable jobs to be maintained and salaries to be broadly kept unchanged; whereas many jobs remain at very high risk in the medium term;
Amendment 90 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the crisis will have a significant impact on social conditions, in particular for vulnerable groups;; whereas the COVID-19 crisis affects vulnerable groups in particular, resulting in increased inequalities, fragility, poverty, unemployment and social divergences, as well as undermining social and employment standards in Europe; whereas young people and non- standard workers are at greatest risk of losing their jobs and falling into poverty,
Amendment 97 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the pay and pension gaps between men and women remain and are likely to widen with the COVID-19 crisis; whereas across the EU, women still earn on average 16% less than men and the gender gap for pensions is around 37.2% in the EU;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas fair living wages, strong collective bargaining systems, and social protection can reduce in-work poverty, decrease inequalities and, generate demand and improve health and wellbeing;
Amendment 116 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas social protection systems are under severe pressure to mitigate the social impact of the crisis and ensure decent living conditions for all as well as access to essential services such as health, education and housing;
Amendment 122 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 123 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the Commission communication of 20 October 2010 entitled ‘Solidarity in Health: Reducing Health Inequalities in the EU’ (COM(2009)0567) underlines that, throughout the EU, there is a social gradient in health status; whereas the WHO defines this social gradient as being the link between socioeconomic inequalities and inequalities in the areas of health and access to healthcare; whereas health inequalities are rooted in social inequalities in terms of living conditions and models of social behaviour notably linked to gender, educational standards, employment, income and the unequal distribution of access to medical assistance, sickness prevention and health promotion services;
Amendment 127 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the fight against climate change persist and require a just transition so as to leave no one behind;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s 2020 country-specific recommendations (CSRs); expresses its concern that Member States have made limited or no progress in six out of 10 CSRs addressed to them in 2019; regrets the fact that too many CSRs are not implemented and urges the Member States to implement them, particularly those concerning employment and social aspects;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is concerned about the devastating social effects of the COVID-19 crisis, in particular on vulnerable groups, especially workers who were in the front line during the crisis; stresses that only a decisive and coordinated European response will offset the consequences of the current crisis; calls in this context on the Member States to use the REACT-EU package to ensure aid for the most deprived by guaranteeing adequate funding for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), to support retention and the return to employment by prioritising young people in the funding provided by the European Social Fund (ESF), and to take specific action in support of cohesion and the territories of the Union, in particular the outermost regions;
Amendment 159 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that in the current crisis, the Stability and Growth Pact has proven to be inadequate, notsufficiently flexible, with the activation of the general escape clause, to allowing the Member States to use the fiscal space they need to absorb imbalances, support companies and workers and mitigate the social consequences, which made the activation of the escape clause necessary; demands that social and ecological objectives be given the same legal enforceability as fiscal consolidation and financial stability;
Amendment 170 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that, despite the importance of sound and responsible fiscal policies, budgetary stability should not be detrimental to; calls, nonetheless, on the Member States and the Commission, in response to the health crisis, to boost public investment, especially in education, social and healthcare systems;
Amendment 180 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes Next Generation EU, the EU’s recovery plan; insists that the recovery plan must contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, implementing our growth strategy as set out in the Green Compact, and fulfilling the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights; calls on the Member States to make full use of the general escape clausepotential offered by the general escape clause to support companies which are in difficulty and lack liquidity, particularly SMEs; safeguard the jobs, wages and working conditions of European workers; and invest in people and social welfare systems; calls for specific social progress plans to ensure more effective and stronger welfare states;
Amendment 203 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the Commission’s SURE proposal as an emergency measure in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and calls on the Member States to reach a swift agreement to allow its urgent implementation and, as a result, to increase the chances of companies obtaining the liquidity necessary for resuming economic activity and safeguarding jobs;
Amendment 206 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Underlines the Commission’s commitment to mobilising the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis on employment; calls therefore on the Member States to rapidly submit to the Commission applications for funding to support European workers who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 in their retraining, requalification and reintegration into the labour market;
Amendment 241 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to prioritise the fight against youth unemployment, particularly in the context of the European ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery; to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus +; and to take appropriate measures to tackle youth unemployment and improve the employability of young people;
Amendment 267 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the Commission’s second phase consultation of the social partners on an EU framework for minimum wages; calls on the Commission to present a European framework for minimum wages to ensure upward social convergence and eliminate in-work poverty by ensuring decent living wages above the poverty threshold for all workers through collective agreements or through national law, in line with national traditions; calls for EU-level safeguards for decent old-age pensions for all workers;
Amendment 270 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Notes with concern the inadequacy of access to social protection systems and the lack of such access for non-standard and self-employed workers; calls on the Member States to take measures to remedy these problems, in particular by following the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed; welcomes, once again, the adoption of this recommendation as a first measure and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems in Europe, but stresses the need to make universal access to social protection a reality, especially in the current difficult situation;
Amendment 278 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Asks the Commission to propose legal instruments to ensure decent working conditions for all workers, strengthen collective bargaining coverage, bancombat the improper use of precarious and non- standard contracts, particularly zero- hour contracts, end and cases of bogus self- employment, set strict limits on subcontracting practices, and improve social protection standards; calls on the Commission to present a European directive on decent working conditionsconduct a comprehensive assessment of the working conditions of non-standard workers and to present a European regulatory framework aimed at strengthening and ensuring decent working conditions, rights and access to social protection for platform workers and non-standard workers;
Amendment 297 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an EU teleworking agenda, including a legislative proposal to ensure decent working conditions including respect for working hours, leave and the right to disconnect, taking into account the special circumstances regarding tax and social security coordination of frontier workers teleworking;
Amendment 298 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an EU teleworking agenda, including a legislative proposal to ensure decent working conditions including respect for working hours, leave and the right to disconnect, and to ensure a work-life balance;
Amendment 310 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. ACalls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the portability of rights and ensure fair and just working conditions for mobile, cross- border and seasonal workers in the EU; calls on the Member States to commit fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems; therefore asks the Commission to put forward a proposal for a digital EU Social Security Number;
Amendment 329 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission to present an EU child guarantee in 2020, a rights- based, comprehensive and integrated anti- poverty strategy, an EU framework on national homelessness strategies by adopting the ‘Housing First’ principle, to conduct a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes in the Member States, and to highlight best practice cases with a view to presenting a framework in this regard;
Amendment 338 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put forward specific proposals to ensure a just transition in terms of improving the energy efficiency of housing and to adequately address the problem of energy poverty in relation to the objectives and principles of the Green Compact;
Amendment 342 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce binding pay transparency measures, andincluding a male- female wage equality index; urges their swift adoption of these measures in order to avoid further gender-based inequalities; calls on the Member States and the Commission to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them; calls on the Member States to unblock the negotiations on the Women on Boards Directive in the Council;
Amendment 344 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce binding pay transparency measures, and urges their swift adoption in order to avoid further gender-based inequalities; further stresses the need for gender budgeting as well as for the monitoring of this spending and gender mainstreaming across all budgetary, policy and legislative proposals, following its commitments in the Gender Equality Strategy;
Amendment 352 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as short- and long-term care services, including for the elderly and people with disabilities; calls, in this regard, on the Member States to swiftly and fully implement the Directive on work-life balance for parents and carers;
Amendment 361 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to put forward a comprehensive and long-term post-2020 EU Disability Strategy; notes that the guiding principles underlying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, such as full and effective participation and inclusion in society, equal opportunities and accessibility, must be fully applied at both EU and national level;
Amendment 365 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to put forward a comprehensive and long-term post-2020 EU Disability Strategy which addresses accessibility to goods and services as well as to leisure activities, such as sports;
Amendment 368 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Member States to improve the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of their education systems, and to ensure high-quality basic skills training with tailored support, especially for the most marginalised groups in society; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their efforts to invest in quality, accessible education and training, strengthening requalification and retraining measures, in particular the acquisition of digital skills, and to promote lifelong learning; stresses that matching qualifications with skills on the one hand and job opportunities on the other is a prerequisite for the creation of a competitive European labour market and that this should be achieved by facilitating closer cooperation of education systems with businesses, for example by promoting learning, work experience and lifelong learning;
Amendment 385 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) play a key role in sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth and job creation in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen their support for SMEs and their workers in the resumption of economic activity and in the transition towards a more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 387 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. States that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased health and safety risks for millions of workers; calls on the Commission to present a new Strategic Framework for Health and Safety, a directive on work-related stress and musculoskeletal disorders, a directive on mental well-being at the workplace, and an EU mental health strategy; calls for the role of the EU-OSHA to be strengthened to promote healthy and safe workplaces across the Union; stresses that investments in occupational health and safety improve job quality and the wellbeing of workers and contribute to the productivity and competitiveness of the European economy;
Amendment 394 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Calls for the creation of a European Health Union, calls based on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that is affordable for allprinciples of solidarity, strategic autonomy and cooperation, placing public health considerations at the core of the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities, as enshrined in the Treaty, with systematic health impact assessment of all relevant policies;
Amendment 402 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Highlights the need to address the social, economic and environmental determinants of health; considers, in this regard, that the European Green Deal brings opportunities for diseases prevention, in line with the “One Health” approach recognising the interconnection between human health, animal health and the environment and that implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights would contribute to tackle the social gradient in health and reduce health inequalities;
Amendment 405 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Calls on the Commission to adopt a common set of health determinants to monitor health inequalities by age, sex, socio-economic status and geographic location and establish a methodology for auditing the health situation in the Member States, with a view to identifying and prioritising areas in need of improvement and increased funding; considers that the Commission should evaluate the effectiveness of measures in order to reduce health inequalities resulting from policies covering social, economic and environmental risk factors;
Amendment 406 #
2020/2079(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Calls on the Member States to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that is affordable for all;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that a strategic trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the EU’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the EU’s reliance on imports of raw materials, and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long- term sustainability of global value chains; underlines that the transition from a linear to a circular economy needs to be inclusive and collaborative in all its aspects and with the consideration and participation of all genders;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the EU’s environmental footprint is significant; underlines the need for transparency and increased traceability in these supply chains and calls on the Commission to tackle notably the efficient use of resources and sustainable production and consumption patterns in the garment sector under its future ‘EU Strategy for Textiles’; welcomes the planned ‘Circular Electronics Initiative’ and underlines the need to in this context define how e-waste can be exported for re- use and recycling;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products from outside the EU and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs on certain products in order to encourage the development of the circular economy; calls on the Commission to take into account the special needs of EU’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to support them in the implementation of their business strategies to export circular products;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to ensure that FTAs reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant FTA chapters and competitive business models that encourage trade in recycled rather than in primary materials; calls on the Commission to evaluate how to balance enhancing trade in recycled goods with upholding strong quality standards and consumer protection; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant FTA chapters; underlines the need for the effective enforcement of trade agreements as a priority task of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer;
Amendment 63 #
2020/2077(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages the Commission to engage in regulatory dialogues and cooperation with the EU’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; calls on the Commission and Member States to further deploy efforts in international fora (UNCTAD, WTO, G20, G7) to pursue the EU’s agenda on circular economy and ensure a global level playing field with international partners; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-EU recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports; calls on the Commission in particular to integrate the circular economy principles in its strategy ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’.
Amendment 2 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the New Industrial Strategy for Europe, especially its focus on ensuring fair competition and level playing field globally and on the tools to make EU industry fit to address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges worldwide;
Amendment 8 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Takes note of the Commission’s initiatives to support European SMEs’ access to international markets; stresses, however, that SMEs have to deal with too many regulations and burdens and excessive bureaucracy; stresses that SMEs are kept at a competitive disadvantage by investing in cEncourages the Commission to strengthen and improve its initiatives to support European SMEs in overcoming barriers that prevent their access to international markets, among others, through negotiating dedicated chapters in trade agreements; calls on the Commission for an effective implementation of the SME strategy in order to reduce burdens and excessive bureaucracy for our businesses abroad and facilimtate neutrality to comply with the Green Deal while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export marketstheir internationalisation;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that our industries are asked to contribute actively to achieving the European Green Deal’s objectives, by investing in climate neutrality and comply with new standards, while confronted with competitors from third countries that are less ambitious on emissions reduction; stresses that European companies, in particular SMEs, risk to be kept at a competitive disadvantage while trying to remain competitive and thrive on export markets; Calls on the Commission for the swift adoption of the Carbon border adjustment mechanism;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to focus on domestic productivity within Europe, in order to establish less dependStresses the importance of diversification to improve the resilience onf vulnerable supply chainsalue chains as well as of smart reshoring in core industry sectors such as the tech and telecommunications, medical products and pharmaceuticals sectors, and raw materials, to achieve an open strategic autonomy especially in times of global crisis, and to remain competitive on the global markets, at the same time taking into account the needs of developing countries;
Amendment 43 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Supports, in principle, the initiative to reinforce a rule-based multilateral trading system; expresses its concern, however, about the functRecalls the commitment of the European Union to a rule-based multilateral trading system and underlines that the EU should be at the forefront of defending and reinforcing it; supports the Commission ing of the WTO, owing to some international actors abusing their market power its overall efforts to modernize the WTO and urges to continue engaging with WTO Members to find a long-term multilateral solution to overcome the current deadlock of the Appellate Body; welcomes the multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement;
Amendment 50 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines the importance of the ongoing plurilateral WTO negotiations on e-commerce, and calls for a comprehensive and ambitious set of rules, guaranteeing European data protection standards, to address digital trade barriers and ensure that companies, especially SMEs, can compete worldwide in a level playing field;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to work towards effective and opuncil to move on the ‘International pProcurement that allows the EU to take swift, targeted and compelling measures and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market openingInstrument’; emphasizes the need for an instrument that targets discriminatory practices against EU businesses in third country procurement markets and increase leverage to negotiate reciprocity and market opening; Calls on the Commission to start a reflection on a possible framework for monitoring third country bidders’ access to EU procurement markets in strategic sectors;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to finalise and share its White Paper on an Instrument on Foreign Subsidies, to address the distortive effects caused by foreign subsidies within the single market as part of the European trade defence toolbox; recalls that it should be coherent with the possible modernization or update of targeted EU competition rules, with the aim of ensuring a level playing field for EU companies;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls for the adoption of the review of Regulation 654/2014 (Enforcement Regulation), in order to strengthen it; stresses that this is an important tool to protect the Union’s interests under international trade agreements in situations when third countries adopt illegal measures that can negatively hit our businesses;
Amendment 71 #
2020/2076(INI)
6. Calls on the Commission to consider the urgent enforcement of intellectual property rights and the involvement of all actors in the fight against infringement and counterfeiting as key objectives of the intellectual property action plan; Calls on the Commission to promote and ensure the protection of Geographical indications (GIs) both at international and bilateral level and to resume the debate on GIs for non- agricultural products that could support innovation, sustainable production and jobs in the EU, improving the attractiveness and reputation of our quality productions worldwide;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to strengtheWelcomes the guidelines on the screening of fForeign dDirect iInvestment and to protect access to(FDI) and calls on the Commission to strengthen it, also in light of the current crisis, in order to protect strategic industries, infrastructure, key enabling technologies, or any other assets in the interests of security and cybersecurity.
Amendment 83 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Welcomes the proposal for an EU Recovery plan presented by the Commission on 27 May 2020, which includes a reinforced long-term budget of the EU (MFF 2021-2027) and a new recovery instrument of 750 billion euros- Next Generation EU, highlights in this sense the importance of investments in industrial sectors particularly hit by the crisis through the Recovery and Resilience Facility which will allow the development of a strategy for sustainable and competitive industrial policy across the EU;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2 c. Highlights the need for the European industry based on ecosystems that rely on entrepreneurial discovery and invest in the creation of start-ups and new SMEs that will reinforce smart specialization and provide the ambition for business growth and expansion; considers that developing entrepreneurial skills is a key factor for building resilience, since several regions in the EU still witness a low survival rate of newly established start-ups and SMEs; stresses the need to boost the next generation of entrepreneurs in order to ensure the emergence of fast growing firms and unicorns helping Europe to have a significant impact on the global industrial landscape.
Amendment 129 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Stresses the need for a faster integration into the labour market of young apprentices via high quality, paid internship; calls on the Member States to promote the VET educational culture from the time of primary education, in which trades are appreciated and the VET educational path becomes a desirable and predictable path;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4 c. Welcomes the work of the European Training Foundation (ETF), especially on vocational education, in fostering mobility and helping partner countries operating their transitions and developing human capital through the reform of their education and training systems and labour market; calls for more cooperation on insights, information sharing and best practices among CEDEFOP, EUROFOUND, the EEAS and Commission.
Amendment 139 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4 d. Calls for a better forecast of the European Commission of the skills needed across sectors and industry to adapt to the change required by a new green economy and in particular to provide models for the employment effects of decarbonizing scenarios; encourages the European Commission to continue the consultation process of all relevant stakeholders, including VET providers, universities, public employment services, companies, trade unions, local and regional authorities.
Amendment 152 #
2020/2076(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Calls on the European Commission to propose an ambitious update of the European Digital Education Action Plan, one that democratises distance learning, includes lifelong learning, and non formal education, ensures better funding to make the digital skills an absolute priority and increases cooperation amongst Member States; calls on the European Commission to explore the acute role and potential of teleworking and telelearning in the public and private sector, while leaving no one behind.
Amendment 5 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights that, while there are a number of dynamic middle income countries on the African continent, its economic development is still relatively weak in comparison to other parts of the world; stresses that many of its countries will therefore face almost insurmountable challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and the effects of climate change; highlights that due to their economic situation, not all of these countries are able to take lockdown measures similar to those taken in developed countries and therefore the containment of the COVID- 19 virus has been impeded;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the announcement from the G20 on a temporary moratorium on debt repayments for the weakest developing countries; and encourages the G20 to go further on debt relief to ensure that the basic human needs of citizens can be provided for;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that the European Union still has important economic ties with African states, and that China has intensified its economic engagement in Africa;
Amendment 40 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that the role of many African states in the international division of labour does not promote their sustainable development; calls on the Commission to create a strategy aimed at assisting the African nations with value chain development in order for more added value to be generated within the African continent;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Underlines that European companies have a responsibility for their supply chains; calls on the Commission to create an ambitious proposal on mandatory rules for due diligence for both human and social rights and environmental effects which includes provisions enabling victims in third countries to pursue civil remedies for breaches of these rules;
Amendment 48 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to reformappropriately revise its current version of its strategy entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ with a view to addressing the needs of the African countries and regions in the wake of this health and economic crisis;
Amendment 56 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to support Africa in its ambitions for a continental free trade area by making the necessary adjustments in order to implement its Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and make them fit the project of theensure that the EPAs will not form an obstacle towards the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area;
Amendment 69 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines that the fragmented implementation of EPAs has resulted in a lack of substantial progress in supporting regional integration, capacity-building on border cooperation, and improvements in investment climates and good governance; calls on the Commission to further assist the African countries in these areas without making this assistance fully conditional on implementation of EPAs;
Amendment 80 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. CUnderlines the vital importance of meeting the goals as set by the Paris Climate Agreement; calls for a concrete proposal that establishes common initiatives on a renewable energy supply on the African continent;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the need for substantial sustainable investments that enable leapfrogging in the African states; calls for an investigation on how leapfrogging can contribute to sustainable development;
Amendment 95 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Recalls that the position of women can be strengthened with strong provisions on Gender & Trade in Trade Agreements; calls in this regards on the European Commission to assist the African Union with the implementation of it Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and implement measures that contribute to the achievement of gender equality in its trade agreements with the African countries;
Amendment 101 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences will have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals; calls on the Commission to make the achievement of the SDGs a guiding principle in all its policies with regard to the African countries and urges the Commission to have full regard for these goals when negotiating the post-Cotonou Agreement in order to ensure balanced and free trade with the African continent;
Amendment 105 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Highlights that around 60% of the population of the African countries is under 25 years old; calls on the Commission to assist the African youth with dedicated education programs under for example Erasmus+ and to increase educational and professional mobility by means of a dedicated strategy in cooperation with the African Union, the private sector and financial institutions (for example by making available micro- credit for start-ups) with the aim of improving economic and trading opportunities;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10 d. Highlights that the future partnership between the European Union and the African Union should be one that is built upon shared values with respect for human rights and good governance;
Amendment 110 #
2020/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 e (new)
Paragraph 10 e (new)
10 e. Underlines that Africa and sub- Saharan Africa in particular will have the highest population growth in the coming decades; calls in this respect for the EU to follow the Task Force for Rural Africa (TFRA) conclusions on the need of investments to Africa food chains with a focus to be given to value-added commodities;
Amendment 1 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the fundamental principle of protection of citizens’ rights; stresses, furthermore, that our aim should be to maintain the closest possible links between British and European citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union does not exempt the United Kingdom from its responsibilities to safeguard EU citizens’ rights as guaranteed by the EU- UK Withdrawal Agreement (‘the Agreement’); notes that the Agreement lays down provisions for safeguarding the status and rights stemming from Union law for EU and UK citizens and families affected; calls on the Commission to ensure that these provisions are included in the future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. whereas during the transition period, EU law across all policy areas, is still applicable to, and in, the UK, with the exception of provisions of the Treaties and acts that were not binding upon, and in, the UK before the Withdrawal Agreement entered into force; whereas on the 14th of May 2020, the European Commission opened infringement proceedings against the UK for failure to comply with EU rules on free movement;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. calls on the Ombudsman to continue her work, which began at the time of the negotiations on the withdrawal agreement, to ensure that the negotiations concerning a future partnership between the EU and the United Kingdom are transparent;
Amendment 6 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
A c. whereas the European Parliament gave its position on the proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in its resolution the 12 February 2020.
Amendment 7 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 8 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the negotiations on the future partnership shouldcan only be premised on the effective and full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and its three protocols;
Amendment 12 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the system proposed by the UK Home Office (‘the registration procedure’) for EU-27 nationals to apply for residence status is not as transparent and simple as it should be; considers that it creates unnecessary and unfair administrative burdens on citizens of the EU-27; considers that the system should be changed to an automatic registration procedure, which is the only way of reducing the administrative burden and of guaranteeing that EU citizens' status and rights are recognised;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the United Kingdom (UK) ceased to be a Member State of the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020.
Amendment 21 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the United Kingdom has decided that the principle of free movement of persons between the Union and the United Kingdom will no longer apply after the transition period; insists on the need for the future partnership to include ambitious provisions on the movement of persons, based on full reciprocity and non-discrimination among Member States; wishes to emphasise that rights with regard to the free movement of persons go hand in hand with the other three freedoms; reiterates the fact that access by the United Kingdom to the Single Market must be conditional on its compliance with the principle of free movement of persons;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU and the UK agreed in the Political Declaration to convene at a high level in June 2020 to take stock of progress of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and of the negotiations with the aim of agreeing action to move forward with negotiations on the future relationship;
Amendment 22 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas unity of the EU and its Member States should maintain their unity throughout the negotiations in order to defend the interests of their citizens in the best possible waythroughout the negotiations is essential in order to defend the interests of the EU, including those of its citizens in the best possible way; whereas the EU and its Member States have remained united throughout the negotiation and adoption of the Withdrawal Agreement and ever since; whereas this unity is reflected in the adoption of the negotiating mandate entrusted to the EU negotiator and Head of the EU Task Force Michel Barnier, who enjoys the strong support of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Considers that mobility agreements, including visa-free travel for short stays, should be based on non-discrimination between Member States of the Union and full reciprocity; considers, furthermore, that such agreements should include European acquis on mobility, specifically concerning workers and, in particular, the rules on the posting of workers and on the coordination of social security systems;
Amendment 27 #
2020/2023(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that better regulation of the conditions of entry and residence for purposes such as research, study, training and youth exchanges should be taken into account; regrets, for this reason, the statements made by the British authorities that the United Kingdom wishes to pull out of mobility programmes such as Erasmus+; calls on the Commission to continue to allow the United Kingdom to participate in European programmes for the benefit of European and British citizens, fulfilling the necessary financial commitments in return.
Amendment 27 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the EU and UK agreed in the Political Declaration that the future relationship should be underpinned by shared values such as the respect for and safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, the rule of law, and support for non-proliferation, international rules-based order including support for non-proliferation, protection of the environment and that these values are an essential prerequisite for cooperation within the framework of the Political Declaration; whereas the future relationship should incorporatebe conditioned to the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to respect the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR);
Amendment 29 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas the Political Declaration states that the future economic partnership will be underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing field for open and fair competition.
Amendment 31 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Amendment 32 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas facing a global pandemic and its foreseeable geopolitical, economic and social consequences reinforces the necessity to improve cooperation mechanisms between partners and allies.
Amendment 41 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Welcomes and insists that the Commission continues its practice to provide timely information to the Parliament on the negotiations, in line with the information that is shared with the Member States;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2 b. Strongly believes that transparency benefits the negotiation process and is also beneficial to citizens and businesses as it allows them to better prepare for the post-transition phase;
Amendment 53 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Underlines that the covid-19 pandemic directly affects the negotiation process; recognizes the willingness by both parties to continue negotiations during the covid-19 pandemic through virtual means in order to limit the extent of the delay; acknowledges that negotiations through virtual means pose additional challenges; calls on the parties to hold face-to-face meetings once this is deemed safe;
Amendment 55 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. Strongly believes that the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on global trade and economic relations serves as an additional incentive to make substantial progress in the negotiations and work towards a comprehensive and ambitious partnership;
Amendment 66 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point iv
Paragraph 4 – point iv
(iv) the safeguarding of the EU legal order and the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) as the sole body responsible for interpreting EU law in this respect;
Amendment 70 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point vi
Paragraph 4 – point vi
(vi) a level playing field, ensuring equivalent standards in social, labour, environmental, competition and State aid policies, including through a robust and comprehensive framework on competition and State aid control, dispute settlement and enforcement mechanisms;
Amendment 75 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – point vii a (new)
Paragraph 4 – point vii a (new)
(vii a) the Parties' commitments to international agreements to tackle climate change including those which implement the United-Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change, in particular the Paris Agreement should constitute an essential element of the future agreement.
Amendment 91 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Recalls that without a balanced and long-term fisheries agreement that ensures reciprocal access to waters and resources with respect to the principle of sustainable management of fisheries and marine ecosystems and ensuring a level playing field, there will be no economic and trade partnership agreement;
Amendment 92 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Emphasises the importance of making substantial progress on all topics in parallel, including on those that showed limited to no progress such as the level-playing field, governance, law enforcement as well as the timely conclusion of a fisheries agreement;
Amendment 94 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises the importance of being ready for the UK’s withdrawal from the internal market and the customs union at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations; stresses that the consequences will be even more significant should no agreement be reached; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s sector-specific ‘readiness notices’, which seek to ensure that EU industry is ready for the inevitable shock that the UK’s withdrawal from the single market will cause; encourages the European Commission and Member States to enhance their efforts in order to fully inform European citizens and businesses of the risks that the transition period might end before an agreement is reached, in order to allow for and support adequate preparedness to such an unintended but possible outcome.
Amendment 105 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls the negotiating directives, which set out that Gibraltar will not be included in the territorial scope of the agreement to be concluded between the EU and the UK, and that any separate agreement will require the prior agreement of the Kingdom of Spain;
Amendment 119 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that the Withdrawal Agreement is the instrument for implementing the arrangements for the UK’s withdrawal, that it is not subject to any sort of renegotiation of its provisions and that the onlysole purpose of the EU-UK Joint Committee is to oversee its application; underlines the importance of the effective implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement as a litmus test for the good faith that the UK brings to the negotiating process and recalls that the outcome of the negotiations would be linked to ion the future relationship should be linked to implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 128 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Insists on having solid guarantees that the UK will implementthe full implementation by the UK of the Withdrawal Agreement effectively and in its entirety before the end of the transition period; stresses that monitoring its implementation should be an integral part of the work on the future relations;
Amendment 130 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Pays special attention to the full respect of citizens' rights as defined in the Withdrawal Agreement; is determined to ensure that Member States fully respect and protect rights of British citizens living in the European Union under the Withdrawal Agreement; is equally committed to monitor closely that the UK fully respects and protects the rights of EU citizens living on its soil under the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 131 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Insists the European Parliament to be fully and immediately informed of all the discussions held and decisions taken by the Joint Committee; recalls in this respect the obligations stemming from Council Decision (EU) 2020/135 of 30 January 2020 on the conclusion of the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United-Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community2, and in particular Article 2(3) thereof, which provides that Parliament must be in a position to exercise fully its institutional prerogatives throughout the Joint Committee proceedings;
Amendment 134 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Insists that the European Parliament is regularly informed regarding the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement;
Amendment 135 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8 c. Notes with concern that the COVID19 pandemic had significant consequences on the possibility for EU citizens living in the UK to apply to the EU settlement scheme as front offices have been closed due to the lockdown decided by British authorities;
Amendment 136 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8 d. Expresses concern at reports that EU citizens under pre-settled status were denied social benefits in the UK due to bureaucratic obstacles; underlines that such situations equal undue discrimination and have significant consequences, especially at the time of severe economic and social uncertainty;
Amendment 137 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, designed and adopted in order to ensure the absence of a hard border on the island of Ireland while protecting the integrity of the Single market after the end of the transition period the UK, while being a third country, will have the task of implementing parts of the Union Customs Code, which will require unprecedented structures to be set up even before the end of the transition period, necessitating due consideration for the issue of proper implementation and enforcement; calls on the Commission to carry out efficient checks and controls; expresses concern at the repeated refusal expressed by the British authorities to authorize the opening of a permanent office for EU officials in Belfast to monitor the good implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; notes that the term goods ‘at risk of subsequently being moved into the Union’ used in Article 5 of that Protocol is unclear and depends on subsequent decisions of the Joint Committee which are exempt from formal European Parliament scrutiny; requests to be kept fully informed on the application of that Article and any proposals for decisions of the Joint Committee in that regard;
Amendment 146 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Emphasises the need to proceed with the necessary measures for the introduction of customs procedures for goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, as well as necessary sanitary and phytosanitary controls and other regulatory checks;
Amendment 162 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes note that the UK has chosen to establish its future economic and trade partnership with the EU on the basis of a ‘Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement’ as laid down in the UK’s Approach to Negotiations; emphasises that, while the European Parliament is supportive of the EU constructively negotiating a balanced, ambitious and comprehensive FTA with the UK, by its nature an FTA will never be equivalent to ‘frictionless’ trade; expresses concern at the intention of the UK government to move away from zero tariffs and zero quota and avoid any commitments on the level playing field; emphasizes, in this regard, that the agreement should ensure open and fair competition, and prevent distortions in trade and unfair competitive advantages; shares the Commission’s negotiating position whereby the scope and ambition of an FTA that the EU would agree to is conditional on the UK agreeing to provisions related to the level playing field, given the geographical proximity and integration of markets, as well as on the conclusion of an agreement on fisheries;
Amendment 168 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Notes that contrary to the UK’s claim of relying on existing precedents, many proposals in the UK draft legal proposals go significantly beyond what has been negotiated by the EU in other FTAs with third countries in recent years, for example in the area of financial services, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and conformity assessment, equivalence of the SPS regime, or the cumulation of Rules of Origin;
Amendment 178 #
2020/2023(INI)
(-i) a level playing field;
Amendment 179 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point i
Paragraph 13 – point i
(i) reciprocal arrangement for mutually beneficial market access for goods, services, public procurement, recognition of professional qualifications and where relevant foreign direct investment to be negotiated in full compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules while recalling the necessary difference of treatment between a third country and a Member State;
Amendment 189 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point iii
Paragraph 13 – point iii
(iii) while striving for the widest possible trade in goods, the Commission should evaluate possible quotas and tariffs for the most sensitive sectors as well as the need for safeguard clauses to protect the integrity and stability of the EU single market; reiterates, moreover, that for instance with respect to food and agricultural products, access to the single market ishould be conditional on strict complianceregulatory alignment with all EU laws and standards ensuring a level playing field, particularly in the fields of food safety, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), pesticides, geographical indications, animal welfare, labelling and traceability, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, and human, animal and plant health;
Amendment 197 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point iv
Paragraph 13 – point iv
(iv) rules of origin should mirror the most recent EU FTAs and be based on the interests of EU producers; the Agreement should safeguard the framework of existing commercial relationships between the EU and third countries and avoid any free- riding by ensuring consistency in keeping a tuned tariff and quota system and rules of origin for products vis-à-vis third countries; and ad hoc mechanism against "swap" risks 1a; _________________ 1aIt is necessary to include, in the future agreement, an ad hoc mechanism against “swap” risks in order to protect the internal market from a situation where UK would choose to import goods at low cost from third countries (in order to satisfy its domestic consumption) and export duty free to the more lucrative EU market its domestic production. This phenomenon benefitting both the UK and third countries, which the rules of origin can not prevent, would destabilize European agricultural sectors and therefore requires specific operational mechanisms
Amendment 202 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point vi
Paragraph 13 – point vi
(vi) commitments on services should be made with the aim of delivering a level of liberalisation in trade in services well beyond the parties’ WTO commitments, building on recent EU FTAs, while safeguarding the high quality of the EU’s public services in accordance with the TFEU and in particular Protocol 26 on Services of General Interest; audio-visual services should be excluded from provisions related to liberalisationthe scope of the economic partnership; reiterates that under an FTA market access for services is limited and always subject to exclusions, reservations and exceptions; all modes of supply of services should be covered, including commitments on the movement of natural persons across borders (Mode 4) and provisions, linked to EU rules and the respect for equal treatment of workers and recognition of professional qualifications while recalling the necessary difference of treatment between a third country and a Member State; the arrangements should include provisions on market access and national treatment under host state rules to ensure that EU service providers are treated in a non- discriminatory manner, including with regard to establishment as well as regulatory coordination platformexchange of information on regulations; the new arrangements should allow for the temporary entry and stay of natural persons for business purposes with the aim of providing services;
Amendment 208 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point vii
Paragraph 13 – point vii
(vii) there should be opportunities for access to both Parties to public procurement markets beyond WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) commitments, guaranteeing market access for EU companies in strategic sectors at all levels of government and a degree of openness equal to the EU’s public procurement markets; regrets the fact, in this regard, in specific areas at all level of governments without prejudice to their national rules aimed at protecting their essential security interests, guaranteeing market access for EU companies and a degree of openness equal to the EU’s public procurement markets; however, defence and security contracts will have to remain excluded from the provisions of the agreement; regrets the fact that the UK’s initial negotiating position does not cover public procurement;
Amendment 216 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point ix
Paragraph 13 – point ix
(ix) an overarching chapter on the needs and interests of micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with regard to market access facilitation issues including, but not limited to, compatibility of technical standards, and streamlined customs procedures with the aim of preserving and generating concrete business opportunities and fostering their internationalisation; noteregrets that the UK’s approach to the negotiations does not include specific provisions reflecting these objectives;
Amendment 239 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Reiterates that given the UK’s geographic proximity and economic interdependence with the EU, the breadth and depth of the agreement on a level playing field will be essential in determining the extent of the overall future EU-UK relationship; considers, therefore, that a level playing field must be ensured and EU standards safeguarded are a condition in order to avoid a ‘race to the bottom’ while contributing to sustainable development and the fight against climate change, with a view to dynamic alignment; stresses the need to ensure that the UK does not gain an unfair competitive advantage through the undercutting of levels of protection and to prevent regulatory arbitrage by market operators;
Amendment 247 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
Paragraph 16 – introductory part
16. Recalls its determination to prevent any kind of ‘dumping’ in the framework of the future EU-UK relationship; considerspoints out that a key outcome of the negotiations is to guarantee a level playing field through robust commitments and enforceable provisions on:
Amendment 249 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point i
Paragraph 16 – point i
(i) competition and State aid, which should prevent undue distortion of trade and competition and include provisions on state-owned enterprises; regrets, with regard to State aid, that the UK approach does not reflect the same ambition and only covers subsidies;
Amendment 253 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point ii
Paragraph 16 – point ii
(ii) relevant tax matters, including the fight against tax evasion and avoidance and, money laundering and terrorism financing;
Amendment 256 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point iv
Paragraph 16 – point iv
(iv) environmental protection and climate change related standards, the promotion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals; the Parties' commitments to international agreements to tackle climate change including those which implement the United-Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement; enforceable midterm commitments to tackle climate change; the implementation by the UK of a system of carbon pricing of at least the same scope and effectiveness as provided for by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the same principles regarding the use of external credits by the end of the transition period should apply;
Amendment 260 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – point v
Paragraph 16 – point v
(v) a high-level of protection and product sanitary quality in food sector for consumers;
Amendment 263 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Points out that these provisions should ensure that standards are not lowered, while empowering both parties to modify commitments over time to lay down higher standards or include additional areas; stresses, moreover, that commitments and provisions should be enforceable by autonomous interim measures, a solid dispute settlement mechanism and remedies, to provide the Union with the ability to adopt sanctions as a last resort in every covered areas, including in relation to sustainable development with a view to dynamic alignment;
Amendment 271 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly believes that the UK should adhere to the evolving standards on taxation and, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing legislation within the EU acquis, including tax transparency, the exchange of information on tax matters and anti-tax avoidance measures, and should address the respective situations of its Overseas Territories, its Sovereign Base Areas and its Crown Dependencies and their non- compliance with EU good governance criteria and transparency requirements;
Amendment 273 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stresses that in line with the 5th Money Laundering Directive (EU) 2015/849, of the European Parliament and the Council and the recommendation of the European Parliament to the Council, the Commission and the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs on measures to cut off sources of income for jihadists and to combat the funding of terrorism 2017/2203 of 26th February 2018, the United Kingdom shall fully implement the anti-money- laundering and anti-terrorist financing tax legislation contained in the Directive, as well as its posterior developments and refinements, in particular in the areas of fiscal transparency, exchange of information and measures to combat tax evasion, and shall implement and enforce such legislation in its Overseas Territories, Sovereign Base Areas, Crown Dependencies and Territories under its authority or jurisdiction. Furthermore, for the purposes of combating money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, the United Kingdom should exchange information with the intelligence units of the Union and of the Member States to make possible to identify the identity of the owners of virtual currency and transfers and trust payments, as well as the origin and recipients of Hawala or similar transfers, incorporating them to the standards of transparency required for an equitable taxation.
Amendment 276 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reiterates the need to maintain high standards and a level playing field in the areas of medicinal products, medical devices, food safety and labelling, animal wellbeing and veterinary, phytosanitary, and environmental policy and standards;
Amendment 293 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Recalls that this is contrary to the provisions of the Political Declaration, which envisages an ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership in the field of foreign policy, security and defence and contains a part dedicated specifically to the EU-UK future security partnership, and to which the UK has agreed;
Amendment 376 #
2020/2023(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Points out that the entire Agreement with the UK as a third country, including among others provisions on the level playing field and fisheries, should include the establishment of a coherent and solid governance system as an overarching framework, covering the joint continuous supervision and management of the Agreement as well as dispute settlement and enforcement mechanisms with sanctions and interim measures where necessary with respect to the interpretation and application of the Agreement’s provisions;
Amendment 7 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union stipulates that the Union is to promote social justice and protection; whereas the principle of equal treatment is enshrined in Article 45(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and prohibits any kind of discrimination on grounds of nationality between European workers as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment;
Amendment 25 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the free movement of services must under no circumstances undermine workers’ rights, social protection or the principle of subsidiarity, and whereas digital technology can facilitate the supervision and enforcement of the rules safeguarding the rights of mobile workers; and should therefore be promoted and used to improve information exchange and control systems and fight abuses of any kind as well as to inform workers about the rules applicable to them;
Amendment 29 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the role of the European Labour Authority is in particular to ensure the effective, consistent and efficient application of European rules and to monitor compliance with Union law in the field of labour mobility in the context of the free movement of workers and the freedom to provide services in the internal market;
Amendment 47 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the social implications of the free movement of services mean the EU needs a robust cohesion policy and a fair and geographically balanced industrial policy and equally mean that the free movement of services should go hand in hand with quality job opportunities and upward social convergence within the European Union;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Opposes the introduction of the country-of-origin principle, and considers that the free movement of services must be achieved without undermining workers’ rights and social rights; underlines that the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights would contribute to enhance European workers’ rights and protection and thus to a fair mobility within the European Union;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to work together with the social partners to devise strategies to guarantee and facilitate the voluntary – rather than enforced – mobility of workers, by implementing the right public policies and providingsupporting the upskilling and reskilling of workers so that they are equipped with up-to-date skills and thus can reap the full benefit of high-quality job opportunities which match workers skills; ;
Amendment 102 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to work together with the social partners to devise strategies to guarantee and facilitate the voluntary – rather than enforced – mobility of workers, by implementing the right public policies and providing high-quality job opportunities which match workers skills; therefore calls on the Member States to guarantee fair and equitable conditions for mobile workers by boosting the portability of their rights and allowances and intensifying administrative cooperation between national and local administrations;
Amendment 104 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to ensure compliance with European rules on labour mobility, in particular those on posting, in order to ensure fair working conditions for workers and to contribute to upward social convergence; calls also on the Commission and the Member States to provide the European Labour Authority, as soon as possible, with resources which are both adequate and necessary to enable it to fulfil its mission and ensure fair labour mobility within the Union;
Amendment 106 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 127 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the use of digital tools and provide labour inspectorates with sufficient resourcessuch as the introduction of a digital European Social Security Number and the swift completion of the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information in order to enhance cooperation between Member States and allow for a smooth and fair mobility of European workers; equally calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the European Labour Authority becomes quickly fully operational and to provide labour inspectorates with sufficient resources so as to tackle fraud and the lack of enforcement of the European legislation.
Amendment 131 #
2020/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and Member States to promote the use of digital tools and provide national labour inspectorates with sufficient resources; in this context, urges the Member States to commit themselves fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems.
Amendment 3 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. Wwhereas the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and related technologies in everyday life and in the workplace is increasing;
Amendment 5 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Amendment 9 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas AI, robotics and related technologies can make a huge contribution to achieving the common goal of improving the lives of citizens and fostering prosperity within the EU as well as managing the twin transitions towards a green and digital economy, if harnessed correctly;
Amendment 10 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas according to CEDEFOP’s European Skills and Jobs survey about 43% of EU adult employees have experienced new technologies at work, such as the introduction of machines and ICT systems; whereas about seven in ten EU workers require at least moderate digital skills to do their job;
Amendment 11 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas on average, about one quarter of EU citizens have no or low- level digital skills; whereas the digital divide also has specific gender, accessibility, age and geographic aspects, which must be addressed;
Amendment 16 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. Wwhereas AI offers economic and societal benefits and opportunities for both businesses and workers, while at the same time raising a number of challenges;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. Wwhereas AI solutions and robotics are expected to have a strongmarked impact on the labour market1 and increase the need for skills and specialized labour.2 __________________ 1 STOA, “The ethics of artificial intelligence: issues and initiatives” March 2020 2European Parliament “Encouraging STEM Studies for the labour market” March 2015
Amendment 30 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the employment landscape is rapidly evolving and it is estimated that 65% of today´s children entering primary school will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that still do not exist1a; __________________ 1aThe World Economic Forum, “The future of jobs” September 2018
Amendment 33 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas AI constitutes a strategic priority, considering that it should benefit citizens and society, by increasing competitiveness, creating job opportunities and economic prosperity;
Amendment 35 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)
Recital C c (new)
Cc. whereas AI not only easily replaces jobs across indefinite fields, but also creates opportunities for positions that require more training and skills;
Amendment 42 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the need to thoroughly assess the effects or implications of AI applicationsStresses that the scope of any framework on the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies should be adequate, proportionate and thoroughly assessed to avoid hampering future innovation and job creation; highlights in particular the need to thoroughly assess the opportunities and challenges that AI, robotics and related technologies can present in companies and in public administration, including in relation to workers, jobs and workflows; considers it indispensable as part of this assessment that workers and their representatives are consulted and receive sufficient information before AI applications are put to use; the social partners are consulted on any European or national legislative or non-legislative frameworks regarding use of artificial intelligence, robotics and related technologies which impacts workplaces and invites them to include the ethical aspects of AI and its effects on the economy and employment, including in their joint work programmes at sectoral and cross-sectoral level where relevant;
Amendment 59 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that AI solutions have the potential to improve working conditions and the quality of life, yet they can also lead to disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, for all workers particularly as regards employment and social inclusion of, and accessibility for, workers with disabilities as well as improving work-life balance, while they can also in the context of the workplace raise concerns as regards privacy and occupational health and safety such as the right to disconnect and discriminatory treatment or recruitment processes due to biased algorithms, including gender and racially biased algorithms3 - and they can undermine ; stresses the need to ensure that people from diverse backgrounds, including women, young people and people withe dignity and autonomy of peoplesabilities are included in inclusive development, deployment and use of AI; __________________ 3European Parliament “Education and employment of women in science, technology and the digital economy, including AI and its influence on gender equality”, April 2020
Amendment 63 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that AI solutions have the potential to improve working conditions and the quality of life, yet they can alsoand points out that these technologies remain subject to legislation on the use of data and privacy such as the General Data Protection Regulation, to avoid situations leading to disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, discriminatory treatment due to biased algorithms, including gender biased algorithms3 - and they can undermine the dignity and autonomy of people; __________________ 3 European Parliament “Education and employment of women in science, technology and the digital economy, including AI and its influence on gender equality”, April 2020
Amendment 70 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Recalls that AI and robotics should respect human dignity and autonomy, and calls for clear rules to avoid potential misuse such as disproportionate and illegal surveillance of workers, deviant use of the so-called “socio-genomics” or bypassing systems for social dialogue;
Amendment 72 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that it should be mandatory for users and consumers to receive all relevant information on the ethical aspects of AI applications so that they may make informed decisionsbe informed when a system uses AI and related technologies, particularly AI systems which personalise a product or service to its users, whether they can switch off or limit such personalisation and in cases where they are faced with an automated-decision making technology so that they may make informed decisions; stresses the need to ensure that professionals using algorithms understand how data is used and valued; considers that workers should receive adequate training and education on the various issues involved in the use and implication of the AI tools they use;
Amendment 76 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that it should be mandatory for users and consumers to receive meaningful and all relevant information on the use of AI applications that affect them, on the ethical aspects of AI applications so that they may make informed decisions;
Amendment 85 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that a European Teleworking Agenda must take into account the impact of AI and related technologies on remote work;
Amendment 87 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Highlights the importance of education and continuous learning to develop the skills of tomorrow, to ensure the complementarity between human and machine at work, and to ensure the re- skilling of workers in the sectors heavily impacted by the risk of automation; calls therefore for a Programme for European AI teaching posts, a Europe-wide academic AI exchange programme for university networks;
Amendment 88 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses the need to ensure that productivity gains due to the development and use of AI and robotics do not only benefit company benefit society at large, including companies and workers by driving EU growth and competitiveness and the creation of quality employment; notes that sectors and occupations requiring medium-or lowners and shareholders, but also society at-level skills are more prone to automation; considers it essential that the Member States, with the support of the Commission and in co- operation with relevant actors such as businesses and academia, invest in high quality, responsive and inclusive education, vocational training and lifelong learge, especially where such gains coning systems and up- and re- skilling policies in order to equip students and workers with basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills as well as competences in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and transversal soft skills such as entrepreneurship, creativity and critical thinking to avoid skills obsolescence and ensure employability in transformed at the expense of jobs; nd future-oriented sectors; calls for the Updated Skills Agenda for Europe and the reinforced MFF for 2021- 2027 to play a strong role in this regard;
Amendment 96 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reminds that the EU employment and social acquis remains fully applicable irrespective of the involvement of AI and believes the Commission and Member States should ensure it is enforced adequately where AI is used and address any potential legislative gaps;
Amendment 97 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for the adoption of an updated Skills Agenda for Europe and Digital Education Action Plan in order to provide digital literacy to workers across all sectors;
Amendment 99 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the application of the precautionary principle with regard to new technologies based on AI; underlines that humans must always be in control of AI and that AI decisions must be reversiblethere should be adequate and sensible human oversight and control relative to the AI use case, ensuring that there is accountability over AI decision-making;
Amendment 107 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to carefully preserve the direct relations between employers, professionals, users and client in sensitive sectors;
Amendment 109 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for a legislative framework on the ethical aspects of AI applications in the workplace, especially with regard to workers’ rights and working conditions; stresses also the need for this legislative framework to be based on the European acquis as regards data protection, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679);
Amendment 111 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for a legislative framework on the ethical aspects of AI applications in the workplace, especially with regard to workers’ rights and working conditions, in line with a proportionate and risk-based approach such as outlined in the Commission White Paper on Artificial Intelligence;
Amendment 112 #
2020/2012(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for any European legislative framework on the ethical aspects of AI applications in the workplaceartificial intelligence and applications, robotics and related technologies to address the world of work, especially with regard to workers’ rights and working conditions;
Amendment 13 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. emphasises the need to further improve the implementation and enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation to best preserve sustainable trade in imported and domestically produced timber and timber products;
Amendment 15 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3 b. repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU borders in order to ensure that the imported products do indeed comply with the criteria for entry into the EU; stresses that the Commission needs to ensure that customs controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, incoordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 17 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3 c. notes with concern that research continues to affirm a worrying link between zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19, and deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss;
Amendment 18 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3 d. welcomes the EU communication of 23 July 2019 on stepping up EU action to protect andrestore the world’s forests; recalls that sustainable and inclusive forest management and governance is essential to the achievement of the objectives set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal; underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals, as the EU is a significant importer of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, which are often drivers of global deforestation;
Amendment 19 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3 e. highlights the fact that commodities like cocoa offer an early chance to make progress on such an approach, learning lessons from the FLEGT VPA process;
Amendment 20 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3 f. believes that the EU needs to ensure that it only promotes global supply chains and financial flows which are sustainable and deforestation-free and which do not result in human rights violations;
Amendment 21 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Amendment 22 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3 h. underlines the fact that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous people, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; recalls that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy framework, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; believes that gender equality in forestry education is a key point in the sustainable management of forests which should be reflected in the EU Action Plan;
Amendment 23 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 i (new)
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3 i. recalls the importance of respecting the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; supports the ongoing negotiations to create a binding UN instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights and stresses the importance of the EU being proactively involved in this process;
Amendment 24 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 j (new)
Paragraph 3 j (new)
3 j. calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to extend the due diligence obligations provided by the EU Timber Regulation so as to cover conflict timber in the framework of the upcoming review;
Amendment 46 #
2020/2006(INL)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. the proposal should ensure that there is legal certainty for all relevant stakeholders on any new EU wide measure and framework relating to the current use of FLEGT VPAs and licencing, in order to secure the interest in investing in deforestation free export to the EU;
Amendment 7 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Acknowledges that the proposed 2021 draft budget is based on the new Commission 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) proposals of 27 May 2020 and; welcomes the historic recovery plan adopted by the European Council, but regrets that the Council proposal of 21 July 2020 on the MFF is below that revised Commission proposal (EUR-25 700 million);
Amendment 20 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the COVID-19 outbreak has claimed thousands of lives in Europe and has led to an unprecedented crisis with disastrous consequences for people, families, workers and businesses, and therefore requires an unprecedented response; highlights that 2021 will be a critical year for the budget, as the first year of the 2021-2027 MFF and the first “post- COVID-19 recovery” year; highlights in particular that the budget should help improving the situation in the social and employment area, in time of unprecedented crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic; highlights the fact that the 2021 budget not only must address the host of social and employment-related challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also must support workers and businesses in the move towards a more solidarity-based, more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 34 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on Member States and the Commission to make combating youth unemployment a priority, in particular as part of the European recovery effort, to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, as well as European programmes such as Erasmus+, and to take tailored action to tackle youth unemployment and make young people more employable;
Amendment 60 #
2020/1998(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes, in light of the expected increase in demand in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Commission proposal to increase the annual funding available for EGF to EUR 386 million from 2021 onwards and is concerned that the Council proposal to limit this funding to EUR 197 million in 2021 could undermine its paramount role in offering assistance to workers who lost their job in restructuring events; points out accordingly that the Commission’s undertaking to mobilise the EGF, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on employment, and extending the scope of the fund by way of support for the digital and green transitions call for sufficient funding, for 2021, beyond the ceiling laid down by the Council;
Amendment 96 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, the aims of the Union are, inter alia, to promote the well-being of its peoples and to work for the sustainable development of Europe based on a highly competitive social market economy aiming at full employment and social progress.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union36 provides for the right of workers and employers, or their respective organisations, in accordance with Union law and national laws and practices, to negotiate and conclude collective agreements at the appropriate levels and, in cases of conflicts of interest, to take collective action to defend their interests, including strike action. Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union367 provides for the right of every worker to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. __________________ 36Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, 2012/C 326/02 OJEU C326/391 of 26.10.2012. 37 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, 2012/C 326/02 OJEU C326/391 of 26.10.2012.
Amendment 113 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) TArticle 2 of the European Social Charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. ItArticle 4 recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. Article 4 of the Charter recognises and the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory minimum wage setting mechanisms, to ensure the effective exercise of this right. Article 5 recognises the right of workers and employers to form local, national or international organisations for the protection of their economic and social interests and to join those organisations. Article 6 recognises the right to bargain collectively.
Amendment 120 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Chapter II of the European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed at Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, establishes a set of principles to serve as a guide towards ensuring fair working conditions. Principle No 6 of the European Pillar of Social Rights reaffirms the workers’ right to fair wages that provide for a decent standard of living. It also provides that adequate minimum wages shall be ensured, in a way that provides for the satisfaction of the needs of the worker and his/her family in the light of national economic and social conditions, whilst safeguarding access to employment and incentives to seek work. Furthermore, it recalls that in-work poverty shall be prevented and that all wages shall be set in a transparent and predictable way according to national practices and respecting the autonomy of the social partners.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Better working and living conditions, including through adequate minimum wages, benefit both workers and businesses in the Union and are a prerequisite for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. Addressing large differences in the coverage and adequacy of minimum wage protection contributes to improving the fairness of the EU labour market and promote economic, social progress and upward convergence. Competition in the Single Market should be based on high social standards, creation of quality jobs, innovation and productivity improvements ensuring a level playing field.
Amendment 145 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) When set at adequate levels, minimum wages protect the income of disadvantaged workers, help ensure a decent living, and limit the fall in income during bad times, as recognised in Convention 131 of the International Labour Organisation on the establishment of a system of minimum wage fixing. Minimum wages contribute to sustaining domestic demand, strengthen incentives to work, boost economic resilience, reduce wage inequalities and help to prevent and combat in- work poverty.
Amendment 156 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Women, young and low-skilled and migrant workers and persons with disabilities have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners than other groups. During economic downturns, such as the Covid-19 crisis, the role of adequate minimum wages in protecting low-wage workers becomes increasingly important and is essential to support a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. AddressingEnsuring and improving the adequacy of the minimum wage contributes to gender equality, closing the gender pay and pension gap as well as elevating women and children out of poverty.
Amendment 168 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the labour market generally and in particular the services sector and small and micro firms, which both have a high share of minimum wage earners. In addition, minimum wages are also important in view of the structural trends that are reshaping labour markets and which are increasingly characterised by high shares of non-standard and precarious work. These trends have led to an increased job polarisation resulting in an increasing share of low-paid and low- skilled occupations in most Member States, as well as to higher wage inequality in some of them.
Amendment 169 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9 a) The Covid-19 pandemic is having a particular impact on young people who were already likely to earn the minimum wage and are more vulnerable to the consequences of the pandemic due to the precarious nature of their job contracts and working arrangements. This endangers the economic independence of young people; an adequate minimum wage ensures a decent standard of living and positively affects their outlook for the future.
Amendment 192 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Not all workers in the Union are protected by minimum wages. In some Member States some workers, even though they are covered, receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect ofcompliance with existing rules. In particular, such non- compliance has been found to affect notably women, young workers, people with disabilities and agricultural workers. In Member States where minimum wage protection is provided only through collective agreements, the share of workers not covered is estimated to vary from 2% to 55% of all workers.
Amendment 203 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) While strong collective bargaining at sector or cross-industry level contributes to ensuring adequate minimum wage protection, traditional collective bargaining structures have bseen erodinga declining trend during the last decades, in part due to structural shifts in the economy towards less unionised sectors and to the decline in trade union membership related to inter alia the increase of atypical and new forms of work.
Amendment 215 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) TWith a view to improving working and living conditions, upward social convergence and gender equality in the Union, this Directive establishes minimum requirements at Union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection, in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this Directive.
Amendment 261 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) In a context of declining collective bargaining coverage, it is essential that the Member States protect the right to engage in and promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. Member States with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. Member States with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. Similarly, the majority of the Member States with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. While all Member States should bare encouraged to promote collective bargaining and increase collective bargaining coverage in order to progressively reach a minimum of 90%, those who do not reach this level of coverage should, in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners, provide for or, where it already exists, strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. Such a framework should be established by law or by tripartite agreement. Member States should establish and implement an action plan to promote collective bargaining in cooperation with the social partners. This action plan should be made public, notified to the European Commission, reviewed and, where necessary, revised at least every three years. It must be acknowledged that Member States’ collective bargaining coverage rates differ significantly owing to a number of factors including national tradition and practice and their historic contexts and this must be taken into account when assessing progress with regard to the enabling framework and action plan to promote collective bargaining.
Amendment 311 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. The adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio- economic conditions, including employment growth, competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. Their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power, to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels, distribution and growth. The use of indicators commonly used at international level, such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage, can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.
Amendment 323 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) To promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers, variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimum, while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in both their definition and in ensuring that variations are non- discriminatory. Some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim, including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. Others, such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind, such as accommodation, may be unjustified or disproportionate.
Amendment 331 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) An effective enforcement system, including reinforced controls and field inspections, is necessary to ensure the functioning of and compliance with national statutory minimum wage frameworks particularly in at-risk sectors. To strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities, a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed, including to address critical challenges such as those related to abusive sub- contracting, bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime. Moreover, workers should havebe able to easily access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions. and enforcement of their rights. Member States should ensure this through, inter alia, the establishment of dedicated public websites and awareness raising campaigns.
Amendment 341 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The effective implementation of minimum wage protection set out by legal provisions or provided by collective agreements is essential in the performance of public procurement and concession contracts. Non-respect of collective agreements providing for minimum wage protection in a given sector may indeed occur in the execution of such contracts or in the sub-contracting chain thereafter, resulting in workers being paid less than the wage level agreed in the sectoral collective agreements. To prevent such situations, economic operators and their subcontractors have to apply to their workers the wages set byapplicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law concerning wages and working conditions including the right to organise and collectively bargain set by Union and national law, collective agreements including for the relevant sector and geographical area in order to abide by applicable obligations in the field of labour lawor by the relevant international social and labour law provisions listed in their respective annexes, in accordance with Articles 18(2) and 71(1) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on public procurement40 , Articles 36(2) and 88(1) of Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and the Council41 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and Articles 30(3) and 42(1) of Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and the Council42 on the award of concession contracts. __________________ 40Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65). 41 Directive 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors and repealing Directive 2004/17/EC (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 243). 42Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contract (OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1).
Amendment 349 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) Reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages protection. The Commission should report every year to the European Parliament and to the Council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages and the coverage of collective bargaining on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by Member States in consultation with social partners. In addition, progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at Union level. In that context, the Employment Committee should examine every year the situation in the Member States on the basis of the reports produced by the Commission and Eurofound as well as other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking.
Amendment 355 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 26
Recital 26
(26) Workers and their representatives and trade union members should be in a position to exercise their right of defence when their rights relating to established minimum wage protection are violated. In order to prevent that workers are deprived from their rights, and without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for in collective agreements, including systems of collective dispute resolution, Member States should take the necessary measures to ensure that they have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including to adequate compensation, as well as effective protection from any form of detriment in case they decide to exercise their right of defence.
Amendment 370 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 29
Recital 29
(29) This Directive lays down minimum requirements, thus leaving untouched Member States' prerogative to introduce and maintain more favourable provisions. Rights acquired under the existing national legal framework should continue to apply, unless more favourable provisions are introduced by this Directive. The implementation of this Directive cannot be used to reduce existing rights for workers, nor can it constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection, including, inter alia, the existing levels of statutory minimum wages, already afforded to workers in the field covered by this Directive.
Amendment 383 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The Technical Support Instrument43 and the European Social Fund plus44 (ESF+) are available to Member States to develop or improve the technical aspects of minimum wage frameworks, including on assessment of adequacy, monitoring and data collection, broadening access, as well as on enforcement and on general capacity building related to the implementation of said frameworks. The ESF+ also obliges all Member States to allocate an appropriate amount for the capacity building of social partners, which should be mobilised inter alia to promote collective bargaining coverage. __________________ 43Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 May 2020 on the establishment of the Technical Support Instrument, COM(2020) 409 final 44Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Social Fund Plus, COM/2018/382 final.
Amendment 388 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. With a view to improving working and living conditions, upward social convergence and gender equality in the Union, this Directive establishes a framework for:
Amendment 457 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) ‘collective bargaining’ means all negotiations which take place in accordance with national law and practices between an employer, a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations, on the one hand, and one or more workers’ organisations or one or more trade unions, on the other, for determining working conditions and terms of employment; and/or regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a workers or their organisations or worker organisattrade unions;
Amendment 526 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Member States where collective bargaining coverage is less than 790% of the workers defined within the meaning of Article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions foror, where it already exists, strengthen a framework of enabling conditions to protect the right to engage in and promote collective bargaining, either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them, and shall establish and implement an action plan to promote collective bargaining in cooperation with the social partners in order to progressively increase the collective bargaining coverage to a minimum of 90%. The action plan shall be made public and shall be, notified to the European Commission, reviewed and, where necessary, revised at least every three years.
Amendment 561 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. Member States with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions, social cohesion and upward convergence and prevent and combat in-work poverty . Member States shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices, either in relevant national legislation, in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. The criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way.
Amendment 594 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point d
Amendment 623 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall use indicative reference values to guide their assessment of adequacy of statutory minimum wages in relation to the general level of gross wages, such as those commonly used at international level of 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage which can be considered as enabling a decent living.
Amendment 638 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure the regular and timely updates of statutory minimum wages in order to preserve and ensure their adequacy.
Amendment 655 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 5 – paragraph 5
Article 5 – paragraph 5
5. Member States shall destablishignate relevant consultative bodies, or establish them where they do not exist, to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages.
Amendment 716 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the establishment and continuous assessment of variations and deductions in statutory minimum wages referred to in Article 6;
Amendment 727 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – title
Article 8 – title
Amendment 729 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Member States shall, in cooperation with social partners, take the following measures to monitor compliance of, and enhance the access of workers to, statutory minimum wage protection as appropriate:
Amendment 739 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) strengthen the controls and field inspections conducted by labour inspectorates or the bodies responsible for the enforcement of statutory minimum wages and ensure their adequate resourcing. The controls and inspections shall be proportionate and non- discriminatory;
Amendment 743 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) develop capacity-building, training and guidance for enforcement authorities to proactively target and pursue non- compliant businesses;
Amendment 758 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
In accordance with Directive 2014/24/EU, Directive 2014/25/EU and Directive 2014/23/EU, Member States shall take appropriate measures to ensure that in the performance of public procurement or concession contracts economic operators comply with the wages set out byand their subcontractors comply with the applicable obligations in the fields of social and labour law concerning wages and working conditions including the right to organise and collectively bargain set out by Union and national law, collective agreements including for the relevant sector and geographical area and with the statutory minimum wages where they existor by the relevant international social and labour law provisions listed in their respective annexes.
Amendment 773 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall task their competent authorities, in consultation with social partners, with developing effective data collection tools to monitor the coverage and adequacy of minimum wages and the coverage of collective bargaining.
Amendment 790 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point ii
(ii) the existing variations, the objective justifications provided and the share of workers covered by them;
Amendment 796 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a – point iii
(iii) the existing deductions and the objective justifications provided;
Amendment 813 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) measures provided for under the national action plans to promote collective bargaining referred to under Article 4.2;
Amendment 834 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3
Article 10 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection, including universally applicable collective agreements and wage provisions therein, is transparent and publicly accessible.
Amendment 867 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that, without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for, where applicable, in collective agreements, workers, including those whose employment relationship has ended, have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, in the case of infringements of their rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements, without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for, where applicable, in collective agreements.
Amendment 878 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. Member States shall take the measures necessary to protect workers, including those who are workers’ representatives or trade union members, from any adverse treatment by the employer and from any adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or resulting from any proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements.
Amendment 888 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive or the relevant provisions already in force concerning the scope of this Directive. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
Amendment 892 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Member States may entrustshall, in accordance with their national law and practice, take adequate measures to ensure the effective involvement of the social partners with the implementation of this Directivea view to implementing this Directive and may entrust the social partners with its implementation, where the social partners jointly request to do so. In so doing, the Member States shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the results sought by this Directive are guaranteed at all times.
Amendment 899 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Member States shall ensure that the national measures transposing this Directive, together with the relevant provisions already in force relating to the subject matter as set out in Article 1, are brought to the attention of workers and employers, including SMEs and made publically available.
Amendment 900 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 1
The Commission shall conduct an evaluation of the Directive by [five years after the date of transposition]. The Commission shall, after consulting the Member States and the social partners at Union level, submit thereafter a report to the European Parliament and the Council reviewing the implementation of the Directive and propose, where appropriate, legislative amendments.
Amendment 905 #
2020/0310(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
1. This Directive shall not constitute valid grounds for reducing the general level of protection, including, inter alia, the existing levels of statutory minimum wages, already afforded to workers within Member States.
Amendment 13 #
2020/0262(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Article 2 (the right to life) and Article 31(the right to fair and just working conditions),
Amendment 14 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital -1 (new)
Recital -1 (new)
(-1) A high level of human health protection should be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities.
Amendment 17 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) This Directive clearly shows the added value of the Union and the need to adopt legislation at the Union level. In addition to setting similar minimum level of protection across the Union, this Directive also improves clarity and enforcement, and contributes to a better level playing field for the economic actors in the sectors using the substances covered.
Amendment 18 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) It is important to protect sexual and reproductive health and to apply a gender perspective to health and safety at work. Workers can be more exposed and more vulnerable to different types of substances depending on their gender. Women are for example over-represented amongst the oncology nurses community potentially exposed to hazardous medicinal products.
Amendment 22 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims to reduce the cancer burden for patients, their families and health systems. Cancer is the first cause of work-related death in the Union: 52 % of annual occupational deaths are currently attributed to work-related cancers. Exposure at work accounts for 3,5-4 % cases of cancer and is responsible for approximatively 120 .000 cancers diagnosed and 80 000 deaths every year.
Amendment 23 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 b (new)
Recital 2 b (new)
(2b) Tackling exposures to dangerous substances at the workplace is particularly relevant to foster prevention and address health inequalities, as some categories of workers among the most vulnerable can be overexposed. Some workers, such as mobile workers, can additionally face difficulties to access healthcare services.
Amendment 28 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Commission Recommendation 2003/670/EC1a recommends that Member States introduce into their national laws, regulations or administrative provisions concerning scientifically recognised occupational diseases liable for compensation and subject to preventive measures. Member States should guarantee, in their national laws, that every worker has the right to compensation in respect of occupational diseases if he or she is suffering from an ailment which can be proved to be occupational in origin and nature. ________________ 1a. Commission Recommendation 2003/670/EC of 19 September 2003 concerning the European schedule of occupational diseases (OJ L 238, 25.9.2003, p. 28).
Amendment 30 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
(4b) However, the reporting and recognition of occupational cancers as occupational diseases are uneven, due. in particular, to a long latency between the exposure to dangerous substances and the diagnosis of the disease, the multifactorial nature of cancer but also to complex procedures to undertake in order to have the illness officially recognised as work- related and to obtain compensation. Data from work-related health problems are often lacking, not reliable or insufficient. Further efforts are therefore needed to improve reporting, prevention, diagnosis, early recognition and compensation of occupational diseases, as well as better medical monitoring throughout life with robust diseases and exposures registries.
Amendment 43 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Acrylonitrile meets the criteria for classification as carcinogenic (category 1B) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and the Council47 and is therefore carcinogen within the meaning of Directive 2004/37/EC. It is possible, on the basis of the available information, including scientific and technical data, to set a long- and short-term limit value for that carcinogen. Acrylonitrile can also be absorbed through the skin. Acrylonitrile is acutely toxic and causes neurotoxicity, local irritation of skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and skin sensitisation. It is therefore appropriate to establish a limit value for acrylonitrile under the scope of Directive 2004/37/EC and to assign a skin notation to it. The ACSH, based on the RAC opinion, agreed on the usefulness of the biomonitoring for acrylonitrile. This should be considered when developing guidance on the practical use of biomonitoring. __________________ 47Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008 R1272.
Amendment 44 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) With regard to acrylonitrile, a limit value of 1 mg/m³ (0.45 ppm) and a short- term limit value of 4 mg/m³ (1.8 ppm) may be difficult to be complied with in the short term. A transitional period of four years after entry into force of this Directive should be introduced from which these Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) values shall apply. Exposure should be reduced as far as technically possible below these limit values.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Nickel compounds meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic (category 1A) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and are therefore carcinogens within the meaning of Directive 2004/37/EC. It is possible, on the basis of the available information, including scientific and technical data, to set limit values for that group of carcinogens. According to the RAC, the available information on the mechanisms of genotoxicity and cancer support a mode-of-action based threshold for carcinogenic effects. For that reason, the RAC proposed an occupational exposure limit of 0.005 mg/m³ for the respirable fraction and 0.03 mg/m³ for the inhalable fraction under which no significant residual cancer risk is expected for workers. Exposure to nickel compounds at workplaces may also result in dermal sensitisation and sensitisation of the respiratory tract. It is therefore appropriate to establish two limit values for both the inhalable and respirable fractions of the nickel compounds under the scope of Directive 2004/37/EC and to assign a notation for dermal and respiratory sensitisation. Based on the consensus between the social partners within the ACSH, limit values of 0.01 mg/m³ for the respirable fraction and 0.05 mg/m³ for the inhalable fraction are introduced. Exposure should be reduced as far as technically possible below these limit values and, when possible, below the limit values proposed by the RAC.
Amendment 50 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Benzene meets the criteria for classification as carcinogenic (category 1A) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and is therefore carcinogen within the meaning of Directive 2004/37/EC. According to the RAC, a mode-of-action-based threshold for chromosomal damage in workers can be used to establish an occupational exposure limit for carcinogenicity which is considered to have no significant residual cancer risk and to avoid other adverse effects. For this reason, the RAC proposed an Occupational Exposure limit of 0.05 ppm (0.16mg/m³). Benzene can also be absorbed through the skin. The limit value set out in Annex III to Directive 2004/37/EC for benzene should be revised in the light of more recent scientific data and it is appropriate to keep the skin notation. The ACSH, based on the RAC opinion, agreed on the usefulness of the biomonitoring for benzene. This should be considered when developing guidance on the practical use of biomonitoring. Based on a consensus between the social partners in the ACSH, a revised limit value of 0.2 ppm (0.66 mg/m³) is introduced. Exposure should be reduced as far as technically possible below this limit value and, when possible, below the limit value proposed by the RAC.
Amendment 60 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) The limit values established in this Directive are to be kept under regularpermanent scrutiny and regular review to ensure consistency with Regulation (EC) No 1907/200649. __________________ 49Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal- content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006 R1907.
Amendment 62 #
2020/0262(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) It is important to ensure operational feasibility and compliance by SMEs and to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety and health of workers are protected no matter the size of the enterprise. The European Agency for Health and Safety at Work has an important role to play in this regard, in particular to help SMEs assess the risks for their workforce and implement adequate protective measures.
Amendment 4 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas almost half of the land area in Honduras is covered by forests, half of which is tropical rainforest; whereas there is still a huge resource of unclassified trees and species; whereas Honduras has lost about 12.5 % of its forest area since 2015 due mainly to climate change, forest fires, deforestation and illegal logging, and suffered a pest infestation in 2016;
Amendment 7 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Honduras passed its Climate Change Law in 2014 and was the first state to publish its first nationally determined contribution (NDC) in the framework of the Paris Agreement the following year, of which one commitment is to restore one million hectares of forests;
Amendment 8 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the share of the forest sector in Honduras’ economy has decreased over the years representing around 3,6% of the GNP in the last 16 years owing to stricter requirements on the legality of timber in Honduras’ export markets and to forest destruction; whereas the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process, which emphasises legality and good governance, is helping the forest sector to increase its share, provide rural jobs and generate income for Hondurans;
Amendment 11 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Honduras is a lower- middle- income country where poverty, inequaliaccording to the World Bank classification; whereas it is the second poorest in Latin America, and third poorest in the Western Hemisphere; whereas the poverty, corruption, violence and impunity in Honduras remain persistent concerns, as well as the situation for women's rights, in particular the recent backlash concerning sexual and reproductive health rights;
Amendment 16 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. whereas despite the fact that the Honduran Government has made positive commitments and initiated legislation to protect human rights defenders, it remains one of the most dangerous countries in the region for human and indigenous rights defenders and environmental activists who continue to be subject to abuses, violence, arbitrary detentions, threats and killings;
Amendment 18 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the mandate of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) ended in January 2020 and was not renewed;
Amendment 19 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the EU-Central America Association Agreement was concluded in 2012, and the trade part provisionally applied since 1st of August 2013;
Amendment 20 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas VPAs provides for a Joint Implementation Committee, responsible for its implementation and monitoring;
Amendment 25 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. whereas the negotiations leading to the conclusion of this VPA have created a cooperative space among different stakeholders to discuss environmental, human rights, social and economic issues;
Amendment 27 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. whereas a good forest management requires sustainable land tenure, respect of the environmental needs and human rights, transparency, legal security, trust and long-term investments;
Amendment 29 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
K b. whereas general elections will take place in Honduras before the end of 2021;
Amendment 31 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on the VPA between the EU and Honduras and calls for its swift ratification by both sides so it can enter into force in 2021, thus allowing for the important next steps in terms of implementation, including setting up the licencing;
Amendment 36 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Believes that the EU has a very important role and an obligation in improving both the supply and the demand side of timber, in order to responsibly reject illegally produced timber and to reinforce exporting countries in their efforts to combat illegal logging and corruption that results in destruction of their forests, climate change, and violation of human rights;
Amendment 52 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Highly appreciates that Honduras has managed to ensure involvement of government institutions, civil society, private sector, indigenous and afro- descendant people of Honduras, academia and communities, who accepted and contributed to the process to drafting the VPA; welcomes the fact that all these sectors agreed to be present around the same negotiating table and the achievement of the feeling of inclusiveness and the possibility to contribute;
Amendment 53 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Believes that the fight against corruption needs to be constant, in every part of the world; welcomes that transparency has proven useful in the process to concluding this VPA, and cannot be enough stressed in the forthcoming process of implementation;
Amendment 61 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Believes that the successful negotiations of this VPA also proves the importance of the Union’s Delegations to third countries;
Amendment 68 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Asks the Commission to annually report on the implementation of the EU- Honduras FLEGT VPA to Parliament, including on the work of the Joint Implementation Committee, calls on the Commission to consider improving the regulation on FLEGT licencing at the next review exercise in order to enable it to respond quickly to cases of significant infringements of VPA commitments;
Amendment 74 #
2020/0157M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Supports the European Commission in finding additional potential partners for future voluntary partnership agreements under FLEGT;
Amendment 67 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
Amendment 71 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 changed the economic outlook for the years to come in the Union and in the world, calling for an urgent and coordinated response from the Union in order to cope with the enormous economic and social consequences for all Member States. The challenges linked to the demographic context have been amplified by COVID-19. The current COVID-19 pandemic as well as the previous economic and financial crisis have shown that developing sound and resilient economies and financial systems built on strong economic and social structures, including social protection systems ensuring decent living standards for all, helps Member States to respond more efficiently to shocks and recover more swiftly from them. The medium and long-term consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will critically depend on how quickly Member States’ economies will recover from the crisis, which in turn depends on the fiscal space Member States have available to take measures to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis, and on the resilience of their economies. Reforms and investments to address structural weaknesses of the economies and strengthen their resilience will therefore be essential to set the economies back on a sustainable recovery path and avoid further widening of the divergences in the Union. These reforms and investments will also have to take into account the measures necessary to promote public health, an employment market providing quality jobs across the board and focusing on youth employment, and accessible, affordable and quality public services, ensuring decent living standards and social protection for all, as well as high level of lifelong learning.
Amendment 76 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The implementation of reforms contributing to achieve a high degree of resilience of domestic economies, strengthening adjustment capacity and unlocking growth potential are among the Union’s policy priorities. They are therefore crucial to set the recovery on a sustainable path and support the process of upward economic and social convergence. This is evenall the more necessary in the aftermathwake of the pandemic crisis to pave the way for a swift recovery. rapid recovery, accompanied by measures to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, the sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement. The fallout from the pandemic is being compounded by the fundamental economic and social transformation being wrought in Europe by climate change, environmental challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic shifts. The reforms will have to respond to simultaneous challenges now arising on many fronts.
Amendment 82 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Past experiences have shown that investment is often drastically cut during crises. However, it is essential to support investment in this particular situation to speed up the recovery and strengthen long- term growth potential. Investing in green and digital technologies, capacities and processes aimed at assisting clean energy transition, and efforts to combat fuel poverty, boosting energy efficiency in housing and other key sectors of the economicy are important to achieve sustainable growth and help create quality jobs. It will also help make the Union more resilient and less dependent by diversifying key supply chains.
Amendment 92 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Reflecting the European Green Deal as Europe’s sustainable growth strategy and the translation of the Union's commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Ssustainable Ddevelopment Ggoals, the Facility established by this Regulation will contribute to mainstreaming climate actions and environmental sustainability, and tos well as the achievement of a just transition that leaves no one behind and of an overall target of 25 37% of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In order to enable measures to be taken that link the Facility to sound economic governance, with a view to ensuring uniform implementing conditions, the power should be conferredto adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the CoFuncil to suspend, on a proposal from the Commission and by means of implementing acts,tioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of suspending or lifting the waiver with regard to the period of time for the adoption of decisions on proposals for recovery and resilience plans and, to suspendtally or partially, payments under this Facility, in the event of significant non-compliance in relation to the relevant cases related to the economic governance process laid down in the Regulation (EU) No XXX/XX of the European Parliament and of the Council [CPR] (…). The power to lift those suspensions by means of implementing acts, on a proposal from the Commission, should also be conferredIt should be recalled that, as long as the general waiver clause is in effect and the economic and social fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the measures linking the Facility to sound economic governance no longer apply. The Facility should also be linked to the climate objectives set out in Regulation (EU) XXX/XX of the European Parliament and of the Council [Framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law)] (...) and the European Pillar of Social Rights. In the event of significant non- compliance with climate objectives and/or the European Pillar of Social Rights, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the CoFuncil in relation to the same relevant cases. tioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of suspending or lifting the waiver of the period of time for the adoption of decisions on proposals for recovery and resilience plans and, totally or partially, payments under this Facility.
Amendment 100 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) The Facility’s general objectiveoals should be theo promotion ofe economic, social and territorial cohesion. For that purpose, the Union’s strategic autonomy, achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate targets and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. For those purposes, it should contribute to improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, particularly for the most vulnerable and the young and supporting the green and digital transitions aimed at achieving a climate neutral Europe by 2050, thereby restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union in the aftermath of the crisis, fostering quality employment creation and to promoting sustainable growth.
Amendment 107 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) To ensure its contribution to the objectives of the Facility, the recovery and resilience plan should comprise measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects through a coherent recovery and resilience plan. The recovery and resilience plan should contribute to the Union’s strategic autonomy, achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate targets, as well as implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and be consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, in the field of social policy and employment for example, with the national reform programmes, the national energy and climate plans, the just transition plans, and the partnership agreements and operational programmes adopted under the Union funds. To boost actions that fall within the priorities of the European Green Deal and the Digital Agenda, the plan should also set out measures that are relevant for the green and digital transitions. The measures should enable a swift deliver of targets, objectives and contributions set out in national energy and climate plans and updates thereof. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union.
Amendment 118 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) In order to ensure the national ownership and a focus on relevant reforms and investments, Member States wishing to receive support should submit to the Commission a recovery and resilience plan that is duly reasoned and substantiated. The recovery and resilience plan should set out the detailed set of measures for its implementation, including targets and milestones, and the expected impact of the recovery and resilience plan on growth potential, quality job creation and economic and social resilience; it should also include measures that are relevant for the green and the digital transitions; it should also include an explanation of the consistency ofextent to which the proposed recovery and resilience plan contributes to achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate objectives, as well as the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and the extent to which it is consistent with the relevant country- specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, with regard to social policy and employment, for example. Close cooperation between the Commission and the Member States should be sought and achieved throughout the process.
Amendment 123 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) The Commission should assess the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member States and should act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned. The Commission will fully respect the national ownership of the process and will therefore take into account the justification and elements provided by the Member State concerned and assess whether the recovery and resilience plan proposed by the Member State is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendation addressed to the Member State concerned or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semester; whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the green and the digital transitions and to addressing the challenges resulting from them; whether the plan contributes to the Union’s strategic autonomy, achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate targets and to implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights; whether the plan is expected to have a lasting impact in the Member State concerned; whether the plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, quality job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, especially for the most vulnerable and the young, and contribute to enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion and upward social and economic convergence; whether the justification provided by the Member State of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan submitted is reasonable and plausible and is commensurate to the expected impact on the economy and employment; whether the proposed recovery and resilience plan contains measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions; and whether the arrangement proposed by the Member State concerned are expected to ensure effective implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the proposed milestones and targets, and the related indicators.
Amendment 147 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Recovery and Resilience Facility shall be to promote the Union’s economic, social and territorial cohesioncontribute to the Union’s strategic autonomy, achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate objectives and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights by improving the resilience and adjustment capacity of the Member States, mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, especially for the most vulnerable and the young, and supporting the green and digital transitions, thereby contributing to restoring the growth potential of the economies of the Union, fostering quality employment creation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, and promoting sustainable growth.
Amendment 160 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – title
Article 9 – title
Measures linking the Facility to soungood economic governance, climate objectives and the European Pillar of Social Rights
Amendment 161 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In the event of significant non- compliance in relation to any of the cases laid down in Article 15(7) of the Regulation laying down common provisions on the […)][CPR], the Council shall, on a proposal from the Commission,mmission shall adopt a decision by means of an implementdelegated act ing actcordance with Article 27a to suspend the time period for the adoption of the decisions referred to in Articles 17(1) and 17(2) or to suspend payments under the Recovery and Resilience FacilityFacility in full or in part.
Amendment 163 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The decision to suspend the payments referred to in paragraph 1 shall not apply as long as the general waiver clause is in force and the severe economic and social fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic persists.
Amendment 164 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. In the event of significant non- compliance in relation to climate goals set out in the European Climate Law1a and/or the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Commission shall adopt a decision by means of an delegated act in accordance with Article 27a to suspend the time period for the adoption of the decisions referred to in Articles 17(1) and 17(2) or to suspend recovery and resilience payments under the Facility in full or in part. __________________ 1a Regulation (EU) No XXX/XX of the European Parliament and of the Council [framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law)] (…)
Amendment 166 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 9 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. In the event of occurrence of any of the cases referred to in Article 15(11) of the Regulation laying down common provisions on the […], the Council shall, on a proposal from the Commission, shall adopt a decision by means of an implement delegated act ing actcordance with Article 27a to lift the suspension of the time period or of payments referred to in the previous paragraph.
Amendment 175 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 2
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The recovery and resilience plans shall be consistent with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, in particular those relevant for or resulting from the green and digital transitioncontribute to the Union’s strategic autonomy, achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and the Union’s climate targets, as well as implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and be consistent with the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, in the field of social policy and employment for example, with the national reform programmes, the national energy and climate plans, the just transition plans, and the partnership agreements and operational programmes adopted under the Union funds. The recovery and resilience plans shall also be consistent with the information included by the Member States in the national reform programmes under the European Semester, in their national energy and climate plans and updates thereof under the Regulation (EU)2018/199921, in the territorial just transition plans under the Just Transition Fund22 , and in the partnership agreements and operational programmes under the Union funds. __________________ 21Regulation (EU)2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action. 22 […]
Amendment 182 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) an explanation of the way the relevant country-specific challenges and priorities identified in the context of the European Semester, especially with regard to social policy and employment, are expected to be addressed;
Amendment 185 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) an explanation of how the plan strengthens the growth potential, quality job creation and economic and social resilience of the Member State concerned, mitigates the economic and social impact of the crisis, especially for the most vulnerable and the young, and its contribution to enhance economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence, as well as the Union’s strategic autonomy;
Amendment 195 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new)
(ca) an explanation as to how the plan contributes to achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and to implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 199 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c b (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point c b (new)
(cb) an explanation showing that at least 37% of the recovery and resilience plan contributes to the fight against climate change;
Amendment 213 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations, especially regarding social policy and employment, addressed to the Member State concerned or in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semester;
Amendment 218 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) whether the recovery and resilience plan contributes to achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals and implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 220 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point c
(c) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expectedlikely to have a lasting impact oin the Member State concerned and whether least 37% of the recovery and resilience plan contributes to combating climate change;
Amendment 222 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point d
(d) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to effectively contribute to strengthen the growth potential, quality job creation, and economic and social resilience of the Member State, mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis, especially for the most vulnerable and the young, and contribute to enhanceing economic, social and territorial cohesion and the Union’s strategic autonomy;
Amendment 252 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27 a (new)
Amendment 1099 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) whether the recovery and resilience plan is expected to contribute to effectively address challenges identified in the latest relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to the Member State concerned or, challenges and priorities identified in the most recent Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for Member States whose currency is the euro, and in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the European Semester;
Amendment 1132 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(b a) whether the plan contains measures that effectively strengthen the Union's strategic autonomy;
Amendment 1138 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b b (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b b (new)
(b b) whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 1141 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b c (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b c (new)
(b c) whether the plan contains measures that effectively contribute to the climate and environmental objectives of the EU, in particular to the achievement of the Union’s updated 2030 climate targets and the objective of climate neutrality by 2050;
Amendment 1144 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b d (new)
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – point b d (new)
(b d) whether the plan contains measures to ensure that at least 37% of the amount requested for the recovery and resilience plan contribute to mainstreaming climate objectives based on the methodology provided by the Commission in accordance with Article 14(2a) and a demonstration of how the measures significantly decrease the national climate friendly investment gap;
Amendment 1226 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall adopt a decision within fourtwo months of the official submission of the recovery and resilience plan by the Member State, by means of an implementing act. In the event that the Commission gives a positive assessment to a recovery and resilience plan, that decision shall set out the reforms and investment projects to be implemented by the Member State, including the milestones and targets, and the financial contribution allocated in accordance with Article 11.
Amendment 1292 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 5
Article 17 – paragraph 5
5. Where the Commission gives a negative assessment to a recovery and resilience plan, it shall communicate a duly justified assessment within fourtwo months of the submission of the proposal by the Member State.
Amendment 1321 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. Where the Commission considers that the reasons put forward by the Member State concerned justify an amendment of the relevant recovery and resilience plan, the Commission shall assess the new plan in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 and shall take a new decision in accordance with Article 17 within fourtwo months of the official submission of the request.
Amendment 1340 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 2
Article 19 – paragraph 2
2. Payment of financial contributions to the Member State concerned under this Article shall be made in accordance with the budget appropriations and subject to the available funding. The Commission decisions referred to in this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 27(2)5a.
Amendment 1392 #
Amendment 1422 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a (new)
Article 21 a Discharge procedure Spending under the Facility shall be subject to the discharge procedure by the European Parliament.
Amendment 1481 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 4
Article 24 – paragraph 4
4. For the purpose of the reporting on the activities referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may use the content of the relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission under the latest European Semester as appropriate, as well as the most recent Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for Member States whose currency is the euro.
Amendment 1499 #
2020/0104(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a (new)
Article 25 a Exercise of the delegation 1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article. 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 4, Article 14, and Article 19 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027. 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 4, Article 14, and Article 19 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. 5. As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. 6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 4, Article 14, and Article 19 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.
Amendment 18 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to redress huge shocks to the economy and society stemming from the exceptional restrictions put in place by Member States to contain the COVID-19 spreading and the risks of an asymmetric recovery stemming from the different national means available in different Member States resulting in serious impacts on the functioning of the Internal Market, the European Council endorsed on 23 April 2020 the “Roadmap for recovery” with a strong investment component, called for the establishment of the European Recovery Fund and mandated the Commission to analyse the needs so that the resources would be targeted towards the sectors and geographical parts of the Union most affected, while clarifying also the link with the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027.
Amendment 24 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In order to allow maximum flexibility to Member States for tailoring crisis repair actions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic or preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy, allocations should be established by the Commission at Member State level. Furthermore, the possibility for using any additional resources to support aid for the most deprived should also be provided for. In addition, it is necessary to establish ceilings concerning the allocation to technical assistance at the initiative of the Member States while allowing maximum flexibility to the Member States as to its allocation within operational programmes supported by the ERDF or the ESF. It should be clarified that there is no need to respect the ESF minimum share for the additional resources. Taking account of the expected quick spending of the additional resources, the commitments linked to those additional resources should only be decommitted at the closure of the operational programmes.
Amendment 31 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) In order to complement the actions already available under the scope of support of the ERDF, as extended by Regulations (EU) 2020/460 and (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council5, Member States should continue to be allowed to use the additional resources primarily for investments in products and services for health services, for providing support in the form of working capital or investment support to SMEs, especially micro- and small enterprises, in operations contributing to the transition towards a digital and green economy, infrastructure providing basic services to citizens or economic support measures for those regions most dependent on sectors most affected by the crisis as well as helping the most deprived. Technical assistance should also be supported. It is appropriate that the additional resources are focused exclusively under the new thematic objective “Fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the economy”, which should also constitute a single investment priority, to allow for simplified programming and implementation of the additional resources. __________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2020/460 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) No 508/2014 as regards specific measures to mobilise investments in the healthcare systems of Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative) (OJ L99, 31.3.2020, p. 5); Regulation (EU) 2020/558 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulations (EU) No 1301/2013 and (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, (OJ L 130, 23.4.2020, p. 1).
Amendment 41 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) For the ESF, Member States should primarily use the additional resources to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self-employed, job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, support to youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular for disadvantaged groups and carers, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children. It should be clarified that in the present exceptional circumstances support to short-time work schemes for employees and the self- employed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. Union support to those short-time work schemes should be limited in time.
Amendment 66 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 7
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 7
By way of derogation from Article 92(7), a share of the additional resources may also be proposed toshall be used to increase the support for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (‘FEAD’) before or at the same time as the allocation to the ERDF and the ESF. This share shall amount to at least 3 % of the additional resources in order to ensure a minimum amount for the support to the most deprived who have been hit in an unprecedented proportion by the COVID- 19 crisis.
Amendment 72 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 11
Article 92b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 11
Amendment 81 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
Article 92b – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 4
For the ESF, the additional resources shall primarily be used to support job maintenance, including through short-time work schemes and support to self- employed, even when that support is not combined with active labour market measures, unless the latter are imposed by national law. The additional resources shall also support job creation, in particular for people in vulnerable situations, youth employment measures, education and training, skills development, in particular for disadvantaged groups and carers, to support the twin green and digital transitions, and to enhance access to social services of general interest, including for children.
Amendment 91 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92b – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 4
Article 92b – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 4
The elements set out in point (b)(v) and (vii) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, in paragraph 4, in point (b) and (c) of paragraph 6 and in paragraph 7 of Article 96 shall not be required for such new operational programme. The elements set out in Article 96(3) shall only be required where corresponding support is provided.
Amendment 166 #
2020/0101(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013
Article 92 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 7
Article 92 b – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 7
By way of derogation from Article 92(7), a share of the additional resources may also be proposed toshall be used to increase the support for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (‘FEAD’) before or at the same time as the allocation to the ERDF and the ESF. This share shall amount to at least 3% of the additional resources in order to ensure a minimum amount for the support to the most deprived who have been hit to an unprecedented degree by the COVID-19 crisis.
Amendment 35 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as labour markets that are responsive to economic change, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, balanced growth and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States shall regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate their action in this respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour. In order to cope with major shocks, Member States and the Union should adopt long-term instruments with a view to preserving jobs and skills and reducing pressure on national public finances, in particular by setting up a permanent European unemployment reinsurance scheme.
Amendment 41 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union are to work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, as well as labour markets that are dynamic, future-oriented and responsive to economic change, with a view to achieving the objectives of full employment and social progress, balanced growth and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States shall regard promoting employment based on equality of opportunity and social justice as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate their action in this respect within the Council, taking into account national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour.
Amendment 45 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The COVID-19 crisis is having, and will have, many effects on employment, social justice and working conditions. As a result of the cessation of economic activity, many workers are on short-time working and businesses, in particular SMEs, face liquidity problems. Workers in insecure employment and those of them who are the most deprived have often been frontline workers whose working conditions have entailed high risks to health. Many workers and businesses have resorted to teleworking and extensive use of digital tools. To respond to this unprecedented crisis in terms of employment and social justice policies, the Union and the Member States must commit to a massive European recovery plan to support businesses by providing them with the support they need to gain access to liquidity and workers, in particular by financing their short-time working and guaranteeing jobs. The aim must be to protect and develop the European labour market in order to guarantee not only jobs and wages but also working conditions. At the time of this crisis and in response to it, the Union and the Member States must undertake to uphold their commitments. Social and employment policies must contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals, be consistent with the objectives set out by the Green Deal and contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 55 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union is to combat social exclusion and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child and of the most deprived sections of the population. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of a decent standard of living and adequate social protection for all, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 58 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Union is to combat social exclusion, poverty, material deprivation and discrimination and promote social justice and protection, as well as equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and the protection of the rights of the child. In defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union is to take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training as set out in Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Amendment 62 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In accordance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Union has developed and implemented policy coordination instruments for economic and employment policies. As part of these instruments, the present Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States, together with the Broad Guidelines for the Economic Policies of the Member States and of the Union set out in Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 (), form the Integrated Guidelines. They are tomust accord with the overall strategy of the Union determined by the Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Deal and the European Pillar of Social Rights, and guide policy implementation in the Member States and in the Union, reflecting the interdependence between the Member States. The resulting set of coordinated European and national policies and reforms are to constitute an appropriate overall sustainable economic and employment policy mix, which should achieve positive spill-over effects. __________________ 5Council Recommendation (EU) 2015/1184 of 14 July 2015 on broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and of the European Union (OJ L 192, 18.7.2015, p. 27).
Amendment 67 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The Guidelines for the Employment Policies aremust contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals, to the implementation of our growth strategy set out in the Green Deal, and to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. These Guidelines are also consistent with the Stability and Growth Pact, the existing Union legislation and various Union initiatives, including the Council recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (6), the Council Recommendation of 15 February 2016 on the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (7), the Council Recommendation of 19 December 2016 on Upskilling Pathways (8), the Council Recommendation of 15 March 2018 on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (9), the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2018 on Key Competences and Lifelong Learning (10), the Council Recommendation of 22 May 2019 on High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Systems (11) and the Council Recommendation of 8 November 2019 on Access to Social Protection (12). __________________ 6 OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1. 7 OJ C 67, 20.2.2016, p. 1. 8 OJ C 484, 24.12.2016, p. 1. 9 OJ C 153, 2.5.2018, p. 1. 10 OJ C 189, 4.6.2018, p. 1. 11 OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 4. 12 OJ C 387, 15.11.2019, p. 1–8
Amendment 75 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (13). The Union and Member States’ employment and economic policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s transition to a climate neutral, environmentally sustainable and digital economy which exploits innovation and technology, while improving competitiveness, supporting SMEs, fostering innovation, promoting social justice and equal opportunities and investing in youth, as well as tackling inequalities and regional disparities. __________________ 13 UN Resolution A/RES/70/1
Amendment 78 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The European Semester combines the different instruments in an overarching framework for integrated multilateral coordination and surveillance of economic and employment policies. While pursuing environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness and stability, the European Semester integrates the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including strong engagement with social partners, civil society and other stakeholders. It supports the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (13). The Union and Member States’ employment and economic policies should go hand in hand with Europe’s transition to a climate neutral, inclusive, environmentally sustainable and digital economy, ensuring upward social convergence while improving competitiveness, fostering innovation, promoting social justice and equal opportunities as well as tackling inequalities and regional disparities. __________________ 13 UN Resolution A/RES/70/1
Amendment 86 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change will transform European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States should work together to effectively address these structural factors and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets and related policies. This requires a coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, economic growth, the creation of sustainable jobs, social and territorial cohesion, upward social convergence, measures to combat poverty and insecure employment, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
Amendment 87 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Climate change and environmental related challenges, globalisation, digitalisation and demographic change willare profoundly transforming European economies and societies. The Union and its Member States should work together to effectively address these structural factors and adapt existing systems as needed, recognising the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets and related policies. This requires a coordinated, ambitious and effective policy action at both Union and national levels, in accordance with the TFEU and the Union’s provisions on economic governance. Such policy action should encompass a boost in sustainable investment, a renewed commitment to appropriately sequenced structural reforms that improve productivity, economic growth, social and territorial cohesion, upward social convergence, measures to combat poverty and insecure employment, resilience and the exercise of fiscal responsibility. It should combine supply- and demand side measures, while taking into account their environmental, employment and social impact.
Amendment 94 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission signed an inter-institutional proclamation for a European Pillar of Social Rights (14). The Pillar sets out twenty principles and rights to support well-functioning and fair labour markets and welfare systems, structured around three categories: equal opportunities and access to the labour market, fair working conditions and social protection and inclusion. The principles and rights give direction to our strategy makingand must be so acted upon as to make sure that the transitions to climate- neutrality and environmental sustainability, digitalisation and demographic change are socially fair and just. The Pillar constitutes a reference framework to monitor the employment and social performance of Member States, to drive reforms at national, regional and local level and to reconcile the “social” and the “market” in today’s modern economy, including by promoting the social economy. __________________ 14 OJ C 428, 13.12.2017, p. 10.
Amendment 97 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Reforms to the labour market, including the national wage-setting mechanisms, should follow national practices of social dialogue and allow the necessary opportunity for a broad consideration of socioeconomic issues, including improvements in sustainability, competitiveness, growth, innovation, job creation, lifelong learning and training policies, working conditions, education and skills, public health and inclusion and real incomes. These reforms must ensure a certain flexibility in the labour market, as well as guaranteeing fair wages for European workers, a decent standard of living and an adequate social protection system for all.
Amendment 104 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Member States and the Union should ensure that the transformations are fair and socially just, strengthening the drive towards an inclusive and resilient society in which people are protected and empowered to anticipate and manage change, and in which they can actively participate in society and the economy. Discrimination in all its forms should be tackled. Access and opportunities for all should be ensured and poverty and social exclusion (including that of children) should be reduced, in particular by ensuring an effective functioning of labour markets and of social protection systems and by removing barriers to education, training and labour-market participation, including through investments in early childhood education and care. Timely and equal access to affordable healthcare services, including prevention and health promotion are particularly relevant in a context of ageing societies. The potential of people with disabilities to contribute to economic growth and social development should be further realised. As new economic and business models take hold in Union workplaces, employment relationships are also changing. Member States should ensure that employment relationships stemming from new forms of work maintain and strengthen Europe’s social model. These new forms of work, including platform work, present not only many opportunities in terms of employability and access to the labour market, but also challenges in terms of fair working conditions and access to social protection.
Amendment 117 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Integrated Guidelines should form the basis for country-specific recommendations that the Council may address to the Member States. Member States should make full use of the European Social Fund Plus and other Union funds, including the Just Transition Fund and InvestEU, to foster employment, social investments, social inclusion, and accessibility, accompany the transition to a green, digital economy, and promote up- and reskilling opportunities of the workforce, lifelong learning and high quality education and training for all, including digital literacy and skills. While the Integrated Guidelines are addressed to Member States and the Union, they should be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society.
Amendment 123 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a The Member States call on the Commission to present as soon as possible a new proposal for a decision on guidelines for employment policies that takes into account the COVID-19 crisis and its social and employment consequences.
Amendment 132 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The COVID-19 crisis is having, and will have, many social effects and effects on employment policy. In response to this unprecedented crisis, Member States should protect and develop the European labour market and work towards greater European solidarity by protecting the most vulnerable and leaving no one behind. Member States should work towards European coordination to protect European workers and businesses, particularly with the aid of a massive European recovery plan, with the possibility for the Member States to provide direct support to the sectors most affected. Member States should continue and strengthen the establishment of systems to support businesses in difficulty and those suffering from a lack of liquidity, in particular SMEs, as well as to support workers on short-time working schemes to guarantee not only jobs and wages but also working conditions. Support should be given to all workers, particularly those in the most insecure employment, who have been at the forefront of this crisis. Member States should encourage health authorities to introduce measures to address the difficult psychological conditions affecting many workers and reduce general anxiety and the negative impact of social isolation. Member States should provide workers with the best standards of health and safety at work. Member States should facilitate the use of teleworking while guaranteeing workers their working conditions. Member States should ensure the involvement of the social partners in the planning and implementation of such measures. Cross-border workers, who have been hit hard by border closures, must be guaranteed their rights and their jobs. Member States should make use of all the funds at their disposal, such as the European Social Fund and the Fund for European Aid to the Deprived, and should do so extensively to respond to the crisis. The aim must be to ensure safety at work, support for the most deprived and the recovery of economic activity. Member States should also increase their sustainable investment in many sectors such as health, education and the sectors of the future, such as the digital and green economy sectors. Member States should undertake to ensure that the recovery plan contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals, is consistent with the objectives set out by the Green Deal and contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 136 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 2
The tax burden should be shifted away from labour to other sources more supportive to employment and inclusive growth and at the same time alignesystematically aligned with the sustainable development goals and with climate and environmental objectives as defined in the Green Deal, taking account of the redistributive effect of the tax system, while protecting revenue for adequate social protection for all and growth- enhancing expenditure.
Amendment 143 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 5 – paragraph 3
Member States having in place national mechanisms for the setting of statutory minimum wages should ensure an effective involvement of social partners in a transparent and predictable manner allowing for an adequate responsiveness of wages to productivity developments and providing fair wages for a decent standard of living, paying particular attention to lower and middle income groups with a view to upward social convergence. These mechanisms should take into account economic performance across regions and sectors. Member States should promote social dialogue and collective bargaining with a view to wage setting. Respecting national practices, Member States and social partners should ensure that all workers are entitled to adequate and fair wages through collective agreements or adequate statutory minimum wages which can provide a decent standard of living and make it possible to combat job insecurity and in-work poverty, taking into account their impact on competitiveness, job creation and in-work poverty.
Amendment 156 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of technological and environmental transitions, as well as demographic change, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and human capital, fostering relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to current and future labour market needs. Member States should also adapt and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education, including vocational education and training. Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour market relevance, with particular reference to the needs of sectors with a chronic skills shortage, also with a view to enabling the environmental transition. Particular attention should be paid to challenges of the teaching profession. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences to lay the foundations for adaptability later in life. Member States should seek to ensure the transfer of training entitlements during professional career changes, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs notably through continuous reskilling and upskilling, with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour market shortages and improving the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.
Amendment 160 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 1
In the context of technological and environmental transitions, as well as demographic change, Member States should promote sustainability, productivity, employability and human capital, fostering relevant knowledge, skills and competences throughout people's lives, responding to current and future labour market needs. Member States should also adapt and invest in their education and training systems to provide high quality and inclusive education that is accessible for all, including vocational education and training. Member States should work together with the social partners, education and training providers, enterprises and other stakeholders to address structural weaknesses in education and training systems and improve their quality and labour market relevance, also with a view to enabling the environmental and digital transitions. Particular attention should be paid to challenges of the teaching profession. Education and training systems should equip all learners with key competences, including basic and digital skills as well as transversal competences to lay the foundations for adaptability later in life. Member States should seek to ensure the transfer of training entitlements during professional career changes, including, where appropriate, through individual learning accounts. They should enable everyone to anticipate and better adapt to labour market needs notably through continuous reskilling and upskilling, with a view to supporting fair and just transitions for all, strengthening social outcomes, addressing labour market shortages and improving the overall resilience of the economy to shocks.
Amendment 169 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 2
Member States should foster equal opportunities for all by addressing inequalities in education and training systems, including by providing access to good quality early childhood education. They should raise overall education levels, reduce the number of young people leaving school early, increase access to and completion of tertiary education and increase adult participation in continuing learning, particularly among learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, the least qualified. Taking into account new requirements in digital, green and ageing societies, Member States should strengthen work-based learning in their vocational education and training systems (VET) (including through quality and effective apprenticeships) and increase the number of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, particularly women, both in medium-level VET and in tertiary education. Furthermore, Member States should enhance the labour-market relevance of tertiary education and research, improve skills monitoring and forecasting, make skills more visible and qualifications comparable, including those acquired abroad, and increase opportunities for recognising and validating skills and competences acquired outside formal education and training. They should upgrade and increase the supply and take- up of flexible continuing vocational education and training. Member States should also support low skilled adults to maintain or develop their long-term employability by boosting access to and take up of quality learning opportunities, through the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, including a skills assessment, an offer of education and training matching labour market opportunities, and the validation and recognition of the skills acquired.
Amendment 174 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide unemployed and inactive people with effective, timely, coordinated and tailor-made assistance based on support for job-search, training, requalification and access to other enabling services. Comprehensive strategies that include in-depth individual assessment of unemployment should be pursued as soon as possible with a view to significantly reducing and preventing long-term and structural unemployment. YMember States must make fighting unemployment and insecure employment of young people an absolute priority. In particular, youth unemployment and the issue of young people not in employment, education or training, should continue to be addressed through prevention of early school leaving, privileged access to training for future- oriented sectors linked to the green and digital economies, and structural improvement in the school- to-work transition, including through the full implementation of the Youth Guarantee (15). __________________ 15 ()OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 180 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Member States should adopt and enforce strict rules imposing high standards of health and safety at work. This includes reducing to zero the number of fatal accidents at work and cases of occupational cancer, establishing binding occupational exposure limit values, and taking into account occupational psycho- social risks and occupational diseases.
Amendment 181 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities and career progression and eliminating barriers to participation in leadership at all levels of decision-making. The gender pay gap should be tackled. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and pay- transparency should be ensured, including by establishing a wage equality index comparing women and men. Member States should take measures to support entrepreneurship among women and facilitate access to financing for them. Member States should take measures to increase the number of women on company boards. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable quality long-term care and early childhood education and care services. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men.
Amendment 185 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 6 – paragraph 5
Member States should ensure gender equality and increased labour market participation of women, including through ensuring equal opportunities and career progression and eliminating barriers to participation in leadership at all levels of decision-making. Member States should take into account the proposed minimum percentage as laid down in the proposed Directive on improving the gender balance on corporate boards. The gender pay gap should be tackled. Equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value, and binding pay- transparency should be ensured. The reconciliation of work, family and private life for both women and men should be promoted, in particular through access to affordable quality long-term care and early childhood education and care services. Member States should ensure that parents and other people with caring responsibilities have access to suitable family leave and flexible working arrangements in order to balance work, family and private life, and promote a balanced use of these entitlements between women and men.
Amendment 189 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce, new work patterns and business models, Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for recruitment, and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while preserving appropriate security and healthy, safe and well-adapted working environments for workers, protecting labour rights and ensuring social protection. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in the case of platform workers, who should be guaranteed social rights, decent working conditions, increased access to social protection and improved representation arrangements, and by fighting the abuse of atypical contracts. Access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 190 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 1
In order to benefit from a dynamic and productive workforce, new work patterns and business models, Member States should work together with the social partners on fair, transparent and predictable working conditions, balancing rights and obligations. They should reduce and prevent segmentation within labour markets, fight undeclared work and foster the transition towards open-ended forms of employment. Employment protection rules, labour law and institutions should all provide both a suitable environment for recruitment, and the necessary flexibility for employers to adapt swiftly to changes in the economic context, while preserving appropriate security and healthy, safe and well-adapted working environments for workers, protecting labour rights and ensuring social protection. Employment relationships that lead to precarious working conditions should be prevented, including in the case of platform workers and by fighting the abuse of atypical contracts. Member States should ensure that these workers genuinely enjoy fair working conditions and access to adequate social protection. Access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress, including adequate compensation, should be ensured in cases of unfair dismissal.
Amendment 196 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 2
Policies should aim to improve and support labour-market participation, matching and transitions, particularly the digital and ecological transitions. Member States should effectively activate and enable those who can participate in the labour market. Member States should strengthen the effectiveness of active labour-market policies by increasing their targeting, outreach, coverage and better linking them with income support for the unemployed, whilst they are seeking work and based on their rights and responsibilities. Member States should aim for more effective and efficient public employment services by ensuring timely and tailor-made assistance to support jobseekers, supporting labour- market demand and implementing performance-based management.
Amendment 199 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 3
Member States should provide the unemployed with adequate unemployment benefits of reasonable duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. Such benefits should ensure decent living conditions for the unemployed. They should not dis- incentivise a prompt return to employment and should be accompanied by active labour market policies
Amendment 205 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4
The mobility of learners and workers should be adequately supported with the aim of enhancing employability, skills and exploiting the full potential of the European labour market, while also ensuring fair conditions for all those pursuing a cross-border activity, by stepping up the portability of rights and allowances, and stepping up administrative cooperation between national administrations with regard to mobile workers. Barriers to mobility in education and training, in occupational and personal pensions and in the recognition of qualifications should be removed and recognition of qualifications made easier. Member States should take action to ensure that administrative procedures are not an unnecessary obstacle to workers from other Member States taking up employment, including for cross- border workers. Member States should commit themselves fully to the digitalisation of public services in order to facilitate fair labour mobility, particularly with regard to the coordination of social security systems. Member States should also prevent abuse of the existing rules and address underlying causes of ‘brain drain’ from certain regions including through appropriate regional development measures.
Amendment 208 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 4 a (new)
In order to cope with major shocks, Member States should adopt common long-term instruments with a view to preserving jobs and skills and reducing pressure on national public finances, in particular by setting up a permanent European unemployment reinsurance scheme.
Amendment 211 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 5
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 5
Building on existing national practices, and in order to promote and achieve more effective and intensive social dialogue, and better socioeconomic outcomes, Member States should ensure the timely and meaningful involvement of the social partners in the design and implementation of employment, social and, where relevant, economic reforms and policies, including by supporting increased capacity of the social partners. Member States should foster social dialogue and collective bargaining. The social partners should be encouraged to negotiate and conclude collective agreements in matters relevant to them, fully respecting their autonomy and the right to collective action.
Amendment 214 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Annex I – Guideline 7 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Member States should work together in providing social protection systems for frontier workers and self-employed workers who work and live in different Member States. The modernisation of social protection system should be conducive to the principles of the European labour market providing for a sustainable social protection that is universal and trans border. This should guarantee the protection and effectiveness of social protection systems that addresses the gaps in protection and guarantee a productive frontier workforce.
Amendment 225 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 2
Member States should modernise social protection systems to provide adequate, effective, efficient, and sustainable social protection for all throughout all stages of an individual's life, fostering social inclusion and upward social mobility, incentivising labour market participation and addressing inequalities, including through the design of their tax and benefit systems. Complementing universal approaches with selective ones will improve effectiveness of social protection systems. The modernisation of social protection systems should lead to better access, quality, adequacy and sustainability.
Amendment 230 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attention should be given to fighting poverty and social exclusion, including in-work and child poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. Member States should also take measures to ensure a just transition as regards improving the energy efficiency of existing housing and to tackle the problem of energy poverty in the right way in the context of the Green Deal. The specific needs of people with disabilities including accessibility should be taken into account in relation to these services. Homelessness should be tackled specifically, taking the Housing First approach as a basis.
Amendment 235 #
2020/0030(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
Annex I – Guideline 8 – paragraph 4
The availability of affordable, accessible and quality services such as early childhood education and care, out-of- school care, education, training, housing, health and long-term care is a necessary condition for ensuring equal opportunities. Particular attentionGreater efforts should be givenmade to fighting poverty, material deprivation and social exclusion, including in-work and child poverty. Member States should ensure that everyone, including children, has access to essential services. For those in need or in a vulnerable situation, Member States should ensure access to adequate social housing or housing assistance. The specific needs of people with disabilities including accessibility should be taken into account in relation to these services. Homelessness should be tackled specifically.
Amendment 73 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’)11 and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan12 providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to avoid leaving anyone behind and to address the economic and social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions. __________________ 11 COM(2019) 640 final, 11.12.2019. 12 COM(2020) 21, 14.1.2020.
Amendment 93 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all and go hand in hand with the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, ensuring upward social convergence and avoiding leaving anyone behind. Therefore, both the Union and the Member States must take into account its economic and social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences and accompany that transition by creating new sustainable, quality jobs. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.
Amendment 110 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social and economic consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality and creating sustainable jobs by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level.
Amendment 118 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment, particularly by means of continuing training and retraining of workers. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].
Amendment 133 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of 25% of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+ will contribute fully to the achievement of this target, in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Amendment 154 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The transitioning to a climate- neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States, as well as providing opportunities for sustainable and quality job creation in future-oriented sectors. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.
Amendment 164 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate and environmental priorities of the Union, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and social innovation and are sustainable in the long- term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate- neutral and circular economy which creates sustainable jobs. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 205013 while maintaining and enhancing employment and, avoiding environmental degradation and promoting energy efficiency with a particular focus on the risk of energy poverty. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation and connectivity, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate- neutral and circular economy. __________________ 13 As set out in “A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy”, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank - COM(2018) 773 final.
Amendment 177 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling and reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market, with particular attention to young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). It should be underlined that the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), being an instrument of European solidarity, will also assist workers made redundant as a result of the transition to a climate-neutral economy in their process of re-skilling, training and reintegration into the labour market. In this sense, sharing common objectives, the JTF will have to be implemented in a manner consistent with the actions funded by the EGF for workers in the Member States.
Amendment 195 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs., in particular start-ups and undertakings active in the field of social innovation. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. The aim must also be to create high-quality, sustainable jobs in future-oriented sectors and to promote social inclusion. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation, entirely in line with the actions financed by the EGF. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if, and only if, they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council14 and if they result in the protection of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU. __________________ 14Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).
Amendment 226 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges and needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that create sustainable, quality jobs that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality andby 2050, the objectives of the Green Deal, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission, and should take into account situations in which the EGF has been used or might be used.
Amendment 285 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a
(a) productive investments in SMEs, including start-ups and businesses active in the field of social innovation, leading to economic diversification and reconversion;
Amendment 301 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point d
(d) investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy, with the aim of combating energy poverty;
Amendment 311 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point f
(f) investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites, land restoration and repurposing projects, while ensuring full compliance with the ‘polluter pays principle’;
Amendment 323 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point i
(i) job-search assistance to jobseekers, with a particular focus on young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs);
Amendment 334 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Additionally, the JTF may support, in areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) of the TFEU, productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2), that they accord with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and that they permit the creation of sustainable, quality jobs and better social inclusion. Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan and that they do not perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels.
Amendment 340 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan and that they do not perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels.
Amendment 398 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the needs in terms of new skills, the development needs and the objectives, to be reached by 2030 linked to the tgransformation ordual disengagement from activities that depend on fossil fuels or the closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;
Amendment 407 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point e
(e) an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans, as well as with other Union funds such as the [ESF+], the ERDF and the EGF, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights;
Amendment 417 #
2020/0006(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point g
(g) a description of the type of operations envisaged and their expected contribution to alleviate the impact of the transition in terms of creating sustainable, quality jobs and the need for new skills;
Amendment 8 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 2 a (new)
- having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights, particularly to principle 17 on inclusion of people with disabilities, principle 3 on equal opportunities and principle 10 on healthy, safe and well-adapted work environment and data protection;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 14 January 2020 on a strong social Europe for just transitions (COM(2020)0014),
Amendment 53 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Citation 23 a (new)
- having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the situation of women with disabilities,
Amendment 91 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas the EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020 failed to include and address the specific situation of women and girls with disabilities, who constitute an important group facing multiple and intersectional discrimination based on both their gender and their disability;
Amendment 105 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas the burden of major chronic diseases is calculated on the basis of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) but that frameworks addressing chronic diseases vary across Europe and may be part of broader disability schemes in some countries;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Recital G b (new)
G b. whereas Eurofound1a pointed out that there is a lack of clarity regarding the inclusion of the concept of (chronic) ‘sickness’ in the definition of disability; whereas the agency recommends that a review of the European Disability Strategy should seek to address this issue; _________________ 1a Eurofound (2019), How to respond to chronic health problems in the workplace ?, Publication Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
Amendment 225 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Stresses the need for coherence between the post-2020 Strategy and frameworks targeting people with chronic diseases, including around employment activation, considering that strategies targeting persons with disabilities do not necessarily always adress the needs of these specific patients;
Amendment 287 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that the potential of social economy enterprises and organisations in facilitating labour market inclusion for persons with disabilities should be acknowledged in the new EU Disability Strategy post 2020;
Amendment 342 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the European Strategy and national actions are fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as a major global framework for action which includes disability as a horizontal issue in SDGs 4, 8, 10,11 and 17;
Amendment 426 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Calls on the Commission to ensure all projects and infrastructure supported by EU funds in third countries are accessible for the inclusion of persons with disabilities and that EU funds invest in the implementation and monitoring of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and capacity building of organisations of persons with disabilities;
Amendment 442 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that the post 2020 Disability Strategy includes a gender- based and intersectional approach to combat the multiple forms of discrimination faced by persons with disabilities;
Amendment 453 #
2019/2975(RSP)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12 b. Calls on the European Commission to ensure that the post 2020 Disability Strategy includes violence against persons with disabilities as one of its main focus areas, paying particular attention to gender-based violence and children with disabilities;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions of 8 June 2010 on “Equity and Health in All Policies: Solidarity in Health”;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions of 24 October 2019 on the Economy of wellbeing;
Amendment 5 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019) 640)
Amendment 6 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16 a (new)
Citation 16 a (new)
- having regard to the OECD and European Commission initiative on State of Health in the EU cycle;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)
Citation 27 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas across the EU women earn on average 16 % less than men; whereas the gender pensions gap is around 37,2 % in the EU;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
C a. whereas in the digital era, digital skills are essential for all personal or professional tasks and yet more than 40 % of adults in the EU do not have basic digital skills;
Amendment 47 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas social dialogue is a central component of the European social model; whereas there is a clear positive correlation between social dialogue and industrial competitiveness and efficiency; whereas social dialogue has been weakened and collective bargaining coverage has shrunk across Europe, with huge disparities between Member States;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas income inequalities remain at a high level; whereas wage austerity as well many Member States are facing wage stagnation; whereas tax and labour cost competition are harmful for the single market and increase inequalities and the vulnerability of low wage earners; whereas intergenerational social mobility is limited in most Member States;
Amendment 62 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. whereas Article 168 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union provides that a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities; whereas the European Pillar of Social Rights states that workers have the right to a high level of protection of their health and safety at work and that everyone has the right to timely access to affordable, preventive and curative health care of good quality;
Amendment 65 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
F b. whereas significant health inequalities still prevail across Europe, which materialise notably through disparities in life expectancy depending on socio-economic status; whereas according to the OECD and European Commission1a, people with a low level of education can expect to live six years less (and even 8 years less for 30-year old men on average across the EU) than those with a high level of education; whereas the social environment of the population, including employment and working conditions, is an important factor leading to unequal health with low-income households being more likely to report unmet health needs than high-income households; _________________ 1aHealth at a Glance: Europe 2018, State of Health in the EU Cycle
Amendment 66 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
F c. whereas on 5 June 2019 the Commission proposed recommendations to 16 Member States on investing, improving effectiveness, increasing accessibility and strengthening the resilience of their national health systems1a; whereas these recommendations were adopted by the Council in July 20192afor actions to be taken in 2019 and 2020; _________________ 1a European Commission, “European Semester: Commission proposes health recommendations”, 05/06/2019, [URL: https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/sante/news letter-specific-archive- issue.cfm?newsletter_service_id=327≠wsl etter_issue_id=15551&pdf=true&fullDate =Mon%2006%20May%202019⟨=default 2a2019 European Semester: Country Specific Recommendations /Council Recommendations [URL:https://ec.europa.eu/info/publicatio ns/2019-european-semester-country- specific-recommendations-council_fr
Amendment 67 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
F d. whereas one of the main goal of the European Green Deal is to protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts;
Amendment 91 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas global challenges such as digitalisation and the environmental transition underline the urgent need for a common EU strategy to accompany workers and businesses in order to leave no one behind ; whereas these global challenges affect regions and territories in different ways;
Amendment 94 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas adequate and affordable housing is still a growing problem in many Member States and in 2017 one in ten Europeans spent 40% or more of household income on housing costs.
Amendment 113 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Welcomes the Commission willingness to ensure that all EU actions and policies will have to contribute to the European Green Deal objectives, seeking to maximise benefits for health, quality of life, resilience and competitiveness;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the inclusion of the EPSR in the ASGS 2020; emphasises the central role of the Social Scoreboard in the European Semester; calls on the Commission to reinforce the Scoreboard by integrating further indicators reflecting all 20 principles of the EPSR such as inclusive access to education, health, nutrition, employment, housing, and preserving social rights and to ensure such indicators are analysed on a disaggregated basis e.g. children, youth, seniors, gender, migrants and persons with disabilities;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Stresses however that the reference population in EU-Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU- SILC)1a includes private households and their current members, with persons living in collective households and in institutions generally excluded from the target population; regrets that this leads to the exclusion from official data of homeless people and makes the monitoring of their situation very difficult; calls on the Commission to ensure that monitoring instruments of the EPSR and European Semester include information on the most deprived and excluded people; _________________ 1aEurostat, Statistics explained, EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC) [URL: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php/Glossary:EU_statisti cs_on_income_and_living_conditions_(E U-SILC)
Amendment 130 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Regrets that too many country- specific recommendations (CSRs) are not implemented, calls on the Member States to implement these CSRs, especially those on employment and social aspects;
Amendment 141 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that rates of unemployment and long-term unemployment are still high in some Member States; calls for a new financialon the Commission to increase the funds at adequate level and on the Member States to fully use all the EU instruments to tackle long-term unemployment by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average long-term unemployment;
Amendment 144 #
2019/2212(INI)
4. Is concerned that rates of unemployment, youth and long-term unemployment are still high in some Member States; calls for a new financial instrumentdynamic measures to tackle youth and long-term unemployment as well as the issues faced by the NEETs by providing financial support for measures and projects in regions with above-average youth and long-term unemployment;
Amendment 148 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Welcomes the creation of a Just Transition Fund in order to ensure that the transition to a climate neutral economy does not leave no one behind; strongly believes that the challenges of climate change and the transition to a greener economy demand decisive support for workers and businesses in order to help them cope with these crucial transformations, with a particular emphasis on the regions most affected, including Outermost Regions, by improving training and education with a view to adapting skills and creating new jobs in sustainable sectors;
Amendment 177 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission consultation of social partners on a European framework for minimum wages; calls for adequate minimum wage levels through collective agreements or through law, in line withwith due respect to all the different national traditions; calls for a coordinated approach at EU level in order to achieve real wage growth, avoid the downward spiral of unhealthyvoid labour cost competition and increase upward social convergence for all; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen collective bargaining coverage at sectorial level and the involvement of social partners in policy-making, including for the European Semester;
Amendment 179 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Member States to continue their efforts to ensure the accessibility, availability, affordability, quality and cost-effectiveness of their healthcare systems as well as to refocus health systems towards preventive care by implementing the country specific recommendations; stresses the importance of prevention and health promotion campaigns, especially towards young people from disadvantaged populations, and to further promote and take into account health factors in employment and social policies;
Amendment 194 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Reiterates its concern about the high number of persons at risk of poverty and social exclusion; is especially worried about high rates of child poverty and in- work poverty; calls on the Commission to present a comprehensive European anti- poverty strategy and, notably by increasing the financing to the most deprived persons under the new ESF+, and also to establish a European Child Guarantee with adequate funding and well-designed support services;
Amendment 199 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment a priority and to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, EU programmes such as Erasmus+ and tailored measures for tackling youth unemployment and fostering youth employability;
Amendment 210 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Commission to present a framework directive on decent minimum income schemesassess and make a comparative study on the different minimum income schemes existing in the EU; asks the Commission to draft a report, draw conclusions and highlight the best practices on this matter in order to provide a social protection floor;
Amendment 218 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for an integrated response to tackleprevent the lack of affordable housing, poor housing conditions, housing exclusion and homelessnessto eradicate homelessness; calls on the Commission to propose a European Framework for Social and Affordable housing for the efficient coordination of Member State policies action in line with recommendation 19 of the EPSR; notes that the Commission should explore the implementation of existing successful models namely Housing First through adequate funds such as the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund; stresses, moreover, the need for the Commission and the Member States to collect better and more harmonised data on the number of homeless people in Europe as this constitutes the basis of any effective public policy;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for an integrated response to tackle the lack of affordable housing, poor housing conditions, housing exclusion and homelessness; calls also, in line with the Green Deal, for adequate measures to address the issue of energy poverty;
Amendment 231 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Stresses that homelessness is also a crucial health issue with life expectancy of homeless people significantly below the general population;
Amendment 239 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to maximise their efforts in investing in accessible and high-quality education and training, reinforcing upskilling and reskilling measures including digital skills, and to promote lifelong learning; stresses that convergence between qualifications and skills with job opportunities is a precondition for creating a competitive EU labour market and should be tackled by facilitating closer cooperation between education systems and businesses, for example by promoting apprenticeships, work-based learning and lifelong training; expects a lot from the updated Skills Agenda for Europe announced by the Commission to respond holistically to the challenge of adapting skills to the ecological and digital transition;
Amendment 248 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Stresses the need to improve training and education in order to adapt skills and create new jobs in the environmental and digital sectors;
Amendment 254 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve work-life balance and gender equality and to ensure equal pay for equal work at the same place; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps, and to tackle disincentives for women to work; callsin this regard, welcomes the Commission's commitment to propose a directive on pay transparency in the first 100 days in order to quickly close the gender pay gap and calls on Member State to swiftly and fully implement the EU directive on work-life balance; calls for more efforts to close the gender pay and pensions gaps, and to tackle disincentives for women to work; calls for policies that support entrepreneurship among women, giving them access to financing and business opportunities; calls also for accessible and affordable quality childcare and early education services, as well as care services for those reliant on care, including the elderly;
Amendment 265 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Notes with concern the inadequacy of and lack of access to social protection systems for atypical workers and the self- employed; calls on Member States to implement measures to address these issues, notably following the Council recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self- employed agreed on 6 December 2018; welcomes this recommendation as a first step and the Commission's commitment to strengthen social protection systems in Europe, but stresses that more needs to be done to ensure access to social protection for all;
Amendment 273 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission to strengthen the regulation of new forms of work and improve theensure fair working conditions of, rights and social protection for platform workers;
Amendment 286 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employment, ensuring them access to education and training, and creating incentives for their employment and employability; recalls that the guiding principles which underlie the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), such as full and effective participation and inclusion in society, equality of opportunity and accessibility, must be fully implemented at both EU and national levels;
Amendment 287 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts towards the further inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market by removing barriers and creating incentives for their employmenwith the opportunities that digital work offers for their inclusion and creating incentives for their employment in line with the principle 17 of the EPSR on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In this regard, the European Disability Strategy post 2020 should be aimed at facilitating employment of persons with disabilities in the labour market;
Amendment 304 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Underlines that certain funds, namely the ESF+, the EGF and the JTF, will share the same objective in terms of accompanying workers and entreprises in the transition to a more digital and greener economy; calls on the Commission to ensure coherent implementation and articulation of these funds, while underlining the importance to maintain and strengthen each of them;
Amendment 315 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that macroeconomic imbalances need to be tackled in a symmetrical way; calls onwelcomes the announcement of Commission President1a that the Commission towill present a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme in order to better protect workers and reduce pressure from external shocks on public finances; _________________ 1aA Union that strives for more - My agenda for Europe, Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2019- 2024
Amendment 321 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. In times of demographic change and shortages of skilled workers in various sectors, notes with concern the low level of mobility of workers in the European Union and asks the Commission to analyse the root causes and ways to enhance mobility, including the portability of rights and entitlements; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure fair, equitable and loyal conditions for the mobility of workers in the EU; underlines that digitalisation, especially in the public services, can provide solutions to it;
Amendment 323 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Underlines that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are extremely important for sustainable and inclusive development, economic growth and job creation in the EU; calls on the Commission and Member States to strengthen their support to SMEs in order to accompany them and their employees in the transition to a more digital and greener economy;
Amendment 327 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that decisive support is needed for society, workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’, the implementation of the EPSR and the achievement of the SDGs, by exempting social spending from the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing more investment in human capital, skills and healthand to allow more investment in human capital, health, education, training, up- and re-skilling and lifelong learning schemes to fully benefit from the opportunities brought by the transition to a climate-neutral economy and to ensure that no one is left behind;
Amendment 333 #
2019/2212(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that decisive support is needed for society, workers and businesses to face the challenges of climate change and the transition to carbon neutrality; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate social and environmental investment for a true ‘just transition’, the implementation of the EPSR and the achievement of the SDGs, by exempting social spending from; calls on Member States to use the existing flexibility in the euro area fiscal rules and thereby allowing morein order to investment more in human capital, skills and health;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. BHighlights that Ukraine is an important geopolitical, geostrategic and trading partner for the European Union; believes that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) has contributed to the positive evolution of trade and to economic modernisation, has boosted foreign direct investments and has created new jobs on both sides; welcomes the continuous positive results achieved in bilateral trade and economic relations, with the EU being Ukraine's largest trading partner and with Ukrainian imports growing by 12.3 % and exports by 9.7 %, amounting to EUR 43.3 billion in 2019;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the approval and disbursement in two parts of the fourth consecutive Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) programme of EUR 1 billion in support to Ukraine; recalls that the MFA has been an important tool in implementing Ukraine’s ambitious reform agenda and accelerating economic growth, notably through the ‘more for more’ approach and the conditionalities attached to it; encourages Ukraine to continue making progress in regulatory approximation; highlights the importance and timeliness of the additional EUR 1.2 billion MFA to Ukraine in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; notes that it is a crucial demonstration of the EU's solidarity at a time of unprecedented crisis;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the results achieved under the DCFTA Facility for SMEs in terms of improving access to finance and opening up trade opportunities; highlights that a proper information campaign could enable SMEs to benefit more from the opportunities offered by the DCFTA; calls on the Commission to monitor the impact of the DCFTA on SMEs; notes that the support and promotion of intra-regional trade among Eastern Partnership countries will also create new economic opportunities, including for SMEs;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. ANotes that poultry meat and poultry meat products are considered as sensitive items in the EU; acknowledges the solution found for the export of ‘other’ cuts of poultry by amending the trade preferences for poultry meat and poultry meat preparations and thereby closing the loophole in the agreement; calls on Ukraine to abstain from similar practices and to fully respect and implement all provisions of the DCFTA in good faith; calls on Ukraine to immediately make further progress in complying with the EU animal welfare requirements;
Amendment 35 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes Ukraine’s reform efforts; underlines that further strengthening the rule of law, structural reforms as well as the fight against corruption are of key importance for creating a more attractive business and investment climate in Ukraine; notes that the Ukrainian civil society and NGOs play an active role in the oversight of reforms and in monitoring the implementation of the Association Agreement; calls on the Commission to prioritise support to these NGOs and civil society organisations;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2202(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the positive steps taken by Ukraine in digital transformation and calls on the Commission and Member States to further support Ukraine’s efforts in this field, including in e-governance and digital economy; acknowledges in this regard the new EUR 25 million EU programme supporting e-governance and the digital economy in Ukraine;
Amendment 60 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 25 a (new)
Citation 25 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 3 May 2018 on the protection of children in migration1a, __________________ 1a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0201
Amendment 97 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 40 a (new)
Citation 40 a (new)
– having regard to the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of October 2014 on the alternatives to immigration detention of children (RES 2020),
Amendment 113 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas women and children are at higher risk of being trafficked, exploited and sexually abused, both online and offline, including at the hands of traffickers and therefore there is a need for Member States to build and strengthen child protection systems to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children;
Amendment 260 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the importance for the EU and its Member States to work out specific programmes aimed at ending child poverty;
Amendment 261 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Acknowledges the importance for Member States to adopt laws to safeguard and strengthen maternity and paternity rights in order to provide a healthy, stable environment for children, in particular during the first months of their lives;
Amendment 397 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Takes the view that Member States should put in place an intersectional approach to combat all forms of discrimination affecting children, taking into in consideration their vulnerabilities, in particular - but not limited to - those of children with disabilities, migrant children, children of migrant background, children from minorities and religious groups, LGBTI children, children of LGBTI parents and stateless or undocumented children, who are disproportionately exposed to discrimination on multiple grounds and therefore require a specialised approach to address their specific needs;
Amendment 499 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Recalls that children of LGBTI families, as well as their parents, are victims of human rights violations in the EU and are subject to restrictions of their freedom of movement in the EU, as a result of the refusal of some Member States to recognise same-sex parenthood; urges therefore the Member States and the Commission to adopt laws that recognise the free movement of public documents and mutual recognition of the effects of civil status records in the European Union;
Amendment 547 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Reiterates that immigration detention of children is never in the child’s best interest in line with the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, that children shall not be detained in the context of migration, and therefore calls on Member States to work out community-based alternatives to detention, as well as prioritising integration, education and psychological support;
Amendment 557 #
2019/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Stresses the importance for Member States to put in place specific measures to grant all migrant children, swiftly after their arrival, access to education, language learning, healthcare, good living conditions and, when unaccompanied or separated, to have a guardian;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document Report (SWD(2019)370) of 14 October 2019, accompanying the Commission’s report on the Implementation of Free trade Agreements, 1 January 2018 - 31 January 2018 (COM(2019)455),
Amendment 2 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 b (new)
Citation 1 b (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication entitled “Trade for All: Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2019-2024 of the President of the Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen16 July 2019,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
- having regard to the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 September 2015, entitled ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’,
Amendment 9 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
- having regard to Articles 2 and 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and to Chapter V, Title II of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), as well as article 218 TFEU.
Amendment 10 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 c (new)
Citation 17 c (new)
- having regard to its resolution in June 2015 on the EU strategy for equality between women and men post-2015;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 d (new)
Citation 17 d (new)
- having regard to its own- initiative resolution on gender equality in trade agreements, March 2018;
Amendment 12 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 e (new)
Citation 17 e (new)
- Having regard to the gender equality strategy of the European Commission in March 2020;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. Whereas the EU’s common commercial policy is an exclusive competence of the EU that is carried out together by the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A b. Whereas the Common Commercial Policy comprises a body of trade agreements and legislative measures which aims to ensure that the EU continues to safeguard its existing social and regulatory model, while using trade policy to promote EU values around the world; whereas the EU should step up its efforts to promote fair competition, ensuring a level playing field and addressing contemporary trade issues; whereas fulfilling these objectives requires good orientation of Union trade policy and full and efficient implementation and monitoring thereof in a fairer and more transparent manner;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
A d. Whereas the EU trade and investment policy also provides investors with market access and investment protection through legal certainty and a stable, predictable and properly regulated environment in which to conduct their economic activities;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
A f. Whereas EU trade agreements should represent opportunities for growth through market access and the lifting of trade barriers; whereas it is of fundamental importance that negotiations are conducted in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit, in order to tackle unfair trade practices and secure EU rules and standards; whereas the Union should continue safeguarding EU geographical indications, which are of great economic and cultural value, in multilateral and bilateral negotiations;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Amendment 52 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 69 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that choices in our relationship with the two other trade superpowers, China and the USA, which represent approximately 30 % of our trade exchanges, are key when it comes to driving EU trade policy;
Amendment 106 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note ofDeplores the dramatic change in the US trade strategy over the past three years, which is focused on bilateral trade and often legally questionable unilateral trade measures; takes note of the limited progress made towards implementing the joint US-EU Statement of 25 July 2018; stresses the importance of relaunching the EU-US talks oin the basis of the existing negotiating mandates adopted in April 2019 by the Councilorder to ease trade relations and put an end to the escalation;
Amendment 114 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Expresses deep concern at the damages that the EU agri-food sector is facing as a result of the Airbus-Boeing dispute; stresses that it has been a long- standing conflict whose implications the European Commission had to foresee, ahead of the tariffs applied by the US, in the most thorough and comprehensive manner; deplores the lack of timely solutions and effective preventive measures to counter the negative impact experienced, and therefore urges the European Commission to take its responsibility and increase its efforts for a coordinated and unified EU response;
Amendment 115 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Invites the Commission to find negotiated solutions with the USA, which include the issue of civil aircraft subsidies, and recalls the agreement found on the allocation of higher share in the tariff rate quota for high-quality beef with the purpose of reducing tensions in transatlantic relations while safeguarding EU interests in the agricultural sector; regrets the fact that the USA has so far refused to work with the EU on a fair, balanced and amicable solution for our respective aircraft industries in the context of the Airbus/Boeing dispute, and calls on the USA to start negotiations to resolve it; is concerned about the measures taken by the USA which affect the European aviation sector and numerous agri-food products; calls on the Commission to continue to put in place measures to support European producers;
Amendment 120 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Points out that in light of the continued application of US tariffs, some actions that have already been taken at EU level for the protection of some sectors could also be taken in order to safeguard other sectors; calls therefore on the European Commission to revise the measures carried out as regards agricultural products, such as table olives, which have been suffering a significant loss of competitiveness and market share, as well as growth, investment and job creation;
Amendment 128 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Notes that China remainpresents a market of opportunities because of its size and growth, but that great challenges remain for EU businesses due to the consolidation of the state-lere are many barriers for EU businesses to access and operate in this market, due to the state-led and state- sponsored Chinese economy, where state- owned businesses benefit from exclusive or dominating market access; condemns all types of discriminatory measures facing EU companies in China and calls on the Commission to constantly monitor the persistent acts of discrimination and work with the Chinese authorities in order to put an end to such actdismantle such acts and barriers;
Amendment 151 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Acknowledges the promising outcome presented in the Commission’s report regarding the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs), in particular South Korea, Central and Latin America, Canada, Eastern partners, and African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) countries; stresses that EU trade agreements have a clear track record of, in most cases, reaching their primary objective of creating significant opportunities for EU exporters on third- country trade markets;
Amendment 169 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Points out that the large amount of trade and non-trade barriers, the current divergences in the level and quality of controls, customs procedures and sanctions policies at the EU’s points of entry into the Customs Union, often result in distortion of trade flows, which puts at risk the integrity of the single market; therefore urges the European Commission to address this issue, ensuring that companies can compete fairly on a level playing field;
Amendment 172 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Welcomes the creation of the post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer and calls for swift action to be taken to fill that post; emphasises the vital role that he or she will play in monitoring and enforcing the implementation of the EU’s trade policy and trade agreements, including as regards commitments on sustainable development;
Amendment 183 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. NotWelcomes the progress made towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which aims to provide a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of people and investments; welcomes the EU’s support in setting up the new African Union Trade Observatory; calls for continued EU support for ACFTA in line with the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investments and Jobs;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8 a (new)
Subheading 8 a (new)
Stresses that the European Commission and Member States must work on a better communication strategy of EU trade policy benefits and awareness-raising in order to effectively engage with society and stakeholders; recalls that roadmaps provide the opportunity for the European Commission to communicate and explain the reasons behind a particular initiative and its objectives, as well as to engage with them and receive feedback; points out that the European Commission should ensure the full transparency of roadmaps and other consultation activities to maximise their impact and guarantee the involvement of stakeholders;
Amendment 202 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls for an ambitious agenda to be pursued when it comes to negotiating FTAs, bearing in mind the sensitive nature of certain agricultural products and the EU’s commitments to sustainable development and combating climate change, in particular with Australia and New Zealand, Tunisia., Morocco and Indonesia; reiterates its call for opening investment negotiations to be opened with Taiwan;
Amendment 217 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. WelcomNotes the conclusions of the trade negotiations with Mexico and the MERCOSUR countries, which have both the potential to deepen our strategic partnership with Latin America and to create additional opportunities in our trade relations with those countries; notes that such opportunities would also give EU companies access to an increasingly growing marketagreement between the EU and Mercosur; points out that that agreement, like all EU trade agreements, must ensure fair competition and guarantee that European production standards and methods are upheld; points out that the agreement contains a binding chapter on sustainable development that must be applied, as well as specific commitments on labour rights and environmental protection, including the implementation of the Paris climate agreement and the relevant implementing rules; is extremely concerned about Jair Bolsonaro’s environmental policy, which goes against the commitments made in the context of the Paris agreement, in particular as regards combating global warming and protecting biodiversity; emphasises, in that connection, that the agreement cannot be ratified as it stands;
Amendment 232 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative for a European Green Deal and underlines that it should be comprised of a strategy that is ecologically, economically and socially balanced; welcomes Commissioner Hogan’s commitment to make the Paris climate agreement an ‘essential clause’ in trade agreements;
Amendment 307 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Is convinced of the importance of including gender provisions in free trade agreements, in order to promote gender equality; insist on strengthening the economic position of women in third countries and calls on the European Commission to combat the exploitation of women;
Amendment 308 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)
Paragraph 39 b (new)
39 b. Believes that trade agreements should become vectors for achieving gender equality and improving living standards for women across all industries covered by the EU's FTAs, especially with regards to equal pay. Notes that women receive less than two-fifths of the benefits of free trade agreements in terms of jobs generated; Insists on the need to start collecting gender-disaggregated data to formulate the provisions necessary to strengthen the position of women and to monitor the progress of women;
Amendment 309 #
2019/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 c (new)
Paragraph 39 c (new)
39 c. Welcomes the introduction of gender aspects in the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement and the recommendations on gender and trade issued by the EU-Canada Joint Committee, setting out a platform that can promote understanding on how trade agreement can contribute to gender equality.
Amendment 3 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that, in accordance with Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the EU has an obligation to ensure that all workers enjoy working conditions which respect their health, safety and dignity; recalls, also, that in implementing their policies the Commission and the Member States must take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of a decent standard of living and adequate social protection for all, the fight against poverty and social exclusion and a high level of education and training in accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines the high number of petitions received by Committee on Petitions alerting it to the precarious nature and abusive use of fixed-term contracts in both the public1 and private2 sectors; calls on the Commission to examine these petitions and to provide a better response, in line with its competences and those of the Member States, in order to effectively tackle in-work poverty, social exclusion and precarious work; _________________ 1These include petitions 0240/18, 0328/18, 0365/18, 0374/18, 0396/18, 0419/18, 0829/2018, 0897/2018, 1161/2018, 0290/19, 0310/2019, 0335/2019, 0579/19, 0624/19, 0652/19, 0683/2019, 0737/2019, 1017/19, 1045/2019, 1241/2019, 1318/2019 and 0036/2020. 2These include petitions 1378/2013, 0019/2016, 0020/2016, 0021/2016, 0099/2017, 1162/2017, 0110/2018 and 0335/2019.
Amendment 14 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to monitor in particular sectors characterised by a high degree of job insecurity, in order to prevent the abuse of workers in areas such as temporary work in the agricultural sector, where seasonal workers face abusive employment conditions that in some cases violate not only labour rights, but also workers’ fundamental rights; calls on the Member States to take measures, in line with the Council recommendation of 2018, to ensure that all workers and self-employed persons have access to adequate social protection;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 d (new)
Citation 14 d (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2020 entitled ‘A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025’ (COM(2020)0152),
Amendment 16 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that these new forms of work, including platform work, present not only opportunities in terms of employability and access to the labour market, but also challenges in terms of fair working conditions and access to social protection; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to work to improve the working conditions of these workers;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 c (new)
Citation 18 c (new)
- having regard to the Commission communication of 14 January 2020 entitled ‘A Strong Social Europe For Just Transitions’ (COM(2020)14),
Amendment 20 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that, according to the European Social Policy Network, some 9.4 % of workers in the EU are at risk of poverty, representing some 20.5 million people; highlights the important differences between the Member States, and underlines the need to establish policies and law at EU level to reverse this situation, in order to prevent further social polarisation in the EU; welcomes, in this regard, the Commission’s consultation with the social partners on a European framework for minimum wages; calls on the Commission, therefore, to present as soon as possible a legal instrument for upward social convergence in accordance with national traditions, so that every worker in the European Union benefits from a fair minimum wage; warns that this situation will be aggravated as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and urges the Commission to protect these workers by guaranteeing their jobs and wages and also their working conditions;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas one of the EU’s strengths is its social model; whereas the technological change and the global trend of rising inequalities require that social model to be reassessed and adapted to the modern, fast-paced, complex and unpredictable global environment;
Amendment 21 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
Amendment 24 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas there is great inequality exists both within and between Member States and varies significantly; whereas the gap between rich and poor is widening; whereas, while net wealth per household in the Eurogroup countries fell for the bottom 20%, it increased relatively sharply for the top 20%6 , and the bottom 20% of households had net debt averaging EUR 4 500, while the top 10% had net assets of EUR 1 189 7007 ; __________________ 6The Household Finance and Consumption Survey: Results from the 2017 wave, ECB Statistics Paper Series No 36, March 2020, p. 25. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/scpsps/ ecb.sps36~0245ed80c7.en.pdf?bd73411fbe b0a33928ce4c5ef2c5e872 7 The Household Finance and Consumption Survey Wave 2017 Statistical tables, March 2020, p. 5. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/pdf/resea rch/hfcn/HFCS_Statistical_Tables_Wave_ 2017.pdf?656f4e10de45c91c3c882840e91 74eac
Amendment 32 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas low wages and, increasingly, wage differentiation are deepening inequalitythe factors contributing to the increase of inequality are very complex and interlinked, among which inequality in wages, technological changes, policy and regulatory reforms; whereas increasing productivity without corresponding wage increases also exacerbatesmay lead to economic disparities within and between Member States;
Amendment 33 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that women continue to earn 16 % less than men in the EU and have the highest rates of job insecurity; calls on the Member States to put legislation and strategies in place to ensure equality, and urges the Commission to pay particular attention to compliance with EU labour law; calls on the Member States and the Union to ensure pay transparency, including by introducing a wage equality index comparing women and men;
Amendment 34 #
2019/2188(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make fighting unemployment and insecure employment of young people a priority and to make full use of financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee and European programmes such as Erasmus+ in order to tackle youth unemployment and enhance the employability of young people;
Amendment 46 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas women in EU-27 earn 15% less than men on average8; whereas female poverty is a multifaceted problem directly influenced by the lack of fair valuation of work typically carried out by women, the impact of career breaks on promotion and pension advancement, and unequal sharing of unpaid caring responsibilities and domestic work; __________________ 8 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/he adlines/society/20200227STO73519/gende r-pay-gap-in-europe-facts-and-figures- infographic
Amendment 70 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas 95 million people (21.7%) are affected by poverty or social exclusion, which means that the economic survival and place in societywellbeing of one in five people in the world's third largest economic area (EU- 27) are at risk10 ; __________________ 10 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/29 95521/10163468/3-16102019-CP- EN.pdf/edc3178f-ae3e-9973-f147- b839ee522578
Amendment 79 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas 6.1% of the population of EU-28 were suffering from severe material deprivation in 201811; whereas this share is likely to increase significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic; __________________ 11Severe material deprivation: inability to afford less than 4 out of 11: mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, hire purchase instalments or other loan payments, one week annual holidays, meals involving meat/fish/protein every second day, unexpected financial expenses, a telephone (including mobile), a colour TV, a washing machine, a car, heating; (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php/Quality_of_life_indic ators_- _material_living_conditions#General_over view)
Amendment 90 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas rents are constantly rising and people on or below the poverty line have to spend 38% of their disposable income on accommodation, and in some Member States this rate is as much as 50- 90%13; __________________ in the majority of the Member States rents are constantly rising and housing cost burdens vary considerably across the income distribution; whereas in the EU, low- income tenant households face median housing costs between 20 to 45% of disposable income; whereas in 2018, 9.6 % of the EU-27 population lived in households that spent 40 % or more of their equivalised disposable income on housing2a; __________________ 2ahttps://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics- explained/index.php/Housing_statistics#H ousing_affordability 13 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/v iew/tessi163/default/table?lang=en
Amendment 130 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas privatisation and outsourcing are reducing job security, and this is also an indicatormore analysis and researches are needed in order to examine the effects of privatisation and outsourcing ofn the increase in precarious employmentemployment rates, worker’s wellbeing, wages and productivity;
Amendment 150 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital P
Recital P
P. whereas in ten years the increase in atypical employment was significantly higher than the overall increase in jobs; part-time employment rose most, followed by short-term work19 ; whereas over 1/3 of part-time workers involuntarily work part- time and one in two work in short-term employment only for lack of any alternative20 ; __________________ 19Labour market and Social Development (ETUI, 2019) Benchmarking Working Europe, 2019. 20 https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId= 89&furtherNews=yes&langId=en&newsId =9378
Amendment 179 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q a (new)
Recital Q a (new)
Qa. whereas the Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the need for a more inclusive social protection covering all types of workers, especially self-employed and platform workers;
Amendment 182 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reminds the Commission and the Member States to achieve the goal of comparable living conditions through upward convergence and to counter the increasing inequality and de- solidarisation within and between Member Stateshat preventing in-work poverty must be part of the overall goal to reduce poverty in the EU; stresses the need to tackle in-work poverty through upward social and economic convergence and through appropriate and dedicated measures, such as the strengthening of collective systems and a coordinated approach to minimum security systems for all age groups, a minimum income, minimum wages and minimum pensions; fostering equal opportunities in education and training from early ages, ensuring access to affordable and quality services including childcare, promoting gender equality, addressing regional disparities, ensuring robust social protection systems and supporting social dialogue;
Amendment 195 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that the digital transformation and the growing number of high-skilled professions require targeted investment in lifelong learning to help people adapt to the changes or move into better-paid jobs which will reduce in- work poverty in the EU in the long term; calls on the Commission and the Member States to offer coherent and comprehensive support for building up the needed digital skills ensuring fast and successful digital transformation;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is convinced that the axiom that ‘work is the best remedy for poverty’ no longer appa focus on employment and wages alone is not sufficient to address the issue of in-work for poverty; believes today in the face of low- wage sectors, atypical and precarious working conditions and the dismantling of social security systems and that a poverty- free life can only be secured by effective collective agreementhat a holistic approach combining both direct and indirect measures targeted towards household as well as aind minimum wage systemsividual incomes should be fostered;
Amendment 210 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that high quality education, including vocational education and training, is essential for the reduction of inequalities, improving the employability and adaptability of the workers and facilitating their successful transition into employment; calls on the Member States to guarantee equal access to inclusive education and training and to strength their efforts to reduce early school leaving;
Amendment 223 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates that one of the essential step towards reducing inequalities is eliminating the persistent gender-based wage gap; calls on Member States to continue their efforts to eliminate the gender pay gap by enforcing the principle of equal pay for equal work;
Amendment 224 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure equal participation and opportunities for men and women in the labour market and to introduce initiatives to promote women access to finance, female entrepreneurship and women’s financial independence;
Amendment 225 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Stresses that changes in technology and the structure of the economy are concentrating more economic activity and high-skilled jobs in metropolitan areas, which increases social and geographical inequalities; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen investments in digital technology in the rural areas in order to enhance public services, improve their quality and efficiency and create new modes of service delivery for the remote and underserved regions, in order to address inequalities and create better job opportunities;
Amendment 277 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WelcomesCalls on the Commission’s plan to adopt the Directive on platform work, which is intended to ensure that platform workers are covered by existing labour law, are socially insured and are able to form workers’ representations and organise in un to present a regulatory European framework ensuring platform workers are guaranteed social rights, fair working conditions, in order to conclude collective agreementscreased access to social protection and improved representation;
Amendment 295 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States, when implementing the work-life-balance Directive22 , to ensure that access to affordable childcare in general and in particular for single parents is secured so that they are not pushed into precarious and low-paid work; __________________ 22Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU
Amendment 301 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for compliance with the rules on equality and anti-discrimination, particularly with regard to wages; welcomes in this regard the Commission’s commitment to present a proposal on binding pay transparency measures before 2021 as stated in the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025;
Amendment 321 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to targetaddress atypical and precarious employment groups in the labour markets and to take measures to counteract this form of employmentensure fair working conditions for workers, while safeguarding employment opportunities;
Amendment 369 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 380 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Proposes to the Commission to change European rules so thatAcknowledges that the digitalization and globalization led to significant increase of self-employment and atypical forms of work; proposes to the Commission and the Member States to examine the need and the possibilities for solo self- employed and non-standard workers canto unite and conclude collective agreements and to propose regulatory changes where necessary;
Amendment 398 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Points out that imbalances must not be exacerbated and that the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis must not be borne by workers or the poor through austerity measthe COVID-19 crisis has significantly hit workers and disadvantaged people; insists that measures to combat poverty and in-work poverty are particularly necessary; reminds in this regard that a sufficient proportion of additional resources or through the European Semester; insists that measures to combat poverty and in-work poverty are particularly necessaryunder REACT-EU should be used to increase the availability of FEAD funds to help the most deprived; equally underlines the importance of ensuring that the ESF+ is allocated sufficient resources in the next Multiannual Financial Framework;
Amendment 408 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. UStresses the positive aspect of the short-time work schemes put in place by Member States to safeguard jobs and preserve large parts of wages during the crisis and welcomes the new SURE mechanism in this regard; urges the Commission to pay particular attention to the economic impact of short-time work and layoffs and the social impact on people living precariously;
Amendment 420 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission and Member States to mitigate the worst consequences of COVID-19 through European and national support, with the allocation of public moneyadequate resources, e.g. through SURE, being linked to a ba; stresses that in order to cope with major shocks, Member States should adopt common lon shedding existing jobsg-term instruments with a view to preserving jobs and skills and reducing pressure on national public finances; awaits in this regard the upcoming Commission’s proposal for a long-term European unemployment reinsurance scheme;
Amendment 433 #
2019/2188(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Proposes to actively counter potential high unemployment through European and national employment programmes and to invest in new jobs, future-oriented infrastructure, digital change and ‘green transition’.; believes that particular consideration should be given to fostering youth employment;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3(3) thereof, and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 9, 14, 148, 151, 153, 160 and 1608 thereof and Protocol 26 thereto on services of general interest,
Amendment 3 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in September 2015 and endorsed by the Council, which voiced its commitment to their implementation, and in particular SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities calling for specific targets for 2030 to ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums and to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries, as well as SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the 2018 WHO Housing and health guidelines ‘Recommendations to promote healthy housing for a sustainable and equitable future’ 1a __________________ 1a https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/w ho-housing-and-health-guidelines
Amendment 17 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas access to housing is a fundamental right that must be seen as a precondition for the exercise of, and for access to, other fundamental rights and for a life in conditions of human dignity; whereas the life expectancy of homeless people is significantly below the general population;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas inadequate housing conditions negatively affect not only people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life but also their access to employment and to other economic and social services; whereas WHO identified Housing as a key sector for actions to tackle Health inequalities 20a ; __________________ 20a https://www.who.int/social_determinants/ Guidance_on_pro_equity_linkages/en/
Amendment 83 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas by2050, the proportion of people aged 65 or over is expected to reach 29% of the total EU population[1], and whereas the Covid-19 crisis has shown the precarious situation in which many older people live;
Amendment 96 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas in defining and implementing its policies and activities, the European Union should ensure a high level of human health protection;
Amendment 132 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensurwork together in order to promote access for all to shelter, decent housing, including clean and high- quality drinking water and adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, and to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, hence contributing to eradicating poverty in all its forms; reaffirms its call for EU- wide action for a winter heating disconnection moratorium; calls on the Member States to meet the standards laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) for adequate housing temperature; demands that the revision of the air quality regulation be aligned with WHO standards;
Amendment 139 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 148 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to prioritise emissions reductions and energy efficiency through housing renovation, including the social housing sector and particularly for worst performing buildings in the Renovation Wave, while tackling inadequate housing and housing accessibility and eliminating energy poverty in order to ensure a socially just transition to a climate-neutral economy that leaves no one behind; stresses, therefore, that tenants and owner-occupiers should be fully informed and involved in renovation projects and should not see overall costs increase because of them;
Amendment 155 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to prioritise the Renovation Wave within the Multiannual Financial Framework and Next Generation EU, placing people in vulnerable situations at the centre of the recovery policies, and to ensure equal access to renovation projects for all; calls on the Member States to prioritise renovation in their recovery and resilience plans in order to contribute to achieving deep renovation of 3% of the European building stock per year; calls on the Commission and the Member States to properly tackle the issue of fuel poverty in line with the objectives and principles of the Green Deal;
Amendment 178 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for an EU-level goal of ending homelessness by 2030; calls on the Commission to take stronger action to support Member States in reducing and eradicating homelessness as a priority in the context of the action plan on the EPSR; calls on the Commission to propose an EU framework for national homelessness strategies by adopting the principle of housing first; calls on the Member States to prioritise the provision of permanent housing to homeless people; stresses the importance of reliable data collection on homelessness;
Amendment 184 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Commission to create a clear definition of homelessness, decent and affordable housing, in order to facilitate comparative analysis of homelessness and housing data across the EU;
Amendment 204 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a comprehensive and integrated anti-poverty strategy with a designated poverty reduction target, including for child poverty; calls on the Commission to present an EU Child Guarantee no later than 2021; calls for a European framework for minimum income schemes;
Amendment 257 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the inclusion of housing affordability in the European Semester; urges the Commission to ensure that all country-specific recommendations contribute positively to the implementation of the principles of the EPSR, and to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the EU climate goals as defined in the Green Deal; deplores the fact that too many country-specific recommendations are not implemented, and urges the Member States to implement those recommendations, particularly with regard to housing; stresses the need to refine the House Price Index indicator and to setudy the possibility of an EU-wide reference threshold for the housing cost overburden rate at no higher than 25% ofin the disposable income of a household;
Amendment 268 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the inclusion of housing affordability in the European Semester; urges the Commission to ensure that all country-specific recommendations are fully implemented and contribute positively to the implementation of the principles of the EPSR; stresses the need to refine the House Price Index indicator and to setassess the reference threshold for the housing cost overburden rate at no higher than 25 % of the disposable income of a householdcross the EU;
Amendment 272 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Encourages Member States to collaborate and finance social investments aimed at solving housing problems with the social partners, civil society and the private sector, many of who play and can play a key role in the development and maintenance of adequate housing solutions for those in vulnerable situations;
Amendment 274 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to create a platform for exchange of best practices regarding tackling homelessness and providing decent and affordable housing;
Amendment 275 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the of States Members to invest more in accessible nursing homes for the elderly, with quality care services, accessible to a wider range of the elderly population;
Amendment 336 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to close the investment gap for affordable housing as a matter of priority; calls ion this regard for a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact allowing for increased fiscal space fore Member States and the Commission to increase sustainable public investments, in particular in affordable housing, while noting the importance of the Stability and Growth Pact; calls, furthermore, for a harmonised accounting for amortisation methodology for affordable housing investments;
Amendment 345 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Encourages Member States to ensure all future housing construction and rehabilitation projects aim for smart buildings, where consumption of water and energy of can be monitored and made more costs-efficient, in accordance with the European Union's climate objectives;
Amendment 346 #
2019/2187(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Notes with deep concern that the COVID-19 pandemic increased incidences of domestic violence and child abuse; calls on the Member States to invest in additional and adequate transitional shelters to victims fleeing such situations;
Amendment 1 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 4 March 2021 entitled ‘The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan’,
Amendment 2 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the Commission Consultation Document of 24 February 2021 entitled ‘First phase consultation of social partners under Article 154 TFEU on possible action addressing the challenges related to working conditions in platform work’,
Amendment 7 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 40 a (new)
Citation 40 a (new)
– having regard to the ILO report of 23 February 2021 entitled ‘World Employment and Social Outlook 2021: The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work’,
Amendment 16 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas platform workers refers to individuals providing services intermediated with a greater or lesser extent of control via a digital labour platform, regardless of these people’s legal employment status;
Amendment 17 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. whereas digital labour platform refers to a private internet-based company which intermediates with a greater or lesser extent of control on-demand services, requested by individual or corporate customers and provided directly or indirectly by individuals, regardless of whether such services are performed on- location or online;
Amendment 18 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A b (new)
Recital -A b (new)
-Ab. whereas platform work refers to the services provided on demand and for remuneration by platform workers, regardless of the type of digital labour platforms (on-location vs online) or the level of skills required;
Amendment 24 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the COVID-19 crisis has served to highlight the crucial role played by platform workers in ensuring business continuity for thousands of SMEs and consumers across the EU by providing a much needed interface between key sectors such as the food and hospitality industries and citizens, and the opportunities and flexibilities provided by the platform model prevented major income loss;
Amendment 41 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas platform work seems to reproduce gender inequalities from the broader labour market, such as the gender pay gap and gender segregation in occupations or sectors;1a __________________ 1aEuropean Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Gender Equality Index 2020. Digitisation and the future of work.
Amendment 50 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas platform work is a growing phenomenon since its emergence facilitated by the development of digital technologies in recent years; whereas, nevertheless, it still represents a small share of the general labour market, with an estimated 11% of EU’s workforce which have provided services via on- location or online labour platforms at least once and only 1,4% of them doing it as a main job;2a __________________ 2aEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre, Platform workers in Europe: Evidence from the COLLEEM survey (2018) and New evidence on platform workers in Europe: Results from the second COLLEEM survey (2020).
Amendment 52 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas there is a lack of European-wide data on platform work and data collection methodology varies across Member States; whereas however its continued growth in the labour market can be considered highly likely;
Amendment 68 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas people working in the platform economy are generally classified as formally self-employed; whereas, as such, these people do not benefit from the equivalent social, labour, health and safety protection that are connected to an employment contract in most countries; whereas a smaller share of platform workers operate under the status of employee, agency worker or other flexible forms of employment;
Amendment 79 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the blurred distinction between workers and the self-employed often seen in platform work causes uncertainty as regards their rights, entitlements, and applicable rules: whereas more and more sectors are likely to be impacted by this in the future, with platforms, workers but also citizens potentially being negatively affected by this lack of certainty; whereas more and more sectors are likely to be impacted by this in the future (delivery, transport, human resources, health, childcare, personal and household services, tourism…);
Amendment 83 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas new forms of work should remain sustainable and fair and platform work be guided by the values of the Union, ethics and a human-centric approach where digital technology remains a tool; whereas in this regard, equipping every European citizen with digital skills is paramount in the context of the digital transition;
Amendment 99 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas Member States have developed different approaches, leading to fragmented rules and initiatives; whereas there is a need for European level action to overcome the resulting legal uncertainty and improve platform workers’ rights and working conditions, maximise innovation potential of the platform work model, and level the playing field with ‘traditional’ economic actors;
Amendment 167 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a legislative initiative to improve the working conditions of platform workers based on Article 153 TFEU by the end of 2021, preceded by a two-stage consultation of the social partners; calls on the Commission, if the social partners do not express the wish to initiate the process provided for in Article 155 of the TFEU, to put forward a new directive on platform workers in order to guarantee them a minimum set of rights regardless of their employment status, and to address the specificities of platform work; is convinced that the purpose of this directive is to ensure fair and transparent working conditions, guarantee a healthy and safe working environment, give access to adequate and transparent social protection, forms of representation and collective bargaining rights, training and skills as well as transparent, ethical and non-discriminatory algorithms;
Amendment 171 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is of the opinion that the hypothesis of a new EU so-called ‘third status’ between worker and self-employed would not help to solve the current problems and risks further blurring already confused concepts;
Amendment 186 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the need to better combat bogus self-employment by means of a directive, so as to cover platform workers which are fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship based on the actual performance of work, and not on the parties’ description of the relationship; is of the opinion that special attention should be given to digital labour platforms that strongly organise, directly or by means of an algorithm, conditions and remuneration of online and on-location platform work, which could be used as guidance for determining the degree of responsibility of platforms towards platform workers;
Amendment 228 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that some platform workers may be subject to increased health and safety risks with unpredictable working hours, intensity of work, competitive environments (rating systems, work incentive through bonuses), information overload and isolation as emergent factors for psychosocial risks; is of the opinion that the Commission proposal must address the occupational health and safety of platform workers as well as establish minimum requirements to enable them exercise a right to disconnect without any adverse consequences;
Amendment 244 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly believes that formal and effective coverage, adequacy and transparency of social protection systems should apply to all workers including the self-employed; calls on the Member States to fully and immediately implement the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and self- employed, and to ensure that their national plans set out relevant measures to be taken address the social protection of platform workers; calls on the Commission to scrutinise Member States’ progress in this regard in the framework of the European Semester;
Amendment 290 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that basic training must be provided to platform workers by the platform at least on the use of their website or the application; believes further that platform workers, in particular less qualified workers, should be offered training enabling skilling and re-skilling to improve their employability and career paths; calls for the facilitation of the recognition, validation and portability of attainments in the field of non-formal and informal learning; believes in this regard that a ‘certificate of experience’ should be issued for platform workers who have participated in such training, which could be uploaded on individual learning accounts; in this regard, calls on the Commission to address platform workers’ education and training in the forthcoming proposals on a European approach for micro-credentials and Individual learning accounts;
Amendment 294 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Highlights some strategic partnerships established by platforms to ensure access to training for platform workers (such as language courses, personalised coaching and video coaching) to enable them to take the next steps in their careers; believes such best practices should be mainstreamed across platforms in all sectors;
Amendment 296 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Believes that the training of algorithm developers in ethical, transparency, and anti-discriminatory issues should be encouraged;
Amendment 339 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes that data is still fragmented as to the quantity of platform workers, as well as their distribution by sector; calls on the Commission with the collaboration of the Member States to collect robust and comparable data on platform workers in order to get a more accurate idea of the scale of the platform economy and deepen the knowledge on social security coverage and the income of these workers;
Amendment 343 #
2019/2186(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Notes that the remote nature of the platform work and the absence of a defined workplace can lead to subletting of workers' accounts and their use by undeclared workers; believes that reliable verification processes of the platform user's identity should be guaranteed;
Amendment 1 #
Amendment 9 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A (new)
Recital -A (new)
-A. whereas a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities;
Amendment 10 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas exposure to asbestos combined with tobacco use increases considerably the risk to develop lung cancer;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas breast cancer is among the main causes of cancer death for women in the Union, together withthe International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), recognized asbestos as a proven carcinogen (group 1) responsible for lung cancer,s and whereas occupational exposure to asbestos is rarely considered to be a priority imesothelioma as well as larynx and ovarian cancers; whereas research on othe prevention of breast cancerr cancers induced by asbestos should be promoted;
Amendment 14 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the most harmful health effects of inhaled asbestos fibres appear decades after exposure;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in some Member States, despite existing regulations, asbestos- related diseases are usuallytoo often not recognised as an occupational diseases and victims are therefore not eligible for work- related compensation, adding to the physical suffering from the disease; whereas associations representing victims should be consulted when drafting provisions to facilitate the recognition of occupational diseases linked to asbestos;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the management of asbestos in buildings and its’ safe removal requires the full consideration of health and safety at work aspect in relation to the Union’s plan to improve the thermal insulation of its’ built environment with a view to energy savings and becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas delivering asbestos waste to landfills is only a temporary solution to the problem and risks of releasing asbestos fibres into the environment should be avoided;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the existing binding occupational exposure limit value (OEL) for asbestos is 0,1 fibres/cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and should be reviewed to take account of the latest scientific and technical developments, and revised accordingly; whereas the Risk Assessment Committee of ECHA is preparing an opinion for a reduction of the binding OEL for asbestos; whereas an OEL is only a limit value and exposure should always be reduced as far as technically possible, especially when no safe threshold exists;
Amendment 28 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas improving early diagnosis, treatments and rehabilitation are priorities of the EU Beating Cancer Plan and should benefit patients suffering from asbestos related diseases;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas estimates suggest that the cost of occupational cancer in the Union accounts for between EUR 270 and EUR 610 billion per year, or 1,8% to 4,1 % of GDP, and whereas 98 % of the human costs, including the impact on life quality and workers’ families, are endured by workers, and whereas direct and indirect costs account for between EUR 4 and EUR 10 billion per year; whereas actions to enhance prevention are therefore major public health investments for healthier lives but also for the cost/benefits balance in the management of healthcare systems;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I f (new)
Recital I f (new)
If. whereas the removal of asbestos places a financial burden on building owners; whereas the introduction of requirements for the safe removal of asbestos must be socially fair and must be accompanied by appropriate measures to support owners to finance the needed renovations, as well as accompanying measures for SMEs conducting works;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the Commission communication of 3 February 2021 entitled ’Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’ states that 52 % of annual occupational deaths in the Union can be attributed to work-related cancers, and whereas the Commission envisages presenting a legislative proposal in 2022 to further reduce worker exposure to asbestos as part of its plan;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L e (new)
Recital L e (new)
Le. whereas research and innovation should be fostered to improve asbestos screening, identification of other asbestos- related cancers than lung cancer and mesotheliomas, safe removal techniques, waste management and the safety of exposed workers and occupants of buildings;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L m (new)
Recital L m (new)
Amendment 54 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L o (new)
Recital L o (new)
Lo. whereas robust registries of people with past and/or current exposure to asbestos are important to ensure medical surveillance and to facilitate the recognition of occupational diseases;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to present a legal proposal to further reduce workers exposure to asbestos in 2022;
Amendment 59 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that the safe removal of asbestos is an example of the need to apply the principle of Health in all policies, as it is directly connected to the following recent and upcoming Union policy initiatives: the new Union framework for health and safety, the Green Deal with the Renovation Wave, Next Generation EU and the Multiannual Financial Framework, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU waste strategy and the circular economy package;
Amendment 74 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that better preventive measures and risk-management of asbestos-related risks require access to relevant information adapted to the needs of those directly concerned;
Amendment 76 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that any Union initiative supporting energy renovation should be socially fair and include binding measures for the protection of the health of occupants and workers, including through support for the safe removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials;
Amendment 78 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses that, as the demand for asbestos-related work is likely to grow significantly with the Renovation Wave, there is a crucial need to support Research & Development in order to strengthen the protection of workers and of the environment, and to improve the reliability and speed of asbestos screening, measurement, removal, and safe waste management;
Amendment 80 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Highlights that the waste management of asbestos is a challenge of strategic significance for the EU given the amount of asbestos still to be removed and already in landfills; calls on the Commission and Member States to use all the tools to support investments in sustainable treatment technologies, including channelling public spending through dedicated Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs); highlights that the treatments of asbestos should fully apply the precautionary principle;
Amendment 81 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a framework directive for Member States to set up national asbestos removal plans that include clear and realistic timelines, including possible priorities and interim targets, detection and registration of asbestos, financing and support to homeowners and SMEs, protection measures for workers against the risk of asbestos exposure in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC as well as the safe disposal of asbestos in order to prevent asbestos from entering into recycling processes;
Amendment 82 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Insists on the need to carry out long-term epidemiological surveillance to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken; highlights that mesothelioma is a disease whose main risk-factor is asbestos and that the number of mesotheliomas diagnosed is a relevant indicator for epidemiological surveillance; calls therefore for the declaration of mesothelioma to competent authorities to be made mandatory;
Amendment 93 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Insists that asbestos containing parts and materials already in use should be removed and disposed of safely and should not bpriority should be given to the safe removal and disposal of asbestos containing parts and materials rather than to the repaired, maintained, sealedenance, encapsulated,ion or coveredsealing, as these practices only lead to a hidden asbestos problem bearing risks for inhabitants and workers years later; calls for the prohibition of encapsulation and sealing of asbestos and for the identification and registethe postponement of the removal; calls for an impact assessment of the prohibition of encapsulation and sealing of asbestos; insists on the importance of identification, registering and regular monitoring of asbestos containing parts which cannot be removed in the short term (such as concrete walls in buildings);
Amendment 97 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Insists on the need to support SMEs and facilitate their work on the implementation of regulations related to asbestos, notably through guidance on the best practices to implement; highlights that the provision of standardised processes for operations on asbestos materials would help reduce the levels of asbestos fibre dust and the costs of these operations;
Amendment 107 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that employowners, but also main contractors, contracting authorities, and ownemployers commissioning work should be required to carry out an asbestos diagnosis before the start of any work in buildings, ships, aircraft, on equipment, or products;
Amendment 110 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Insists on the need to ensure the availability of adequate waste facilities for the safe and sustainable disposal of asbestos materials, located in the vicinity of construction sites;
Amendment 113 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Recalls that the synergistic effect of smoking and asbestos exposure considerably increases the risk of developing lung cancer; calls on Member States to propose a smoking cessation program to all workers exposed to asbestos;
Amendment 115 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Insists on the need to consult associations representing asbestos victims and their relatives with a view to facilitate and simplify recognition procedures;
Amendment 116 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that asbestos-related diseases are a cross-border challenge due to free movement, thereby particularly taking into consideration the role of mobile workers in this regard; recalls that occupational diseases and workplace- related health risks are always linked to a specific profession, working activity, workplace and time; calls on the Commission to present, after consulting the social partners, a proposal for a Directive on the basis of Article 153(1)(a) and (b) TFEU laying down Union minimum standards for the recognition and compensation of occupational diseases, including asbestos- related diseases;
Amendment 126 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Insists that the transition toward a European Union free of asbestos should be socially fair and include support for private owners and SMEs;
Amendment 129 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal for the mandatory screening of buildings before sale or rent and for the establishment of asbestos certificates for buildings constructed before 2005 or the year of the national asbestos ban;
Amendment 145 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) A timeline for asbestos removal, including possible priorities (such as schools, gyms, healthcare facilities or social housing), milestones, and regular evaluations of the progress made at least every 5 years;
Amendment 147 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) A financial framework, including the possible use of Union funds, for the support of building owners and linking the removal of asbestos to other public policies and programmes (such as energy efficiency, improvements of the living environment, social housing, health prevention) for reasons of efficiency and the use of synergies;
Amendment 157 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) A strategy for the control and enforcement of the measures foreseen, including awareness-raising campaigns, accompanying measures for SMEs, inspections and effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties in the event of non-compliance;
Amendment 163 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 3 – paragraph 2
Amendment 169 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 8 – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 8 – paragraph 2
The Member States shall regulate the details of explorations and investigations for the detection of asbestos-containing materials, in accordance with their national building regulations. When the complete absence of asbestos cannot be guaranteed, works shall be conducted according to the procedures to be followed when asbestos is present.
Amendment 177 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 1
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall keep a register of all recognised cases of asbestos-related diseasescases of mesothelioma.
Amendment 178 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 2
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 2
2. The term “recognised cases” referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be limited to cases for which compensation is granted, but shall refer to all cases of medically diagnosed asbestos-related diseasesmesothelioma.
Amendment 179 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 3
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 17 – paragraph 3
3. The asbestos-related diseases recognised in the Member StatMember States shall keep a register of all recognized cases of asbestos-related occupational diseases. Annex 1b gives an indicative list of diseases sthall as a minimum encompass those listed in Annex 1bn can be caused by asbestos exposure according to current knowledge.
Amendment 187 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – introductory part
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – introductory part
Amendment 190 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 7
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 7
- colorectal cancer caused by asbestos,positive associations have been noted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer between asbestos exposure and the following diseases: - pharyngeal cancer, - colorectal cancer, and - stomach cancer.
Amendment 192 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 8
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point 18 – Annex 1 b – indent 8
Amendment 197 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – subparagraph 8
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – subparagraph 8
Member States shall make it mandatory to screen buildings for asbestos and other hazardous materials, and, in an orderly and safe manner, to remove and dispose of those materials before the start of renovation works, before the start of renovation works. The result of the screening shall be reported in a certificate specifying the presence or absence of asbestos or other hazardous materials. In the first case, the certificate shall specify the types of containing materials found and their exact location. When the result of exploration and investigations cannot exclude the presence of asbestos in a material, the precautionary principle shall apply. The removal and disposal of materials which will be affected by the renovation shall be done in an orderly and safe manner in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC, Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, and other relevant legislative acts.”
Amendment 199 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 1
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 1
(1) an obligation for owners of buildings (public and private) constructed before 2005 or the year of the national asbestos ban to commission a screening of the building to locate and identify allthe presence or absence of asbestos containing materials before the building (or a part of it) is sold or rented out;
Amendment 200 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 2
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 2
(2) screenings shall be carried out by qualified and certified operators only, in accordance with Directive 2009/148/EC, national law and practice, and under the supervision of a competent national body; a list of certified operators shall be made available by the competent national body;
Amendment 201 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 3
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 3
(3) the certified operator shall communicate the results of the screening to the owner in a certificate which should be reported to a competent national body (a one-stop shop), which should issue a certificate,. This competent body should keep a national registry of the certificates, and give adviceinformation to owners about applicable laws and regulation, including on the correct and safe removal of asbestos detected, and financial support available;
Amendment 203 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) the asbestos certificates shall contain the result of the screening, including a list of the types of asbestos containing materials found, their exact location, their current state of conservation together with a notification of the work and surveillance required to avoid damage to the health of occupants and a concept for the safe removal;
Amendment 205 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)
(4a) when the result of exploration and investigations cannot exclude the presence of asbestos in a material, the certificate shall state that the presence of asbestos is possible;
Amendment 206 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)
(4b) a certificate specifying the presence of asbestos containing materials shall have a maximum validity period of three years;
Amendment 207 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 4 c (new)
(4c) the certificate shall be annexed to the sale agreement and shall be made available to the tenants;
Amendment 208 #
2019/2182(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 7
Annex V – paragraph 1 – point 7
(7) sellers or lessors of the property shall be liable if they do not commission the mandatory screening and report the results to the competent national body, with a period of liability of 30 yearsadequate liability regimes shall be established in case of non-compliance.
Amendment 21 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas gender equality is one of the common and fundamental principles of the European Union, enshrined in Articles 2 and 3(3) of the TEU, Article 8 of the TFEU and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; whereas Article 157 of the TFEU expressly states that the Member States must ensure that the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value is applied;
Amendment 26 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas according to the latest figures from the Commission, the EU gender gap in hourly pay is 16%, although this varies significantly across Member States; whereas only 67% of women in the EU are employed, compared to 78% of men; whereas the gender pension gap stands at 37% and on average women’s pensions are 30.1% lower than men’s;
Amendment 32 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A m (new)
Recital A m (new)
Am. whereas women’s economic empowerment is key to achieving gender equality, combatting poverty and social exclusion and improving the European economy; whereas the economic loss resulting from the gender employment gap amounts to around EUR 370 billion per year1a;
Amendment 43 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A x (new)
Recital A x (new)
Ax. whereas one in three women in the EU has experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15;
Amendment 44 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A y (new)
Recital A y (new)
Ay. whereas the participation of women in the labour market continues to grow; whereas women work more frequently in jobs that they are over- qualified for;
Amendment 49 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 e (new)
Paragraph -1 e (new)
-1e. Welcomes the new EU Strategy for Gender Equality 2020-2025, in particular the inclusion of the horizontal principles of gender mainstreaming and intersectionality; stresses the importance of ensuring that all women, including those from minority groups such as women with disabilities, migrant, women of colour and ethnic minority women, older women, single mothers and LGBTIQ people, benefit from its objectives and actions;
Amendment 51 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 f (new)
Paragraph -1 f (new)
-1f. Is concerned about the limited social mobility that hinders labour mobility amongst women; stresses the need to improve opportunities for labour mobility within the EU;
Amendment 56 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to amend Directive 2006/54/EC by including a binding definition of ‘work of equal value’ across all occupational sectors which, on the basis of its recent evaluation of the functioning and implementation of the EU’s equal pay laws, to present a timely revision of Directive 2006/54/EC inc orporates the gender perspectiveder to update and improve existing legislation and improve enforcement in line with ECJ case law;
Amendment 71 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates its call on the Commission to present a legal instrument on gender pay transparency as soon as possibleWelcomes the Commission's commitment to table binding measures on pay transparency in order for workers to have the necessary information about pay levels in order to detect gaps and discrimination and take action where necessary; stresses the importance of delivering the proposal by the end of 2020 as promised; believes these measures should build upon the 2014 Recommendation on strengthening the principle of equal pay between men and women through transparency1b; stresses the importance of the social partners in efforts to improve gender employment, pay and pension gaps, in particular for the forthcoming pay transparency proposal;
Amendment 95 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure equal participation and opportunities in the labour market for men and women and to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthen collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment;
Amendment 98 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into availability of and access to pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the need to combat such stereotypes and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthenpromote the role of social partners and collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment;
Amendment 102 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address the feminisation of poverty in all its forms, particularly by factoring gender into pension entitlements in order to eliminate the gender pension gap, and by improving working conditions in feminised sectors; points out the importance of addressing the cultural undervaluation of jobs dominated by women and the overrepresentation of women in atypical forms of work; emphasises the need to strengthen collective bargaining in order to foster stable and quality employment; stresses the need for strategies to encourage and support women entrepreneurial initiatives as it can provide women the confidence they need to start their own businesses;
Amendment 109 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement policies that promote the employment of women and their financial independence, including policies that promote the integration of women from marginalised groups into the labour market; calls on the Member States to combat gendered labour market segmentation by investing in education and training to ensure women's access to high-quality employment in future oriented sectors, in particular in the areas of entrepreneurship, STEM and digital education;
Amendment 112 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls the Commission, the Members States and regional and local authorities to support projects and offer advice, especially addressed to women, on creating innovative agricultural activities in rural and depopulated areas in order to enhance their competitiveness in agriculture that are able to provide new jobs;
Amendment 123 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to put forward a Care Deal for Europe to covern EU framework for care services to set minimum standards and quality guidelines to address all care needs throughout the lifecycle in the context of demographic change; calls on the Member States to ratify ILO Convention No 189 on domestic workers and to fully implement and go beyond the Barcelona care targets as well as long- term care services and progressive working arrangements to facilitate women’s participation in the labour markets, ensuring the coverage of those needs through quality universal public, accessible and affordable care services; urges Member States to fully transpose and implement the Work-Life Balance Directive1 as quickly as possible and invites them to go beyond the Directive’s minimum standards; __________________ 1 OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79.
Amendment 146 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is deeply worried about violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on a holistic approach to combatting violence against women; calls on the Council to urgently conclude the EU ratification of the Istanbul Convention and to advocate its ratification and implementation by all Member States; calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention and ILO Convention No 190 on combating violence and harassment in the world of work without delay;
Amendment 149 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is deeply worried about violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on a holistic approach to combatting violence against women, taking into account the particular features and problems specific to the European Overseas Territories (both the outermost regions and the overseas countries and territories); calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention and ILO Convention No 190 on violence and harassment;
Amendment 154 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is deeply worried about violence and harassment in the world of work; calls on the Commission to propose a directive on a holistic approach to combatting violence against women; calls on Member States to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention and ILO Convention No 190 on violence and harassment; further calls on the European institutions to lead by example and introduce preventive and reactive measures to better combat harassment in the workplace;
Amendment 173 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to adopting an action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights; underlines the need to emainsutream the gender sensitive rightsperspective using an intersectional approach in line with Principles 2 and 3 of the Pillar; calls on the Commission, to that end, to develop and include ainclude the EIGE's Gender Equality Index in the Social Scoreboard and CSRs in order to feed into the European Semester toprocess and monitor the gender effects of macroeconomic policies as well as of the green and digital transitions.;
Amendment 182 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the Member States to unblock the Women on Boards Directive and the horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive which are key to achieving the aims of the Strategy; calls on the Commission to ensure that EU institutions lead by example and ensure a minimum of 50% of women in senior management positions; calls further on the Member States to establish transparency reporting by companies as to the percentage of women in their senior management positions and information on pay levels;
Amendment 183 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the Commission's commitment to gender mainstreaming throughout the Multiannual Financial Framework and in particular the European Social Fund Plus, in order to finance, inter alia, actions to promote women's participation in the labour market, work-life balance and female entrepreneurship;
Amendment 196 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls the importance of improving the collection of gender- disaggregated data, in particular on the participation of women in the labour market and the underlying causes of gender inequality;
Amendment 197 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to promote the participation of women as voters and candidates in the 2024 European Parliament elections; in this regard, stresses the need for a revision of the European Electoral Act in order to provide for the possibility of temporary replacement of a Member of the European Parliament that is availing of their right to maternity, paternity or parental leave; calls upon the European Commission to revise the Electoral Act accordingly and on the Council to endorse this revision;
Amendment 204 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Calls on the Member States to create a formal Council configuration on gender equality to provide Ministers and Secretaries of State in charge of gender equality with a dedicated forum for discussion and to better facilitate gender mainstreaming across all EU policies, including employment and social policy;
Amendment 207 #
2019/2169(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 j (new)
Paragraph 6 j (new)
6j. Calls on the European Commission to further strengthen the role of the EU as a catalyst for gender equality worldwide;
Amendment 7 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes with deep concern the recent developments in Indonesia regarding the discussion to lift FLEGT licensing, which will seriously undermine the VPA and the export advantages it provides to the EU market; calls on the Commission to take immediate action and through dialogue with the Indonesian government find a way to continue with the licensing, without jeopardising the integrity of the commitments under the agreement;
Amendment 13 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to step up capacity support to VPA countries in order to accelerate the implementation of the commitments made, including combatting corruption and greenwashing, enhancing good governance, and exploring the inclusion of more ambitious sustainable forestry provisions in trade and sustainable development chapters in free trade agreements;
Amendment 15 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Calls on the Commission to streamline and better coordinate its efforts in fighting illegal logging within the different EU policies and its services involved in the policies; calls on the Commission to negotiate timber import standards in future bilateral or multilateral trade-related agreements, in order to avoid undermining the successes achieved through the FLEGT Action Plan with timber-producing countries;
Amendment 19 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the EU to more closelystrengthen international cooperation by increasing efforts in key international fora, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD); calls on the Commission to investigate avenues for multi-, pluri-, or bilateral cooperateion with like-minded importing countries in the fight against deforestation and climate change as a consequence of imports while safeguarding avenues for legal trade;
Amendment 25 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals, such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, as the EU is a major importer of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, which are often drivers of global deforestation;
Amendment 31 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Is convinced that green public procurement policies can play an important role in encouraging trade in legal and sustainable timber; notes however that most EU Member States have mandatory purchasing policies for central government departments and voluntary policies for local authorities that undertake the majority of public spending; calls on the Member States to improve their statistics on the volume of wood they purchase including the indication of how much sustainable, legal or FLEGT-licensed material might be included within their procurement;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2156(INI)
5 b. Repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU borders, to ensure that the imported products comply with the criteria necessary to enter the EU; stresses that the Commission needs to ensure that custom controls throughout the EU follow the same standards, by means of a direct unified customs control mechanism, in coordination with Member States and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity; believes that the EU needs to ensure imports to and production within the EU only support global supply chains and financial flows which are sustainable and deforestation-free and do not result in human rights violations by reinforcing private sector efforts through policies and appropriate measures;
Amendment 40 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5 c. Calls for the EU to address global deforestation also by regulating European trade and consumption of forest-risk commodities, such as soy, palm oil, eucalyptus, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa, based on lessons learned from the FLEGT Action Plan, the Timber Regulation, the Conflict Mineral Regulation, the Non-Financial Reporting Directive, legislation on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and other EU initiatives to regulate supply chains;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2156(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5 d. Underlines that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous people, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; recalls that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy frame, i.e. by ensuring effective recognition and respect of land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities, particularly in case of EU development funding, as well as in the screening process of the FLEGT-VPAs, and in such a way as to enable subsistence in local community forestry, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; believes that gender equality in forestry education is a key point in the sustainable management of forests, which should be reflected in the EU Action Plan;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that ensuring the effective and uniform application of EU law is crucial for upholding the rule of law, which is one of the founding values of the Union and its Member States, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union; is, therefore, worried about the increasing number of petitions expressing citizens’ concerns over violations of the rule of law in the Member States, including regarding disputed reforms of national judiciaries; stresses that non-compliance with the rule of law, including by sub-national entities, has a direct impact on citizens’ lives, as demonstrated in petitions received and by the outcome of Special Eurobarometer 489; calls on the Commission to respect the commitments made in its 2019 communication entitled ‘Strengthening the rule of law within the Union: A blueprint for action’ (COM(2019)0343), in order to promote a culture of respect for the rule of law, reinforce cooperation with national authorities and ensure an effective common response to actual threats within the Union; reminds the Commission that the work done to ensure the effective enforcement of existing EU law is of equivalent importance to the work devoted to developing new legislation;
Amendment 9 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the right to petition the European Parliament is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; underlines the importance of petitions as a means for citizens and residents to feel involved in the activities of the Union, as it is one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the EU institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of EU law and on potential lacunae; recalls that the right to petitions are is the cornerstone of participatory democracy and European citizenship and that as such, ithey contributes to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the EU political debate; calls for the Commission’s commitment to take an active role in actions required by petitioners in order to achieve real change in citizens’ lives;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment, as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (COM(2018)0540), to placing great value on the contributions of citizens, businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of EU law; notes, in this regard, the Commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment, migration, taxation and the internal market; deplorunderlines, however, the large amount of petitions received referring to violations and misapplication of EU law in those fields, in addition to many other areas of activity; deplores the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the Commission and the number that lead to the initiation of EU Pilots and infringement procedures;
Amendment 27 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes, in this regard, the increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the Commission and about its follow-up actions; notes, however, that in the large majority of cases the Commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned, in this respect, about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national, regional or local level; calls on the Commission to improve, in this respect, its handling of petitions addressed by providing timely and in- depth answers; considers insufficient the Commission’s replies merely stating that it does not have competence to take further actions at EU level; calls on the Commission to work collaboratively with Member States for the effective resolution of petitions; acknowledges that this practice reflects the Commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘EU Law: Better Results through Better Application’ (C(2016)8600), which aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with EU law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms;
Amendment 36 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recognises, in this regard, that it is essential to continue fostering closer cooperation and strengthening the links with the national parliaments in the law- making process; stresses that delays in implementation are detrimental to legal certainty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take stronger action against late and faulty transposition of directives to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of EU law, thus guaranteeing the rule of law and democracy; underlines the importance of petition-based fact-finding missions to Member States so as to improve the investigation of petitioners’ claims, and as a unique means of getting closer to citizens and demonstrating that their concerns are taken seriously; urges the Commission, therefore, to take due consideration of Parliament’s fact-finding visit reports and resolutions based on petitions;
Amendment 38 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. StressDeplores that, despite its efforts over recent years to enhance the transparency of its monitoring and enforcement activities (e.g. through a centralised platform providing infringement-related information), the Commission has not yet responded to Parliament’s repeated calls to be regularly informed about every EU Pilot opened and infringement procedure initiated, especially when they result from petitions; stresses the importance of receiving regular updates on developments in infringement procedures related to open petitions, while respecting the confidentiality requirements laid down in the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU); regrets the still existing lack of commitment shown by the Commission when responding to the concerns raised in EU Pilot procedures; reminds the Commission about citizens’ high expectations of transparency with respect to its oversight activities; urges the Commission, therefore, to share this information with Parliament in a spirit of sincere cooperation in order to enable Parliament to exercise its scrutiny over the executive under Article 14 of the TEU and, ultimately, to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the Commission’s enforcement action, build trust in the EU project and, ultimately, enhance the legitimacy of the EU Pilot procedure;
Amendment 42 #
2019/2132(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the number of new complaints registered by the Commission in 2018 and 2017 reached its highest level since 2011, with a record 3 850 new complaints in 2018; welcomes citizens’ increasing empowerment as regards the process of monitoring and enforcing EU law, as evidenced by the significant flow of complaints and petitions; points out, however, that, as is the case for petitions, the number of complaints leading to investigations remained very low in 2018 and in 2017 as a proportion of the total number of complaints received; asks the Commission to clarify how it intends to address thcalls for a more transparent implementation of the enforcement policy; encourages the Commission to take a more active gap in citizens’ expectations regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at EU levelproach when collecting information and responding to citizens’ concerns, in particular to tackle the “Blame Brussels” culture;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the high completion rate of its planned activities (91 %) while noting that it slightly decreased in comparison to 2017 (93 %); notes the considerable improvement in timely delivery rate in 2018 (94 %) compared to the previous year (88 %);
Amendment 5 #
2019/2075(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Appreciates the Foundation’s activities to support the reform of vocational training and human capital development in the Union’s partner countries to improve the employability and employment prospects of their citizens;
Amendment 2 #
2019/2071(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 96 % in 2017 and the very high implementation of the annual work programme of 93 %, above the established target; welcomes the results of the 2018 independent stakeholders’ survey which showed that stakeholders’ overall satisfaction with the Agency’s work across all stakeholders’ groups is high (89 %);
Amendment 7 #
2019/2071(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes EU-OSHA's work on the ‘Rehabilitation and return to work after cancer’ project that has been completed in 2018 with the aim to give recommendations to address the difficulties that cancer survivors face when returning to work after completing cancer treatment and the Occupational Safety and Health challenges that their employers can encounter;
Amendment 4 #
2019/2067(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses its satisfaction that the budget implementation rate stood at 99.6 % in 2018 (100 % in 2017) and the programme delivery rate at 83 %;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2067(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates Eurofound’s work to provide knowledge and expertise to support policies on improving living and working conditions across the Unionscientifically sound, unbiased, timely and policy-relevant knowledge and expertise to support better informed policies for upward convergence of living and working conditions across the Union; particularly welcomes the publication of the Foundation's overview report from the most recent European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) and its publications related to the future of work and digitalisation, particularly in the area of platform work;
Amendment 3 #
2019/2066(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Commends the exemplary budget implementation rate of 100 % in 2018 compared to 99.95 % in 2017 and the 96% occupation rate of the establishment plan;
Amendment 6 #
2019/2066(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Appreciates the Centre’s continued high-quality work to provide research, analyses and technical advice into assist the development of European lifelong learning and vocational education and training (VET), qualifications and skills policies in particular through the Skills Panorama and its role in supporting the participants of the Copenhagen process;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that the complexity of the rules can contribute to a higher risk of error and notes that a significant source of complexity arises for beneficiaries where national eligibility requirements go beyond what is required by EU legislation;
Amendment 20 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the findings of ECA Special report No 05/2019 (‘FEAD-Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived: Valuable support but its contribution to reducing poverty is not yet established’), in particular the ECA conclusion that FEAD is a significant instrument in ensuring the provision of food and material support and, in addition to alleviating poverty through food aid (which represents 83 % of FEAD budget), the innovative social policy elements of FEAD offer possibilities to Member States to foster social inclusion;
Amendment 22 #
2019/2055(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes with concernBelieves that EU committed action for the most deprived is of paramount importance having in mind that, on average, more than one out of five persons and one out of four children are still at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the European Union; notes that, due to limitations in its monitoring and lack of EU-wide data, FEAD’s contribution to reducing poverty has not yet been established, and deplores in particular that the Commission does not have data which demonstrates the relative importance of FEAD in overall support to deprived people in the Union; quantitatively demonstrated; nonetheless recalls that available data presented in the European Court of Auditors' special report1a indicate that this fund represents a significant share of the total social support activities in some Member States and that, according to food banks, one third of the food they provide is financed by FEAD, and that FEAD allows to be less dependent on the irregular flow of donation and therefore enables to better plan the redistribution of specific foods; _________________ 1aEuropean Court of Auditors, Special report No 5/2019: FEAD-Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived: Valuable support but its contribution to reducing poverty is not yet established, April 2019, p. 19.
Amendment 2 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that effective and carefully consideredsocially inclusive employment policy enhancements reflectingneed to take into account the demographic and automation challenges and the challenges posed by the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation; stresses that such enhancements, accompanied by well-targeted investment strategies and responsible fiscal policies, continue to be an important precondition for sustainable growth which is the key factor leading to quality employment and boosting upward social convergence;
Amendment 11 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights that the 2020 budget should contribute towards achieving the Europe 2020 targets in the social and employment area, which; notes that these targets seem to be within reach as regards the employment rate target but remain far from being achieved as regards the target of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion; stresses, in this regard, the need for comprehensive policy reforms and integrated approaches that strengthen social inclusion and combat youth and long-term unemployment and the often neglected issue of elderly employability;
Amendment 16 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the crucial role of the European Social Fund (ESF), the Youth Guarantee (YG), the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD); highlights, in this regard, that the activities implemented in these areas should always result in strategic measures with clearly defined objectives and targets and that efficient and effective spending is equally as important as the total budget ceilings; recalls that these financial instruments must also support companies and workers in their transition to a digital and greener economy by improving education and training so that they can acquire the necessary skills and create new jobs in these sectors;
Amendment 37 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Acknowledges efforts to make the procedures to claim the funds in the 2020 budget more transparent and accessible; emphasises, in this regard, that more work has to be done, in particular, to improve access to funds for the overseas countries and territories, which are often overlooked and which possess limited administrative resources and expertise due to their special status and size;
Amendment 39 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines that, in the context of ongoing budgetary constraints, it will be critical to make the best use of the 2020 general budget, including future skills policies and measures to support labour market transition and better adjustment to demographic change, particularly by improved integration of potentially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in the labour market; calls, therefore, on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment their priority, and to make full use of financial instruments, such as the Youth Guarantee and EU programmes such as Erasmus+, to promote the employment and employability of young people;
Amendment 45 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Deplores that more than a quarter of all children in the EU are at risk of poverty or social exclusion; stresses the importance of Child Guarantee to ensure that living conditions and opportunities of millions of children in Europe would improve considerably; calls for a pilot project to remedy the situation of Roma children by helping schools to become engines of their social inclusion;
Amendment 52 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the policy developments in the area of employment and social affairs during the 8th legislature, but emphasises that the policy initiatives need proper, adequate and timely funding to become operational;
Amendment 57 #
2019/2028(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that pilot projects (PPs) and preparatory actions (PAs) are very valuable tools to initiate new activities and policies in the fields of employment, in particular enhancing youth employment, and social inclusion and could be used for data and evidence collection in order to improve future Union employment policies;
Amendment 9 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomesTakes note of this agreement with the US on the allocation of a share in the TRQ for high-quality beef as a solution to a longstanding trade dispute, as it sets a positive example of a negotiated solution between the EU and the US, and as a solution which enables the EU to ensure imports of high-quality meat into its territory;
Amendment 14 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes and aAcknowledges the fact that, while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen, the other WTO members that export beef to the EU and that have agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the US have undoubtedly made provision for compensation in other free-trade agreements which are either being negotiated or may be negotiated in the future;
Amendment 23 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the agreement does not affect current levels of market access for beef to the EU market and that it should in no way weaken the technical characteristics of the quota, both in terms of product quality and traceability, so as to ensure a high level of protection for Europeans;
Amendment 31 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the importance of setting this agreement apart from other ongoing trade negotiations between the US and the EU in which the agricultural sector should not be included;
Amendment 33 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the US to work with the EU on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries in order to prevent the mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding Airbus/Boeing dispute; is concerned about the measures taken by the US which affect the European aviation sector and numerous agri-food products; calls on the Commission to put in place support measures for European producers;
Amendment 35 #
2019/0142M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Deplores the fact that the US has commenced the process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement; recalls that EU trade policy must contribute to the promotion and implementation of the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 3 #
2019/0099(NLE)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Refuses to gGives its consent to Solomon Islands’ accession to the agreement;
Amendment 8 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 43 a (new)
Citation 43 a (new)
Amendment 67 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. whereas there are disparities in life expectancy by socioeconomic status; whereas these gaps largely reflect differences in exposure to risk factors (including at work), whereas low-income households are more likely to report unmet health needs than high-income households; whereas it is therefore important to further promote and take into account health in employment and social policies;
Amendment 84 #
2019/0000(INI)
1. Notes that while the economic conditions in the EU are currently favourable and overall employment is steadily growing, it remains vital to tackle youth unemployment as well as the issues faced by the NEETs swiftly, and there is still a need for improvement in terms of youth unemployment, labour market segmentation and inequalities, in-work poverty and productivity;
Amendment 97 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes note of the Commission’s 2019 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) and welcomes the stronger focus on investment; notes that almost one third of the CSRs issued until 2018 have not been implemented; welcomes the fact that considerable progress has been achieved in legislation governing labour relations and employment protection; is concerned that progress on the 2018 CSRs is worse than performance in previous years and urges the Commission to put the necessary pressure on Member States to implement the recommendations; believes that strong reform implementation is crucial to strengthen the growth potential of EU economies and to foster social inclusion;
Amendment 103 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that considerable divergences in employment persist between countries, regions and population groups; the Member States and the Commission should ensure the implementation of specific employment policies in order to address the constraints and difficulties experienced by regions that suffer demographic handicaps, such as depopulated regions or sparsely populated regions, with a special focus on the agricultural sector, with the aim to foster its capacity to create employment and added value in rural areas; considers it necessary to increase employment rates and promote decent job creation in order to achieve the Europe 2020 goal of an employment rate of at least 75 %;
Amendment 114 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the need for well- designed labour market policies and reforms that create quality employment, promote equal opportunities and the equal treatment of workers, facilitate equal access to the labour market and social protection, facilitate labour mobility, reintegrate the unemployed and tackle inequalities and gender imbalances; calls, in this respect, on the Member States and the Commission to make the fight against youth unemployment their priority and to fully use the financial instruments such as the Youth Guarantee, the EU programs such as Erasmus + and tailored measures to tackle youth unemployment and to foster youth employability;
Amendment 122 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that participation of women in the labour market continues to grow but that gender inequalities in terms of employment and pay persist; takes the view that efforts should be strengthened to reduce the gender pay gap, the gender pension gap and disincentives to work, improve work-life balance and provide access to affordable childcare, early childcare and long-term care facilities; calls on the Member States to fully and quickly implement the recently adopted directive on work-life balance for parents and carers;
Amendment 131 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out the need to fight ageism in labour markets including through an intergenerational equity perspective, thus bridging the gap between youth and older generations, including by raising awareness of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and by securing access to life-long learning opportunities, and fostering mobility and skills exchange programs among senior EU citizens;
Amendment 133 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Calls on the Commission to draw- up a long-term planning strategy for the integration of ethnical minorities groups into the labour market, in order not only to mitigate the risk of exclusion but also to help them become active members of society;
Amendment 136 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts for the further inclusion of people with disabilities, long-term illnesses or chronic diseases in the labour market, by removing legislative barriers to creating incentives for their employment and ensuring the accessibility of workplaces;
Amendment 142 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Calls on the Member States to continue their efforts to ensure the accessibility, availability, affordability, quality and cost-effectiveness of their healthcare systems; stresses the importance of prevention and health promotion campaigns, especially towards young people from disadvantaged populations; recalls the importance of facilitating the reintegration of people of working age recovering from illness into the labour market;
Amendment 143 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7 c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen efforts against discrimination based on ethnicity, membership of a minority or minority language by raising awareness, implementing national diversity strategies and collecting and analysing reliable disaggregated data on discrimination;
Amendment 151 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that a transformation of the education and training systems is necessary in order to make full use of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies and the media, the media and the greening of the economy and to develop the skills and competences required to meet the demands of the labour market of the future; considers that skills shortages and mismatches can be major investment obstacles; emphasises that in order to acquire adequate skills it is necessary to improve the quality, availability, affordability and accessibility of education and training, including vocational training, and improve the mutual recognition of qualifications; calls on the Member States to prioritise comprehensive training in digital and entrepreneurial skills, taking into account the shift towards the digital economy and to a greener economy; believes that the challenges of climate change and the transition to a greener economy demand support to help workers to adapt, especially in the most affected regions;
Amendment 157 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that a transformation of the education and training systems is necessary in order to make full use of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies and the media and to develop the skills and competences required to meet the demands of the labour market of the future; considers that skills shortages and mismatches can be major investment obstacles; emphasises that in order to acquire adequate skills it is necessary to improve the quality, availability, affordability and accessibility of education and training, including vocational training, and improve the mutual recognition of qualifications; calls on the Member States to prioritise comprehensive training in digital and entrepreneurial skills, taking into account the shift towards the digital economy and to a greener economy; believes that the challenges of climate change and the transition to a greener economy demand support to help workers to adapt, especially in the most affected regions by improving training and education in order to adapt skills and create new jobs in the environmental and digital sectors;
Amendment 179 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises that the Union’s social and economic goals should have equal priority and that the European Semester process should be enhanced to include a social dimension all throughout its period, involving the competent bodies of the EU and member states which deal with social policies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reinforce social rights by delivering the European Pillar of Social Rights and including its components and implementing theits social aspects with the help of the Country Specific Recommendations;
Amendment 187 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 g (new)
Paragraph 10 g (new)
10 g. Calls on the Member States to ensure that workers who experience new forms of work, in particular platform workers, have access to a social protection system and are guaranteed all their social rights;
Amendment 188 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 h (new)
Paragraph 10 h (new)
10 h. Urges the European Commission to enhance the Country Specific Recommendations for the eurozone members by creating a matrix framework where social policies related to the European Pillar of Social Rights such as inclusive acces to education, health, nutrition, employment, housing, and preserving social rights are analysed per social segments such as children, youth, seniors, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities therefore creating a much more accurate image of the economic and social health of the member states and examine extending this new component of the CSRs to the non-eurozone members;
Amendment 189 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 i (new)
Paragraph 10 i (new)
10 i. Welcomes the inclusion in CSRs of various social indicators but notes that they are currently insufficient and that solely annual reporting leads to a loss of tempo; calls on the Commission to produce trimestrial reports on the evolution and implementation of finalized European Pillar of Social Rights policies, making note of the progress of the member states and including recomendations for the future period;
Amendment 191 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the social situation continues to improve and that poverty is in decline, but that it still remains unacceptably high; stresses that while the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion (AROPE) in the EU continued to decrease in 2017, some 113 million people in the EU and 74 million in the euro area were AROPE in 2017; urges the Commission and the Member States to take the necessary steps to reduce poverty, including child and in-work poverty, in order to achieve the Europe 2020 goal; stresses the need to reduce poverty and situations of exclusion of children in the EU, in particular through the implementation of a child guarantee; emphasises that decent job creation, access to social protection regardless of employment relationship or contract type, wage growth and well-resourced, quality public education systems have a significant impact on reducing inequalities, the risk of poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 208 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 m (new)
Paragraph 11 m (new)
11 m. Notes that as there is a significant number of EU citizens coming from non- eurozone members who are living, working or studying for short to medium- term in eurozone member states, they should be reflected as a special chapter of the Country Specific Recommendations, taking into account the need to provide assistance and care to the families they leave behind in non-eurozone member states;
Amendment 209 #
2019/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 n (new)
Paragraph 11 n (new)
11 n. Considers that as a number of member states are yet to join the eurozone, this enlargment should be coordinated in such a manner that social indicators and dynamics promoted in eurozone members are already put into place for candidate countries; underlines that the CSR are an useful tool for this action;
Amendment 33 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the agreement will ensure a high level of investment protection and legal certainty while safeguarding the right of the Parties to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives, such as public health and environmental protection; emphasises that the agreement will ensure transparency and accountability; asks the Commission to further take into account the fight against climate change and the respect of the Paris Agreement in safeguarding the right of the parties to regulate, as it has been done with CETA;
Amendment 56 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) does not contain a separate trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapter, as the latter applies to investment by virtue of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) that liberalises it; stresses that the EVIPA also contains a provision establishing a legal link to the PCA, as well as specific references in its preamble to the TSD values and principles as enshrined in the EUVFTA and to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; points out that the provisions of the EVIPA and the EUVFTA must be implemented in a complementary manner, especially with regard to human, environmental and social rights and sustainable development;
Amendment 59 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Notes with concern that the Vietnamese penal code still allows for serious human rights violations, which have intensified since the entry into force of the PCA; calls on a Vietnam to revise the penal code in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respects; regrets that the Commission has failed to undertake a comprehensive human rights impact assessment of the EVIPA; calls on the Commission to carry out such an assessment;
Amendment 61 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10 b. Points out that a new Vietnamese Cyber Security Law, that entered into force at the beginning of 2019, has attracted a lot of criticism, as an intensified crackdown on human rights activists in the country has been documented, linked to the provisions of this new law which gives the authorities licence to censor content, control information and silence online dissidents; notes with regret that the legislation also raises concerns for EU economic interests, including forced data localisation provisions which are at odds with the EU's liberalisation agenda in this respect; calls on Vietnam to revise this law in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respect;
Amendment 62 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10 c. Underlines the need for close monitoring of the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam; Calls for a joint parliamentary scrutiny board, basing itself on the monitoring Group for Vietnam in the European Parliament and its equivalent in the Vietnamese National Assembly, which will be tasked to monitor the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam;
Amendment 67 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ECalls on the Commission to take accompanying measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with this agreement in order to make it transparent and accessible; encourages the Commission to continue its work on making the ICS more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
Amendment 70 #
2018/0358M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on both Parties to undertake to develop programmes of cooperation activities to improve capacity and conditions for women to benefit from opportunities created by the agreement, including encouraging capacity building and skills enhancement of women at work and in business, fostering women's representation in decision making and positions of authority; improving women's access to, and participation and leadership in, science, technology and innovation; conducting gender-based analysis and gender-focused statistics relating to investments;
Amendment 1 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
– having regard to the Framework Participation Agreement, signed on 17 October 2019, which will facilitate Vietnam's participation in European Union-led civilian and military crisis management operations and show strong commitment from both sides to a rules- based multilateral approach to international peace and security
Amendment 19 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)
Citation 20 a (new)
– having regard to the 2019 Universal Periodic Review on Vietnam undertaken by the UN Human Rights Council
Amendment 30 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas 90 % of future world economic growth is predicted to be generated outside Europe, and notablya significant part of this occurs in Asia;
Amendment 34 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas Vietnam is a founding member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and a party to the ongoingrecently concluded negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP);
Amendment 40 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas it is important to maximise the opportunities offered by this agreement in the most inclusive manner for businesses, in particular SMEs;
Amendment 74 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the economic and strategic importance of this agreement, as the EU and Vietnam share a common agenda and common values – to stimulate growth and employment, boost competitiveness, fight against poverty and make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and champion a rules-based multilateral international trade system;
Amendment 85 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that the agreement will make further strides towards setting high standards and rules in the ASEAN region, helping to pave the way for a future region-to-region trade and investment agreement; stresses that the agreement also sends a strong signal in favour of open and free trade at times of protectionist tendencies and the questioning of multilateral rules-based trade; highlights that the agreement helps the EU to strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region, and allows the EU to promote its standards and values in the region; recalls its full support to multilateralism and the importance to achieve a sustainable and ambitious reform of the WTO able to ensure a rules-based international trade;
Amendment 110 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the strong SPS chapter which will set up a single and transparent procedure for the approval of EU exports of food products into Vietnam in order to accelerate the approval of EU export applications and avoid discriminatory treatment; commends Vietnam's commitment to applying the same import requirements to like products coming from all EU member states;
Amendment 126 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Regrets that there is no dedicated chapter on SMEs in the agreement; recalls that it is crucial that SMEs benefit from the advantages and measures put in place with the agreement; calls on the Commission to ensure that adequate support and information be provided to SMEs in order for them to have the opportunity to benefit fully from this agreement;
Amendment 131 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that the EVFTA includes a robust, comprehensive and binding chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) dealing with labour and environmental matters; stresses that the TSD chapter is designed to contribute to broader EU policy objectives, notably on inclusive growth, the fight against climate change and more generally in upholding EU values; emphasises that it is also an instrument for development and social progress in Vietnam to support Vietnam in its efforts to improve labour rights and to enhance protection at work and protection of the environment; calls on the EU to offer its support where necessary to help Vietnam advance in this regard; stresses the importance to ensure a specific and adequate monitoring of the TSD chapter in order to see it respected and implemented;
Amendment 134 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Points out that a new Vietnamese Cyber Security Law, that entered into force at the beginning of 2019, has attracted a lot of criticism, as an intensified crackdown on human rights activists in the country has been documented, linked to the provisions of this new law which gives the authorities licence to censor content, control information and silence online dissidents; notes with regret that the legislation also raises concerns for EU economic interests, including forced data localisation provisions which are at odds with the EU's liberalisation agenda in this respect; calls on Vietnam to revise this law in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respect;
Amendment 140 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Notes with concern that the Vietnamese penal code still allows for serious human rights violations, which have intensified since the entry into force of the PCA; calls on a Vietnam to revise the penal code in line with international standards and welcomes the European Union's assistance in this respects; regrets that the Commission has failed to undertake a comprehensive human rights impact assessment of the FTA; calls on the Commission to carry out such an assessment;
Amendment 158 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Welcomes the envisaged cooperation on the trade/related aspects of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, in particular the inter-linkage between trade and full and productive employment for all, including youth, women and people with disabilities; calls for a swift and meaningful start of this cooperation;
Amendment 167 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the commitment to effectively implement multilateral environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, and to act in favour of the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife, biodiversity and forestry; recalls that the Agreement provides for specific measures to fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) and to promote a sustainable and responsible fishery sector, including aquaculture; stresses that it is crucial for the EU and Vietnam to ensure full respect and implementation of the Paris Agreement, notably through the EVFTA;
Amendment 182 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines the crucial importance of effectively implementing all provisions and chapters of the agreement, ranging from market access to sustainable development and enforcement of all commitments; considers that all of the TSD provisions should be read as providing for legal obligations in international law; highlights in this context the new post of Chief Trade Enforcement Officer, who will work directly under the guidance of the Trade Commissioner; underlines that European companies, especially SMEs, should be encouraged to make full use of the benefits of the agreement and that any hurdle regarding the implementation should be remediated immediately;
Amendment 189 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for enhanced monitoring of the agreement and efforts to ensure that shortcomings are addressed rapidly with our trading partner; calls for specific technical assistance in order to help Vietnam implement some of their commitments via projects and expertise, notably linked to environmental and labour provisions;
Amendment 191 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that the involvement of civil society in monitoring the implementation of the agreement is crucial, and calls for the swift establishment of domestic advisory groups following the entry into force of the agreement and for the balanced representation of civil society therein; notes with concern that the Vietnamese independent civil society has been harshly repressed and largely operates underground for fear of persecution and retaliation; encourages the EU institutions to support the independent civil society in Vietnam; calls on appropriate measures to be put in place to ensure that advisory groups can exercise their mandate independently, impartially, thoroughly and safely;
Amendment 200 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on both Parties to undertake to develop programmes of cooperation activities to improve capacity and conditions for women to benefit from opportunities created by the agreement, including encouraging capacity building and skills enhancement of women at work and in business, fostering women's representation in decision making and positions of authority; improving women's access to, and participation and leadership in, science, technology and innovation; conducting gender-based analysis and gender-focused statistics relating to trade;
Amendment 202 #
2018/0356M(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Underlines the need for close monitoring of the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam; Calls for a joint parliamentary scrutiny board, basing itself on the monitoring Group for Vietnam in the European Parliament and its equivalent in the Vietnamese National Assembly, which will be tasked to monitor the implementation of the agreement and the human rights developments in Vietnam;
Amendment 122 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 129 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In the interest of legal certainty for Union and third-country economic operators, contracting authorities and contracting entiternational market access commitments undertaken by the Union towards third countries in the field of public procurement and concessions require, inter alia, the equal treatment of economic operators from those countries. Consequently, measures adopted under this Regulation can only apply to economic operators, goods or services from countries that are not parties to the plurilateral WTO Agreement on Government Procurement or to bilateral or multilateral trade agreements with the Union that include commitments on access to procurement and concessions markets, or from countries that are parties, the international market access commitments undertaken by the Union towardso such agreements but only regarding procurement procedures for goods, services or concessions that are not covered by those agreements. Irrespective of the application of measures adopted under this Regulation, and in accordance with the Communication from the Commission of 24 July 2019 on ‘Guidance on the participation of third- countries in the field of public procurement and concessions should be reflected in the legal order of the EU, thy bidders and goods in the EU procurement market’ and with Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU and 2014/25/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, economic operators from third countries which do not have any agreement providing for the opening of the Union’s procurement market or whose goods, services and works are not covered by ensuring effective application thereof. such an agreement, do not have secured access to procurement procedures in the Union and could be excluded.
Amendment 141 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
Amendment 146 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
Amendment 159 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) When assessing whether restrictive and/or discriminatory procurement measures or practices exist in a third country that result in the impairment of access of Union goods, services or economic operators to the procurement or concession markets, the Commission should examine to what degree laws on public, rules or other measures on procurement and concessions of the country concerned ensure transparency in line with international standards in the field of public procurement, and do not result in serious and preclude any discriminaurring restrictions against Union goods, services andor economic operators. In addition, it should examine to what degree individual contracting authorities or contracting entities maintain or adopt discriminatoryrestrictive practices against Union goods, services andor economic operators.
Amendment 162 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
Amendment 170 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The Commission should be ablat any time, on its own initiative or, at the application of EU interested parties or a Member State, to initiate at any timor at the request of the European Parliament, initiate an investigation into restrictive procurement measures or practices allegedly adopted or maintained by a third country. . Such investigative procedures should be without prejudice to Regulation (EU) No 654/2014The Committee on International Trade can initiate and approve such a request on behalf of the European Parliament and of the Council .
Amendment 175 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) When determining whether the adoption of an IPI measure is in the EU interest, the objective of achieving reciprocity by opening third country procurement markets and improving market access opportunities for Union economic operators should be prioritized.
Amendment 178 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19 c (new)
Recital 19 c (new)
(19c) Given the overall policy objective of the Union to support the economic growth of least developed countries (LDCs) and their integration into global value chains, it would not be in the Union’s interest to start an investigation against such countries under this Regulation, unless there are reasonable indications of circumvention of any adopted IPI measures. Consequently, this Regulation is not intended to apply to LDCs benefitting from the "Everything But Arms" arrangement as defined in Regulation (EU) No 978/2012.
Amendment 181 #
2012/0060(COD)
(20) If the existence of a restrictive and/or discriminatory procurement measure or practice in a third country is confirmedWhen conducting the investigation, the Commission should invite the third country concerned to enter into consultations with a view to eliminating and remedying any restrictive measures or practices and effectively improving the tendering opportunities for Union economic operators, goods and services in respect of public procurement and concession markets in that country.
Amendment 198 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 a (new)
Recital 23 a (new)
(23a) In light of the overall policy objective of the Union to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Commission and contracting authorities and contracting entities should duly consider the effects under this Regulation, with a view to limiting the administrative burden for SMEs. The Commission in cooperation with the Member States should make available guidelines for best practices for SMEs, in order to ensure the efficiency of this Regulation and the consistency of its implementation.
Amendment 201 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23 b (new)
Recital 23 b (new)
(23b) To avoid possible circumvention of an IPI measure, additional contractual obligations should be imposed and its implementation monitored after the award of the contract. Those obligations should only apply in case of procurement procedures to which an IPI measure is applicable, as well as to contracts awarded based on a framework agreement where such contracts are equal to or above a certain threshold and when that framework agreement was subject to an IPI measure.
Amendment 208 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
Amendment 211 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 25
Recital 25
Amendment 216 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26
Recital 26
Amendment 222 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 27
Recital 27
(27) It is imperative that contracting authorities and contracting entities have access to a range of high-quality products meeting their purchasing requirements at a competitive price. Therefore, contracting authorities and contracting entities should be able not to apply price adjustment, on an exceptional basis, to not apply IPI measures limiting access of non- covered goods and services in casef there are no Union and/or covered goods or services available which meet the requirements of the contracting authority or contracting entity or where such action relates to safeguarding essential public needs, for examplepolicy needs in the fields of health and public safeecurity, or where tpublic health. The application of the measure would lead to a disproportionate increase in the price or costs of the contractse exceptions should require the prior approval of the Commission before awarding any contract. The contracting authorities and contracting entities should consult with the Commission in a timely and comprehensive manner when they intend to submit a request for an exception, as well as to allow for appropriate monitoring of the implementation of this Regulation.
Amendment 227 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) In case of misapplication by contracting authorities or contracting entities of exceptions to price adjustment measures limiting acIPI measures, which negatively affects the chancess of non-covered goods and services, the Commission should be able to apply the corrective mechanism of Article 3 ofeconomic operators having a right to participate in the procurement procedure, Council Directives 89/665/EEC20 or Article 8 of Council Directive 92/13/EEC21 . In addition, contracts concluded with an economic operator by contracting authorities or contracting entities in violation of price adjustment measures limiting access of non-covered goods and services should be ineffective. _________________ 20Council Directive 89/665/EEC on the coordination of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of review procedures to the award of public supply and public works contracts (OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 33). 21Council Directive 92/13/EEC coordinating the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of Community rules on the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors (OJ L 76, 23.3.1992, p. 14) and 92/13/EEC should be applicable. The affected economic operator may therefore initiate a review procedure according to the national law implementing these Directives, if, for example, a competing economic operator should have been excluded or a bid should have been ranked lower due to the application of an IPI measure. The Commission should also be able to apply the corrective mechanism according to Article 3 of Council Directive 89/665/EEC7 or Article 8 of Council Directive 92/13/EEC8.
Amendment 237 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Regular reporting by the Commission should make it possible to monitor the application and efficiency of the procedures established by this RegulationIn line with the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making and with the view, among others, to ease administrative burdens, in particular on Member States, the Commission should review the scope, functioning and efficiency of this Regulation. Such review will address, inter alia, the effectiveness of the IPI measures, the thresholds, the additional contractual obligations, as well as the use of exceptions. The Commission should report on its assessment to the European Parliament and the Council. The review may be followed up by appropriate legislative proposals.
Amendment 263 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5
Article 1 – paragraph 5
Amendment 334 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4
Article 4
Amendment 340 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5
Article 5
Amendment 343 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Chapter 3 – title
Chapter 3 – title
Investigations, consultations and price adjustment measureadditional contractual obligations
Amendment 349 #
Amendment 352 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 354 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Upon publication of the notice, the Commission shall invite the third country concerned to submit its views, provide information and enter into consultations with the Commission in order to remove the alleged third-country measure or practice. The Commission shall regularly inform Member States within the Committee established by Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2015/1843 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a (“Trade Barriers Regulation”) and the European Parliament. _________________ 1aRegulation (EU) 2015/1843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 October 2015 laying down Union procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Union’s rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (OJ L 272, 16.10.2015, p. 1).
Amendment 356 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 361 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The assessment by the Commission of whether the alleged restrictive and/or discriminatory procurement measures or practices have been adopinvestigation and consultations shall be concluded within a period of six months after the dated or are maintained by the third country concerned shall be made on the basis of the information supplied by interested parties and Member States, of facts collected by the Commission during its investigation, or both. The assessment shall be concluded within a period of eight months after the initiation of the investigation. In duly justified cases, this period may be extended by four monthsf the publication in the Official Journal of the initiation notice. In duly justified cases, the Commission may, before the end of the initial six months, extend that period by three months, by publishing a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union and informing the third country, EU interested parties, Member States and the European Parliament.
Amendment 366 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. WhereIf the Commission concludes as a result of, following its investigation, that the alleged restrictive and/or discriminatory procurementthird-country measures or practices are is not maintained or that ithey does not result in restrictions toa serious and recurrent impairment of access byof Union economic operators or Union goods andor services to the public procurement or concession markets of the third country concerned, the Commission shall terminate the investigation. , and publish a notice of termination in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 372 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission may suspend the investigation and consultations at any time if the third country: (a) takes corrective measures that effectively improve the access of Union economic operators or Union goods or services, or (b) undertakes commitments towards the Union to eliminate or phase out the third country measure or practice within a reasonable period of time and no later than three months. The Commission shall resume the investigation and consultations if it concludes that the reasons for the suspension are no longer valid in accordance with this Article. The Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union in case of suspension or resumption of the investigation and consultations.
Amendment 377 #
Amendment 386 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8
Article 8
Amendment 432 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9
Article 9
Authorities or entities concerned The Commission shall determine the contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities, listed by Member State, whose procurement is concerned by the measure. To provide the basis for this determination, each Member State shall submit a list of appropriate contracting authorities or entities or categories of contracting authorities or entities. The Commission shall ensure that an appropriate level of action is taken and that a fair distribution of the burden among Member States is achieved.rticle 9 deleted
Amendment 437 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Amendment 442 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10
Article 10
Amendment 451 #
2012/0060(COD)
Amendment 465 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Contracting authorities and contracting entities may decide no, on an exceptional basis, decide to submit a request to not apply the price adjustmentan IPI measure with respect to a procurement or a concession procedure if:
Amendment 473 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) there are no Union and/or covered goods or services available which meet the requirements ofonly tenders from economic operators originating in the countracting authorityy subject to an IPI measure, or contracting entityly such tenders meet the tender requirements; or
Amendment 476 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) this is justified for overriding reasons of public interest in the field of public security or public health;
Amendment 481 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 487 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Where a contracting authority or contracting entity intends nodecides to submit a request to not apply a price adjustmentn IPI measure , it shall indicate its intention in the contract notice that it publishes pursuant to Article 49 of Directive 2014/24/EU or Article 69 of Directive 2014/25/EU or in the concession notice pursuant to Article 31 of Directive 2014/23/EU. It shall notify the Commission no later than ten calendar days after the publication of the contract noticrequest the Commission, no later than thirty days before the award of the contract. The Commission may approve an exception if it fulfils the requirements in paragraph 1. The Commission shall ensure that exceptions are implemented in a uniform manner. The Commission shall reject a request for an exception to apply an IPI measure if the request does not fulfil the requirements in paragraph 1. If the Commission intends to reject a request for an exception to apply an IPI measure, it shall notify the contracting authority or contracting entity within the aforementioned time.
Amendment 491 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Any contracting authority or contracting entity seeking to invoke an exception set out in paragraph 1 shall require the approval by the Commission before the award of the contract.
Amendment 494 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 12 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The notificationrequest for an exception by a contracting authority or contracting authority shall contain the following information:
Amendment 522 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15
Article 15
Amendment 525 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 1
Amendment 526 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17
Article 17
Amendment of Directive 2014/25/EU Articles 85 and 86 of Directive 2014/25/EU shall be deleted with effect from the entry into force of this Regulation.rticle 17 deleted
Amendment 532 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17 a (new)
Article 17a Review No later than three years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall review the scope, functioning and efficiency of this Regulation, and shall report its findings to the European Parliament and the Council.